bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of hip fracture patients at risk for postoperative mobilisation complications via handgrip strength assessment
Authors: Gleich Johannes , Pfeufer Daniel , Keppler Alexander M. , Mehaffey Stefan , Fürmetz Julian , Böcker Wolfgang , Kammerlander Christian , Neuerburg Carl
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Treatment of older adult hip fracture patients can be challenging and requires early postoperative mobilisation to prevent complications. Simple clinical tools to predict mobilisation/weight-bearing difficulties after hip fracture surgery are scarcely available and analysis of handgrip strength could be a feasible approach. In the present study, we hypothesised that patients with reduced handgrip strength show incapability to follow postoperative weight-bearing instructions.

Materials and methods

Eighty-four patients aged ≥ 65 years with a proximal femur fracture (trochanteric, n = 45 or femoral neck, n = 39), who were admitted to a certified orthogeriatric center, were consecutively enrolled in a prospective study design. Five days after surgery (intramedullary nailing or arthroplasty), a standardised assessment of handgrip strength and a gait analysis (via insole forcesensors) was performed.

Results

Handgrip strength showed positive correlation with average peak force during gait on the affected limb (0.259), postoperative Parker Mobility Score (0.287) and Barthel Index (0.306). Only slight positive correlation was observed with gait speed (0.157). These results were congruent with multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusion

Assessment of handgrip strength is a simple and reliable tool for early prediction of postoperative mobilisation complications like the inability to follow weight-bearing instructions in older hip fracture patients. Follow-up studies should evaluate if these findings also match with other fracture types and result in personalised adjustment of current aftercare patterns. In addition, efforts should be made to combine objectively collected data as handgrip strength or gait speed in a prediction model for long-term outcome of orthogeriatric patients.
Supraspinatus tendon reconstruction using open infraspinatus tendon shift and autologous biceps tendon interposition grafts
Authors: Panzert Jörg , Hepp Pierre , Hellfritzsch Mareike , Sasse Almut , Theopold Jan
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Inferior tendon quality, wide retraction, and tendon stumps that cannot be mobilized define the limits of what is technically feasible for open and arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure that enables the open reconstruction of otherwise non-reconstructable rotator cuff tears.

Methods

From 2014 to 2018, 23 operations were performed on 21 patients (mean age 63) using open procedure involving separating the infraspinatus tendon from the point of insertion on the greater tubercle and mobilizing it proximally and ventrally into the defective area. Any remaining defects were augmented using an autologous biceps tendon interposition graft. This augmentation was performed to achieve complete closure of the defect. Furthermore, the augmentation of the rupture zone was intended to strengthen the tendon stumps of the SSP and ISP to better neutralize the initial tensile forces. After a postoperative period of 12 months–4 years, clinical examination and functional tests were carried out, the Constant score was determined, and radiological and magnetic resonance imaging check-up examinations were performed.

Results

The technique resulted in a low-tension closure of an otherwise “non-repairable” superior rotator cuff defect. All patients experienced a significant functional improvement, a reduction in pain, and an increase in muscle strength. An improvement in the Constant score from 48 points preoperatively to 87 points postoperatively (p < 0.05) was observed. In 19 patients (90%), the magnetic resonance image showed an intact reconstruction. Re-rupture was seen in three patients (14%).

Conclusion

The surgical procedure using infraspinatus tendon shift and autologous biceps tendon interposition grafts resulted in the successful reconstruction of otherwise non-reconstructable massive rotator cuff lesions. The complete closure of the defect was observed.
Contribution of nuclear and mitochondrial gene mutations in mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome
Authors: Chakrabarty Sanjiban , Govindaraj Periyasamy , Sankaran Bindu Parayil , Nagappa Madhu , Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Jayaram Pradyumna , Mallya Sandeep , Deepha Sekar , Ponmalar J. N. Jessiena , Arivinda Hanumanthapura R. , Meena Angamuthu Kanikannan , Jha Rajan Kumar , Sinha Sanjib , Gayathri Narayanappa , Taly Arun B. , Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: January 2021

Background

Mitochondrial disorders are clinically complex and have highly variable phenotypes among all inherited disorders. Mutations in mitochon drial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear genome or both have been reported in mitochondrial diseases suggesting common pathophysiological pathways. Considering the clinical heterogeneity of mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) phenotype including focal neurological deficits, it is important to look beyond mitochondrial gene mutation.

Methods

The clinical, histopathological, biochemical analysis for OXPHOS enzyme activity, and electron microscopic, and neuroimaging analysis was performed to diagnose 11 patients with MELAS syndrome with a multisystem presentation. In addition, whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole mitochondrial genome sequencing were performed to identify nuclear and mitochondrial mutations.

Results

Analysis of whole mtDNA sequence identified classical pathogenic mutation m.3243A > G in seven out of 11 patients. Exome sequencing identified pathogenic mutation in several nuclear genes associated with mitochondrial encephalopathy, sensorineural hearing loss, diabetes, epilepsy, seizure and cardiomyopathy (POLG,DGUOK,SUCLG2,TRNT1,LOXHD1,KCNQ1,KCNQ2,NEUROD1,MYH7) that may contribute to classical mitochondrial disease phenotype alone or in combination with m.3243A > G mutation.

Conclusion

Individuals with MELAS exhibit clinical phenotypes with varying degree of severity affecting multiple systems including auditory, visual, cardiovascular, endocrine, and nervous system. This is the first report to show that nuclear genetic factors influence the clinical outcomes/manifestations of MELAS subjects alone or in combination with m.3243A > G mutation.
Neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)
Authors: Harapan Biyan Nathanael , Yoo Hyeon Joo
Published: January 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus, is responsible for the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It is evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a challenging world issue. Although most COVID-19 patients primarily develop respiratory symptoms, an increasing number of neurological symptoms and manifestations associated with COVID-19 have been observed. In this narrative review, we elaborate on proposed neurotropic mechanisms and various neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications of COVID-19 reported in the present literature. For this purpose, a review of all current published literature (studies, case reports, case series, reviews, editorials, and other articles) was conducted and neurological sequelae of COVID-19 were summarized. Essential and common neurological symptoms including gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions, myalgia, headache, altered mental status, confusion, delirium, and dizziness are presented separately in sections. Moreover, neurological manifestations and complications that are of great concern such as stroke, cerebral (sinus) venous thrombosis, seizures, meningoencephalitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome, acute myelitis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are also addressed systematically. Future studies that examine the impact of neurological symptoms and manifestations on the course of the disease are needed to further clarify and assess the link between neurological complications and the clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19. To limit long-term consequences, it is crucial that healthcare professionals can early detect possible neurological symptoms and are well versed in the increasingly common neurological manifestations and complications of COVID-19.
The association between body mass index and brain morphology in children: a population-based study
Authors: Steegers Cathelijne , Blok Elisabet , Lamballais Sander , Jaddoe Vincent , Bernardoni Fabio , Vernooij Meike , van der Ende Jan , Hillegers Manon , Micali Nadia , Ehrlich Stefan , Jansen Pauline , Dieleman Gwen , White Tonya
Published: January 2021

Brain morphology is altered in both anorexia nervosa and obesity. However, it is yet unclear if the relationship between Body Mass Index-Standard Deviation Score (BMI-SDS) and brain morphology exists across the BMI-SDS spectrum, or is present only in the extremes. The study involved 3160 9-to-11 year-old children (50.3% female) who participate in Generation R, a population-based study. Structural MRI scans were obtained from all children and FreeSurfer was used to quantify both global and surface-based measures of gyrification and cortical thickness. Body length and weight were measured to calculate BMI. Dutch growth curves were used to calculate BMI-SDS. BMI-SDS was analyzed continuously and in two categories (median split). The relationship between BMI-SDS (range − 3.82 to 3.31) and gyrification showed an inverted-U shape curve in children with both lower and higher BMI-SDS values having lower gyrification in widespread areas of the brain. BMI-SDS had a positive linear association with cortical thickness in multiple brain regions. This study provides evidence for an association between BMI-SDS and brain morphology in a large sample of children from the general population and suggests that a normal BMI during childhood is important for brain development. Future studies could determine whether lifestyle modifications optimize BMI-SDS result in return to more typical patterns of brain morphology.
Radical-induced cationic frontal polymerisation for prepreg technology
Authors: Tran Anh Dung , Koch Thomas , Liska Robert , Knaack Patrick
Published: January 2021

In this study, a new type of prepreg technology has been established using a dual curing system consisting of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) and frontally polymerisable components based on the epoxide resin. The study of the polymerisation of HDDA revealed (tert-butylcyclohexyl)peroxydicarbonate (BCPC) as the most suitable radical thermal initiator. The presence of BCPC resulted in a fast radical polymerisation of HDDA and no cationic ring-opening reaction of the epoxy, which was observed by monitoring the double bond and epoxy group conversion in real time-NIR rheology measurement. The formed prepreg can subsequently be cured by radical-induced cationic frontal polymerisation of the epoxy resin. Effects of HDDA amount on the radical polymerisation, stiffness of the gel, frontal parameters and thermal mechanical properties of final polymers were investigated. With 10 wt% HDDA, the formed prepreg has very good storage stability, which was proved by monitoring the epoxy group conversion during 4 months of storage at 50 °C while still a stable front can be obtained. Furthermore, the RICFP-prepregs with different fibre contents were prepared and polymerised by RICFP. Then, a snowflake composite was successfully produced using RICFP-prepreg.

Graphic abstract
Preconception origins of perinatal maternal mental health
Authors: Kee Michelle Z. L. , Ponmudi Santhi , Phua Desiree Y. , Rifkin-Graboi Anne , Chong Yap Seng , Tan Kok Hian , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Broekman Birit F.P. , Chen Helen , Meaney Michael J.
Published: January 2021

Perinatal maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety compromise psychosocial function and influence developmental outcomes in the offspring. The onset of symptoms remains unclear with findings that suggest a preconceptual origin. We addressed this issue with a prospective analysis of anxiety and depressive symptom profiles from preconception through to parturition. Women were recruited into a preconception study to assess (a) variation in symptom levels of depression and anxiety from pre- to post-conception and (b) if the symptom network profiles of depression and anxiety change from pre-conception to post-conception. A within-subject intraclass correlation analyses revealed that symptoms of depression or anxiety in the preconception phase strongly predicted those across pregnancy and into the early postnatal period. The symptom network analysis revealed that the symptom profiles remained largely unchanged from preconception into the second trimester. Our findings suggest that for a significant portion of women, maternal mental health remains stable from preconception into pregnancy. This finding highlights the need for early intervention studies on women’s mental health to be targeted during the preconception period and to be extended across the population.
Increasing involvement of CAPN1 variants in spastic ataxias and phenotype-genotype correlations
Authors: Méreaux Jean-Loup , Firanescu Cristina , Coarelli Giulia , Kvarnung Malin , Rodrigues Rita , Pegoraro Elena , Tazir Meriem , Taithe Frédéric , Valter Rémi , Huin Vincent , Lidström Kristina , Banneau Guillaume , Morais Sara , Parodi Livia , Coutelier Marie , Papin Mélanie , Svenningsson Per , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Alonso Isabel , Nilsson Daniel , Brice Alexis , Le Guern Eric , Press Rayomand , Vazza Giovanni , Loureiro José Leal , Goizet Cyril , Durr Alexandra , Paucar Martin , Stevanin Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Spastic ataxias are rare neurogenetic disorders involving spinocerebellar and pyramidal tracts. Many genes are involved. Among them, CAPN1, when mutated, is responsible for a complex inherited form of spastic paraplegia (SPG76). We report the largest published series of 21 novel patients with nine new CAPN1 disease-causing variants and their clinical characteristics from two European university hospitals (Paris and Stockholm). After a formal clinical examination, causative variants were identified by next-generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. CAPN1 variants are a rare cause (~ 1.4%) of young-adult-onset spastic ataxia; however, together with all published cases, they allowed us to better describe the clinical and genetic spectra of this form. Truncating variants are the most frequent, and missense variants lead to earlier age at onset in favor of an additional deleterious effect. Cerebellar ataxia with cerebellar atrophy, dysarthria and lower limb weakness are often associated with spasticity. We also suggest that cognitive impairment and depression should be assessed specifically in the follow-up of SPG76 cases.
Tics in patients with encephalitis
Authors: Badenoch James , Searle Tamara , Watson Iona , Cavanna Andrea E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Movement disorders have been described in the context of different types of encephalitis. Among hyperkinetic manifestations, tics have sporadically been reported in cases of encephalitis resulting from a range of aetiologies.

Objective

This review aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of tics in patients with encephalitis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of original studies on the major scientific databases, according to the standards outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

In addition to the established association between tics and encephalitis lethargica, our literature search identified reports of tics in patients with immune-mediated pathologies (including autoimmune encephalitides affecting theN-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, voltage-gated potassium channels, and glycine receptors) and infective processes (ranging from relatively common viral pathogens, such as herpes simplex, to prions, as in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). Tics were most commonly reported in the post-encephalitic period and involvement of the basal ganglia was frequently observed.

Discussion

The association of new-onset tics and encephalitis, in the background of other neuropsychiatric abnormalities, has practical implications, potentially improving the detection of encephalitis based on clinical features. Future research should focus on the categorisation and treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders associated with encephalitis.
Potential and constraints for applying the “4 per 1000 Initiative” in the Caribbean: the case of Guadeloupe
Authors: Chopin Pierre , Sierra Jorge
Published: January 2021

This paper assesses the feasibility of the 4 per 1000 initiative for agricultural soils in the tropics more specifically in Guadeloupe, as a representative case study of the Caribbean and other tropical regions. We used a locally adapted and calibrated model describing soil organic carbon dynamics under the impact of climate change and a broad range of scenarios combining increased use of organic amendments, reduced soil tillage, and increased land area for the local market. We found that, in its current state, only 26% of agricultural area could achieve a 4‰ year−1 increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the coming 30 years, due mainly to perennial cropping systems (sugarcane, banana, orchards) occupying soils with the lowest SOC stocks. Implementing reduced tillage with increased use of locally produced composts would increase the agricultural area reaching the 4 per 1000 target to 31%. However, at territory scale, all scenarios tested showed an annual decrease in SOC stocks varying from − 0.1 to − 3.2‰. The limited area on which the 4 per 1000 target is feasible and generalized SOC losses were mainly linked to the current high SOC stocks in volcanic and calcareous soils on the island and lack of practices capable of further increasing C inputs in current cropping systems. We concluded that C sequestration potential in the Caribbean is rather limited and that increasing SOC stocks, even lower than 4 per 1000, should be the primary target in adaptation to climate change, by increasing the resilience of cropping systems based mainly on SOC-poor soils.
Variational interpolation of high-frequency radar surface currents using DIVAnd
Authors: Barth Alexander , Troupin Charles , Reyes Emma , Alvera-Azcárate Aida , Beckers Jean-Marie , Tintoré Joaquín
Published: January 2021

DIVAnd (Data-Interpolating Variational Analysis, in n-dimensions) is a tool to interpolate observations on a regular grid using the variational inverse method. We have extended DIVAnd to include additional dynamic constraints relevant to surface currents, including imposing a zero normal velocity at the coastline, imposing a low horizontal divergence of the surface currents, temporal coherence and simplified dynamics based on the Coriolis force, and the possibility of including a surface pressure gradient. The impact of these constraints is evaluated by cross-validation using the HF (high-frequency) radar surface current observations in the Ibiza Channel from the Balearic Islands Coastal Ocean Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB). A small fraction of the radial current observations are set aside to validate the velocity reconstruction. The remaining radial currents from the two radar sites are combined to derive total surface currents using DIVAnd and then compared to the cross-validation dataset and to drifter observations. The benefit of the dynamic constraints is shown relative to a variational interpolation without these dynamical constraints. The best results were obtained using the Coriolis force and the surface pressure gradient as a constraint which are able to improve the reconstruction from the Open-boundary Modal Analysis, a quite commonly used method to interpolate HF radar observations, once multiple time instances are considered together.
Movements, failure and climatic control of the Veslemannen rockslide, Western Norway
Authors: Kristensen Lene , Czekirda Justyna , Penna Ivanna , Etzelmüller Bernd , Nicolet Pierrick , Pullarello José Santiago , Blikra Lars Harald , Skrede Ingrid , Oldani Simon , Abellan Antonio
Published: January 2021

On September 5, 2019, the Veslemannen unstable rock slope (54,000 m3) in Romsdalen, Western Norway, failed catastrophically after 5 years of continuous monitoring. During this period, the rock slope weakened while the precursor movements increased progressively, in particular from 2017. Measured displacement prior to the failure was around 19 m in the upper parts of the instability and 4–5 m in the toe area. The pre-failure movements were usually associated with precipitation events, where peak velocities occurred 2–12 h after maximum precipitation. This indicates that the pore-water pressure in the sliding zones had a large influence on the slope stability. The sensitivity to rainfall increased greatly from spring to autumn suggesting a thermal control on the pore-water pressure. Transient modelling of temperatures suggests near permafrost conditions, and deep seasonal frost was certainly present. We propose that a frozen surface layer prevented water percolation to the sliding zone during spring snowmelt and early summer rainfalls. A transition from possible permafrost to a seasonal frost setting of the landslide body after 2000 was modelled, which may have affected the slope stability. Repeated rapid accelerations during late summers and autumns caused a total of 16 events of the red (high) hazard level and evacuation of the hazard zone. Threshold values for velocity were used in the risk management when increasing or decreasing hazard levels. The inverse velocity method was initially of little value. However, in the final phase before the failure, the inverse velocity method was useful for forecasting the time of failure. Risk communication was important for maintaining public trust in early-warning systems, and especially critical is the communication of the difference between issuing the red hazard level and predicting a landslide.
Process intensification of the high-purity nitrogen production in twin-bed Pressure Swing Adsorption plants
Authors: Marcinek A. , Guderian J. , Bathen D.
Published: January 2021

With increasing nitrogen purity, PSA plants require an over-proportional air demand with the consequence that high-purity PSA systems engender a distinct interest in energy-saving measures. This paper presents process intensification strategies with the focus on a reduced energy consumption. Therefore, the influence of PSA configuration and cycle organisation on process performance was investigated. Results are presented at two product purity levels (10 ppm/1000 ppm O2) and two operating temperatures (25 °C/45 °C) in a lab-scale twin bed PSA (2 × 2 L). It is shown that dedicated strategies are available to intensify the PSA process; however, their effects are dependent on ambient conditions and product purity levels.
Differential Polynomial Identities of Upper Triangular Matrices Under the Action of the Two-Dimensional Metabelian Lie Algebra
Authors: Di Vincenzo Onofrio M. , Nardozza Vincenzo
Published: January 2021

We study the differential polynomial identities of the algebra UTm(F) under the derivation action of the two dimensional metabelian Lie algebra, obtaining a generating set of the TL-ideal they constitute. Then we determine the Sn-structure of their proper multilinear spaces and, for the minimal cases m = 2, 3, their exact differential codimension sequence.
Brief Report: Mindfulness Training for Chinese Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Ryan Yuk Fai , Zhang Dexing , Chan Stanley Kam Chung , Gao Tiffany Ting , Lee Eric Kam Pui , Lo Herman Hay Ming , Au Yeung Peter , Lai Kelly Yee Ching , Bögels Susan M. , de Bruin Esther I. , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a concurrent mindfulness program (MYmind) on Chinese adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their parents in Hong Kong, China using a randomized controlled trial with a waitlist control group. Results showed the study had 80% compliance rate, 0% dropout rate, and 89% response rate. Between-group comparisons showed mindfulness had trend effects on parent’s rumination (g = 1.16), mindful parenting (d = 0.6), parenting style (d = 0.59), and parenting stress (d = 0.5). The study demonstrated the feasibility of the MYmind program in the Chinese context. A larger trial with longer follow-up period is suggested to better examine the effect of mindfulness on adolescents with ASD and their parents.
Seasonal changes in stress metabolites of native and introduced red algae in New Zealand
Authors: Gambichler Vanessa , Zuccarello Giuseppe C. , Karsten Ulf
Published: January 2021

Intertidal algae have to cope with diurnally and seasonally fluctuating environmental factors such as salinity, temperature, dehydration, and light. In New Zealand, solar radiation, including the ultraviolet wavelengths, is also an important stress factor for such algae. Therefore, two native (Bostrychia arbuscula W.H.Harvey [Ceramiales], Champia novae-zelandiae (J.D.Hooker & Harvey) Harvey [Rhodymeniales]) and one introduced red algal taxon (Schizymenia spp. J. Agardh [Nemastomatales]) were investigated over 12 months in terms of stress metabolites which contribute to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and salinity tolerance. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which act as sunscreens, and organic osmolytes were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Porphyra-334, shinorine, and palythine were the most dominant MAAs yet distributed differently among the species. B. arbuscula showed a correlation between photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)/UVR and slightly higher MAA concentrations in summer. In contrast, C. novae-zelandiae displayed the lowest level of MAAs in summer, and no correlation was found between MAA values and solar radiation. In Schizymenia spp., the highest MAA amounts were found in summer, and for most months, a correlation with PAR/UV radiation was visible. While digeneaside and sorbitol were the dominant organic osmolytes in B. arbuscula, floridoside occurred in C. novae-zelandiae and Schizymenia spp. Only B. arbuscula exhibited higher organic osmolyte concentrations in summer. In contrast, floridoside contents in C. novae-zelandiae and Schizymenia spp. were low and highly variable over the course of the seasons. Our data indicate that both native red algal species are well acclimated to the intertidal zone. For the introduced Schizymenia spp., a more narrow salinity tolerance can be assumed, while the high MAA values may explain its establishment in New Zealand.
Efficacy of a Voluntary Self-exclusion Reinstatement Tutorial for Problem Gamblers
Authors: Turner Nigel E. , Shi Jing , Robinson Janine , McAvoy Steve , Sanchez Sherald
Published: January 2021

Voluntary self-exclusion programs allow gamblers to voluntarily be denied access to gambling venues for an agreed upon period. Many people who self-exclude decide to return to gambling venues after the exclusion period has ended, however people who reinstate may be at risk for the recurrence of gambling problems. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of a tutorial created with the intent of reducing the risk of harm to those who reinstate. People who wished to be reinstated were asked to complete a survey on gambling related issues and then watch the tutorial video. An online video-based tutorial designed to reduce gambling related harm and to provide information about treatment services was developed. The control group (N = 131) consisted of people who reinstated in the year prior to the implementation of the online tutorial. The experimental intervention group (N = 104) were those who reinstated after the implementation of the online tutorial. There was a significant decrease in gambling and problem gambling comparing pre-exclusion to during exclusion in both the experimental and control group. Furthermore, this drop in gambling problem was sustained for 6-months and 12-months after reinstatement. However, no main effect or interaction was found that supported the efficacy of the tutorial. Self-exclusion by itself was associated with a sustained reduction in problem gambling. There was no significant evidence that the educational tutorial had any additional impact on the reinstatement process.
Analyzing Raman spectral data without separabiliy assumption
Authors: Fackeldey Konstantin , Röhm Jonas , Niknejad Amir , Chewle Surahit , Weber Marcus
Published: January 2021

Raman spectroscopy is a well established tool for the analysis of vibration spectra, which then allow for the determination of individual substances in a chemical sample, or for their phase transitions. In the time-resolved-Raman-sprectroscopy the vibration spectra of a chemical sample are recorded sequentially over a time interval, such that conclusions for intermediate products (transients) can be drawn within a chemical process. The observed data-matrix M from a Raman spectroscopy can be regarded as a matrix product of two unknown matrices W and H, where the first is representing the contribution of the spectra and the latter represents the chemical spectra. One approach for obtaining W and H is the non-negative matrix factorization. We propose a novel approach, which does not need the commonly used separability assumption. The performance of this approach is shown on a real world chemical example.
Relevance of Religiosity for Coping Strategies and Disability in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Braun Alexandra , Evdokimov Dimitar , Frank Johanna , Pauli Paul , Wabel Thomas , Üçeyler Nurcan , Sommer Claudia
Published: January 2021

Coping strategies are essential for the outcome of chronic pain. This study evaluated religiosity in a cohort of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), its effect on pain and other symptoms, on coping and FMS-related disability. A total of 102 FMS patients were recruited who filled in questionnaires, a subgroup of 42 patients participated in a face-to-face interview, and data were evaluated by correlation and regression analyses. Few patients were traditionally religious, but the majority believed in a higher existence and described their spirituality as “transcendence conviction”. The coping strategy “praying–hoping” and the ASP dimension “religious orientation” (r = 0.5, P < 0.05) showed a significant relationship independent of the grade of religiosity (P < 0.05). A high grade of belief in a higher existence was negatively associated with the choice of ignoring as coping strategy (r = − 0.4, P < 0.05). Mood and affect-related variables had the highest impact on disability (b = 0.5, P < 0.05). In this cohort, the grade of religiosity played a role in the choice of coping strategies, but had no effects on health and mood outcome.
Enhanced network optimized generative adversarial network for image enhancement
Authors: Yan Lingyu , Fu Jiarun , Wang Chunzhi , Ye Zhiwei , Chen Hongwei , Ling Hefei
Published: January 2021

With the development of image recognition technology, face, body shape, and other factors have been widely used as identification labels, which provide a lot of convenience for our daily life. However, image recognition has much higher requirements for image conditions than traditional identification methods like a password. Therefore, image enhancement plays an important role in the process of image analysis for images with noise, among which the image of low-light is the top priority of our research. In this paper, a low-light image enhancement method based on the enhanced network module optimized Generative Adversarial Networks(GAN) is proposed. The proposed method first applied the enhancement network to input the image into the generator to generate a similar image in the new space, Then constructed a loss function and minimized it to train the discriminator, which is used to compare the image generated by the generator with the real image. We implemented the proposed method on two image datasets (DPED, LOL), and compared it with both the traditional image enhancement method and the deep learning approach. Experiments showed that our proposed network enhanced images have higher PNSR and SSIM, the overall perception of relatively good quality, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method in the aspect of low illumination image enhancement.
Pesticide Contamination in Drinking and Surface Water in the Cienega, Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Silva-Madera Rosa J. , Salazar-Flores Joel , Peregrina-Lucano A. Aarón , Mendoza-Michel Judith , Ceja-Gálvez Hazael R. , Rojas-Bravo Daniel , Reyna-Villela Mireya Z. , Torres-Sánchez Erandis D.
Published: January 2021

Sixty percent of global agricultural production depends on the use of pesticides, despite their adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem. In Mexico, the application of these products has been exacerbated, including pesticides already banned in other countries. The objective of this study was to determine pesticide concentrations in samples of water purification plants and surface water from the Cienega area of Jalisco, Mexico. A survey of 119 farmers with occupational exposure to pesticides was carried out in order to obtain information on the most frequently used pesticides. Subsequently, 51 samples taken at 7 different sites were analyzed using liquid chromatography and mass-mass spectrometry. The most frequently used pesticides were organophosphates (28.87%), pyrethroids (12.89%), and the herbicide paraquat (31.95%). In surface water, the prevalent pesticides were glyphosate (56.96–510.46 ppb) and malathion (311.76–863.49 ppb). Glyphosate levels were higher than the limits acceptable in daily water intake in Cumuato. Malathion levels exceeded the limits permissible by EPA in water purification plants in urban public establishments (100 ppb for children, and 200 ppb for adults). In addition, a multidimensional scaling analysis showed that the sampled sites could be grouped into 2 different bodies of water, based on similarities in their glyphosate concentrations (stress = 0.005), while the concentrations of malathion were heterogeneous (stress = 0.001).
Uncovering the human evaluation of changeability for automated factory layout planning: an expert survey
Authors: Burggräf Peter , Dannapfel Matthias , Hahn Viviane , Preutenborbeck Michael
Published: January 2021

On the way to automated layout planning numerous challenges must be faced. One of these challenges is the automated layout evaluation, which can be considered as the core of automated layout planning. The research field of factory planning differs from related research topics such as facility layout planning (FLP) from operations research (OR) by focusing for example on qualitative criteria in the evaluation. However, findings on how qualitative criteria can be interpreted in a quantifiable and measurable way are still rare. In this article, we address these questions with a focus on changeability, which can be regarded as the most important qualitative evaluation criterion in layout planning. For this purpose, a survey was conducted that aims to determine changeability from the understanding of industry experts and to define it consistently with the understanding from literature. Based on this understanding, performance metrics are derived to measure the layout changeability.
The combined effects of obesity and ageing on skeletal muscle function and tendon properties in vivo in men
Authors: Tomlinson David J. , Erskine Robert M. , Morse Christopher I. , Pappachan Joseph M. , Sanderson-Gillard Emmanuel , Onambélé-Pearson Gladys L.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

We investigated the combined impact of ageing and obesity on Achilles tendon (AT) properties in vivo in men, utilizing three classification methods of obesity.

Method

Forty healthy, untrained men were categorised by age (young (18–49 years); older (50–80 years)), body mass index (BMI; normal weight (≥18.5–<25); overweight (≥25–<30); obese (≥30)), body fat% (normal adipose (<28%); high adiposity (≥28%)) and fat mass index (FMI; normal (3–6); excess fat (>6–9); high fat (>9). Assessment of body composition used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, gastrocnemius medialis (GM)/AT properties used dynamometry and ultrasonography and endocrine profiling used multiplex luminometry.

Results

Older men had lower total range of motion (ROM; −11%; P = 0.020), GM AT force (−29%; P < 0.001), stiffness (−18%; P = 0.041), Young’s modulus (−22%; P = 0.011) and AT stress (−28%; P < 0.001). All three methods of classifying obesity revealed obesity to be associated with lower total ROM (P = 0.014–0.039). AT cross sectional area (CSA) was larger with higher BMI (P = 0.030). However, after controlling for age, higher BMI only tended to be associated with greater tendon stiffness (P = 0.074). Interestingly, both AT CSA and stiffness were positively correlated with body mass (r = 0.644 and r = 0.520) and BMI (r = 0.541 and r = 0.493) in the young but not older adults. Finally, negative relationships were observed between AT CSA and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β.

Conclusions

This is the first study to provide evidence of positive adaptations in tendon stiffness and size in vivo resulting from increased mass and BMI in young but not older men, irrespective of obesity classification.
Prevalence of mutations in BRCA and MMR genes in patients affected with hereditary endometrial cancer
Authors: Vietri Maria Teresa , D’Elia Giovanna , Caliendo Gemma , Casamassimi Amelia , Federico Alessandro , Passariello Luana , Cioffi Michele , Molinari Anna Maria
Published: January 2021

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the fifth most common cancer in women from developed countries, accounting for 4.8% of new cases and 2.1% of deaths. The genetic basis for the familial risk of endometrial cancer has not been completely defined. Mostly, hereditary EC is part of two syndromes as Lynch syndrome (LS) and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC). LS is the prototypical hereditary cancer syndrome in EC and accounts for 2–6% of all endometrial cancers. This disease is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Patients carrying a germline mutation in one of the MMR genes have a cumulative lifetime risk to develop EC of 20–70%. HBOC is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease, which mostly predisposes to breast and ovarian cancers, but it can be also associated with other malignancies. HBOC results from germline mutations in BRCA1/2 genes. The aim of this study was to determine the mutational status of a cohort of 40 EC patients, 19 belonging to families with LS and 21 to HBOC. Mutation analysis of MLH1, MSH2, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes showed pathogenic variants in 17/40 (42.5%) patients. Out of 19 patients belonging to LS families, 8 (42.1%) showed a pathogenic variant. Out of 21 patients belonging to HBOC families, 9 (42.8%) showed a pathogenic variant. 1/21 (4.8%) patient report 1 variant of unknown significance (UV), c.599 C > T (p.T200I), in BRCA2. Moreover, in 1/21 (4.8%) patient we identified a novel missense variant in BRCA2, c.9541A > T (p.Met3181Leu). Mutational analysis was extended to family members, both healthy and cancer affected, of mutated patients; all the tested relatives affected with cancer displayed the pathogenic variant. Our data suggest that patients with hereditary EC have a high percentage of mutations in the LS and HBOC main susceptibility genes; therefore, the surveillance for EC, already indicated in LS patients, should also be recommended for patients with HBOC.
Adiponectin in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients Affected by Multiple Sclerosis Is Correlated with the Progression and Severity of Disease
Authors: Signoriello Elisabetta , Mallardo Marta , Nigro Ersilia , Polito Rita , Casertano Sara , Di Pietro Andrea , Coletta Marcella , Monaco Maria Ludovica , Rossi Fabiana , Lus Giacomo , Daniele Aurora
Published: January 2021

Adiponectin exerts relevant actions in immunity and is modulated in several disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we characterized adiponectin expression and profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from MS patients to investigate its potential relationship with the severity and progression of the disease. Total adiponectin in CSF was measured by ELISA in 66 unrelated CSF MS patients and compared with 24 age- and sex-matched controls. Adiponectin oligomer profiles were analysed by Western blotting and FPLC chromatography. Total CSF adiponectin was significantly increased in MS patients compared with controls (9.91 ng/mL vs 6.02 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Interestingly, CSF adiponectin positively correlated with CSF IgG, and CSF/serum albumin directly correlated with CSF/serum adiponectin. Our data demonstrated that CSF adiponectin predicts a worse prognosis: patients with the progressive form of MS had higher levels compared with the relapsing remitting form; patients with higher EDSS at baseline and a higher MS severity score at 4.5-year follow-up had significantly elevated adiponectin levels with respect to patients with a less severe phenotype. Finally, the adiponectin oligomerization profile was altered in CSF from MS patients, with a significant increase in HMW and MMW. The correlation of CSF adiponectin with the severity and prognosis of MS disease confirmed the role of this adipokine in the inflammatory/immune processes of MS and suggested its use as a complementary tool to assess the severity, progression and prognosis of the disease. Further studies on larger MS cohorts are needed to clarify the contribution of adiponectin to the etiopathogenesis of MS.
Quantitative Evaluation of a Telerobotic System for Vascular Ultrasound Measurement on a Short Arm Human Centrifuge
Authors: Frett Timo , Petrat Guido , Arz Michael , Leguy Carole
Published: January 2021

Artificial Gravity generated by Short Arm Human Centrifuges is a promising multi-system countermeasure for physiological deconditioning during long duration space flights. To allow a continuous assessment of cardiovascular hemodynamics during centrifugation, a telerobotic robotic system holding an ultrasound probe has been installed on a Short Arm Human Centrifuge. A feasibility study was conducted to define the use capabilities and limitations of such a novel method. The objective of this study is to estimate the reproducibility and precision of remotely controlled vascular ultrasound assessment under centrifugation by assessing peripheral vascular diameter and wall distension. Four repeated centrifugation runs of 5 min, with 2.4 g at feet level, were performed including a 15 min rest between each run for a group of eight healthy male volunteers. Vascular diameter and distention were assessed for the common carotid artery (CCA) and the femoral artery (FA) by ultrasound imaging using a 10 MHz linear array probe (Mylab1, Esaote). Ultrasound measurements were consecutively performed: a) by an expert user in hand-held mode in standing as well as supine position, b) using the telerobotic arm without centrifugation as baseline and c) using the telerobotic arm during centrifugation. Vascular responses were compared between baseline and under centrifugation. Inter-, intra-registration and group variability have been assessed for hand-held and remotely controlled examination. The results show that intra-registration variability, σh , was always smaller than inter-registration variability, σm, that is in turned smaller than the inter-subject variability σg (σh < σm < σg). Centrifugation caused no significant changes in CCA diameter but a lower carotid distension compared to manual and robotic ultrasound in supine position (p < 0.05). Femoral diameter was significantly decreased in hypergravity compared to robotic sonography without centrifugation. A good reproducibility and precision of the remotely controlled vascular ultrasound assessment under centrifugation could be demonstrated. In conclusion, arterial wall dynamics can be precisely assessed for the CCA and femoral artery during centrifugation using a telerobotic ultrasound measurement system. Potential improvements to further enhance reproducibility and safety of the system are discussed.
The Payload Development and the Experiments for Studying Thermocapillary Convection in TG-2 Liquid Bridge
Authors: Duan Li , Kang Qi , Zhang Jianquan , Li Xiang , Hu Liang , Zhou Bin , Li Lujun , Wu Di , Wang Jia , Zhang Pu
Published: January 2021

The development of space experiment payload for studying thermocapillary convection in the liquid bridge with large Pr number on TG-2 space laboratory as well as the experiments are presented in detail in this paper, and the objectives of the space experiments are confirmed. The functions of the payload are analyzed, and the technical and engineering specifications are determined. Detailed designs and experimental verifications are performed on the structure of liquid bridge columns, the method of bubble removing in the liquid, the bridge cleaning system, the accurate control of aspect ratio and volume ratio, and the high-sensitivity measurement of fluid temperature. Matching experiments on the ground according to space experiment properties are carried out, 5cSt silicone oil is selected as the fluid medium in space experiments. And the states of liquid bridge and temperature oscillation signals obtained from space experiments are presented at the end of this paper. Specific summarizations and discussions to the experiment project on fluid science in space are conducted in this paper, which will provide a useful reference for scientists participating space experimental research in the future.
Nonlinear equations with a generalized fractional Laplacian
Authors: Kossowski Igor , Przeradzki Bogdan
Published: January 2021

We study a generalization of the power of Laplace operator with null Dirichlet conditions by means of the spectral theory and prove several existence results for nonlinear equations with such operators, especially when the problem is resonant. Some regularity results are also obtained.
Smooth functorial field theories from B-fields and D-branes
Authors: Bunk Severin , Waldorf Konrad
Published: January 2021

In the Lagrangian approach to 2-dimensional sigma models, B-fields and D-branes contribute topological terms to the action of worldsheets of both open and closed strings. We show that these terms naturally fit into a 2-dimensional, smooth open-closed functorial field theory (FFT) in the sense of Atiyah, Segal, and Stolz–Teichner. We give a detailed construction of this smooth FFT, based on the definition of a suitable smooth bordism category. In this bordism category, all manifolds are equipped with a smooth map to a spacetime target manifold. Further, the object manifolds are allowed to have boundaries; these are the endpoints of open strings stretched between D-branes. The values of our FFT are obtained from the B-field and its D-branes via transgression. Our construction generalises work of Bunke–Turner–Willerton to include open strings. At the same time, it generalises work of Moore–Segal about open-closed TQFTs to include target spaces. We provide a number of further features of our FFT: we show that it depends functorially on the B-field and the D-branes, we show that it is thin homotopy invariant, and we show that it comes equipped with a positive reflection structure in the sense of Freed–Hopkins. Finally, we describe how our construction is related to the classification of open-closed TQFTs obtained by Lauda–Pfeiffer.