bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From little string free energies towards modular graph functions
Authors: Hohenegger Stefan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
We study the structure of the non-perturbative free energy of a one-parameter class of little string theories (LSTs) of A-type in the so-called unrefined limit. These theories are engineered by N M5-branes probing a transverse flat space. By analysing a number of examples, we observe a pattern which suggests to write the free energy in a fashion that resembles a decomposition into higher-point functions which can be presented in a graphical way reminiscent of sums of (effective) Feynman diagrams: to leading order in the instanton parameter of the LST, the N external states are given either by the fundamental building blocks of the theory with N = 1, or the function that governs the counting of BPS states of a single M5-brane coupling to one M2-brane on either side. These states are connected via an effective coupling function which encodes the details of the gauge algebra of the LST and which in its simplest (non-trivial) form is captured by the scalar Greens function on the torus. More complicated incarnations of this function show certain similarities with so-called modular graph functions, which have appeared in the study of Feynman amplitudes in string- and field theory. Finally, similar structures continue to exist at higher instanton orders, which, however, also contain contributions that can be understood as the action of (Hecke) operators on the leading instanton result.
Postcardiac injury syndrome after cardiac implantable electronic device implantation
Authors: Filbey Kevin , Sedaghat-Hamedani Farbod , Kayvanpour Elham , Xynogalos Panagiotis , Scherer Daniel , Meder Benjamin , Katus Hugo A. , Zitron Edgar 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) is an inflammatory complication that derives from injury to the epicardium, myocardium, or endocardium. It occurs after trauma, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac surgery, intracardiac ablation, and implantation of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). In this study we assessed the incidence of PCIS after CIED implantation and its possible risk factors.

Material and methods
All patients who received CIED implantation at Heidelberg University Hospital between 2000 and 2014 were evaluated (n = 4989 patients). Clinical data including age, sex, underlying cardiac disease, type of implanted CIED, location of electrode implantation, clinical symptoms, time of symptom onset of PCIS, therapy, and outcome were extracted and analyzed.

Results
We identified 19 cases of PCIS in 4989 patients, yielding an incidence of 0.38%. The age of patients with PCIS ranged from 39 to 86 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as underlying cardiac disease and right atrial (RA) lead implantation had a significant association with occurrence of PCIS (p = 0.045 in DCM and p < 0.001 in RA lead implantation). Dyspnea, chest pain, dry cough, and fever were the most frequently reported symptoms in patients with PCIS. Pericardial and pleura effusion as well as elevated C‑reactive protein (CRP), increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and leukocytosis were the most common findings.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest cohort evaluating the incidence of PCIS after CIED implantation. The data show that PCIS is a rare complication after CIED implantation and occurs more frequently in patients with DCM and those with RA lead implantation. Although rare and mostly benign, PCIS can lead to potentially lethal complications and physicians must be aware of its symptoms.
Treatment strategies to prevent and reduce gynecomastia and/or breast pain caused by antiandrogen therapy for prostate cancer
Authors:   Prostate Cancer Expert Panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and The Working Party Radiation Oncology of the German Cancer Society (DKG-ARO), Ghadjar Pirus , Aebersold Daniel M. , Albrecht Clemens , Böhmer Dirk , Flentje Michael , Ganswindt Ute , Höcht Stefan , Hölscher Tobias , Müller Arndt-Christian , Niehoff Peter , Pinkawa Michael , Sedlmayer Felix , Zips Daniel , Wiegel Thomas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Aim
To provide an overview on the available treatments to prevent and reduce gynecomastia and/or breast pain caused by antiandrogen therapy for prostate cancer.

Methods
The German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) expert panel summarized available evidence published and assessed the validity of the information on efficacy and treatment-related toxicity.

Results
Eight randomized controlled trials and one meta-analysis were identified. Two randomized trials demonstrated that prophylactic radiation therapy (RT) using 1 × 10 Gy or 2 × 6 Gy significantly reduced the rate of gynecomastia but not breast pain, as compared to observation. A randomized dose-finding trial identified the daily dose of 20 mg tamoxifen (TMX) as the most effective prophylactic dose and another randomized trial described that daily TMX use was superior to weekly use. Another randomized trial showed that prophylactic daily TMX is more effective than TMX given at the onset of gynecomastia. Two other randomized trials described that TMX was clearly superior to anastrozole in reducing the risk for gynecomastia and/or breast pain. One comparative randomized trial between prophylactic RT using 1 × 12 Gy and TMX concluded that prophylactic TMX is more effective compared to prophylactic RT and furthermore that TMX appears to be more effective to treat gynecomastia and/or breast pain when symptoms are already present. A meta-analysis confirmed that both prophylactic RT and TMX can reduce the risk of gynecomastia and/or breast pain with TMX being more effective; however, the rate of side effects after TMX including dizziness and hot flushes might be higher than after RT and must be taken into account. Less is known regarding the comparative effectiveness of different radiation fractionation schedules and more modern RT techniques.

Conclusions
Prophylactic RT as well as daily TMX can significantly reduce the incidence of gynecomastia and/or breast pain. TMX appears to be an effective alternative to RT also as a therapeutic treatment in the presence of gynecomastia but its side effects and off-label use must be considered.
Passspurenuntersuchungen – Fallbeispiele zur Untersuchung aus dem Körper Geschädigter präparierter Fragmente nach stumpfer und scharfer Gewalt
Authors: Weber M. , Rothschild M. A. 
Published: March 2020

ZusammenfassungPassspurenuntersuchungen verfolgen i. d. R. das Ziel, die ehemalige Einheit von Fragmenten zu belegen. Jede Bruchstruktur ist individuell und damit unterscheidbar gestaltet und entsteht durch eine zufällige Abfolge von Richtungswechseln des Trennverlaufes, welche von einer Vielzahl nichtreproduzierbarer Faktoren beeinflusst wird. Die Untersuchung der Bruchflächen erfolgt unter gegenläufiger Lichtführung mit dem Vergleichslichtmikroskop. Alternativ werden in der Kriminaltechnik immer häufiger 3D-Oberflächenscanner und Vergleichssoftware verwendet. In dieser Arbeit werden 3 Kasuistiken präsentiert, in denen Fragmente, die nach Angriffen durch scharfe oder stumpfe Gewalt im Körper der Geschädigten verblieben sind, in Passspurenuntersuchungen mit dem verwendeten Tatwerkzeug verglichen wurden. Es werden zudem Empfehlungen zu fotografischer Dokumentation und spurenschonender Sicherung solcher Fragmente gegeben. In 2 der präsentierten Fallbeispiele wurde das Opfer jeweils mit Messern attackiert, und Fragmente der Messerklingen verblieben in den Körpern der Geschädigten. Im 3. Fall verwendeten die Täter einen hölzernen Baseballschläger, von welchem ein Splitter in einer Kopfwunde des Opfers verblieb. In allen 3 Fällen konnten die Fragmente anhand der Bruchstrukturen den Tatwerkzeugen zugeordnet werden.
Extracorporeal treatment of metforminassociated lactic acidosis in clinical practice: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: van Berlo-van de Laar Inge R.F. , Vermeij Cornelis G. , van den Elsen-Hutten Marjo , de Meijer Arthur , Taxis Katja , Jansman Frank G.A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To assess whether extracorporeal treatment (ECTR) improves outcome of patients with metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) and to evaluate the clinical applicability of the Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning Workgroup (EXTRIP) criteria for starting ECTR in metformin poisoning.

Methods
Patients with metformin serum concentrations above 2 mg/l who were admitted in the Deventer Teaching Hospital between January 2000 and July 2019 and complied with the definition of MALA (pH < 7.35 and lactate concentration > 5 mmol/l) were included. Mortality and clinical parameters of patients treated with ECTR or not were compared. In addition, treatment of MALA in clinical practice was verified against the criteria of EXTRIP.

Results
Forty-two patients were included. Lactate (13.8 versus 10.5 mmol/l, p = 0.01), creatinine (575 versus 254 umol/l, p < 0.01)), metformin (29.4 versus 8.6 mg/l, p < 0.01) concentrations, and vasopressor requirement (72% versus 23%, p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the ECTR-group. Blood pH (7.05 versus 7.19, p = 0.03) and bicarbonate (6 versus 11 mmol/l, p < 0.01) were significantly lower. Mortality, length of hospital stay, and mechanical ventilation requirement were not statistically different. In 83% of patients, treatment of MALA was in accordance with the EXTRIP criteria.

Conclusions
Although there was no statistical benefit in mortality shown from ECTR, ECTR might be lifesaving in MALA, considering the ECTR-group was significantly sicker than the non-ECTR-group.
The majority of patients were treated in line with the EXTRIP criteria. Severity of lactic acidosis and renal impairment were the main indications for initiating ECTR.
T-cell Receptor Excision Circles in Newborns with Heart Defects
Authors: Gul Kiran A. , Strand Janne , Pettersen Rolf D. , Brun Henrik , Abrahamsen Tore G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the fetus, the cardiac neural crest gives rise to both the thymus and the conotruncus of the heart. In newborn screening for severe T-cell lymphopenia neonates with congenital heart defects may be detected. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of T-cell lymphopenia in neonates with or without 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (del) suffering from heart defects. This retrospective cohort study included 125 patients with heart defects. T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs), a measure for T-cell lymphopenia, were quantified by RT-PCR using stored newborn screening blood spots. Three patient groups were compared: non-conotruncal defects (n = 57), conotruncal defects (n = 42), and 22q11.2 del with conotruncal defects (n = 26). Significantly lower TREC values were detected in patients with 22q11.2 del and conotruncal heart defects compared to those with non-syndromic conotruncal (p < 0.001) and non-conotruncal (p < 0.001) defects. In contrast, no significant difference was found between patients with non-syndromic conotruncal and non-conotruncal heart defects (p = 0.152). Low TREC levels were obtained in neonates treated with heart surgery/intervention within 2 weeks after birth and in those with a fatal outcome (p = 0.02) independent of patient group. A correlation was found between low TREC numbers and oxygen saturation, SpO2 below 95% (p = 0.017). The SpO2 was significantly lower in the non-syndromic conotruncal group compared to non-conotruncal (p < 0.001) and 22q11.2 del group (p = 0.015). No correlation was found between low neonatal TRECs and infections needing hospitalization later in life (p = 0.135). Patients with 22q11.2 del and conotruncal defects have significantly lower TREC levels compared to patients with heart defects without this syndrome.
Deep convolutional neural network-based detection of meniscus tears: comparison with radiologists and surgery as standard of reference
Authors: Fritz Benjamin , Marbach Giuseppe , Civardi Francesco , Fucentese Sandro F. , Pfirrmann Christian W.A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective
To clinically validate a fully automated deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) for detection of surgically proven meniscus tears.

Materials and methods
One hundred consecutive patients were retrospectively included, who underwent knee MRI and knee arthroscopy in our institution. All MRI were evaluated for medial and lateral meniscus tears by two musculoskeletal radiologists independently and by DCNN. Included patients were not part of the training set of the DCNN. Surgical reports served as the standard of reference. Statistics included sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, ROC curve analysis, and kappa statistics.

Results
Fifty-seven percent (57/100) of patients had a tear of the medial and 24% (24/100) of the lateral meniscus, including 12% (12/100) with a tear of both menisci. For medial meniscus tear detection, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were for reader 1: 93%, 91%, and 92%, for reader 2: 96%, 86%, and 92%, and for the DCNN: 84%, 88%, and 86%. For lateral meniscus tear detection, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were for reader 1: 71%, 95%, and 89%, for reader 2: 67%, 99%, and 91%, and for the DCNN: 58%, 92%, and 84%. Sensitivity for medial meniscus tears was significantly different between reader 2 and the DCNN (p = 0.039), and no significant differences existed for all other comparisons (all p ≥ 0.092). The AUC-ROC of the DCNN was 0.882, 0.781, and 0.961 for detection of medial, lateral, and overall meniscus tear. Inter-reader agreement was very good for the medial (kappa = 0.876) and good for the lateral meniscus (kappa = 0.741).

Conclusion
DCNN-based meniscus tear detection can be performed in a fully automated manner with a similar specificity but a lower sensitivity in comparison with musculoskeletal radiologists.
Chemical effects during the formation of various types of femtosecond laser-generated surface structures on titanium alloy
Authors: Florian C. , Wonneberger R. , Undisz A. , Kirner S. V. , Wasmuth K. , Spaltmann D. , Krüger J. , Bonse J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this contribution, chemical, structural, and mechanical alterations in various types of femtosecond laser-generated surface structures, i.e., laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples), Grooves, and Spikes on titanium alloy, are characterized by various surface analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction and glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy. The formation of oxide layers of the different laser-based structures inherently influences the friction and wear performance as demonstrated in oil-lubricated reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTTs) along with subsequent elemental mapping by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. It is revealed that the fs-laser scan processing (790 nm, 30 fs, 1 kHz) of near-wavelength-sized LIPSS leads to the formation of a graded oxide layer extending a few hundreds of nanometers into depth, consisting mainly of amorphous oxides. Other superficial fs-laser-generated structures such as periodic Grooves and irregular Spikes produced at higher fluences and effective number of pulses per unit area present even thicker graded oxide layers that are also suitable for friction reduction and wear resistance. Ultimately, these femtosecond laser-induced nanostructured surface layers efficiently prevent a direct metal-to-metal contact in the RSTT and may act as an anchor layer for specific wear-reducing additives contained in the used engine oil.
Patient-specific heart simulation can identify non-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Isotani Akihiro , Yoneda Kazunori , Iwamura Takashi , Watanabe Masahiro , Okada Jun-ichi , Washio Takumi , Sugiura Seiryo , Hisada Toshiaki , Ando Kenji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTo identify non-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), various biomarkers have been proposed, but these attempts have not been successful to date. We tested the clinical applicability of computer simulation of CRT for the identification of non-responders. We used the multi-scale heart simulator “UT-Heart,” which can reproduce the electrophysiology and mechanics of the heart based on a molecular model of the excitation–contraction mechanism. Patient-specific heart models were created for eight heart failure patients who were treated with CRT, based on the clinical data recorded before treatment. Using these heart models, bi-ventricular pacing simulations were performed at multiple pacing sites adopted in clinical practice. Improvement in pumping function measured by the relative change of maximum positive derivative of left ventricular pressure (%ΔdP/dtmax) was compared with the clinical outcome. The operators of the simulation were blinded to the clinical outcome. In six patients, the relative reduction in end-systolic volume exceeded 15% in the follow-up echocardiogram at 3 months (responders) and the remaining two patients were judged as non-responders. The simulated %ΔdP/dtmax at the best lead position could identify responders and non-responders successfully. With further refinement of the model, patient-specific simulation could be a useful tool for identifying non-responders to CRT.
PLCG2 protective variant p.P522R modulates tau pathology and disease progression in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors:   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Kleineidam Luca , Chouraki Vincent , Próchnicki Tomasz , van der Lee Sven J. , Madrid-Márquez Laura , Wagner-Thelen Holger , Karaca Ilker , Weinhold Leonie , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Boland Anne , Martino Adami Pamela V. , Lewczuk Piotr , Popp Julius , Brosseron Frederic , Jansen Iris E. , Hulsman Marc , Kornhuber Johannes , Peters Oliver , Berr Claudine , Heun Reinhard , Frölich Lutz , Tzourio Christophe , Dartigues Jean-François , Hüll Michael , Espinosa Ana , Hernández Isabel , de Rojas Itziar , Orellana Adelina , Valero Sergi , Stringa Najada , van Schoor Natasja M. , Huisman Martijn , Scheltens Philip , Rüther Eckart , Deleuze Jean-Francois , Wiltfang Jens , Tarraga Lluis , Schmid Matthias , Scherer Martin , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Heneka Michael T. , Amouyel Philippe , Jessen Frank , Boada Merce , Maier Wolfgang , Schneider Anja , González-Pérez Antonio , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Wagner Michael , Lambert Jean-Charles , Holstege Henne , Sáez Mª Eugenia , Latz Eicke , Ruiz Agustin , Ramirez Alfredo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA rare coding variant (rs72824905, p.P522R) conferring protection against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was identified in the gene encoding the enzyme phospholipase-C-γ2 (PLCG2) that is highly expressed in microglia. To explore the protective nature of this variant, we employed latent process linear mixed models to examine the association of p.P522R with longitudinal cognitive decline in 3595 MCI patients, and in 10,097 individuals from population-based studies. Furthermore, association with CSF levels of pTau181, total tau, and Aβ1-42 was assessed in 1261 MCI patients. We found that MCI patients who carried the p.P522R variant showed a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to non-carriers and that this effect was mediated by lower pTau181 levels in CSF. The effect size of the association of p.P522R with the cognitive decline and pTau181 was similar to that of APOE-ε4, the strongest genetic risk factor for AD. Interestingly, the protective effect of p.P522R was more pronounced in MCI patients with low Aβ1-42 levels suggesting a role of PLCG2 in the response to amyloid pathology. In line with this hypothesis, we observed no protective effect of the PLCG2 variant on the cognitive decline in population-based studies probably due to the lower prevalence of amyloid positivity in these samples compared to MCI patients. Concerning the potential biological underpinnings, we identified a network of co-expressed proteins connecting PLCG2 to APOE and TREM2 using unsupervised co-regulatory network analysis. The network was highly enriched for the complement cascade and genes differentially expressed in disease-associated microglia. Our data show that p.P522R in PLCG2 reduces AD disease progression by mitigating tau pathology in the presence of amyloid pathology and, as a consequence, maintains cognitive function. Targeting the enzyme PLCG2 might provide a new therapeutic approach for treating AD.
Application-oriented fundamental research on concrete and reinforced concrete structures: selected findings from an Austro-Chinese research project
Authors: Binder Eva , Wang Hui , Zhang Jiao-Long , Schlappal Thomas , Yuan Yong , Mang Herbert A. , Pichler Bernhard L. A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the significance of application-oriented fundamental research on concrete and reinforced concrete structures for progress regarding practical applications to structural design is addressed based on four examples. They were treated in a joint research project of Vienna University of Technology and Tongji University. The first topic refers to sudden heating or cooling of concrete structures, the second one to high-dynamic strength of specimens made of cementitious materials, the third one to structural analysis of segmental tunnel rings used in mechanized tunneling, and the fourth one to serviceability and ultimate limit states of concrete hinges used in integral bridge construction. The first two topics deal with exceptional load cases. Results from the fundamental research call for improvements of state-of-the-art simulation approaches used in civil engineering design. The last two topics refer to reinforced concrete hinges used in mechanized tunneling and integral bridge construction, respectively. Integrative research has led to progress regarding the verification of serviceability and ultimate limit states. In all four examples, results from fundamental research are used to scrutinize state-of-the-art approaches used in practical structural design of civil engineering structures. This allows for identifying interesting directions for the future development of design guidelines and standards.
Predicting the risk of depression among adolescents in Nepal using a model developed in Brazil: the IDEA Project
Authors: Brathwaite Rachel , Rocha Thiago Botter-Maio , Kieling Christian , Gautam Kamal , Koirala Suraj , Mondelli Valeria , Kohrt Brandon , Fisher Helen L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe burden of adolescent depression is high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet research into prevention is lacking. Development and validation of models to predict individualized risk of depression among adolescents in LMICs is rare but crucial to ensure appropriate targeting of preventive interventions. We assessed the ability of a model developed in Brazil, a middle-income country, to predict depression in an existing culturally different adolescent cohort from Nepal, a low-income country with a large youth population with high rates of depression. Data were utilized from the longitudinal study of 258 former child soldiers matched with 258 war-affected civilian adolescents in Nepal. Prediction modelling techniques were employed to predict individualized risk of depression at age 18 or older in the Nepali cohort using a penalized logistic regression model. Following a priori exclusions for prior depression and age, 55 child soldiers and 71 war-affected civilians were included in the final analysis. The model was well calibrated, had good overall performance, and achieved good discrimination between depressed and non-depressed individuals with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73 (bootstrap-corrected 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.83). The Brazilian model comprising seven matching sociodemographic predictors, was able to stratify individualized risk of depression in a Nepali adolescent cohort. Further testing of the model’s performance in larger socio-culturally diverse samples in other geographical regions should be attempted to test the model’s wider generalizability.