bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) fruit syrup for gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Paknejad Maryam Sadat , Eftekhari Kambiz , Rahimi Roja , Vigeh Mohsen , Naghizadeh Ayeh , Karimi Mehrdad
Published: September 2021

This double‐blind study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a syrup made from Myrtus communis L. fruit on children with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Children aged 1–7 years old, diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), were randomly allocated to either intervention group (omeprazole and “myrtle fruit syrup”) or control group (omeprazole and placebo syrup). GERD symptom questionnaire for young children (GSQ‐YC) was filled out for each patient at zeroth and eighth week, and also 4 weeks after cessation of intervention. No statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of GERD score was reported neither in 8th nor in 12th week assessments. During the 4 weeks of the drug‐free period, patients in myrtle group did not experience a large shift in GERD score, while patients in placebo syrup group experienced an increase of as much as 19.4. However, this difference was not statistically significant, although it could be significant clinically. For achieving more conclusive results, more studies are needed. The symptom “refusal to eat” in the intervention group was less than in placebo group after 8 weeks (p = .018) and at the end of the study (p = .042). So myrtle fruit syrup may be considered for children with low appetite.
Temperature Selective Thermometry with Sub‐Microsecond Time Resolution Using Dressed‐Spin States in Diamond
Authors: Yun Jiwon , Kim Kiho , Park Sungjoon , Kim Dohun
Published: September 2021

Versatile nanoscale sensors that are susceptible to changes in a variety of physical quantities often exhibit limited selectivity. This paper reports a novel scheme based on microwave‐dressed spin states for optically probed nanoscale temperature detection using diamond quantum sensors, which provides selective sensitivity to temperature changes. By combining this scheme with a continuous pump–probe scheme using ensemble nitrogen‐vacancy centers in nanodiamonds, a sub‐microsecond temporal resolution with thermal sensitivity of 3.7 that is insensitive to variations in external magnetic fields on the order of 2 G is demonstrated. The presented results are favorable for the practical application of time‐resolved nanoscale quantum sensing, where temperature imaging is required under fluctuating magnetic fields.
Quality assessment of Succus Bambusae oral liquids based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry fingerprints and chemometrics
Authors: Feng Huimin , Li Shunan , Hu Yunfei , Zeng Xiyao , Qiu Ping , Li Yuanxiang , Li Wenlong , Li Zheng
Published: September 2021

Rationale

Succus Bambusae is consumed as a kind of herbal medicine and natural beverage in China. However, the current quality standards for Succus Bambusae are low and lack safety indicators, which makes it difficult to effectively guarantee its quality. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the identification and quality control technology for the product.

Methods

We have developed a set of qualitative and quantitative methods based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the analysis of volatile components in Succus Bambusae oral liquid (SBOL). Combining GC/MS fingerprint analysis and related chemometrics algorithms, with similarity evaluation, Hotelling T2 and distance to Model X (DModX) as criteria, the quality consistency of different batches was evaluated, and SBOL samples from different manufacturers were differentiated.

Results

Twenty‐nine volatile components were preliminarily identified from 40 batches of SBOL samples from six manufacturers, and six Q‐markers (Quality Markers) for the SBOLs were discussed and determined using GC/MS. The products from different manufacturers were distinguished using chemometrics.

Conclusions

The results showed that the quality of the SBOL samples from different batches and different manufacturers fluctuated greatly, which suggested that research into the raw materials and manufacturing techniques should be strengthened to improve the quality of SBOL and ensure its quality consistency.
An intrathoracic giant tumour and vanishing lung cyst after tumour resection
Authors: Nishimura Masashi , Ota Shinichiro , Yamanaka Sumitaka , Shinada Kanako , Shinkai Masaharu
Published: September 2021

A 65‐year‐old woman was brought to the emergency unit with an approximately 6‐month history of persistent fever and cough. Chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 16‐cm heterogeneous mass with adjacent large cyst (approximately 4.0 cm). The patient underwent CT‐guided biopsy, and benign solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) was immunohistochemically diagnosed. As the symptoms were thought to be due to enlargement of the tumour, surgery was deemed necessary, and the tumour was successfully resected. Based on morphological and immunohistochemical examination of the resected specimen, the final diagnosis was dedifferentiated SFT (DSFT). Follow‐up CT verified disappearance of the pulmonary cyst. The cyst was speculated to be caused by a check valve mechanism, which may also suggest a rapid growth of the tumour. At the time of writing, 2 years post‐operatively, no tumour recurrence has been identified. This represents the first report of intrathoracic giant DSFT with a cystic lesion returning to normal lung parenchyma.
Reconciling the micro‐ and macro‐perspective in agricultural energy efficiency analysis for sustainable development
Authors: Dabkienė Vida , Baležentis Tomas , Štreimikienė Dalia
Published: September 2021

Efficient use of energy resources is the key element ensuring the development of the agricultural sector in a sustainable way. The reduction of energy use in Lithuania's agriculture is considered in strategic documents, and the energy efficiency is seen as crucial element of development for ensuring climate neutrality and eventually reaching climate‐smart agriculture. At the same time, the energy use is supported in terms of excise duty relief for fuel used in agricultural activities. Setting reasonable policy targets requires an integrated approach towards energy efficiency. The aim of the paper is to investigate the energy intensity and efficiency in Lithuanian farms across different farming types and to perform the energy intensity in the European Union (EU) context. Four energy intensity indicators were chosen, and based on these indicators, the energy performance score is constructed using the simple additive weighting method. The data envelopment analysis is applied to identify the policy targets for improving energy efficiency at different levels. Lithuanian farm accountancy data (FADN) of family farms and the standard results of the EU FADN were used in the research for the period of 2004–2019 and 2004–2018, respectively. The analysis revealed that the managerial efficiency levels are lower technological gaps in farms indicating on‐farm innovations being a major issue to improve energy efficiency. The results showed that energy costs can be reduced by some 49%, 48%, 37%, 30% and 20% in Lithuanian cereals, oilseeds and protein crops (COP), milk, field crops, cattle and orchards‐fruit farms, respectively.
Doping‐induced diffused phase transition triggers gas‐sensing performance of Sn‐doped BaTiO3 nanostructures
Authors: Patil Rajendra P. , Karanjekar Ajit N. , Gaikwad Vishwas B. , Jain Gotan H. , Shinde Sarika D.
Published: September 2021

The formation of polar nanoregions with a smaller doping concentration of Sn into BaTiO3 nanostructures governs significantly better gas‐sensing response for a NO2 gas at room temperature. Appropriate Sn doping in BaTiO3 nanostructures not only modifies the electronic structure but is also responsible for diffused phase transition in its crystal structure. Here, in this study, we performed high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy of the Sn‐doped BaTiO3 samples to observe the formed polar nanoregions; 0.2 M% Sn‐doped BaTiO3 possesses a higher polarization value at room temperature to adsorb NO2 gas on the surface of the thick film resistor‐based gas sensor, improving its gas‐sensing performance. The electronic structure and density of states of pristine and Sn‐doped BaTiO3 were studied by density functional theory calculations, and the results of the same revealed improved gas‐sensing performance in the case of Sn‐doped BaTiO3 nanostructures.
Parsimonious mixture‐of‐experts based on mean mixture of multivariate normal distributions
Authors: Sepahdar Afsaneh , Madadi Mohsen , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Jamalizadeh Ahad
Published: September 2021

The mixture‐of‐experts (MoE) paradigm attempts to learn complex models by combining several “experts” via probabilistic mixture models. Each expert in the MoE model handles a small area of the data space in which a gating function controls the data‐to‐expert assignment. The MoE framework has been used extensively in designing non‐linear models in machine learning and statistics to model the heterogeneity in data for the purpose of regression, classification and clustering. The existing MoE of multi‐target regression (MoE‐MTR) models for continuous data is based on multivariate normal distributions. However, in many practical situations, for a set of data, a group or groups of observations may exhibit asymmetric and heavy‐tailed behaviour, and inference based on symmetric distributions in such situations can unduly affect the fit of the regression model. We introduce here a novel robust multivariate non‐normal MoE model by the use of mean mixture of normal distributions. The proposed model can handle the issues of MoE‐MTR models regarding possibly skewed, heavy‐tailed and noisy data. Maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters are developed based on an expectation‐maximization (EM)‐type algorithm. Parsimony is also obtained by imposing suitable constraints on the expert dispersion matrices. The usefulness of the proposed methodology is illustrated using simulated and real data sets.
Machine learning approaches to identify core and dispensable genes in pangenomes
Authors: Yocca Alan E. , Edger Patrick P.
Published: September 2021

A gene in a given taxonomic group is either present in every individual (core) or absent in at least a single individual (dispensable). Previous pangenomic studies have identified certain functional differences between core and dispensable genes. However, identifying if a gene belongs to the core or dispensable portion of the genome requires the construction of a pangenome, which involves sequencing the genomes of many individuals. Here we aim to leverage the previously characterized core and dispensable gene content for two grass species [Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv. and Oryza sativa L.] to construct a machine learning model capable of accurately classifying genes as core or dispensable using only a single annotated reference genome. Such a model may mitigate the need for pangenome construction, an expensive hurdle especially in orphan crops, which often lack the adequate genomic resources.
„Babysitter“-Nerventransfer vom R. thenaris zum R. profundus nervi ulnaris
Authors: Gstoettner Clemens , Salminger Stefan , Laengle Gregor , Gesslbauer Bernhard , Weninger Wolfgang J. , Hirtler Lena , Aszmann Oskar C.
Published: September 2021

Operationsziel

Ziel dieser Operation ist eine frühzeitige Innervation der intrinsischen Handmuskulatur durch Fasern des N. medianus, um einer irreversiblen Atrophie des Muskelgewebes vorzubeugen. Der Nerventransfer erfolgt mittels Babysitter-Interponat, welches jeweils End-zu-Seit an Spender- und Empfängernerv koaptiert wird. Der Eingriff wird kombiniert mit einer proximalen Rekonstruktion des N. ulnaris.

Indikationen

Hochgradige Läsionen des N. ulnaris ohne spontane Regeneration, insbesondere bei proximaler Läsionshöhe und/oder später Patientenvorstellung.

Kontraindikationen

Irreversible Denervation der intrinsischen Muskulatur; Schwäche oder Ausfall des R. thenaris.

Operationstechnik

Der Zugang erfolgt über dem beugeseitigen Handgelenk durch eine longitudinale Inzision. Der R. profundus des N. ulnaris sowie der R. thenaris des N. medianus werden nach Spalten des Retinaculum flexorum dargestellt. Es erfolgt eine Verbindung der beiden Nerven über ein autologes Interponat, welches jeweils in End-zu-Seit-Manier über ein epineurales Fenster an den Spender- (R. thenaris) und den Empfängernerv (R. profundus) koaptiert wird. Dies ermöglicht die zeitgerechte Regeneration einiger motorischer Medianusaxone in die intrinsische Muskulatur, um einer irreversiblen Degeneration vorzubeugen. Aufgrund der End-zu-Seit-Nervennaht wird der Schaden des Spendernervs auf ein Minimum reduziert. Durch die gleichzeitig durchgeführte Rekonstruktion des N. ulnaris auf Höhe der Läsion wird im späteren Verlauf auch eine autochthone Reinnervation der intrinsischen Muskulatur ermöglicht.

Weiterbehandlung

Postoperativ werden Laschen eingebracht und ein steriler Handverband angelegt. Erster Verbandswechsel und Zug der Laschen am ersten postoperativen Tag, Nahtentfernung in der Regel nach 2 Wochen. Bereits nach 1 Woche kann die ergotherapeutische Beübung zum Erhalt der Gelenkbeweglichkeit erfolgen. Nach den ersten Zeichen der motorischen und/oder sensiblen Reinnervation erfolgt eine zielgerichtete Physiotherapie zum Wiedererlernen der alltäglichen Handfunktion.

Ergebnisse

Diese Technik wurde bisher an 3 Patienten mit hochgradiger Läsion des N. ulnaris vorgestellt. Bei einer Follow-up-Zeit von 6 Jahren konnten alle Patienten Muskelkraft von ≥ M3 erlangen, mit allgemein gutem bis exzellentem Ergebnis anhand der modifizierten Bishop Rating Scale.
Clinical withdrawal symptom profile of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and comparison of effects with high potency cannabis
Authors: Craft Sam , Ferris Jason A. , Barratt Monica J. , Maier Larissa J. , Lynskey Michael T. , Winstock Adam R. , Freeman Tom P.
Published: September 2021

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) may be used as an alternative to natural cannabis; however, they may carry a greater risk of problematic use and withdrawal. This study aimed to characterise the withdrawal symptom profile of SCRAs and compare their profile of effect with high-potency herbal cannabis. Global Drug Survey data (2015 and 2016) were used to access a clinically relevant sample of people reporting use of SCRAs >10 times in the past 12-months, a previous SCRA quit attempt, and lifetime use of high-potency herbal cannabis. Participants completed an 11-item SCRA withdrawal symptom checklist and compared SCRAs and high-potency herbal cannabis on their onset and duration of effects, speed of the development of tolerance, severity of withdrawal, and difficulty with dose titration. Participants (n = 284) reported experiencing a mean of 4.4 (95% CI: 4.1, 4.8) withdrawal symptoms after not using SCRAs for >1 day; most frequently reported were sleep issues (59.2%), irritability (55.6%), and low mood (54.2%). Withdrawal symptoms were significantly associated with frequency (>51 vs. 11–50 times per year: IRR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.77, p = 0.005) and quantity (grams per session: IRR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.22, p = 0.001) of SCRA use. Compared to high-potency herbal cannabis, SCRAs were rated as having a faster onset and shorter duration of effects, faster development of tolerance, and more severe withdrawal (p’s < 0.001). In conclusion, SCRA withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur after greater SCRA exposure. The effects of SCRA indicate a more severe withdrawal syndrome and a greater risk of problematic use than natural cannabis.
Prospective association between a Mediterranean-style dietary score in childhood and cardiometabolic risk in young adults from the ALSPAC birth cohort
Authors: Buckland Genevieve , Taylor Caroline M. , Emmett Pauline M. , Johnson Laura , Northstone Kate
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To investigate the prospective association between a children’s relative Mediterranean-style diet score (C-rMED) in childhood and a Cardiometabolic Risk (CMR) score in adolescence/young adulthood in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Methods

A C-rMED was calculated at 7, 10 and 13 years from diet diary data. Anthropometric and biochemical data at 17 (N = 1940) and 24 years (N = 1961) were used to calculate CMR scores (sum of sex-specific log-transformed z-scores from triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, mean arterial blood pressure, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fat mass index (FMI)). Adjusted logistic regression models examined associations between C-rMED (categorical and 2-unit increments) and a high CMR score (≥ 80th percentile) and individual CMR components (≥ 80th percentile).

Results

A high C-rMED at 13 was associated with a 32% (OR 0.68 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.94)) decreased adjusted odds of having a high CMR score at 24 years, compared to participants with a low C-rMED. No associations were evident at other ages. Tracking of the C-rMED across the three ages showed a stronger negative association between C-rMED and CMR at 24 years when children had at least two high C-rMED scores from 7 to 13 years (adjusted OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.85), compared to all low scores. FMI and HOMA-IR were the main CMR components contributing to this association.

Conclusion

Higher Mediterranean-style diet scores in early adolescence were associated with a better CMR profile in young adults (24 year olds). This underscores the importance of establishing healthy eating habits early in life for future cardiometabolic health.
Association of age with the timing of acute spine surgery–effects on neurological outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Kopp Marcel A. , Lübstorf Tom , Blex Christian , Schwab Jan M. , Grittner Ulrike , Auhuber Thomas , Ekkernkamp Axel , Niedeggen Andreas , Prillip Erik , Hoppe Magdalena , Ludwig Johanna , Kreutzträger Martin , Liebscher Thomas
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To investigate the association of age with delay in spine surgery and the effects on neurological outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Ambispective cohort study (2011–2017) in n = 213 patients consecutively enrolled in a Level I trauma center with SCI care in a metropolitan region in Germany. Age-related differences in the injury to surgery interval and conditions associated with its delay (> 12 h after SCI) were explored using age categories or continuous variables and natural cubic splines. Effects of delayed surgery or age with outcome were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

Results

The median age of the study population was 58.8 years (42.0–74.6 IQR). Older age (≥ 75y) was associated with a prolonged injury to surgery interval of 22.8 h (7.2–121.3) compared to 6.6 h (4.4–47.9) in younger patients (≤ 44y). Main reasons for delayed surgery in older individuals were secondary referrals and multimorbidity. Shorter time span to surgery (≤ 12 h) was associated with higher rates of ASIA impairment scale (AIS) conversion (OR 4.22, 95%CI 1.85–9.65), as mirrored by adjusted spline curves (< 20 h 20–25%, 20–60 h 10–20%, > 60 h < 10% probability of AIS conversion). In incomplete SCI, the probability of AIS conversion was lower in older patients [e.g., OR 0.09 (0.02–0.44) for’45-59y’ vs.’ ≤ 44y’], as confirmed by spline curves (< 40y 20–80%, ≥ 40y 5–20% probability).

Conclusion

Older patient age complexifies surgical SCI care and research. Tackling secondary referral to Level I trauma centers and delayed spine surgery imposes as tangible opportunity to improve the outcome of older SCI patients.
Complete and competitive financial markets in a complex world
Authors: Cassese Gianluca
Published: September 2021

We investigate the possibility of completing financial markets in a model with no exogenous probability measure, with market imperfections and with an arbitrary sample space. We also consider whether such an extension may be possible in a competitive environment. Our conclusions highlight the economic role of complexity.
Automated generation of consistent models using qualitative abstractions and exploration strategies
Authors: Babikian Aren A. , Semeráth Oszkár , Li Anqi , Marussy Kristóf , Varró Dániel
Published: September 2021

Automatically synthesizing consistent models is a key prerequisite for many testing scenarios in autonomous driving to ensure a designated coverage of critical corner cases. An inconsistent model is irrelevant as a test case (e.g., false positive); thus, each synthetic model needs to simultaneously satisfy various structural and attribute constraints, which includes complex geometric constraints for traffic scenarios. While different logic solvers or dedicated graph solvers have recently been developed, they fail to handle either structural or attribute constraints in a scalable way. In the current paper, we combine a structural graph solver that uses partial models with an SMT-solver and a quadratic solver to automatically derive models which simultaneously fulfill structural and numeric constraints, while key theoretical properties of model generation like completeness or diversity are still ensured. This necessitates a sophisticated bidirectional interaction between different solvers which carry out consistency checks, decision, unit propagation, concretization steps. Additionally, we introduce custom exploration strategies to speed up model generation. We evaluate the scalability and diversity of our approach, as well as the influence of customizations, in the context of four complex case studies.
Leiden Nutztiere unter ihren Haltungsbedingungen? – Zur Ermittlung von Leiden in Tierschutzstrafverfahren
Authors: Hahn Johanna , Kari Ariane
Published: September 2021

Bei landwirtschaftlich genutzten Tieren werden strafrechtlich relevante Leiden infolge einschränkender
Haltungsbedingungen regelmäßig verkannt. Grund dafür ist insbesondere, dass erhebliche Leiden
gar nicht geprüft werden und dass wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse der Tierverhaltensforschung (Ethologie)
außer Acht gelassen werden. Der Beitrag zeigt auf, wie in Strafverfahren die Darlegung von Leiden
und deren Erheblichkeit mit der Unterstützung geeigneter Sachverständiger gelingt, sodass auch
Tierquälerei durch restriktive Haltungsbedingungen angemessen geahndet werden kann.
On the Development of New Test Techniques to Measure the Tensile Response of Materials at High and Ultra-high Strain Rates
Authors: Zhou Junyi , Tagarielli Vito L.
Published: September 2021

Background

There is a lack of reliable methods to obtain valid measurements of the tensile response of high performance materials such as fibre composites, ceramics and textile products at high rates of strain.

Objective

We propose and assess two new test techniques aimed at measuring valid tensile stress versus strain curves at high and ultra-high strain rates.

Methods

We conduct detailed, non-linear explicit Finite Element (FE) simulations of the transient response of the test apparatus and specimen during the tests and we develop simple analytical models to interpret the test measurements. We consider two test techniques: one based on the split Hopkinson bar apparatus, and suitable for strain rates of up to 1000 /s, and a second technique relying on projectile impact and aimed at measurements at strain rates higher than 1000 /s.

Results

The simulations are successfully validated using test data at strain rates of order 200 /s and then used to predict the test performance at strain rates up to approximately 5500 /s. We find that both techniques can give valid stress versus strain curves across a wide range of strain rates.

Conclusions

We identify the limits of both techniques and recommend optimal measurement strategies for dynamic testing of materials with different ductility.
Microplastic concentrations, characteristics, and fluxes in water bodies of the Tollense catchment, Germany, with regard to different sampling systems
Authors: Tamminga Matthias , Hengstmann Elena , Deuke Ann-Kristin , Fischer Elke Kerstin
Published: September 2021

The widespread presence of microplastics in multiple environmental compartments has largely been demonstrated. Assessing the ecological risk that microplastics pose is, at the present stage, hindered due to methodical differences. Moreover, different methods hamper meaningful comparisons between studies and data on microplastics <300 μm is scarce. Therefore, we focused on microplastics >20 μm in freshwater and sampling-related aspects in this concern. Sampling was conducted between 2018 and 2020 in the Tollense catchment in northeastern Germany and was carried out by in situ pump filtration. Two different sampling systems (cutoff sizes 20 μm and 63 μm) were applied to filter water volumes of 0.075–1.836 m3. Retained particles were analyzed by a combination of Nile red staining and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thereby, we found microplastic concentrations between 123 and 1728 particles m−3 using the 63-μm cut-off size and between 1357 and 2146 particles m−3 using the 20-μm cut-off size. Local hydrodynamics (discharge and flow velocity) and land cover are likely influencing the observed microplastic concentrations and fluxes. The variability between both sampling systems cannot fully be explained by the different mesh sizes used. We argue that differentiation between a theoretical cut-off size (finest mesh) and a factual cut-off size (reliable quantification) can help to understand sampling related differences between studies.
Tau deposition and structural connectivity demonstrate differential association patterns with neurocognitive tests
Authors: Hall Zack , Chien Billy , Zhao Yi , Risacher Shannon L. , Saykin Andrew J. , Wu Yu-Chien , Wen Qiuting
Published: September 2021

Tau neurofibrillary tangles have a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Mounting evidence indicates that the propagation of tau is assisted by brain connectivity with weakened white-matter integrity along the propagation pathways. Recent advances in tau positron emission tomography tracers and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging allow the visualization of tau pathology and white-matter connectivity of the brain in vivo. The current study aims to investigate how tau deposition and structural connectivity are associated with memory function in prodromal AD. In this study, tau accumulation and structural connectivity data from 83 individuals (57 cognitively normal participants and 26 participants with mild cognitive impairment) were associated with neurocognitive test scores. Statistical analyses were performed in 70 cortical/subcortical brain regions to determine: 1. the level of association between tau and network metrics extracted from structural connectivity and 2. the association patterns of brain memory function with tau accumulation and network metrics. The results showed that tau accumulation and network metrics were correlated in early tau deposition regions. Furthermore, tau accumulation was associated with worse performance in almost all neurocognitive tests performance evaluated in the study. In comparison, decreased network connectivity was associated with declines in the delayed memory recall in Craft Stories and Benson Figure Copy. Interaction analysis indicates that tau deposition and dysconnectivity have a synergistic effect on the delayed Benson Figure Recall. Overall, our findings indicate that both tau deposition and structural dysconnectivity are associated with neurocognitive dysfunction. They also suggest that tau-PET may have better sensitivity to neurocognitive performance than diffusion MRI-derived measures of white-matter connectivity.
Beyond the visible spectrum – applying 3D multispectral full-body imaging to the VirtoScan system
Authors: Kottner Sören , Schulz Martin M. , Berger Florian , Thali Michael , Gascho Dominic
Published: September 2021

Multispectral photography offers a wide range of applications for forensic investigations. It is commonly used to detect latent evidence and to enhance the visibility of findings. Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) full-body documentation has become much easier and more affordable in recent years. However, the benefits of performing 3D imaging beyond the visible (VIS) spectrum are not well known, and the technique has not been widely used in forensic medical investigations. A multicamera setup was used to employ multispectral photogrammetry between 365 and 960 nm in postmortem investigations. The multicamera setup included four modified digital cameras, ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) light sources and supplemental lens filters. Full-body documentation was performed in conjunction with the use of a medical X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner to automate the imaging procedure. Textured 3D models based on multispectral datasets from four example cases were reconstructed successfully. The level of detail and overall quality of the 3D reconstructions varied depending on the spectral range of the image data. Generally, the NIR datasets showed enhanced visibility of vein patterns and specific injuries, whereas the UV-induced datasets highlighted foreign substances on the skin. Three-dimensional multispectral full-body imaging enables the detection of latent evidence that is invisible to the naked eye and allows visualization, documentation and analysis of evidence beyond the VIS spectrum.
Refining VDI guideline 4663 to evaluate the efficiency of a power-to-gas process by employing limit-oriented indicators
Authors: Eggers Natascha , Böttger Justin N. J. , Kerpen Lukas , Sankol Bernd U. , Birth Torsten
Published: September 2021

Primarily released by the conversion of primary fossil energy sources, anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions influence global warming fundamentally. Since they enable increasing the share of sustainable energy sources in the energy supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through targeted integration, power-to-X technologies promise to be an important element of compliance with impending regulations and laws. VDI 4663 guideline for strategically optimizing (technical) processes applies thephysical optimum, a promising performance indicator for a unified, time-independent, and structured evaluation of power-to-X technologies that defines an operation under physically optimal conditions as a limit value. This study applies VDI 4663 to a power-to-X system and evaluates different components. It specifically examines current power-to-gas applications, thephysical optimumas a limit-oriented indicator and its application to complex processes, the physically optimal operation of electrolysis and methanation, heat transfer as a critical component of methanation, the evaluation of a heat exchanger based on thephysical optimum, and targeted process optimization based on VDI 4663. The outcome is an energy index for the evaluation of a heat exchanger, factoring in its structural design. Thephysical optimumof electrolysis and methanation developed here can also be employed as the basis for targeted optimization. This study serves as a basis for the evaluation of other power-to-X systems and introduces the application of VDI 4663. Additionally, the applicability of thephysical optimumto chemistry-based processes is validated.
Labor flexibility integration in workload control in Industry 4.0 era
Authors: Costa Federica , Portioli-Staudacher Alberto
Published: September 2021

The paradigm shift toward Industry 4.0 is facilitating human capability, and at the center of the research are the workers—Operator 4.0—and their knowledge. For example, new advances in augmented reality and human–machine interfaces have facilitated the transfer of knowledge, creating an increasing need for labor flexibility. Such flexibility represents a managerial tool for achieving volume and mix flexibility and a strategic means of facing the uncertainty of markets and growing global competition. To cope with these phenomena, which are even more challenging in high-variety, low-volume contexts, production planning and control help companies set reliable due dates and shorten lead times. However, integrating labor flexibility into the most consolidated production planning and control mechanism for a high-variety, low-volume context—workload control—has been quite overlooked, even though the benefits have been largely demonstrated. This paper presents a mathematical model of workload control that integrates labor flexibility into the order review and release phase and simulates the impact on performance. The main results show that worker transfers occur when they are most needed and are minimized compared to when labor flexibility is at a lower level of control—shop-floor level—thus reducing lead time.
Luftverschmutzung als wichtiger Kofaktor bei COVID-19-Sterbefällen
Authors: Münzel Thomas , Hahad Omar , Pozzer Andrea , Lelieveld Jos
Published: September 2021

Hintergrund

Die Sterblichkeit bei COVID-19 ist in Anwesenheit kardiopulmonaler Komorbiditäten erhöht. Luftverschmutzung ist ebenfalls mit einer erhöhten Sterblichkeit assoziiert, v. a. vermittelt durch kardiopulmonale Erkrankungen. Beobachtungen zu Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie zeigten, dass die Sterblichkeit bei COVID-19 v. a. in Regionen mit stärkerer Luftverschmutzung erhöht ist. Ungeklärt ist der Einfluss von Luftverschmutzung für den Krankheitsverlauf bei COVID-19.

Methode

Es wurde eine selektive Literaturrecherche von Studien bis Anfang April 2021 in PubMed zum Zusammenhang von Luftverschmutzung und der COVID-19-Mortalität mit den Suchbegriffen „air pollution AND/OR COVID-19/coronavirus/SARS-CoV‑2 AND/OR mortality“ durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Aktuelle Untersuchungen belegen, dass etwa 15 % der weltweiten COVID-19-Todesfälle auf Luftverschmutzung zurückzuführen sind. Der Anteil der luftverschmutzungsbedingten COVID-19-Todesfälle in Europa liegt bei 19 %, in Nordamerika bei 17 % und in Ostasien bei 27 %. Diese Beteiligung der Luftverschmutzung an COVID-19-Todesfällen wurde mittlerweile ebenfalls durch verschiedene Studien aus den USA, Italien und England bestätigt. Luftverschmutzung und COVID-19 führen zu ähnlichen Schäden für das kardiopulmonale System, die möglicherweise den Zusammenhang zwischen Luftverschmutzung und erhöhter COVID-19-Mortalität erklären.

Schlussfolgerung

Der hier gezeigte Umweltaspekt der COVID-19-Pandemie verlangt danach, dass man verstärkt nach wirksamen Maßnahmen zur Reduzierung anthropogener Emissionen, die sowohl Luftverschmutzung als auch den Klimawandel verursachen, streben sollte.
Implementing ACL Injury Prevention in Daily Sports Practice—It’s Not Just the Program: Let’s Build Together, Involve the Context, and Improve the Content
Authors: Benjaminse Anne , Verhagen Evert
Published: September 2021

Although the benefits of current anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programmes have been demonstrated in efficacy studies, they, unfortunately, have had limited public health impact to date. For example, the incidence of ACL injuries continues to rise in adolescent athletes. Raising awareness and educating coaches and athletes is not enough to facilitate the widespread, sustained use of these programmes in the real-world setting. Considering the profound burden of ACL injuries, it is necessary to continue to improve the current ACL injury prevention programmes through co-creation. First, the uptake of the programmes should be optimized by a better appreciation and understanding of the individual, socio-cultural and environmental context (i.e., community). Second, the content of the programmes should be optimized to better reflect the demands of the sport by creating more ownership and increasing motivation (incorporating challenging, sport-specific and fun elements) with the end-users. In addition, implicit motor learning, random practice and differential learning are concepts that should be integrated when practising to obtain the most optimal results when learning or finetuning skills.
Transcriptome-Wide Dynamics of m6A mRNA Methylation During Porcine Spermatogenesis
Authors: Liu Zidong , Chen Xiaoxu , Zhang Pengfei , Li Fuyuan , Zhang Lingkai , Li Xueliang , Huang Tao , Zheng Yi , Yu Taiyong , Zhang Tao , Zeng Wenxian , Lu Hongzhao , Lv Yinghua
Published: September 2021

Spermatogenesis is a continual process that occurs in the testes, in which diploid spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) differentiate and generate haploid spermatozoa. This highly efficient and intricate process is orchestrated at multiple levels. N  6-methyladenosine (m6A), an epigenetic modification prevalent in mRNAs, is implicated in the transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis. However, the dynamics of m6A modification in non-rodent mammalian species remains unclear. Here, we systematically investigated the profile and role of m6A during spermatogenesis in pigs. By analyzing the transcriptomic distribution of m6A in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids, we identified a globally conserved m6A pattern between porcine and murine genes with spermatogenic function. We found that m6A was enriched in a group of genes that specifically encode the metabolic enzymes and regulators. In addition, transcriptomes in porcine male germ cells could be subjected to the m6A modification. Our data show that m6A plays the regulatory roles during spermatogenesis in pigs, which is similar to that in mice. Illustrations of this point are three genes (SETDB1, FOXO1, and FOXO3) that are crucial to the determination of the fate of SSCs. To the best of our knowledge, this study for the first time uncovers the expression profile and role of m6A during spermatogenesis in large animals and provides insights into the intricate transcriptional regulation underlying the lifelong male fertility in non-rodent mammalian species.
Longer Tendon-Bone Distances of the A2 and A4 Annular Pulleys in Experienced High-Level Sport Climbers: Injury or Adaptation?
Authors: Iruretagoiena Xeber , De la Fuente Javier , Rodríguez-López Elena Sonsoles , Davila Fernando , Dorronsoro Asier , Goenaga Leire , Blasi Marc
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Experienced high-level climbers are subject to a number of bone and soft tissue changes over the years and are also among the most exposed to pulley injuries. One of the main consequences of pulley rupture is the separation of the flexor tendons from the subjacent phalanges, also known as bowstringing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this population has asymptomatic bowstringing of the A2 and/or A4 pulleys as determined by tendon-bone distance (TBD) values when compared to nonclimbers.

Methods

High-resolution ultrasound TBD measurements in active forced flexion were made for the A2 and A4 pulley of the ring finger bilaterally. Participants were 21 asymptomatic sport climbers who had 21 consecutive years of climbing at a level above 9.66 in the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation difficulty metric scale. Control subjects were 21 age-matched nonclimbers.

Results

A significantly longer TBD–25% (0.3 mm) and 35% (0.4 mm) for the A2 and A4 pulleys, respectively–was found in the experienced climbers group (experienced climbers group: A2 1.6±0.5 mm and A4 1.6±0.4 mm; nonclimbers group: A2 1.2±0.1 mm and A4 1.2±0.2 mm).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that bowstringing of A2 and A4 pulleys occurs in asymptomatic experienced high-level climbers, which could be interpreted as either an adaptive mechanism to workloads endured over years of climbing or a consequence of underdiagnosed pulley ruptures.
Making Sense of Number
Authors: Hilton Annette , Hilton Geoff
Published: September 2021

Making Sense of Number is a concise introduction to personal and professional numeracy skills, helping readers to become more mathematically competent. It includes relevant content to assist pre-service teachers to improve numeracy for the classroom or to prepare for LANTITE, as well as support for practising teachers to develop their understanding and skills in numeracy. Making Sense of Number focuses on number sense as a conceptual framework for understanding mathematics, covering foundational areas of mathematics that often cause concern such as multiplication, fractions, ratio, rate and scale. The authors use real-world examples to explain mathematical concepts in an accessible and engaging way. Written by authors with over 30 years' experience teaching mathematics at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, Making Sense of Number is an essential guide for both pre-service teachers and those looking to improve their understanding of numeracy.
Motivating Learners, Motivating Teachers
Authors: Dörnyei Zoltan , Kubanyiova Magdalena
Published: September 2021

This volume presents a new approach to motivation that focuses on the concept of 'vision'. Drawing on visualisation research in sports, psychology and education, the authors describe powerful ways by which imagining future scenarios in one's mind's eye can promote motivation to learn a foreign language. The book offers a rich selection of motivational strategies that can help students to 'see' themselves as potentially competent language users, to experience the value of knowing a foreign language in their own lives and, ultimately, to invest effort into learning it.

Transformational leaders' vision for change is one of the prerequisites of turning language classrooms into motivating learning environments, and the second part of the book therefore focuses on how to ignite language teacher enthusiasm, how to re-kindle it when it may be waning and how to guard it when it is under threat.
Teaching and Developing Reading Skills
Authors: Watkins Peter
Published: September 2021

This book is for anyone who wants to provide their learners with rich and rewarding reading experiences. Drawing on current reading theory, the book promotes the teaching of reading in a theoretically sound way, moving beyond a comprehension-testing approach to reading. The practical part of the book provides a collection of accessible, generic activities so that teachers can support and develop learners' reading skills and strategies. Its scope is wide-ranging, from promoting reading and developing fluency, to exploiting digital sources, using learner-generated texts and assessing reading. Further activities support teachers develop excellence in the teaching of reading through guided reflection and action research.
Wireless Interface Technologies for 3D IC and Module Integration
Authors: Kuroda Tadahiro , Yip Wai-Yeung
Published: September 2021

Synthesising fifteen years of research, this authoritative text provides a comprehensive treatment of two major technologies for wireless chip and module interface design, covering technology fundamentals, design considerations and tradeoffs, practical implementation considerations, and discussion of practical applications in neural network, reconfigurable processors, and stacked SRAM. It explains the design principles and applications of two near-field wireless interface technologies for 2.5-3D IC and module integration respectively, and describes system-level performance benefits, making this an essential resource for researchers, professional engineers and graduate students performing research in next-generation wireless chip and module interface design.
The Logic of Capital
Authors: Basu Deepankar
Published: September 2021

This book presents the main economic argument developed by Marx in the three volumes of Capital in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The first part presents the main economic argument contained in the Capital in a coherent and comprehensive manner. It also delves into three long-standing debates in Marxist political economy: the transformation problem, the Okishio theorem, and theories of exploitation and oppression. Starting with discussions of methodology, including dialectics and historical materialism, the book explains key concepts of Marxist political economy: commodity, value, money, capital, reserve army of labour, accumulation of capital, circuit of capital, reproduction schemas, prices of production, profit, interest and rent. Scholars of economics, sociology, geography, political science, anthropology, and other kindred disciplines, will find here an accessible yet rigorous treatment of Marxist political economy.
Vision
Authors: Blake Andrew , Crawford Carolin , Fletcher Paul , Hackford Sophie , Hurlbert Anya , Nilsson Dan-Eric , Rovelli Carlo
Published: September 2021

Arising from the 2019 Darwin College Lectures, this book presents essays from seven prominent public intellectuals on the theme of vision. Each author examines this theme through the lens of their own particular area of expertise, making for a lively interdisciplinary volume including chapters on neuroscience, colour perception, biological evolution, astronomy, the future of technology, computer vision, and the visionary core of science. Featuring contributions by professors of neuroscience Paul Fletcher and Anya Hurlbert, professor of zoology Dan-Eric Nilsson, the futurist Sophie Hackford, Microsoft distinguished scientist Andrew Blake, theoretical physicist and author Carlo Rovelli, and Dr Carolin Crawford, the Public Astronomer at the University of Cambridge, this volume will be of interest to anybody curious about how we see the world.
The Origins of Money in the Iron Age Mediterranean World
Authors: Heymans Elon D.
Published: September 2021

Color versions of select print images available on the Resources tab (or here: www.cambridge.org/heymans). This book shows how money emerged and spread in the eastern Mediterranean, centuries before the invention of coinage. While the invention of coinage in Ancient Lydia around 630 BCE is widely regarded as one of the defining innovations of the ancient world, money itself was never invented. It gained critical weight in the Iron Age (ca. 1200 – 600 BCE) as a social and economic tool, most dominantly in the form of precious metal bullion. This book is the first study to comprehensively engage with the early history of money in the Iron Age Mediterranean, tracing its development in the Levant and the Aegean. Building on a detailed study of precious metal hoards, Elon D. Heymans deploys a wide range of sources, both textual and material, to rethink money's role and origins in the history of the eastern Mediterranean.
How does a narrative understanding of change in families post brain injury help us to humanise our professional practice?
Authors: Whiffin Charlotte J , Ellis-Hill Caroline
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we critically explore the discourse of change post brain injury and challenge the dominant discourse of negative change, which alone leaves little room for other perspectives to exist. These negative changes pose a considerable risk to the well-being of families who may benefit from engaging in richer accounts making room for a more coherent and connected sense of self and family post-injury. We explore how narrative approaches provide opportunities for all practitioners to expand their professional scripts and support families to move towards a future which is not dominated by a discourse of loss. While loss and negative change is an important and very real consequence, of brain injury, focusing purely on stories of loss is life limiting for family members and can cause psychological distress. The life thread model is offered as a visible tool for all practitioners to engage with and use while working with families, providing a concrete focus for reflection and discussion of narratives relating to change which otherwise can feel quite abstract in everyday practice. We argue that one way we can humanise our professional practice is to support all practitioners to engage in a narrative understanding of family change following ABI.
Exponential mixing property for Hénon–Sibony maps of
Authors: WU HAO
Published: September 2021

Let f be a Hénon–Sibony map, also known as a regular polynomial automorphism of
$\mathbb {C}^k$
, and let
$\mu $
be the equilibrium measure of f. In this paper we prove that
$\mu $
is exponentially mixing for plurisubharmonic observables.