bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The regulation of internet pornography: What a survey of under‐18s tells us about the necessity for and potential efficacy of emerging legislative approaches
Authors: Thurman Neil , Obster Fabian
Published: May 2021

In 2017, the UK Parliament passed an Act requiring legal pornographic websites to implement ‘robust’ age verification checks. Although the Act inspired lawmakers elsewhere to propose similar legislation, it was never enacted, in part because it did not cover social media platforms. Instead, the UK government has turned to its Online Harms White Paper—which does target social media platforms—to protect children from online pornography. There is, however, scant evidence on the media platforms and technologies children use to access pornography. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a survey of 16‐ and 17‐year‐olds in the United Kingdom. The results show that more (63%) had seen pornography on social media platforms than on pornographic websites (47%), suggesting the UK government was right to target such platforms in its latest proposals. However, pornography was much more frequently viewed on pornographic websites than on social media, showing how important the regulation of such sites remains. Furthermore, our finding that 46% of 16‐ and 17‐year‐olds had used a virtual private network or Tor browser adds weight to concerns that restrictions on legal internet pornography—such as age verification checks—imposed by a single country may be circumvented by those the restrictions are designed to protect.
A toddler diagnosed with severe postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans and COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Koletsi Patra , Antoniadi Marita , Mermiri Despina , Koltsida Georgia , Koukou Dimitra , Noni Maria , Spoulou Vasiliki , Michos Athanasios
Published: May 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, management of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children with underlying chronic lung disease has been challenging. There are limited studies in children with respiratory comorbidities, apart from asthma, presumably due to low morbidity of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the general pediatric population along with the low incidence of certain pulmonary conditions. Compassionate use of remdesivir has been shown to reduce time to clinical improvement in adults and has been retrospectively studied in small pediatric cohorts with promising results. Whether children with underlying respiratory conditions may benefit from antiviral treatment in the context of different pathophysiologic backgrounds and unknown drug safety and efficacy needs to be further evaluated. We present a case of COVID‐19 infection in a 3‐year old toddler with severe postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans, who received compassionate treatment with 5‐day‐course of remdesivir, and recovered with favourable outcome.
Spray drift deposition comparison of fluorimetry and analytical confirmation techniques
Authors: Szarka Arpad Z , Kruger Greg R , Golus Jeff , Rodgers Carol , Perkins Daniel , Brain Richard A
Published: May 2021

Tracer dyes are often used as surrogates to characterize pesticide spray drift and it is assumed that they accurately reflect analytical measurement of active ingredients; however, the validity of this assumption remains inconclusive. Consequently, the influence of measurement technique on the magnitude of deposition of spray drift was investigated using spray drift samples evaluated by traditional analytical techniques (HPLC–MS/MS) and fluorimetry (1,3,6,8‐pyrene‐tetra sulfonic acid tetrasodium salt dye tracer). The experiment was conducted in a low‐speed wind tunnel under controlled meteorological conditions. The herbicide mesotrione was sprayed through three spray air induction nozzles (anvil deflector flat fan TTI11004; flat fan AI11004; flat fan AIXR11003). Spray drift deposition samples were collected using stainless steel discs pairs placed side by side in the center of the wind tunnel at distances of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 ft (1.5, 3.1, 6.1, 9.1, and 12.2 m) from the spray nozzle. The analytical technique determined pesticide concentration on one disc per pair, and the other was evaluated by fluorimetry. The experimental results, analyzed using the linear split‐split plot model, revealed that median deposition concentrations were 15% higher using the tracer dye fluorescence method relative to the analytical method, potentially due in part to procedural recovery inefficiencies of the analytical method (the mean overall procedural recovery result and RSD was 87% ± 6.4% (n = 12). This relationship was consistent and held true for the three nozzle types at all distances within the wind tunnel. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Release of powdery or granular substances from intact dangerous goods bags during road transport—Analysis of the causes and development of a test concept
Authors: Schlick‐Hasper Eva , Bruchno Martin , Goedecke Thomas
Published: May 2021

The leaks of dangerous goods from actually intact bags detected in the years 2018 to 2020 tend to be at an almost constant high level. These releases of powdery or granular dangerous goods represent violations of the sift‐proofness required in the dangerous goods regulations. This article first analyses the causes. The components of the bags that are affected by leaks are micro‐perforations, joins and closures, in particular internal sleeve valves. A distinction must be made between bags closed in conformity with or contrary to the manufacturer's instructions. The particle release is determined by a number of influencing factors of the filling substance, the packaging and other boundary conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive test concept is developed in this work, which takes all these factors into account. The application of this test concept facilitates the planning of the test setup and the experiments. On this basis, the complex mechanisms involved in the release of solid substances can be systematically investigated in the test laboratory. To prevent releases of powdery or granular substances from intact bags, it is necessary that the user has access to the closing instructions and the relevant properties of the test substance used for the design‐type approval. Further experimental investigations are needed to assess whether filling substances change their properties during transport and whether this enables them to escape.
Sarcopenia diagnosis: comparison of automated with manual computed tomography segmentation in clinical routine
Authors: Caudron Louise , Bussy Alexandre , Artemova Svetlana , Charrière Katia , El Lakkiss Salma , Moreau‐Gaudry Alexandre , Bosson Jean‐Luc , Ferretti Gilbert R. , Fontaine Eric , Bétry Cécile
Published: May 2021

Background

Cross‐sectional muscle area (CSMA) at the mid third lumbar vertebra (L3) can be used for sarcopenia diagnosis. The measurement of CSMA is time‐consuming and thus restricted to clinical research. We aimed to compare the automatic module ABACS (Automatic Body composition Analyser using Computed tomography image Segmentation software) with manual segmentation for CSMA assessment into clinical routine.

Methods

The study population was screened retrospectively from a computed tomography‐scan (CT‐scan) database. All consecutive participants, hospitalized at the Grenoble University Hospital (CHU Grenoble Alpes) between January and May 2018, and with an abdominal CT‐scan including sagittal reconstruction were included. The software SliceOmatic complemented with the module ABACS (ABACS‐SliceOmatic) was compared with the software ImageJ. Their agreement was determined using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and visualized in Bland–Altman plots for the CSMA measurement or with Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) for sarcopenia status.

Results

Data from 680 participants were analysed (mean age 59 ± 19 years, %females: 45.7). The concordance correlation coefficient between both types of software was 0.93 (CI95%: 0.92 to 0.94). Mean CSMA was significantly higher with ABACS‐SliceOmatic (mean difference: 6.51 ± 10.50 cm2; P < 0.001). Kappa agreement for sarcopenia diagnosis was moderate: 0.68 (CI95%: 0.62–0.74) and 0.71 (CI95%: 0.65–0.76) for Prado's and Derstine's definitions, respectively.

Conclusions

ABACS‐SliceOmatic has moderate agreement with the manual software ImageJ in a routine clinical database. Our work suggests that ABACS‐SliceOmatic should be used with caution in clinical practice. To improve its reliability, we suggest to manually validate the automatic segmentation.
Ultrasonic humidifier lung as a mimic of COVID‐19
Authors: Ro Shosei , Imai Ryosuke , Kitamura Atsushi , Jinta Torahiko , Nishimura Naoki
Published: May 2021

Chest computed tomography (CT) has been used to complement coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diagnosis due to its high sensitivity. However, owing to the low specificity of CT findings, differential diagnosis is essential. The typical CT findings of COVID‐19 include ground‐glass opacifications and consolidations with predominant distribution in bilateral, peripheral, and subpleural parts of the lung. These imaging findings are non‐specific and may resemble other lung conditions, including ultrasonic humidifier lung, which is a condition that develops on inhaling aerosols generated by ultrasonic humidifiers. We present two patients with initial symptoms similar to COVID‐19. CT examination revealed centrilobular nodules and consolidations with upper lobe‐predominant distribution, although atypical for COVID‐19, but key findings for ultrasonic humidifier lung. Therefore, ultrasonic humidifier lung could be a differential diagnosis for COVID‐19 in dry environments. Characteristic CT findings and a history of ultrasonic humidifier use are critical to the final diagnosis.
Robotic‐assisted surgery for complicated and uncomplicated diverticulitis: A single‐surgeon case‐series comparison
Authors: Lai Debra , Horsey Michael L. , Habboosh Noor , Pudalov Natalie , Parascandola Salvatore A. , Hota Salini , Slami Abdullah al , Obias Vincent
Published: May 2021

Background

Robotic‐assisted techniques in colorectal surgery have dramatically increased. Comparative data on the management of uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis using robotics is lacking. The purpose of this study is to examine outcomes of patients who underwent robotic‐assisted resection in diverticulitis.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database performed by a single surgeon was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent robotic‐assisted surgery (RAS) for diverticulitis from October 2009 to November 2018. Demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes were assessed using χ2 or Fisher exact test with p values <0.05 considered significant. IRB approval was obtained for this study, #NCR190935.

Results

Comparison revealed significant differences in operative times (222 vs. 291 min, p < 0.00001), mean estimated blood loss (130 vs. 304 cc, p = 0.0003) and mean length of stay (3.9 vs. 5.0 days, p = 0.006). Low rates of postoperative complications were observed, with no significant differences noted for conversion to laparoscopy, surgical site infection, leak, intra‐abdominal abscess, 30‐day unplanned readmission or recurrence.

Conclusion

Patients with complicated diverticulitis required longer operative time, had increased estimated blood loss and more often converted to an open procedure; however, overall rates of post‐operative complications were low in both groups. RAS shows promise for use in complicated diverticulitis.
Temperature dependent viral tropism: understanding viral seasonality and pathogenicity as applied to the avoidance and treatment of endemic viral respiratory illnesses
Authors: Shaw Stewart Patrick D. , Bach Julia L.
Published: May 2021

This review seeks to explain three features of viral respiratory illnesses that have perplexed generations of virologists: (1) the seasonal timing of respiratory illness and the rapid response of outbreaks to weather, specifically temperature; (2) the common viruses causing respiratory illness worldwide, including year‐round disease in the Tropics; (3) the rapid arrival and termination of epidemics caused by influenza and other viruses. The inadequacy of the popular explanations of seasonality is discussed, and a simple hypothesis is proposed, called temperature dependent viral tropism (TDVT), that is compatible with the above features of respiratory illness. TDVT notes that viruses can spread more effectively if theymoderatetheir pathogenicity (thereby maintaining host mobility) and suggests that endemic respiratory viruses accomplish this by developing thermal sensitivity within a range that supports organ‐specific viral tropism within the human body, whereby they replicate most rapidly attemperatures below body temperature. This can confine them to the upper respiratory tract and allow them to avoid infecting the lungs, heart, gut etc. Biochemical and tissue‐culture studies show that ‘wild’ respiratory viruses show such natural thermal sensitivity. The typical early autumn surge of colds and the occurrence of respiratory illness in the Tropics year‐round at intermediate levels are explained by the tendency for strains to adapt their thermal sensitivity to their local climate and season. TDVT has important practical implications for preventing and treating respiratory illness including Covid‐19. It is testable with many options for experiments to increase our understanding of viral seasonality and pathogenicity.
How can the waste management sector contribute to overcoming barriers to the circular economy?
Authors: Arena Marika , Azzone Giovanni , Grecchi Manuela , Piantoni Giulia
Published: May 2021

This paper contributes to an emerging literature stream advocating the multifaceted involvement of the waste management sector in supporting the up‐scaling of the circular economy (CE). It explores the role of waste collection and recycling platforms in overcoming various barriers to CE implementation, inductively analyzing the case of postconsumer wood in Italy. Data were collected from multiple sources: interviews with 33 informants, participation in project meetings, site visits, and public and private documents. The case shows how waste collection platforms can perform different activities that can help address cultural, regulatory, market, and technological barriers. First, these platforms can contribute to stimulating demand for postconsumer wood, carrying out information and communication activities, and fostering the development of a positive image of the recovered material. Second, the platforms can contribute to defining and implementing the conditions to enable the activation of recycling processes.
DNA as a Natural Flame Retardant for Cellulose Acetate Polymer Mixtures
Authors: Koedel Justus , Seibt Sebastian , Callsen Christoph , Puchtler Florian , Weise Markus , Weidinger Andy , Altstaedt Volker , Ruckdäschel Holger , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard
Published: May 2021

The combustion properties of natural DNA mixed with the nature‐derived thermoplastic cellulose acetate (CA) were determined. The flame retarding properties of DNA in mixtures with CA were significant and concentration dependent, the higher the DNA content the better the flame retardation. Ammonia was detected during the heating of CA‐DNA mixtures. In contrast, carbon monoxide (CO) formation was distinctly reduced during combustion of the CA mixtures with DNA when compared with pure CA. Thus, DNA can be considered as a natural and re‐growing polymeric flame‐retardant for versatile applications of CA‐based thermoplastic polymers in order to form eco‐friendly polymer mixtures.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bionanomaterials and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and DNA Cleavage Activities
Authors: Tarhan Tuba , Dündar Abdurrahman , Okumuş Veysi , Çulha Mustafa
Published: May 2021

In this study, the hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) (1), poly‐levodopa (P‐L(DP) (2), P‐L(DP) coated hBN (hBN@P(L‐DP)) (3), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated hBN@P(L‐DP) (hBN@P(L‐DP)‐AgNPs) (4) were synthesized and characterized by multiple spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, their biological properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and DNA cleavage activities were determined. It is worth noting that, products 3 and 4 were newly synthesized structures. The antioxidant activities of all the nanomaterials 1, 2, 3, and 4 nanomaterials were investigated using some tests such as DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging and reducing power ability. Among the synthesized nanomaterials, product 2 exhibited the highest radical scavenging (64.8±1.94 %) and reducing power activity (0.61±0.017) at a concentration of 200 mg L−1. Product 4 was determined to have antibacterial activity against all three Gram‐positive and three Gram‐negative test bacteria. In addition, all the nanomaterials were tested for cleavage activity using pBR 322 plasmid DNA, as a result of which it was determined that only product 4 showed the ability of cleavage from both chains of DNA.
Piperazinium Nano Silica Sulfonate: An Efficient Catalyst for the Hantzsch Reaction
Authors: Mousapour Maryam , Shirini Farhad
Published: May 2021

Piperazinium nano silica sulfonate (PNSS) is simply prepared by the reaction of piperazine with nano sized silica sulfuric acid. After preparation it was completely characterized using different techniques including FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, FESEM, EDS and TEM analysis. In continue PNSS was efficiently used for the promotion of the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines and 1,8‐dioxo‐decahydroacridines through unsymmetrical and symmetrical Hantzsch condensation reaction. High yields, short reaction times, ease of preparation and reusability of the catalyst, easy work‐up procedure and solvent‐free conditions are among the most important advantages of this method.
A New Triterpene, Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activities of Hedyotis uncinella
Authors: Liu Ling‐Fei , Assani Israa , Wang Chun‐Gu , Chen Lei , Sun Bo , Li Yan , Chen Zhi , Liao Zhi‐Xin
Published: May 2021

A new triterpene, 3‐formyl‐oleanolic acid (1), with ten known compounds (2–11) were isolated from the whole dried plant of Hedyotis uncinella Hook. et Arn. The structures of all compounds were determined by various spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant activities and the antiproliferative activities were evaluated. The results provided insight into the antioxidant and anticancer components of Hedyotis uncinella in further development and research.
Conductive PNIPAM/CMCS/MWCNT/PANI hydrogel with temperature, pressure and pH sensitivity
Authors: Zhan Tianyu , Xie Houpeng , Mao Jie , Wang Sui , Hu Yufang , Guo Zhiyong
Published: May 2021

In this work, a temperature‐sensitive conductive hybrid hydrogel is prepared by in situ polymerization on MWCNT reinforced PNIPAM/CMCS hydrogels. MWCNT and PANI combined the PNIPAM/CMCS matrix with physical and chemical crosslinking that improved the stiffness and elasticity of hydrogel. Due to good mechanical stretchability, high electrical conductivity, thermal responsiveness and pH sensitivity, this hydrogel has potential in the application of wearable devices, temperature sensitive sensor and pH detector.

Polymer hydrogels with stimulus‐response characteristics with good electrical properties have great potential in electrical, electrochemical, and biomedical devices. Here, a temperature‐sensitive conductive hybrid hydrogel is prepared using in‐situ polymerized polyaniline (PANI) on PNIPAM/CMCS/MWCNT hydrogel substrate. The network of physical and chemical crosslinking endows the PNIPAM/CMCS/MWCNT/PANI hydrogel with highly porous structures, which greatly enhances the mechanical properties and enhances the stability. The hybrid hydrogel as a strain sensor shows high sensitivity (gauge factor 3.603) and outstanding linear dependence of sensitivity on strain. The hybrid hydrogels can be used to construct highly sensitive temperature alertor based on circuit disconnection caused by volume shrinkage at high temperatures. Moreover, the hybrid hydrogels can also be used as pH sensor to monitor changes of acid and alkali in the solution.
Strategies for Constructing and Operating DNA Origami Linear Actuators
Authors: Benson Erik , Carrascosa Marzo Rafael , Bath Jonathan , Turberfield Andrew J.
Published: May 2021

Linear actuators are ubiquitous components at all scales of engineering. DNA nanotechnology offers a unique opportunity for bottom‐up assembly at the molecular scale, providing nanoscale precision with multiple methods for constructing and operating devices. In this paper, DNA origami linear actuators with up to 200 nm travel, based on a rail threading a topologically locked slider, are demonstrated. Two strategies, one‐ and two‐pot assembly, are demonstrated whereby the two components are folded from one or two DNA scaffold strands, respectively. In order to control the position of the slider on the rail, the rail and the inside of the slider are decorated with single‐stranded oligonucleotides with distinct sequences. Two positioning strategies, based on diffusion and capture of signaling strands, are used to link the slider reversibly to determined positions on the rail with high yield and precision. These machine components provide a basis for applications in molecular machinery and nanoscale manufacture including programmed chemical synthesis.
Learning Quantitative Literacy: A Sixth‐Grade Disciplinary Literacy Unit
Authors: Brock Cynthia H. , Wiest Lynda R. , Thrailkill Laurie (Darian)
Published: May 2021

In this study, we focused on the implementation of a disciplinary literacy inquiry unit with a group of sixth‐grade students. Guided by us, students learned about a local budgetary crisis, researched subtopics of interest to them (e.g., the effect of budget cuts on school athletics), and then wrote letters to their state’s governor sharing their concerns and striving to persuade him about their concerns when making budgetary decisions. These letters then became part of the public sphere through local news coverage. Our purpose in this article is to share and critique the implementation of a unit that was embedded in an authentic context.
Schistosoma mansoni and soil transmtted helminths in olive baboons and potential zoonosis
Authors: Fredrick Maloba , Danson Mwangi , John Kagira , Stanislaus Kivai , David Ndeereh , Maina Ngotho , Michael Gicheru , Suleiman Mbaruk , Mercy Akinyi
Published: May 2021

Zoonotic pathogens are among the most important causes of ill health all over the world. The presence of these pathogens in free ranging baboons may have significant implications for humans. In Kenya, the encroachment of wildlife habitats has led to increased interaction between humans and wildlife especially non‐human primates. The current study therefore aimed at investigating any possible zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths of olive baboons (Papio anubis) at the human–wildlife interface in two park borders and a ranch in Kenya, namely, Tsavo West National Park, Tana River Primate Reserve and Mutara Ranch, Laikipia, Kenya. One hundred and forty‐seven baboons were used in the study. They were trapped in the wild, sampled for stool marked and then released back to the wild. Gastrointestinal (GIT) helminths identified were Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum, Enterobius spp and Trichuris Trichiura from all the three sites while Schistosoma mansoni was only detected from Tsavo baboons and with very low incidence (2.1%). The prevalence of these parasites varied among the sites but significant difference in prevalence was only noted in Strongyloides and Oesophagostomum (p < 0.05) among the three sites. This therefore implies that even with control measures instituted on the human population, baboons will always be a source of zoonotic GIT helminths especially S. mansoni even if the incidence are low. There is need to put in place measures aiming to reduce their interactions with humans and also try to control these infections in the baboons.
Wind tunnel experiments on a NACA 633‐418 airfoil with different types of leading edge roughness
Authors: Krog Kruse Emil , Bak Christian , Olsen Anders Smærup
Published: May 2021

The NACA 633‐418 airfoil has been tested in the new Poul la Cour Wind Tunnel at the Technical University of Denmark, Risø campus, to expand the publicly available data of airfoils with leading edge roughness. The airfoil was constructed with an exchangeable leading edge. The clean airfoil showed good agreement with results from other high‐quality wind tunnels. The airfoil was equipped with three heights of zigzag tape, a trip strip, three sandpaper types, and leading edge cavities with different modifications. In general, increasing zigzag tape heights reduce the maximum lift, whereas the increase in drag is less affected by the zigzag tape height. Almost the same reduction in maximum lift is seen for the different sandpaper types. However, the drag increases with the coarseness of the sandpaper. The highest zigzag tape and coarsest sandpaper resulted in the highest penalty on the aerodynamics. A combination of sandpaper and cavities showed the largest reduction in maximum lift and the highest increase in drag.
The Impact of United Kingdom and Malaysia's Inherent Health Systems on Their COVID‐19 Responses: A Comparison of Containment Strategies
Authors: Allaham Shereen , Demel Isabel‐Cathérine , Nur Intesar , Abu Salim Faizul Nizam , Manikam Logan
Published: May 2021

In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID‐19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Given the novelty of the virus, and hence, lack of official guidance on effective containment strategies, individual countries opted for different containment approaches ranging from herd immunity to strict lockdown. The opposing strategies followed by the United Kingdom and its former colony, Malaysia, stand exemplary for this. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was implemented for testing in both counties. Malaysia acted with strict quarantining rules and infection surveillance. The United Kingdom followed an initially lenient, herd‐immunity approach with strict lockdown only enforced weeks later. Although based on the same health‐care structure historically, Malaysia developed a more unified health system compared with the United Kingdom. We suggest that this more centralized structure could be one possible explanation for why Malaysia was able to react in a more timely and efficient manner, despite its closer geographic proximity to China. We further explore how the differences in testing and quarantining strategy, as well as political situation and societal compliance could account for the discrepancy in the United Kingdom's versus Malaysia's relative success of COVID‐19 containment.
Nanoparticle‐based applications for cervical cancer treatment in drug delivery, gene editing, and therapeutic cancer vaccines
Authors: Zhou Peijie , Liu Wei , Cheng Yong , Qian Dong
Published: May 2021

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of gynecological tumor related deaths worldwide. The applications of conventional approaches such as chemoradiotherapy and surgery are restricted due to their side effects and drug resistances. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as novel choices, their clinical response rates are rather limited. To date there is a lack of effective treatment regimens for patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. Recently nanomaterials like liposomes, dendrimers, and polymers are considered as promising delivery carriers with advantages of tumor‐specific administration, reduced toxicity, and improved biocompatibility. Here, we review the applications of nanoparticles in the fields of drug delivery, CRISPR based genome‐editing and therapeutic vaccines in cervical cancer treatment.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Application of discontinuity layout optimization method to bearing capacity of shallow foundations on rock masses
Authors: Millán Miguel Angel , Galindo Rubén , Alencar Ana
Published: May 2021

The discontinuity layout optimization (DLO) method is applied to obtain the bearing capacity of rock masses where it is necessary to consider a non‐linear resistance law. In rock mechanics, it is widely accepted the modified Hoek & Brown failure criterion, developed for homogeneous and isotropic rock masses. The results obtained with the DLO method are compared with those obtained from the analytical solution and using the finite differences method (FDM). To validate the DLO numerical method, the same hypotheses of the analytical solution are adopted: plane strain conditions, associated flow rule, Hoek & Brown material, and weightless rock. The research analyses the results of a numerical and analytical study based on a sensitivity study varying the three parameters that characterize the rock mass (rock type, uniaxial compressive strength, and geological strength index) and shows the need to adopt an adequate linearization of the non‐linear failure criterion in the numerical calculations. Furthermore, numerical results are obtained considering the self‐weight of the rock mass, using both DLO, considering the intermediate secant linearization proposed in this investigation, and FDM, implemented in a widely accepted geotechnical software. After comparing the results, the advantages and limitations of the DLO method are pointed out.
Benchmarking the difference of moving follower and normal loads on linear and nonlinear Euler‐Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams
Authors: Avetisyan Ara S. , Khurshudyan Asatur Zh.
Published: May 2021

In this short note, we compare the influence of follower and normal loads moving over a simply supported beam in case when the transverse shear deformation or von Kármán strains or both are taken into account. Eventually, beyond elasticity limit, there is not a significant difference between the influences of these loads.
Earthquakes Influenced by Water
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

Injecting fluids in the crust, or their extraction, changes pore pressure and poroelastic stresses. Both pressure and stress changes can promote seismicity and, hence, the seismic events are called induced earthquakes. The filling of reservoirs on Earth’s surface can also induce earthquakes from some combination of surface loading and pore pressure changes. Attribution of any given earthquake to human activities, however, is not always straightforward. There remains debate about what controls the magnitude of induced earthquakes, the relative importance of pore pressure changes and poroelastic stresses, and how to best manage injection and extraction to minimize seismicity. As the scale and distribution of subsurface engineering expand globally, we should expect more and larger induced earthquakes in the future.
Defining carotid near-occlusion with full collapse: a pooled analysis
Authors: Johansson Elias , Gu Thomas , Fox Allan J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Create a new definition of near-occlusion with full collapse to predicting recurrent stroke.

Methods

Pooled analysis of two studies. Patients with symptomatic ≥ 50% carotid stenoses were included. Outcome was preoperative recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke or retinal artery occlusion within 28 days of presenting event. We analyzed several artery diameters on computed tomography angiography and stenosis velocity on ultrasound.

Results

A total of 430 patients with symptomatic ≥ 50% carotid stenosis were included, 27% had near-occlusion. By traditional definition, 27% with full collapse and 11% without full collapse reached the outcome (p = 0.047). Distal internal carotid artery (ICA) diameter, ICA ratio, and ICA-to-external carotid artery ratio were associated with the outcome. Best new definition of full collapse was distal ICA diameter ≤ 2.0 mm and/or ICA ratio ≤ 0.42. With this new definition, 36% with full collapse and 4% without full collapse reached the outcome (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Defining near-occlusion with full collapse as distal ICA diameter ≤ 2.0 mm and/or ICA ratio ≤ 0.42 seems to yield better prognostic discrimination than the traditional appearance-based definition. This novel definition can be used in prognostic and treatment studies of near-occlusion with full collapse.
Clinical outcomes in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia treated with ponatinib in routine clinical practice—data from a Belgian registry
Authors: Devos Timothy , Havelange Violaine , Theunissen Koen , Meers Stef , Benghiat Fleur Samantha , Gadisseur Alain , Vanstraelen Gaëtan , Vellemans Hélène , Bailly Benjamin , Granacher Nikki , Lewalle Philippe , De Becker Ann , Van Eygen Koen , Janssen Mia , Triffet Agnes , Vrelust Inge , Deeren Dries , Mazure Dominiek , Bekaert Julie , Beck Michael , Selleslag Dominik
Published: May 2021

Data on clinical use of ponatinib are limited. This prospective registry aimed to evaluate outcomes of ponatinib treatment in routine practice over 3 years (2016–2019) in Belgium (NCT03678454). Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated with ponatinib per current label. Fifty patients (33 CML and 17 Ph+ ALL) were enrolled. Fifty-five percent of CML and 29% of Ph+ ALL patients had received ≥3 prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Reasons for starting ponatinib were intolerance (40%), relapse or refractoriness (28%) to previous TKIs, progression (16%), or T315I mutation (16%). Median follow-up was 15 months for CML and 4.5 months for Ph+ ALL patients. Best response was a major molecular response in 58% of CML and 41% of Ph+ ALL patients. Of 20 patients who started ponatinib due to intolerance to previous TKIs, 9 (64%) CML and 4 (67%) Ph+ ALL achieved a major molecular response. Three-year estimates of overall survival were 85.3% and 85.6%, respectively, in CML and Ph+ ALL patients; estimated progression-free survival was 81.6% and 48.9%. Adverse reactions were reported in 34 patients (68%); rash (26%) and dry skin (10%) were most common. Reported cardiovascular adverse reactions included vascular stenosis (3), arterial hypertension (2), chest pain (1), palpitations (1), and vascular occlusion (1). This Belgian registry confirms results from the PACE clinical trial and supports routine ponatinib use in CML and Ph+ ALL patients who are resistant or intolerant to previous TKIs or with the T315I mutation.
Rheumatoid factor and falsely elevated results in commercial immunoassays: data from an early arthritis cohort
Authors: Gehin Johanna E. , Klaasen Rolf A. , Norli Ellen S. , Warren David J. , Syversen Silje W. , Goll Guro L. , Bjøro Trine , Kvien Tore K. , Mjaavatten Maria D. , Bolstad Nils
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to  assess RF cross-reactivity to animal antibodies used in immunoassays, and to test if selected commercial immunoassays are vulnerable to interference from RF, causing false test results. Our study included samples from patients with RF-positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and controls (patients with RF-negative RA and psoriatic arthritis), included in an early arthritis-cohort. Reactivity to mouse IgG1, mouse IgG2a, rabbit IgG, bovine IgG, sheep/goat IgG and human IgG was analysed using in-house interference assays. RF-positive sera with strong reactivity to mouse IgG1 were analysed in three commercial immunoassays. To reveal interference, results before and after addition of blocking aggregated murine IgG1 were compared. Samples from 124 RF-positive RA patients and 66 controls were tested. We found considerably stronger reactivity toward animal antibodies, particularly mouse IgG1 (73% vs. 12%) and rabbit IgG (81% vs. 6%), in sera from RF-positive RA-patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). After selecting samples for testing in commercial assays, interference was revealed in 6/30 sera in the Architect β-hCG assay, 7/10 sera in the 27-plex cytokine assays, and in 2/33 samples in the Elecsys Soluble Transferrin Receptor assay. Our study revealed considerable RF reactivity to animal antibodies used in immunoassays and RF was associated with falsely elevated results in immunoassays used in clinical care and research. Clinicians, laboratorians, researchers and assay manufacturers must be alert to the risk of falsely elevated test results in RF-positive RA patients.
q-Powders: a quick test for screening retronasal olfactory disorders with tasteless powders
Authors: Pieniak Michal , Oleszkiewicz Anna , Klockow Marie , Yoshino Ayaho , Haehner Antje , Hummel Thomas
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To investigate the clinical utility of q-Powders—a retronasal identification screening test.

Methods

A total of 156 subjects (92 females, mean age: 54.5 years ± 17.3 years) completed a 3-item q-Powders retronasal identification test and a 16-items Sniffin’ Sticks orthonasal identification test. We analyzed whether the q-Powders test could differentiate between subjects with normosmia and subjects with an olfactory disorder.

Results

Our data indicated that subjects with an olfactory disorder scored lower in the q-Powders test than subjects with normosmia. The analyses revealed q-Powders test sensitivity of 84% and a test specificity of 64.9% with a score of 2 points taken as a cutoff for olfactory disorders.

Conclusion

The 3-item q-Powders retronasal test may be used for screening purposes in clinical research.

Level of evidence

4
Visualization of small visceral arteries on abdominal CT angiography using ultra-high-resolution CT scanner
Authors: Ogawa Kazuya , Onishi Hiromitsu , Hori Masatoshi , Nakamoto Atsushi , Ota Takashi , Fukui Hideyuki , Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Enchi Yukihiro , Sato Kazuhiko , Kaketaka Koki , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the image quality and ability to delineate the small visceral arteries of high-resolution (HR) abdominal CT angiography (CTA) using an ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (UHR CT) scanner.

Materials and methods

Thirty-seven patients were enrolled who underwent abdominal CTA using a UHR CT scanner. The images were reconstructed with a matrix of 1024 × 1024 and 0.25 mm thickness for HR CTA and with a matrix of 512 × 512 and 0.5 mm thickness for normal resolution (NR) CTA. Maximum CT value, image quality, and delineation of the small arteries were compared between HR CTA and NR CTA.

Results

HR CTA showed significantly higher maximum CT value, higher image quality, and better delineation of the small arteries than did NR CTA (P < .005).

Conclusion

HR CTA using a UHR CT scanner showed higher image quality than NR CTA and enhanced the delineation of visceral arteries.
Die folgenreiche Verwechslung von Teams, Cliquen und Gruppen
Authors: Kühl Stefan
Published: May 2021

In der Organisationsforschung wird häufig nicht systematisch zwischen Teams, Cliquen und Gruppen unterschieden. Grund dafür ist die lange Zeit dominierende Bestimmung von Gruppen allein über die Anzahl von Personen, die in einem regelmäßigen sozialen Austausch miteinander stehen. In diesem Artikel der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation (GIO)“ wird eine systemtheoretisch informierte Unterscheidung zwischen verschiedenen Systemen im Kontext von Organisationen vorgeschlagen. Bei Teams handelt es sich demzufolge um formale Subeinheiten von Organisationen. Cliquen können als kristallisierte Form von Informalität in Organisationen verstanden werden. Unterdessen können sich Gruppen – hier bestimmt über personenbezogene Erwartungsbildung – als „Parasit“ im Kontext von Organisationen ausbilden, müssen dabei aber keine Funktion für die Organisation erfüllen. Unter Berücksichtigung der verschiedenen Bedeutungen von Mitgliedschaft, Hierarchien und Zwecken werden Unterschiede der drei Systemtypen aufgezeigt und der Nutzen dieser Differenzierung für die Forschung und Praxis aufgezeigt.
Metabo-tip: a metabolomics platform for lifestyle monitoring supporting the development of novel strategies in predictive, preventive and personalised medicine
Authors: Brunmair Julia , Bileck Andrea , Stimpfl Thomas , Raible Florian , Del Favero Giorgia , Meier-Menches Samuel M. , Gerner Christopher
Published: May 2021

Background/aims

Exposure to bioactive compounds from nutrition, pharmaceuticals, environmental contaminants or other lifestyle habits may affect the human organism. To gain insight into the effects of these influences, as well as the fundamental biochemical mechanisms behind them, individual molecular profiling seems to be a promising tool and may support the further development of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine.

Methods

We developed an assay, called metabo-tip for the analysis of sweat, collected from fingertips, using mass spectrometry—by far the most comprehensive and sensitive method for such analyses. To evaluate this assay, we exposed volunteers to various xenobiotics using standardised protocols and investigated their metabolic response.

Results

As early as 15 min after the consumption of a cup of coffee, 50 g of dark chocolate or a serving of citrus fruits, significant changes in the sweat composition of the fingertips were observed, providing relevant information in regard to the ingested substances. This included not only health-promoting bioactive compounds but also potential hazardous substances. Furthermore, the identification of metabolites from orally ingested medications such as metamizole indicated the applicability of this assay to observe specific enzymatic processes in a personalised fashion. Remarkably, we found that the sweat composition fluctuated in a diurnal rhythm, supporting the hypothesis that the composition of sweat can be influenced by endogenous metabolic activities. This was further corroborated by the finding that histamine was significantly increased in the metabo-tip assay in individuals with allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Metabo-tip analysis may have a large number of practical applications due to its analytical power, non-invasive character and the potential of frequent sampling, especially regarding the individualised monitoring of specific lifestyle and influencing factors. The extraordinarily rich individualised metabolomics data provided by metabo-tip offer direct access to individual metabolic activities and will thus support predictive preventive personalised medicine.
Nothing but coincidences: the point-coincidence and Einstein’s struggle with the meaning of coordinates in physics
Authors: Giovanelli Marco
Published: May 2021

In his 1916 review paper on general relativity, Einstein made the often-quoted oracular remark that all physical measurements amount to a determination of coincidences, like the coincidence of a pointer with a mark on a scale. This argument, which was meant to express the requirement of general covariance, immediately gained great resonance. Philosophers such as Schlick found that it expressed the novelty of general relativity, but the mathematician Kretschmann deemed it as trivial and valid in all spacetime theories. With the relevant exception of the physicists of Leiden (Ehrenfest, Lorentz, de Sitter, and Nordström), who were in epistolary contact with Einstein, the motivations behind the point-coincidence remark were not fully understood. Only at the turn of the 1960s did Bergmann (Einstein’s former assistant in Princeton) start to use the term ‘coincidence’ in a way that was much closer to Einstein’s intentions. In the 1980s, Stachel, projecting Bergmann’s analysis onto his historical work on Einstein’s correspondence, was able to show that what he started to call ‘the point-coincidence argument’ was nothing but Einstein’s answer to the infamous ‘hole argument’. The latter has enjoyed enormous popularity in the following decades, reshaping the philosophical debate on spacetime theories. The point-coincidence argument did not receive comparable attention. By reconstructing the history of the argument and its reception, this paper argues that this disparity of treatment is not justified. This paper will also show that the notion that only coincidences are observable in physics marks every critical step of Einstein’s struggle with the meaning of coordinates in physics.
Association of Childhood Socioeconomic Status with Leukocyte Telomere Length Among African Americans and the Mediating Role of Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors: Results from the GENE-FORECAST Study
Authors: Khan Rumana J , Needham Belinda L , Advani Shailesh , Brown Kristen , Dagnall Casey , Xu Ruihua , Gibbons Gary H. , Davis Sharon K.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

We examined if childhood socioeconomic status (SES) was related to adult leucocyte telomere length (TL) using the data of 361 African American (AA) participants from the GENE-FORECAST Study. We also assessed the mediating role of behavioral and psychosocial factors in the association between childhood SES and adult TL.

Methods

Childhood SES was assessed individually by using participant’s mother’s education and occupation, father’s education and occupation, parental home ownership, and family structure. TL was assessed using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Information on potential confounders and mediators were collected. The associations of childhood SES with TL were assessed using multivariable linear regression models. We used path analysis to quantify and test the share of these associations that was statistically explained by each of the mediators (participant’s educational attainment, smoking status, physical activity, dietary habit, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms).

Results

Mother’s education was associated with longer average TL (β: 0.021; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.04, p=0.038) in confounder adjusted models. Once mediators were introduced in the model, the estimates were reduced and remained marginally significant (β: 0.017; 95% CI: −0.003, 0.038, p=0.061). According to path model, approximately 19% of the effect of mother’s education on TL (β: 0.004; 95% CI: −0.001, 0.01, p < 0.10) was mediated through participant’s own education level. No significant mediation effect was observed for any other mediators.

Conclusions

These data provide evidence that participant’s mother’s education was positively linked to adult TL in AA population. Participant’s own educational level partially explained this association.
Improving data communication on construction sites via LoRaWAN
Authors: Dai Rushi , Diraneyya Orwa , Brell-Çokcan Sigrid
Published: May 2021

Easily-accessible and reliable data communication in construction processes ensures high building quality, efficient workflow and secure working environments. The setup of network infrastructure on construction sites provides the necessary condition for timely and effective data communication. This paper researches a solution for on-site networking by implementing an IoT network on a reference construction site in Germany. In contrast to high-cost and high-bandwidth network infrastructure, a Long Range Wide Area Network–LoRaWAN with low cost and low bandwidth was deployed on the site. With additional IoT servers and LoRa-enabled devices, the reference construction site is able to communicate remotely with a robotic lab. In order to validate this concept of LoRaWAN on construction sites, an intra-site logistics and task scheduling system was developed to test the network performance. This paper conducts a preliminary study on the application of the IoT network technology–LoRaWAN in the logistics automation in construction. The test results can be used as references for other automation applications, such as internet of robot, intelligent process management, decision making system, etc.
COVID-19 pneumonia: current evidence of chest imaging features, evolution and prognosis
Authors: Larici Anna Rita , Cicchetti Giuseppe , Marano Riccardo , Bonomo Lorenzo , Storto Maria Luigia
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 pneumonia represents a global threatening disease, especially in severe cases. Chest imaging, with X-ray and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), plays an important role in the initial evaluation and follow-up of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Chest imaging can also help in assessing disease severity and in predicting patient’s outcome, either as an independent factor or in combination with clinical and laboratory features. This review highlights the current knowledge of imaging features of COVID-19 pneumonia and their temporal evolution over time, and provides recent evidences on the role of chest imaging in the prognostic assessment of the disease.