bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overcoming Systemic Barriers Preventing Healthy Urban Development in the UK: Main Findings from Interviewing Senior Decision-Makers During a 3-Year Planetary Health Pilot
Authors: Black Daniel , Pilkington Paul , Williams Ben , Ige Janet , Prestwood Emily , Hunt Alistair , Eaton Eleanor , Scally Gabriel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper sets out the main findings from two rounds of interviews with senior representatives from the UK’s urban development industry: the third and final phase of a 3-year pilot, Moving Health Upstream in Urban Development’ (UPSTREAM). The project had two primary aims: firstly, to attempt to value economically the health cost-benefits associated with the quality of urban environments and, secondly, to interview those in control of urban development in the UK in order to reveal the potential barriers to, and opportunities for, the creation of healthy urban environments, including their views on the use of economic valuation of (planetary) health outcomes. Much is known about the ‘downstream’ impact of urban environments on human and planetary health and about how to design and plan healthy towns and cities (‘midstream’), but we understand relatively little about how health can be factored in at key governance tipping points further ‘upstream’, particularly within dominant private sector areas of control (e.g. land, finance, delivery) at sub-national level. Our findings suggest that both public and private sector appeared well aware of the major health challenges posed by poor-quality urban environments. Yet they also recognized that health is not factored adequately into the urban planning process, and there was considerable support for greater use of non-market economic valuation to help improve decision-making. There was no silver bullet however: 110 barriers and 76 opportunities were identified across a highly complex range of systems, actors and processes, including many possible points of targeted intervention for economic valuation. Eight main themes were identified as key areas for discussion and future focus. This findings paper is the second of two on this phase of the project: the first sets out the rationale, approach and methodological lessons learned.
Autophosphorylation and the Dynamics of the Activation of Lck
Authors: Kreusser Lisa Maria , Rendall Alan D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLck (lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase) is an enzyme which plays a number of important roles in the function of immune cells. It belongs to the Src family of kinases which are known to undergo autophosphorylation. It turns out that this leads to a remarkable variety of dynamical behaviour which can occur during their activation. We prove that in the presence of autophosphorylation one phenomenon, bistability, already occurs in a mathematical model for a protein with a single phosphorylation site. We further show that a certain model of Lck exhibits oscillations. Finally, we discuss the relations of these results to models in the literature which involve Lck and describe specific biological processes, such as the early stages of T cell activation and the stimulation of T cell responses resulting from the suppression of PD-1 signalling which is important in immune checkpoint therapy for cancer.
Integrated multi-modality image-guided navigation for neurosurgery: open-source software platform using state-of-the-art clinical hardware
Authors: Shapey Jonathan , Dowrick Thomas , Delaunay Rémi , Mackle Eleanor C. , Thompson Stephen , Janatka Mirek , Guichard Roland , Georgoulas Anastasis , Pérez-Suárez David , Bradford Robert , Saeed Shakeel R. , Ourselin Sébastien , Clarkson Matthew J. , Vercauteren Tom 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Image-guided surgery (IGS) is an integral part of modern neuro-oncology surgery. Navigated ultrasound provides the surgeon with reconstructed views of ultrasound data, but no commercial system presently permits its integration with other essential non-imaging-based intraoperative monitoring modalities such as intraoperative neuromonitoring. Such a system would be particularly useful in skull base neurosurgery.

Methods
We established functional and technical requirements of an integrated multi-modality IGS system tailored for skull base surgery with the ability to incorporate: (1) preoperative MRI data and associated 3D volume reconstructions, (2) real-time intraoperative neurophysiological data and (3) live reconstructed 3D ultrasound. We created an open-source software platform to integrate with readily available commercial hardware. We tested the accuracy of the system’s ultrasound navigation and reconstruction using a polyvinyl alcohol phantom model and simulated the use of the complete navigation system in a clinical operating room using a patient-specific phantom model.

Results
Experimental validation of the system’s navigated ultrasound component demonstrated accuracy of $$<4.5\,\hbox {mm}$$

<
4.5

mm

and a frame rate of 25 frames per second. Clinical simulation confirmed that system assembly was straightforward, could be achieved in a clinically acceptable time of $$<15\,\hbox {min}$$

<
15

min

and performed with a clinically acceptable level of accuracy.

Conclusion
We present an integrated open-source research platform for multi-modality IGS. The present prototype system was tailored for neurosurgery and met all minimum design requirements focused on skull base surgery. Future work aims to optimise the system further by addressing the remaining target requirements.
A novel multi-DoF surgical robotic system for brachytherapy on liver tumor: Design and control
Authors: Lin Xiaofeng , Zhou Shoujun , Wen Tiexiang , Jiang Shenghao , Wang Cheng , Chen Jingtao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Purpose

Radioactive seed implantation is an effective invasive treatment method for malignant liver tumors in hepatocellular carcinomas. However, challenges of the manual procedure may degrade the efficacy of the technique, such as the high accuracy requirement and radiation exposure to the surgeons. This paper aims to develop a robotic system and its control methods for assisting surgeons on the treatment.

Method

We present an interventional robotic system, which consists of a 5 Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) positioning robotic arm (a 3-DoF translational joint and a 2-DoF revolute joint) and a needle actuator used for needle insertion and radioactive seeds implantation. Control strategy is designed for the system to ensure the safety of the motion. In the designed framework, an artificial potential field (APF)-based motion planning and an ultrasound (US) image-based contacting methods are proposed for the control.

Result

Experiments were performed to evaluate position and orientation accuracy as well as validate the motion planning procedure of the system. The mean and standard deviation of targeting error is 0.69 mm and 0.33 mm, respectively. Needle placement accuracy is 1.10 mm by mean. The feasibility of the control strategy, including path planning and the contacting methods, is demonstrated by simulation and experiments based on an abdominal phantom.

Conclusion

This paper presents a robotic system with force and US image feedback in assisting surgeons performing brachytherapy on liver tumors. The proposed robotic system is capable of executing an accurate needle insertion task with by optical tracking. The proposed methods improve the safety of the robot’s motion and automate the process of US probe contacting under the feedback of US-image.
„Who are we and how many?“ – Zur statistischen Konstruktion globaler Personenkategorien
Authors: Bennani Hannah , Müller Marion 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungAusgehend von der Annahme, dass Personenkategorien in internationalen Statistiken nicht nur sichtbar gemacht, sondern auch (mit-)erzeugt, reproduziert und objektiviert werden, fragt der Beitrag danach, wie genau Zahlen über personale Differenzierungen mit einem globalen Geltungsanspruch zustande kommen. Datengrundlage sind Dokumente aus internationalen Organisationen zu den entsprechenden politischen Entscheidungen sowie technische Anweisungen und Methodenhandbücher mit Erhebungsempfehlungen. Mithilfe einer wissenssoziologisch inspirierten Detailanalyse werden die üblicherweise nicht mehr sichtbaren Schritte der Quantifizierung anhand ausgewählter Beispiele (u. a. „Alter“, „Geschlecht“, „Ethnizität“, „Behinderung“) rekonstruiert: angefangen bei der begrifflichen Standardisierung personaler Merkmale, über ihre Operationalisierung und Festlegung von Indikatoren bis hin zur Aggregation der Einzelfälle zu Zahlen auf Weltebene. Dabei werden sowohl die Spannungen sichtbar, die zwischen der möglichst differenzierten Erfassung verschiedener Personen und der enormen Komplexitätsreduktion von Zahlen bestehen, als auch die Herausforderungen der Etablierung eines globalen Äquivalenzraumes. Der Beitrag verbindet damit vor allem Fragen der Kategorisierungs- und Quantifizierungsforschung und liefert innovative Einsichten darüber, wie genau kategoriale Differenzierungen zwischen Menschen in Zahlen transformiert und mit Objektivität versehen werden.
Usefulness of computed tomography for hospitalized adult patients with fever to investigate cause of fever: single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hamabe Fumiko , Terayama Takero , Mikoshi Ayako , Murakami Wakana , Yamada Kohei , Soga Shigeyoshi , Shinmoto Hiroshi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To verify that physicians’ presumptive diagnosis is the most significant factor for finding any signs related to the cause of fever on computed tomography (CT) images.

Materials and methods
This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients (age ≥ 16 years) who underwent CT to investigate the cause of fever between January 1, 2014, and August 31, 2016. Patients who underwent surgical procedures were excluded. The primary outcome was the presence of suspicious CT findings related to the cause of fever. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted for CT contrast agent use, quick sequential organ failure assessment score > 1, and C-reactive protein level.

Results
We enrolled 171 patients, of which 57 had CT findings, and 114 did not. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated a significant difference for the presence of a presumptive diagnosis by the attending physician (odds ratio, 4.99; 95% confidence interval 2.31–10.76; p < 0.01), but not for other covariates, including C-reactive protein.

Conclusions
In hospitalized patients with fever, an attending physicians’ presumptive diagnosis is associated with the presence of fever-related CT findings. Improving the quality of the diagnostic assessment before the CT scan may lead to more appropriate CT imaging use.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor–Modified T Cells and T Cell–Engaging Bispecific Antibodies: Different Tools for the Same Job
Authors: Schwerdtfeger Melanie , Benmebarek Mohamed-Reda , Endres Stefan , Subklewe Marion , Desiderio Vincenzo , Kobold Sebastian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Both chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and T cell–engaging antibodies (BiAb) have been approved for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, despite targeting the same antigen, they represent very different classes of therapeutics, each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks. In this review, we compare BiAb and CAR T cells with regard to their mechanism of action, manufacturing, and clinical application. In addition, we present novel strategies to overcome limitations of either approach and to combine the best of both worlds.

Recent Findings
By now there are multiple approaches combining the advantages of BiAb and CAR T cells. A major area of research is the application of both formats for solid tumor entities. This includes improving the infiltration of T cells into the tumor, counteracting immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, targeting antigen heterogeneity, and limiting off-tumor on-target effects.

Summary
BiAb come with the major advantage of being an off-the-shelf product and are more controllable because of their half-life. They have also been reported to induce less frequent and less severe adverse events. CAR T cells in turn demonstrate superior response rates, have the potential for long-term persistence, and can be additionally genetically modified to overcome some of their limitations, e.g., to make them more controllable.
Epigenetics of Indolent Lymphoma and How It Drives Novel Therapeutic Approaches—Focus on EZH2-Targeted Drugs
Authors: Longley Jemma , Johnson Peter W. M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Epigenetic modifier gene mutations are common in patients with follicular lymphoma. Here we review the pathogenesis of these mutations and how they are targeted by epigenetic drugs including EZH2 inhibitors in both mutated and wild-type disease.

Recent Findings
The use of EZH2 inhibitor tazematostat in early phase clinical trials has proved encouraging in the treatment of follicular lymphoma harbouring an EZH2 mutation; however, responses are also seen in patients with wild-type disease which is partially explained by the off target effects of EZH2 inhibition on immune cells within the tumour microenvironment.

Summary
Further studies incorporating prospective molecular profiling are needed to allow stratification of patients at both diagnosis and relapse to further our understanding of how epigenetic modifier mutations evolve over time. The use of tazematostat in combination or upfront in patients with an EZH2 mutation remains unanswered; however, given durable responses, ease of oral administration, and tolerability, it is certainly an attractive option.
A Future Road Map for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Gas Hydrate as an Emerging Technology in Food Research
Authors: Srivastava Shubhangi , Hitzmann Bernd , Zettel Viktoria 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGas hydrates constitute of gas as a guest molecule in hydrogen-bonded water lattices. This review covers ongoing hydrate research in food technology with a spotlight on carbon dioxide (CO2) application as a hydrate. The application of gas hydrates in the concentration of juices, desalination, carbonation, and food preservation has been covered in the review. One of the applications of CO2 hydrate technology was in the concentration of orange juice which gave a dehydration ratio (DR) of 57.2% at a pressure of 4.1 MPa. Similarly, one study applied it for the tomato juice concentration and had a DR of 65.2%. The CO2 hydrate rate constants recorded were 0.94 × 10−8 and 1.65 × 10−8 J−1 mol2 s−1 at a feed pressure of 1.81 and 3.1 MPa respectively. Hence, CO2 hydrate can be used effectively for the juice concentration as well as for other applications too. The review will cater insights on the generic trends of hydrates in food research with respect to their kinetics properties and their role in food applications. Despite the fact that there are no technology stoppers to exploit CO2 hydrates, a downright technological quantum leap is the need of the future in this riveting field. Thus, the perspectives and key challenges in food research are also discussed. The food applications of CO2 gas hydrates are still very scarce so there is an urge to carry through more theoretical and experimental analysis to elucidate various applications of hydrates in food and to positively validate its sustainability.
Is the impact of high reward sensitivity and poor cognitive control on adolescent risk-taking more visible in rewarding conditions?
Authors: Fryt Joanna , Smoleń Tomasz , Czernecka Karolina , Szczygieł Monika , La Torre Amelia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAdolescents are expected to take more risks than adults. The presented study was designed to determine whether adolescent risk-taking results from high reward sensitivity and poor cognitive control. In particular, we aimed to examine whether the impact of these variables is more visible in rewarding than non-rewarding conditions. Ninety adolescents (aged 13–16) and 95 young adults (aged 20–28) took part in the study. We used a driving task in rewarded and non-rewarded conditions to measure risk-taking. We also used tasks measuring reward sensitivity, cognitive control and impulsivity. Additionally we used self-report measures of reward sensitivity, self-control and everyday risk-taking to see whether the effects observed for self-reports mimic the effects observed for behavioral tasks. We found that the higher the reward sensitivity, the more adolescents (but not adults) risk in the rewarded condition of a driving task. We found no impact of cognitive control or impulsivity on risk-taking, regardless of age and condition. At the self-report level, we found that the higher the reward sensitivity and the poorer the self-control, the more both adolescents and adults displayed everyday risk-taking behavior.
Angular Extents and Trajectory Slopes in the Theory of Holomorphic Semigroups in the Unit Disk
Authors: Contreras Manuel D. , Díaz-Madrigal Santiago , Gumenyuk Pavel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe study relationships between the asymptotic behaviour of a non-elliptic semigroup of holomorphic self-maps of the unit disk and the geometry of its planar domain (the image of the Koenigs function). We establish a sufficient condition for the trajectories of the semigroup to converge to its Denjoy–Wolff point with a definite slope. We obtain as a corollary two previously known sufficient conditions.
Decline of democracy—the European Union at a crossroad
Authors: Smolka Theresia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough EU member states have committed themselves to upholding the fundamental democratic values enshrined in Article 2 Treaty on European Union, violations of these values could be observed in some member states—first and foremost in Hungary and Poland. This article studies whether these negative developments, which are often summarized under the terms backsliding or erosion of democracy, should be classified as a loss in the quality of democracy or even as a decline of democracy. By drawing on Gero Erdmann’s (2011) theoretical definition of decline of democracy and using Democracy Barometer data for the period between 2004 and 2016, this form of loss of the quality of democracy is analysed for the 28 EU member states. In addition, the EU’s role in safeguarding democracy in its member states is discussed. The article shows that it is not only the new EU members that show a decline of democracy more frequently, but the old EU members. The EU as guardian of the democratic fundamental values is failing to live up to its role despite the numerous instruments it has at its disposal.
Demand-Driven Biogas Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge: Application in Demonstration Scale
Authors: Lafratta Mauro , Thorpe Rex B. , Ouki Sabeha K. , Shana Achame , Germain Eve , Willcocks Mark , Lee Jacquetta 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The power system needs flexible electricity generators. Whilst electricity generation from anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge has traditionally been baseload, transforming the generation capacity into a modern flexible operator is an opportunity to further valorise the resource. This work aims to demonstrate that AD of sewage sludge can support flexible generation and be operated dynamically in a relevant operational environment, to promote full scale implementation. A demonstration scale plant (20 m3 conventional AD reactors) was used to test several feeding regimes designed to return a biogas production rate that matches the demand. Two demand profiles are defined, either by common corporate power purchase agreements or by the main balancing mechanism used by the grid operator in UK. Demand-driven biogas production is demonstrated in this relevant operational environment, and the flexibilisation performance is positive in all scenarios. The value of the biogas increases by up to 2%, which outperforms the results obtained at pilot scale. Additionally, an increase in biogas yield is observed. Whilst transitional imbalances are recorded, they last for few hours and the overall stability is not affected. In conclusion, these trials demonstrate demand-driven biogas production is a feasible operational solution and full-scale implementation is possible.

Graphical Abstract
Involvement of transcribed lncRNA uc.291 and SWI/SNF complex in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mancini M. , Cappello A. , Pecorari R. , Lena A. M. , Montanaro M. , Fania L. , Ricci F. , Di Lella G. , Piro M. C. , Abeni D. , Dellambra E. , Mauriello A. , Melino G. , Candi E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhile non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common tumours in humans, only the sub-type cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), might become metastatic with high lethality. We have recently identified a regulatory pathway involving the lncRNA transcript uc.291 in controlling the expression of epidermal differentiation complex genes via the interaction with ACTL6A, a component of the chromatin remodelling complex SWI/SNF. Since transcribed ultra-conserved regions (T-UCRs) are expressed in normal tissues and are deregulated in tumorigenesis, here we hypothesize a potential role for dysregulation of this axis in cSCC, accounting for the de-differentiation process observed in aggressive poorly differentiated cutaneous carcinomas. We therefore analysed their expression patterns in human tumour biopsies at mRNA and protein levels. The results suggest that by altering chromatin accessibility of the epidermal differentiation complex genes, down-regulation of uc.291 and BRG1 expression contribute to the de-differentiation process seen in keratinocyte malignancy. This provides future direction for the identification of clinical biomarkers in cutaneous SCC. Analysis of publicly available data sets indicates that the above may also be a general feature for SCCs of different origins.
A peep into the state of ground water quality in the district of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India, from a radiological and chemical toxicity perspective
Authors: Ganesh Durai , Senthilkumar G. , Eswaran P. , Balakrishnan M. , Bramha S. N. , Chandrasekaran S. , Ravisankar R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUranium concentration in the ground water samples from the district of Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, was measured using an LED fluorimeter. All the samples were qualified as potable water from the radiological perspective. Though some samples showed mild chemical toxicity, they are still safe for ingestion. Different risk coefficients were calculated, and they were compared with recommended safety limits specified by various agencies. Software tools such as QGIS 15, GraphPad Prism 8 and Surfer 15 were employed for developing maps and plots.