bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new case of prehistoric trepanation and scalping in the Iberian Peninsula: The tomb of La Saga (Cáseda, Navarre)
Authors: Díaz‐Navarro Sonia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTrepanation is considered one of the oldest surgical procedures in the world, of which the earliest evidence goes back to the Mesolithic. Over 130 cases of trepanated crania have been documented in the recent prehistory of the Iberian Peninsula, one of the areas with the highest number of cases. This paper analyses and discusses a new case from northern Spain. The cranium was found in the site of La Saga, Cáseda, Navarre, a small tomb where nine individuals were simultaneously placed at the end of the Bronze Age. It belongs to an adult female and displays a pentagonal hole in the central area of the cranial vault over the sagittal suture. The pentagonal shape of the injury, its regular outline, and the presence of 10 fusiform and two rounded grooves suggest that the bone was intentionally removed by means of cutting and leverage, a technique documented in another example from the Iberian Peninsula. Neither cranial lesions nor pathological evidence have been identified to justify the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the case is exceptional due to the presence of superficial and parallel cut marks in longitudinal and transversal directions across the parietal and temporal bones, unequivocally associated with scalping practice, and which would be performed prior to the trepanation in order to facilitate it. The absence of any kind of healing or bone regeneration points towards the death of the individual during the procedure. Together with the presence of marks of violence and manipulation of the skeletal remains of some individuals buried in the same grave, this leads us to propose that the trepanation was possibly performed to heal a previous trauma resulting from a violent conflict that caused the death of this and eight other individuals from the community.
Method for solving chance constrained optimal control problems using biased kernel density estimators
Authors: Keil Rachel E. , T. Miller Alexander , Kumar Mrinal , Rao Anil V. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryA method is developed to numerically solve chance constrained optimal control problems. The chance constraints are reformulated as nonlinear constraints that retain the probability properties of the original constraint. The reformulation transforms the chance constrained optimal control problem into a deterministic optimal control problem that can be solved numerically. The new method developed in this paper approximates the chance constraints using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling and kernel density estimators whose kernels have integral functions that bound the indicator function. The nonlinear constraints resulting from the application of kernel density estimators are designed with bounds that do not violate the bounds of the original chance constraint. The method is tested on a nontrivial chance constrained modification of a soft lunar landing optimal control problem and the results are compared with results obtained using a conservative deterministic formulation of the optimal control problem. Additionally, the method is tested on a complex chance constrained unmanned aerial vehicle problem. The results show that this new method can be used to reliably solve chance constrained optimal control problems.
Getting to grips with wildlife research by citizen scientists: What role for regulation?
Authors: Palmer Alexandra , Reynolds S. James , Lane Julie , Dickey Roger , Greenhough Beth 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWildlife research by citizen scientists, involving the capture and handling of animals, provides clear scientific benefits, but also potential risks to animal welfare. We explore debates about how best to regulate such work to ensure that it is undertaken in an ethical manner.We focus on the UK as a case study, drawing on qualitative research and stakeholder engagement events. We show that because trapping and marking of certain species requires minimal licensing, training and justification, some argue for increased formal regulation to minimise risks to animal welfare. However, others have reflected on the already complex regulatory landscape affecting wildlife research, and have expressed concern that introducing additional formal regulations could potentially make citizen science working with wildlife more difficult. Informal regulation could therefore offer a preferable alternative.We set out three steps that could be taken to open up conversations about ethics and regulation of wildlife‐focussed citizen science, in the UK and elsewhere: (a) take stock of wildlife‐focussed citizen science in terms of numbers and harms to animal welfare; (b) assess the state of formal regulations and consider reforms; and (c) consider informal regulations as alternatives or additions to formal regulations.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
L‐leucine improves anemia and growth in patients with transfusion‐dependent Diamond‐Blackfan anemia: Results from a multicenter pilot phase I/II study from the Diamond‐Blackfan Anemia Registry
Authors: Vlachos Adrianna , Atsidaftos Evangelia , Lababidi Mohammad Lutfi , Muir Ellen , Rogers Zora R. , Alhushki Waseem , Bernstein Jonathan , Glader Bertil , Gruner Barbara , Hartung Helge , Knoll Christine , Loew Thomas , Nalepa Grzegorz , Narla Anupama , Panigrahi Arun R. , Sieff Colin A. , Walkovich Kelly , Farrar Jason E. , Lipton Jeffrey M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by anemia, short stature, congenital anomalies, and cancer predisposition. Most cases are due to mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins (RP) leading to RP haploinsufficiency. Effective treatments for the anemia of DBA include chronic red cell transfusions, long‐term corticosteroid therapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In a small patient series and in animal models, there have been hematologic responses to L‐leucine with amelioration of anemia. The study objectives of this clinical trial were to determine feasibility, safety, and efficacy of L‐leucine in transfusion‐dependent patients with DBA.ProcedurePatients ≥2 years of age received L‐leucine 700 mg/m2 orally three times daily for nine months to determine a hematologic response and any improvement in growth (NCT01362595).ResultsThis multicenter, phase I/II study enrolled 55 subjects; 43 were evaluable. There were 21 males; the median age at enrollment was 10.4 years (range, 2.5‐46.1 years). No significant adverse events were attributable to L‐leucine. Two subjects had a complete erythroid response and five had a partial response. Nine of 25, and 11 of 25, subjects experienced a positive weight and height percentile change, respectively, at the end of therapy.ConclusionsL‐leucine is safe, resulted in an erythroid response in 16% of subjects with DBA, and led to an increase in weight and linear growth velocity in 36% and 44% of evaluable subjects, respectively. Further studies will be critical to understand the role of L‐leucine in the management of patients with DBA.
Analysis of diffusion characteristics for aromatic solvents through carbon black filled natural rubber/ butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Kaliyathan Abitha Vayyaprontavida , Rane Ajay Vasudeo , Jackson Stefan , Thomas Sabu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractKnowledge of solvent effect on the polymer is a need, for a large number of industrial and laboratory purposes. It is well known that swelling is a serious drawback for rubber products such as seals and O‐rings. The flexible rubber chains are highly prone to diffusion and allow easy penetration of solvent molecules through it, which causes swelling in rubber products. The flexibility and molecular mobility of rubber chains are reduced by either cross‐linking/blending/ adding inclusions. This reduces the swelling of rubber products. In the present work, blending rubbers and adding inclusions are experimented and reported. Various compositions of natural rubber (NR) / butadiene rubber (BR) i.e., 70NR/30BR, 50NR/50BR,30NR/70BR with and without carbon black (CB) were compounded, cured and characterized for diffusion analysis using benzene, toluene, and xylene. To determine the effect of varying filler concentration, 70NR/30BR blend was filled with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50phr of CB and analyzed for diffusion characteristics. Loading of CB into rubbers reduces the chain flexibility as a result of rubber/filler interactions and this leads to a dramatic reduction in the diffusion of the solvent into rubber compounds. Diffusion characteristics of CB filled rubber blends were compared with their neat counterparts and CB filled blends showed less solvent uptake. Swelling characteristics for the neat and filled rubbers and their blends were calculated to determine coefficients and index of swelling. The experimental diffusion data obtained were fitted with mathematical models for predicting the diffusion behavior through the rubber vulcanisates to understand the mechanism of transport phenomena.
Cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular outcomes in COVID‐19
Authors: Fisher Miles 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPatients with cardiovascular disease have an increased risk of severe COVID‐19 disease and an increased mortality. Clinical observations have described cardiovascular complications of COVID‐19 in patients without prior cardiovascular disease, including acute cardiac injury, myocarditis, heart failure, arrhythmias, and acute coronary syndromes. These are also associated with a worse outcome from COVID‐19. Several of the potential treatments for COVID‐19 may also have cardiovascular consequences. Some of the acute cardiovascular complications resolve on recovery from the infection and it is uncertain how many people will suffer permanent cardiovascular damage. During the emergency lockdown that was introduced to deal with the pandemic it has been observed that hospital admissions with other cardiovascular conditions, such as acute coronary syndromes and heart failure, have been greatly reduced. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
A diabetes specialist nurse audit within NHS England
Authors: Hicks Debbie , James June 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) works wholly in diabetes care and plays an integral part in diabetes multidisciplinary teams; the benefits of the role are well recognised. The post emerged in the 1950s and it was designed to support both people living with diabetes and health care professionals not working in specialist teams. Previous audits of DSNs indicated that the numbers of nurses working in this role were reducing and concerns were raised at national level about how this might impact on the care of an ever expanding population with diabetes. This audit through a ‘Freedom of Information’ request has identified many more DSNs than previous audits. It has also demonstrated a plethora of different job titles, whether most were employed in hospital or in primary care, and their banding. This audit has prompted the need for other information gathering and investigation which will aid workforce development. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Data processing and quality verification for improved photovoltaic performance and reliability analytics
Authors: Livera Andreas , Theristis Marios , Koumpli Elena , Theocharides Spyros , Makrides George , Sutterlueti Juergen , Stein Joshua S. , Georghiou George E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractData integrity is crucial for the performance and reliability analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems, since actual in‐field measurements commonly exhibit invalid data caused by outages and component failures. The scope of this paper is to present a complete methodology for PV data processing and quality verification in order to ensure improved PV performance and reliability analyses. Data quality routines (DQRs) were developed to ensure data fidelity by detecting and reconstructing invalid data through a sequence of filtering stages and inference techniques. The obtained results verified that PV performance and reliability analyses are sensitive to the fidelity of data and, therefore, time series reconstruction should be handled appropriately. To mitigate the bias effects of 10% or less invalid data, the listwise deletion technique provided accurate results for performance analytics (exhibited a maximum absolute percentage error of 0.92%). When missing data rates exceed 10%, data inference techniques yield more accurate results. The evaluation of missing power measurements demonstrated that time series reconstruction by applying the Sandia PV Array Performance Model yielded the lowest error among the investigated data inference techniques for PV performance analysis, with an absolute percentage error less than 0.71%, even at 40% missing data rate levels. The verification of the routines was performed on historical datasets from two different locations (desert and steppe climates). The proposed methodology provides a set of standardized analytical procedures to ensure the validity of performance and reliability evaluations that are performed over the lifetime of PV systems.
Distinct Metabolic Features of Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. Determined by Label‐Free Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Pettersen Veronika Kuchařová , Steinsland Hans , Wiker Harald G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEscherichia coli and Shigella spp. causing illnesses in humans represent a genotypically and phenotypically diverse group of pathogens. Although E. coli diversity has been studied by comparative genomics, the intra‐species variation at the proteome level is currently unknown. The proteomes of 16 pathogenic E. coli, 2 non‐pathogenic E. coli, and 5 Shigella strains originating from 18 phylogenetic lineages are investigated. By applying label‐free quantitative proteomics on trypsin‐digested cell extracts from bacteria grown on blood agar, 4018 proteins are detected, 3285 of which arequantified, and 261 represented virulence factors. Of 753 proteins quantified in all strains, the levels of 153 vary substantially between strains and are functionally associated mostly with stress response and peripheral metabolism. The levels of proteins associated with the central metabolism vary considerably less than the levels of proteins from other metabolic pathways. Hierarchical clustering analysis based on the protein levels results in strains grouping that differ from that obtained by gene‐based phylogenetic analysis. Finally, strains of some E. coli pathotypes have more similar protein profiles even when the strains are not genetically closely related. The results suggest that the degree of genetic relatedness may not necessarily be a good predictor of E. coli phenotypic characteristics.
The Levels of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome and in Healthy Controls
Authors: Grosman‐Rimon Liza , Vadasz Brian , Parkinson William , Clarke Hance , Katz Joel D. , Kumbhare Dinesh 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundInsulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) plays an important role in muscle maintenance and repair. The role of IGF‐2 in the muscle is less clear.ObjectiveTo compare the levels of IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 in participants with acute myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) versus healthy controls and to determine whether age, gender, body mass index (BMI), region of pain, and pain intensity are associated with IGF levels.DesignA case‐control study design included a total of 74 participants.SettingHospital emergency department.ParticipantsParticipants presenting with acute MPS (n = 43) and non‐MPS controls (n  =  31).Main Outcome MeasuresSerum IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 (pg/mL) were measured in participants with MPS within 24 hours of symptom onset, and in non‐MPS controls. Group and gender differences in serum IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 were assessed, with group and gender as factors, while controlling for age and BMI.ResultsThe mean IGF‐1 levels were not significantly different between MPS and controls (88 554.1, confidence interval [CI], 79 724.4‐97 383.7 vs. 97 911.2, CI, 85 322.8‐110 493.6). Significant differences were also not observed in IGF‐1 levels between men and women with MPS nor between men and women in the control group. Mean levels of IGF‐2 were significantly lower in patients with MPS than in controls (226 608.9, CI, 180 057.3‐273 160.5 versus 460 343.9, CI, 387 809.4‐532 878.2, P < .001). There were no significant gender differences in the levels of IGF‐2 in patients with MPS. Mean IGF‐2 levels (pg/mL) of men and women with MPS were lower (253 343.0, CI, 179 891.0‐326 795.0, and 204 524.2, CI, 141 176.4‐267 872.0, respectively) than those of healthy men and women (428 177.2, CI, 368 345.7‐488 008.6, and 511 274.4, 355 178.6‐687 370.1, respectively). Lower BMI and younger age were associated with higher levels of IGF‐2. Pain intensity was associated with IGF‐2 but not with IGF‐1, whereas region of pain was not associated with either IGF‐1 or IGF‐2 levels.ConclusionsIGF‐2 levels were lower in patients with acute MPS versus healthy controls with no gender differences, and IGF‐1 levels were not different among the groups. Future studies should investigate the role of IGF‐2 in muscle maintenance and repair in MPS.
From plots to policy: How to ensure long‐term forest plot data supports environmental management in intact tropical forest landscapes
Authors: Baker Timothy R. , Vicuña Miñano Edgar , Banda‐R Karina , del Castillo Torres Dennis , Farfan‐Rios William , Lawson Ian T. , Loja Alemán Eva , Pallqui Camacho Nadir , Silman Miles R. , Roucoux Katherine H. , Phillips Oliver L. , Honorio Coronado Euridice N. , Monteagudo Mendoza Abel , Rojas Gonzáles Rocío 
Published: October 2020

Societal Impact StatementThe approach that we take to our science is as important as the questions that we address if we would like our research to inform management. Here, we discuss our experience of using networks of permanent forest inventory plots to support sustainable management and conservation of intact tropical forests. A key conclusion is that to maximize the use of data from such large international networks within policymaking, it is crucial that leadership is widely shared among participants. Such an approach helps to address ethical concerns surrounding international collaborations and also achieves greater policy impact.SummaryLong‐term data from permanent forest inventory plots have much to offer the management and conservation of intact tropical forest landscapes. Knowledge of the growth and mortality rates of economically important species, forest carbon balance, and the impact of climate change on forest composition are all central to effective management. However, this information is rarely integrated within the policymaking process. The problem reflects broader issues in using evidence to influence environmental management, and in particular, the need to engage with potential users beyond the collection and publication of high‐quality data. To ensure permanent plot data are used, (a) key “policy windows”—opportunities to integrate data within policy making—need to be identified; (b) long‐term relationships need to be developed between scientists and policy makers and policymaking organizations; and (c) leadership of plot networks needs to be shared among all participants, and particularly between institutions in the global north and those in tropical countries. Addressing these issues will allow permanent plot networks to make tangible contributions to ensuring that intact tropical forest persists over coming decades.
Facile Synthesis and Size Control of 2D Cyclodextrin‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks Nanosheet for Topical Drug Delivery
Authors: Bello Mubarak G. , Yang Yingchao , Wang Caifen , Wu Li , Zhou Panpan , Ding Huanyu , Ge Xiaofei , Guo Tao , Wei Lai , Zhang Jiwen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this work, a 2D nanosheet (NS) of γ‐cyclodextrin (CD)‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is synthesized through a facile green chemistry approach. NS‐MOF carrier is constructed using a water system in a simple one‐pot reaction involving CD and potassium carbonate. Particle size optimization is achieved by adjusting the reaction temperature and the introduction of crystal growth suppressor (appropriate proportion of acetone). The NS‐MOF stability in aqueous medium is improved by polymerization reaction of crosslinked CD‐MOF (CL‐CD‐MOF) without blocking its cavity for drug loading. The effects of particle geometry and size of nanoporous materials on their pharmacokinetics during drug delivery are compared between the sheet‐like DXM@CL‐NS‐MOF and 3D‐cubic‐shaped DXM@CL‐CD‐MOF loaded with the same quantity of dexamethasone (DXM). The bioefficiency of these carriers in tear fluids and aqueous humors to deliver DXM is investigated in vivo. The results demonstrate that the 2D‐nanosheet particles significantly improve precorneal residence time and intraocular bioavailability over the commercial Maxidex (0.1% dexamethasone) and its 3D‐cubes counterpart of similar chemical composition. It suggests that the geometry of a carrier play a significant role in the biodistribution, and the carrier of CL‐NS‐MOF is a good candidate for ocular drug delivery.
TSNP: A two‐stage nonparametric phase I/II clinical trial design for immunotherapy
Authors: Han Yan , Liu Hao , Cao Sha , Zhang Chi , Zang Yong 
Published: October 2020

SummaryWe develop a transparent and efficient two‐stage nonparametric (TSNP) phase I/II clinical trial design to identify the optimal biological dose (OBD) of immunotherapy. We propose a nonparametric approach to derive the closed‐form estimates of the joint toxicity–efficacy response probabilities under the monotonic increasing constraint for the toxicity outcomes. These estimates are then used to measure the immunotherapy's toxicity–efficacy profiles at each dose and guide the dose finding. The first stage of the design aims to explore the toxicity profile. The second stage aims to find the OBD, which can achieve the optimal therapeutic effect by considering both the toxicity and efficacy outcomes through a utility function. The closed‐form estimates and concise dose‐finding algorithm make the TSNP design appealing in practice. The simulation results show that the TSNP design yields superior operating characteristics than the existing Bayesian parametric designs. User‐friendly computational software is freely available to facilitate the application of the proposed design to real trials. We provide comprehensive illustrations and examples about implementing the proposed design with associated software.
Optimized h‐BN/Sb2WO6 Interface Mediates an Efficient Charge Separation towards Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Rafiq Umer , Wahid Malik , Majid Kowsar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe unrestrained charge recombination inherently associated with inorganic semiconductors renders them inefficient for the targeted photocatalytic applications in their pristine state. A variety of compositing strategies have thus become important to mitigate the charge recombinations in this regard. In the present work, we report a modified solvothermal synthesis route to affect the synthesis of appropriately band‐aligned h‐BN/Sb2WO6 nano‐composite. The later offers improved photocatalytic efficiency owing to reduced electron‐hole recombination ensured through the intimate interfacial contact ascribed to the modified synthesis strategy. The most efficient of h‐BN and Sb2WO6 compositions (12‐wt % h‐BN/Sb2WO6) depicted an 80.8 % photo‐catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in 90 min under visible light irradiation compared to 42 % for pure Sb2WO6. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB exhibits kapp value of 1.73×10−2 min−1 which is 2.8 times greater than kapp values of pristine Sb2WO6 (6.01×10−3 min−1). The radical scavenger tests reveal that the superoxide radicals (.O2−1) and holes (h+) are the main reactive species. Additionally, composite catalyst revealed a commendable photostability with 77.29 % retention of photocatalytic efficiency after four catalytic cycles.