bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compex: a cubic germanium detector
Authors: Såmark-Roth A. , Cox D. M. , Eberth J. , Golubev P. , Rudolph D. , Sarmiento L. G. , Tocabens G. , Ginsz M. , Pirard B. , Quirin P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Compex detector is an electrically cooled, composite germanium detector that uses four coaxial, cubic-shaped, single-encapsulated germanium crystals. This novel detector allows for new heights in photon detection efficiency in decay spectroscopy setups using box-shaped vacuum chambers. Its spectroscopic performance and detection efficiency is evaluated by means of source measurements. Motivated by Compex’s unique cubic germanium crystals, the Lund scanning system has been developed. The constructed system is used to characterise the response as a function of interaction position within a Compex crystal. Sensitivity across the front face, pulse shapes, and rise times have been analysed. Future development and applications of the Compex detector are discussed.
Mathematical prediction of the time evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy by a Gauss error function and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Ciufolini Ignazio , Paolozzi Antonio 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this paper are presented mathematical predictions on the evolution in time of the number of positive cases in Italy of the COVID-19 pandemic based on official data and on the use of a function of the type of a Gauss error function, with four parameters, as a cumulative distribution function. We have analyzed the available data for China and Italy. The evolution in time of the number of cumulative diagnosed positive cases of COVID-19 in China very well approximates a distribution of the type of the error function, that is, the integral of a normal, Gaussian distribution. We have then used such a function to study the potential evolution in time of the number of positive cases in Italy by performing a number of fits of the official data so far available. We then found a statistical prediction for the day in which the peak of the number of daily positive cases in Italy occurs, corresponding to the flex of the fit, that is, to the change in sign of its second derivative (i.e., the change from acceleration to deceleration), as well as of the day in which a substantial attenuation of such number of daily cases is reached. We have also analyzed the predictions of the cumulative number of fatalities in both China and Italy, obtaining consistent results. We have then performed 150 Monte Carlo simulations to have a more robust prediction of the day of the above-mentioned peak and of the day of the substantial decrease in the number of daily positive cases and fatalities. Although official data have been used, those predictions are obtained with a heuristic approach since they are based on a statistical approach and do not take into account either a number of relevant issues (such as number of daily nasopharyngeal swabs, medical, social distancing, virological and epidemiological) or models of contamination diffusion.
BONE ORTHOTROPIC REMODELING AS A THERMODYNAMICALLY-DRIVEN EVOLUTION
Authors: MARTIN M. , LEMAIRE T. , HAIAT G. , PIVONKA P. , SANSALONE V. 
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present and discuss a model of bone remodeling set up in the framework of the theory of generalized continuum mechanics which was first introduced by DiCarlo et al. [Sur le remodelage des tissus osseux anisotropes, Comptes Rendus Mécanique 334(11):651–661, 2006]. Bone is described as an orthotropic body experiencing remodeling as a rotation of its microstructure. Thus, the complete kinematic description of a material point is provided by its position in space and a rotation tensor describing the orientation of its microstructure. Material motion is driven by energetic considerations, namely by the application of the Clausius–Duhem inequality to the microstructured material. Within this framework of orthotropic remodeling, some key features of the remodeling equilibrium configurations are deduced in the case of homogeneous strain or stress loading conditions. First, it is shown that remodeling equilibrium configurations correspond to energy extrema. Second, stability of the remodeling equilibrium configurations is assessed in terms of the local convexity of the strain and complementary energy functionals hence recovering some classical energy theorems. Eventually, it is shown that the remodeling equilibrium configurations are not only highly dependent on the loading conditions, but also on the material properties.
EGFR Blockade Reverts Resistance to KRASG12C Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Amodio Vito , Yaeger Rona , Arcella Pamela , Cancelliere Carlotta , Lamba Simona , Lorenzato Annalisa , Arena Sabrina , Montone Monica , Mussolin Benedetta , Bian Yu , Whaley Adele , Pinnelli Marika , Murciano-Goroff Yonina R. , Vakiani Efsevia , Valeri Nicola , Liao Wei-Li , Bhalkikar Anuja , Thyparambil Sheeno , Zhao Hui-Yong , de Stanchina Elisa , Marsoni Silvia , Siena Salvatore , Bertotti Andrea , Trusolino Livio , Li Bob T. , Rosen Neal , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Bardelli Alberto , Misale Sandra 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Most patients with KRASG12C–mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) experience clinical benefit from selective KRASG12C inhibition, whereas patients with colorectal cancer bearing the same mutation rarely respond. To investigate the cause of the limited efficacy of KRASG12C inhibitors in colorectal cancer, we examined the effects of AMG510 in KRASG12C colorectal cancer cell lines. Unlike NSCLC cell lines, KRASG12C colorectal cancer models have high basal receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation and are responsive to growth factor stimulation. In colorectal cancer lines, KRASG12C inhibition induces higher phospho-ERK rebound than in NSCLC cells. Although upstream activation of several RTKs interferes with KRASG12C blockade, we identify EGFR signaling as the dominant mechanism of colorectal cancer resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors. The combinatorial targeting of EGFR and KRASG12C is highly effective in colorectal cancer cells and patient-derived organoids and xenografts, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy to treat patients with KRASG12C colorectal cancer.

Significance:
The efficacy of KRASG12C inhibitors in NSCLC and colorectal cancer is lineage-specific. RTK dependency and signaling rebound kinetics are responsible for sensitivity or resistance to KRASG12C inhibition in colorectal cancer. EGFR and KRASG12C should be concomitantly inhibited to overcome resistance to KRASG12C blockade in colorectal tumors.
See related commentary by Koleilat and Kwong, p. 1094.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1079
GS-OPT: A new fast stochastic algorithm for solving the non-convex optimization problem
Authors: Bui Xuan , Duong Nhung , Hoang Trung 
Published: May 2020

<p>Non-convex optimization has an important role in machine learning. However, the theoretical understanding of non-convex optimization remained rather limited. Studying efficient algorithms for non-convex optimization has attracted a great deal of attention from many researchers around the world but these problems are usually NP-hard to solve. In this paper, we have proposed a new algorithm namely GS-OPT (General Stochastic OPTimization) which is effective for solving the non-convex problems. Our idea is to combine two stochastic bounds of the objective function where they are made by a commonly discrete probability distribution namely Bernoulli. We consider GS-OPT carefully on both the theoretical and experimental aspects. We also apply GS-OPT for solving the posterior inference problem in the latent Dirichlet allocation. Empirical results show that our approach is often more efficient than previous ones.</p>
Clinical Manifestations of Allergic Rhinitis by Age and Gender: A 12-Year Single-Center Study
Authors: Hong Seung-No , Won Jun Yeon , Nam Eui-Cheol , Kim Tae Su , Ryu Yoon-Jong , Kwon Jea-Woo , Lee Woo Hyun 
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Currently, epidemiological data on allergic rhinitis collected through the skin prick test are scarce. Moreover, the relationship of age and sex to allergic rhinitis is not comprehensively understood. This study aimed to characterize allergic rhinitis and the associated clinical manifestations by age and sex. Methods: We retrospectively investigated data from 2883 patients who visited a single university hospital for rhinitis symptoms between January 2003 and December 2014. Of these 2883 patients, 1964 who underwent a skin prick test with 11 standardized allergen extracts and completed a nasal symptom questionnaire were enrolled. The clinical characteristics of allergen sensitization and nasal symptoms were analyzed by sex and age distribution. Results: The prevalence of allergen sensitization progressively decreased with age after peaking at between 20 and 29 years. The sensitization rate was higher in males than in females ( P = .046). The sensitization rate to house dust mites decreased with age, while sensitization to mugwort and ragweed increased. Six allergens ( Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, mugwort, trees, ragweed, and cats) were sufficient to identify >96% of patients with allergen sensitization. Nasal obstruction tended to decrease with age and was more prevalent in males ( P = .002) than in females, while rhinorrhea ( P = .007) and itching ( P = .013) were more prevalent in females. Total nasal symptom scores did not differ by sex. Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of allergic rhinitis, including allergen-sensitization patterns and related symptoms, varied by age and sex. Six common allergens could be sufficient to generate a cost-effective tool to identify allergic rhinitis.
Local Versus General Anesthesia for Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in a Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Xiaoxin , Xie Lingwen , Zeng Haicang , Xu Yaodong , Xiong Hao 
Published: May 2020

Objective:To compare local anesthesia (LA) versus general anesthesia (GA) for balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET) using the Bielefeld Dilation System in a Chinese population with obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD).Methods:A total of 49 patients with OETD undergoing BDET under either LA or GA were included in the present study. Intraoperative blood pressure, heart rate, and pain sensation were recorded. The surgical outcome was assessed by Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) symptom scores and positive Valsalva maneuver at baseline, 1 day, 2-, 4-, 12-, 24-, and 52-week follow-up.Results:Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube procedures were successfully completed in all patients without adverse effects. The visual analog scale score for maximal pain during the surgical procedure in the LA group was 6.1 ± 1.0. Intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate were higher in the LA group compared with the GA group. The duration and costs of surgery were significantly reduced in the LA group compared with the GA group. Normalization of ETDQ-7 scores at 12-week and 52-week follow-up was observed in 71.9% (23/32) and 63.3% (19/30) of patients in the LA group, respectively, which was comparable to that of the GA group. Although improvement in positive Valsalva maneuver was observed in both groups after BDET, more patients reported positive Valsalva maneuver in the GA group compared with the LA group at 12-week and 52-week follow-up. In total, 96.0% (24/25) of patients in the LA group and 95.8% (23/24) of patients in the GA group would choose LA if BDET was needed again.Conclusion:Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube under LA is safe and feasible in a Chinese population. The surgical outcome of BDET is comparable between under LA and GA during 52-week follow-up. Further studies are needed to address management of intraoperative pain and determine longer follow-up outcome for BDET under LA.
Pediatric Oncology Patients With Vincristine-Induced Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy: Two Case Reports and a Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Tay Sok Yan , Foster Jennifer , Heczey Andras , Sitton Matthew 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Vincristine (VCR) is a chemotherapeutic agent used widely in the treatment of hematologic and solid tumors, known to result in neurotoxicity, especially with cumulative administrations. Bilateral vocal fold palsy (VFP) is a rare but life-threatening complication of VCR. We report 2 patients with hepatoblastoma presenting with stridor following VCR treatment and propose a management plan. Methods: Electronic medical records of oncology patients treated at a tertiary hospital with VCR-induced VFP were reviewed. Literature review was performed in PubMed using the terms: hoarseness, VFP, stridor, vincristine. Results: A total of 23 children with VCR-induced VFP were identified from the literature review and adding on our 2 cases. Seventeen (77.3%) were male and 5 (22.7%) were female. The median presenting age was 36.0 months (5-204 months). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 15 of 23 (65.2%), was the most common malignancy. Eighteen patients (78.3%) had bilateral VFP and 5 (21.7%) had unilateral VFP. The mean time to VF function recovery was 167.3 days (median: 200.5 days, range: 7-270 days) in the intervention group versus 72.1 days (median: 31.5 days, range: 3-240 days) in the conservative group. One patient in the intervention group had persistent VFP. Sixteen patients (69.6%) were observed, 4 (17.4%) underwent tracheostomy, 1 (4.35%) was intubated, 1 (4.35%) underwent cordectomy, and 1 (4.35%) required positive pressure support. Vincristine was restarted in 12 patients (54.5%), of which 4 developed recurrence of airway symptoms and had to stop VCR. Conclusion: A new-onset hoarseness or stridor in a child on VCR should raise the suspicions of VFP. The assumption of an upper respiratory–induced hoarseness or stridor should be avoided. Decisions regarding readministration of VCR and possible airway interventions should be made via a multidisciplinary team approach.
Abnormal functional connectivity and effective connectivity between the default mode network and attention networks in patients with alcohol-use disorder
Authors: Song Zhiyan , Chen Jun , Wen Zhi , Zhang Lei 
Published: May 2020

Background Patients with alcohol-use disorder (AUD) demonstrate dysfunctional cerebral network connectivity. However, limited studies have investigated attention systems in AUD. Purpose To assess functional (FC) and effective connectivity (EC) in the dorsal (DAN) and ventral attention networks (VAN) and default mode network (DMN) in patients with AUD using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Material and Methods MRI and rs-fMRI data were obtained from 28 men with AUD and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Independent component analysis was used to identify and extract network data, for comparison between the two groups. Effective connectivity was evaluated using Granger causality analysis (GCA) by selecting significantly different brain areas as regions of interest (ROI). Signed-path coefficients between ROIs were computed in bivariate mode. Results In patients with AUD, FC decreased in the left superior parietal gurus (SPG) and left interparietal sulcus (IPS, in DAN); FC decreased in the right superior frontal gyrus (SPG) and right middle frontal gyrus (MFG, in DMN). GCA values indicated that the DMN exerts a positive causal effect on the DAN ( P = 0.007/0.027), which consequently exerts a negative causal effect on the DMN ( P = 0.032). Signed-path coefficients from the right MFG to the left IPS correlated negatively with MAST scores ( P = 0.015). Conclusion We found novel inter-network connectivity dysfunction in patients with AUD, which indicates abnormal causal relations between resting-state DAN and DMN. Thus, patients with AUD may have abnormal top-down attention modulation and cognition.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for the Treatment of Hamstring Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Best-Worst Case Analysis
Authors: Seow Dexter , Shimozono Yoshiharu , Tengku Yusof Tengku Nazim B. , Yasui Youichi , Massey Andrew , Kennedy John G. 
Published: May 2020

Background: Hamstring injuries are common and account for considerable time lost to play in athletes. Platelet-rich plasma has potential as a means to accelerate healing of these injuries. Purpose: (1) To present the evidence of platelet-rich plasma injection in the treatment of hamstring injuries, (2) evaluate the “best-case scenario” in dichotomous outcomes, and (3) evaluate the “worst-case scenario” in dichotomous outcomes. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Two authors systematically reviewed the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with any discrepancies resolved by mutual consensus. The level of evidence was assessed per the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and the quality of evidence by the Coleman Methodology Score. Meta-analysis by fixed effects models was used if heterogeneity was low ( I2 < 25%) and random effects models if heterogeneity was moderate to high ( I2≥ 25%). P values <.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 10 studies were included with 207 hamstring injuries in the platelet-rich plasma group and 149 in the control group. Random-effects model for mean time to return to play that compared platelet-rich plasma + physical therapy to physical therapy alone non-significantly favored platelet-rich plasma + physical therapy (mean difference, −5.67 days). The fixed effects model for reinjury rates, which also compared platelet-rich plasma + physical therapy with physical therapy alone nonsignificantly favored platelet-rich plasma + physical therapy (risk ratio, 0.88). The best-case scenario fixed effects model for reinjury rates nonsignificantly favored platelet-rich plasma + physical therapy (risk ratio, 0.82). The worst-case scenario fixed effects model for reinjury rates nonsignificantly favored physical therapy alone (risk ratio, 1.13). The mean ± SD complication rate for either postinjection discomfort, pain, or sciatic nerve irritation was 5.2% ± 2.9% (range, 2.7% to 9.1%). Conclusion: There has been statistically nonsignificant evidence to suggest that PRP injection ± PT reduced mean time to RTP or reinjury rates compared to no treatment or PT alone for hamstring injuries in a short-term follow-up. The complication profiles were favorable. Further studies of high quality and large cohorts are needed to better support or disprove the consensus of the systematic review and meta-analysis.
Irremediable Psychiatric Suffering in the Context of Physician-assisted Death: A Scoping Review of Arguments: La souffrance psychiatrique irrémédiable dans le contexte du suicide assisté : Une revue étendue des arguments
Authors: van Veen Sisco M. P. , Ruissen Andrea M. , Widdershoven Guy A. M. 
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Physician-assisted death (PAD), also known as medical assistance in dying, of patients with a psychiatric disorder (PPD) is a global issue of debate. In most jurisdictions that allow PAD, irremediable suffering is a legal requirement, how to apply the concept of irremediability to PPD remains challenging. The aim of this article is to identify the main arguments concerning irremediability in the debate about PAD of PPD and give directions for further moral deliberation and empirical research. Methods: Systematic searches in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were combined with 4 additional search strategies. All conceptual-ethical articles, quantitative and qualitative empirical studies, guidelines, case reports, and commentaries that met the inclusion criteria were included, and a qualitative data synthesis was used to identify recurring themes within the literature. The study protocol was preregistered at the Open Science Framework under registration code: thjg8. Results: A total of 50 articles met the inclusion criteria. Three main arguments concerning irremediability were found in the debate about PAD of PPD: uncertainty, hope, and treatment refusal. Conclusions: Uncertainty about irremediability is inevitable, so which level of certainty is morally required should be the subject of moral deliberation. Whether PAD induces or resolves hopelessness is an empirical claim that deserves clarification. Treatment refusal in search of PAD raises questions about treatment efficacy in this patient group and about decision-making in the context of the physician–patient relationship. Going forward, more attention should be given to epidemiological research and to specific challenges posed by different psychiatric disorders.
A six-step brief intervention to reduce distress and increase treatment readiness in problem gamblers
Authors: Oakes Jane E , Manning Victoria , Rodda Simone N , Lubman Dan I 
Published: May 2020

Objective: The majority of people with gambling problems contact helplines when they are in crisis, hampering their capacity to explore suitable treatment options. To date, there has been limited research identifying the best way to support individuals to reduce distress and maximise further treatment-seeking. In this paper, we describe the development and piloting of the resulting six-step brief intervention. Method: A six-step brief intervention was developed based on a literature review of existing interventions for crisis management, semi-structured interviews with 19 participants comprising gambling and crisis support counsellors and consumers, as well as experts in the addiction field. Results: The resulting six-step brief-intervention focusses on (1) acknowledging and measuring distress; (2) normalising and reducing distress; (3) optimising motivation for change; (4) providing a sense of hope; (5) re-measuring distress and, if reduced; (6) exploring options for treatment and support. Conclusion: Whilst developed primarily for helpline counsellors, the intervention has potential application for health practitioners working across telephone, online and face-to-face services. Further research is required to determine its effectiveness in improving treatment engagement amongst people with gambling problems.
Rapid response to systemic steroid in macular alexandrite laser exposure: Multimodal imaging
Authors: Balikoglu-Yilmaz Melike , Kaya Mahmut , Erbezci Murat , Kaynak Suleyman 
Published: May 2020

Purpose To report the management of accidental macular photocoagulation during a 750-nm Alexandrite laser hair removal procedure. Methods Single case report with images. Results A 23-year-old girl presented with an immediate visual field defect in her right eye after direct inadvertent exposure to a single discharge from a 750-nm Alexandrite laser used for laser hair removal. Baseline Snellen visual acuity was 20/20 in the involved right eye but the patient reported a subjective visual field defect. She was treated with oral methylprednisolone that was started at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day and then gradually reduced. Six months after the initial exposure, the final visual acuity was 20/20 and there was a significant improvement in the macular lesion. However, the subjective visual field defect continued. She underwent multimodal retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescence angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography in addition to a visual field test and microperimety. Conclusion The present case documents a gradual visual and anatomical improvement following macular photic damage after accidental occupational exposure to a 750-nm Alexandrite laser. The treatment should be arranged according to the localization of the laser damage. Optical coherence tomography angiography also has the potential to help noninvasively detect choriocapillaris damage.