bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Isosorbide‐Based Polyester Derivatives Decorated with α‐Acyloxy Amides
Authors: Döpping Daniel , Kern Johann , Rotter Nicole , Llevot Audrey , Theato Patrick , Mutlu Hatice
Published: June 2022

The synergy of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and metathesis chemistry is applied for the synthesis of bio‐based functional isosorbide polymers (i.e., polyesters) decorated with α‐acyloxy amide motif. The chemical structure of the polyesters that are not accessible by any other conventional methodologies is characterized in‐depth via nuclear magnetic resonance, size‐exclusion chromatography, and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy. It is also observed that the “biomass‐derived” carbon % of the polymers varied between 66.2 and 76.9. Moreover, the thermal properties of the novel isosorbide‐based polymers are investigated via thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, revealing that the polymers are in the amorphous state, identified by the glass transition temperature (Tg) values below the human body temperature. The mechanical properties and the biocompatibility of the functional novel polyester derivative with the highest “biomass‐derived” carbon % are evaluated via dynamic mechanical analysis and cytotoxicity test. The exemplary polymer is biocompatible with chondrocyte cells in the conditions used in the tests. In summary, the complementary nature of isosorbide derivatives with MCRs and metathesis chemistry is utilized to illustrate the potential utility of isosorbide as a building block for polymers with prospective biomedical application (namely, as novel cartilage materials).
Personalized auto‐segmentation for magnetic resonance imaging–guided adaptive radiotherapy of prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Xinyuan , Ma Xiangyu , Yan Xuena , Luo Fei , Yang Siran , Wang Zekun , Wu Runye , Wang Jianyang , Lu Ningning , Bi Nan , Yi Junlin , Wang Shulian , Li Yexiong , Dai Jianrong , Men Kuo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Fast and accurate delineation of organs on treatment‐fraction images is critical in magnetic resonance imaging–guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRIgART). This study proposes a personalized auto‐segmentation (AS) framework to assist online delineation of prostate cancer using MRIgART.

Methods

Image data from 26 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated using hypofractionated MRIgART (5 fractions per patient) were collected retrospectively. Daily pretreatment T2‐weighted MRI was performed using a 1.5‐T MRI system integrated into a Unity MR‐linac. First‐fraction image and contour data from 16 patients (80 image‐sets) were used to train the population AS model, and the remaining 10 patients composed the test set. The proposed personalized AS framework contained two main steps. First, a convolutional neural network was employed to train the population model using the training set. Second, for each test patient, the population model was progressively fine‐tuned with manually checked delineations of the patient's current and previous fractions to obtain a personalized model that was applied to the next fraction.

Results

Compared with the population model, the personalized models substantially improved the mean Dice similarity coefficient from 0.79 to 0.93 for the prostate clinical target volume (CTV), 0.91 to 0.97 for the bladder, 0.82 to 0.92 for the rectum, and 0.91 to 0.93 for the femoral heads, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed method can achieve accurate segmentation and potentially shorten the overall online delineation time of MRIgART.
Experimental helium‐beam radiography with a high‐energy beam: Water‐equivalent thickness calibration and first image‐quality results
Authors: Knobloch C. , Metzner M. , Kehrein F. , Schömers C. , Scheloske S. , Brons S. , Hermann R. , Peters A. , Jäkel O. , Martišíková M. , Gehrke T.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

A clinical implementation of ion‐beam radiography (iRad) is envisaged to provide a method for on‐couch verification of ion‐beam treatment plans. The aim of this work is to introduce and evaluate a method for quantitative water‐equivalent thickness (WET) measurements for a specific helium‐ion imaging system for WETs that are relevant for imaging thicker body parts in the future.

Methods

Helium‐beam radiographs (αRads) are measured at the Heidelberg Ion‐beam Therapy Center with an initial beam energy of 239.5 MeV/u. An imaging system based on three pairs of thin silicon pixel detectors is used for ion path reconstruction and measuring the energy deposition (dE) of each particle behind the object to be imaged. The dE behind homogeneous plastic blocks is related to their well‐known WETs between 280.6 and 312.6 mm with a calibration curve that is created by a fit to measured data points. The quality of the quantitative WET measurements is determined by the uncertainty of the measured WET of a single ion (single‐ion WET precision) and the deviation of a measured WET value to the well‐known WET (WET accuracy). Subsequently, the fitted calibration curve is applied to an energy deposition radiograph of a phantom with a complex geometry. The spatial resolution (modulation transfer function at 10 % —MTF10%) and WET accuracy (mean absolute percentage difference—MAPD) of the WET map are determined.

Results

In the optimal imaging WET‐range from ∼280 to 300 mm, the fitted calibration curve reached a mean single‐ion WET precision of 1.55 0.00%. Applying the calibration to an ion radiograph (iRad) of a more complex WET distribution, the spatial resolution was determined to be MTF10% = 0.49 0.03 lp/mm and the WET accuracy was assessed as MAPD to 0.21 %.

Conclusions

Using a beam energy of 239.5 MeV/u and the proposed calibration procedure, quantitative αRads of WETs between ∼280 and 300 mm can be measured and show high potential for clinical use. The proposed approach with the resulting image qualities encourages further investigation toward the clinical application of helium‐beam radiography.
The adaptation states of women with urinary incontinence according to the Roy Adaptation Model: A qualitative study
Authors: Er Güneri Sezer , Şen Selma
Published: June 2022

Aims

This study aimed to explore experiences of women with urinary incontinence (UI) according to the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM).

Methods

A phenomenological design was used in this study, and its conceptual framework was formed by the RAM. The sample was composed of 12 women with UI. Face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews were conducted according to data collection tools. Semi‐structured interviews were recorded in audio‐recording device. Thematic approach was used to assess the data.

Results

The average age of the women was 52.77 ± 7.32 years, seven women had menopause, eight had vaginal birth. According to the thematic approach, four main themes emerged: physiological mode, self‐esteem mode, role function mode, and interdependence mode and they had difficulties in this regard.

Conclusions

The results show that women cannot adapt to the problem of incontinence according to the dimensions of RAM. These factors are important to consider when developing strategies to address UI, diagnosis, and treatment.
Urethral pressure profile before radical prostatectomy as a predictor of early postoperative continence
Authors: Bakula Mirko , Hudolin Tvrtko , Kolar Mitrovic Helena , Kastelan Zeljko
Published: June 2022

Objective: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common complications of radical prostatectomy (RP). Impaired urethral sphincter function is generally considered to be the most important contributing factor for UI; however, the mechanism of onset and recovery of urinary continence has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this research was to evaluate preoperative functional urethral length (FUL) and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) as early continence recovery predictors after open retropubic RP (ORRP).Methods: The research was conducted on a group of 43 patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) in the period from July 2019 to May 2021. The urodynamic method of urethral pressure profile (UPP) was used to assess FUL and MUCP, and correlate with the postprostatectomy continence recovery. The severity of UI and bothersome were assessed using fully validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) and number of pads used in 24 h. Patients were interviewed about the use of urinary pads and asked to fill out the ICIQ‐UI SF before and 2, 8, 16 and 24 weeks after ORRP.Results: The median value of FUL (mm) and MUCP (cmH2O) was 69 (28–94) and 76 (16–223), respectively. Correlation and linear regression showed a statistically significant negative correlation between preoperative values of FUL and MUCP with ICIQ symptom score and the number of pads used per day at the four observed time intervals (p < 0.05). Such a result showed that patients with higher preoperative FUL and MUCP values were more likely to recover urinary continence earlier. A value of 65 mm for FUL and 80 cmH2O for MUCP proved to be the cut‐off values for continence recovery in 24 weeks after ORRP.Conclusion: Preoperatively evaluated FUL and MUCP seem to be valuable prognostic factors for early continence recovery after ORRP. Further investigation on a larger patient cohort is needed to evaluate the role of UPP in the preoperative management of patients with PCa.
Government‐nonprofit partnerships outside the contracting relationship and public funding allocation: Evidence from New York City's park system
Authors: Cheng Yuan (Daniel) , Li Zhengyan
Published: June 2022

Government‐nonprofit partnerships outside the contracting relationship have become an increasingly important mechanism in financing and supporting public service provision. However, the relationship between these partnerships and public funding allocation remains unclear. We articulate two competing mechanisms—the substitution mechanism and the exchange mechanism—and empirically test them with a unique geocoded dataset of public park capital projects allocation in New York City. Our findings indicate that parks units supported by government‐nonprofit partnerships are likely to receive more public capital project funding, which supports the exchange mechanism. In addition, larger parks with a more populous community surrounding them get more public capital funding allocation. As governments at all levels are seeking new ways to finance and manage public service provision, many more empirical studies in other service subsectors, time periods, and geographical contexts are required to draw more general conclusions about how government‐nonprofit partnerships may influence public funding allocation and how such dynamics may compromise or promote equitable public service provision.
A tale of two bridges: Factors influencing career choices of trainee nursing associates in England: A longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: King Rachel Louise , Taylor Bethany , Laker Sara , Wood Emily , Senek Michaela , Tod Angela , Ryan Tony , Snowden Sally , Robertson Steven
Published: June 2022

Aim

The nursing associate role has created a new second‐level nursing role and provided an alternative route into registered nursing. For some, this provides a previously inaccessible opportunity for career progression. The aim of the study was to understand the factors that influence career choices of trainee nursing associates.

Design

A longitudinal qualitative study of trainee nursing associate motivations, experiences and career aspirations.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with trainee nursing associates from across England, UK, in February 2020 (N = 14) and March 2021 (N = 13). Diary data were also collected. Interview and diary data were analysed thematically. Reporting has followed COREQ guidelines.

Results

Nursing associate training was viewed by some as a bridge into registered nursing. Role ambiguity led several to seek perceived security offered by the Registered Nurse profession. Those preferring to remain as nursing associates were keen to embed the bridging role between healthcare assistants and Registered Nurses, valuing a positive workplace culture.
A scoping review of spirituality and religiosity in people who have had a kidney transplant
Authors: Mckie Amanda L. , Gaida Fellon
Published: June 2022

Aim

To conduct a scoping review to discover what is known about the presence of spirituality and religiosity in people who have received a kidney transplant.

Design

Using Arksey and O'Malley's five‐stage framework, a scoping review of seven key databases was performed in June 2020. The scoping review follows the PRISMA extension for scoping review process.

Methods

CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, OvidPsychINFO, JBI, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched to identify original research, from which seven studies were identified with only four meeting the criteria. The search strategy focused on studies that were published between January 2000‐May 2020.

Results

In synthesizing the available research, two key areas of interest were identified within the included studies, (1) clinical outcomes (medical adherence, renal function and transplant‐related outcomes) and (2) well‐being outcomes (locus of control and coping).
Modeling teachers acceptance of learning management system in higher education during COVID‐19 pandemic: A developing country perspective
Authors: Waris Idrees , Hameed Irfan
Published: June 2022

The ubiquity of the World Wide Web has provided massive opportunities to teachers and learners around the globe to share knowledge anytime anywhere via learning management system. Hence, considering the needs of the students; universities have arranged the facilities of the learning management system. This study is an empirical evaluation of university faculty members' intention to use a learning management system. We extended Davis's (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to evaluate faculty members' intention to use learning management system amid COVID‐19. Data were obtained from the faculty members of Pakistani universities through the convenience sampling technique and analyzed using PLS‐SEM. The outcomes of the study revealed that perceived ease of using a learning management system, user‐interface design, and faculty members' innovativeness have a favorable impact on their intention to use learning management system. Facilitating conditions positively influenced intention to use learning management system. However, the positive relationship between facilitating conditions and perceived ease of using the learning management system was insignificant. The results indicate that the extended TAM model has effectively predicted faculty members' intention to use the learning management system. The findings of the current study can be used for the training and development of faculty members by institutions and regulatory bodies in developing countries.
Proton beam radiotherapy for esophageal cancer: challenges and opportunities in the modern era
Authors: Verma Vivek , Lin Steven H.
Published: June 2022

As the NRG GI006 and PROTECT trials seek to confirm results of the first randomized trial supporting the utility of proton beam therapy for esophageal cancer, several outstanding questions are discussed in this review. First, the applicability/extrapolation of the existing randomized trial is mentioned. This includes a potentially larger benefit of PBT at non‐high‐volume centers with less surgical expertise, along with the emerging use of active scanning PBT approaches that could further improve toxicity profiles. Patient selection for PBT is then discussed, including differential utility for patients based on the degree of baseline comorbidities, the extent/location of disease, and the surgical case volume at the treating institution. PBT in the setting of emerging techniques, such as minimally invasive esophagectomy, is also mentioned. Next, costs of PBT and insurance coverage hurdles are described, especially regarding pre‐specified agreements between providers/institutions and payors, the need for cost‐effectiveness analyses for PBT in this population, and effects of the new radiation oncology alternative payment model. Finally, immunotherapy has now become a standard option for esophageal cancer (resected or unresected/recurrent/metastatic cases). Therefore, in the context of immunotherapy for these patients, revisiting the role of radiation dose‐escalation and elective nodal irradiation may be required.
Empirical relationships between environmental factors and soil organic carbon produce comparable prediction accuracy to machine learning
Authors: Mishra Umakant , Yeo Kyongmin , Adhikari Kabindra , Riley William J. , Hoffman Forrest M. , Hudson Corey , Gautam Sagar
Published: June 2022

Accurate representation of environmental controllers of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in Earth System Model (ESM) land models could reduce uncertainties in future carbon–climate feedback projections. Using empirical relationships between environmental factors and SOC stocks to evaluate land models can help modelers understand prediction biases beyond what can be achieved with the observed SOC stocks alone. In this study, we used 31 observed environmental factors, field SOC observations (n = 6,213) from the continental United States, and two machine learning approaches (random forest [RF] and generalized additive modeling [GAM]) to (a) select important environmental predictors of SOC stocks, (b) derive empirical relationships between environmental factors and SOC stocks, and (c) use the derived relationships to predict SOC stocks and compare the prediction accuracy of simpler model developed with the machine learning predictions. Out of the 31 environmental factors we investigated, 12 were identified as important predictors of SOC stocks by the RF approach. In contrast, the GAM approach identified six (of those 12) environmental factors as important controllers of SOC stocks: potential evapotranspiration, normalized difference vegetation index, soil drainage condition, precipitation, elevation, and net primary productivity. The GAM approach showed minimal SOC predictive importance of the remaining six environmental factors identified by the RF approach. Our derived empirical relations produced comparable prediction accuracy to the GAM and RF approach using only a subset of environmental factors. The empirical relationships we derived using the GAM approach can serve as important benchmarks to evaluate environmental control representations of SOC stocks in ESMs, which could reduce uncertainty in predicting future carbon–climate feedbacks.
In vitro Digestibility Study of Starch Complexed with Different Guest Molecules
Authors: Yassaroh Yassaroh , Nurhaini Feni F. , Woortman Albert J. J. , Loos Katja
Published: June 2022

Digestibility of starch is an essential issue in food science studies due to its close relationship with human health. Most common starchy foods contain rapidly digestible starch, which can lead to chronic diseases, including type II diabetes. Heat–moisture treated potato starch (HPS) followed by inclusion complexation with guest molecules is prepared to improve starch's physicochemical properties, resulting in reduced digestibility. The guest molecules used in this study are linoleic acid (LA), stearic acid (SA), and sodium stearate (SS). The in vitro digestibility of the modified starches over time compared to native starch after gelatinization at 95 °C is examined. The starch complexed with SS results in the least amount of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), followed by LA and SA, consecutively. Furthermore, the starch‐SS complexes are the most slowly digestible starch (SDS) and included the highest amount of resistant starch (RS), followed by LA and SA. Sodium stearate results in the highest transformation of RDS to be SDS and RS. Thermal analysis data and microscopy images support the digestion results.
Fiber‐based hand‐held RCM‐OCT probe for noninvasive assessment of skin lesions and therapy guidance
Authors: Maguluri Gopi , Grimble John , Mujat Mircea , Park Jesung , Caron Aliana , Iftimia Nicusor
Published: June 2022

Noninvasive assessment of skin lesions, especially of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), has benefited more recently from the use of optical imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). While RCM provides submicron scale resolution and thus enables identification of skin morphological changes of the skin, with the downside of limited penetration depth, OCT imaging of the same lesion brings the benefit of better resolving its depth of invasion. OCT and RCM can be used either individually or combined within the same instrument for the noninvasive diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Their combined use has shown to provide certain benefits such as better characterization of the lesion's margins, both in depth and laterally, as well as improved sensitivity and specificity, as previously demonstrated by our team. In this article we report a new “fiber‐based” implementation of the second‐generation RCM‐OCT hand‐held probe. The fiber‐based implementation of both imaging modalities enabled the construction of a smaller footprint/lower weight hand‐held probe. Its preliminary evaluation on the skin of healthy volunteers is reported here, demonstrating improved capabilities for resolving sub‐cellular structures and image skin morphology with micron‐scale resolution to a higher depth than in the previous implementation, while also enabling the construction of angiography maps showing vascular remodeling.
Hospital wastewater treatment using eco‐friendly eugenol nanostructured lipid carriers: Formulation, optimization, and in vitro study for antibacterial and antioxidant properties
Authors: Shajari Mozhgan , Ahmadi Nahid , Zamani Mostafa , Rostamizadeh Kobra , Shapouri Reza
Published: June 2022

In this study, nano‐formulation has been used to tackle one of the most important environmental problems which can be considered a major threat to human health. We prepared some eco‐friendly nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as delivery agents to properly deliver an antibacterial agent (eugenol) into hospital wastewater in order to control bacterial growth. Eugenol‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers were prepared by hot high‐speed homogenization. Then, the prepared nanocarriers were characterized using different techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and dynamic scanning calorimetry. The turbidity assay and colony counting method were used to determine the ability of the prepared eugenol‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers to inhibit bacterial growth rate in the culture media and hospital wastewater, respectively. The mean size and zeta potential of NLC‐eugenol were 78.12 ± 6.1 nm and −29.43 ± 2.21 mV, respectively. The results showed that the highest inhibitory effect of NLC‐eugenol in culture media was seen in standard and wild Staphylococcus aureus strains (43.42% and 26.41%, respectively) with a concentration of 0.125 μM. The antibacterial activity of NLC‐eugenol in sterile wastewater on wild strains of bacteria showed that the most effective concentration to reduce bacterial amounts was 0.125 μM on wild S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis strains (38% and 33.47%, respectively) at 37°C. The NLC‐eugenol with a concentration of 0.125 μM showed the greatest effect of reducing total microbial agents by 28.66% in hospital wastewater at 25°C. The highest antibacterial effect achieved using the 0.125 μM concentration is due to the egel phenomenon. Also, the mechanism of action of NLC‐eugenol is cell wall destruction and eventually cell death. The results showed that NLC‐eugenol with a concentration of 0.125 μM can reduce wild bacterial strains in sterilized wastewater and hospital wastewater, which can prove the great potential of the prepared eugenol‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers to control bacterial growth.

Practitioner Points

NLC is one of the safest biodegradable and environmentally friendly carriers, which is nontoxic for humans and the environment.

Eugenol is a natural compound, which makes it less toxic for the environment while being toxic for bacteria.

Therefore, our method has the least side effect in comparison with existing methods for wastewater treatment.

The gradual release of eugenol from NLC nanoparticles can effectively control the pathogenic factors of wastewater.
Rural Community Development in Sweden: From Challenging to Mainstream?
Authors: Forsberg Anette
Published: June 2022

This chapter describes and reflects on the Swedish rural/village movement that began in the late 1980s. The analysis accounts for rural politics, different concepts, and areas of expression within the rural movement, such as social economy. The results demonstrate that what was initially a protest movement highlighting rural perspectives and introducing new, locally based forms of governance has transformed into an EU mainstream agenda. In addition, a broad societal approach has been replaced with a narrower, enterprising point of view in which enterprising concepts are used to explain and legitimize local rural action as a whole. These transformative trends tend to render invisible the perspectives and values of ruralness once envisioned by local development groups and to obscure the village movement itself.
Statistical Risk Management
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye
Published: June 2022

In this chapter I dig deeper into the results from the (very basic) simulation presented in the prior chapter so users can develop a more sophisticated sense of the drivers of the outcomes. Along the way I will introduce summary metrics that can quickly and easily represent the thousands of possible data points using key dashboard metrics for the dividends and fund values. I will also examine the mortality assumptions and dig deeper into some what if questions and broader risk management issues.
Solutions and Advanced Hints
Authors: Milevsky Moshe Arye
Published: June 2022

This chapter contains high-level solutions to the end-of-chapter Test Yourself questions together with some advanced hints on how to get your R-scripts to run faster, smoother and with greater efficiency.
Vorgehen und Datengrundlage des Altern als Zukunft- Projekts
Authors: Lang Frieder R. , Lessenich Stephan , Rothermund Klaus
Published: June 2022

Das Altern als Zukunft-Projekt untersucht Einflüsse von strukturellen Dynamiken in modernen Gesellschaften auf personalisierte und allgemeine Altersbilder, Zeitmanagement sowie Vorsorge- und Zukunftshandeln im Lebenslauf mit vielfältigen methodischen Ansätzen. In diesem Rahmen wurden multidisziplinäre, multikulturelle, multimethodische und längsschnittliche Vorgehensweisen miteinander verknüpft.
Altersbilder
Authors: Rothermund Klaus
Published: June 2022

Ein wesentlicher Teil des Projekts Altern als Zukunft besteht in der Erforschung von Altersbildern. Wir untersuchen also die Vorstellungen, die Menschen vom Alter im Allgemeinen, aber auch von ihrem persönlichen Alter haben. Warum tun wir das? Hätten wir nicht lieber das Alter und Altern selbst untersuchen sollen, statt nur Vorstellungen oder Einstellungen, die Menschen von oder zu ihrem Alter haben?
Runaway relaxion from finite density
Authors: Balkin Reuven , Serra Javi , Springmann Konstantin , Stelzl Stefan , Weiler Andreas
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Finite density effects can destabilize the metastable vacua in relaxion models. Focusing on stars as nucleation seeds, we derive the conditions that lead to the formation and runaway of a relaxion bubble of a lower energy minimum than in vacuum. The resulting late-time phase transition in the universe allows us to set new constraints on the parameter space of relaxion models. We also find that similar instabilities can be triggered by the large electromagnetic fields around rotating neutron stars.
A defect in AdS3/CFT2 duality
Authors: Martinec Emil J.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

AdS3 string theory in the stringy regime k = (RAdS/ℓs)2< 1 provides a laboratory for the study of holography in which both sides of AdS/CFT duality are under fairly good control. Worldsheet string theory is solvable, and for closed strings the dual spacetime CFT is a deformation of a symmetric product orbifold. Here we extend this construction to include open strings by adding a probe D-string, described semiclassically by an AdS2 D-brane in AdS3. The dual defect or boundary conformal field theory (BCFT) is again a deformed symmetric product, which now describes the Fock space of long open and closed strings near the AdS boundary, with a boundary deformation implementing the open/closed transition in addition to the symmetric product ℤ2 twist deformation that implements closed string joining/splitting. The construction thus provides an explicit example of an AdS3/BCFT2 duality.
On the Left Connected Subalgebra of the Descent Algebra of a Coxeter Group of Classical Type
Authors: Hellebrandt Linus , Pfeiffer Götz
Published: June 2022

A Coxeter group of classical type $$A_n$$

A
n

, $$B_n$$

B
n

or $$D_n$$

D
n

contains a chain of subgroups of the same type. We show that intersections of conjugates of these subgroups are again of the same type, and make precise in which sense and to what extent this property is exclusive to the classical types of Coxeter groups. As the main tool for the proof, we use Solomon’s descent algebra. Using Stirling numbers, we express certain basis elements of the descent algebra as polynomials and derive explicit multiplication formulas for a commutative subalgebra of the descent algebra.
Modulation of a long-lasting extreme cold event in Siberia by a minor sudden stratospheric warming and the dynamical mechanism involved
Authors: Liu Meichen , Hu Dingzhu , Guan Zhaoyong
Published: June 2022

Previous studies have paid much attention to the impact of major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events on the tropospheric circulation. However, the attention to the modulation of minor SSW events on the extreme cold events is limited. In this study, the extreme cold event in Siberia in the winter of 2000/2001, the longest-lasting one from 1980/1981 to 2019/2020, and its linkages to the minor SSW event have been examined. Our results show that the largest cooling occurred in Siberia during 30 December 2000 − 10 January 2001, and then the cooling weakened and migrated to Northeast China from 11 to 18 January 2001. During the recovery stage of this minor SSW event, the stratospheric polar vortex gradually strengthened, along with strengthening of the zonal winds over the Ural region. The vertical distribution of positive zonal wind anomalies in the Ural region favored the reflection of stratospheric planetary wave in the Atlantic-Euro and Siberia region. The changes of planetary wave propagation were beneficial to the strengthening of the trough in the Atlantic-Euro and Siberia region during 26 December − 10 January, which facilitated the growth and maintenance of the Ural ridge in the same period by strengthening the meridional flow. The strengthened Ural ridge resulted in the extreme cold event breaking out and lasting from 30 December to 10 January. Because the stratospheric polar vortex did not continue to strengthen and a new ridge generated in the Atlantic region during 11 − 18 January, the Ural ridge decayed and the cold air moved to Northeast China.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Yun-Long , Wang Ying , Liu Chao , Jiang Yu-Lin , Wei Yan-Dong , Meng Hua , Jian Shan , Zhu Xi-Ting , Pei Li-Jian , Bai Xiao-Chen , Feng Feng , Lv Yan , Zhou Xi-Ya , Qi Qing-Wei , Li Jing-Na , Ji Wei , Ma Li-Shuang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the treatment of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

We retrospectively collected and compared the data of patients with CDH admitted between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021(study group) with the CDH patients admitted before the pandemic between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019 (control group).

Results

During the pandemic, 41 patients with CDH diagnosed prenatally were transferred to our hospital, and 40 underwent surgical repair. The number of patients treated in our hospital increased by 24.2% compared with the 33 patients before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the overall survival rate, postoperative survival rate and recurrence rate were 85.4%, 87.5% and 7.3%, respectively, and there were no significant differences compared with the control group (75.8%, 83.3% and 9.1%, respectively). The average length of hospital stay in patients admitted during the pandemic was longer than that in the control group (31 days vs. 16 days, P < 0.001), and the incidence of nosocomial infection was higher than that in the control group (19.5% vs. 3%, P = 0.037).

Conclusions

CDH patients confirmed to be SARS-CoV-2 infection-free can receive routine treatment. Our data indicate that the implementation of protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with appropriate screening and case evaluation, do not have a negative impact on the prognosis of children.
Assessment of olfactory fluctuations in a clinical context
Authors: Hernandez Anna Kristina , Juratli Lena , Haehner Antje , Hsieh Julien W. , Landis Basile N. , Hummel Thomas
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate whether olfactory fluctuations (OF) are pronounced in patients with sinonasal olfactory dysfunction (OD).

Methods

The retrospective investigation included patients aged 18 years or older, who consulted a tertiary referral center for olfactory loss. Patients with normal smell function were excluded. Patients answered a structured questionnaire about their olfactory symptoms, with specific questions related to the presence of OF and its average frequency, amplitude, duration, time since most recent OF, and associated symptoms of self-reported OF. Patients also underwent clinical evaluation including a structured medical history and physical examination including nasal endoscopy. In addition, we assessed orthonasal olfactory function using Sniffin’ Sticks, and gustatory function using “taste sprays”.

Results

Participants included 131 men and 205 women (n = 336), aged 18 to 86 years (mean 50, SD 16). Patient-reported fluctuations occurred most frequently in sinonasal (38%), idiopathic (29%), and postviral (29%) OD. Amplitude of OF was highest in postviral OD (p = 0.009). Average frequency, duration, and the time since the most recent fluctuation were not significantly different between groups (all p’s > 0.42). Odor discrimination (p = 0.002) and identification (p = 0.017) scores were higher among those individuals with OF.

Conclusion

Amplitude of OF may help distinguish postviral from other causes of OD, especially in patients presenting with equivocal symptoms of sinonasal disease.
Discovery and genome sequencing of a new virus related to members of the family Tymoviridae, isolated from mosquitoes of the genus Mansonia in Brazil
Authors: Miranda Keissy Karoline Pinheiro , Galvão Glennda Juscely Pereira , da Silva Araújo Pedro Arthur , da Silva Ribeiro Ana Claudia , da Silva Sandro Patroca , da Silva Lemos Poliana , Martins Lívia Carício , Nunes Márcio Roberto Teixeira , da Costa Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando , da Costa Ferreira Vânia , da Costa Fábio Medeiros , Roque Rosemary Aparecida , Tadei Wanderli Pedro , Cruz Ana Cecilia Ribeiro , Carvalho Valéria Lima
Published: June 2022

A new virus, named Mutum virus, related to members of the family Tymoviridae, was isolated from mosquitoes (Mansonia spp.) in clone C6/36 cells, and its complete genome was sequenced. Its genome is 6494 nt in size with an organization resembling that of tymovirids. The isolated virus is phylogenetically related to two viruses isolated from Culex spp. mosquitoes: Ek Balam virus, reported in Mexico, and Culex-originated Tymoviridae-like virus, isolated in China. The results of this study suggest that this virus is a new member of the family Tymoviridae.
Who Will Shape the New World Order?
Authors: Aiginger Karl
Published: June 2022

The economic consequences of the war could potentially be used to postpone climate policy, energy saving and the shift to renewable energy. This includes investments in atomic energy — perhaps in smaller plants — as there is still no satisfactory solution for the storage of nuclear waste.
A Study of Mobile App Use for Teaching and Research in Higher Education
Authors: Hinze Annika , Vanderschantz Nicholas , Timpany Claire , Cunningham Sally Jo , Saravani Sarah-Jane , Wilkinson Clive
Published: June 2022

The exponential growth in the use of digital technologies and the availability of mobile software applications (apps) has been well documented over the past decade. Literature on the integration of mobile technology into higher education reveals an increasing focus on how mobile devices are used within the classroom environment, both physical and online, rather than on how mobile applications may be used for either teaching or the research process. Our study surveyed staff and higher degree research students at a New Zealand university using an online questionnaire to gain insight into the use of mobile apps for tertiary teaching and research, seeking information, particularly on which apps were used for which tasks and what obstacles hindered their use. The online survey used 29 questions and ran in 2016/2017. 269 participants completed the survey, nearly 20% of the potential sample. We found that mobile apps were used by academics and students for both teaching and research, primarily in the form of document and data storage and exchange, and communication. Very little app use was recorded for in-class activities (teaching) or in-field activities (research). Apps use resulted from personal motivation rather than institutional planning. Both students and academics reported that institutional support and flexibility would likely provide motivation and lead to increased app use for both research and teaching.
DFT and TD-DFT studies of 1,3,5-Tris (dipheny1amino) benzene derivatives based hole transport materials: application for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Babu Numbury Surendra , Riwa Irene Octavian
Published: June 2022

The current study examined a series of 1,3,5-tris (diphenylamino) benzene derivatives used as hole transport materials in perovskite solar cells (HTM1-HTM9). All calculations were performed utilizing the density functional theory (DFT) and TD/DFT procedures at B3LYP/6-311G level. The ground state geometry, frontier molecular orbital (FMO), photoelectric properties and reorganization energies and the absorption spectra were investigated. The energy levels of highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) were calculated for HTM1-HTM9, compared to all of the compounds under investigation and the spiro-OMeTAD, HTM 8 has the lowest HOMO energy level, indicating a favourable overlap with the MAPbI3 perovskite active layer.
On Reverse Shrinkage Effects and Shrinkage Overshoot
Authors: Jordan Pascal
Published: June 2022

Given a squared Euclidean norm penalty, we examine some less well-known properties of shrinkage estimates. In particular, we highlight that it is possible for some components of the shrinkage estimator to be placed further away from the prior mean than the original estimate. An analysis of this effect is provided within three different modeling settings—encompassing linear, logistic, and ordinal regression models. Additional simulations show that the outlined effect is not a mathematical artefact, but likely to occur in practice. As a byproduct, they also highlight the possibilities of sign reversals (“overshoots”) for shrinkage estimates. We point out practical consequences and challenges, which might arise from the observed effects with special emphasis on psychometrics.
How microblogging affords conditions for realising student voices about the body and sexuality in a science education lesson
Authors: Frøytlog Jo Inge J. , Rasmussen Ingvill , Ludvigsen Sten R.
Published: June 2022

Empowering students to express their own voices is an important educational aim; yet, the exploration of sensitive topics in discussion-based activities poses particular challenges concerning the realisation of student voices. In consideration of this issue, we analyse how one teacher and his lower secondary students coped with such challenges by using microblogging technology designed specifically for educational purposes. We examine the extent to which this technology affords extended conditions for the aforementioned realisation when ideas about the body and sexuality are presented, shared and justified in a science lesson. Our results illustrate how microblogging contributes to the emergence of new communicative principles of sequentiality that are not present in classroom discussions without digital technology. We argue that these principles are central to why students are ultimately being provided a space for participation wherein conditions for realising their voices about a sensitive topic in Science are extended.
A zone-layered trimming method for ceramic core of aero-engine blade based on an advanced reconfigurable laser processing system
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Hou Dongxiang , Liu Bin , Mei Xuesong , Wang Xintian , Lian Renhan
Published: June 2022

Ceramic structural parts are one of the most widely utilized structural parts in the industry. However, they usually contain defects following the pressing process, such as burrs. Therefore, additional trimming is usually required, despite the deformation challenges and difficulty in positioning. This paper proposes an ultrafast laser processing system for trimming complex ceramic structural parts. Opto-electromechanical cooperative control software is developed to control the laser processing system. The trimming problem of the ceramic cores used in aero engines is studied. The regional registration method is introduced based on the iterative closest point algorithm to register the path extracted from the computer-aided design model with the deformed ceramic core. A zonal and layering processing method for three-dimensional contours on complex surfaces is proposed to generate the working data of high-speed scanning galvanometer and the computer numerical control machine tool, respectively. The results show that the laser system and the method proposed in this paper are suitable for trimming complex non-datum parts such as ceramic cores. Compared with the results of manual trimming, the method proposed in this paper has higher accuracy, efficiency, and yield. The method mentioned above has been used in practical application with satisfactory results.
Prediction of multivessel coronary artery disease and candidates for stress-only imaging using multivariable models with myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Kunita Yuji , Nakajima Kenichi , Nakata Tomoaki , Kudo Takashi , Kinuya Seigo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Selecting patients with coronary multivessel disease (MVD) or no stenosis using myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is challenging. We aimed to create a model to predict MVD using a combination of quantitative MPI values and background factors of patients. We also assessed whether patients in the same database could be selected who do not require rest studies (stress-only imaging).

Methods

We analyzed data from 1001 patients who had been assessed by stress MPI at 12 centers and 463 patients who had not undergone revascularization in Japan. Quantitative values based on MPI were obtained using cardioREPO software, which included myocardial perfusion defect scores, left ventricular ejection fractions and volumes. Factors in MPI and clinical backgrounds that could predict MVD were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. We also investigated whether stress data alone could predict patients without coronary stenosis to identify candidates for stress-only imaging.

Results

We selected summed stress score (SSS), rest end-diastolic volume, and hypertension to create a predictive model for MVD. A logistic regression model was created with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.825. To more specifically predict coronary three-vessel disease, the AUC was 0.847 when SSS, diabetes, and hypertension were selected. The mean probabilities of abnormality based on the MVD prediction model were 12%, 24%, 40%, and 51% for no-, one-, two-, and three-vessel disease, respectively (p < 0.0001). For the model to select patients with stress-only imaging, the AUC was 0.78 when the model was created using SSS, stress end-systolic volume and the number of risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and a history of smoking).

Conclusion

A model analysis combining myocardial SPECT and clinical data can predict MVD, and can select patients for stress-only tests. Our models should prove useful for clinical applications.
Integrated connections for glass–plastic-composite panels: an experimental study under tensile loading at +23, +40 and +60 °C and different glass build-ups
Authors: Hänig Julian , Weller Bernhard
Published: June 2022

The desire of builders and architects of maximum transparency and homogeneous surfaces in glass façades and glass structures extends to interior all-glass applications such as glass partitions or all-glass doors. In conventional glass systems the interconnections are performed by eye-catching fittings and clamping details that reduce the transparency and disturb the aesthetics. Novel glass–plastic-composite panels show a significantly reduced self-weight by composition of a polymer polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) interlayer core and cover layers of thin glass. The innovative composites show high structural performance with optical properties of conventional glass. The panels allow for a direct connection into the thick PMMA interlayer core with the supporting structure or other panels. Such an integrated connection design reduces stress concentrations and allows for the development of small and unobtrusive fittings. Different integrated connections for the glass–plastic-composite panels have been designed and investigated. This article presents an experimental study on different connections, such as mechanically fastened and adhesively integrated, tested under tensile loading. Based on video analyses, crack progressions and failure mechanisms are evaluated and discussed in detail. The tests investigate temperature effects as well as the influence of the interlayer core thickness and glass type of the cover layers in varying build-ups. The comprehensive evaluation includes a description of the mechanical load-bearing behaviour in form of load versus displacement graphs as well as an investigation of crack progression and failure mechanisms for the final assessment. The results from this experimental study elucidate the structural characteristics of integrated connections in glass–plastic-composite panels under tensile loading and represent a basis for the ongoing development of real application fittings.