bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiotepa–melphalan myeloablative therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Yamazaki Fumito , Yamasaki Kai , Kiyotani Chikako , Hashii Yoshiko , Shioda Yoko , Hara Junichi , Matsumoto Kimikazu
Published: March 2021

Background

Appropriate high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) for high‐risk neuroblastoma has not yet been established. In Japan, a unique HDC regimen that comprises two cycles of a total of 800 mg/m2 of thiotepa and a total of 280 mg/m2 of melphalan is widely utilized.

Methods

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this thiotepa–melphalan high‐dose therapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma, we reviewed the medical records of 41 patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma who underwent this regimen followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell rescue between 2002 and 2012. MYCN‐amplified high‐risk neuroblastomas were observed in 23 patients. All patients underwent intensive multidrug induction chemotherapy, but none underwent anti‐GD2 antibody immunotherapy. The primary tumor was resected at the adequate time point.

Results

The median follow‐up duration for living patients was 9.2 years (range 5.5–14.0 years). The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival from treatment initiation were 41.5 ± 7.7% and 56.1 ± 7.8%, respectively. The 5‐year EFS of MYCN‐amplified high‐risk neuroblastoma patients was 60.9 ± 10.2%, which was significantly superior compared with those with MYCN‐nonamplified high‐risk neuroblastoma (16.7 ± 8.8%; p < .001). MYCN amplification was the most favorable prognostic factor for EFS (hazard ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = 0.12–0.66). Of the 41 patients, three died because of regimen‐related toxicity (infection, n = 2; microangiopathy, n = 1).

Conclusion

The thiotepa–melphalan high‐dose therapy with thiotepa and melphalan may be effective for high‐risk neuroblastoma. However, this regimen is toxic and warrants special attention in clinical practice.
Tumor surveillance for children and adolescents with cancer predisposition syndromes: The psychosocial impact reported by adolescents and caregivers
Authors: van Engelen Kalene , Barrera Maru , Wasserman Jonathan D. , Armel Susan Randall , Chitayat David , Druker Harriet , Gallinger Bailey , Malkin David , Villani Anita
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) are often followed in cancer screening programs, which aim to detect early stage tumors. While cancer surveillance has the potential to improve patient outcomes, its psychosocial impact is uncharacterized in the pediatric population. We examined the cancer surveillance experience from the perspectives of adolescents and parents of children at risk of developing cancer.

Patients and methods

Using grounded theory and thematic analysis qualitative methodology, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with parents and adolescents, separately. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded separately to derive overlapping and unique themes.

Results

We completed 20 semi‐structured interviews (11 parents and nine adolescents). Positive experiences were related to feelings of reassurance and taking a proactive approach. Both adolescents and parents experienced worry, related to practical aspects of screening, and related to the reminder of cancer risk that manifests with surveillance appointments. This worry was cyclical, associated with appointments, and generally waned over time. Participants felt that the benefits of surveillance outweighed perceived challenges. Open communication with health care providers, and equipping parents/adolescents with vocabulary to discuss their diagnosis and care with others, were felt to be important for mitigating worries associated with cancer risk and surveillance.

Conclusion

Parents and adolescents experience worry associated with surveillance for CPS, which may warrant regular psychosocial support, particularly during the first year following CPS diagnosis. Enhancing communication with the health care team and among and beyond immediate family members represents an additional important strategy to mitigate adverse experiences and perceptions.
Combined experimental and density functional theory studies on novel 9‐(4/3/2‐cyanophenyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐3‐carbonitrile compounds for organic electronics
Authors: Patil Bhausaheb , Lade Jatin , Sathe Pratima , Tripathi Anuj , Pownthurai B. , Chetti Prabhakar , Jadhav Yogesh , Chaskar Atul
Published: March 2021

We have synthesized a series of novel hybrid molecules 9‐(2‐cyanophenyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐3‐carbonitrile (o‐CNCbzCN), 9‐(3‐cyanophenyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐3‐carbonitrile (m‐CNCbzCN) and 9‐(4‐cyanophenyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐3‐carbonitrile (p‐CNCbzCN), comprising electron‐donating carbazole and electron‐accepting nitrile groups. Three positional isomers were synthesized with a view to tune photophysical and electrochemical properties of the hybrids. The photophysical study displayed absorption maxima in the range of 281–340 nm and 277–298 nm whereas emission maxima in the range of 349–366 nm and 366–369 nm in toluene and dimethylformamide (DMF), respectively. These molecules demonstrated suitable frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energy levels and ensure good thermal and morphological stability. Among these synthesized molecules, m‐CNCbzCN showed very high decomposition temperature (Td = 341°C) whereas p‐CNCbzCN exhibited good glass transition (Tg = 182°C) as well as melting temperature (Tm = 236°C), indicating its significant stability and potential utility as a bipolar host material for efficient phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs).
Toward Highly Robust Nonvolatile Multilevel Memory by Fine Tuning of the Nanostructural Crystalline Solid‐State Order
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Cheng , Ling Songtao , Ma Chunlan , Zhang Jinlei , Jiang Yucheng , Zhao Run , Li Hua , Lu Jianmei , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2021

Organic resistive memory (ORM) offers great promise for next‐generation high‐density multilevel‐cell (MLC) data storage. However, the fine tuning of crystalline order among its active layer still remains challenging, which largely restricts ORM behavior. Here, an exceptional solid‐state transition from disordered orientations to highly‐uniform orientation within the ORM layer is facilely triggered via molecular strategic tailoring. Two diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based small molecular analogues (NI1TDPP and NI2TDPP) are demonstrated to display different symmetry. The asymmetric NI1TDPP shows an irregular solid‐state texture, while the centro‐symmetric NI2TDPP conforms to an ordered out‐of‐plane single‐crystalline pattern that aligns with the foremost charge transportation along the substrate normal, and exhibits excellent MLC memory characteristics. Moreover, this highly oriented pattern guarantees the large‐area film uniformity, leading to the twofold increase in the yield of as‐fabricated ORM devices. This study reveals that the solid‐state crystalline nanostructural order of organic materials can be controlled by reasonable molecular design to actuate high‐performance organic electronic circuits.
Nonrelativistic open string and Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Gomis Jaume , Yan Ziqi , Yu Matthew
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The classical and quantum worldsheet theory describing nonrelativistic open string theory in an arbitrary nonrelativistic open and closed string background is constructed. We show that the low energy dynamics of open strings ending on n coincident D-branes in flat spacetime is described by a Galilean invariant U(n) Yang-Mills theory. We also study nonrelativistic open string excitations with winding number and demonstrate that their dynamics can be encoded into a local gauge theory in one higher dimension. By demanding conformal invariance of the boundary couplings, the nonlinear equations of motion that govern the consistent open string backgrounds coupled to an arbitrary closed background (described by a string Newton-Cartan geometry, Kalb-Ramond, and dilaton field) are derived and shown to emerge from a Galilean invariant Dirac-Born-Infeld type action.
Setting the string shoving picture in a new frame
Authors: Bierlich Christian , Chakraborty Smita , Gustafson Gösta , Lönnblad Leif
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Based on the recent success of the Angantyr model in describing multiplicity distributions of the hadronic final state in high energy heavy ion collisions, we investigate how far one can go with a such a string-based scenario to describe also flow effects measured in such collisions.

For this purpose we improve our previous so-called shoving model, where strings that are close in space-time tend to repel each other in a way that could generate anisotropic flow, and we find that this model can indeed generate such flows in AA collisions. The flow generated is not quite enough to reproduce measurements, but we identify some shortcomings in the presented implementation of the model that, when fixed, could plausibly give a more realistic amount of flow.
Probing light dark scalars with future experiments
Authors: Bertuzzo Enrico , Taoso Marco
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We investigate a dark sector containing a pair of light non-degenerate scalar particles, with masses in the MeV-GeV range, coupled to the visibile sector through heavier mediators. The heaviest dark state is long-lived, and its decays offer new testable signals. We analyze the prospects for detection with the proposed beam-dump facility SHiP, and the proposed LHC experiments FASER and MATHUSLA. Moreover, we consider bounds from the beam-dump experiment CHARM and from colliders (LEP, LHC and BaBar). We present our results both in terms of an effective field theory, where the heavy mediators have been integrated out, and of a simplified model containing a vector boson mediator, which can be heavy ≳$$ \mathcal{O}(1) $$O1TeV, or light$$ \mathcal{O}(10) $$O10GeV. We show that future experiments can test large portions of the parameter space currently unexplored, and that they are complementary to future High-Luminosity LHC searches.
L∗-based learning of Markov decision processes (extended version)
Authors: Tappler Martin , Aichernig Bernhard K. , Bacci Giovanni , Eichlseder Maria , Larsen Kim G.
Published: March 2021

Automata learning techniques automatically generate systemmodels fromtest observations. Typically, these techniques fall into two categories: passive and active. On the one hand, passive learning assumes no interaction with the system under learning and uses a predetermined training set, e.g., system logs. On the other hand, active learning techniques collect training data by actively querying the system under learning, allowing one to steer the discovery ofmeaningful information about the systemunder learning leading to effective learning strategies. A notable example of active learning technique for regular languages is Angluin’s

L
∗

-algorithm. The

L
∗

-algorithm describes the strategy of a student who learns the minimal deterministic finite automaton of an unknown regular language

L

by asking a succinct number of queries to a teacher who knows

L

.

In this work, we study

L
∗

-based learning of deterministic Markov decision processes, a class of Markov decision processes where an observation following an action uniquely determines a successor state. For this purpose, we first assume an ideal setting with a teacher who provides perfect information to the student. Then, we relax this assumption and present a novel learning algorithm that collects information by sampling execution traces of the system via testing.

Experiments performed on an implementation of our sampling-based algorithm suggest that our method achieves better accuracy than state-of-the-art passive learning techniques using the same amount of test obser vations. In contrast to existing learning algorithms which assume a predefined number of states, our algorithm learns the complete model structure including the state space.
Need for speed: evaluation of dilute and shoot-mass spectrometry for accelerated metabolic phenotyping in bioprocess development
Authors: Reiter Alexander , Herbst Laura , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco
Published: March 2021

With the utilization of small-scale and highly parallelized cultivation platforms embedded in laboratory robotics, microbial phenotyping and bioprocess development have been substantially accelerated, thus generating a bottleneck in bioanalytical bioprocess sample analytics. While microscale cultivation platforms allow the monitoring of typical process parameters, only limited information about product and by-product formation is provided without comprehensive analytics. The use of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry can provide such a comprehensive and quantitative insight, but is often limited by analysis runtime and throughput. In this study, we developed and evaluated six methods for amino acid quantification based on two strong cation exchanger columns and a dilute and shoot approach in hyphenation with either a triple-quadrupole or a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Isotope dilution mass spectrometry with 13C15N labeled amino acids was used to correct for matrix effects. The versatility of the methods for metabolite profiling studies of microbial cultivation supernatants is confirmed by a detailed method validation study. The methods using chromatography columns showed a linear range of approx. 4 orders of magnitude, sufficient response factors, and low quantification limits (7–443 nM) for single analytes. Overall, relative standard deviation was comparable for all analytes, with < 8% and < 11% for unbuffered and buffered media, respectively. The dilute and shoot methods with an analysis time of 1 min provided similar performance but showed a factor of up to 35 times higher throughput. The performance and applicability of the dilute and shoot method are demonstrated using a library of Corynebacterium glutamicum strains producing l-histidine, obtained from random mutagenesis, which were cultivated in a microscale cultivation platform.

Graphical abstract
Beyond Taylor’s hypothesis: a novel volumetric reconstruction of velocity and density fields for variable‑density and shear flows
Authors: Fratantonio Dominique , Lai Chris C. K. , Charonko John , Prestridge Kathy
Published: March 2021

This work presents a novel numerical procedure for reconstructing volumetric density and velocity fields from planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) data. This new method is theoretically and practically demonstrated to provide more accurate 3D vortical structures and density fields in high shear flows than reconstruction methods based on the mean convective velocity. While Taylor’s hypothesis of frozen turbulence is commonly applied by using the local mean streamwise velocity, the proposed algorithm uses the measured local instantaneous velocity for data convection. It consists of a step-by-step reconstruction based on a mixed Lagrangian–Eulerian solver that includes the 3D interpolation of scattered flow data and that relaxes the Taylor’s hypothesis by iterative enforcement of the incompressibility constraint on the velocity field. This methodology provides 3D fields with temporal resolution, spatial resolution, and accuracy comparable to that of real 3D snapshots, thus providing a practical alternative to tomographic measurements. The procedure is validated using numerical data of the constant-density channel flow available on the Johns Hopkins University Turbulence Database (JHTDB), showing the accurate reconstruction of the 3D velocity field. The algorithm is applied to an experimental dataset of PLIF and SPIV measurements of a variable-density jet flow, demonstrating its capability to provide 3D velocity and density fields that are more consistent with the Navier–Stokes equations compared to the mean flow convective method.

Graphic abstract
Two-phase survey on the frequency of use and safety of MRI for hearing implant recipients
Authors: van de Heyning Paul , Mertens Griet , Topsakal Vedat , de Brito Ruben , Wimmer Wilhelm , Caversaccio Marco D. , Dazert Stefan , Volkenstein Stefan , Zernotti Mario , Parnes Lorne S. , Staecker Hinrich , Bruce Iain A. , Rajan Gunesh , Atlas Marcus , Friedland Peter , Skarzynski Piotr H. , Sugarova Serafima , Kuzovkov Vladislav , Hagr Abdulrahman , Mlynski Robert , Schmutzhard Joachim , Usami Shin-Ichi , Lassaletta Luis , Gavilán Javier , Godey Benoit , Raine Christopher H. , Hagen Rudolf , Sprinzl Georg M. , Brown Kevin , Baumgartner Wolf-Dieter , Karltorp Eva
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to visualize and diagnose soft tissues. Hearing implant (HI) recipients are likely to require at least one MRI scan during their lifetime. However, the MRI scanner can interact with the implant magnet, resulting in complications for the HI recipient. This survey, which was conducted in two phases, aimed to evaluate the safety and performance of MRI scans for individuals with a HI manufactured by MED-EL (MED-EL GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria).

Methods

A survey was developed and distributed in two phases to HEARRING clinics to obtain information about the use of MRI for recipients of MED-EL devices. Phase 1 focused on how often MRI is used in diagnostic imaging of the head region of the cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Phase 2 collected safety information about MRI scans performed on HI recipients.

Results

106 of the 126 MRI scans reported in this survey were performed at a field strength of 1.5 T, on HI recipients who wore the SYNCHRONY CI or SYNCHRONY ABI. The head and spine were the most frequently imaged regions. 123 of the 126 scans were performed without any complications; two HI recipients experienced discomfort/pain. One recipient required reimplantation after an MRI was performed using a scanner that had not been approved for that implant. There was only one case that required surgical removal of the implant to reduce the imaging artefact.

Conclusion

Individuals with either a SYNCHRONY CI or SYNCHRONY ABI from MED-EL can safely undergo a 1.5 T MRI when it is performed according to the manufacturer’s safety policies and procedures.
White Paper by the European Society for Swallowing Disorders: Screening and Non-instrumental Assessment for Dysphagia in Adults
Authors: Speyer Renée , Cordier Reinie , Farneti Daniele , Nascimento Weslania , Pilz Walmari , Verin Eric , Walshe Margaret , Woisard Virginie
Published: March 2021

This White Paper by the European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) reports on the current state of screening and non-instrumental assessment for dysphagia in adults. An overview is provided on the measures that are available, and how to select screening tools and assessments. Emphasis is placed on different types of screening, patient-reported measures, assessment of anatomy and physiology of the swallowing act, and clinical swallowing evaluation. Many screening and non-instrumental assessments are available for evaluating dysphagia in adults; however, their use may not be warranted due to poor diagnostic performance or lacking robust psychometric properties. This white paper provides recommendations on how to select best evidence-based screening tools and non-instrumental assessments for use in clinical practice targeting different constructs, target populations and respondents, based on criteria for diagnostic performance, psychometric properties (reliability, validity, and responsiveness), and feasibility. In addition, gaps in research that need to be addressed in future studies are discussed. The following recommendations are made: (1) discontinue the use of non-validated dysphagia screening tools and assessments; (2) implement screening using tools that have optimal diagnostic performance in selected populations that are at risk of dysphagia, such as stroke patients, frail older persons, patients with progressive neurological diseases, persons with cerebral palsy, and patients with head and neck cancer; (3) implement measures that demonstrate robust psychometric properties; and (4) provide quality training in dysphagia screening and assessment to all clinicians involved in the care and management of persons with dysphagia.
Alexithymia and Autistic Traits as Contributing Factors to Empathy Difficulties in Preadolescent Children
Authors: Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Brown Ruth Harriet , Camus Lorna , Murray Aja Louise , Auyeung Bonnie
Published: March 2021

Recent evidence suggests that, contrary to traditional views, empathy difficulties may not be a core feature of autism; but are rather due to co-occurring alexithymia. Empathy, alexithymia and autistic traits have yet to be examined concurrently in children. Therefore, we examined the co-occurrence of empathy difficulties and alexithymia in 59 typically developing and 5 autistic children. Multiple measures (self-report, parent-report and a behavioural task) were used to evaluate empathy and to assess differences in self- and parent-reports using multiple regressions. Alexithymia was found to predict empathy significantly better than autistic traits, providing support for the alexithymia hypothesis. From a therapeutic perspective, results suggest autistic children who screen positive for elevated alexithymic traits may benefit from additional support targeting emotion identification.
Assessing local impacts of water use on human health: evaluation of water footprint models in the Province Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Mikosch Natalia , Berger Markus , Huber Elena , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The water footprint (WF) method is widely applied to quantify water use along the life cycle of products and organizations and to evaluate the resulting impacts on human health. This study analyzes the cause-effect chains for the human health damage related to the water use on a local scale in the Province Punjab of Pakistan, evaluates their consistency with existing WF models, and provides recommendations for future model development.

Method

Locally occurring cause-effect chains are analyzed based on site observations in Punjab and a literature review. Then, existing WF models are compared to the findings in the study area including their comprehensiveness (covered cause-effect chains), relevance (contribution of the modeled cause-effect chain to the total health damage), and representativeness (correspondence with the local cause-effect chain). Finally, recommendations for the development of new characterization models describing the local cause-effect chains are provided.

Results and discussion

The cause-effect chains for the agricultural water deprivation include malnutrition due to reduced food availability and income loss as well as diseases resulting from the use of wastewater for irrigation, out of which only the first one is addressed by existing WF models. The cause-effect chain for the infectious diseases due to domestic water deprivation is associated primarily with the absence of water supply systems, while the linkage to the water consumption of a product system was not identified. The cause-effect chains related to the water pollution include the exposure via agricultural products, fish, and drinking water, all of which are reflected in existing impact assessment models. Including the groundwater compartment may increase the relevance of the model for the study area.

Conclusions

Most cause-effect chains identified on the local scale are consistent with existing WF models. Modeling currently missing cause-effect chains for the impacts related to the income loss and wastewater usage for irrigation can enhance the assessment of the human health damage in water footprinting.
A scalable and spatiotemporally resolved agricultural life cycle assessment of California almonds
Authors: Marvinney Elias , Kendall Alissa
Published: March 2021

Purpose

California’s Central Valley produces more than 75% of global commercial almond supply, making the life cycle performance of almond production in California of global interest. This article describes the life cycle assessment of California almond production using a Scalable, Process-based, Agronomically Responsive Cropping System Life Cycle Assessment (SPARCS-LCA) model that includes crop responses to orchard management and modeling of California’s water supply and biomass energy infrastructure.

Methods

A spatially and temporally resolved LCA model was developed to reflect the regional climate, resource, and agronomic conditions across California’s Central Valley by hydrologic subregion (San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, and Tulare Lake regions). The model couples a LCA framework with region-specific data, including water supply infrastructure and economics, crop productivity response models, and dynamic co-product markets, to characterize the environmental performance of California almonds. Previous LCAs of California almond found that irrigation and management of co-products were most influential in determining life cycle CO2eq emissions and energy intensity of California almond production, and both have experienced extensive changes since previous studies due to drought and changing regulatory conditions, making them a focus of sensitivity and scenario analysis.

Results and discussion

Results using economic allocation show that 1 kg of hulled, brown-skin almond kernel at post-harvest facility gate causes 1.92 kg CO2eq (GWP100), 50.9 MJ energy use, and 4820 L freshwater use, with regional ranges of 2.0–2.69 kg CO2eq, 42.7–59.4 MJ, and 4540–5150 L, respectively. With a substitution approach for co-product allocation, 1 kg almond kernel results in 1.23 kg CO2eq, 18.05 MJ energy use, and 4804 L freshwater use, with regional ranges of 0.51–1.95 kg CO2eq, 3.68–36.5 MJ, and 4521–5140 L, respectively. Almond freshwater use is comparable with other nut crops in California and globally. Results showed significant variability across subregions. While the San Joaquin Valley performed best in most impact categories, the Tulare Lake region produced the lowest eutrophication impacts.

Conclusion

While CO2eq and energy intensity of almond production increased over previous estimates, so too did credits to the system for displacement of dairy feed. These changes result from a more comprehensive model scope and improved assumptions, as well as drought-related increases in groundwater depth and associated energy demand, and decreased utilization of biomass residues for energy recovery due to closure of bioenergy plants in California. The variation among different impact categories between subregions and over time highlight the need for spatially and temporally resolved agricultural LCA.
Co-creating narratives for WEF nexus governance: a Quantitative Story-Telling case study in the Canary Islands
Authors: Cabello Violeta , Romero David , Musicki Ana , Guimarães Pereira Ângela , Peñate Baltasar
Published: March 2021

The literature on the water–energy–food nexus has repeatedly signaled the need for transdisciplinary approaches capable of weaving the plurality of knowledge bodies involved in the governance of different resources. To fill this gap, Quantitative Story-Telling (QST) has been proposed as a science for adaptive governance approach that aims at fostering pluralistic and reflexive research processes to overcome narrow framings of water, energy, and food policies as independent domains. Yet, there are few practical applications of QST and most run on a pan-European scale. In this paper, we apply the theory of QST through a practical case study regarding non-conventional water sources as an innovation for water and agricultural governance in the Canary Islands. We present the methods mixed to mobilize different types of knowledge and analyze interconnections between water, energy, and food supply. First, we map and interview relevant knowledge holders to elicit narratives about the current and future roles of alternative water resources in the arid Canarian context. Second, we run a quantitative diagnosis of nexus interconnections related to the use of these resources for irrigation. This analysis provides feedback to the narratives in terms of constraints and uncertainties that might hamper the expectations posed on this innovation. Thirdly, the mixed analysis is used as fuel for discussion in participatory narrative assessment workshops. Our experimental QST process succeeded in co-creating new knowledge regarding the water–energy–food nexus while addressing some relational and epistemological uncertainties in the development of alternative water resources. Yet, the extent to which mainstream socio-technical imaginaries surrounding this innovation were transformed was rather limited. We conclude that the potential of QST within sustainability place-based research resides on its capacity to: (a) bridge different sources of knowledge, including local knowledge; (b) combine both qualitative and quantitative information regarding the sustainable use of local resources, and (c) co-create narratives on desirable and viable socio-technical pathways. Open questions remain as to how to effectively mobilize radically diverse knowledge systems in complex analytical exercises where everyone feels safe to participate.
Sustainable transitions towards a resilient and decentralised future: Japan’s Circulating and Ecological Sphere (CES)
Authors: Ortiz-Moya Fernando , Kataoka Yatsuka , Saito Osamu , Mitra Bijon Kumer , Takeuchi Kazuhiko
Published: March 2021

Global environmental change, the depletion of natural resources, and unacceptable levels of pollution, among other anthropogenic impacts on the planet and its ecosystems, demand a radical shift in the way humankind develops. Global agreements like the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” or the “Paris Agreement on Climate Change” seek to promote sustainable development and its integration in policymaking. Against this backdrop, the Government of Japan in its Fifth Basic Environment Plan of 2018 proposed the concept of the Circulating and Ecological Sphere (CES) to guide sustainable transitions in light of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The CES provides a framework for a new paradigm in sustainable development bringing together existing approaches, namely, rural–urban linkages, ecosystem-based solutions, decarbonisation, and resource circulation. Still in an embryonic stage, some regional and local authorities in Japan have started to experiment with ways to apply this concept on the ground. Drawing on a systematic literature review on the different components covered by the CES, along with analysis of a case study in Suzu, Japan, this paper explores how this new concept can contribute to achieve a sustainable future.
High performance peel grinding of steel shafts using coarse electroplated CBN grinding wheels
Authors: Denkena B. , Krödel A. , Wilckens M.
Published: March 2021

Grinding is widely known for its low material removal rates and high surface quality. However, recent developments in production processes for cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive grains have led to commercially available grain sizes larger than 300 µm. These superabrasive CBN-grains allow higher material removal rates during grinding of hardened steel components. Currently, these components are pre-machined with turning processes before hardening and finishing the work piece by grinding. However, the turning process can be eliminated by grinding with coarse CBN-grains since higher depths of cut are achievable when machining hardened components. This paper explores the limits of grinding wheels using grains with a size of B602 during soft and hard machining in comparison to conventional B252 grains. It is shown that the use of coarser grains leads to lower process forces, higher (tensile) residual stress and higher surface roughness. Residual stress and surface roughness are of less importance as these grains are to be used mainly in roughing operations with ensuing finishing operations for the required surface properties. Over all investigations, especially in hard machining, neither grain nor tool wear was observed for the B602 grains, whereas the B252 tool was severely clogged during the experiments. Additionally, the grinding force ratio indicates that the coarse grain tools have not yet reached their productivity limit as it increases over all investigated feeds. This indicates improving tool performance with lower amounts of rubbing for increasing feed rate during hard grinding and shows the potential for the industrial use of higher feed rates with larger grains.
Filter pruning-based two-step feature map reconstruction
Authors: Liang Yongsheng , Liu Wei , Yi Shuangyan , Yang Huoxiang , He Zhenyu
Published: March 2021

In deep neural network compression, channel/filter pruning is widely used for compressing the pre-trained network by judging the redundant channels/filters. In this paper, we propose a two-step filter pruning method to judge the redundant channels/filters layer by layer. The first step is to design a filter selection scheme based on $$\ell _{2,1}$$

ℓ

2
,
1

-norm by reconstructing the feature map of current layer. More specifically, the filter selection scheme aims to solve a joint $$\ell _{2,1}$$

ℓ

2
,
1

-norm minimization problem, i.e., both the regularization term and feature map reconstruction error term are constrained by $$\ell _{2,1}$$

ℓ

2
,
1

-norm. The $$\ell _{2,1}$$

ℓ

2
,
1

-norm regularization plays a role in the channel/filter selection, while the $$\ell _{2,1}$$

ℓ

2
,
1

-norm feature map reconstruction error term plays a role in the robust reconstruction. In this way, the proposed filter selection scheme can learn a column-sparse coefficient representation matrix that can indicate the redundancy of filters. Since pruning the redundant filters in current layer might dramatically influence the output feature map of the following layer, the second step needs to update the filters of the following layer to assure output of feature map approximates to that of baseline. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this proposed method. For example, our pruned VGG-16 on ImageNet achieves $$4\times $$

4
×

speedup with 0.95% top-5 accuracy drop. Our pruned ResNet-50 on ImageNet achieves $$2\times $$

2
×

speedup with 1.56% top-5 accuracy drop. Our pruned MobileNet on ImageNet achieves $$2\times $$

2
×

speedup with 1.20% top-5 accuracy drop.
An Infrared Touch System for Automatic Behavior Monitoring
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Yang Xing , Song Ru , Su Junying , Luo Moxuan , Zhong Jinling , Wang Liping
Published: March 2021

Key requirements of successful animal behavior research in the laboratory are robustness, objectivity, and high throughput, which apply to both the recording and analysis of behavior. Many automatic methods of monitoring animal behavior meet these requirements. However, they usually depend on high-performing hardware and sophisticated software, which may be expensive. Here, we describe an automatic infrared behavior-monitor (AIBM) system based on an infrared touchscreen frame. Using this, animal positions can be recorded and used for further behavioral analysis by any PC supporting touch events. This system detects animal behavior in real time and gives closed-loop feedback using relatively low computing resources and simple algorithms. The AIBM system automatically records and analyzes multiple types of animal behavior in a highly efficient, unbiased, and low-cost manner.
Looking for the missing link in the evolution of black inks
Authors: Nehring Grzegorz , Bonnerot Olivier , Gerhardt Marius , Krutzsch Myriam , Rabin Ira
Published: March 2021

In the transition from carbon to iron-gall inks, the two documents from the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection in Berlin with shelfmarks P 13500 and P 13501 discussed in this work present an important case. Their inks appear brownish, although they date back to the fourth and third century BCE, when carbon inks are believed to have been commonly if not exclusively used. Using imaging micro-X-ray fluorescence and infrared reflectography, we discovered that the inks in both documents contain a significant amount of copper in addition to carbon. Comparing the extant recipes for black writing inks and the experimental evidence, we suggest that these inks are a transition between the pure carbon and the iron-gall inks. Such inks may have been quite common before the production of iron-gall ink was clearly understood and established.
Cognitive Structuralism: Explaining the Regularity of the Natural Numbers Progression
Authors: Quinon Paula
Published: March 2021

According to one of the most powerful paradigms explaining the meaning of the concept of natural number, natural numbers get a large part of their conceptual content from core cognitive abilities. Carey’s bootstrapping provides a model of the role of core cognition in the creation of mature mathematical concepts. In this paper, I conduct conceptual analyses of various theories within this paradigm, concluding that the theories based on the ability to subitize (i.e., to assess anexactquantity of the elements in a collection without counting them), or on the ability to approximate quantities (i.e., to assess anapproximatequantity of the elements in a collection without counting them), or both, fail to provide a conceptual basis for bootstrapping the concept of an exact natural number. In particular, I argue that none of the existing theories explains one of the key characteristics of the natural number structure: the equidistances between successive elements of the natural numbers progression. I suggest that this regularity could be based on another innate cognitive ability, namely sensitivity to the regularity of rhythm. In the final section, I propose a new position within the core cognition paradigm, inspired by structuralist positions in philosophy of mathematics.
Benefits of EPAs at risk? The influence of the workplace environment on the uptake of EPAs in EPA-based curricula
Authors: Van Loon Karsten Arthur , Bonnie Linda Helena Anna , Van Dijk Nynke , Scheele Fedde
Published: March 2021

Introduction Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) have been applied differently in many postgraduate medical education (PGME) programmes, but the reasons for and the consequences of this variation are not well known. Our objective was to investigate how the uptake of EPAs is influenced by the workplace environment and to what extent the benefits of working with EPAs are at risk when the uptake of EPAs is influenced. This knowledge can be used by curriculum developers who intend to apply EPAs in their curricula.

Method For this qualitative study, we selected four PGME programmes: General Practice, Clinical Geriatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Radiology & Nuclear Medicine. A document analysis was performed on the national training plans, supported by the AMEE Guide for developing EPA-based curricula and relevant EPA-based literature. Interviews were undertaken with medical specialists who had specific involvement in the development of the curricula. Content analysis was employed and illuminated the possible reasons for variation in the uptake of EPAs.

Results An important part of the variation in the uptake of EPAs can be explained by environmental factors, such as patient population, the role of the physician in the health-care system, and the setup of local medical care institutions where the training programme takes place. The variation in uptake of EPAs is specifically reflected in the number and breadth of the EPAs, and in the way the entrustment decision is executed within the PGME programme.
Combined Interventional Treatment of Refractory Chronic Migraine
Authors: Voloshin Alexey G. , Moiseeva Irina V.
Published: March 2021

Migraine is one of the main causes of disability in modern world. Treatment of chronic refractory migraine (RCM) would be a challenge even for experienced physician. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of combination therapy for RCM: greater occipital nerve’s (GON) pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and botulinum toxin injections. We observed 6 female patients, suffering from RCM according to the European Headache Federation criteria. All patients had long history of migraine (5–44 years) with conservative treatment failure (at least three medication groups). Their migraine could be classified as refractory for long period of time (1–10 years). All of our patients passed a combination of PRF and BTA injection as consecutive 1-day treatments. Botulinum toxin type A injections were done in accordance to the PREEMPT protocol, followed by ultrasound-guided PRF of GONs bilateral. The observation period was 6 months after the procedure. We observed a positive response to treatment in all patients with dramatic reduction of pain intensity (from 7 ± 1 to 2 ± 2 on NRS scale) and significant decrease in the number of headache days (from 22 ± 5 to 4 ± 4) during first month after treatment. Two patients (30%) were pain free after the treatment until the end of the observation. No adverse effects were registered. Bilateral GON’s PRF followed by botulinum toxin therapy as 1-day treatment may be a useful option for the treatment of refractory chronic migraine. These interventional procedures are effective, minimally invasive, inexpensive, safe, and well-tolerated and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Current and Future Perspectives for Improving Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation and Transplantation Outcomes for Cancer Patients
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Ozkavukcu Sinan , Ku Seung-Yup
Published: March 2021

Although advances in cancer treatment and early diagnosis have significantly improved cancer survival rates, cancer therapies can cause serious side effects, including ovarian failure and infertility, in women of reproductive age. Infertility following cancer treatment can have significant adverse effects on the quality of life. However, established methods for fertility preservation, including embryo or oocyte cryopreservation, are not always suitable for female cancer patients because of complicated individual conditions and treatment methods. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation is a promising option for fertility preservation in pre-pubertal girls and adult patients with cancer who require immediate treatment, or who are not eligible to undergo ovarian stimulation. This review introduces various methods and strategies to improve ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation outcomes, to help patients and clinicians choose the best option when considering the potential complexity of a patient’s situation. Effective multidisciplinary oncofertility strategies, involving the inclusion of a highly skilled and experienced oncofertility team that considers cryopreservation methods, thawing processes and devices, surgical procedures for transplantation, and advances in technologies, are necessary to provide high-quality care to a cancer patient.
95332 Intestinal inflammation and altered gut microbiota associated with inflammatory bowel disease render mice susceptible to Clostridioides difficile colonization and infection
Authors: Barron Lisa Abernathy-Closedeline R. , George James M. , Vendrov Kimberly C. , Higgins Peter D.R. , Bergin Ingrid L. , Young Vincent B.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Use of this novel murine model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and C. difficile infection (CDI) will aid in developing new clinical approaches to predict, diagnose, and treat CDI in the IBD population. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: IBD is associated with intestinal inflammation and alterations of the gut microbiota, both of which can diminish colonization resistance to C. difficile. Here, we sought to determine if IBD is sufficient to render mice susceptible to C. difficile colonization and infection in the absence of other perturbations, such as antibiotic treatment. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: C57BL/6 IL-10-/- mice were colonized with Helicobacter hepaticus to trigger colonic inflammation akin to human IBD. Control mice, not colonized with H. hepaticus, were pretreated with the antibiotic cefoperazone to render the gut microbiota susceptible to CDI. Mice were then gavaged with spores of the toxigenic C. difficile strain VPI 10463 and monitored for C. difficile colonization and disease. The fecal microbiota at the time of C. difficile exposure was profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analyzed using mothur. Statistical analyses were performed using R. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Mice with IBD harbored significantly distinct intestinal microbial communities compared to non-IBD controls at the time of C. difficile spore exposure (14 days post-IBD trigger). Mice with IBD were susceptible to persistent C. difficile colonization, while genetically identical non-IBD controls were resistant to C. difficile colonization. Concomitant IBD and CDI was associated with significantly worse clinical and intestinal disease than unaccompanied IBD. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Patients with IBD who develop concurrent CDI experience increased morbidity and mortality. These studies in a novel mouse model of IBD and CDI emphasize the dual importance of host responses and alterations of the gut microbiota in susceptibility to C. difficile colonization and infection in the setting of IBD.
85965 Biomechanical analysis of vertebral body polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation performed using two different techniques
Authors: Torres Kabir , Carlson Brandon B. , Burton Douglas C. , Birlingmair Jacob , Sean Jackson R. , Bunch Joshua T. , McIff Terrence , Robinson Stephanie
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This study will answer key questions that spine surgeons have regarding techniques used in cement augmentation of vertebral compression fractures and will ultimately advance patient care for such injuries. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objective of this study is to determine if a difference exists in load-bearing characteristics and load-to-fracture between injecting cement anteriorly prior to screw placement versus cement augmentation via fenestrated pedicle screws. We also expect differences in load-to-failure characteristics between different cement volumes. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This study will be performed in a bioengineering laboratory that has access to a Materials Testing System (MTS). Eight cadaveric specimens will be selected from our stock after pre-screening via CT for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The levels T8-L1 will be dissected from the vertebral column along with any soft tissue structures. The vertebral bodies will be potted in an epoxy mold. From each spine, there are 2 groups of three. One vertebral body from each spine will serve as an internal control, one will be augmented with cement via a cannula and then instrumented with a non-fenestrated screw and the third will be instrumented will a fenestrated screw and then augmented with cement. After appropriate curing time, repeat CT imaging will be completed. The specimens will then be loaded to failure and the results analyzed. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We hypothesize that we will see a better anterior spread with the cannula/non-fenestrated screw method as compared to the fenestrated screw. The reason being is that we would expect the fenestrated screw to experience more cement extruding from the fenestration rather than being directed anteriorly. We believe a better anterior spread of the cement will lead to a greater load-bearing capacity for the vertebral body. We also believe that a difference will exist in load-to-failure testing with the two volumes being tested, though we cannot predict to what a degree this difference will be impactful as there have been few studies prior looking at this. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This study is significant because it will aid in determining the optimal technique to implement in the setting of vertebral compression fractures. This will lead to improved patient care as well as a greater understanding of the instrumentation used in such procedures. The results will lay the groundwork for future research on this procedure.