bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Induced Symmetry Breaking in a Conceptual Polarity Model
Authors: Wigbers Manon C. , Brauns Fridtjof , Leung Ching Yee , Frey Erwin
Published: June 2020

Important cellular processes, such as cell motility and cell division, are coordinated by cell polarity, which is determined by the non-uniform distribution of certain proteins. Such protein patterns form via an interplay of protein reactions and protein transport. Since Turing’s seminal work, the formation of protein patterns resulting from the interplay between reactions and diffusive transport has been widely studied. Over the last few years, increasing evidence shows that also advective transport, resulting from cytosolic and cortical flows, is present in many cells. However, it remains unclear how and whether these flows contribute to protein-pattern formation. To address this question, we use a minimal model that conserves the total protein mass to characterize the effects of cytosolic flow on pattern formation. Combining a linear stability analysis with numerical simulations, we find that membrane-bound protein patterns propagate against the direction of cytoplasmic flow with a speed that is maximal for intermediate flow speed. We show that the mechanism underlying this pattern propagation relies on a higher protein influx on the upstream side of the pattern compared to the downstream side. Furthermore, we find that cytosolic flow can change the membrane pattern qualitatively from a peak pattern to a mesa pattern. Finally, our study shows that a non-uniform flow profile can induce pattern formation by triggering a regional lateral instability.
Investigation of Electrochemical Oxidation Behaviors and Mechanism of Single-Crystal Silicon (100) Wafer under Potentiostatic Mode
Authors: Guo Weijia , Anantharajan Senthil Kumar , Liu Kui , Deng Hui
Published: June 2020

Electrochemical oxidation (ECO) has been used widely to oxidize single crystal Si wafers. Aiming at optimizing the ECO assisted machining methods, the oxidation behaviors of single- crystal silicon (100) wafer under potentiostatic mode are experimentally investigated. It is shown that the Si wafer can be electrochemically oxidized and the oxidized film thickness reaches to 239.6 nanometers in 20 min. The hardness of the oxidized surface is reduced by more than 50 percent of the original surface. The results indicate that the oxide thickness and the hardness can be controlled by changing the voltage. Based on the experimental findings, a hypothesis on the ECO mechanism under potentiostatic mode was proposed to explain the fluctuations of current density under specific applied voltage. The occurrence of the multiple peaks in the current density curve during the oxidation process is due to the formation of discharge channels, which was initiated from the defects at the interface between the oxide bottom and the substrate. This breaks the electrical isolation and leads to the discontinuous growth of the electrochemical oxide layer. The present work contributes to the fundamental understanding of the ECO behaviors for the single-crystal Si (100) wafer under potentiostatic mode.
Direct Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Aluminum Alloy Surfaces with Anti-icing Properties
Authors: Volpe Annalisa , Gaudiuso Caterina , Di Venere Leonardo , Licciulli Francesco , Giordano Francesco , Ancona Antonio
Published: June 2020

Ice formation is a serious issue in many fields, from energy to aerospace, compromising the devices’ efficiency and security. Superhydrophobicity has been demonstrated to be correlated to the anti-icing properties of surfaces. However, fabricating surfaces with robust water repellence properties also at subzero temperature is still a great challenge. In this work, femtosecond laser (fs-laser) texturing is exploited to produce superhydrophobic surfaces with anti-icing properties on Al2024, an aluminum alloy of great interest in cold environments, in particular for aircraft production. Our textured substrates present self-cleaning properties and robust water repellency at subzero temperatures. Moreover, outstanding anti-icing properties are achieved on the textured surfaces at −20 °C, with water droplets bouncing off the surface before freezing.
Optical Kossel Lines and Fluorescence in Photonic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Belyakov Vladimir A.
Published: June 2020

We propose a general analytical way to describe the fluorescence peculiarities in photonic liquid crystals (revealing themselves as an optical analog of the X-ray Kossel lines in conventional crystals) based at the localized optical edge modes existing in perfect photonic liquid crystal layers. The proposed approach allows us to predict theoretically the properties of optical Kossel lines in photonic liquid crystal (fluorescence polarization, spectral and angular fluorescence distribution, influence of the light absorption in liquid crystal, and, in particular, existing the optical Borrmann effect if the absorption in liquid crystal is locally anisotropic). Comparison of the theoretical results and the known experimental data shows that the theory reproduces sufficiently well the observation results on the fluorescence in photonic liquid crystals. For confirming a direct connection of the optical Kossel lines to the localized optical edge modes in perfect photonic liquid crystal, we propose the application of time-delayed techniques in studying the optical Kossel lines.
Influence of the Aggregate Surface Conditions on the Strength of Quick-Converting Track Concrete
Authors: Hwang Rahwan , Lee Il-Wha , Pyo Sukhoon , Kim Dong Joo
Published: June 2020

This experimental study investigates the effects of the aggregate surface conditions on the compressive strength of quick-converting track concrete (QTC). The compressive strength of QTC and interfacial fracture toughness (IFT) were investigated by changing the amount of fine abrasion dust particles (FADPs) on the aggregate surface from 0.00 to 0.15 wt% and the aggregate water saturation from 0 to 100%. The effects of aggregate water saturation on the compressive strength of the QTC and IFT were notably different, corresponding to the amount of FADPs. As the aggregate water saturation increased from 0 to 100%, in the case of 0.00 wt% FADPs, the IFT decreased from 0.91 to 0.58 MPa∙mm1/2, and thus, the compressive strength of the QTC decreased from 34.8 to 31.4 MPa because the aggregate water saturation increased the water/cement ratio at the interface and, consequently, the interfacial porosity. However, as the aggregate water saturation increased from 0 to 100%, in the case of 0.15 wt% FADPs, the compressive strength increased from 24.6 to 28.1 MPa, while the IFT increased from 0.41 to 0.88 MPa∙mm1/2 because the water/cement ratio at the interface was reduced as a result of the absorption by the FADPs on the surface of the aggregates and the cleaning effects of the aggregate surface.
Budget Impact Analysis of EGFR Mutation Liquid Biopsy for First- and Second-Line Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Greece
Authors: Cheng Mindy , Akalestos Athanasios , Scudder Sidney
Published: June 2020

Within the European Union, Greece has the highest incidence of lung cancer among people under 45 years of age. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors are indicated for the treatment of patients with EGFR mutation-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). Tumor tissue biopsy is the standard method for EGFR mutation detection but is invasive, is resource-intensive, and has risks of complications. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the financial impact on the Greek National Health System of adopting plasma biopsy and to identify the cost-optimal approach for EGFR mutation testing of patients with mNSCLC. We developed a budget impact model to estimate total costs for three EGFR mutation testing approaches: (1) plasma test, (2) combined testing (tissue and plasma test), and (3) reflex testing, compared to the current scenario of tissue biopsy only. One-way sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of uncertainty and variance of different input parameters on the results. In the first-line (1L) setting, base-case results showed that adopting plasma testing in a combined testing approach identified more EGFR mutation-positive patients and yielded cost savings (−€17 per correctly classified patient) relative to tissue testing alone. The reflex testing approach was the cost-optimal strategy in the second-line (2L) setting as it identified the most EGFR mutation-positive patients with cost savings of −€42 per correctly classified patient relative to tissue testing alone. This analysis suggests that access to both EGFR mutation tissue and plasma testing are important for optimizing mNSCLC treatment decisions in Greece. Inclusion of plasma testing in either a combined or reflex testing approach may be cost optimal for EGFR mutation plasma test implementation.
Using Multispectral Drone Imagery for Spatially Explicit Modeling of Wave Attenuation through a Salt Marsh Meadow
Authors: Mury Antoine , Collin Antoine , Houet Thomas , Alvarez-Vanhard Emilien , James Dorothée
Published: June 2020

Offering remarkable biodiversity, coastal salt marshes also provide a wide variety of ecosystem services: cultural services (leisure, tourist amenities), supply services (crop production, pastoralism) and regulation services including carbon sequestration and natural protection against coastal erosion and inundation. The consideration of this coastal protection ecosystem service takes part in a renewed vision of coastal risk management and especially marine flooding, with an emerging focus on “nature-based solutions.” Through this work, using remote-sensing methods, we propose a novel drone-based spatial modeling methodology of the salt marsh hydrodynamic attenuation at very high spatial resolution (VHSR). This indirect modeling is based on in situ measurements of significant wave heights (Hm0) that constitute the ground truth, as well as spectral and topographical predictors from VHSR multispectral drone imagery. By using simple and multiple linear regressions, we identify the contribution of predictors, taken individually, and jointly. The best individual drone-based predictor is the green waveband. Dealing with the addition of individual predictors to the red-green-blue (RGB) model, the highest gain is observed with the red edge waveband, followed by the near-infrared, then the digital surface model. The best full combination is the RGB enhanced by the red edge and the normalized difference vegetation index (coefficient of determination (R2): 0.85, root mean square error (RMSE): 0.20%/m).
For a Healthy (and) Higher Education: Evidences from Learning Outcomes in Health Sciences
Authors: Leite Ângela , Soares Diana , Sousa Hélder Fernando Pedrosa e , Vidal Diogo Guedes , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta , Dias Diana
Published: June 2020

Increased recognition of outcomes, or competency-based education, has evolved across higher education on health sciences. However, there is significant diversity in the current study of Portuguese programmes. Considering learning outcomes (LO) as indicators of knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and the understanding that the student will gain as a result of an educational experience, this study aims to explore which LO are emphasised on the study programmes of health sciences in Portugal. Through a qualitative methodology, carried out through MAXQDA software, all LO of all Portuguese health sciences study programmes submitted to quality accreditation to the Portuguese Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES) since 2009 until 2016 were analysed. Although specific knowledge was the most referenced LO, transversal skills were also emphasized, such as critical and reflexive analysis/critical thinking, research, ability to organize and plan and professional ethics. Significant differences were found between LO selection when the analysis was made by comparing the diverse study programmes. This required assortment of knowledge and skills seems to reflect not only the specificities of each health science programme but also the challenging demands on professionals in the 21st century, along with the necessary changes imposed by society, fostering intercultural understanding, tolerance, mutual respect and an ethic of global citizenship and shared responsibility, crucial enablers of educational development for all in the scope of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A 920-MHz Dual-Mode Receiver with Energy Harvesting for UHF RFID Tag and IoT
Authors: Han Peiqing , Zhang Zhaofeng , Xia Yajun , Mei Niansong
Published: June 2020

A low-power dual-mode receiver is presented for ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The reconfigurable architecture of the tag is proposed to be compatible with low-power and high-sensitivity operating modes. The read range of RFID system and the lifetime of the tag are increased by photovoltaic, thermoelectric and RF energy-harvesting topology. The receiver is implemented in a 0.18-μm standard CMOS process and occupies an active area of 0.65 mm × 0.7 mm. For low-power mode, the tag is powered by the rectifier and the sensitivity is −18 dBm. For high-sensitivity mode, the maximum PCE of the fully on-chip energy harvester is 46.5% with over 1-μW output power and the sensitivity is −40 dBm with 880 nW power consumption under the supply voltage of 0.8 V.
A Wireless Body Sensor Network for Clinical Assessment of the Flexion-Relaxation Phenomenon
Authors: Paoletti Michele , Belli Alberto , Palma Lorenzo , Vallasciani Massimo , Pierleoni Paola
Published: June 2020

An accurate clinical assessment of the flexion-relaxation phenomenon on back muscles requires objective tools for the analysis of surface electromyography signals correlated with the real movement performed by the subject during the flexion-relaxation test. This paper deepens the evaluation of the flexion-relaxation phenomenon using a wireless body sensor network consisting of sEMG sensors in association with a wearable device that integrates accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. The raw data collected from the sensors during the flexion relaxation test are processed by an algorithm able to identify the phases of which the test is composed, provide an evaluation of the myoelectric activity and automatically detect the phenomenon presence/absence. The developed algorithm was used to process the data collected in an acquisition campaign conducted to evaluate the flexion-relaxation phenomenon on back muscles of subjects with and without Low Back Pain. The results have shown that the proposed method is significant for myoelectric silence detection and for clinical assessment of electromyography activity patterns.
Modified Rotating Reel for Malaxer Machines: Assessment of Rheological Characteristics, Energy Consumption, Temperature Profile, and Virgin Olive Oil Quality
Authors: Bianchi Biagio , Tamborrino Antonia , Giametta Ferruccio , Squeo Giacomo , Difonzo Graziana , Catalano Pasquale
Published: June 2020

The properties of food products are the result of changes produced in raw materials as a result of process treatments. In the olive oil extraction process, these changes can be observed as differences in quality, nutritional characteristics, taste, and flavor, and are especially due to the time and temperature of the malaxation phase. These parameters are closely related to the mechanical design of malaxer machines. In this study, a new reel model for malaxer machines was designed. The new model was incorporated into an industrial malaxer machine and experimental tests were carried out to study the effects of two different reel designs (modified and unmodified profile) on the rheological characteristics of olive paste, the energy consumption of the plant, and the temperature profile inside the machine. The main commercial parameters of the produced olive oil were studied, as well as the extraction yield and the extraction efficiency of the plant. The malaxer machine equipped with the modified reel showed better homogenization of the paste, which led to improved heat exchange and rheological properties. The results of this study showed that a specific modification of the rotating reel can improve the performance of the malaxer in terms of improving the viscosity of the paste, 127,157.67 (mPa sn) for the malaxer with the modified reel at the beginning of malaxation, reaching a final value of 64,626.00 (mPa sn) at the end. The unmodified malaxer showed an initial viscosity coefficient of 133,754.00 (mPa sn) and a final value of 111,990.67 (mPa sn). This led to a reduction in malaxing times, an increase in the work capacity of the plant, and a reduction in total energy consumption and slowed down the oxidative phenomena responsible for the decrease in the quality of olive oil.
Physical Properties and Consumer Evaluation of Cocoa Bean Shell-Functionalized Biscuits Adapted for Diabetic Consumers by the Replacement of Sucrose with Tagatose
Authors: Rojo-Poveda Olga , Barbosa-Pereira Letricia , Orden David , Stévigny Caroline , Zeppa Giuseppe , Bertolino Marta
Published: June 2020

The cocoa bean shell (CBS), a by-product of the cocoa industry, has been reported to be rich in fiber and polyphenols, which could contribute to reducing the metabolism of sugars and glucose adsorption. The production of CBS-based biscuits in which sucrose is replaced with tagatose (a low-glycemic sugar with prebiotic properties), benefiting diabetic consumers, is proposed. Six prototype biscuits were produced using sucrose, tagatose, and CBS powder at 0%, 10%, and 20% as a wheat flour replacement. Biscuits were studied in terms of fiber content, and those with 10% and 20% CBS showed to contain 5.66% and 8.70–8.71% of total dietary fiber, respectively. Moreover, the physicochemical and structural properties of the biscuits were studied to evaluate their differences due to the use of sucrose and tagatose combined with CBS. Significant effects mainly caused by the reducing nature and lower solubility of tagatose with respect to sugar, and the water retention capacities of CBS were observed. Finally, the biscuits were evaluated by performing a consumer acceptance evaluation, and their perceptible sensorial differences were studied by performing a Napping® sensory characterization. CBS-based biscuits represent an interesting possibility for cocoa by-product revalorization, although an optimized recipe is recommended, especially when employing tagatose.
The Role of Biofilms in the Development and Dissemination of Microbial Resistance within the Food Industry
Authors: Giaouris Efstathios , Simões Manuel , Dubois-Brissonnet Florence
Published: June 2020

Biofilms are multicellular sessile microbial communities embedded in hydrated extracellular polymeric matrices. Their formation is common in microbial life in most environments, while those formed on food-processing surfaces are of considerable interest in the context of food hygiene. Biofilm cells express properties that are distinct from planktonic ones, in particular, notorious resistance to antimicrobial agents. Thus, a special feature of biofilms is that, once they have been developed, they are hard to eradicate, even when careful sanitization procedures are regularly applied. A great deal of ongoing research has investigated how and why surface-attached microbial communities develop such resistance, and several mechanisms are to be acknowledged (e.g., heterogeneous metabolic activity, cell adaptive responses, diffusion limitations, genetic and functional diversification, and microbial interactions). The articles contained in this Special Issue deal with biofilms of some important food-related bacteria (including common pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as spoilage-causing spore-forming bacilli), providing novel insights on their resistance mechanisms and implications, together with novel methods (e.g., use of protective biofilms formed by beneficial bacteria, enzymes) that could be used to overcome such resistance and thus improve the safety of our food supply and protect public health.
Beer and Consumer Response Using Biometrics: Associations Assessment of Beer Compounds and Elicited Emotions
Authors: Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Villarreal-Lara Raúl , Torrico Damir D. , Rodríguez-Velazco Yaressi G. , Escobedo-Avellaneda Zamantha , Ramos-Parra Perla A. , Mandal Ronit , Pratap Singh Anubhav , Hernández-Brenes Carmen , Fuentes Sigfredo
Published: June 2020

Some chemical compounds, especially alcohol, sugars, and alkaloids such as hordenine, have been reported as elicitors of different emotional responses. This preliminary study was based on six commercial beers selected according to their fermentation type, with two beers of each type (spontaneous, bottom, and top). Chemometry and sensory analysis were performed for all samples to determine relationships and patterns between chemical composition and emotional responses from consumers. The results showed that sweeter samples were associated with higher perceived liking by consumers and positive emotions, which corresponded to spontaneous fermentation beers. There was high correlation (R = 0.91; R2 = 0.83) between hordenine and alcohol content. Beers presenting higher concentrations of both, and higher bitterness, were related to negative emotions. Further studies should be conducted, giving more time for emotional response analysis between beer samples, and comparing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers with similar styles, to separate the effects of alcohol and hordenine. This preliminary study was a first attempt to associate beer compounds with the emotional responses of consumers using non-invasive biometrics.
FT-NIRS Coupled with PLS Regression as a Complement to HPLC Routine Analysis of Caffeine in Tea Samples
Authors: Ur Rehman Najeeb , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Boqué Ricard , Mabood Fazal , Al-Broumi Muhammed , Hussain Javid , Alameri Saif
Published: June 2020

Daily consumption of caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, and soft drinks has gained wide and plentiful public and scientific attention over the past few decades. The concentration of caffeine in vivo is a crucial indicator of some disorders—for example, kidney malfunction, heart disease, increase of blood pressure and alertness—and can cause some severe diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke risk, liver disease, and some cancers. In the present study, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with partial least-squares regression (PLSR) was proposed as an alternative method for the quantification of caffeine in 25 commercially available tea samples consumed in Oman. This method is a fast, complementary technique to wet chemistry procedures as well as to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for the quantitative analysis of caffeine in tea samples because it is reagent-less and needs little or no pre-treatment of samples. In the current study, the partial least-squares (PLS) algorithm was built by using the near-infrared NIR spectra of caffeine standards prepared in tea samples scanned by a Frontier NIR spectrophotometer (L1280034) by PerkinElmer. Spectra were collected in the absorption mode in the wavenumber range of 10,000–4000 cm−1, using a 0.2 mm path length and CaF2 sealed cells with a resolution of 2 cm−1. The NIR results for the contents of caffeine in tea samples were also compared with results obtained by HPLC analysis. Both techniques provided good results for predicting the caffeine contents in commercially available tea samples. The results of the proposed study show that the suggested FT-NIRS coupled with PLS regression algorithun has a high potential to be routinely used for the quick and reproducible analysis of caffeine contents in tea samples. For the NIR method, the limit of quantification (LOQ) was estimated as 10 times the error of calibration (root mean square error of calibration (RMSECV)) of the model; thus, RMSEC was calculated as 0.03 ppm and the LOQ as 0.3 ppm.
Urban Floods: Linking the Overloading of a Storm Water Sewer System to Precipitation Parameters
Authors: Vorobevskii Ivan , Al Janabi Firas , Schneebeck Fabian , Bellera Jose , Krebs Peter
Published: June 2020

The lack and inefficiency of urban drainage systems, as well as extreme precipitation, can lead to system overloading and, therefore, an urban pluvial flood. The study brings insights into this phenomenon from the perspective of the statistical relationship between precipitation and flooding parameters. The paper investigates the possibility of predicting sewer overloading based on the characteristics of the upcoming rain event using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and statistical methods. Additionally, it examines the influence of precipitation resolution on the model sensitivity regarding floods. The study is set in a small urban catchment in Dresden (Germany) with a separated stormwater sewer system (SWSS). The flood-event-based calibrated model runs with observed and designed heavy rain events of various sums, durations, and intensities. Afterward, the analysis focuses on precipitation and model overloading parameters (total flood volume, maximum flooding time and flow rate, and maximum nodal water depth) with pairwise correlation and multi-linear regression (MLR). The results indicate that it is possible to define a certain threshold (or range) for a few precipitation characteristics, which could lead to an urban flood, and fitting MLR can noticeably improve the predictability of the SWSS overloading parameters. The study concludes that design and observed rain events should be considered separately and that the resolution of the precipitation data (1/5/10 min) does not play a significant role in SWSS overloading.
Benefits of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy for Acute Pulmonary Edema in Patients with Heart Failure in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ko Dong Ryul , Beom Jinho , Lee Hye Sun , You Je Sung , Chung Hyun Soo , Chung Sung Phil
Published: June 2020

Heart failure patients with pulmonary edema presenting to the emergency department (ED) require an effective approach to deliver sufficient oxygen and reduce the rate of intubation and mechanical ventilation in the ED; conventional oxygen therapy has proven ineffective in delivering enough oxygen to the tissues. We aimed to identify whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy over time improved the respiratory rate (RR), lactate clearance, and certain arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters, in comparison with conventional oxygen therapy, in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema. This prospective, multi-institutional, and interventional study (clinical trial, reference KCT0004578) conducted between 2016 and 2019 included adult patients diagnosed with heart failure within the previous year and pulmonary edema confirmed at admission. Patients were randomly assigned to the conventional or HFNC group and treated with the goal of maintaining oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≥ 93. We obtained RR, SpO2, lactate levels, and ABG parameters at baseline and 30 and 60 min after randomization. All parameters showed greater improvement with HFNC therapy than with conventional therapy. Significant changes in ABG parameters were achieved within 30 min. HFNC therapy could therefore be considered as initial oxygen therapy. Physicians may consider advanced ventilation if there is no significant improvement in ABG parameters within 30 min of HFNC therapy.
State-Based Markers of Disordered Eating Symptom Severity
Authors: Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Krug Isabel , Smyth Joshua M. , Fernandez-Aranda Fernando , Treasure Janet , Linardon Jake , Vasa Rajesh , Shatte Adrian
Published: June 2020

Recent work using naturalistic, repeated, ambulatory assessment approaches have uncovered a range of within-person mood- and body image-related dynamics (such as fluctuation of mood and body dissatisfaction) that can prospectively predict eating disorder behaviors (e.g., a binge episode following an increase in negative mood). The prognostic significance of these state-based dynamics for predicting trait-level eating disorder severity, however, remains largely unexplored. The present study uses within-person relationships among state levels of negative mood, body image, and dieting as predictors of baseline, trait-level eating pathology, captured prior to a period of state-based data capture. Two-hundred and sixty women from the general population completed baseline measures of trait eating pathology and demographics, followed by a 7 to 10-day ecological momentary assessment phase comprising items measuring state body dissatisfaction, negative mood, upward appearance comparisons, and dietary restraint administered 6 times daily. Regression-based analyses showed that, in combination, state-based dynamics accounted for 34–43% variance explained in trait eating pathology, contingent on eating disorder symptom severity. Present findings highlight the viability of within-person, state-based dynamics as predictors of baseline trait-level disordered eating severity. Longitudinal testing is needed to determine whether these dynamics account for changes in disordered eating over time.
A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating the Evidence Base of Melatonin, Light Exposure, Exercise, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Patients with Insomnia Disorder
Authors: Baglioni Chiara , Bostanova Zarina , Bacaro Valeria , Benz Fee , Hertenstein Elisabeth , Spiegelhalder Kai , Rücker Gerta , Frase Lukas , Riemann Dieter , Feige Bernd
Published: June 2020

Insomnia is a prevalent disorder and it leads to relevant impairment in health-related quality of life. Recent clinical guidelines pointed out that Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) should be considered as first-line intervention. Nevertheless, many other interventions are commonly used by patients or have been proposed as effective for insomnia. These include melatonin, light exposure, exercise, and complementary and alternative medicine. Evaluation of comparable effectiveness of these interventions with first-line intervention for insomnia is however still lacking. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis on the effects of these interventions. PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were systematically searched and 40 studies were included in the systematic review, while 36 were entered into the meta-analysis. Eight network meta-analyses were conducted. Findings support effectiveness of melatonin in improving sleep-onset difficulties and of meditative movement therapies for self-report sleep efficiency and severity of the insomnia disorder. Some support was observed for exercise, hypnotherapy, and transcranial magnetic resonance, but the number of studies for these interventions is still too small. None of the considered interventions received superior evidence to CBT-I, which should be more widely disseminated in primary care.
Association between Metformin Use and Clinical Outcomes Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yoo Daegwang , Kim Nayoung , Hwang Dae Wook , Song Ki Byung , Lee Jae Hoon , Lee Woohyung , Kwon Jaewoo , Park Yejong , Hong Sarang , Lee Jong Woo , Hwang Kyungyeon , Shin Dakyum , Tak Eunyoung , Kim Song Cheol
Published: June 2020

Retrospective studies on the association between metformin and clinical outcomes have mainly been performed on patients with non-resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and may have been affected by time-related bias. To avoid this bias, recent studies have used time-varying analysis; however, they have only considered the start date of metformin use and not the stop date. We studied 283 patients with type 2 diabetes and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma following pancreaticoduodenectomy, and performed analysis using a Cox model with time-varying covariates, while considering both start and stop dates of metformin use. When start and stop dates were not considered, the metformin group showed significantly better survival. Compared with previous studies, adjusted analysis based on Cox models with time-varying covariates only considering the start date of postoperative metformin use showed no significant differences in survival. However, although adjusted analysis considering both start and stop dates showed no significant difference in recurrence-free survival, the overall survival was significantly better in the metformin group (Hazard ratio (HR), 0.747; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.562–0.993; p = 0.045). Time-varying analysis incorporating both start and stop dates thus revealed that metformin use is associated with a higher overall survival following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with type 2 diabetes and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Special Issue “Saliva and Oral Diseases”
Authors: López Jornet Pia
Published: June 2020

The discovery of microbial, immunological or molecular markers in saliva offers unique opportunities, and has caused our view of saliva to change drastically in recent years [...]
The W.A.I.O.T. Definition of Peri-Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Multi-center, Retrospective Validation Study
Authors: Bozhkova Svetlana , Suardi Virginia , Sharma Hemant K , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , del Sel Hernán , Hafez Mahmoud A. , Benzakour Thami , Drago Lorenzo , Romanò Carlo Luca
Published: June 2020

Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) definition plays an important role in diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. However, while several criteria have been proposed by eminent institutions to define a PJI in the last decade, their clinical validation has been rarely performed. Aim of the present multicenter, international, retrospective study was to validate the World Association against Infection in Orthopedics and Trauma (WAIOT) pre/intra-operative PJI definition with post-operative confirmatory tests. A total of 210 patients, undergoing hip (n = 86) or knee (n = 124) revision surgery for any reason in six orthopedic centers in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, were retrospectively evaluated at a two years minimum follow-up after surgery. All the available pre-, intra- and post-operative findings were collected and analyzed according to the WAIOT criteria, which include a set of tests to confirm (Rule In) or to exclude (Rule Out) a PJI. On average, patients were investigated pre/intra-operatively with 3.1 ± 1.1 rule out and 2.7 ± 0.9 rule in tests; the presence of a fistula or exposed implant was reported in 37 patients (17.6%). According to pre/intraoperative findings, 36.2% of the patients were defined as affected by high-grade PJI (n = 76; average score: 2.3 ± 0.8), 21.9% by low-grade PJI (n = 46; average score: 0.8 ± 0.8), 10.5% by biofilm-related implant malfunction (n = 22; average score: –1.6 ± 0.8), 2.9% as contamination (n = 6; average score: –3.5 ± 1.0), and 28.6% as no infection (n = 60; average score: –3.0 ± 1.4). Pre/intra-operative PJI definitions matched post-operative confirmatory tests, in 97.1% of the patients. This is, to our knowledge, one of the largest study ever conducted to validate a PJI definition The retrospective analysis in different centers was greatly facilitated by the structure of the WAIOT definition, that allows to include different tests on the basis of their sensitivity/specificity, while the comparison between pre/intra-operative and post-operative findings offered the internal validation of the scoring system. Our results authenticate the WAIOT definition as a reliable, simple tool to identify patients affected by PJI prior to joint revision surgery.
Overexpression of PD-1 on Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Its Association with High Viral Loads of Epstein-Barr Virus and Poor Clinical Parameters
Authors: Tomaszewski Michał , Grywalska Ewelina , Tomaszewski Andrzej , Błaszczak Piotr , Kurzyna Marcin , Roliński Jacek , Kopeć Grzegorz
Published: June 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a rare but severe disease with the elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries without a known trigger of vascular remodelling. It leads to the right heart failure with reduced survival. Changes in the immunological landscape of the lungs and the periphery are common in IPAH patients, suggesting an immune system dysfunction. A cohort of 25 IPAH patients was enrolled in our study to investigate a link between the patient’s clinical status, immune parameters of the blood, and the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. We found significant alterations of the patients’ peripheral blood parameters. Therein, T lymphocytes and NK cell counts were decreased in the IPAH patients’ blood, while the proportion of regulatory T cells was increased. Additionally, levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-2, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were elevated. We identified a weak correlation between EBV loads and IPAH patients’ clinical state (r = 0.54) and between EBV loads and overexpression of PD-1 on helper T cells (r = 0.56). We speculate that a significant dysregulation of the immune system homeostasis observed in IPAH patients may contribute to increased susceptibility of those patients to EBV infection, yet further longitudinal studies are required to characterize this relation in detail.
Persistence with Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation: Report from the GLORIA-AF Phase III 1-Year Follow-up
Authors: Kozieł Monika , Mazurek Michał , Teutsch Christine , Diener Hans-Christoph , Dubner Sergio J. , Halperin Jonathan L. , Ma Chang-Sheng , Rothman Kenneth J. , Brandes Axel , Paquette Miney , Zint Kristina , França Lionel Riou , Lu Shihai , Bartels Dorothee B. , Huisman Menno V. , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: June 2020

Background: We aimed to assess the extent to which drug persistence is better with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and to estimate the difference in therapy persistence depending on NOAC dosing regimen (once daily (QD) vs. twice daily (BID)). Methods: Consecutive patients were followed for 1 year in phase III of the GLORIA-AF registry. Drug persistence was defined as the use of OAC without any discontinuation in >30 days or switching to alternative therapy. Results: Among 21,109 eligible patients in phase III, 17,266 patients who were prescribed OAC at baseline and those who took ≥1 OAC dose were included. The 1-year proportion of patients receiving NOAC and VKA who persisted on treatment was 80% and 75%, respectively. The 1-year persistence with NOACs BID and NOACs QD was 81% and 80%, respectively. Female gender, hypertension, older age, alcohol use, permanent, asymptomatic, and minimally symptomatic AF were associated with better OAC persistence. Region, medication usage predisposing to bleeding, being a current smoker, treatment reimbursement, and proton pump inhibitors were associated with lower OAC persistence. Conclusions: Drug persistence was higher with NOACs (1-year persistence was 80%) than with VKAs (75%). There was little difference in 1-year persistence between NOAC dosing regimens.
Tumor Immune Microenvironment Clusters in Localized Prostate Adenocarcinoma: Prognostic Impact of Macrophage Enriched/Plasma Cell Non-Enriched Subtypes
Authors: Jairath Neil K. , Farha Mark W. , Srinivasan Sudharsan , Jairath Ruple , Green Michael D. , Dess Robert T. , Jackson William C. , Weiner Adam B. , Schaeffer Edward M. , Zhao Shuang G. , Feng Felix Y. , El Naqa Issam , Spratt Daniel E.
Published: June 2020

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is characterized by significant heterogeneity in its molecular, genomic, and immunologic characteristics. Methods: Whole transcriptome RNAseq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas of prostate adenocarcinomas (n = 492) was utilized. The immune microenvironment was characterized using the CIBERSORTX tool to identify immune cell type composition. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was performed based on immune cell type content. Analyses of progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastases, and overall survival (OS) were performed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regression multivariable analyses. Results: Four immune clusters were identified, largely defined by plasma cell, CD4+ Memory Resting T Cells (CD4 MR), and M0 and M2 macrophage content (CD4 MRHighPlasma CellHighM0LowM2Mid, CD4 MRLowPlasma CellHighM0LowM2Low, CD4 MRHighPlasma CellLowM0HighM2Low, and CD4 MRHighPlasma CellLowM0LowM2High). The two macrophage-enriched/plasma cell non-enriched clusters (3 and 4) demonstrated worse PFS (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.46–3.45, p = 0.0002) than the clusters 1 and 2. No metastatic events occurred in the plasma cell enriched, non-macrophage-enriched clusters. Comparing clusters 3 vs. 4, in patients treated by surgery alone, cluster 3 had zero progression events (p < 0.0001). However, cluster 3 patients had worse outcomes after post-operative radiotherapy (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Distinct tumor immune clusters with a macrophage-enriched, plasma cell non-enriched phenotype and reduced plasma cell enrichment independently characterize an aggressive phenotype in localized prostate cancer that may differentially respond to treatment.
To Correct or Not Correct? Actual Evidence, Controversy and the Questions That Remain Open
Authors: García García Miguel , Breher Katharina , Ohlendorf Arne , Wahl Siegfried
Published: June 2020

Clinical studies and basic research have attempted to establish a relationship between myopia progression and single vision spectacle wear, albeit with unclear results. Single vision spectacle lenses are continuously used as the control group in myopia control trials. Hence, it is a matter of high relevance to investigate further whether they yield any shift on the refractive state, which could have been masked by being used as a control. In this review, eye development in relation to eyes fully corrected versus those under-corrected is discussed, and new guidelines are provided for the analysis of structural eye changes due to optical treatments. These guidelines are tested and optimised, while ethical implications are revisited. This newly described methodology can be translated to larger clinical trials, finally exerting the real effect of full correction via single vision spectacle lens wear on eye growth and myopia progression.
MaRINET2 Tidal Energy Round Robin Tests—Performance Comparison of a Horizontal Axis Turbine Subjected to Combined Wave and Current Conditions
Authors: Gaurier Benoît , Ordonez-Sanchez Stephanie , Facq Jean-Valéry , Germain Grégory , Johnstone Cameron , Martinez Rodrigo , Salvatore Francesco , Santic Ivan , Davey Thomas , Old Chris , Sellar Brian
Published: June 2020

This Round Robin Test program aims to establish the influence of the combined wave and current effect on the power capture and performance of a generic tidal turbine prototype. Three facilities offering similar range of experimental conditions have been selected on the basis that their dimensions along with the rotor diameter of the turbine translate into low blockage ratio conditions. The performance of the turbine shows differences between the facilities up to 25% in terms of average power coefficient, depending on the wave and current cases. To prevent the flow velocity increasing these differences, the turbine performance coefficients have been systematically normalized using a time-average disc-integrated velocity, accounting for vertical gradients over the turbine swept area. Differences linked to blockage effects and turbulence characteristics between facilities are both responsible for 5 to 10% of the power coefficient gaps. The intrinsic differences between the tanks play a significant role as well. A first attempt is given to show how the wave-current interaction effects can be responsible for differences in the turbine performance. In these tanks, the simultaneous generation of wave and current is a key part often producing disruptions in both of these flow characteristics.
Cavitation Prediction of Ship Propeller Based on Temperature and Fluid Properties of Water
Authors: Yusvika Muhammad , Prabowo Aditya Rio , Tjahjana Dominicus Danardono Dwi Prija , Sohn Jung Min
Published: June 2020

Cavitation is a complex phenomenon to measure, depending on site conditions in specific regions of the Earth, where there is water with various physical properties. The development of ship and propulsion technology is currently intended to further explore territorial waters that are difficult to explore. Climate differences affect the temperature and physical properties of water on Earth. This study aimed to determine the effect of cavitation related to the physical properties of water. Numerical predictions of a cavitating propeller in open water and uniform inflow are presented with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Simulations were carried out using Ansys. Numerical simulation based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations for the conservative form and the Rayleigh–Plesset equation for the mass transfer cavitation model was conducted with turbulent closure of the fully turbulent K-epsilon (k-ε) model and shear stress transport (SST). The influence of temperature on cavitation extension was investigated between 0   and   50   ° C . The results obtained showed a trend of cavitation occurring more aggressively at higher water temperature than at lower temperature.
On the Lyapunov Exponent of Monotone Boolean Networks †
Authors: Shmulevich Ilya
Published: June 2020

Boolean networks are discrete dynamical systems comprised of coupled Boolean functions. An important parameter that characterizes such systems is the Lyapunov exponent, which measures the state stability of the system to small perturbations. We consider networks comprised of monotone Boolean functions and derive asymptotic formulas for the Lyapunov exponent of almost all monotone Boolean networks. The formulas are different depending on whether the number of variables of the constituent Boolean functions, or equivalently, the connectivity of the Boolean network, is even or odd.
Minirobots Moving at Different Partial Speeds
Authors: Udrişte Constantin , Ţevy Ionel
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we present the mathematical point of view of our research group regarding the multi-robot systems evolving in a multi-temporal way. We solve the minimum multi-time volume problem as optimal control problem for a group of planar micro-robots moving in the same direction at different partial speeds. We are motivated to solve this problem because a similar minimum-time optimal control problem is now in vogue for micro-scale and nano-scale robotic systems. Applying the (weak and strong) multi-time maximum principle, we obtain necessary conditions for optimality and that are used to guess a candidate control policy. The complexity of finding this policy for arbitrary initial conditions is dominated by the computation of a planar convex hull. We pointed this idea by applying the technique of multi-time Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman PDE. Our results can be extended to consider obstacle avoidance by explicit parameterization of all possible optimal control policies.
Smart Stress Annihilation in Steels Using Residual Stress Distribution Monitoring and Localized Induction Heating
Authors: Liang Kaiming , Tsarabaris Panagiotis , Ktena Aphrodite , Bi Xiaofang , Hristoforou Evangelos
Published: June 2020

The monitoring and control of residual stresses and microstructure are of paramount importance for the steel industry. Residual stress annihilation is needed during the entire lifetime of steels. In this paper, we presented a stress monitoring and annihilation method, based on a force sensor for stress monitoring and an induction heater for localized heat treatment and corresponding stress annihilation. The heat treatment results indicated an at least 90% reduction of localized stresses, allowing for the implementation of the method in steel production and manufacturing to improve steel quality and perform faultless steel production and manufacturing.