bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Screening for Depressive Symptoms Help Optimize Duloxetine Use in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients With Moderate Pain? A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Lenhard Nora K. , Sullivan James K. , Ross Eric L. , Song Shuang , Edwards Robert R. , Hunter David J. , Neogi Tuhina , Katz Jeffrey N. , Losina Elena
Published: November 2020

Objective

Duloxetine is a treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for both osteoarthritis (OA) pain and depression, though uptake of duloxetine in knee OA management varies. We examined the cost‐effectiveness of adding duloxetine to knee OA care in the absence or presence of depression screening.

Methods

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model, a validated computer microsimulation of knee OA, to examine the value of duloxetine for patients with knee OA who have moderate pain by comparing 3 strategies: 1) usual care, 2) usual care plus duloxetine for patients who screen positive for depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9), and 3) usual care plus universal duloxetine. Outcome measures included quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), lifetime direct medical costs, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs), discounted at 3% annually. Model inputs, drawn from the published literature and national databases, included annual cost of duloxetine ($721–937); average pain reduction for duloxetine (17.5 points on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain scale [0–100]), and likelihood of depression remission with duloxetine (27.4%). We considered 2 willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) thresholds of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY. We varied parameters related to the PHQ‐9 and the cost of duloxetine, efficacy, and toxicities to address uncertainty in model inputs.

Results

The screening strategy led to an additional 17 QALYs per 1,000 subjects and increased costs by $289/subject (ICER = $17,000/QALY). Universal duloxetine led to an additional 31 QALYs per 1,000 subjects and $1,205 per subject (ICER = $39,300/QALY). Under the majority of sensitivity analyses, universal duloxetine was cost‐effective at the $100,000/QALY threshold.

Conclusion

The addition of duloxetine to usual care for knee OA patients with moderate pain, regardless of depressive symptoms, is cost‐effective at frequently used WTP thresholds.
Highly Durable and Easily Integrable Triboelectric Foam for Active Sensing and Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Wu Zhiyi , Wang Peng , Zhang Binbin , Guo Hengyu , Chen Chaoyu , Lin Zhiming , Cao Xia , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2020

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have potential applications as active sensors or energy harvesters in self‐powered sensors and systems as they enable harvesting and conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. TENG development allows high‐efficiency energy harvesting capability and outstanding sensing characteristics, such as excellent output performance, high durability, reliable stability, easy integration, and convenient fabrication, among others. A triboelectric foam (T‐Foam) composed of a foam material with an embedded soft electrode is proposed in this study. The T‐Foam inherits the dominant mechanical properties of the foam material, which allows it to be freely folded, compressed, and kneaded, as well as immediate recovery upon stimulus withdrawal. The durability and stability of the T‐Foam are tested for a 0.1842 g sample; after stamping 14 times with a 158.6 lb tester, its output performance remained nearly identical. These properties indicate that the T‐Foam can be easily integrated into products, such as insoles, schoolbags, and seat mats, to build smart applications for motion, health, and safety monitoring. When driven by a polytetrafluoroethylene plate, a T‐Foam sample of 135 × 135 × 25 mm3 exhibits considerable energy harvesting capability, with the output power as high as 5.46 mW.
Edible Electronics: The Vision and the Challenge
Authors: Sharova Alina S. , Melloni Filippo , Lanzani Guglielmo , Bettinger Christopher J. , Caironi Mario
Published: November 2020

Many forward‐looking biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food industry technologies have limited applications owing to the lack of crucial factors: balance of safety and reliability, cost‐efficiency, and suitability for self‐healthcare monitoring. The newly minted field of edible electronics, while at an embryonic stage, is creating great scientific resonance by envisioning a technology which is safe for ingestion, environmentally friendly, cost‐effective, and degraded within the body after performing its function, either digested or even metabolized. Yet there is no shared approach, and the field is currently unified only by the use of food‐derived or edible synthetic functional materials. In order to help shape the field more consistently, the main ideas and perspectives that have been proposed in the recent past are critically curated, underlining what edible electronics is and will be in the future according to the vision. Long‐term opportunities in terms of environmentally friendly smart technologies, remote healthcare monitoring, and the formidable challenges ahead are discussed, covering major issues with respect to safety, materials approval, processing, power supply, communication, and human body interaction. A key point in moving toward such a vision is a strong interdisciplinary cooperation, which is highly encouraged.
Polymeric Nanoparticles for Nasal Drug Delivery to the Brain: Relevance to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Rabiee Navid , Ahmadi Sepideh , Afshari Ronak , Khalaji Samira , Rabiee Mohammad , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Fatahi Yousef , Dinarvand Rassoul , Tahriri Mohammadreza , Tayebi Lobat , Hamblin Michael R. , Webster Thomas J.
Published: November 2020

Currently, Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for more than half of all dementia cases. Although genetics, age, and environmental factors affect the disease, the cause of AD is not yet fully known. Various drugs have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of AD, but the delivery of these therapeutic agents to the brain is difficult. The blood–brain barrier prevents systemic drugs from accessing the central nervous system and designing a suitable system to overcome this barrier has attracted much attention. The intranasal pathway, given its proximity to the brain, provides a great opportunity for drug delivery. Understanding the physiological characteristics of the nose can be useful in selecting the appropriate carrier and material. Some of the emerging vehicles used for nose‐to‐brain delivery of anti‐AD drugs are natural (such as chitosan) and polymeric (such as poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and polyethylene glycol) nanoparticles (NPs). This review discusses the hypotheses for AD pathogenesis and highlights recent advances in the applications of natural and polymeric NPs for treatment. The fundamental and applied aspects of this approach for nasal drug delivery to the brain are reviewed here with thoughts on what is needed for the field to mature also provided.
Nonlinear control with wave observer to maximize harvested power for point absorber wave energy converters
Authors: Do Duc Khac
Published: December 2020

This paper designs control laws that maximize the harvested power for submerged point absorber wave energy converters (PAWECs) constrained to heave motion. First, a mathematical model of a submerged PAWEC driven by nonlinear hydrodynamic, friction, restoring, and harvested power forces is derived. Second, a new disturbance observer is designed that globally practically exponentially estimate the wave velocity and its time derivatives. Next, the optimal operating points are derived such that when the PAWEC operates at these points, the harvested power is maximized. Fourth, nonlinear control laws are designed to track the optimal operating points based on the proposed disturbance observer and Lyapunov's direct method. In addition to maximize the harvested power, these optimal control laws ensure that the harvested power is always nonnegative; i.e., no power is drawn from the network to the PAWEC at any time. For comparison, a control law that maximizes the hydrodynamic extraction power is also designed. Several simulations are carried out and illustrate that the maximizing harvested power control yields better results than others.
Study of the physical properties of selected active objects in the main belt and surrounding regions by broadband photometry
Authors: Borysenko Serhii , Baransky Alexander , Kuehrt Ekkehard , Hellmich Stephan , Mottola Stefano , Meech Karen
Published: December 2020

Dynamically different groups of comets and active asteroids with orbits at 2–5 a. u. show dust activity in varying degrees and forms. A photometric study and comparison of physical parameters can help to classify the mechanisms and nature of the activity for such objects. We present new observations using broadband photometry of 15 active objects in the main asteroid belt and surrounding regions obtained during 2012–2016. The study aims to compare the physical properties of main‐belt comets (MBCs), quasi‐Hilda comets (QHCs), and active asteroids (AAs). The observations were carried out with the 0.7‐m telescope of the Kyiv Comet Station, Ukraine, and with the 1.23‐m telescope at the Calar Alto Observatory, Spain, using Blue, Visual, Red (BVR) broadband filters. Upper limits for the nuclear radii, Afρ parameters, and color indices were measured. The results of 2012–2016 observations suggest that there exist systematic differences in the physical parameters of MBCs and QHCs.
Biobasiert
Authors: Saulich Katja
Published: December 2020

In der stoffumwandelnden industriellen Produktion von Gütern werden biotechnologische Verfahren eingesetzt, da sich aufgrund von effizienteren Produktionsweisen Ressourcen einsparen lassen. Um diesen Vorteil zu nutzen, helfen biotechnologische Verfahren z
Wehret den Anfängen
Authors: Kirstein Jens
Published: December 2020

Die äußerst geringe Leitfähigkeit von ölen gepaart mit bspw. Reibung und Sauerstoff beim Transport durch Pipelines birgt das Risiko einer elektrostatischen Aufladung, eines Funkenflugs und damit sogar einer Explosion. Leitfähigkeitswerte in diesem Bereich
SIL3 ohne Limit
Authors: Grimsehl Andreas
Published: December 2020

Mit neuen SIL3‐Ausgangstreibern macht Pepperl+Fuchs sein Portfolio von SIL3‐Trennbarrieren für alle Signalarten komplett.
Crestal bone stability after flapless placement of sloped implants with immediate temporization in edentulous mandible. A prospective comparative clinical trial
Authors: Puisys Algirdas , Auzbikaviciute Viktorija , Vindasiute‐Narbute Egle , Zukauskas Saulius , Vaicekauskas Kestutis , Razukevicus Dainius
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate crestal bone stability around sloped implants using the flapless procedure and compare it with conventional implants placed axially.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 bone‐level implants with platform switching were used for this study for 10 patients (4 males and 6 females) in edentulous mandible. Twenty mesial conventional implants were placed in upright position and 20 distal 30° sloped implants tilted 30°. Bone loss was estimated using radiographic imaging after a 6‐ and a 12‐month follow‐up period. Comparison of the bone loss in the distal and mesial region at both implantation angles were conducted to understand the nature and progression of crestal bone loss.

Results

Crestal bone loss around the sloped implants was 0.29 mm (SD = 0.292) on average, while around conventional implants it was 0.22 mm (SD = 0.202) after one‐year follow‐up. However, there was no significant difference in the average of crestal bone loss between two trial groups after 6 months (p < 0.243) and one‐year (p < 0.614) follow‐up. The results indicated a 100% implant survival rate after one‐year follow‐up. Additionally, three fixed prostheses needed realignment after fracturing during the follow‐up time.

Conclusion

Considering the limitations of this study, it can be presumed that sloped and conventional implants with platform switching and conical connection have the same potential for minimal crestal bone loss.
Role of Ash1l in Tourette syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Xu Lulu , Zheng Xueping , Liu Shiguo , Che Fengyuan
Published: December 2020

Ash1l potentially contributes to neurodevelopmental diseases. Although specific Ash1l mutations are rare, they have led to informative studies in animal models that may bring therapeutic advances. Ash1l is highly expressed in the brain and correlates with the neuropathology of Tourette syndrome (TS), autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability during development, implicating shared epigenetic factors and overlapping neuropathological mechanisms. Functional convergence of Ash1l generated several significant signaling pathways: chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation, protein synthesis and cellular metabolism, and synapse development and function. Here, we systematically review the literature on Ash1l, including its discovery, expression, function, regulation, implication in the nervous system, signaling pathway, mutations, and putative involvement in TS and other neurodevelopmental traits. Such findings highlight Ash1l pleiotropy and the necessity of transcending a single gene to complicated mechanisms of network convergence underlying these diseases. With the progress in functional genomic analysis (highlighted in this review), and although the importance and necessity of Ash1l becomes increasingly apparent in the medical field, further research is required to discover the precise function and molecular regulatory mechanisms related to Ash1l. Thus, a new perspective is proposed for basic scientific research and clinical interventions for cross‐disorder diseases.
Development of auditory catch ball system for improvement of blind person QOL
Authors: Suzuki Seiichi , Osa Masatoshi , Sugawara Kazuki , Kato Shigeru , Ohkura Motohiro , Arakawa Akihiro , Uchihara Shoichi
Published: December 2020

A virtual‐sound catch ball game system was developed to improve the quality of life of the visually impaired. Computer‐generated virtual sound balls were represented by stereo sounds, comprising localization parameters such as the interaural time and level differences, echo, and head‐related transfer function. Ball‐catching success was determined by images of the hand captured by a USB camera. Two sessions of experiments with blind subjects demonstrated the importance of distance recognition for human localization capability. Moreover, the addition of an echo parameter enhanced the sound‐source image position and sense of enjoyment. The results showed that a virtual sound game is a good active‐entertainment option for the visually impaired.
Early life chronic inflammatory conditions predict low back pain in adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Beynon Amber M. , Hebert Jeffrey J. , Leboeuf‐Yde Charlotte , Beales Darren J. , Jacques Angela , Walker Bruce F
Published: December 2020

Background

Associations between inflammatory conditions and low back pain (LBP) have been found frequently in older populations. However, the nature of these relationships in younger populations is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the associations between early life chronic or recurrent inflammatory conditions and impactful LBP in adolescence and young adulthood.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, we used data from the Raine Study Gen2 participants at the 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 14, 17, 20 and 22‐year follow‐ups (N = 2,868). Data were collected on inflammatory conditions from 1 to 22 years of age and occurrences of impactful LBP from 14 to 22 years of age. Longitudinal and cross‐sectional associations between inflammatory conditions and impactful LBP occurrence were examined. Potential dose–response relationships between the number of inflammatory conditions and impactful LBP were also assessed. Logistic regression models were used in the analysis.

Results

Participants with respiratory or atopic conditions during childhood had increased odds of future impactful LBP in adolescence and young adulthood (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.29 [1.07, 1.54] and 1.23 [1.02, 1.49], respectively). There were cross‐sectional associations between inflammatory conditions including respiratory, skin, musculoskeletal, autoimmune and atopic conditions, with impactful LBP. Participants with two illnesses and three or more illnesses had an increased odds (OR [95% CI] =1.68 [1.30, 2.18] and OR [95% CI] =2.12 [1.54, 2.89], respectively) of reporting impactful LBP.

Conclusions

Overall, longitudinal and cross‐sectional associations of respiratory and atopic conditions with impactful LBP in adolescence and young adulthood were identified. More evidence is needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between chronic inflammatory conditions and impactful LBP.

Significance

Low back pain (LBP) is a prominent and significant health problem and associations between inflammatory conditions and LBP have been found frequently in older populations. We found that children with respiratory or atopic conditions and those with several chronic inflammatory conditions are at increased odds of impactful LBP in adolescence and young adulthood. In clinical practice and future research, there is a need to consider comorbidities also in younger populations.
Special construction methods for tunnels with very shallow overburden – Challenge for innovation
Authors: Sigl Oskar
Published: December 2020

Infrastructure in large cities is getting denser over time. Therefore, interferences with existing structures and complying to project constraints are fast becoming a very common feature during the implementation process of new projects in urban areas. As a consequence, actual geotechnical challenges often require application of innovative methods of construction in order to minimize potential construction impact or disruption. The paper intends to direct the focus on the application of unusual construction methods and will highlight and discuss some very specific solutions to some major challenges of constructing underground projects in urban environments. This is presented in the form of examples applying unusual construction methods for underground structures related to shallow overburden situations such as passenger linkways, which do not normally stand in the forefront of the attention. The paper is written from the viewpoint of a practitioner, who is deeply involved in the actual design for the implementation of such projects.
Why do people start or stop using e‐cigarettes in Australia? A qualitative interview‐based study
Authors: Amin Samia , Dunn Adam G. , Laranjo Liliana
Published: November 2020

Issue addressed

E‐cigarette awareness and use has increased globally, but little is known about the social factors that influence uptake in Australia. We explored the reasons why people started, continued and stopped using e‐cigarettes in Australia.

Methods

This was a qualitative study comprising 14 semi‐structured interviews with past and current e‐cigarette users in Australia. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically to explore reasons why people started, continued or stopped using e‐cigarettes.

Results

The following three themes emerged from interviews: “social” reasons, including issues of peer influence and social norms; “health” reasons, with aspects related to the reduction in use of cigarettes and health effects of using e‐cigarettes; and “access and other personal” reasons, including the cost of e‐cigarettes, the ability to access e‐cigarettes and participants’ experiences with e‐cigarettes.

Conclusions

The study revealed that social norms and peer influence were reasons why people started and stopped using e‐cigarettes. Smokers often cited health reasons for starting, while non‐smokers cited social reasons for both starting and stopping.

So what?

The social and non‐social reasons for why people say they start or stop using e‐cigarettes appear to vary between smokers and non‐smokers. Future studies may benefit from measuring these factors, differentiating between smokers and non‐smokers, and considering these factors as part of interventions for limiting e‐cigarette uptake among non‐smokers.
Novel case of androgen receptor‐positive cancer of unknown primary without serum prostate‐specific antigen elevation that became progression free in the long term after primary combined androgen blockade
Authors: Matsuyama Nayuka , Naiki Taku , Naiki‐Ito Aya , Chaya Ryosuke , Kawai Tatsuya , Etani Toshiki , Nagai Takashi , Kato Hiroyuki , Kubota Yasue , Yasui Takahiro
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The prognosis of cancer of unknown primary is very poor. Such a prognosis can be improved by characterizing primary characteristics and developing tailored site‐specific therapy, especially for androgen receptor‐positive adenocarcinoma. However, in such cases without elevated prostate‐specific antigen, the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy is unclear.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a case that presented with a retroperitoneal cancer of unknown primary that was confirmed as an androgen receptor‐positive adenocarcinoma without prostate‐specific antigen elevation. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any suspicious cancer lesions in the prostate. Furthermore, malignant cells were not present in a prostate biopsy specimen. In spite of the prostate‐specific antigen level, on the basis of immunohistochemical analyses, including NKX3.1, the patient was first treated with androgen deprivation therapy, leading to long‐term progression‐free survival.

Conclusion

Early androgen deprivation therapy based on immunohistochemical analyses might lead to a good outcome in androgen receptor‐positive adenocarcinoma cancer of unknown primary patients regardless of prostate‐specific antigen level.
Recent progress on all‐small molecule organic solar cells using small‐molecule nonfullerene acceptors
Authors: Kan Bin , Kan Yuanyuan , Zuo Lijian , Shi Xueliang , Gao Ke
Published: December 2020

Recently, solution‐processed organic solar cells combining small‐molecule donor and nonfullerene acceptor have achieved breakthrough results with the certified efficiency over 15%. These impressive progresses are driven by the concerted efforts of modifying the donor and acceptor materials and optimizing the morphology. Considering the defined chemical structures and easily tuned properties of small‐molecule materials, it is of great necessity and importance to pay more attentions on the topic of all‐small molecule organic solar cells. Here, we summarize the recent progress of all‐small molecule organic solar cells from the prospect of materials' evolutions and expect to provide some hints for its future developments. The involved small‐molecule donors including oligothiophene‐, benzodithiophene‐, naphthodithiophene‐, and porphyrin‐based materials are discussed to illustrate the relationship of chemical structures, properties, and device performance. Then, the small‐molecule nonfullerene acceptors in all‐small molecules organic solar cells are discussed to highlight their vital role. Finally, we will present the challenges and future of this research area.

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Effects of preliminary class membership on subsequent stimulus equivalence class formation
Authors: McPheters Carol J. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Fienup Daniel M. , Reeve Sharon A. , DeBar Ruth M.
Published: December 2020

The present study examined the effects of including stimuli previously trained as members of functional classes or equivalence classes on subsequent equivalence class formation, and isolated the effects of preliminary training from those of the acquired function stimuli. Fifty‐six adults were assigned to 1 of 5 conditions. The control group (CONT) received no preliminary training prior to the terminal phase. Participants in the other 4 groups learned two 3‐member functional classes and two 3‐member equivalence classes during the preliminary phase. The terminal equivalence phase trained two 5‐member classes (A → B → C → D → E) comprising abstract forms; the C stimuli in the terminal phase were (a) from the preliminary functional classes for 1 group (ACQ‐F), (b) from the preliminary equivalence classes for the second experimental group (ACQ‐E), (c) pictures of everyday objects for the picture control group (PIC), and (d) novel, unfamiliar stimuli for the preliminary training control group (PRE‐CONT). Class formation yields were 100% in the PIC condition and 11% in the CONT condition; however, low yields in the PRE‐CONT, ACQ‐F, and ACQ‐E conditions were unexpected, suggesting that procedural variables in preliminary training account for more of the subsequent effects on class formation than the stimulus control properties of the acquired function stimuli.
Impact of ocean–atmosphere coupling on future projection of Medicanes in the Mediterranean sea
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Fernández Jesús , González‐Alemán Juan J. , de la Vara Alba , Cabos William , Sein Dmitry V. , Gaertner Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2020

Cyclones with tropical characteristics called medicanes (“Mediterranean Hurricanes”) eventually develop in the Mediterranean Sea. They have large harmful potential and a correct simulation of their evolution in climate projections is important for an adequate adaptation to climate change. Different studies suggest that ocean–atmosphere coupled models provide a better representation of medicanes, especially in terms of intensity and frequency. In this work, we use the regionally‐coupled model ROM to study how air‐sea interactions affect the evolution of medicanes in future climate projections. We find that under the RCP8.5 scenario our climate simulations show an overall frequency decrease which is more pronounced in the coupled than in the uncoupled configuration, whereas the intensity displays a different behaviour depending on the coupling. In the coupled run, the relative frequency of higher‐intensity medicanes increases, but this is not found in the uncoupled simulation. Also, this study indicates that the coupled model simulates better the summer minimum in the occurrence of medicanes, avoiding the reproduction of unrealistically intense events that can be found in summer in the uncoupled model.
Microstructural volumetric analysis of the jaw following dental implantation under systemic bisphosphonate delivery: An in vivo and ex vivo rat study
Authors: Kniha Kristian , Bock Anna , Peters Florian , Magnuska Zuzanna Anna , Gremse Felix , Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: December 2020

Background

Because of bisphosphonate medication, dental implantation with a subsequent infection poses a relevant risk factor to suffer from medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw. This rat study evaluated different implant materials under systemic bisphosphonate delivery using micro‐computed tomography (μCT) images.

Methods

Fifty‐four rats were randomly allocated into a control group 1, test group 2 with intravenous drug application of zoledronic acid and test group 3 with a subcutaneous application of alendronic acid. After 4 weeks of drug delivery, the first molar on each side of the upper jaw was extracted, and either a zirconia or a titanium implant was immediately inserted. Radiological examinations at four timepoints before the operation, 1 week later, 6 weeks later and after 12 weeks of follow up included μCT measurements of the in vivo peri‐implant bone loss. μCT measurements of the ex vivo peri‐implant bony structure after 12 weeks follow‐up covered the bone mineral density, ‐volume, ‐trabecular thickness and ‐separation.

Results

Both test groups showed a significant increase in bone loss over time (P < 0.05). The clinical observations of exposed bone revealed that most cases occurred under alendronic acid delivery. Exposed bone was recorded only in the test groups around both titanium and zirconia implants. Regarding the peri‐implant bony structure, no significant differences were found between both materials.

Conclusions

Systemic bisphosphonate delivery led to increased peri‐implant bone loss over time after immediate implant insertion. In terms of bone resorption and bone quality parameters, no implant material was superior to the other.
Dentate Nucleus Neuronal Density: A Postmortem Study of Essential Tremor Versus Control Brains
Authors: Hartstone Whitney G. , Brown Mark H. , Kelly Geoffrey C. , Tate William J. , Kuo Sheng‐Han , Dwork Andrew J. , Louis Elan D. , Faust Phyllis L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Essential tremor involves the cerebellum, yet quantitative analysis of dentate nucleus neurons has not been conducted.

Objectives

To quantitatively compare neuronal density or neuronal number in the dentate nucleus of essential tremor versus age‐matched controls.

Methods

Using a 7‐μm thick Luxol fast blue hematoxylin and eosin‐stained paraffin section, dentate nucleus neuronal density (neurons/mm2) was determined in 25 essential tremor cases and 25 controls. We also applied a stereological approach in a subset of four essential tremor cases and four controls to estimate total dentate nucleus neuronal number.

Results

Dentate nucleus neuronal density did not differ between essential tremor cases and controls (P = 0.44). Total dentate nucleus neuronal number correlated with neuronal density (P = 0.007) and did not differ between essential tremor cases and controls (P = 0.95).

Conclusions

Neuronal loss, observed in the Purkinje cell population in essential tremor, did not seem to similarly involve the dentate nucleus in essential tremor. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Multiband asymmetric radio frequency to direct current converter circuit for wireless power transfer
Authors: Samakkhee Warayuth , Phaebua Kittisak , Lertwiriyaprapa Titipong , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot
Published: December 2020

This article presents the multiband asymmetric radio frequency (RF) to direct current (DC) converter circuit for the wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. The proposed circuit is composed of a power divider, novel asymmetric multiband matching circuit and RF Schottky diode quadrupler voltage rectifier circuit. Unlike the conventional narrow band quadrupler using two Greinacher cells with opposite polarities, the proposed circuit aims to cover the multifrequency bands, which are the cell phone 1.8–2.1 GHz, the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands 2.4–2.5 GHz and 5.725–5.875 GHz. The interested RF input power range of −10 to 20 dBm for the WPT application is focused. The measured RF‐to‐DC conversion efficiency (η) of 50–65% at 1.8–2.1 GHz, 65% at 2.45 GHz and 16% at 5.8 GHz are obtained at 10 dBm optimal input power.
Forschungsdatenmanagement ‐ Zeit für den Abschied vom analogen Laborbuch
Authors: Koepler Oliver , Liermann Johannes , Schön Florian , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: December 2020

Jeder Chemiker produziert Forschungsdaten, egal ob er Substanzen synthetisiert, Spektren aufnimmt oder sich mit der Theorie befasst. Die dabei entstandenen Daten muss jeder Forscher erfassen und dokumentieren, um von den Ergebnissen berichten und nachweisen zu können, dass sie reproduzierbar sind. Doch wie weit ist die chemische Community in der Digitalisierung dieser Forschungsdaten? Die erste Umfrage des Konsortiums NFDI4Chem gibt Antworten.
Regionales Fonds‐Stipendiatentreffen in Aachen
Authors: Hupperich Daniel
Published: December 2020

Anfang März trafen sich Stipendiaten des Fonds der Chemischen Industrie an der RWTH Aachen. Organisiert hatten die Veranstaltung Franziska Schoenebeck, Professorin für organische Chemie, und ihr Arbeitskreis. Acht Nachwuchswissenschaftler der Universitäten Düsseldorf, Bonn und Aachen, die der FCI mit einem Liebig‐ oder Kekulé‐Stipendium fördert, stellten in Vorträgen ihre Forschung vor.
Chemical Recycling of End‐of‐Life Poly(lactide) via Zinc‐Catalyzed Depolymerization and Polymerization
Authors: Cheung Even , Alberti Christoph , Enthaler Stephan
Published: December 2020

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Stephan Enthaler at the University of Hamburg (Germany). The cover picture shows the general structure of chemical recycling processes. In more detail, the chemical recycling of end‐of‐life polymers (plastics) is subdivided into two linked processes. The depolymerization allows the conversion of the end‐of‐life polymer to monomers, which can be reused in the polymerization step for the synthesis of the polymer. By doing so advantages with respect to resource‐efficiency and sustainability can be created. In our manuscript we applied the chemical recycling concept via depolymerization‐polymerization for poly(lactide). Read the full text of their Communication at 10.1002/open.202000243.
Recommendation to reality: Closing the transcranial Doppler screening gap for children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Singh Ashima , Danda Vanaja , Van Swol Laura , Scott J. Paul , Brandow Amanda M. , Panepinto Julie A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Although annual transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening is recommended for children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), compliance is low and variable. Our objective was to utilize an electronic health record (EHR)‐based registry to improve TCD adherence among children with SCA, 2‐16 years of age, at our institution.

Methods

We developed an in‐EPIC real time registry for children with sickle cell disease in year 2016. Since end of year 2016, we have been extracting data quarterly to examine TCD rates and share the list of children who have not received a TCD screen in the past 18 months with the clinical team. The registry also includes a TCD risk score to enhance point of care. We also added Child Life support to increase TCD compliance among children <7 years. Control charts are used to examine TCD rates.

Results

At baseline, prior to and start of quarterly data audit and feedback, 63% of children received the recommended annual TCD screen. TCD rates steadily increased to 80% by the third quarter of 2017. We observed a dip in TCD rates, driven by failure of screening young children. Since the initiation of Child Life support for children <7 years, we have sustained TCD screen rates >70%. Overall, our data meet criteria for special cause variation, indicating improvement in TCD rates since 2015.

Conclusions

Regular tracking and identification of patients overdue for a TCD screen using an EHR‐based registry resulted in sustained improvement in TCD screening rates. Involvement of Child Life support further improved TCD rates.
Effect of chain extender on structural and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate)/halloysite nanotube bionanocomposites
Authors: Prashantha Kalappa , Rashmi Baralu J.
Published: November 2020

Bionanocomposites comprising poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were fabricated via melt extrusion using different HNT loadings. These nanocomposites were characterized through Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical, thermal, and rheological tests. Adding a chain extender (CE) ensured homogeneous dispersion of HNTs in the PBSA matrix because the epoxy‐based CE and HNTs reacted with the carboxyl groups of PBSA, leading to effective interfacial interactions between the matrix and reinforcing filler. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that HNTs had a nucleating effect on PBSA, thereby increasing the crystallization of PBSA and percentage crystallinity of the composites. Nevertheless, the CE did not cause any change in the crystallinity of the nanocomposites. Further, the thermal stability of PBSA without and with the CE reduced, depending on the HNT loading. The HNTs and CE also increased the melt strength of PBSA. Additionally, HNTs and CE enhanced the mechanical properties owing to the increased molecular weight and formation of long‐chain branched structures.
Holding on in Moments of Not Knowing: Disequilibrium, Reflective Judgment, and Practicing Adaptive Leadership
Authors: McLaughlin Conor P.
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, the author discusses the role of disequilibrium in leadership development and provides tangible examples of ways to employ theories in designing intentional moments of disequilibrium.
Correction to: Mechanical and Volumetric Fracturing Behaviour
of Three‑Dimensional Printing Rock‑like Samples Under Dynamic
Loading
Authors: Zhou Tao , Zhu Jianbo , Xie ·Heping
Published: December 2020

The article Mechanical and Volumetric Fracturing Behaviour of Three-Dimensional Printing Rock-like Samples.
COVID-19 and the Twin Transition: How the Recovery Can Boost Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Authors: Revoltella Debora
Published: December 2020

Europe has a window of opportunity to embark on a recovery that tilts towards digitalisation and a greener economy, and stands to generate sustainable benefits for its people.
The Climate Crisis Will Not Wait
Authors: Gettins Matilda
Published: December 2020

Climate communication is an essential step towards changing the rules. Policies with a large-scale impact on the economy and individuals, such as a high carbon tax, must be justified in terms of their proportionality.
Genetically Informed Regression Analysis: Application to Aggression Prediction by Inattention and Hyperactivity in Children and Adults
Authors: Boomsma Dorret I. , van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Odintsova Veronika V. , Neale Michael C. , Dolan Conor V.
Published: December 2020

We present a procedure to simultaneously fit a genetic covariance structure model and a regression model to multivariate data from mono- and dizygotic twin pairs to test for the prediction of a dependent trait by multiple correlated predictors. We applied the model to aggressive behavior as an outcome trait and investigated the prediction of aggression from inattention (InA) and hyperactivity (HA) in two age groups. Predictions were examined in twins with an average age of 10 years (11,345 pairs), and in adult twins with an average age of 30 years (7433 pairs). All phenotypes were assessed by the same, but age-appropriate, instruments in children and adults. Because of the different genetic architecture of aggression, InA and HA, a model was fitted to these data that specified additive and non-additive genetic factors (A and D) plus common and unique environmental (C and E) influences. Given appropriate identifying constraints, this ADCE model is identified in trivariate data. We obtained different results for the prediction of aggression in children, where HA was the more important predictor, and in adults, where InA was the more important predictor. In children, about 36% of the total aggression variance was explained by the genetic and environmental components of HA and InA. Most of this was explained by the genetic components of HA and InA, i.e., 29.7%, with 22.6% due to the genetic component of HA. In adults, about 21% of the aggression variance was explained. Most was this was again explained by the genetic components of InA and HA (16.2%), with 8.6% due to the genetic component of InA.
An experiment on deception, reputation and trust
Authors: Ettinger David , Jehiel Philippe
Published: December 2020

An experiment is designed to shed light on how deception works. The experiment involves a twenty period sender/receiver game in which period 5 has more weight than other periods. In each period, the informed sender communicates about the realized state, the receiver then reports a belief about the state before being informed whether the sender lied. Throughout the interaction, a receiver is matched with the same sender who is either malevolent with an objective opposed to the receiver or benevolent always telling the truth. The main findings are: (1) in several variants (differing in the weight of the key period and the share of benevolent senders), the deceptive tactic in which malevolent senders tell the truth up to the key period and then lie at the key period is used roughly 25% of the time, (2) the deceptive tactic brings higher expected payoff than other observed strategies, and (3) a majority of receivers do not show cautiousness at the key period when no lie was made before. These observations do not match the predictions of the Sequential Equilibrium and can be organized using the analogy-based sequential equilibrium (ABSE) in which three quarters of subjects reason coarsely.
From Angels to Humans: Law, Coercion, and the Society of Angels Thought Experiment
Authors: Miotto Lucas
Published: December 2020

Whether legal systems are necessarily coercive raises normative concerns. Coercion carries a presumption of illegitimacy and a special justificatory burden. If legal systems are necessarily coercive, coerciveness necessarily taints our legal institutions. Traditionally, legal systems have been regarded as contingently coercive. This view is mainly supported by the society of angels thought experiment. For the past few years, however, this traditional view has been under attack. Critics have challenged the reliability of the thought experiment and have urged us to centre the discussion on typical legal systems: legal systems made by humans to address human needs. Once we do so – they claim – we would inevitably reject the traditional view. This paper argues that the critics are wrong. After discussing key features of the society of angels thought experiment and responding to objections, it is argued that even typical legal systems are contingently coercive. Coerciveness is a feature that our legal systems can and should strive to get rid of.
Einfluss von abendlicher Computerspielnutzung auf Parameter der Alertness und des Schlafs bei Jugendlichen
Authors: Glos Martin , Zimmermann Sandra , Penzel Thomas , Lederer Katharina , Fietze Ingo
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Computerspielnutzung vor dem Schlafengehen ist vor allem bei Heranwachsenden ein übliches Verhalten. Die exzessive Nutzung kann mit somatischen Beschwerden, Aufmerksamkeitsdefiziten und familiären Interaktionsproblemen verbunden sein. Es gibt aber nur wenige Erkenntnisse über die Auswirkungen auf den nachfolgenden Schlaf.

Fragestellung

Ziel dieser Pilotstudie war es, die Auswirkungen eines Computerspiels am Abend auf die Alertness und den Schlaf von Jugendlichen zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden

Fünfundzwanzig gesunde Jugendliche (mittleres Alter 15 Jahre, w = 20, m = 5) aus einer Schulklasse wurden in diese Pilotstudie eingeschlossen. In einem randomisierten Crossover-Design an zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen wurde jeweils am Abend für 2 h entweder ein Jump-and-Run-Computerspiel durchgeführt oder eine Jugendzeitschrift gelesen. Vor und nach der jeweiligen Intervention wurde mittels Fragebögen die Stimmung (Aktuelle Stimmungsskala, ASTS) und die Schläfrigkeit (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, KSS) erhoben sowie Parameter der tonischen Alertness mittels Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) gemessen. Jeweils im Anschluss wurde der Schlaf mittels Polysomnografie (PSG) untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Zweistündiges Computerspielen am Abend führte unmittelbar danach zu einer verringerten Alertness – der PVT-Parameter Reaktionszeit (RT) erhöhte sich von 272,0 ± 30,5 ms auf 305,2 ± 41,3 ms (p < 0,01) während die RT im gleichen Zeitfenster am anderen Abend unter der Lesebedingung unverändert blieb.

Abendliche Computerspielnutzung führte in der darauffolgenden Nacht zu einem erhöhten Leichtschlafanteil (N1 + N2: 48,9 ± 9,1 %-TST vs. 44,6 ± 9,8 %-TST, p < 0,05) und einem reduzierten Tiefschlafanteil (N3: 36,0 ± 10,0 %-TST vs. 39,5 ± 9,0 %-TST, p < 0,05) gegenüber dem Schlaf nach zweistündigem Lesen. Die Einschlaflatenz und die Schlafeffizienz unterschieden sich zwischen beiden Bedingungen nicht.

Diskussion

Bei den in dieser Pilotstudie untersuchten gesunden Jugendlichen wirkten sich abendliche Computerspiele negativ auf die Alertness und die Schlafarchitektur der darauffolgenden Nacht aus. Zusammen mit häufig nicht ausreichenden Schlafzeiten an Schultagen bei Jugendlichen könnten kumulativ diese Befunde entwicklungsphysiologische Relevanz haben. Untersuchungen an Jugendlichen in weiteren Kollektiven mit entsprechender Gruppengröße sind jedoch notwendig, um die Ergebnisse weiter zu verifizieren und ggf. schlafhygienische Verhaltensempfehlungen für diese Altersgruppen entsprechend anzupassen.
Kant on Self-Knowledge and Self-Formation
Authors: Kraus Katharina T.
Published: December 2020

As the pre-eminent Enlightenment philosopher, Kant famously calls on all humans to make up their own minds, independently from the constraints imposed on them by others. Kant's focus, however, is on universal human reason, and he tells us little about what makes us individual persons. In this book, Katharina T. Kraus explores Kant's distinctive account of psychological personhood by unfolding how, according to Kant, we come to know ourselves as such persons. Drawing on Kant's Critical works and on his Lectures and Reflections, Kraus develops the first textually comprehensive and systematically coherent account of our capacity for what Kant calls 'inner experience'. The novel view of self-knowledge and self-formation in Kant that she offers addresses present-day issues in philosophy of mind and will be relevant for contemporary philosophical debates. It will be of interest to scholars of the history of philosophy, as well as of philosophy of mind and psychology.
Determinants for voluntary participation in staff screening during an methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak on a neonatal ward
Authors: Wolfensberger Aline , Schmid Manuel , Sax Hugo , Clack Lauren , Wyler Colette , Bassler Dirk , Kusejko Katharina , Meyer Lilly , Rampini Silvana K. , Fontijn Jehudith R.
Published: December 2020

We investigated healthcare worker (HCW) behavior with regard to a voluntary methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) staff screening during a MRSA outbreak in a neonatal ward. Avoiding MRSA transmission from HCWs to patients was the most important reason for participation. Inconvenient screening time was the most frequently cited reason for nonparticipation.
The Acousmatic Gap as a Flexile Path to Self-Understanding: A case for experiential listening
Authors: Soddell Thembi
Published: November 2020

Since Schaeffer’s development of musique concrète, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the value of the acousmatic reduction for engaging with real-world sound in music, and its relevance for composers and listeners. This article presents a way of working with acousmatic sound that is more meaningful to me as a composer, which I have labelled experiential listening. In understanding acousmatic sound through the lens of experientialism (as opposed to Schaeffer’s use of phenomenology), I have devised this method to form a dialogue between sound, composer, and listener through the use of metaphor, to explore concepts beyond the experience of just sound in itself while composing. It accounts for the felt sense of intuition that can form through working with acousmatic sound, presenting a way of using this as a tool for self-understanding. It highlights Brian Kane’s ontology of acousmatic sound as the being of a gap, exploring where this gap can take the mind of the composer and listener. This is illustrated through my use of experiential listening to gain insights into lived experiences ofmental illnessand trauma, which reveals inner wisdom about the listening self that can be negotiated through acousmatic sound.
Promise of a green economic recovery post-Covid: trojan horse or turning point?
Authors: Taherzadeh Oliver
Published: December 2020

Social media summary

A green economic recovery from Covid-19 cannot be built in the image of a pre-Covid era. Green growth must be abandoned.