bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation Diagnostics from the Subsurface of Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrodes
Authors: Yao Xuhui , Šamořil Tomáš , Dluhoš Jiří , Watts John F. , Du Zhijia , Song Bohang , Silva S. Ravi P. , Sui Tan , Zhao Yunlong
Published: June 2021

Despite the long‐established rocking‐chair theory of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), developing novel characterization methodology with higher spatiotemporal resolution facilitates a better understanding of the solid electrolyte interphase studies to shape the reaction mechanisms. In this work, we develop a Xenon ion plasma focused ion beam (Xe+ PFIB)‐based characterization technique to probe the cross‐sectional interface of both ternary cathode and graphite anode electrodes, with the focus on revealing the chemical composition and distribution underneath the electrode surface by in‐depth analysis of secondary ions. Particularly, the lithium fluoride is detected in the pristine cathode prior to contact with the electrolyte, reflecting that the electrode degradation is in the form of the loss of lithium inventory during electrode preparation. This degradation is related to the hydrolysis of the cathode material and the decomposition of the PVDF binder. Through the quantitative analysis of the transition‐metal degradation products, manganese is found to be the dominant element in the newly formed inactive fluoride deposition on the cathode, while no transition metal signal can be found inside the anode electrode. These insights at high resolution implemented via a PFIB‐based characterization technique not only enrich the understanding of the degradation mechanism in the LIBs but also identify and enable a high‐sensitivity methodology to obtain the chemical survey at the subsurface, which will help remove the capacity‐fade observed in most LIBs.
Placebo effects in low back pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: van Lennep Johan (Hans) Peter Alexander , Trossèl Faye , Perez Roberto Silvio Giovanni Maria , Otten René Hubert Joseph , van Middendorp Henriët , Evers Andrea Walburga Maria , Szadek Karolina Maria
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective

The current treatments of primary musculoskeletal low back pain (LBP) have a low to moderate efficacy, which might be improved by looking at the contribution of placebo effects. However, the size of true placebo effects in LBP is unknown. Therefore, a systematic review and meta‐analysis were executed of randomized controlled trials investigating placebo effects in LBP.

Databases and Data Treatment

The study protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews Prospero (CRD42019148745). A literature search (in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) up to 2021 February 16th yielded 2,423 studies. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility and risk of bias.

Results

Eighteen studies were eligible for the systematic review and 5 for the meta‐analysis. Fourteen of the 18 studies were clinical treatment studies, and 4 were experimental studies specifically assessing placebo effects. The clinical treatment studies provided varying evidence for placebo effects in chronic LBP but insufficient evidence for acute and subacute LBP. Most experimental studies investigating chronic LBP revealed significant placebo effects. The meta‐analysis of 5 treatment studies investigating chronic LBP depicted a significant moderate effect size of placebo for pain intensity (SMD = 0.57) and disability (SMD = 0.52).

Conclusions

This review shows a significant contribution of placebo effects to chronic LBP symptom relief in clinical and experimental conditions. The meta‐analysis revealed that placebo effects can influence chronic LBP intensity and disability. However, additional studies are required for more supporting evidence and evidence for placebo effects in acute or subacute LBP.

Significance

This systematic review and meta‐analysis provides evidence of true placebo effects in low back pain (LBP). It shows a significant contribution of placebo effects to chronic LBP symptom relief. The results highlight the importance of patient‐ and context‐related factors in fostering treatment effects in this patient group. New studies could provide insight into the potential value of actively making use of placebo effects in clinical practice.
Numerical simulations of viscoelastic particle migration in a microchannel with triangular cross‐section
Authors: D'Avino Gaetano
Published: June 2021

The migration of a spherical particle immersed in a viscoelastic liquid flowing in a microchannel with a triangular cross‐section is investigated by direct numerical simulations under inertialess conditions. The viscoelastic fluid is modeled through two constitutive equations to investigate the effect of the second normal stress difference and the resulting secondary flows on the migration phenomenon. The results are presented in terms of trajectories followed by the particles released at different initial positions over the channel cross‐section in a wide range of Weissenberg numbers and confinement ratios.

Particles suspended in a fluid with a negligible second normal stress difference migrate toward the channel centerline or the closest wall, depending on their initial position. A much more complex dynamics is found for particles suspended in a fluid with a relevant second normal stress difference due to the appearance of secondary flows that compete with the migration phenomenon. Depending on the Weissenberg number and confinement ratio, additional equilibrium positions (points or closed orbits) may appear. In this case, the channel centerline becomes unstable and the particles are driven to the corners or “entrapped” in recirculation regions within the channel cross‐section. The inversion of the centerline stability can be exploited to design efficient size‐based separation devices.
Nanoscale characterization of the site‐specific degradation of electric double‐layer capacitor using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy
Authors: Kawabe Yusuke , Miyakoshi Yosuke , Tang Rui , Fukuma Takeshi , Nishihara Hirotomo , Takahashi Yasufumi
Published: June 2021

Electric double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) that store electrical energy in the interface between an electrolyte and a solid electrode are favorable energy storage systems that demonstrate high‐power density, excellent cycle stability, and low environmental impact. To increase the operating voltage and improve the capacitance of EDLCs, it is essential to investigate the relationship between the degradation process and structural properties of activated carbon. In the current study, we used scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to assess the site‐specific degradation mechanisms caused by electrolyte decomposition. To simplify the structural properties of activated carbon, we used the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) as a model substrate to distinguish the edge and the basal planes of activated carbon. The mobile and nanoscale electrochemical cell provides local cyclic voltammetry (CV) to examine the difference in the degradation process at the edge and basal planes of HOPG. SECCM's nanoscale electrochemical cell can suppress the impact of capacitive current and can therefore be used to clearly measure the current associated with degradation caused by electrolyte decomposition. SECCM's local CV measurements directly exposed the degradation reaction that occurred at the edge plane in the positive potential range.
Lateral bedrock erosion and valley formation in a heterogeneously layered landscape, Northeast Kansas
Authors: Marcotte Abbey L. , Neudorf Christina M. , Langston Abigail L.
Published: June 2021

In this study, we present direct field measurements of modern lateral and vertical bedrock erosion during a 2‐year study period, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of fluvial material capping a flat bedrock surface at Kings Creek located in northeast Kansas, USA. These data provide insight into rates and mechanisms of bedrock erosion and valley‐widening in a heterogeneously layered limestone‐shale landscape. Lateral bedrock erosion outpaced vertical incision during our 2‐year study period. Modern erosion rates, measured at erosion pins in limestone and shale bedrock reveal that shale erosion rate is a function of wetting and drying cycles, while limestone erosion rate is controlled by discharge and fracture spacing. Variability in fracture spacing amongst field sites controls the size of limestone block collapse into the stream, which either allowed continued lateral erosion following rapid detachment and transport of limestone blocks, or inhibited lateral erosion due to limestone blocks that protected the valley wall from further erosion. The OSL ages of fluvial material sourced from the strath terrace were older than any material previously dated at our study site and indicate that Kings Creek was actively aggrading and incising throughout the late Pleistocene. Coupling field measurements and observations with ages of fluvial terraces can be useful to investigate the timing and processes linked to how bedrock rivers erode laterally over time to form wide bedrock valleys.
River Discharge and Water Level Changes in the Mekong River: Droughts in an Era of Mega‐Dams
Authors: Lu Xi Xi , Chua Samuel De Xun
Published: June 2021

While 1992 marked the first major dam – Manwan – on the main stem of the Mekong River, the post‐2010 era has seen the construction and operationalisation of mega dams such as Xiaowan (started operations in 2010) and Nuozhadu (started operations in 2014) that were much larger than any dams built before. The scale of these projects implies that their operations will likely have significant ecological and hydrological impacts from the Upper Mekong Basin to the Vietnamese Delta and beyond. Historical water level and water discharge data from 1960 to 2020 were analysed to examine the changes to streamflow conditions across three time periods: 1960–1991 (pre‐dam), 1992–2009 (growth) and 2010–2020 (mega‐dam). At Chiang Saen, the nearest station to the China border, monthly water discharge in the mega‐dam period has increased by up to 98% during the dry season and decreased up as much as −35% during the wet season when compared to pre‐dam records. Similarly, monthly water levels also rose by up to +1.16 m during the dry season and dropped by up to −1.55 m during the wet season. This pattern of hydrological alterations is observed further downstream to at least Stung Treng (Cambodia) in our study, showing that Mekong streamflow characteristics have shifted substantially in the post‐2010 era. In light of such changes, the 2019–2020 drought – the most severe one in the recent history in the Lower Mekong Basin – was a consequent of constructed dams reducing the amount of water during the wet season. This reduction of water was exacerbated by the decreased monsoon precipitation in 2019. Concurrently, the untimely operationalisation of the newly opened Xayaburi dam in Laos coincided with the peak of the 2019–2020 drought and could have aggravated the dry conditions downstream. Thus, the mega‐dam era (post‐2010) may signal the start of a new normal of wet‐season droughts.
Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy increases nontraumatic fracture risk in breast cancer survivors
Authors: McNeish Brendan L. , Richardson James K. , Bell Sarah G. , Whitney Daniel G.
Published: June 2021

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for breast cancer (BrCa) and can cause chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CIPN contributes to falls, and is thus a potential risk factor for nontraumatic fractures (NTFx); yet, the effect of CIPN on NTFx risk has not been examined for BrCa survivors. We therefore investigated the association between CIPN and NTFx in BrCa survivors. Data were extracted from Optum's Deidentified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database years 2010–2015 in this retrospective cohort study. Among women, three groups were derived based on BrCa and CIPN status: BrCa+/CIPN+ (primary group of interest), BrCa+/CIPN− (first comparison group), and BrCa−/CIPN− (second comparison group). After propensity score matching the comparison groups to BrCa+/CIPN+ at a ratio of 1:11 (BrCa:control) for demographics, osteoporosis, glucocorticoid medication, comorbidities, and cancer‐related variables for BrCa+/CIPN−, 1‐year incidence rate (IR) of NTFx was determined for each group. The incident rate ratio (IRR) determined if the IR for NTFx was different for BrCa+/CIPN+ compared to BrCa+/CIPN− and BrCa−/CIPN−. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) after adjusting for covariates that were unable to be matched for. The crude IR (95% confidence interval [CI]) of NTFx was 4.54 (2.32–6.77) for BrCa+/CIPN+ (n = 359), 2.53 (2.03–3.04) for BrCa+/CIPN− (n = 3949), and 1.76 (1.35–2.18) for BrCa−/CIPN− (n = 3949). The crude IRR of NTFx was significantly elevated for BrCa+/CIPN+ as compared to BrCa+/CIPN− (IRR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.06–3.05) and BrCa−/CIPN− (IRR = 2.58; 95% CI, 1.50–4.44). The elevated rate of NTFx for BrCa+/CIPN+ remained unchanged after adjusting for aromatase inhibitors compared to BrCa+/CIPN− (HR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.06–3.04). Female BrCa survivors have an increased 1‐year IR of NTFx after the onset of CIPN, suggesting that CIPN is an additive burden on NTFx risk among BrCa survivors. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Efficientenergy‐conservativedispersive transistor modelling usingdiscrete‐timeconvolution and artificial neural networks
Authors: King Justin B.
Published: June 2021

This paper describes an efficient simulation technique for field‐effect transistor devices exhibiting significant frequency dispersive behavior. The device model is formulated such that a single energy function completely describes the channel displacement current, thus imposing charge and energy conservations principles from the outset. It is shown that adherence to energy conservation necessarily implies a reciprocal intrinsic displacement network, which is typically too rigid to follow measured device data. This problem is overcome by considering a frequency dispersive time‐delay parameter, which has the effect of allowing nonreciprocal susceptance behavior to be captured by the overall device model. This dispersive time‐delay parameter is included within the nonlinear device simulation via an efficient discrete‐time convolution.
Passing return‐to‐sport criteria and landing biomechanics in young athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Losciale Justin M. , Ithurburn Matthew P. , Paterno Mark V. , Schmitt Laura C.
Published: June 2021

We sought to evaluate the sagittal plane knee joint loading patterns during a double‐leg landing task among young athletes who passed or failed return‐to‐sport (RTS) criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction reconstruction (ACLR), and in uninjured athletes. Participants completed quadriceps strength testing, a hop test battery, and the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form following medical RTS clearance. ACLR participants “passed” RTS criteria (RTS‐PASS) if they met ≥90 limb symmetry (%) or score on all measures and were categorized as “failing” (RTS‐FAIL) if not. All participants completed three‐dimensional motion analysis testing. Sagittal plane kinematic and kinetic variables were calculated during a double‐leg drop vertical jump task. Mean limb values and limb symmetry indices (LSI; %) were calculated and compared using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (for LSI) and mixed between‐within ANOVA (for group × limb differences). A total of 205 participants were included, with 39 in the RTS‐PASS group, 109 in the RTS‐FAIL group, and 57 control groups (CTRLs). The RTS‐FAIL group demonstrated lower symmetry values for peak vertical ground reaction force, peak internal knee extension moment, and peak knee flexion angle. Group × limb interactions were observed for peak vertical ground reaction force and peak internal knee extension moment. Involved limb values were reduced in the RTS‐PASS and RTS‐FAIL groups compared to CTRLs, while the RTS‐PASS groups had lower uninvolved limb values compared to the RTS‐FAIL and CTRLs.

Clinical Significance:

Young athletes who pass RTS criteria after ACLR land symmetrically during a double‐leg task, but symmetry was achieved by reducing loading on both limbs.
The role of loading in murine models of rotator cuff disease
Authors: Abraham Adam C. , Fang Fei , Golman Mikhail , Oikonomou Panagiotis , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: June 2021

Rotator cuff disease pathogenesis is associated with intrinsic (e.g., age, joint laxity, muscle weakness) and extrinsic (e.g., mechanical load, fatigue) factors that lead to chronic degeneration of the cuff tissues. However, etiological studies are difficult to perform in patients due to the long duration of disease onset and progression. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of altered joint loading on the rotator cuff. Mice were subjected to one of three load‐dependent rotator cuff tendinopathy models: underuse loading, achieved by injecting botulinum toxin‐A into the supraspinatus muscle; overuse loading, achieved using downhill treadmill running; destabilization loading, achieved by surgical excision of the infraspinatus tendon. All models were compared to cage activity animals. Whole joint function was assessed longitudinally using gait analysis. Tissue‐scale structure and function were determined using microCT, tensile testing, and histology. The molecular response of the supraspinatus tendon and enthesis was determined by measuring the expression of 84 wound healing‐associated genes. Underuse and destabilization altered forepaw weight‐bearing, decreased tendon‐to‐bone attachment strength, decreased mineral density of the humeral epiphysis, and reduced tendon strength. Transcriptional activity of the underuse group returned to baseline levels by 4 weeks, while destabilization had significant upregulation of inflammation, growth factors, and extracellular matrix remodeling genes. Surprisingly, overuse activity caused changes in walking patterns, increased tendon stiffness, and primarily suppressed expression of wound healing‐related genes. In summary, the tendinopathy models demonstrated how divergent muscle loading can result in clinically relevant alterations in rotator cuff structure, function, and gene expression.
Water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea Lour.) can fix and transfer nitrogen to rice in their intercropping system
Authors: Hei Zewen , Xiang Huimin , Zhang Jiaen , Liang Kaiming , Ren Xiaoqiao , Sun Yanran , Wu Ruiqin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Cereal–legume intercropping systems are an environmentally friendly practice in sustainable agriculture. However, research on the interspecific interaction of nitrogen (N) between rice and aquatic legumes has rarely been undertaken. To address this issue, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate N utilization and the N interaction between rice and water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea Lour.) in an intercropping system. The root barrier patterns consisted of solid barrier (SB), mesh barrier (MB), and no barrier (NB) treatments. The N fertilizer application rates were low, medium, and high N rates.

RESULTS

The results showed that the NB treatment better facilitated rice growth compared with the MB and SB treatments. And the nitrate N content and urease activity of rice rhizospheric soil in the NB treatment were the highest of the three separated patterns. The ammonium N content in water mimosa rhizospheric soil and N2 fixation of water mimosa ranked as NB > MB > SB.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount of N fixation by water mimosa was 4.38–13.64 mg/pot, and the N transfer from water mimosa to rice was 3.97–9.54 mg/pot. This can promote the growth of rice and reduce the application of N fertilizer. We suggest that the rice–water mimosa intercropping system is a sustainable ecological farming approach and can be applied in the field to facilitate rice production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multivariate statistics for summarizing diesel feeds for flammability attributes using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography
Authors: Machakanur Shrinath , Savalia Anilkumar , Bhakthavatsalam Vishnupriya
Published: June 2021

Comprehensive 2D gas chromatography has been utilized for analyzing complex mixtures of hydrocarbons of diesel feeds. Here, we evaluated 19 diesel feeds for their paraffinic, naphthenic, and aromatic group compositions dictating their flammability properties. Compositional ranges of feeds were as follows: paraffins: 9.6–57.8%, naphthenes: 7.9–38.5%, and aromatics: 10.5–82.3%. Diesel's flammability performance is estimated by thermodynamic conditions and rates of radical formation of hydrocarbon type in actual engine condition, limiting cetane number. However, limitations are overcome by understanding the relative compositional variations of feeds by simple ranking of feeds based on C15‐16 compositions. Due to the multidimensional variability of feeds, a principal component analysis was adopted later for its distinguishing capability. Paraffinic, naphthenic, and aromatic group's principal component analysis clustered up feeds based on the higher concentration of individual hydrocarbon group. We explored hierarchical cluster analysis to organize feeds into classes of mixed C9 to C26 paraffin's composition in the diesel range. Further, for discriminating C15–C16 enriched and depleted feeds in total paraffin composition, a row dendrogram with heat map was drawn. The above multivariate methods have led to a fair distinction of nonadditive feed compositions influencing flammability properties by radical formation rate.
Simultaneous separation and determination of three diterpenoids in Euphorbia lathyris L. and its formulations by hydrophobic interaction electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Hou Meijuan , Zhang Yiqiong , Yu Haixia , Yang Yuhang , Zhang Hongfen , Zhang Guangbin , Chen Anjia
Published: June 2021

In this study, a hydrophobic interaction electrokinetic chromatography method has been developed for simultaneous separation and determination of three diterpenoids in Euphorbia lathyris L.: Euphorbia factors L1, L2, and L3. After optimization of separation conditions, the electrolyte solution was 5.0 mM ammonium acetate buffer containing 30 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate in a 60% v/v methanol (pH 6.86), 25 kV of electric field across the capillary was applied at 25°C, and the detection wavelength was at 280 nm. Under optimum conditions, good linearity was achieved with correlation coefficients from 0.9945 to 0.9995. The limits of detection were 2.5, 7.5, and 5.6 μg/mL, and the limits of quantitation were 8.8, 23.9, and 15.3 μg/mL, respectively. Excellent accuracy and precision were obtained. Recoveries of the analytes varied from 98.5 to 103.8%. The established method was novel, simple, and rapid, and it was validated and confirmed to be applicable for the determination of the active ingredients in a quality control analysis.
Activated CD4+ T Cells and Highly Differentiated Alloreactive CD4+ T Cells Distinguish Operationally Tolerant Liver Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Duizendstra Aafke A. , de Knegt Robert J. , Mancham Shanta , Klepper Mariska , Roelen Dave L. , Brand‐Schaaf Simone H. , Boor Patrick P. , Doukas Michail , de Man Robert A. , Sprengers Dave , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Betjes Michiel G. H. , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Litjens Nicolle H. R.
Published: June 2021

Spontaneous operational tolerance to the allograft develops in a proportion of liver transplantation (LT) recipients weaned off immunosuppressive (IS) drugs. Several studies have investigated whether peripheral blood circulating T cells could play a role in the development or identify operational tolerance, but never characterized alloreactive T cells in detail due to the lack of a marker for these T cells. In this study, we comprehensively investigated phenotypic and functional characteristics of alloreactive circulating T cell subsets in tolerant LT recipients (n = 15) using multiparameter flow cytometry and compared these with LT recipients on IS drugs (n = 23) and healthy individuals (n = 16). Activation‐induced CD137 was used as a marker for alloreactive T cells upon allogenic stimulation. We found that central and effector memory CD4+ T cells were hyporesponsive against donor and third‐party splenocyte stimulation in tolerant LT recipients, whereas an overall hyperresponsiveness was observed in alloreactive terminally differentiated effector memory CD4+ T cells. In addition, elevated percentages of circulating activated T helper cells were observed in these recipients. Lastly, tolerant and control LT recipients did not differ in donor‐specific antibody formation. In conclusion, a combination of circulating hyperresponsive highly differentiated alloreactive CD4+ T cells and circulating activated T helper cells could discriminate tolerant recipients from a larger group of LT recipients.
Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance of spin‐9/2 nuclei 115In and 209Bi in functional inorganic complex oxides
Authors: Griffith Kent J. , Ding Fenghua , Flynn Steven
Published: June 2021

Indium and bismuth are technologically important elements, in particular as oxides for optoelectronic applications. 115In and 209Bi are both I = 9/2 nuclei with high natural abundances and moderately high frequencies but large nuclear electric quadrupole moments. Leveraging the quadrupolar interaction as a measure of local symmetry and polyhedral distortions for these nuclei could provide powerful insights on a range of applied materials. However, the absence of reported nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters on these nuclei, particularly in oxides, hinders their use by the broader materials community. In this contribution, solid‐state 115In and 209Bi NMR of three recently discovered quaternary bismuth or indium oxides are reported, supported by density functional theory calculations, numerical simulations, diffraction and additional multinuclear (27Al, 69,71Ga, and 121Sb) solid‐state NMR measurements. The compounds LiIn2SbO6, BiAlTeO6, and BiGaTeO6 are measured without special equipment at 9.4 T, demonstrating that wideline techniques such as the QCPMG pulse sequence and frequency‐stepped acquisition can enable straightforward extraction of quadrupolar tensor information in I = 9/2 115In and 209Bi even in sites with large quadrupolar coupling constants. Relationships are described between the NMR observables and local site symmetry. These are amongst the first reports of the NMR parameters of 115In, 121Sb, and 209Bi in oxides.
Bayesian inference with subset simulation in varying dimensions applied to the Karhunen–Loève expansion
Authors: Uribe Felipe , Papaioannou Iason , Latz Jonas , Betz Wolfgang , Ullmann Elisabeth , Straub Daniel
Published: June 2021

Uncertainties associated with spatially varying parameters are modeled through random fields discretized into a finite number of random variables. Standard discretization methods, such as the Karhunen–Loève expansion, use series representations for which the truncation order is specified a priori. However, when data is used to update random fields through Bayesian inference, a different truncation order might be necessary to adequately represent the posterior random field. This is an inference problem that not only requires the determination of the often high‐dimensional set of coefficients, but also their dimension. In this article, we develop a sequential algorithm to handle such inference settings and propose a penalizing prior distribution for the dimension parameter. The method is a variable‐dimensional extension of BUS (Bayesian Updating with Structural reliability methods), combined with subset simulation (SuS). The key idea is to replace the standard Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm within SuS by a trans‐dimensional MCMC sampler that is able to populate the discrete‐continuous parameter space. To address this task, we consider two types of MCMC algorithms that operate in a fixed‐dimensional saturated space. The performance of the proposed method with both MCMC variants is assessed numerically for two examples: a 1D cantilever beam with spatially varying flexibility and a 2D groundwater flow problem with uncertain permeability field.
Effect of dispersion and orientation of dispersed phase on mechanical and electrical conductivity
Authors: Mi Dashan , Li Xiaoyue , Zhao Zhongguo , Jia Zhiyong , Zhu Wenli
Published: June 2021

Melt mixed polypropylene/polyamide 6 (PA6) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were molded by compression, injection, and interval injection molding. PA phase exists as an isolated dispersed phase in the sea–island system with different phase orientations and dispersion degrees. CNTs prefer to be located in the minor PA phase because of their remarkable compatibility. However, when the content of CNTs is high enough, a conductive path can be formed regardless of the phase morphology. Moreover, when the CNT content is low, the dispersed PA forms an unelongated structure, which is beneficial to electrical conductivity. Although the elongated PA phase holds advantages in terms of its tensile properties, its conductivity network is defective. These results were proposed to uncover the influence of dispersed phase morphology on mechanical and electrical conductivity.
Effect of whole body vibration on clinical and metabolic outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes: an observational pilot trial
Authors: Michels Manuella de L , Spivakoski Camila S , Réus Bruna da S , Alves Débora M dos S , Mattje Priscila ND , Hohl Alexandre , Ronsoni Marcelo F , van de Sande‐Lee Simone
Published: June 2021

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of 28Hz whole body vibration on glycaemic control and other metabolic parameters in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Twenty‐four adults with T2D on oral antidiabetic agents, with a baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 6.5–9.0% (48–75mmol/mol), were randomised into two groups. The control group (CG) was advised to adopt lifestyle modifications, and the intervention group (IG) received the same orientations plus a vibrating platform for daily use for 12 weeks.

Data from 22 patients were analysed (one from each group was excluded). Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar except for triglycerides, which were higher in the CG (111.8±39.9 vs 188.9±68.8mg/dL [1.26±0.45 vs 2.13±0.78mmol/L], p<0.05). After 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in HbA1c in the IG (7.69±0.49 vs 7.17±0.77% [60.5±5.39 vs 54.9±8.74mmol/mol], p<0.05), not observed in the CG (8.05±0.98 vs 7.92±1.07% [64.5±10.78 vs 63.1±11.77mmol/mol], p=0.52). A non‐significant trend for weight loss in IG was observed (78.14±10.47 vs 77.14±11.08kg, p=0.06). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding fasting blood glucose or any other clinical and biochemical variables analysed.

Daily use of the vibrating platform for 12 weeks resulted in improved HbA1c in adults with T2D. Further studies are needed to better define the role of whole body vibration as an adjuvant in T2D treatment. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.
Airway recanalization of bronchial metastasis and obstruction by smooth muscle tumour of uncertain malignant potential by a silicone OKI‐stent™
Authors: Torii Atsushi , Saka Hideo , Nishimura Rieko , Saito Yushi , Oki Masahide
Published: June 2021

Key message

There is no standard treatment for smooth muscle tumour of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) but it usually has a good prognosis. Airway stenting is performed to manage central airway patency. In the present case, it was no treatment for STUMP, but performance status was good, so airway stenting was performed.
A ROC‐based test for evaluating the group difference with an application to neonatal audiology screening
Authors: Tang Larry L. , Meng Zhen , Li Qizhai
Published: June 2021

This article proposes a powerful method to compare two samples. The proposed method handles comparison of data by drawing inference from ROC curve model parameters. The method estimates parameters from a linear model framework on the empirical sensitivities and specificities. The consistent ROC parameters are then used to give a more powerful test than existing methods in several situations. In addition, we present a comprehensive statistic based on the Cauchy combination, which works well in all scenarios considered in this article. We also offer an efficient one‐layer wild permutation procedure to calculate the P‐value of our statistic. The method is particularly useful when the underlying continuous biomarker results are non‐normal. We illustrate the proposed methods in a neonatal audiology diagnostic example.
Numerical Investigation of the Combined Effect of Reactive Cleaning and Active Filtration on Inclusion Removal in an Induction Crucible Furnace
Authors: Asad Amjad , Schwarze Rüdiger
Published: June 2021

Herein, the combined influence of reactive cleaning and active filtration on inclusion removal is investigated using numerical simulations. Carbon‐bonded ceramic foam filters with active and reactive effect are inserted into the steel melt to remove nonmetallic inclusions. In case of reactive cleaning, carbon can dissolve from the filters into the melt. As a result, carbon reacts with oxygen on inclusion surface to form carbon monoxide bubbles. The filters can capture inclusions in terms of its active effect. A numerical model is developed in the open source library OpenFOAM to study the efficiency of the combined effect of filters. The results of the numerical simulations show that the flow field and the concentration of carbon are affected considerably by the position and the number of the used filters. Moreover, the results highlight the significant positive effect of reactive cleaning on the level of melt cleanliness despite the short time of the reactive phase of the filters. Moreover, it is apparent from the results that reactive cleaning dominates active filtration. The findings of the article prove the importance of reactive cleaning in the steel casting industry to enhance inclusion removal and improve steel quality.
Post‐polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy: Comparison of the updated guidelines
Authors: Abu‐Freha Naim , Katz Lior H. , Kariv Revital , Vainer Elez , Laish Ido , Gluck Nathan , Half Elizabeth E. , Levi Zohar
Published: June 2021

Background

Recently, three updated guidelines for post‐polypectomy colonoscopy surveillance (PPCS) have been published. These guidelines are based on a comprehensive summary of the literature, while some recommendations are similar, different surveillance intervals are recommended after detection of specific types of polyps.

Aim

In this review, we aimed to compare and contrast these recommendations.

Methods

The updated guidelines for PPCS were reviewed and the recommendations were compared.

Results

For patients with 1–4 adenomas <10 mm with low‐grade dysplasia, irrespective of villous components, or 1–4 serrated polyps <10 mm without dysplasia, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) and Public Health England (PHE) (BSG/ACPGBI/PHE) guidelines do not recommend colonoscopic surveillance and instead recommend that the participate in routine CRC screening program (typically based on the fecal immunochemical test), while the USMSTF recommends surveillance colonoscopies 7–10 years after diagnosis of 1–2 tubular adenomas <10 mm and 3–5 years for 3–4 tubular adenomas of the same size. The USMSTF define adenomas with tubulovillous or villous histology as high‐risk adenomas; thus, surveillance colonoscopy is recommended after 3 years. However, the ESGE and BSG do not consider such histology as a criterion for repeating colonoscopy at this short interval. For patients with 1–2 sessile serrated polyps (SSPs) <10 mm and those with 3–4 SSPs <10 mm, the USMSTF recommends surveillance colonosocopy after 5–10 and 3–5 years, respectively.
Characterization of Pre-bond Contamination and Aging Effects for CFRP Bonded Joints Using Reference Laboratory Methods, Mechanical Tests, and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Tserpes Konstantinos , Moutsompegka Elli , Schlag Mareike , Brune Kai , Tornow Christian , Reguero Simón Ana , Ecault Romain
Published: June 2021

In this chapter, the pre-bond contamination and ageing effects on carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) adherends and CFRP bonded joints are characterized by means of reference laboratory non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, mechanical tests, and numerical simulation. Contaminations from two fields of application are considered, namely in aircraft manufacturing (i.e. production) and for in-service bonded repair. The production-related scenarios comprise release agent, moisture, and fingerprint, while the repair-related scenarios comprise fingerprint, thermal degradation, de-icing fluid, and a faulty curing of the adhesive. For each scenario, three different levels of contamination were pre-set and applied, namely low, medium and high level. Furthermore, two types of samples were tested, namely coupons and pilot samples (a stiffened panel and scarf repairs). The CFRP adherends were contaminated prior to bonding and the obtained surfaces were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After bonding, the joints were tested by ultrasonic testing. To characterize the effects of each contamination on the strength of the bonded joints, mode-I and mode-II fracture toughness tests, and novel centrifuge tests were conducted on the coupons, while tensile tests were performed on the scarfed samples. Additionally, numerical simulation was performed on CFRP stiffened panels under compression using the LS-DYNA finite element (FE) platform.
Integrating Extended Non-destructive Testing in the Life Cycle Management of Bonded Products—Some Perspectives
Authors: Leite Cavalcanti Welchy , Moutsompegka Elli , Tserpes Konstantinos , Malinowski Paweł H. , Ostachowicz Wiesław M. , Ecault Romain , Grundmann Neele , Tornow Christian , Noeske Michael , Schiffels Peter , Mayer Bernd
Published: June 2021

In this chapter, we outline some perspectives on embracing the datasets gathered using Extended Non-destructive Testing (ENDT) during manufacturing or repair process steps within the life cycle of bonded products. Ensuring that the ENDT data and metadata are FAIR, i.e. findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable, will support the relevant stakeholders in exploiting the contained material-related information far beyond a stop/go decision, while a shorter time-to-information will facilitate a prompter time-to-decision in process and product management. Exploiting the value of ENDT (meta)data will contribute to increased performance by integrating all defined, measured, analyzed and controlled aspects of material transformation across process and company boundaries. This will facilitate the optimization of manufacturing and repair operations, boosting their energy efficiency and productivity. In this regard, some aspects that are currently driving activities in the field of pre-process, in-process and post-process quality assessment will be addressed in the following. Furthermore, some requirements will be contemplated for harmonized and conjoint data transfer ranging from a bonded product’s beginning-of-life through its end-of-life, the customization of stand-alone or linked ENDT tools, and the implementation of sensor arrays and networks in joints, devices and structural parts to gather material-related data during a product’s middle-of-life application phase, thereby fostering structural health monitoring (SHM).
Efficacy of Splenectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer with Greater Curvature Invasion or Type 4 Tumor: a Propensity Score Analysis of a Multi‐Institutional Dataset
Authors: Ito Seiji , Kanda Mitsuro , Mochizuki Yoshinari , Teramoto Hitoshi , Ishigure Kiyoshi , Murai Toshifumi , Asada Takahiro , Ishiyama Akiharu , Matsushita Hidenobu , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Fujiwara Michitaka , Murotani Kenta , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: June 2021

Background

Splenectomy for proximal gastric cancer was found to have no survival benefit in a randomized trial clarifying the role of splenectomy (JCOG0110 study). However, since tumor with invasion to the greater curvature and Type 4 tumor were excluded in JCOG0110, the benefit of splenectomy for these tumors is not known.

Methods

A multicenter dataset of patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy between 2010 and 2014 was created. From the dataset, 114 eligible patients with proximal advanced gastric cancer with invasion to the greater curvature or Type 4 tumor were enrolled. There were 60 patients in the gastrectomy with splenectomy (Spx) group and 54 patients in the spleen‐preserving (Prs) group. To balance the essential variables, propensity score analysis was performed, estimating the propensity score with a logistic regression model. Adjusted overall survival (OS) and adjusted disease‐free survival (DFS) were estimated using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method.

Results

There were significant differences in age, performance status, comorbidity, macroscopic type, and clinical T stage between the Spx and Prs groups. The model for estimating the propensity score was well adapted (c‐statistic: 0.830, 95%CI: 0.754–0.906). Adjusted OS was identical between the two groups (HR = 1.089, 95%CI: 0.759–1.563; p = 0.644). The DFS curve of Prs group was consistently tended to be lower than Spx, but the difference was not significant (HR = 0.813, 95%CI: 0.572–1.156; p = 0.249).

Conclusions

The efficacy of splenectomy was minimal for proximal advanced gastric cancer even with invasion to the greater curvature or Type 4 tumor.
Erfahrungen und Sichtweisen von Pflegeheimbewohnenden mit depressiver Symptomatik während der COVID-19-Pandemie: eine qualitative Studie
Authors: Schweighart Roxana , Klemmt Malte , Neuderth Silke , Teti Andrea
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie erfordert umfangreiche Maßnahmen in Pflegeheimen mit dem Ziel der Infektionsvermeidung. Diese Maßnahmen wirken sich auf das Leben der Bewohnenden aus und führen u. a. zu einer Zunahme an Depressivität und anderen negativen Begleiterscheinungen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Studie hat die Exploration der Erfahrungen und Sichtweisen von Pflegeheimbewohnenden mit depressiver Symptomatik während der Pandemie zum Ziel.

Methoden

Es wurden 9 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Bewohnenden geführt, welche mittels der inhaltlich-strukturierenden Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz ausgewertet wurden.

Ergebnisse

Es konnten 3 Hauptthemen identifiziert werden: Empfindungen und Emotionen in Bezug auf die Pandemie, Veränderungen und Einschränkungen durch die Maßnahmen sowie Wünsche vor dem Hintergrund der Pandemie. Die befragten Bewohnenden berichten sowohl von emotionalen Belastungen als auch davon, keine Angst vor einer Infektion und deren Folgen zu haben. Zudem äußern die Befragten z. T. unangenehme Einschränkungen wie das Tragen von Masken, deren Nutzen sie bisweilen kritisch hinterfragen. Weiter werden diverse Wünsche der Bewohnenden in Bezug zur Pandemie wie etwa das Verlassen des Pflegeheims identifiziert.

Diskussion

Die Studie zeigt komplexe Empfindungen, Veränderungen und Wünsche bei Pflegeheimbewohnenden aufgrund der Pandemie und der daraus resultierenden Maßnahmen. Dies erfordert einen individuellen Zugang zu den Bewohnenden mit depressiver Symptomatik, um eine Zunahme psychischer Probleme zu vermeiden. Vor diesem Hintergrund ergibt sich die Notwendigkeit einer partizipativen Umsetzung der Gesundheitsschutzmaßnahmen bei der besonders vulnerablen Gruppe der Pflegeheimbewohnenden.
Integrated energy-water-land nexus planning in the Colorado River Basin (Argentina)
Authors: Wild Thomas B. , Khan Zarrar , Clarke Leon , Hejazi Mohamad , Bereslawski Julia Lacal , Suriano Micaela , Roberts Paula , Casado José , Miralles-Wilhelm Fernando , Gavino-Novillo Marcelo , Muñoz-Castillo Raul , Moreda Fekadu , Zhao Mengqi , Yarlagadda Brinda , Lamontagne Jonathan , Birnbaum Abigail
Published: June 2021

Integrated energy-water-land (EWL) planning promotes synergies and avoids conflicts in ways that sector-specific planning approaches cannot. Many important decisions that influence emerging EWL nexus issues are implemented at regional (e.g., large river basin, electricity grid) and sub-regional (e.g., small river basin, irrigation district) scales. However, actual implementation of integrated planning at these scales has been limited. Simply collecting and visualizing data and interconnections across multiple sectors and sub-regions in a single modeling platform is a unique endeavor in many regions. This study introduces and applies a novel approach to linking together multiple sub-regions in a single platform to characterize and visualize EWL resource use, EWL system linkages within and among sub-regions, and the EWL nexus implications of future policies and investments. This integrated planning methodology is applied in the water-stressed Colorado River Basin in Argentina, which is facing increasing demands for agricultural and fossil fuel commodities. Guided by stakeholders, this study seeks to inform basin planning activities by characterizing and visualizing (1) the basin’s current state of EWL resources, (2) the linkages between sectors within and among basin sub-regions, and (3) the EWL nexus implications of planned future agricultural development activities. Results show that water scarcity, driven in part by human demands that have historically reached 60% of total surface water supply, poses a substantial constraint to economic development in the basin. The Colorado basin has the potential to serve as a testbed for crafting novel and generalizable sub-regional EWL planning approaches capable of informing the EWL planning dialogue globally.
Unilateral climate policies can substantially reduce national carbon pollution
Authors: Lépissier Alice , Mildenberger Matto
Published: June 2021

Following the failure of climate governance regimes that sought to impose legally binding treaty-based obligations, the Paris Agreement relies on voluntary actions by individual countries. Yet, there is no guarantee that unilateral policies will lead to a decrease in carbon emissions. Critics worry that voluntary climate measures will be weak and ineffective, and insights from political economy imply that regulatory loopholes are likely to benefit carbon-intensive sectors. Here, we empirically evaluate whether unilateral action can still reduce carbon pollution by estimating the causal effect of the UK’s 2001 Climate Change Programme (CCP) on the country’s carbon emissions. Existing efforts to evaluate the overall impact of climate policies on national carbon emissions rely on Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenarios to project what carbon emissions would have been without a climate policy. We instead use synthetic control methods to undertake an ex post national-level assessment of the UK’s CCP without relying on parametric BAU assumptions and demonstrate the potential of synthetic control methods for climate policy impact evaluation. Despite setting lax carbon targets and making substantial concessions to producers, we show that, in 2005, the UK’s CO2 emissions per capita were 9.8% lower relative to what they would have been if the CCP had not been passed. Our findings offer empirical confirmation that unilateral climate policies can still reduce carbon emissions, even in the absence of a binding global climate agreement and in the presence of regulatory capture by industry.