bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐submerged reconstructive approach for peri‐implantitis osseous defect with removal of implant crowns: One‐year outcomes of a prospective case series study
Authors: Wen Shih‐Cheng , Barootchi Shayan , Wang Hom‐Lay , Huang Wen‐Xia
Published: February 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to test a non‐submerged reconstructive approach for peri‐implantitis osseous defects, by removing the prosthetic components, augmenting of the infraosseous bony compartment, and flap readaptation around the replaced healing abutments, without obtaining a primary wound closure.

Methods

Twenty‐nine implants in 24 patients were treated. Implant suprastructures were removed at the time of the intervention, to aid with the debridement process which included curettage, implantoplasty, air‐power driven devices, and locally delivered antibiotics. The infraosseous part of peri‐implant defects were augmented using a composite bone graft and an absorbable membrane to be secured around the replaced healing abutments without attempting to submerge the implants. After 8 months, direct peri‐implant defect measurements were obtained to serve as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included of radiographic bone changes, and probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) changes at 12 months.

Results

At the time of the surgical re‐entry (8 months), a statistically significant clinical and radiographic defect fill was observed (average of 2.33 and 1.63 mm, respectively). Approximately 3 months after crown replacement, 12 months from the surgical intervention, a significant PD (1.51 mm) and BOP (65%) reduction were also noted.

Conclusions

Considering its limitations, the use of a non‐submerged approach (with removal of implant crowns) led to significant improvements in clinical (defect fill, PD, BOP) and radiographic outcomes.
A novel observation upon the near‐resonant Raman excitation of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Widening of the E2(high) band
Authors: Nekvapil Fran , Stefan Maria , Marica Ioana , Falamaș Alexandra
Published: February 2022

Despite the fact that resonance Raman signal of ZnO nanostructures is well documented in the literature, new observations are still being reported upon variation of experimental conditions. We synthesized a series of ZnO nanoparticles of different mean size using simple, cost‐effective chemical synthesis methods. UV–Vis absorption spectra show that the 532 nm laser line employed here is nonresonant, while the 442 nm line is near‐resonant and falls at the onset of absorption increase. The novel observation here is the unusual fourfold to sixfold broadening of the O sublattice related band in the 439–448 cm−1 spectral range. The explanation is not straightforward; however, the origin of the phenomenon is most likely related to wavelength‐dependent effects, rather than a resonance excitation consequence. Considering the origin of the respective band, the O sublattice presumably plays a major role in the band broadening. The reported findings extend our collective understanding of spectroscopy of ZnO nanomaterials and can serve in the development of ZnO opto‐electronic nanostructures.
Prognostic value of the combination of primary tumor location and RAS mutational status on patients with colorectal liver metastasis undergoing hepatectomy
Authors: Yan Xiao‐Luan , Wang Kun , Bao Quan , Wang Hong‐Wei , Jin Ke‐Min , Su Yu‐Ming , Xing Bao‐Cai
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess prognostic influences of RAS mutational status and primary tumor site on cases with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) who underwent hepatectomy.

Methods

Clinicopathological data of 762 patients with CRLM who underwent hepatectomy between January 2000 and November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The left‐sided tumors (LST) included tumors located in the splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum; while right‐sided tumors (RST) included those located in the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon. RAS mutational status was determined using Sanger sequencing or next‐generation sequencing, including KRAS (Codons 12, 13, and 61) and NRAS (Codons 12, 13, and 61), which were defined as wild‐type (RASwt) and mutant‐type (RASmut), respectively. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier plotter and compared by the log rank test. The clinicopathological data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival (OS) in the LST group was longer than that in the RST group (OS: 47.1% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.000, respectively), and the OS in the RASwt group was longer compared with that in the RASmut group (OS: 53.6% vs. 24.0%, p = 0.000). Besides, overall survival of the patients after hepatectomy was alternative, which was stratified by primary tumor site, with the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates of 93.1%, 62.1%, and 47.1% for patients with LST, and 91.1%, 42.8%, and 31.0% for patients with RST, respectively. OS and disease‐free survival (DFS) were significantly different stratified by RAS mutational status, with the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year rates of 96.9%, 67.9%, and 53.6% for patients with RASwt tumors, and 85.7%, 41.5%, and 24.0% for patients with RASmut tumors, respectively. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year DFS rates were 51.9%, 30.0%, and 26.7% for patients with RASwt tumors, and 35.8%, 18.2%, and 14.9% for patients with RASmut tumors, respectively. The results of multivariate analysis showed that RAS mutational status and primary tumor site were both independent influencing factors of OS.

Conclusion

RAS mutational status and primary tumor site affect OS independently in CRLM patients undergoing hepatectomy. The worse prognosis of RST cannot be simply attributed to the imbalance of RAS mutational status in different primary tumor sites.
Stability of p‐parabolicity under quasi‐isometries
Authors: Granados Ana , Pestana Domingo , Portilla Ana , Rodríguez José M.
Published: February 2022

Kanai proved the stability under quasi‐isometries of numerous global properties (including existence of Green's function, i.e., non‐parabolicity) between Riemannian manifolds of bounded geometry. Unfortunately, Kanai's hypotheses are not usually satisfied in the context of Riemann surfaces endowed with the Poincaré metric. In this work we prove the stability of p‐parabolicity (with ) by quasi‐isometries, under hypotheses that many Riemann surfaces satisfy. Consequences for the stability of the Liouville property are obtained. In order to get our results, it is shown that each Riemannian surface with pinched negative curvature is bilipschitz equivalent to a surface with constant negative curvature.
Generation of Tfap2c‐T2A‐tdTomato knock‐in reporter rats via adeno‐associated virus‐mediated efficient gene targeting
Authors: Oikawa Mami , Nagae Mayuko , Mizuno Naoaki , Iwatsuki Kenyu , Yoshida Fumika , Inoue Naoko , Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Tsukamura Hiroko , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Hirabayashi Masumi , Kobayashi Toshihiro
Published: February 2022

Gene editing in mammalian zygotes enables us to generate genetically modified animals rapidly and efficiently. In this study, we compare multiple gene targeting strategies in rat zygotes by generating a novel knock‐in reporter rat line to visualize the expression pattern of transcription factor AP‐2 gamma (Tfap2c). The targeting vector is designed to replace the stop codon of Tfap2c with T2A‐tdTomato sequence. We show that the combination of electroporation‐mediated transduction of CRISPR/Cas9 components with adeno‐associated virus‐mediated transduction of the targeting vector is the most efficient in generating the targeted rat line. The Tfap2c‐T2A‐tdTomato fluorescence reflects the endogenous expression pattern of Tfap2c in preimplantation embryo, germline, placenta, and forebrain during rat embryo development. The reporter line generated here will be a reliable resource for identifying and purifying Tfap2c expressing cells in rats, and the gene targeting strategy we used can be widely applied for generating desired animals.
Influence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes reinforced honeycomb core on vibration and damping responses of carbon fiber composite sandwich shell structures
Authors: Maneengam Apichit , Siddique Mohammed Javeed , Selvaraj Rajeshkumar , Kakaravada Ismail , Arumugam Ananda Babu , Singh Lavish Kumar , Kumar Nitesh
Published: February 2022

In the present study, vibration and damping characteristics of the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced honeycomb embedded sandwich composite shell structures have been investigated numerically using finite element (FE) method. The efficacy of the FE method by deriving the governing equations using higher order theory is verified by comparing the natural frequencies assessed using ABAQUS 3D FE model. The influence of MWCNT reinforcement, support condition, and radius of curvature on the dynamic performance of honeycomb sandwich shell with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite face sheets are explored. In addition, the optimal ply orientations of the various configurations of CFRP sandwich shells with MWCNT/GFRP honeycomb are identified using the developed FE model coupled with genetic algorithm (GA) to enrich the natural frequencies and loss factors. Further, it can be observed that the reinforcement of MWCNTs in honeycomb core, geometry of shell structure, and optimal ply orientations significantly influences the natural frequencies and loss factors of the sandwich composite shell structures.
The effects of COVID‐19 outbreak on pediatric emergency department admissions for acute wheezing
Authors: Di Sarno Lorenzo , Curatola Antonietta , Conti Giorgio , Covino Marcello , Bertolaso Chiara , Chiaretti Antonio , Gatto Antonio
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Acute wheezing is a common clinical presentation of viral respiratory infections in children, which can also be caused by exposure to allergens and, rarely, by foreign body inhalation. Since the beginning of the COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, several public health interventions have been adopted to reduce viral spread. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown measures on Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) admission for acute wheezing.

Materials and Methods

We compared demographics and clinical data of patients admitted to the ED for acute wheezing during the COVID‐19 outbreak and in the 5 previous years through a retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Results

During the COVID‐19 outbreak we observed an average drop of 83% in pediatric ED admission for acute wheezing, compared to the 5 previous years. In this period, 121 (80.7%) children presented with wheezing and 29 (19.3%) with bronchiolitis. The mean age of the sample was higher compared to the 5 previous years. We also noted an increased number of children presenting with higher acuity color codes during the COVID‐19 period, while no differences emerged as for the hospitalizations. During the pandemic we recorded a decrease in the number of viral infections detected. Only two cases of wheezing associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 were identified.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 outbreak and the national lockdown led to a drop of the number of admission to the ED for wheezing in children. This could be due to a reduction in the circulation of common respiratory viruses and partially to a reduced exposure to aeroallergens during the COVID‐19 period. Future epidemiological surveillance studies will be needed to support these prelimianry findings.
Utility and safety of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated children in pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Sachdev Anil , Gupta Neeraj , Khatri Anuj , Jha Ganpat , Menon Geetha R.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To study the utility, safety, and effects of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) on oxygenation status, ventilation parameters, and hemodynamics in mechanically ventilated children.

Design

Retrospective study.

Patients

Children aged >1 month to 18 years suffering from critical medical and surgical diseases.

Results

First bronchoscopy data of 131 patients were analyzed. Indication, FFB findings, the microbiological yield from bronchoalveolar lavage, and medical and surgical interventions based on FFB results were recorded. Hemodynamic and ventilation parameters before, during, and 3 h after FFB were also captured. The majority of bronchoscopies were done for diagnostic purposes with a positivity rate of 90.8%. Retained mucopurulent secretion in the airways was the commonest finding in 60 patients. A cause for weaning or extubation failure could be identified in 83.3%. Post‐FFB radiological resolution of atelectasis was seen in 34/59 (57.6%; p‐value: 0.001) chest radiographs. Forty‐seven medical and 25 surgical interventions were done depending on FFB and BAL findings. There was a significant drop in oxygenation parameters and a rise in heart rate during FFB (p‐value: <0.0001). The peak inspiratory pressure, positive end‐expiratory pressure, and mean airway pressure increased significantly during bronchoscopy (p value: <.0001) while patients were on pressure‐regulated volume‐controlled ventilation. All these changes reversed to pre‐FFB levels. There were minor procedure‐related complications.

Conclusion

FFB was an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for mechanically ventilated children and the results helped plan interventions. It was a safe procedure with transient reversible cardiopulmonary alterations.
Deciphering gp120 sequence variation and structural dynamics in HIV neutralization phenotype by molecular dynamics simulations and graph machine learning
Authors: Li Yi , Guo Yu‐Chen , Cheng Hong‐Han , Zeng Xin , Zhang Xiao‐Ling , Sang Peng , Chen Ben‐Hui , Yang Li‐Quan
Published: February 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exploits the sequence variation and structural dynamics of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 to evade the immune attack of neutralization antibodies, contributing to various HIV neutralization phenotypes. Although the HIV neutralization phenotype has been experimentally characterized, the roles of rapid sequence variability and significant structural dynamics of gp120 are not well understood. Here, 45 prefusion gp120 from different HIV strains belong to three tiers of sensitive, moderate, and resistant neutralization phenotype are structurally modeled by homology modeling and then investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and graph machine learning (ML). Our results show that the structural deviations, population distribution, and conformational flexibility of gp120 are related to the HIV neutralization phenotype. Per‐residue dynamics indicate the local regions especially in the second structural elements with high‐flexibility, may be responsible for the HIV neutralization phenotype. Moreover, a graph ML model with the attention mechanism was trained to explore inherent representation related to the classification of the HIV neutralization phenotype, further distinguishing the strong related gp120 sequence variation together with structural dynamics in the HIV neutralization phenotype. Our study not only deciphers gp120 sequence variation and structural dynamics in the HIV neutralization phenotype but also explores complex relationships between the sequence, structure, and dynamics of protein by combining MD simulations and ML.
Predictive ecotoxicological modeling of ionic liquids using QSAR techniques: A mini review
Authors: Rehman Adeel ur , Zaini Dzulkarnain B. , Lal Bhajan
Published: February 2022

All living beings must be protected from the incessantly increasing environmental pollution caused by hazardous chemicals. This imposes a serious obligation on the biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries to develop less harmful chemicals. Regarding the hazardous and harmful prospects of such chemicals, various initiatives have been taken globally. The concept of “green chemistry” is the most remarkable, which concentrates on the application of eco‐friendly chemicals. Although ionic liquids (ILs) are new chemicals, thay have recently gained much prominence because of their great importance. Recent research shows that they have many different applications, ranging from the specific performance tasks to chemistry with minimal environmental impact, and have earned the designation of “green chemicals.” However, studies have shown that ILs are toxic chemicals and can display extreme levels of toxicity. Likewise, they pose a high danger of bioaccumulation because of their structural components. Also, ILs present waste generation and separation issues during their synthesis. Toxicity testing of ILs is a tedious and resource‐intensive process. Improvements in and the use of quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) for an imaginative plan of safe‐by‐design ILs have, of late, turned into an exploration need. QSAR is a predictive model that establishes a noetic chance to discover the structural properties of ILs to different toxicological and physicochemical endpoints. The process selectivity of the new analogs leads to their environmental friendliness. A comprehensive review has been carried out to provide a concise account of different QSAR works carried out on these chemicals, as well as their related health, safety, and environmental issues, while also discussing the applicability of the philosophy of “green chemistry.”
Cover Image
Authors: Alizadeh Seyedeh Roya , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2022

The cover image is based on the Review O‐Glycoside quercetin derivatives: Biological activities, mechanisms of action, and structure–activity relationship for drug design, a review by Seyedeh Roya Alizadeh and Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7352.

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Sustainable development and firm performance: Evidence from Thailand's sufficiency economy philosophy
Authors: Papangkorn Suwongrat , Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: February 2022

This study aims to examine the relationship between sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP) performance and the firm performance of Thai listed companies from 2013 to 2018 by using a novel measurement of SEP performance based on global reporting initiative guidelines. The higher SEP scores imply the firm is engaging more in SEP activities. Our empirical evidence shows support of our hypothesis, suggesting that SEP practice enhances firm accounting performance. Furthermore, several robustness checks confirm the results, including an instrumental variable analysis and propensity score matching technique.
Die operative Therapie des benignen Prostatasyndroms in Deutschland
Authors: Uhlig Annemarie , Baunacke Martin , Groeben Christer , Borkowetz Angelika , Volkmer Björn , Ahyai Sascha A. , Trojan Lutz , Eisenmenger Nicole , Schneider Andreas , Thomas Christian , Huber Johannes , Leitsmann Marianne
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund

Die operative Therapie des benignen Prostatatsyndroms (BPS) hat in den letzten Jahren an Diversität gewonnen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Studie ist die Darstellung aktueller Therapietrends sowie der Versorgungssituation in Deutschland.

Material und Methoden

Auf Basis der Qualitätsberichte der Krankenhäuser wurden mithilfe der Onlineplattform reimbursement.INFO Diagnose- wie Eingriffszahlen erhoben. Für die benigne Prostatahyperplasie (BPH) wurden die ICD-Codes N40 und D29.1 ausgewertet. Die Prozeduren wurden mittels der OPS-Codes 5‑600.0, 5‑601, 5‑603, 5‑609.4 und 5‑609.8 inklusive Subcodierungen extrahiert. Es erfolgten eine deskriptive Darstellung, Trend- und Korrelationsanalysen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 2019 83.687 BPS-Operationen in 473 urologischen Fachabteilungen durchgeführt. Am häufigsten wurde die transurethrale Prostataresektion (TURP; 71,7 %) angewendet. Die Holmiumlaserenukleation (HoLEP; 9,5 %) bzw. die chirurgische Adenomektomie (5,6 %) waren das zweit- bzw. dritthäufigste Verfahren. Seltener wurden Thuliumlaserenukleation (ThuLEP; 3,1 %), Laservaporisation (2,9 %) und elektrische Vaporisation (2,8 %) durchgeführt. Alle weiteren Verfahren machten jeweils < 1 % aus. HoLEP, ThuLEP und elektrische Vaporisation erlebten seit 2006 eine stetige Zunahme der Eingriffszahlen (HoLEP: +42,42 %/Jahr; p < 0,001, ThuLEP: +20,6 %/Jahr, p = 0,99; elektrische Vaporisation: +43,42 %/Jahr, p < 0,001), während die chirurgische Adenomektomie abnahm (−1,66 %/Jahr, p < 0,001). Die Krankenhausverweildauer lag 2019 bei mittleren 5,1 ± 0,1 Tagen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die TURP bleibt das am häufigsten durchgeführte Operationsverfahren. Während, insbesondere in Zentren, die Lasertherapien zunehmen, geht die chirurgische Adenomektomie zurück.
Spring barley performance benefits from simultaneous shallow straw incorporation and top dressing as revealed by rhizotrons with resealable sampling ports
Authors: Reichel Rüdiger , Kamau Catherine Wambui , Kumar Amit , Li Zhijie , Radl Viviane , Temperton Vicky M , Schloter Michael , Brüggemann Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Plant residues with larger carbon (C) to nitrogen (N) ratios can stimulate microbial growth and thereby protect soil nutrients from leaching. In poorly fertilized soil, excessive immobilization may limit nutrient availability and thus plant growth. Little is known about the impact of a shallow straw incorporation on soil microbial regulation of top-dressing fertilizer nutrients and spring crop establishment. We aimed to evaluate if wheat straw in combination with mineral fertilizer has more positive effects on plant performance than mineral fertilization alone and if this relates to changes of the extractable C:N:P ratio and microbial activity close to the roots. In order to conduct small-scale sampling with minimal disturbance during growth of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), we developed rhizotrons with resealable ports. Rhizotrons were filled with loamy-sandy soil and fertilized with an equivalent of 150 kg N and 80 kg P ha−1. Half of the rhizotrons received the top dressing together with 4500 kg wheat straw-C ha−1. Throughout a 90-day greenhouse experiment, we analyzed soil C:N:P dynamics, and carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, together with microbial biomass, selected bacterial genes (abundance), and transcripts (activity) in bulk and root-affected soil at multiple times. We focused on nitrifiers and denitrifiers and linked our data to barley growth. Interactions between straw and roots caused shifts towards larger C:P and C:N ratios in root-affected soil. These shifts were associated with increased 16S rRNA transcripts and denitrifier activities. Straw increased microbial biomass by 124% in the topsoil and at the same time increased root biomass by 125% and number of tillers by 80%. We concluded that microbial activation at the root-straw interface may positively feed back on soil nutrient regulation and plant performance. Further research has to evaluate if plant roots actively prime mining of previously immobilized nutrients in the straw detritusphere or if effects of pathogen suppression and growth promotion are dominating.
MicroRNA-profiling of miR-371~373- and miR-302/367-clusters in serum and cerebrospinal fluid identify patients with intracranial germ cell tumors
Authors: Schönberger Stefan , Mohseni Mahsa Mir , Ellinger Jörg , Tran Giao Vu Quynh , Becker Martina , Claviez Alexander , Classen Carl-Friedrich , Hermes Barbara , Driever Pablo Hernáiz , Jorch Norbert , Lauten Melchior , Mehlitz Marcus , Schäfer Niklas , Scheer-Preiss Johanna , Schneider Dominik T. , Troeger Anja , Calaminus Gabriele , Dilloo Dagmar
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) comprise germinoma and non-germinoma. Their diagnosis predominantly relies on biopsy as only one-fifth of patients present with elevated biomarkers (AFP/ß-HCG) in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). MicroRNAs (miR/miRNA) have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers in extracranial GCT and may potentially facilitate non-invasive diagnosis in iGCT.

Methods

We analyzed eight miRNAs in serum and CSF from the miR-371~373- and miR-302/367-clusters and four miRNAs differentially expressed in iGCT tissue (miR-142-5p/miR-146a-5p/miR-335-5p/miR-654-3p) from eight iGCT patients (age 10–33 years) and 12 control subjects by pre-amplified RT-qPCR. MiR-30b-5p (serum) and miR-204-5p (CSF) acted as reference genes. ΔCt-values were expressed as $$2^{{ - \Delta \Delta C_{{\text{t}}} }}$$

2

-
Δ
Δ

C
t

after standardization against controls.

Results

Between iGCT and control patients’ serum ΔCt-values of miR-371a-3p (p = 0.0159), miR-372-3p (p= 0.0095, miR-367 (p = 0.0190), miR-302a (p = 0.0381) and miR-302d-3p (p = 0.0159) differed significantly. Discriminatory pattern in CSF was similar to serum as miR-371a (p = 0.0286), miR-372-3p (p = 0.0028), miR-367-3p (p = 0.0167) and miR-302d-3p (p = 0.0061) distinguished between patients and controls. Abundant $$2^{{ - \Delta \Delta C_{{\text{t}}} }}$$

2

-
Δ
Δ

C
t

levels of each of these miRNAs were found across all serum and CSF samples including biomarker-negative patients.

Conclusion

With the largest data set so far, we underline the suitability of miR-371a, miR-372, miR-367 and miR-302d in serum and CSF for diagnosis of iGCT, particularly in biomarker-negative germinoma. Diagnosis of iGCT by miRNA analysis is a feasible and valid approach, particularly as serum can be readily obtained by a less invasive procedure. MiRNA analysis may discriminate iGCT from other tumors with similar radiological findings and may allow to monitor response to therapy as well as early relapse during follow-up.
New spatio-temporal complex covariance functions for vectorial data through positive mixtures
Authors: De Iaco S.
Published: February 2022

In the literature, the theory of complex-valued random fields is usually recalled to describe the evolution of vector data in space, without including the temporal dimension. However, as in the real case, the development of the complex formalism in a spatio-temporal context and the construction of some new classes of spatio-temporal complex covariance models are of sure interest for the scientific community partly due to the ongoing explosion in the availability of vector observations in space–time. In this paper, after presenting the fundamental aspects of the complex formalism of a spatio-temporal random field in a complex domain and the extension of some classes of complex-valued covariance models from a spatial domain to a spatio-temporal one, a new family of spatio-temporal complex-valued models obtained through a positive mixture of an infinite number of terms is proposed and various examples are discussed. A case study on modeling the spatio-temporal complex correlation structure of vectorial data is also provided.
A rapid and precise method for determining water content in nuts as a tool for determining their quality during storage
Authors: Kowalska Małgorzata , Janas Sławomir , Mitrosz Paulina
Published: February 2022

This study was designed to examine impact of storage conditions on hazelnut quality and to develop a quick method for testing hazelnut moisture. The change of sample mass and water content were assessed by convection drying method and by means of a moisture analyzer—IR radiation. The samples were tested as: nuts, nut kernels, crumbled nut kernels, husk of nuts. They were stored in closed and open packages at 45% and 80% humidity and at constant temperature (23 °C). It has been observed that at the humidity of 45%, the hermetic packaging reduced hazelnut mass loss by 18%, and the hazelnut husk caused reduction of mass loss of the kernel by 5.5%. It was found that the best storage effects were obtained at a relative air humidity of 80% (i.e. change in hazelnut weight 2.18%, kernels 0.78%, shell 1.4%). At this moisture content, in comparison with the moisture content equal to 45%, a lower loss of hazelnut weight by 4.65%, kernel weight by 10.79%, shell weight by more than two times was found when the samples were stored without packaging. Water desorption from hazelnut stored under these conditions was reduced to 0.4% for packaged kernels and to 3% for unpackaged product. Determining the water content by the IR radiation method, compared to the standard method, took much less time, it took about 1 h. 5 min (approx. 6 times faster) with a measurement accuracy of 0.26%. Therefore this paper proves that the described method positively influences time restrictions especially when the duration of water content analysis is a key determinant. According to the authors, it can be implemented in both laboratory and industrial tests, saving time and acting immediately when the technological process requires support.
Estimating the required number of Harbour Pilots to support airline operations of a single pilot commercial aircraft at a UK regional airport
Authors: Harris D.
Published: February 2022

Single pilot passenger aircraft concepts are being developed by several manufacturers. Various technological approaches are being explored: One concept is to use a Harbour Pilot dedicated to providing support for departures and arrivals. The Harbour Pilot has comprehensive knowledge of the terminal area airspace, procedures and operations. If a single pilot aircraft is to be viable, however, the number of supporting personnel needs to be significantly smaller than the number of First Officers normally employed for a two-crew aeroplane, but the number such staff has yet to be determined. This study models operations by a UK low-cost operator at a regional airport to determine the optimum number of Harbour Pilots required to support operations throughout the day. The model uses a simplified timeline analysis with task data incorporated into a dynamic discrete event modelling system allowing for multiple replications using various configurations. Results suggest that for this operation six Harbour Pilots per shift used flexibly to support both departures and arrivals would be required.
Understanding the effects of neighborhood disadvantage on youth psychopathology
Authors: Carroll Sarah L. , Klump Kelly L. , Burt S. Alexandra
Published: February 2022

Background

In 1942, Shaw and McKay reported that disadvantaged neighborhoods predict youth psychopathology (Shaw & McKay, 1942). In the decades since, dozens of papers have confirmed and extended these early results, convincingly demonstrating that disadvantaged neighborhood contexts predict elevated rates of both internalizing and externalizing disorders across childhood and adolescence. It is unclear, however, how neighborhood disadvantage increases psychopathology.

Methods

Our study sought to fill this gap in the literature by examining the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a composite measure of Census tract disadvantage, as an etiologic moderator of several common forms of psychopathology in two samples of school-aged twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry (N = 4815 and 1030 twin pairs, respectively), the latter of which was enriched for neighborhood disadvantage.

Results

Across both samples, genetic influences on attention-deficit hyperactivity problems were accentuated in the presence of marked disadvantage, while nonshared environmental contributions to callous-unemotional traits increased with increasing disadvantage. However, neighborhood disadvantage had little moderating effect on the etiology of depression, anxiety, or somatic symptoms.

Conclusions

Such findings suggest that, although neighborhood disadvantage does appear to serve as a general etiologic moderator of many (but not all) forms of psychopathology, this etiologic moderation is phenotype-specific.
Detection and control of an ongoing international outbreak of hepatitis A among the Irish Traveller community beginning September 2020
Authors: Kelly David , O'Hare Colette , McKeown Paul , Cianci Fiona , Doyle Sarah
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a notifiable disease in Ireland, with national coverage of clinical and laboratory surveillance. In December 2020, a cluster of 11 HAV cases among the Irish Traveller community was detected. The outbreak investigation identified 61 total HAV cases from September 2020 to November 2021. Sequenced isolates were sub-genotype IA with identical genome sequence. Case-patients were predominantly aged under 18 (77%), hospitalised (46%) and lived on communal residential sites. Mass onsite HAV vaccination was employed following failure of initial ring vaccination to contain the outbreak. This is the largest outbreak of HAV described in Ireland, involving spillover to the UK and Netherlands. We recommend mass HAV vaccination and tailored communication for outbreak control in migratory subpopulations.
Motivations for Vaccine Hesitancy Among EMS Providers in the United States who Declined the COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Shekhar Aditya C. , Hannan Daniel J.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Hesitancy towards the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine has been a topic of considerable concern in recent months. Studies have reported hesitancy within the general population and specific facets of the health care system. Little evidence has been published about vaccine hesitancy among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers despite them having played a frontline role throughout the pandemic.

Methods:

A 27-question survey examining vaccination decisions and potential influencing factors among EMS providers was created and disseminated. Responses from providers who declined a COVID-19 vaccine were compared with responses from providers who did not decline a COVID-19 vaccine.

Results:

Across 166 respondents, 16% reported declining a COVID-19 vaccine. Providers who self-identified as men, providers who reported conservative or conservative-leaning beliefs, and providers surrounded by environments where the vaccine was discussed negatively or not encouraged are significantly more likely to decline a vaccine (P <.01). Providers who have declined a vaccine reported significantly greater levels of concern about its safety, effectiveness, and development (P <.01).

Conclusion:

This study answers key questions about why some EMS providers might be declining COVID-19 vaccinations. Initiatives to improve vaccination among EMS providers should focus on the areas highlighted, and further studies should continue to examine vaccine hesitancy among EMS providers as well as in other populations.
Applying and comparing various nutrient profiling models against the packaged food supply in South Africa
Authors: Frank Tamryn , Ng Shu Wen , Miles Donna R , Swart Elizabeth C
Published: February 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to apply the newly developed Chile Adjusted Model (CAM) nutrient profiling model (NPM) to the food supply in South Africa (SA) and compare its performance against existing NPM as an indication of suitability for use to underpin food policies targeted at discouraging consumption of products high in nutrients associated with poor health.

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of the SA-packaged food supply comparing the CAM to three other NPM: SA Health and Nutrition Claims (SA HNC), Chilean Warning Octagon (CWO) 2019, and Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) NPM.

Setting:

The SA-packaged food supply based on products stocked by supermarkets in Cape Town, SA.

Participants:

Packaged foods and beverages (n 6474) available in 2018 were analysed.

Results:

Forty-nine per cent of products contained excessive amounts of nutrients of concern (considered non-compliant) according to the criteria of all four models. Only 10·9 % of products were not excessive in any nutrients of concern (considered compliant) according to all NPM evaluated. The CAM had an overall non-compliance level of 73·2 % and was comparable to the CWO 2019 for foods (71·2 % and 71·1 %, respectively). The CAM was the strictest NPM for beverages (80·4 %) due to the criteria of non-sugar sweeteners and free sugars. The SA HNC was the most lenient with non-compliance at 52·9 %. This was largely due to the inclusion of nutrients to encourage, which is a criterion for this NPM.

Conclusion:

For the purpose of discouraging products high in nutrients associated with poor health in SA, the CAM is a suitable NPM.
Achtsamkeitsorientierte Ansätze der Suchtprävention und -therapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Arnaud Nicolas , Banaschewski Tobias , Nees Frauke , Buchholz Verena Nadine , Klein Michael , Reis Olaf , Legenbauer Tanja , Zapf Antonia , Thomasius Rainer ,   IMAC-Mind Konsortium
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Das Jugendalter gilt als vulnerable Phase für die Entwicklung von Suchtstörungen und der Anteil von jungen Menschen, die davon betroffen sind, ist hoch. Für die Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung abhängigen Verhaltens sind Probleme in der exekutiven Kontrolle und Regulation von Gefühlen, Gedanken und Verhalten zentral. Das Thema Achtsamkeit ist in der Öffentlichkeit sehr präsent. Zahlreiche Studien belegen den Nutzen achtsamkeitsbasierter Interventionsansätze zur Stärkung exekutiver Regulation von Stress und Verhaltensimpulsen bei Suchtstörungen sowie deren komorbider psychischer Begleitsymptomatik. Methoden: Selektive Literaturrecherche zu Achtsamkeit und substanzbezogenen Störungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Ergebnisse: Bisherige Studien beziehen sich weitestgehend auf Erwachsene. Empirische Evidenz zur Einschätzung des suchtpräventiven und -therapeutischen Nutzens von Achtsamkeitsprogrammen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen fehlt bislang. Im Rahmen des laufenden Forschungsverbunds „IMAC-Mind: Verbesserung der psychischen Gesundheit und Verringerung von Suchtgefahr im Kindes- und Jugendalter durch Achtsamkeit: Mechanismen, Prävention und Behandlung“ werden multifaktorielle Risikoprofile für Suchterkrankungen untersucht und in achtsamkeitsorientierte Interventionsmodelle überführt. Schlussfolgerung: Der Beitrag leitet Forschungsbedarfe zu Suchterkrankungen und Achtsamkeit aus einer kinder- und jugendspezifischen Perspektive ab und informiert über die Teilprojekte.
Substructure of a Kelvin‐Helmholtz Vortex Accompanied by Plasma Transport Under the Northward Interplanetary Magnetic Field
Authors: Yan G. Q. , Mozer F. S. , Parks G. K. , Cai C. L. , Chen T. , Goldstein M. L. , Ren Y.
Published: February 2022

Within a Kelvin‐Helmholtz (K‐H) vortex at the duskside magnetopause, a substructure characterized by two flux enhancements of cold magnetosheath plasma in a background of hot magnetosphere plasma is observed. The substructure is accompanied by plasma transport across the magnetopause, and the transport region is found to split into two parts: the double peaks in both ion and electron densities, corresponding to the two flux enhancements in spectrograms. There are two decreases in the ion temperature while the electron temperature remains constantly low, suggesting that the substructure is caused by a secondary process within the vortex rather than the secondary crossings of the vortex or the boundary oscillations. A transverse motion of cold plasma is observed in the pitch‐angle distribution, demonstrating an example of transverse driving and ongoing plasma transport across the magnetopause. With the convective electric field removed, the perturbed electric field E1, which is sinusoidal and perpendicular to B, matches the theoretical prediction of the Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability. Such a perturbed electric field is expected to be the electrostatic field that accompanies the R‐T instability producing the substructure and drives the plasma transport by drift. The observations suggest that this secondary R‐T instability within the K‐H vortex can drive plasma transport across the magnetopause.
Mineralogy Sensitive Immersion Freezing Parameterization in DREAM
Authors: Ilić Luka , Jovanović Aleksandar , Kuzmanoski Maja , Lazić Lazar , Madonna Fabio , Rosoldi Marco , Mytilinaios Michail , Marinou Eleni , Ničković Slobodan
Published: February 2022

Dust aerosols are abundant in the atmosphere and are very efficient ice nucleating particles at temperatures below −15°C. Depending on temperature, dust particles containing certain minerals (i.e., feldspar and quartz) are the most active as ice nuclei. A mineralogy‐sensitive immersion freezing parameterization for ice nucleating particle concentration (INPC) is implemented in Dust Regional Atmospheric Model (DREAM) for the first time. Additionally, four mineralogy‐indifferent parameterizations are implemented, two for immersion freezing and two for deposition nucleation. Dust concentration and its feldspar and quartz fractions are forecasted by DREAM for a dust episode in the Mediterranean in April 2016. DREAM results are compared with vertical profiles of cloud‐relevant dust concentrations and INPC from ground‐based lidar measurements in Potenza, Italy and Nicosia, Cyprus. INPC predictions are also compared with vertical profiles of ice crystal number concentration (ICNC) from satellite observations for two overpasses over the dust plume. The model successfully simulates the evolution and vertical extent of the dust plume. Mineralogy‐sensitive and mineralogy‐indifferent INPC parameterization results generally differ by about an order of magnitude. Forecasted INPC and observed ICNC values differ by an order of magnitude for all parameterizations. Feldspar fraction increase within a dust plume during transport can increase INPC by around 6% at −35°C, and up to 17% at −25°C, but sedimentation can reduce this effect. Over the Atlantic, mineralogy‐sensitive parameterization predicts horizontal distribution of clouds with higher probability of success, while in the Mediterranean; the results for different parameterizations show lower variability.
A Hybrid Approach to Atmospheric Modeling That Combines Machine Learning With a Physics‐Based Numerical Model
Authors: Arcomano Troy , Szunyogh Istvan , Wikner Alexander , Pathak Jaideep , Hunt Brian R. , Ott Edward
Published: February 2022

This paper describes an implementation of the combined hybrid‐parallel prediction (CHyPP) approach of Wikner et al. (2020), https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0005541 on a low‐resolution atmospheric global circulation model (AGCM). The CHyPP approach combines a physics‐based numerical model of a dynamical system (e.g., the atmosphere) with a computationally efficient type of machine learning (ML) called reservoir computing to construct a hybrid model. This hybrid atmospheric model produces more accurate forecasts of most atmospheric state variables than the host AGCM for the first 7–8 forecast days, and for even longer times for the temperature and humidity near the earth's surface. It also produces more accurate forecasts than a model based only on ML, or a model that combines linear regression, rather than ML, with the AGCM. The potential of the CHyPP approach for climate research is demonstrated by a 10‐year long hybrid model simulation of the atmospheric general circulation, which shows that the hybrid model can simulate the general circulation with substantially smaller systematic errors and more realistic variability than the host AGCM.
Radial Transport Versus Local Acceleration: The Long‐Standing Debate
Authors: Drozdov Alexander Y. , Blum Lauren W. , Hartinger Michael , Zhao Hong , Lejosne Solène , Hudson Mary K. , Allison Hayley J. , Ozeke Louis , Jaynes Allison N.
Published: February 2022

On 28 July 2021, within the Geospace Environment Modeling Virtual Summer Workshop, a joint panel discussion organized by the “System Understanding of Radiation Belt Particle Dynamics through Multi‐spacecraft and Ground‐based Observations and Modeling” and “ULF wave Modeling, Effects, and Applications” focus groups was held. The panelists, organizers, and the audience discussed the nature and unresolved questions of radiation belt electron flux enhancements. In this commentary we provide the outcomes of this discussion.
Seismic hazard assessment for Guinea, West Africa
Authors: Irinyemi Stephen A. , Lombardi Domenico , Ahmad Syed M.
Published: February 2022

Guinea is located on a stable continental region in West Africa, this is a region characterised by infrequent seismic events. In this study, the seismic hazard level of Guinea and 10 main cities was determined by a probabilistic approach. The calculation was carried out for 10%, 2% and 0.5% probability of exceedance in 50 years (corresponding to 475, 2475 and 9975 years return periods, respectively). We developed a homogenized 100-year catalogue compiled from different seismic sources. Two ground motion prediction equations, originally developed for Eastern and Central North America, a stable continental region, were used for the hazard calculation. A uniform b-value of 0.70 ± 0.12, and individual activity rate (λ) were calculated for the three seismic zones considered in this study. The estimated seismic hazard was high in the Palaeozoic area of Guinea. The PGA values estimated for the study region, considering hard rock conditions, were 0.08 g, 0.27 g, and 0.57 g for 475, 2475 and 9975 years return periods, respectively. The results of this study an inform future programmes in disaster risk management and planning for new regional infrastructure.
Prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may benefit the long-term survival of patients after radical gastric cancer surgery
Authors: Zhuang Xuhui , He Yuewen , Ma Wuhua
Published: February 2022

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been proven to improve the survival rate of gastric cancer and reduce peritoneal recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic HIPEC after radical gastric cancer surgery in this study. Researchers searched for studies published in PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Scopus, Cochrane, Clinical key databases and Microsoft Academic databases to identify studies that examine the impact of prophylactic HIPEC on the survival, recurrence and adverse events of patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery. RevMan 5.3 was used to analyze the results and risk of bias. The PROSERO registration number is CRD42021262016. This meta-analysis included 22 studies with a total of 2097 patients, 12 of which are RCTs. The results showed that the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rate was significantly favorable to HIPEC (OR 5.10, 2.07, 1.96 respectively). Compared with the control group, the overall recurrence rate and peritoneal recurrence rate of the HIPEC group were significantly lower (OR 0.41, 0.24 respectively). Significantly favorable to the control group in terms of renal dysfunction and pulmonary dysfunction complications (OR 2.44, 6.03 respectively). Regarding the causes of death due to postoperative recurrence: liver recurrence, lymph node and local recurrence and peritoneal recurrence, the overall effect is not significantly different (OR 0.81, 1.19, 0.37 respectively). 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival follow-up may be incremented by the prophylactic HIPEC, and which reduce the overall recurrence rate and peritoneal recurrence rate. HIPEC may have high-risk of pulmonary dysfunction and renal dysfunction complications. No difference has been found in the deaths due to recurrence after surgery.