bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic test accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and pelvic floor ultrasound for diagnosis of levator ani muscle avulsion
Authors: van Gruting I. M. A. , Stankiewicz A. , van Delft K. W. M. , Doumouchtsis S. K. , Inthout J. , Sultan A. H. , Thakar R.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To estimate the diagnostic test accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pelvic floor ultrasound for levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion in a general parous population, with view to establishing if ultrasound could substitute for MRI to diagnose LAM avulsion.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 135 women 4 years after their first delivery. Signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction were assessed using validated methods. All women underwent four‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound (TPUS), three‐dimensional endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) and MRI. Images were acquired at rest, on pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) and on maximum Valsalva maneuver, and analyzed by two blinded observers. Predefined cut‐off values were used to diagnose LAM avulsion. In the absence of a reference standard, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to establish diagnostic test characteristics for LAM avulsion as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes were kappa (κ) agreement between imaging techniques, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for hiatal measurements at rest, on PFMC and on maximum Valsalva maneuver, and the association of LAM avulsion with signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Results

The prevalence of LAM avulsion was 23.0% for MRI, 11.1% for TPUS and 17.8% for EVUS. The prevalence of LAM avulsion using LCA was 15.7%. The sensitivity for LAM avulsion of TPUS (71% (95% CI, 50–90%)) and EVUS (91% (95% CI, 74–100%)) was lower than that of MRI (100% (95% CI, 84–100%)). The specificity of TPUS (100% (95% CI, 97–100%)) and EVUS (95% (95% CI, 91–99%)) was higher than that of MRI (91% (95% CI, 85–97%)). MRI and EVUS had high predictive values for the assessment of major LAM avulsion (positive predictive value (PPV), 95% and negative predictive value (NPV), 100%; PPV, 100% and NPV, 98%, respectively), while TPUS had high predictive values for minor LAM avulsion (PPV, 100% and NPV, 95%). Major LAM avulsion on MRI and EVUS was associated with anterior vaginal wall prolapse, which was not found for TPUS. The agreement in the diagnosis of LAM avulsion (κ, 0.69) and hiatal measurements (ICC, 0.60–0.81) was highest between MRI and EVUS.

Conclusions

Pelvic floor ultrasound can be implemented as a triage test to assess parous women for LAM avulsion because of its high specificity. Ultrasound cannot substitute for MRI because of its lower sensitivity. The predictive ability of ultrasound is moderate for the presence, and very good for the absence, of LAM avulsion. A positive test should be confirmed by a different observer or imaging technique. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Quality assessment of first‐trimester screening for preterm pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Dhaifalah I. , Magalova E. , Studnykova D. , Havalova J. , Slintakova E. , Cuckle H.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To assess the performance and impact of first‐trimester preterm pre‐eclampsia screening in a single center.

Methods

This was a single‐center study of women with a singleton pregnancy who were screened prospectively for preterm pre‐eclampsia (i.e. delivery before 37 weeks' gestation) using maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index, maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and placental growth factor. The individual risk for preterm pre‐eclampsia was estimated from a published model, and those with a risk above 1 in 200 were recommended to take 150 mg soluble aspirin per day until 34 weeks. Information on the incidence of pre‐eclampsia was obtained from the hospital register of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Screening performance indicators, including detection and false‐positive rates, were estimated from the distribution of risks. Screening impact was estimated by dividing the observed prevalence by the expected prevalence, which was derived from the distribution of risks.

Results

The distributions of MAP, uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index and serum markers were consistent with the risk model parameters. The estimated detection and false‐positive rates were 79.7% and 16.2%, respectively. There were six cases of preterm pre‐eclampsia, four of which occurred in women with a positive screening result. The prevalence was 62% of that expected, but the 95% CI of 23–140% indicated that the study was underpowered to assess the impact.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the performance of preterm pre‐eclampsia screening can be estimated in a single center with fewer than 2000 women screened. However, in order to assess the impact of screening on the prevalence of the condition, a much larger cohort is needed. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Impact of adopting non‐antibiotic dry‐cow therapy on the performance and udder health of dairy cows
Authors: Lavery Anna , Craig Aimee‐Louise , Gordon Alan W. , Ferris Conrad P.
Published: May 2022

Background

On dairy farms, the prophylactic use of antibiotics at drying‐off is being increasingly challenged. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of antibiotic dry‐cow therapy (DCT) or non‐antibiotic DCT on dairy cow performance and udder health.

Methods

Holstein cows (n = 285) with low risk of intramammary infection (<200,000 cells/ml) were assigned to one of two treatments, either antibiotic DCT (A + TS; antibiotic treatment in combination with internal and external teat sealants) or non‐antibiotic DCT (TS; internal and external teat sealant only).

Results

There was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference between treatments for mean cow milk yield, composition or energy corrected milk yield. Mean somatic cell count was 0.16 loge higher in the TS treatment (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.00 loge to −0.33 loge) compared to A + TS treatment (p = 0.047). A 50% increase in the number of mastitis cases was observed in the A + TS treatment compared to TS treatment (odds ratio = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.80%–3.01%), although this was not significant. There was no statistical evidence (p > 0.05) that treatment had any effect on colostrum quality and composition.

Conclusion

Results indicate that non‐antibiotic DCT can be adopted in ‘low‐risk’ cows who were offered grass silage‐based diets in cubicle accommodation, with low risk of adverse effects on performance or udder health.
Introduction: A Mechanism-Based Approach to Social Policy Research
Authors: Nullmeier Frank , Kuhlmann Johanna
Published: May 2022

This introductory chapter outlines a mechanism-based approach as a new way of explaining social policy. The chapter first introduces causal mechanisms as a concept and explores four strands of mechanism-based research in the social sciences: the methodology of qualitative research, generative mechanisms in critical realism, analytical sociology, and historical sociology and historical institutionalism. The chapter develops a process-oriented, actor-centred and modular conception of causal mechanisms, thereby distinguishing elementary causal mechanisms and complex causal mechanisms. It then showcases the benefits of a mechanism-based approach for social policy research. The key argument is that causal mechanisms enable explanations that can complement, expand, deepen, and possibly even correct analyses that rely on established social policy approaches. The chapter concludes with an overview of all chapters of the volume.
Migrants to the Rescue? Care Workforce Migrantisation on the Example of Elder Care in Germany
Authors: Safuta Anna , Noack Kristin , Gottschall Karin , Rothgang Heinz
Published: May 2022

The share of migrant workers in the long-term care (LTC) workforce across the world has been increasing. Despite similar trends in terms of overall LTC migrantisation, countries differ in the ways in which migrant workers are involved in national care regimes. Previous research identified several modes of migrantisation, including the “migrant in the family” and “migrant in formal care” outcomes. In the literature, the emergence of each mode is explained by a country-specific intersection of regimes of care, migration and employment. However, analyses of the concrete mechanisms through which such intersections produce differential outcomes are still missing. In this chapter, we identify and explain the mechanisms that resulted in the emergence of “migrant in the family” and “migrant in formal care” migrantisation in Germany.
Anti-communist Backlash in the Croatian Healthcare System
Authors: Malinar Ante
Published: May 2022

The chapter explains the process of reforming the financial dimension of the Croatian healthcare system during the 1990–1993 period. Process tracing and qualitative content analysis are used to establish the causal mechanisms that underpinned these policy changes. Three mechanisms—doctors enter politics, old system departure, seeking solutions abroad—form a complex mechanism of anti-communist backlash. It shows that domestic physicians were crucial actors in the reform process. Moreover, their prevailing dissatisfaction with the communist healthcare system pushed the reforms in a new direction and stimulated a horizontal policy transfer process in which policy makers drew positive and negative lessons from Western and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries. The outcome was a hybrid healthcare system based on Bismarckian, Beveridgean and neoliberal principles.
Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles in Helium Droplets
Authors: Lackner Florian
Published: May 2022

Helium droplets provide a unique cold and inert synthesis environment for the formation of nanoparticles. Over the past decade, the method has evolved into a versatile tool, ready to be used for the creation of new nanomaterials. Species with different characteristics can be combined in a core@shell configuration, allowing for the formation of nanoparticles with tailored properties. The realm of structures that can be formed extends from clusters, comprising only a few atoms, to spherical sub-10 nm particles and nanowires with a length on the order of a few hundred nanometers. The formed nanoparticles can be deposited on any desired substrate under soft-landing conditions. This chapter is concerned with the formation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with helium droplets. The synthesis process is explained in detail, covering aspects that range from the doping of helium droplets to the behavior of deposited particles on a surface. Different metal particle systems are reviewed and methods for the creation of metal oxide particles are discussed. Selected experiments related to optical properties as well as the structure and stability of synthesized nanoparticles are presented.
Helium Droplet Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Schiller Arne , Laimer Felix , Tiefenthaler Lukas
Published: May 2022

Mass spectrometry is of paramount importance in many studies of pristine and doped helium droplets. Here, we attempt to review the body of work that has been performed in this field. Special focus is given to experiments conducted by the group of Paul Scheier at the University of Innsbruck. We specifically highlight recent studies of highly charged helium droplets and the successive development of pickup into highly charged and mass selected droplets.
Electronic Spectroscopy in Superfluid Helium Droplets
Authors: Schlaghaufer Florian , Fischer Johannes , Slenczka Alkwin
Published: May 2022

Electronic spectroscopy has been instrumental in demonstrating the properties of helium droplets as a cryogenic matrix for molecules. The electronic spectrum of glyoxal, which was one of the first molecules investigated in helium droplets by means of electronic spectroscopy, showed two features that provided convincing evidence that the droplets were superfluid. These were free rotation and the distinct shape of the phonon side band which could be directly assigned to the characteristic dispersion curve of a superfluid. On closer examination, however, details such as increased moments of inertia and a spectral response on the droplet size distribution revealed unexpected features of microsolvation in the superfluid helium. In the course of studying many different molecules, it has become clear that electronic spectroscopy in helium droplets provides insight into the detailed effects of microsolvation. These in turn lead to numerous questions regarding the interaction with the superfluid which are discussed in this chapter. In addition, the influence of microsolvation in helium droplets on van der Waals clusters generated inside helium droplets are discussed. Finally, the effect of helium solvation on unimolecular or bimolecular elementary chemical reactions is evaluated in comparison with corresponding experiments in the gas phase. Particular focus of this article lies on the spectral features related to helium solvation which are not yet fully understood.
Spectroscopy of Small and Large Biomolecular Ions in Helium-Nanodroplets
Authors: Mucha Eike , Thomas Daniel , Lettow Maike , Meijer Gerard , Pagel Kevin , von Helden Gert
Published: May 2022

A vast number of experiments have now shown that helium nanodroplets are an exemplary cryogenic matrix for spectroscopic investigations. The experimental techniques are well established and involve in most cases the pickup of evaporated neutral species by helium droplets. These techniques have been extended within our research group to enable nanodroplet pickup of anions or cations stored in an ion trap. By using electrospray ionization (ESI) in combination with modern mass spectrometric methods to supply ions to the trap, an immense variety of mass-to-charge selected species can be doped into the droplets and spectroscopically investigated. We have combined this droplet doping methodology with IR action spectroscopy to investigate anions and cations ranging in size from a few atoms to proteins that consist of thousands of atoms. Herein, we show examples of small complexes of fluoride anions (F−) with CO2 and H2O and carbohydrate molecules. In the case of the small complexes, novel compounds could be identified, and quantum chemistry can in some instances quantitatively explain the results. For biologically relevant complex carbohydrate molecules, the IR spectra are highly diagnostic and allow the differentiation of species that would be difficult or impossible to identify by more conventional methods.
Electron Diffraction of Molecules and Clusters in Superfluid Helium Droplets
Authors: Zhang Jie , He Yunteng , Lei Lei , Yao Yuzhong , Bradford Stephen , Kong Wei
Published: May 2022

In an effort to solve the crystallization problem in crystallography, we have been engaged in developing a method termed “serial single molecule electron diffraction imaging” (SS-EDI). The unique features of SS-EDI are superfluid helium droplet cooling and field-induced orientation. With two features combined, the process constitutes a molecular goniometer. Unfortunately, the helium atoms surrounding the sample molecule also contribute to a diffraction background. In this chapter, we analyze the properties of a superfluid helium droplet beam and its doping statistics, and demonstrate the feasibility of overcoming the background issue by using the velocity slip phenomenon of a pulsed droplet beam. Electron diffraction profiles and pair correlation functions of monomer-doped droplets, small cluster and nanocluster -doped droplets are presented. The timing of the pulsed electron gun and the effective doping efficiency under different dopant pressures can both be controlled for size selection. This work clears any doubt of the effectiveness of superfluid helium droplets in SS-EDI, thereby advancing the effort in demonstrating the “proof-of-concept” one step further.
Laser-Induced Alignment of Molecules in Helium Nanodroplets
Authors: Nielsen Jens H. , Pentlehner Dominik , Christiansen Lars , Shepperson Benjamin , Søndergaard Anders A. , Chatterley Adam S. , Pickering James D. , Schouder Constant A. , Muñoz Alberto Viñas , Kranabetter Lorenz , Stapelfeldt Henrik
Published: May 2022

Moderately intense, nonresonant laser pulses can be used to accurately control how gas phase molecules are oriented in space. This topic, driven by intense experimental and theoretical efforts, has been ever growing and developed for more than 20 years, and laser-induced alignment methods are used routinely in a number of applications in physics and chemistry. Starting in 2013, we have demonstrated that laser-induced alignment also applies to molecules dissolved in helium nanodroplets. Here we present an overview of this new work discussing alignment in both the nonadiabatic (short-pulse) and adiabatic (long-pulse) limit. We show how femtosecond or picosecond pulses can set molecules into coherent rotation that lasts for a long time and reflects the rotational structure of the helium-solvated molecules, provided the pulses are weak or, conversely, results in desolvation of the molecules when the pulses are strong. For long pulses we show that the 0.4 K temperature of the droplets, shared with the molecules or molecular complexes, leads to exceptionally high degrees of alignment. Upon rapid truncation of the laser pulse, the strong alignment can be made effectively field-free, lasting for about 10 ps thanks to slowing of molecular rotation by the helium environment. Finally, we discuss how the combination of strongly aligned molecular dimers and laser-induced Coulomb explosion imaging enables determination of the structure of the dimers. As a background and reference point, the first third of the article introduces some of the central concepts of laser-induced alignment for isolated molecules, illustrated by numerical and experimental examples.
Ongoing Challenges and Solutions of Managing Data Privacy for Smart Cities
Authors: Li Ze Shi , Werner Colin
Published: May 2022

Smart cities represent the epitome of utilizing data sourced from sensors and devices in a city to make informed decisions. Facilitating the massive breadth of data are millions and billions of “smart” devices interconnected through high-speed telecommunication networks, so naturally software organizations began specializing in various parts of the smart city data spectrum. In a smart city, new business opportunities are created for software organizations to process, manage, utilize, examine, and generate data. While smart cities support the ability to make rational and prudent decisions based on real data, the privacy of the data cannot be overlooked. In particular, there are privacy challenges regarding the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data. More precisely, we recognize that there are a multitude of challenges facing software organizations, which include obtaining a shared understanding of privacy and achieving compliance with privacy regulations.
Smart City and Privacy Concerns During COVID-19: Lessons from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
Authors: Martinus Melinda
Published: May 2022

Although smart technologies for managing urban problems have gained traction in Southeast Asia, citizens, experts, and policymakers continue to express concerns over data protection and security. Smart technologies, such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are perceived as enablers for cities to control air pollution, reduce traffic, streamline public services, and make energy use more efficient. Yet experts underline that smart technologies’ personal and behavioral data have not been adequately protected, thus bringing significant risk to individual privacy. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the dialogue to address privacy concerns in the digital sphere. Drawing from the experience of COVID-19 tracing applications in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this chapter finds that despite concerns about technical issues and accessibility, the practice of surveillance and the effectiveness of such technology adoption to fight COVID-19 remain in debate. The dialogue on data protection in the digital sphere has been more complex as there are contesting interests between the need to ensure public safety and the need to protect individual privacy.
Does Hong Kong Need a Coherent Policy on Cross Border Data Flows to Really Be Smart?
Authors: Yu Ronald Ker-Wei , Mercurio Bryan
Published: May 2022

Data flows are becoming ever more important to smart cities. Owing to the plethora of interconnections, an action in one area can result in unintended consequences elsewhere–and while a holistic approach to managing data and data flows sounds desirable, it remains to be seen whether such an approach is achievable. This chapter will explore the conflicting legal and other issues smart cities face, including how to provide access to tools and data to enable creation of apps, content, or products and adapt products for local and global needs; how to encourage use and deployment of data-dependent systems such as artificial intelligence (AI); and how to allow companies to fulfil obligations to provide customer support, enable commercial transactions or the flow of digital currencies. Using Hong Kong as a case study, the chapter overviews Hong Kong’s quest to be a smart city, measures its progress against an objective, then evaluates the potential downsides of Hong Kong’s laissez-faire approach to regulation before advocating for the establishment of a coordinated framework and policy for managing cross-border data flows.
The Promise and Challenges of Privacy in Smart Cities: The Case of Phuket
Authors: Phusamruat Visakha
Published: May 2022

The aim of this chapter is to examine privacy and personal data-related issues arising from the smart city development. Based on recent smart city campaigns in Phuket involving closed-circuit television (CCTV) installation and digitally-tracking wristbands, the author finds that local actors’ privacy perceptions and data processing practices substantially deviate from the privacy views and practices required by the Thai Personal Data Protection Act. This deviation will potentially result in the lack of actual implementation or inevitable forced changes to the local community life just to meet the new legal standard. The global–local tension created by norms brought by visitors from various cultural backgrounds and the local tradition makes finding a common ground far more difficult. The case demonstrates the limitations of current legal approaches to embracing diverse societal views and interests, while also paving the possibility of a new way to understand privacy in smart cities and integrate this knowledge into their universal design.
Digital Transformation in Banking: A Case from Vietnam
Authors: Ha Minh Son , Nguyen Thuy Linh
Published: May 2022

This article aims to examine the literature on digital transformation in the banking sectors and the current commercial banks’ digital transformation landscape in Vietnam. The paper provides examples of some local commercial banks to show that digital banking should be considered an integral part of smart cities. The paper also analyzes the challenges facing Vietnamese banks in their digitalization process to become smarter banks. Next, the study makes some recommendations about how to leverage the digitalization process in the Vietnamese banking system. It can be concluded from this research that digital transformation is key to the banking industry creating value for the customer and keeping pace with innovation in smart cities where people expect real-time, instant gratification. This paper also suggests further research directions.
Learning from radiation at a very high energy lepton collider
Authors: Chen Siyu , Glioti Alfredo , Rattazzi Riccardo , Ricci Lorenzo , Wulzer Andrea
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We study the potential of lepton collisions with about 10 TeV center of mass energy to probe Electroweak, Higgs and Top short-distance physics at the 100 TeV scale, pointing out the interplay with the long-distance (100 GeV) phenomenon of Electroweak radiation. On one hand, we find that sufficiently accurate theoretical predictions require the resummed inclusion of radiation effects, which we perform at the double logarithmic order. On the other hand, we notice that short-distance physics does influence the emission of Electroweak radiation. Therefore the investigation of the radiation pattern can enhance the sensitivity to new short-distance physical laws. We illustrate these aspects by studying Effective Field Theory contact interactions in di-fermion and di-boson production, and comparing cross-section measurements that require or that exclude the emission of massive Electroweak bosons. The combination of the two types of measurements is found to enhance the sensitivity to the new interactions. Based on these results, we perform sensitivity projections to Higgs and Top Compositeness and to minimal Z′ new physics scenarios at future muon colliders.
Secluded dark matter in gauged B − L model
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Priyotosh , Mitra Manimala , Padhan Rojalin , Roy Abhishek , Spannowsky Michael
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We consider the gauged B − L model which is extended with a secluded dark sector, comprising of two dark sector particles. In this framework the lightest $$ \mathcal{Z} $$
Z
2-odd particle is the dark matter candidate, having a feeble interaction with all other SM and BSM states. The next-to-lightest $$ \mathcal{Z} $$
Z
2-odd particle in the dark sector is a super-wimp, with large interaction strength with the SM and BSM states. We analyse all the relevant production processes that contribute to the dark matter relic abundance, and broadly classify them in two different scenarios, a) dark matter is primarily produced via the non-thermal production process, b) dark matter is produced mostly from the late decay of the next-to-lightest $$ \mathcal{Z} $$
Z
2-odd particle. We discuss the dependency of the relic abundance of the dark matter on various model parameters. Furthermore, we also analyse the discovery prospect of the BSM Higgs via invisible Higgs decay searches.
The State of the Stratosphere Throughout the Seasons: How Well Can Atmospheric Models Explain Infrasound Observations at Regional Distances?
Authors: Pilger Christoph , Hupe Patrick , Koch Karl
Published: May 2022

The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer with the strongest impact on long-range infrasound propagation. Natural and anthropogenic infrasound signals are efficiently ducted between refraction altitudes of 30 to 60 km and reflections on the ground and are thus propagated to infrasound receivers over long distances. The direction of favorable stratospheric ducting depends on the state of the atmosphere, primarily driven by the seasonal variation of stratospheric winds. This study uses a dataset of ground-truth infrasound events over two decades and all seasons to assess the station detectability and atmospheric model performance to correctly estimate according station observations and propagation conditions. From 2000 to 2019, the German Aerospace Center facility in Lampoldshausen has conducted ignition tests of the Ariane 5 main rocket engine. Out of the 159 engine tests considered in this study, 71 were observed at the infrasound array IS26 in the Bavarian forest, located eastward at 320 km distance. Observations were mostly made during wintertime, whereas reversed stratospheric wind patterns during summertime inhibited signal detections. A significant portion of wintertime non-detections however corresponded to stratospheric profiles that should enable signal observations. Using European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) atmospheric model analyses and infrasound ray tracing only two-thirds of the non-detections could be explained by the existence of a near-station acoustic shadow zone. It must thus be concluded that the applied atmospheric model is more often than expected unable to correctly explain infrasound propagation and observation at regional distances.
Mental health and COVID-19 in a general population cohort in Spain (COVICAT study)
Authors: Goldberg X. , Castaño-Vinyals G. , Espinosa A. , Carreras A. , Liutsko L. , Sicuri E. , Foraster M. , O’Callaghan-Gordo C. , Dadvand P. , Moncunill G. , Dobaño C. , Cortés B. , Pleguezuelos V. , Straif K. , Garcia-Aymerich J. , de Cid R. , Cardis E. , Kogevinas M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Mental health conditions may affect outcome of COVID-19 disease, while exposure to stressors during the pandemic may impact mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine these factors in relation to ocurrence of depression and anxiety after the first outbreak in Spain.

Methods

We contacted 9515 participants from a population-based cohort study in Catalonia between May and October 2020. We drew blood samples to establish infection to the virus. Pre-pandemic mental health conditions were confirmed through Electronic Health Registries. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess severe depression and anxiety post-pandemic. Exposure to proximal, financial and wider environment stressors during the lockdown were collected. We calculated Relative Risks (RR), adjusting for individual- and contextual covariates.

Results

Pre-pandemic mental health disorders were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection , but were associated with severity of COVID-19 disease. People with pre-existing mental health disorders showed higher prevalence of severe depression (25.4%) and anxiety (37.8%) than those without prior mental disorders (4.9% and 10.1%). Living alone was a strong predictor of severe depression among mental health patients (RR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2). Among those without prior mental health disorders, post-lockdown depression and anxiety were associated with household interpersonal conflicts (RR = 2.6, 95% CI 2.1–3.1; RR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.9–2.4) and financial instability (RR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.8–2.9; 1.9, 95% CI 1.6–2.2).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown were associated with increased post-lockdown depression and anxiety. Patients with pre-existing mental health conditions are a vulnerable group for severe COVID-19 disease.
Geographical accessibility to upper secondary education: an Italian regional case study
Authors: Bruno Giuseppe , Cavola Manuel , Diglio Antonio , Piccolo Carmela
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a spatial analysis is performed to measure students’ access to the upper secondary education system. Based on the definition of quantitative indicators, the adopted approach is applied to an Italian regional case by exploiting the capabilities of a GIS software and using census tracts’ level data. The obtained results highlight geographical patterns of inequalities in access among students and shed light on the least served areas. Further analysis shows that accessibility reflects the degree of urbanization within the study region and that geographical distances are actual barriers to rural students since they are not compensated for by either economic status or the availability of digital infrastructures. The study offers empirical grounds to inform the decision-making process toward equity-in-access oriented interventions. Longer-term actions, as the activation of new schools (network expansion), the activation of new programs (service expansion) or the redistribution of their supply among the current network (network reorganization), as well as mid-term ones, like offering economic support for students’ mobility, or reinforcing digital connectivity, emerge as relevant to mitigate social exclusion.
A robust embedded load cell sensor for tool life prognosis and smart sawing of medium carbon steel
Authors: Tsai Ping-Chi , Jeng Yeau-Ren , Tseng Chien-Wei
Published: May 2022

An embedded load cell sensor is proposed for the tool life prognosis and thrust force control of a band saw machine. The sensor enables the tool life and surface quality of the machined workpiece to be effectively improved through the use of a single sensing device strategically located in the cutting machine. The feasibility of the proposed sensor is demonstrated experimentally using a double-column horizontal sawing machine with medium carbon steel bars as the workpiece material. An investigation is performed into the effects of the cutting force, feed rate, and machining time on the machined workpiece’s tool wear and surface roughness. It is shown that the machined workpiece’s thrust force, tool wear, and surface roughness are strongly correlated and increase over time. Based on the experimental results, a feedback control system is proposed for maintaining a constant thrust force on the band saw during cutting under even the most challenging conditions. Overall, the results confirm that a single embedded load cell sensor located in a key position can provide effective force monitoring. Such force monitoring enables a control methodology to maintain the optimal cutting conditions in the sawing of medium carbon steel and improve the tool life and machined part quality.
Analytical evaluation of carotenoids, apocarotenoids, capsaicinoids, and phenolics to assess the effect of a protective treatment on chili peppers dried at different temperatures
Authors: Grimaldi Maria , Cavazza Antonella , Pitirollo Olimpia , Zoccali Mariosimone , Mondello Luigi , Giuffrida Daniele
Published: May 2022

The most common preservation process for chili peppers is drying, which inevitably causes oxidative degradation of thermolabile molecules. The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential protective effect exerted by an active ingredient based on grape seed oil, on pepper fruits. Grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidant compounds and was applied to pepper’s surface in form of a sol–gel product, before fruit thermal treatment. In this work, chili peppers samples were preventively treated with an active solution, and controls (untreated peppers), were submitted to a drying process performed at two different temperatures: 45 and 65 °C. Analysis of capsaicinoids, carotenoids, apocarotenoids, and phenolic content was performed to evaluate possible differences between the sets of samples. Oxidative stability of oil enriched with chili pepper powder aliquots was also measured to evaluate the antioxidant power of the samples. Obtained data showed that treated samples retained a higher amount of capsaicinoids and carotenoids. Oxidative stability of pepper powder was also higher for treated samples than for controls. Furthermore, the thermal treatment performed at 45 °C caused milder modifications than the 65 °C treatment. The applied pre-drying treatment can be proposed to prevent bioactive compounds loss and to enhance product stability and shelf-life.
Are polymorphisms affecting serum urate, renal urate handling and alcohol intake associated with co-morbidities in gout cases? A case–control study using data from the UK Biobank
Authors: Sandoval-Plata Gabriela , Morgan Kevin , Abhishek Abhishek
Published: May 2022

To examine the association between common comorbidities, eGFR and loci involved in the hyperuricaemia-gout transition. This study was conducted in people with gout from the UK Biobank. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between self-reported physician-diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) with the following variants: rs1260326(GCKR), rs16890979(SLC2A9), rs2231142(ABCG2), rs1229984(ADH1B) and rs2078267(SLC22A11) and adjusted for age, sex and 10-principal components. Linear regression was used to examine the association with eGFR. 7,049 participants with gout were included. After adjusting for multiple testing, there was a statistically significant positive association between urate lowering allele at SLC2A9 and hypertension, and negative association between urate raising allele at ABCG2 and hypertension (OR 1.17 and OR 0.86, respectively). Number of urate lowering risk alleles associated with hypertension [OR (95%CI) 1.13 (1.06–1.21)]. High eGFR associated with urate raising allele at rs2231142 (β = 1.38). The SNP in ADH1B that protects from alcohol excess showed a negative association with IHD (OR 0.53). Unlike in general population studies urate lowering genetic variants associate with hypertension in gout patients with dose–response. This may be due to high prevalence of other risk factors of hypertension such as obesity, poor diet etc. and needs validation in independent datasets.
Dense velocity reconstruction with VIC-based time-segment assimilation
Authors: Scarano Fulvio , Schneiders Jan F. G. , Saiz Gabriel Gonzalez , Sciacchitano Andrea
Published: May 2022

The vortex-in-cell time-segment assimilation (VIC-TSA) method is introduced. A particle track is obtained from a finite number of successive time samples of the tracer’s position and velocity can be used for reconstruction on a Cartesian grid. Similar to the VIC + technique, the method makes use of the vortex-in-cell paradigm to produce estimates of the flow state at locations and times other than the measured ones. The working principle requires time-resolved measurements of the particles’ velocity during a finite time interval. The work investigates the effects of the assimilated length on the spatial resolution of the velocity field reconstruction. The working hypotheses of the VIC-TSA method are presented here along with the numerical algorithm for its application to particle tracks datasets. The novel parameter governing the reconstruction is the length of the time-segment chosen for the data assimilation. Three regimes of operation are identified, based on the track length and the geometrical distance between neighbouring tracks. The regime of adjacent tracks arguably provides the optimal trade-off between spatial resolution and computational effort. The VIC-TSA spatial resolution is evaluated first by a numerical exercise; a 3D sine wave lattice is reconstructed at different values of the particles concentration. The modulation appears to reduce (cut-off delay) when the time-segment length is increased. Large-scale PIV experiments in the wake of a circular cylinder at Red = 27,000 are used to evaluate the method’s suitability to real data, including noise and data outliers. Both primary vortex structures in the Kármán wake as well as interconnecting ribs are present in this complex flow field, with a typical diameter close to the average inter-particle distance. When the time-segment is increased to adjacent tracks and beyond, a more regular time dependence of local and Lagrangian properties is observed, confirming the suitability of the time-segment assimilation for accurate reconstruction of sparse velocity data.

Graphical abstract
Cognitive impairment in people with schizophrenia: an umbrella review
Authors: Gebreegziabhere Yohannes , Habatmu Kassahun , Mihretu Awoke , Cella Matteo , Alem Atalay
Published: May 2022

Cognitive impairment is one of the core symptoms of schizophrenia. Quite a number of systematic reviews were published related to cognitive impairment in people with schizophrenia (PWS). This umbrella review, therefore, aimed at reviewing and synthesizing the findings of systematic reviews related to domains of cognition impaired and associated factors in PWS. We searched four electronic databases. Data related to domains, occurrence, and associated factors of cognitive impairment in PWS were extracted. The quality of all eligible systematic reviews was assessed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess methodological quality of systematic Review (AMSTAR) tool. Results are summarized and presented in a narrative form. We identified 63 systematic reviews fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The included reviews showed that PWS had lower cognitive functioning compared to both healthy controls and people with affective disorders. Similar findings were reported among psychotropic free cases and people with first episode psychosis. Greater impairment of cognition was reported in processing speed, verbal memory, and working memory domains. Greater cognitive impairment was reported to be associated with worse functionality and poor insight. Cognitive impairment was also reported to be associated with childhood trauma and aggressive behaviour. According to our quality assessment, the majority of the reviews had moderate quality. We were able to find a good number of systematic reviews on cognitive impairment in PWS. The reviews showed that PWS had higher impairment in different cognitive domains compared to healthy controls and people with affective disorders. Impairment in domains of memory and processing speed were reported frequently.
Resurrection of sildenafil: potential for Huntington’s Disease, too?
Authors: Achenbach Jannis , Faissner Simon , Saft Carsten
Published: May 2022

The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil was postulated to reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. Since preclinical data revealed beneficial effects in Huntington’s Disease (HD), we now for the first time investigated effects of sildenafil in HD patients using the database ENROLL-HD. We demonstrate beneficial effects on motoric, functional and cognitive capacities in cross-sectional data. Those effects were not explained by underlying fundamental molecular genetic or demographic data. It remains unsolved, if effects are due to behavioral differences or due to direct dose-dependent neurobiological modulations.
Differences in morbidity and mortality between unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing’s syndrome and bilateral adrenalectomy for therapy refractory extra-adrenal Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Reibetanz Joachim , Kelm Matthias , Uttinger Konstantin L. , Reuter Miriam , Schlegel Nicolas , Hankir Mohamed , Wiegering Verena , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Fassnacht Martin , Lock Johan Friso , Wiegering Armin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In selected cases of severe Cushing’s syndrome due to uncontrolled ACTH secretion, bilateral adrenalectomy appears unavoidable. Compared with unilateral adrenalectomy (for adrenal Cushing’s syndrome), bilateral adrenalectomy has a perceived higher perioperative morbidity. The aim of the current study was to compare both interventions in endogenous Cushing’s syndrome regarding postoperative outcomes.

Methods

We report a single-center, retrospective cohort study comparing patients with hypercortisolism undergoing bilateral vs. unilateral adrenalectomy during 2008–2021. Patients with adrenal Cushing’s syndrome due to adenoma were compared with patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome (Cushing’s disease and ectopic ACTH production) focusing on postoperative morbidity and mortality as well as long-term survival.

Results

Of 83 patients with adrenalectomy for hypercortisolism (65.1% female, median age 53 years), the indication for adrenalectomy was due to adrenal Cushing’s syndrome in 60 patients (72.2%; 59 unilateral and one bilateral), and due to hypercortisolism caused by Cushing’s disease (n = 16) or non-pituitary uncontrolled ACTH secretion of unknown origin (n = 7) (27.7% of all adrenalectomies). Compared with unilateral adrenalectomy (n = 59), patients with bilateral adrenalectomy (n = 24) had a higher rate of severe complications (0% vs. 33%; p < 0.001) and delayed recovery (median: 10.2% vs. 79.2%; p < 0.001). Using the MTL30 marker, patients with bilateral adrenalectomy fared worse than patients after unilateral surgery (MTL30 positive: 7.2% vs. 25.0% p < 0.001). Postoperative mortality was increased in patients with bilateral adrenalectomy (0% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.081).

Conclusion

While unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing’s syndrome represents a safe and definitive therapeutic option, bilateral adrenalectomy to control ACTH-dependent extra-adrenal Cushing’s syndrome or Cushing’s disease is a more complicated intervention with a mortality of nearly 10%.
Feasibility and application of polygenic score analysis to the morphology of human-induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Coleman Jonathan R. I.
Published: May 2022

Genome-wide association studies have identified thousands of significant associations between genetic variants and complex traits. Inferring biological insights from these associations has been challenging. One approach attempted has been to examine the effects of individual variants in cellular models. Here, I demonstrate the feasibility of examining the aggregate effect of many variants on cellular phenotypes. I examine the effects of polygenic scores for cross-psychiatric disorder risk, schizophrenia, body mass index and height on cellular morphology, using 1.5 million induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from 60 European-ancestry donors from the Human iPSC Initiative dataset. I show that measuring multiple cells per donor provides sufficient power for polygenic score analyses, and that cross-psychiatric disorder risk is associated with cell area (p = 0.004). Combined with emerging methods of high-throughput iPSC phenotyping, cellular polygenic scoring is a promising method for understanding potential biological effects of the polygenic component of complex traits.
Resource-constrained FPGA implementation of YOLOv2
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Mahmud M. A. Parvez , Kouzani Abbas Z.
Published: May 2022

Progress is being made to deploy convolutional neural networks (CNNs) into the Internet of Things (IoT) edge devices for handling image analysis tasks locally. These tasks require low-latency and low-power computation on low-resource IoT edge devices. However, CNN-based algorithms, e.g. YOLOv2, typically contain millions of parameters. With the increase in the CNN’s depth, filters are increased by a power of two. A large number of filters and operations could lead to frequent off-chip memory access that affects the operation speed and power consumption of the device. Therefore, it is a challenge to map a deep CNN into a low-resource edge IoT platform. To address this challenge, we present a resource-constrained Field-Programmable Gate Array implementation of YOLOv2 with optimized data transfer and computing efficiency. Firstly, a scalable cross-layer dataflow strategy is proposed which allows on-chip data transfer between different types of layers, and offers flexible off-chip data transfer when the intermediate results are unaffordable on-chip. Next, a filter-level data-reuse dataflow strategy together with a filter-level parallel multiply-accumulate operation computing processing elements array is developed. Finally, multi-level sliding buffers are developed to optimize the convolutional computing loop and reuse the input feature maps and weights. Experiment results show that our implementation has achieved 4.8 W of low-power consumption for executing YOLOv2, an 8-bit deep CNN containing 50.6 MB weights, using low-resource of 8.3 Mbits on-chip memory. The throughput and power efficiency are 100.33 GOP/s and 20.90 GOP/s/W, respectively.
Nonlocal integral elasticity for third-order small-scale beams
Authors: Vaccaro Marzia Sara , Barretta Raffaele , Marotti de Sciarra Francesco , Reddy Junuthula N.
Published: May 2022

Small-scale beams are basic structural components of miniaturized electro-mechanical systems whose design requires accurate modeling of size effects. In this research, the size-dependent behavior of nonlocal elastic beams is investigated by adopting the stress-driven elasticity theory. Kinematics of beams is modeled by the Reddy variational third-order beam theory accounting for the effective distribution of shear stresses on cross sections without needing the evaluation of shear correction factors. Stress-driven integral elasticity is thus extended to third-order small-scale beams providing an equivalent constitutive formulation with boundary conditions. The relevant nonlocal elastic equilibrium problem is formulated and an analytical strategy is proposed to obtain closed-form solutions. The present approach is elucidated by solving some structural problems of current interest in Nanotechnology.