bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of graphene oxide complexed hemicucurbit[6]uril on polypropylene composites: Crystallization behavior, foaming performance, and mechanical properties
Authors: Shi Zhiliang , Liu Xiaoke , Zhou Yuhui , Cong Hang
Published: May 2022

In this study, hemicucurbit[6]uril (HQ6) complexed with graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized through solution method. HQ6@GO was assessed by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, thermal, and X‐ray powder diffraction analysis. Results showed that HQ6 and GO bound together by noncovalent bond force. Polypropylene (PP) foaming material was processed through injection molding with azodicarbonamide as the foaming agent and HQ6@GO as the nucleating agent. The effect of HQ6@GO on the properties of the PP composite material, such as crystallization was assessed. Result showed that HQ6@GO can increase the crystallization rate, and the crystallinity was increased from 37.26% for pure PP to 43.24% for PP/HQ6@GO composites. HQ6@GO showed the best foaming nucleation effect, with 1.0 wt% addition of HQ6@GO, the average cell size decreased by about three times, and the cell density was increased by about 10 times compared with pure PP. The tensile and impact properties of the foamed composite material were systematically studied. Particles with well dispersion and improved quality of cells could improve the mechanical strength of composites.
International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis Updated Position Statement on the use of genome‐wide sequencing for prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Van den Veyver Ignatia B. , Chandler Natalie , Wilkins‐Haug Louise E. , Wapner Ronald J. , Chitty Lyn S. ,   ISPD Board of Directors
Published: May 2022

The research and clinical use of genome‐wide sequencing for prenatal diagnosis of fetuses at risk for genetic disorders have rapidly increased in recent years. Current data indicate that the diagnostic rate is comparable and for certain indications higher than that of standard testing by karyotype and chromosomal microarray. Responsible clinical implementation and diagnostic use of prenatal sequencing depends on standardized laboratory practices and detailed pre‐test and post‐test counseling. This Updated Position Statement on behalf of the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis recommends best practices for the clinical use of prenatal exome and genome sequencing from an international perspective. We include several new points for consideration by researchers and clinical service and laboratory providers.
Dyadic coping and its association with emotional functioning in couples confronted with advanced cancer: Results of the multicenter observational eQuiPe study
Authors: van Roij Janneke , Raijmakers Natasja , Kloover Jeroen , Kuip Evelien , Smilde Tineke , van der Velden Lilly‐Ann , Rodin Gary , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke
Published: May 2022

Objective

How patients and their partners cope with advanced cancer as a couple, may impact their emotional functioning (EF). The aim of this study was to assess dyadic coping (DC) of couples confronted with advanced cancer and its association with EF.

Methods

Actor‐partner interdependence models were used to analyze baseline data of 566 couples facing advanced cancer participating in an observational study on quality of care and life. Measures included the DC Inventory and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (EOQLQ‐C30).

Results

Negative DC (mean 86–88) was most often used and common DC (both mean 66) was least often used. We found small to moderate interdependence (r = 0.27−0.56) between patients' and partners' DC perceptions. Compared to partners, patients were more satisfied with their DC (p < 0.001). Partners' satisfaction with DC was positively associated with their own (B = 0.40, p < 0.001) and patients' (B = 0.23, p = 0.04) EF. We found positive actor (patients B = 0.37 B = 0.13, p = 0.04) and partner (both B = 0.17, p < 0.05) associations for negative DC in patients and partners. Partners' supportive DC was negatively associated with patients (B = −0.31, p = 0.03) and partners' EF (B = −0.34, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

This study highlight the importance of DC (especially from the partners' perspective) for EF in advanced cancer but also identifies differences in the experience of patients and their partners. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms of such relations and the common and unique support options that may facilitate adjustment in patients with advanced cancer and their partners.
The vertical distribution of soil organic carbon and nitrogen in a permafrost‐affected wetland on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: Implications for Holocene development and environmental change
Authors: Wang Qingfeng , Jin Huijun , Wu Qingbai , Zhang Tingjun , Yuan Ziqiang , Li Xiaoying , Ming Jiao , Yang Chengsong , Serban Raul David , Huang Yadong
Published: May 2022

Currently, we know little about accumulation of soil carbon and nitrogen in permafrost‐affected wetlands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). In this study, we analyze the vertical distribution of concentrations, stocks, and apparent accumulation rates of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in a wetland underlain by ice‐rich permafrost in the Headwater Area of the Yellow River (HAYR) on the northeastern QTP in the context of Holocene environmental change. SOC and TN stocks at depths of 0–216 cm were 80.0 kg C m−2 and 6.7 kg N m−2, respectively. During the past 7.3 kyr, the general regional climate trend in the HAYR was cooling and drying, as indicated by the decline in chemical weathering in the soil profile. Overall, SOC and TN concentrations increased during this period. Meanwhile, an intense period of SOC and TN accumulation occurred at 1,110–720 yr BP, in contrast to much lower apparent accumulation rates of SOC and TN for the other periods during the past 7.3 kyr. This suggests that the accumulation of SOC and TN in permafrost‐affected wetlands was also affected by local environmental factors, such as soil material deposition rate, in addition to climatic controls as exerted mainly by temperature and precipitation. This study may help integrate relevant studies on plateau wetlands into global models and estimates to better simulate and predict interactions between the carbon cycle and climate changes on a global scale.
Clinical implications of airway anomalies and stenosis in patients with heterotaxy syndrome
Authors: Wang Ching‐Chia , Wu Mei‐Hwan , Wu En‐Ting , Lu Frank , Chen Shyh‐Jye
Published: May 2022

In heterotaxy syndrome, bronchopulmonary situs usually reflects atrial situs, resulting in either right (RAI) or left atrial isomerism (LAI). This study determines airway anomalies and its implications in patients with heterotaxy. This retrospective study included 223 patients with heterotaxy syndrome who received an integrated cardiac computed tomography evaluation. Patient database from 1995 to 2020 was reviewed. The patients were examined by a congenital heart disease team comprising pediatric cardiologists, radiologists, pulmonologists, and cardiovascular surgeons. Among the 223 patients, 189 (84.8%, M/F  =  1.66) had RAI and 29 had LAI (13.0%, M/F  =  0.71). Five patients had indeterminate isomerism (2.2%, M/F  = 1.5). Discordant bronchopulmonary and atrial situs occurred in 4% patients, while discordant bronchopulmonary, atrial, and splenic situs occurred in 23.2% patients. Lower airway stenosis was observed in 61 patients (27.4%), including 27.5%, 20.7%, and 60% RAI, LAI, and indeterminate isomerism patients, respectively (p = 0.189). One patient had an intrinsic long segment lower tracheal stenosis and received slide tracheoplasty. Initial cardiac operation was performed in 213 patients. Higher surgical mortality occurred in patients with RAI (19.5% vs. none for LAI and indeterminate isomerism, p = 0.038). In patients with RAI, lower airway anomaly/stenosis increased the duration of ventilator usage (p = 0.030) but did not affect surgical mortality. Total anomalous pulmonary venous return to systemic veins and pulmonary venous stenosis were major surgical risk factors. Bronchopulmonary isomerism shares a similar isomeric pattern to cardiac atrial appendage. Lower airway anomalies/stenosis was common in patients with heterotaxy, resulting in prolonged ventilator therapy in patients with RAI.
Inclisiran: an siRNA to treat hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: May 2022

Inclisiran (Leqvio) is a double‐stranded, siRNA cholesterol‐lowering agent for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia. This article discusses its mode of action, efficacy and place in therapy.
Modeling the bacterial dynamics in the gut microbiota following an antibiotic‐induced perturbation
Authors: Guk Jinju , Bridier‐Nahmias Antoine , Magnan Mélanie , Grall Nathalie , Duval Xavier , Clermont Olivier , Ruppé Etienne , d'Humières Camille , Tenaillon Olivier , Denamur Erick , Mentré France , Guedj Jérémie , Burdet Charles ,   for the CEREMI study group
Published: May 2022

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of ecological interactions in dysbiosis of gut microbiota, but few focused on their role in antibiotic‐induced perturbations. We used the data from the CEREMI trial in which 22 healthy volunteers received a 3‐day course of ceftriaxone or cefotaxime antibiotics. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene profiling, and the total bacterial counts were determined in each sample by flux cytometry. As the gut exposure to antibiotics could not be experimentally measured despite a marked impact on the gut microbiota, it was reconstructed using the counts of susceptible Escherichia coli. The dynamics of absolute counts of bacterial families were analyzed using a generalized Lotka–Volterra equations and nonlinear mixed effect modeling. Bacterial interactions were studied using a stepwise approach. Two negative and three positive interactions were identified. Introducing bacterial interactions in the modeling approach better fitted the data, and provided different estimates of antibiotic effects on each bacterial family than a simple model without interaction. The time to return to 95% of the baseline counts was significantly longer in ceftriaxone‐treated individuals than in cefotaxime‐treated subjects for two bacterial families: Akkermansiaceae (median [range]: 11.3 days [0; 180.0] vs. 4.2 days [0; 25.6], p = 0.027) and Tannerellaceae (13.7 days [6.1; 180.0] vs. 6.2 days [5.4; 17.3], p = 0.003). Taking bacterial interaction as well as individual antibiotic exposure profile into account improves the analysis of antibiotic‐induced dysbiosis.
Psoralidin protects against cerebral hypoxia/reoxygenation injury: Role of GAS6/Axl signaling
Authors: Lei Wangrui , Wu Songdi , Zhao Aizhen , Wu Zhen , Ding Baoping , Yang Wenwen , Lu Chenxi , Wu Xue , Li Xiyang , Zhang Shaofei , Tian Ye , Yang Yang
Published: May 2022

Psoralidin (PSO) is a natural phenolic coumarin extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. Growing preclinical evidence indicates that PSO has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐vitiligo, anti‐bacterial, and anti‐viral effects. Growth arrest‐specific gene 6 (GAS6) and its receptor, Axl, modulate cellular oxidative stress, apoptosis, survival, proliferation, migration, and mitogenesis. Notably, the neuroprotective role of the GAS6/Axl axis has been identified in previous studies. We hypothesize that PSO ameliorates cerebral hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury via activating the GAS6/Axl signaling. We first confirmed that PSO was not toxic to the cells and upregulated GAS6 and Axl expression after HR injury. Moreover, PSO exerted a marked neuroprotective effect against HR injury, represented by restored cell viability and cell morphology, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, PSO pretreatment also elevated the levels of nuclear factor‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone‐1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCl2) both in the condition of baseline and HR injury. However, GAS6 siRNA or Axl siRNA inhibited the neuroprotective effects of PSO. Our findings suggest that PSO pretreatment attenuated HR‐induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in neuroblastoma cells through the activation of GAS6/Axl signaling.
The roles of small‐scale topographic perturbations in precipitation forecasting using a convection‐permitting ensemble prediction system over southern China
Authors: Wang Jingzhuo , Chen Jing , Xue Haile , Li Hongqi , Zhang Hanbin
Published: May 2022

The effects of small‐scale topographic perturbations on precipitation forecasts are investigated using the China Meteorological Administration's Convection‐Permitting Ensemble Prediction System. Southern China is chosen as the study domain because complex terrain is located there and heavy rainfall frequently occurs. The investigation comprises seven cases including strong and weak forcings on the synoptic scale in terms of convective adjustment time‐scale and synoptic conditions. To construct the topographic perturbation scheme, the standard deviations of small‐scale topographic heights and random fields were first introduced, and sensitivity runs with different topographic perturbation magnitudes were performed at a 3‐km horizontal grid spacing. The results indicate that the model runs with a single topographic perturbation show small changes in precipitation forecasts on strong‐forcing cases and more important impacts for weak‐forcing events, but the effect is also restricted to the control forecast skills. In addition, the topographic perturbation impacts the precipitation forecasts through dynamic processes, and the impact areas are mainly found at locations with rainstorms and heavy rainstorms in the observations. Moreover, the precipitation forecasts react sensitively to the topographic perturbation magnitude, with a larger topographic perturbation magnitude leading to larger amplitudes and spatial gain of precipitation ensemble spread, as well as a better Brier score. However, the selection of the perturbation magnitude is also influenced by the standard deviations of the small‐scale topographic heights.
Rapid identification of bear bile powder from other bile sources using chip‐based nano‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Wei Jiaojiao , Li Linnan , Liu Yamin , Sun Shuai , Xu Lu , Liu Shaoyong , Wang Zhengtao , Yang Li
Published: May 2022

Rationale

Bear bile powder (BBP) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and bile acids (BAs) are the main active components in BBP. Due to the scarcity of BBP resources, adulterations often occur in the market. Conventional methods to distinguish them are usually complicated and time‐consuming. To enhance effectiveness and accuracy, a rapid and rough analytical method is desperately needed.

Methods

In this study, a rapid strategy using chip‐based nano‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano‐ESI‐MS/MS) was established to distinguish BBP from other sources of bile powder (BP). In addition, the results were further verified by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS).

Results

The precision of the chip‐based nano‐ESI‐MS/MS method was validated to be acceptable with relative standard deviation (RSD) <15%. The distinction between BBP and other sources of BP, including common adulterants of pig bile powder (PBP), cattle bile powder (CBP), sheep bile powder (SBP), and chicken bile powder (CkBP), can be observed in the spectra. By using orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA), more potential m/z markers were investigated. A BAs‐related m/z marker of 498.3 was discovered as a typical differential molecular ion peak and was identified as tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) in BBP.

Conclusions

The proposed strategy has simple sample pretreatment steps and significantly shortened analysis time. As an emerging technology, chip‐based nano‐ESI‐MS not only provides a reference for the rapid distinction of adulterated Chinese medicines, but also provides some insights into the identification of other chemicals and foods.
Local sliding mode inversion algorithms and state observers with space applications
Authors: Possieri Corrado , Novara Carlo
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this work is to propose novel finite‐time algorithms to either invert a time‐varying map or to estimate the state of a time‐varying nonlinear plant. The former goal is pursued by using a sliding mode version of the Newton algorithm, whereas the latter objective is achieved by resorting to the inverse of the Jacobian matrix of the observability map to implement a sliding mode differentiator in the original coordinates. Finally, it is shown how these two techniques can be efficiently used to solve some relevant space applications, such as the estimation of the angular velocity of an axial symmetric satellite, the estimation of the inertia parameters of an orbiting object from measurements of its angular velocities, and the estimation of a Keplerian orbital element given measurements of the other five ones.
Modified general policy iteration based adaptive dynamic programming for unknown discrete‐time linear systems
Authors: Jiang Huaiyuan , Zhou Bin , Duan Guang‐Ren
Published: May 2022

In this article, the general policy iteration (GPI) method for the optimal control of discrete‐time linear systems is studied. First, the existing result on the GPI method is recalled and some new properties are proposed. Based on these new properties, a model‐based modified GPI algorithm is proposed with its convergence proof. Moreover, the data‐driven implementation for the proposed method is introduced without using the information of the system matrices. Compared with the existing results, the condition to initiate the GPI based algorithm is further relaxed by the proposed algorithm. The simulation example verifies the effectiveness of the proposed modified GPI based algorithm.
Penalized weighted proportional hazards model for robust variable selection and outlier detection
Authors: Luo Bin , Gao Xiaoli , Halabi Susan
Published: May 2022

Identifying exceptional responders or nonresponders is an area of increased research interest in precision medicine as these patients may have different biological or molecular features and therefore may respond differently to therapies. Our motivation stems from a real example from a clinical trial where we are interested in characterizing exceptional prostate cancer responders. We investigate the outlier detection and robust regression problem in the sparse proportional hazards model for censored survival outcomes. The main idea is to model the irregularity of each observation by assigning an individual weight to the hazard function. By applying a LASSO‐type penalty on both the model parameters and the log transformation of the weight vector, our proposed method is able to perform variable selection and outlier detection simultaneously. The optimization problem can be transformed to a typical penalized maximum partial likelihood problem and thus it is easy to implement. We further extend the proposed method to deal with the potential outlier masking problem caused by censored outcomes. The performance of the proposed estimator is demonstrated with extensive simulation studies and real data analyses in low‐dimensional and high‐dimensional settings.
Multivariate partial linear varying coefficients model for gene‐environment interactions with multiple longitudinal traits
Authors: Wang Honglang , Zhang Jingyi , Klump Kelly L. , Alexandra Burt Sybil , Cui Yuehua
Published: May 2022

Correlated phenotypes often share common genetic determinants. Thus, a multi‐trait analysis can potentially increase association power and help in understanding pleiotropic effect. When multiple traits are jointly measured over time, the correlation information between multivariate longitudinal responses can help to gain power in association analysis, and the longitudinal traits can provide insights on the dynamic gene effect over time. In this work, we propose a multivariate partially linear varying coefficients model to identify genetic variants with their effects potentially modified by environmental factors. We derive a testing framework to jointly test the association of genetic factors and illustrated with a bivariate phenotypic trait, while taking the time varying genetic effects into account. We extend the quadratic inference functions to deal with the longitudinal correlations and used penalized splines for the approximation of nonparametric coefficient functions. Theoretical results such as consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimates are established. The performance of the testing procedure is evaluated through Monte Carlo simulation studies. The utility of the method is demonstrated with a real data set from the Twin Study of Hormones and Behavior across the menstrual cycle project, in which single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with emotional eating behavior are identified.
Wide‐Gap Chalcopyrite Solar Cells with Indium Oxide–Based Transparent Back Contacts
Authors: Keller Jan , Stolt Lars , Donzel-Gargand Olivier , Kubart Tomas , Edoff Marika
Published: May 2022

Herein, the performance of wide‐gap Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) and (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2(ACIGS) solar cells with In2O3:Sn (ITO) and In2O3:H (IOH) as transparent back contact (TBC) materials is evaluated. Since both TBCs restrict sodium in‐diffusion from the glass substrate, fine‐tuning of a NaF precursor layer is crucial. It is found that the optimum Na supply is lower for ACIGS than for CIGS samples. An excessive sodium amount deteriorates the solar cell performance, presumably by facilitating GaOxgrowth at the TBC/absorber interface. The efficiency (η) further depends on the absorber stoichiometry, with highest fill factors (andη) reached for close‐stoichiometric compositions. An ACIGS solar cell withη = 12% at a bandgap of 1.44 eV is processed, using IOH as a TBC. The best CIGS device reachesη = 11.2% on ITO. Due to its very high infrared transparency, IOH is judged superior to ITO for implementation in a top cell of a tandem device. However, while ITO layers maintain their conductivity, IOH films show an increased sheet resistance after absorber deposition. Chemical investigations indicate that incorporation of Se during the initial stage of absorber processing may be responsible for the deteriorated conductivity of the IOH back contact in the final device.
Notebook‐as‐a‐VRE (NaaVRE): From private notebooks to a collaborative cloud virtual research environment
Authors: Zhao Zhiming , Koulouzis Spiros , Bianchi Riccardo , Farshidi Siamak , Shi Zeshun , Xin Ruyue , Wang Yuandou , Li Na , Shi Yifang , Timmermans Joris , Kissling W. Daniel
Published: May 2022

Virtual research environments (VREs) provide user‐centric support in the lifecycle of research activities, for example, discovering and accessing research assets or composing and executing application workflows. A typical VRE is often implemented as an integrated environment, including a catalog of research assets, a workflow management system, a data management framework, and tools for enabling user collaboration. In contrast, notebook environments like Jupyter allow researchers to rapidly prototype scientific code and share their experiments as online accessible notebooks. Jupyter can support several popular languages used by data scientists, such as Python, R, and Julia. However, such notebook environments do not have seamless support for running heavy computations on remote infrastructure or finding and accessing collaborative software code inside notebooks. This article investigates the gap between a notebook environment and a VRE and proposes an embedded VRE solution for the Jupyter environment called Notebook‐as‐a‐VRE (NaaVRE). The NaaVRE solution provides functional components via a component marketplace and allows users to create a customized VRE on top of the Jupyter environment. From the VRE, a user can search research assets (data, software, and algorithms), compose workflows, manage the lifecycle of an experiment, and share the results among users in the community. We demonstrate how such a solution can enhance a legacy workflow that uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data from country‐wide airborne laser scanning surveys for deriving geospatial data products of ecosystem structure at high resolution over broad spatial extents. This enables users to scale out the processing of multi‐terabyte LiDAR point clouds for ecological applications to more data sources in a distributed cloud environment. Similar applications could be developed for workflows producing other essential biodiversity variables.
Hollow magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer based on metal‐organic framework for capture of ciprofloxacin
Authors: Zhou Shu , Fu Jinli , Zhao Pengfei , Tang Sisi , Wu Xiaodan , Yang Zhaoxia , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: May 2022

The development of a simple and rapid separation and analysis method with high selectivity toward ciprofloxacin is of great importance for environmental protection. Herein, this paper reported a hollow magnetic zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 based molecularly imprinted polymer for selective adsorption and enrichment of ciprofloxacin. The morphology and structural properties of the hollow magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry, and the results showed that the material has an obvious hollow structure, good thermal stability, and magnetic properties. The hollow magnetic imprinted polymer has a higher adsorption capacity (75.59 mg/g) and shorter adsorption saturation time (50 min) toward ciprofloxacin. Moreover, the hollow magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer showed excellent adsorption ability, stability, and repeatability. The hollow magnetic imprinted polymer was used to detect trace ciprofloxacin in actual samples (river water, human urine, chicken) successfully with the recoveries of 91.4–100.4%. With the advantages of high recovery (91.4–100.4%), high speed (50 min), and high selectivity (selectivity factor > 2.50), the hollow magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer has broad application prospects in the efficient adsorption of ciprofloxacin.
Dynamic mixing models and analysis of the mixing processes for an oxidation ditch and an aeration tank
Authors: Yang Min
Published: May 2022

A one‐dimensional longitudinal mixing model for an oxidation ditch with a moving symmetrical boundary and a series model for a symmetric aeration mixing unit of an aeration tank were developed in this study to analyze their mixing processes. The analysis of these models showed that the mixing process in the oxidation ditch tended to that of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in a mode of circulation flow and dispersion; however, the mixing in the aeration tank tended to that of a CSTR in a mode of dispersion. The tracer output patterns and complete mixing times of the oxidation ditch and aeration tank with treatment capacities of 1000–50,000 m3/d and hydraulic retention time 12.0 h were evaluated. The complete mixing time increased from 7.5 min to 128.5 min for the aeration tank with an increase in volume; and the oxidation ditch with same complete mixing time as that of the aeration tank was obtained. The complete mixing time for the oxidation ditch can be changed in a wider range, for matching the time scale of biochemical degradation of organic pollutants.

Practitioner Points

Mixing model of an oxidation ditch and an aeration tank were built.

Mixing in oxidation ditch tends to that of CSTR in a mode of circulation flow and dispersion.

Mixing in an aeration tank is in accordance with advection diffusion and tends to that of CSTR as its Peclet number is large.

Complete mixing time for an oxidation ditch can be changed in a wider range.
Coupled time dependent concentrations reaction based on the numerical droplet model
Authors: Nagler Jacob
Published: May 2022

This paper describes the numerical solution of time dependent, two coupled substances in one‐dimensional field that participate in a chemical reaction with two kinds of different concentrations that affect each other. It is necessary to find the final state solution of the component variability concentrations in numerical form. The equations are conjugated and dependent on the radius and time (the existing physical model is a drop). In order to obtain a solution, we used the explicit method for the second‐order equation, which is very easy to program and understand, but requires some preliminary mathematical work. We examined the convergence of the solution in aspects of longitudinal (h) and lateral integration (s), as well as depending on the problem parameters. Thus, we have found that the (substances) components can reach an equilibrium state in which the concentrations would no longer change in time, or this state of equilibrium will not be existing due to the nature of the process and the concentrations will change in a cyclic or other form. Finally, qualitative support was found in literature.
Nanomaterials, a New Challenge in the Workplace
Authors: Alberto Ana Rita , Matos Cristina , Carmona-Aparicio Gabriel , Iten Muriel
Published: May 2022

Nanomaterials are a nanotechnological product of increasing importance given the possibilities they offer to improve quality of life and support sustainable development. Safe management of nanomaterials is needed to ensure that this emerging technology has the highest levels of acceptance among different interest groups, including workers. This chapter reviews the current state that presents the different stages of risk management applied to nanomaterials, including standardisation, regulation, risk assessment and risk control. Particularly, the chapter contextualizes the development of nanotechnologies at European level and analyses the scientific evidence available on the risks derived from nanomaterials use. Furthermore, it highlights the required conditions to encourage the responsible development of nanomaterials, as well as reflects on the lack of consensus in terms of approaches and frameworks that could facilitate standardisation adoption, regulatory enforcement and industry intervention concerning nanomaterials.
Konventionentheoretische Perspektiven auf die Ökonomie und die Soziologie der Gesundheit
Authors: Diaz-Bone Rainer
Published: May 2022

Der Beitrag stellt die Economie des conventions (kurz EC) als komplexen pragmatischen Institutionalismus vor und führt zentrale Konzepte der EC ein. Die EC integriert Analysen der „politischen Ökonomie der Gesundheit“ (Batifoulier), der „Soziologie der Quantifizierung und Digitalisierung“ (Desrosières/Didier), der politischen Ökonomie des Unternehmens (Eymard-Duvernay) und der praktischen Lebensführung (Thévenot) mit der Untersuchung wie Akteure in Situationen Dispositive, kognitive Formen und Qualitätskonventionen mobilisieren, um „Gesundheit“ und darauf bezogene Entscheidungen, Bewertungen und Praktiken zu fundieren und zu legitimieren. Der Beitrag wird einige der konventionentheoretischen Beiträge aus Frankreich vorstellen und auf aktuelle Themen und Problemlagen (wie digitale governance von Gesundheit, Gesundheitsdiskurse, neue Formen der gesundheitsbezogenen Subjektivierung, Ökonomisierung der Gesundheit, Pluralität der Koordinationslogiken im Gesundheitsfeld) aus Sicht der EC eingehen. Zudem soll in dem Beitrag gezeigt werden, wie die EC als integrierender Ansatz in dem Bereich der Gesundheitsforschung fungiert, um soziologische, ökonomische, rechtliche, mediale Forschungsfragen konzeptionell und methodologisch zu integrieren.
„Die beste Version meiner selbst“ – Das unabschließbare Subjekt in der psychologischen Onlineberatung
Authors: Scaria-Braunstein Karin , Hiden Raffael
Published: May 2022

Der Beitrag problematisiert die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Digitalisierung und (psychischem) Gesundheitsverhalten in einem gemeinsamen Wirkungsfeld und diskutiert dieses exemplarisch anhand der psychologischen Onlineplattform Instahelp. Unter der theoretischen Bezugnahme auf die Soziologie der Konventionen (EC) und des dafür zentralen Pluralitätspostulats werden situative Koordinationslogiken durch Regime und Konventionen gestützt. Der aktuell gesellschaftsübergreifende soziotechnische Wandel ist gleichzeitig ein Transformationsprozess im Umgang mit neuartigen sozio-technischen Materialitäten, die wir in unserem Beitrag besonders für das Feld der E-Mental-Health öffnen. Operationen des ständigen Relationierens sind in diesem Kontext entscheidende Parameter für die interaktiven Koordinationsleistungen der Akteure. Durch einen ethnografischen Selbstversuch wird dieser theoretische Referenzrahmen besonders im Kontext der Regime des Engagements am empirischem Material beforscht. Dabei zeigt sich, dass netzwerkartige Verweisungszusammenhänge im Kontext der psychologischen Onlineberatung als unabschließbares Projekt aufzufassen sind.
Harvesting entanglement by non-identical detectors with different energy gaps
Authors: Hu Hui , Zhang Jialin , Yu Hongwei
Published: May 2022

Abstract

It has been shown that the vacuum state of a free quantum field is entangled and such vacuum entanglement can be harvested by a pair of initially uncorrelated detectors interacting locally with the vacuum field for a finite time. In this paper, we examine the entanglement harvesting phenomenon of two non-identical inertial detectors with different energy gaps locally interacting with massless scalar fields via a Gaussian switching function. We focus on how entanglement harvesting depends on the energy gap difference from two perspectives: the amount of entanglement harvested and the harvesting-achievable separation between the two detectors. In the sense of the amount of entanglement, we find that as long as the inter-detector separation is not too small with respect to the interaction duration parameter, two non-identical detectors could extract more entanglement from the vacuum state than the identical detectors. There exists an optimal value of the energy gap difference when the inter-detector separation is sufficiently large that renders the harvested entanglement to peak. Regarding the harvesting-achievable separation, we further find that the presence of an energy gap difference generally enlarges the harvesting-achievable separation range. Our results suggest that the non-identical detectors may be advantageous to extracting entanglement from vacuum in certain circumstances as compared to identical detectors.
Minimal-invasive periazetabuläre Osteotomie zur Therapie der Hüftdysplasie des Erwachsenen
Authors: Wassilew Georgi I. , Hofer Andre , Rakow Anastasia , Gebhardt Sebastian , Hoffmann Manuela , Janz Viktor , Zimmerer Alexander
Published: May 2022

Operationsziel

Durchführung einer periazetabulären Osteotomie (PAO) über einen minimal-invasiven Zugang zur dreidimensionalen Korrektur der Orientierung der Hüftgelenkpfanne.

Indikationen

Symptomatische Hüftdysplasie in der Adoleszenz nach dem Schluss der Y‑Wachstumsfuge und beim Erwachsenen.

Kontraindikationen

Fortgeschrittene Arthrose (Arthrosegrad ≥ 2 nach Tönnis), präformierte Sekundärpfanne, offene Y‑Wachstumsfuge.

Operationstechnik

Über einen minimal-invasiven Zugang wird eine periazetabuläre Osteotomie durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 39 Patienten über 3,5 (3 bis 4,5) Jahre nachbeobachtet. Der laterale Centrum-Erker-Winkel nach Wiberg konnte signifikant von 16,1° (7–24°) auf 30,5° (25–37°) (p < 0,0001), der Tragflächenwinkel von 13,2° (2–25,3°) auf 2,8° (−3–13°) (p < 0,0001) korrigiert werden. Die mittlere Operationszeit betrug 88 (57 bis 142) Minuten. Es traten keine schweren Komplikationen auf.
Loneliness and the onset of new mental health problems in the general population
Authors: Mann Farhana , Wang Jingyi , Pearce Eiluned , Ma Ruimin , Schlief Merle , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Ikhtabi Sarah , Johnson Sonia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Loneliness is associated with poor health including premature mortality. There are cross-sectional associations with depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other mental health outcomes. However, it is not known whether loneliness is causally linked with the new onset of mental health problems in the general population. Longitudinal studies are key to understanding this relationship. We synthesized evidence from longitudinal studies investigating the relationship between loneliness and new onset of mental health problems, in the general population.

Method

We systematically searched six electronic databases, unpublished sources, and hand-searched references, up to August 2021. We conducted a meta-analysis of eight independent cohorts and narrative synthesis of the remaining studies.

Results

We included 32 studies, of which the majority focused on depression. Our narrative synthesis found most studies show loneliness at baseline which is associated with the subsequent new onset of depression. The few studies on anxiety and self-harm also showed a positive association. Our meta-analysis found a pooled adjusted odds ratio of 2.33 (95% CI 1.62–3.34) for risk of new onset depression in adults who were often lonely compared with people who were not often lonely. This should be interpreted with caution given evidence of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Loneliness is a public mental health issue. There is growing evidence it is associated with the onset of depression and other common mental health problems. Future studies should explore its impact across the age range and in more diverse populations, look beyond depression, and explore the mechanisms involved with a view to better informing appropriate interventions.
Labour supply, retirement, and consumption responses of older Europeans to inheritance receipt
Authors: Suari-Andreu Eduard
Published: May 2022

This study quantifies individuals’ responses to inheritance receipt in terms of their retirement, labour supply, and consumption decisions. Doing so is relevant for appraising the potential effects of tax and pension reforms, as well as for the assessment of how inheritances contribute to total wealth and to wealth inequality. I start out by developing a simple version of the life cycle model that explains how individuals trade-off between the different possible responses. I test the model using individual panel data from the Survey on Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe. These data allow accounting for expectations about inheritances and retirement in the analysis. All estimated effects are not significantly different from zero and they indicate absence of large response in terms of labour supply and retirement.
Non-autonomous Differential Systems with Delays: A Global Attraction Analysis
Authors: Ruiz-Herrera Alfonso
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we derive criteria of global attractivity of a (possibly constant) positive periodic solution in non-autonomous systems of delay differential equations. Our approach can be viewed as the extension for non-autonomous systems of the folkloric connection between discrete dynamics and scalar delay differential equations. It is worth mentioning that we provide delay-dependent criteria of global attraction that cover the best delay independent conditions. We apply our results to non-autonomous variants of several classical models such that Nicholson’s blowfly equation, Goodwin’s model oscillator, the Mackey–Glass equation and systems with patch structure.
Miniaturised ultrasound evaluation at the bedside
Authors: Hollerieth Katharina , Vo-Cong Minh-Truc , Preuss Stephanie , Kemmner Stephan , Stock Konrad Friedrich
Published: May 2022

Purpose

“Point-of-Care Ultrasound” (POCUS) is now a familiar term. Although the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (ESFUMB) published a position paper about its usage (Nielsen et al. in Ultraschall Med 40(1):30–39. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0783-2303, 2019), there has not been much scientific focus on its utility in uro-nephrological clinical practice thus far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the present usage of pocket ultrasound devices at the bedside.

Methods

27 investigators (all medical doctors with at least 6 months of experience in sonography) performed 280 bedside examinations using a pocket ultrasound device for common clinical issues.

Results

The most frequent indications included evaluation of hydronephrosis (147), volume management including assessment of dimension of the vena cava inferior (IVC) (195), detection of pleural, pericardial and abdominal effusions (113) as well as residual urine (52). In 90%, specific clinical questions were effectively answered by the pocket ultrasound device alone.

Conclusions

POCUS can be useful in the uro-nephrological field. In the hands of an experienced investigator, it saves time and, when it is realised that departmental ultrasound is not cheap, there is also an economic benefit with applicability within both inpatient and outpatient clinic settings. While acknowledging its technical limits, pocket ultrasound devices may nevertheless be helpful in targeted situations for triage or for bedside follow-up exams after earlier high-end ultrasound-based diagnosis.
Low skeletal muscle mass and post-operative complications after surgery for liver malignancies: a meta-analysis
Authors: Thormann Maximilian , Omari Jazan , Pech Maciej , Damm Robert , Croner Roland , Perrakis Aristotelis , Strobel Alexandra , Wienke Andreas , Surov Alexey
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess the influence of low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) on post-operative complications in patients with hepatic malignancies grade (Clavien Dindo ≥ 3) undergoing resection.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases were screened for associations between sarcopenia and major post-operative complications (≥ grade 3 according to Clavien-Dindo classification) after resection of different malignant liver tumors. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed according to the QUIPS instrument.

Results

The analysis included 17 studies comprising 3157 patients. Subgroup analyses were performed for cholangiocarcinoma (CCC), colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LSMM as identified on CT was present in 1260 patients (39.9%). Analysis of the overall sample showed that LSMM was associated with higher post-operative complications grade Clavien Dindo ≥ 3 (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.25–1.95, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, LSMM was associated with post-operative complications in CRC metastases (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.11–2.32, p = 0.01). In HCC and CCC sub-analyses, LSMM was not associated with post-operative complications in simple regression analysis.

Conclusion

LSMM is associated with major post-operative complications in patients undergoing surgery for hepatic metastases and it does not influence major post-operative complications in patients with HCC and CCC.
Completeness for the Complexity Class $$\forall \exists \mathbb {R}$$ and Area-Universality
Authors: Dobbins Michael Gene , Kleist Linda , Miltzow Tillmann , Rzążewski Paweł
Published: May 2022

Exhibiting a deep connection between purely geometric problems and real algebra, the complexity class $$\exists \mathbb {R}$$

∃
R

plays a crucial role in the study of geometric problems. Sometimes $$\exists \mathbb {R}$$

∃
R

is referred to as the ‘real analog’ of NP. While NP is a class of computational problems that deals with existentially quantified boolean variables, $$\exists \mathbb {R}$$

∃
R

deals with existentially quantified real variables. In analogy to $$\Pi _2^p$$

Π
2
p

and $$\Sigma _2^p$$

Σ
2
p

in the famous polynomial hierarchy, we study the complexity classes $$\forall \exists \mathbb {R}$$

∀
∃
R

and $$ \exists \forall \mathbb {R}$$

∃
∀
R

with real variables. Our main interest is the AreaUniversality problem, where we are given a plane graph G, and ask if for each assignment of areas to the inner faces of G, there exists a straight-line drawing of G realizing the assigned areas. We conjecture that AreaUniversality is $$\forall \exists \mathbb {R}$$

∀
∃
R

-complete and support this conjecture by proving $$\exists \mathbb {R}$$

∃
R

- and $$\forall \exists \mathbb {R}$$

∀
∃
R

-completeness of two variants of AreaUniversality. To this end, we introduce tools to prove $$\forall \exists \mathbb {R}$$

∀
∃
R

-hardness and membership. Finally, we present geometric problems as candidates for $$\forall \exists \mathbb {R}$$

∀
∃
R

-complete problems. These problems have connections to the concepts of imprecision, robustness, and extendability.
A clinical approach to tubulopathies in children and young adults
Authors: Kermond Rachael , Mallett Andrew , McCarthy Hugh
Published: May 2022

Kidney tubules are responsible for the preservation of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis via passive and active mechanisms. These physiological processes can be disrupted by inherited or acquired aetiologies. The net result is a tubulopathy. It is important to make a prompt and accurate diagnosis of tubulopathies in children and young adults. This allows timely and appropriate management, including disease-specific therapies, and avoids complications such as growth failure. Tubulopathies can present with a variety of non-specific clinical features which can be diagnostically challenging. In this review, we build from this common anatomical and physiological understanding to present a tangible appreciation of tubulopathies as they are likely to be clinically encountered among affected children and young adults.
A cross-sectional study on demoralization in prostate cancer patients: the role of masculine self-esteem, depression, and resilience
Authors: Scandurra Cristiano , Mangiapia Francesco , La Rocca Roberto , Di Bello Francesco , De Lucia Natascia , Muzii Benedetta , Cantone Micaela , Zampi Rita , Califano Gianluigi , Maldonato Nelson Mauro , Longo Nicola
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The current cross-sectional study had three objectives: (1) to assess the prevalence of depression and demoralization in a sample of prostate cancer (PCa) patients; (2) to examine whether masculine self-esteem and depression were associated with demoralization; and (3) to evaluate the role of resilience as a factor buffering the effects of masculine self-esteem and depression on demoralization.

Methods

197 PCa patients aged 48 to 79 years (M = 67.19; SD = 6.83) answered questions about masculine self-esteem, depression, resilience, and demoralization. An ANOVA was conducted to examine whether the association between demoralization and depressive symptoms was linear. A chi-square test was calculated to determine differences between depression and demoralization. Finally, a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis with interaction terms was conducted to examine the associations between masculine self-esteem, depression, resilience, and demoralization.

Results

Depression scores increased linearly with demoralization severity, but demoralization scores were higher than depression scores (21.3% vs. 15.2%). Lower scores on masculine self-esteem and higher scores on depressive symptoms were associated with greater demoralization. Resilience significantly moderated the association between masculine self-esteem and demoralization, but not between depression and demoralization.

Conclusion

Assessment of depression, masculine self-esteem, resilience, and demoralization in the clinical setting is critical for improving the mental health status of PCa patients.