bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under pressure: How human‐wild‐captive elephant social‐ecological system in Laos is teetering due to global forces and sociocultural changes
Authors: Maurer Gilles , Gimenez Olivier , Mulot Baptiste , Lescureux Nicolas
Published: August 2021

Few empirical studies have described social‐ecological systems (SESs) in transition. Some studies focused on external drivers that impact the SES and communities' responses to adapt to changes, including economic, land and conservation policies. Others have considered the effect of social and cultural changes on communities' capacity to sustain their activities. While sociocultural changes are increasingly common through globalization and world‐wide economic development, there is an urgent need to better understand and document how these changes affect individual and community agency to adapt or transform a system that is facing a combination of powerful internal and external forces.

The human–Asian elephant relationship appears particularly illustrative of a complex SES because of the dual status of the elephant being wild or under human care, and the entanglement of ecological, cultural, social and economic dimensions. The ongoing and rapid political, socio‐economic and environmental changes occurring in Laos for the last decades have strongly affected this relationship.

We conducted an ethnological survey to assess how the SES has evolved in Laos and its consequences for human‐wild‐captive elephant interactions and elephant handling practices. We show that in the 1990s, the SES was based on the principles of common access to natural resources and social control over nature and spirits, and led to a form of elephant handling with close interactions between captive and wild elephants. Husbandry practices then could be likened to pastoralism as a mode of production associated with a mode of relation close to seasonal freedom.

Since the turn of the present century, the commodification of nature and of increasingly divided access to natural resources led eventually to the segregation of wild elephants and captivity of their working conspecifics. With the intensification of workload, owners switched to a ranching‐like economy, based on the accumulation of monetary capital from the employment of elephants in logging or tourism.

We discuss how the combination of external drivers, such as economic liberalization, land and conservation policies, and internal drivers linked to sociocultural changes could affect a SES in transition, leading to a fading interest of the new generation in their family heritage.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Antimicrobial polymeric paints: An up‐to‐date review
Authors: Gupta Sonali , Puttaiahgowda Yashoda Malgar , Nagaraja Akshatha , Jalageri Manohara Dhulappa
Published: August 2021

A wreaking havoc condition in current urges the use of antimicrobial materials at its maximum. The various sectors such as health‐care institutions, food packaging, textile industry, water‐purification system, and so on, have high demand for the use of antimicrobial materials and paint industry is one amongst them. Since millennium, paints has been used to decorate the surroundings we live in. The transformation of use of paints can be observed from prehistoric to modern day walls as a protective and a feature enhancing substance. The paints with antimicrobial property have experienced tremendous growth to improve microbial quality in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial applications for its need to control the microbial growth which prevents the spread and reduces the risk of infections. Antimicrobial paints kill microorganisms upon contact while still retaining their durability which withstands the inevitable deterioration of paints. Antimicrobial paint additives can be easily and cost‐effectively manufactured into all types of solvent‐based, water‐based, liquid, oil or powder paints and coatings. This review provides an insight on the use of polymers in developing antimicrobial paints and their use as binder, emulsifier, latexes, varnishes, and so on, against various pathogenic waterborne and airborne microorganisms. The literature also defines the replacement of solvent‐based paints to water‐based paints which are environmentally friendly and act as good filling binder.
Effect of process parameters on thermal and mechanical properties of polymer‐based composites using fused filament fabrication
Authors: Benfriha Khaled , Ahmadifar Mohammad , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Tcharkhtchi Abbas
Published: August 2021

The fused filament fabrication (FFF) process of polymer‐based composites has been developed due to its capability to make complex geometries and shapes with reasonable mechanical properties. However, the improvement of mechanical properties of the obtained parts and products are still under study and are interesting for designers. There are several strategies to enhance these desired properties of produced pieces, for example optimizing the process parameters and/or using different architecting designs. This paper presents the effect of some overriding process parameters (liquefier temperature, print speed, layer height, and platform temperature) on the temperature evolution and mechanical behavior of PA6 reinforced with chopped carbon fibers produced by FFF. Due to deposition of multilayers, there is a cyclic profile of temperature in the FFF process, which is a considerable note related to fabrication and consequently the strength of the manufactured parts. In parallel with the study of process parameters effect, this cyclic temperature profile has been measured. The preliminary results related to physicochemical and mechanical properties revealed that differences in crystallinity percentage exist and failure stress/strain can be considered as an indicator to evaluate the mechanical properties of FFF manufactured products. Moreover, measuring the temperature profile of the deposited filaments revealed that process parameters have a considerable influence on the cooling process of deposited filaments which itself affects the bonding of adjacent filaments. The higher temperatures led to slower cooling rate. Finally, the results confirm the impact of mentioned parameters roles on the bonding formation in the FFF process and also the subsequent obtained mechanical properties of the printed parts. Therefore, selection of the optimized and suitable process parameters is an important design consideration.
Joint effect between bisphenol A and alcohol consumption on benign prostatic hyperplasia: A case–control study in Hong Kong Chinese males
Authors: Liao Gengze , Lee Priscilla M. Y. , Zhao Shi , Ho Wing Ming , Lam Augustine T. , Lee Man Kei , Poon Paul K. M. , Ng Simon S. M. , Li Wentao , He Yonghua , Wang Feng , Wong Samuel Y. S. , Ng Chi Fai , Tse Lap Ah
Published: August 2021

Background

Whether bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is a contributing factor to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between chronic BPA exposure and BPH risk, and explored whether this association was modified by alcohol drinking.

Methods

This study included a total of 650 BPH cases and 650 controls recruited from the same hospital in Hong Kong during 2011–2016. Chronic BPA exposure level was estimated by a validated cumulative BPA exposure index (CBPAI). We performed unconditional logistic regression model to examine the association of BPH risk with potential sources of BPA exposure via oral intake and CBPAI. We further tested the interactions between CBPAI and alcohol consumption habits on BPH risk.

Results

A positive exposure–response relationship was observed between CBPAI and BPH risk. Frequent BPA exposure via oral intake of foods heated in a plastic box/bag (odds ratio [OR] = 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51–8.22), cooling water in a plastic bottle (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.33–5.27), or using a plastic cup to contain hot water (OR = 4.14, 95% CI: 1.02–16.89), was significantly associated with increased BPH risk. Compared with nonalcohol drinkers, alcohol drinkers was insignificantly associated with BPH risk (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.77–1.57), but it demonstrated a more remarkable positive gradient between CBPAI exposure and BPH risk among alcohol drinkers, indicating an additive interaction between CBPAI and alcohol on BPH risk (synergy index = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.21–14.94).

Conclusions

Chronic oral BPA exposure increased BPH risk with a positive exposure–response relationship among Hong Kong Chinese, and alcohol drinking amplified the effect of BPA on BPH. Hence, minimizations of containing food or water/beverage in plastic containers and drinking alcohol are recommended in the community to mitigate BPH risk. Future larger and designated studies are warranted.
Testing new compounds for efficacy against Varroa destructor and safety to honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Jack Cameron J , Kleckner Kaylin , Demares Fabien , Rault Leslie C , Anderson Troy D , Carlier Paul R , Bloomquist Jeffrey R , Ellis James D
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Varroa destructor is among the greatest threats to honey bee health worldwide. Acaricides used to control Varroa are becoming increasingly ineffective due to resistance issues, prompting the need for new compounds that can be used for control purposes. Ideally, such compounds would exhibit high toxicity to Varroa while maintaining relatively low toxicity to bees and beekeepers. We characterized the lethal concentrations (LC50) of amitraz, matrine, FlyNap®, the experimental carbamates 2‐((2‐ethylbutyl)thio)phenyl methylcarbamate (1) and 2‐(2‐ethylbutoxy)phenyl methylcarbamate (2), and dimethoate (positive control) for Varroa using a glass vial assay. The test compounds also were applied to honey bees using an acute contact toxicity assay to determine the adult bee LD50 for each compound.

RESULTS

Amitraz was the most toxic compound to Varroa, but carbamate 2 was nearly as active (within 2‐fold) and the most selective due to its lower bee toxicity, demonstrating its promise as a Varroa control. While carbamate 1 was less toxic to honey bees than was amitraz, it was also 4.7‐fold less toxic to the mites. Both matrine and FlyNap® were relatively ineffective at killing Varroa and were moderately toxic to honey bees.

CONCLUSION

Additional testing is required to determine if carbamate 2 can be used as an effective Varroa control. As new chemical treatments are identified, it will be necessary to determine how they can be utilized best alongside other control techniques as part of an integrated pest management program. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Governmental regulation induced pesticide retailers to provide more accurate advice on pesticide use to farmers in China
Authors: Li Zhongju , Hu Ruifa , Zhang Chao , Xiong Yankun , Chen Kevin
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

In China, pesticide retailers have often been accused of providing inaccurate advice on pesticide use to farmers in a chaotic pesticide market. However, it is unclear whether governmental regulation of sales and advice on pesticide use by pesticide retailers induces them to provide accurate advice.

RESULTS

Using survey data of 242 pesticide retailers in 2016, this study analyzes how pesticide retailers in China provide advice on pesticide use to farmers and examines whether governmental regulation induces pesticide retailers to provide accurate advice. The surveyed retailers were found to advise farmers to use the correct active ingredients in only 75.6% of observations. Retailers recommended pesticide application rates higher than the scientifically recommended levels among 57.2% of observations. The bivariate probit model estimation results show that highly intensive governmental regulation increases the probability of correct advice on pesticide use of pesticide retailers in the county and township seats by 13% and 19%, respectively. Moreover, highly intensive regulation can also increase the probability of pesticide non‐overuse advice by the retailers from the retailers in the villages by 38%.

CONCLUSION

Highly intensive governmental regulation can induce pesticide retailers to provide more accurate advice on pesticide use to farmers, but the effects differ across the locations of pesticide retailers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Primarily tests of a optoelectronic in‐canopy sensor for evaluation of vertical disease infection in cereals
Authors: Dammer Karl‐Heinz , Schirrmann Michael
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Health scouting of crops by satellite, airplanes, unmanned aerial (UAV) and ground vehicles can only evaluate the crop from above. The visible leaves may show no disease symptoms, but lower, older leaves not visible from above can do. A mobile in‐canopy sensor was developed, carried by a tractor to detect diseases in cereal crops. Photodiodes measure the reflected light in the red and infrared wavelength range at 10 different vertical heights in lateral directions.

RESULTS

Significant differences occurred in the vegetation index NDVI of sensor levels operated inside and near the winter wheat canopy between infected (stripe rust: 2018, 2019 / leaf rust: 2020) and control plots. The differences were not significant at those sensor levels operated far above the canopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral reflectance measurements inside the crop canopy are able to distinguish between disease‐infected and healthy crops. In future mobile in‐canopy scouting could be an extension to the common above‐canopy scouting praxis for making spraying decisions by the farmer or decision support systems. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
James–Stein estimation of the first principal component
Authors: Shkolnik Alex
Published: August 2021

The Stein paradox has played an influential role in the field of high‐dimensional statistics. This result warns that the sample mean, classically regarded as the “usual estimator,” may be suboptimal in high dimensions. The development of the James–Stein estimator that addresses this paradox has by now inspired a large literature on the theme of “shrinkage” in statistics. In this direction, we develop a James–Stein‐type estimator for the first principal component of a high‐dimension and low‐sample size data set. This estimator shrinks the usual estimator, an eigenvector of a sample covariance matrix under a spiked covariance model, and yields superior asymptotic guarantees. Our derivation draws a close connection to the original James–Stein formula so that the motivation and recipe for shrinkage is intuited in a natural way.
Electrochemical Heteroatom‐Heteroatom Bond Construction
Authors: Du Zhiying , Qi Qiqi , Gao Wei , Ma Li , Liu Zhenxian , Wang Ruiming , Chen Jianbin
Published: August 2021

Heteroatom‐heteroatom linkage, with S−S bond as a presentative motif, served a crucial role in biochemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and material sciences. Thus, preparation of the privileged scaffold has always been attracting tremendous attention from the synthetic community. However, classic protocols suffered from several drawbacks, such as toxic and unstable agents, poor functional group tolerance, multiple steps, and explosive oxidizing regents as well as the transitional metal catalysts. Electrochemical organic synthesis exhibited a promising alternative to the traditional chemical reaction due to the sustainable electricity can be employed as the traceless redox agents. Hence, toxic and explosive oxidants and/or transitional metals could be discarded under mild reaction with high efficiency. In this context, a series of electrochemical approaches for the construction of heteroatom‐heteroatom bond were reviewed. Notably, most of the cases illustrated the dehydrogenative feature with the clean energy molecules hydrogen as the sole by‐product.
A (dis)integrated stress response: Genetic diseases of eIF2α regulators
Authors: English Alyssa M. , Green Katelyn M. , Moon Stephanie L.
Published: August 2021

The integrated stress response (ISR) is a conserved mechanism by which eukaryotic cells remodel gene expression to adapt to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors rapidly and reversibly. The ISR is initiated when stress‐activated protein kinases phosphorylate the major translation initiation factor eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2ɑ (eIF2ɑ), which globally suppresses translation initiation activity and permits the selective translation of stress‐induced genes including important transcription factors such as activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Translationally repressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and noncoding RNAs assemble into cytoplasmic RNA–protein granules and polyadenylated RNAs are concomitantly stabilized. Thus, regulated changes in mRNA translation, stability, and localization to RNA–protein granules contribute to the reprogramming of gene expression that defines the ISR. We discuss fundamental mechanisms of RNA regulation during the ISR and provide an overview of a growing class of genetic disorders associated with mutant alleles of key translation factors in the ISR pathway.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Life in the Countries of Origin, Departure and Travel Towards Europe
Authors: Danisi Carmelo , Dustin Moira , Ferreira Nuno , Held Nina
Published: August 2021

According to the United Nations (UN), at least 258 million people are moving across countries around the globe, consciously or unconsciously, in search of a safe and dignified life (IOM 2019; UN 2017). The international attempt to regulate these movements through the so-called Compacts seems unlikely to provide effective solutions. Often criticised as being non-binding instruments but with great potential in shaping states’ future behaviour (Türk 2018), the Compacts are not explicit in including SOGI minorities in the measures to be adopted through international cooperation for improving the management of migration and refugee flows, while respecting their human rights. It is noticeable that objective no. 7 (‘Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration’) of the Global Compact related to migration refers to ‘victims of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence (…) [and] persons who are discriminated against on any basis’ as examples of vulnerable groups and, more generally, advances the development of gender-responsive migration policies (Atak et al. 2018). Equally, the Global Compact on Refugees pays attention in all fields to ‘sexual and gender-based violence’, while calling upon states to strengthen international efforts to prevent and combat it (paras. 5, 13, 51, 57, 59, 72 and 75). Yet, although this wording may be inclusive of SOGI, the Compacts avoided any specific reference or commitment in relation either to migrants who identify themselves as LGBTIQ+ or to SOGI claimants, perhaps owing to the need for the widest possible consensus among UN member states to secure the Compacts’ adoption. This represents a missed opportunity to raise awareness of SOGI asylum claimants’ needs at the universal level and speed up multilateral solutions to the movements across countries of people fleeing homophobia and transphobia.
Material und Methodik
Authors: Sell Madlen
Published: August 2021

Der Fokus der Recherche zu Malaiischem Mĕngamok lag auf historischen Quellentexten mit Bezug zu Amok. Dabei wurden neben europäischen auch malaiische Informationsquellen berücksichtigt. Das historische Forschungsmaterial wurde aus dem Bestand der Bibliotheken der Universität Heidelberg und via digitaler Datenbanken bzw. Fernleihen aus nationalen und internationalen Universitätsbibliotheken recherchiert.
Begriffsdefinitionen
Authors: Sell Madlen
Published: August 2021

Das folgende Kapitel widmet sich den Begriffen Amok, Pseudo-Amok und School Shooting, die für die vorliegende Untersuchung definiert und voneinander abgegrenzt werden sollen. Insbesondere der Amokbegriff wird im alltäglichen Sprachgebrauch, in zeitgenössischen Medienberichten, aber auch in Fachpublikationen häufig unscharf verwendet und auch für relativ junge Phänomene gebraucht, die auf den ersten Blick wenig mit der klassischen Erscheinungsform des Amoklaufs gemeinsam haben. In der deutschsprachigen Fachliteratur hat sich deshalb in den letzten Jahren zunehmend der Begriff School Shooting zur Beschreibung schwerer zielgerichteter Gewalttaten an Schulen etabliert. Schulamok und School Shooting werden aber häufig weiterhin synonym verwendet.
Two-dimensional black holes in the limiting curvature theory of gravity
Authors: Frolov Valeri P. , Zelnikov Andrei
Published: August 2021

Abstract

In this paper we discuss modified gravity models in which growth of the curvature is dynamically restricted. To illustrate interesting features of such models we consider a modification of two-dimensional dilaton gravity theory which satisfies the limiting curvature condition. We show that such a model describes two-dimensional black holes which contain the de Sitter-like core instead of the singularity of the original non-modified theory. In the second part of the paper we study Vaidya type solutions of the model of the limiting curvature theory of gravity and used them to analyse properties of black holes which are created by the collapse of null fluid. We also apply these solutions to study interesting features of a black hole evaporation.
Unexpected high level of severe events even in low-risk profile chest pain unit patients
Authors: Breuckmann Frank , Settelmeier Stephan , Rassaf Tienush , Hochadel Matthias , Nowak Bernd , Voigtländer Thomas , Giannitsis Evangelos , Senges Jochen , Münzel Thomas
Published: August 2021

Aims

Early heart attack awareness programs are thought to increase efficacy of chest pain units (CPU) by providing live-saving information to the community. We hypothesized that self-referral might be a feasible alternative to activation of emergency medical services (EMS) in selected chest pain patients with a specific low-risk profile.

Methods and results

In this observational registry-based study, data from 4743 CPU patients were analyzed for differences between those with or without severe or fatal prehospital or in-unit events (out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and/or in-unit death, resuscitation or ventricular tachycardia). In order to identify a low-risk subset in which early self-referral might be recommended to reduce prehospital critical time intervals, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score for in-hospital mortality and a specific low-risk CPU score developed from the data by multivariate regression analysis were applied and corresponding event rates were calculated. Male gender, cardiac symptoms other than chest pain, first onset of symptoms and a history of myocardial infarction, heart failure or cardioverter defibrillator implantation increased propensity for critical events. Event rates within the low-risk subsets varied from 0.5–2.8%. Those patients with preinfarction angina experienced fewer events.

Conclusions

When educating patients and the general population about angina pectoris symptoms and early admission, activation of EMS remains recommended. Even in patients without any CPU-specific risk factor, self-referral bears the risk of severe or fatal pre- or in-unit events of 0.6%. However, admission should not be delayed, and self-referral might be feasible in patients with previous symptoms of preinfarction angina.
3-D-Druck-optimierte Anpassung eines Mittelgesichtsimplantats zur magnetgetragenen nasalen Epithesenversorgung
Authors: Wrobel Christian , Keppeler Daniel , Meyer Alexander C.
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Plattenbasierte Ankersysteme zur fazialen Epithesenversorgung bieten gegenüber extraoralen Einzeltitanimplantaten Vorteile hinsichtlich einer flexibleren Wahl knöcherner Verankerungspunkte und höherer Stabilität. Nachteile werden in einer aufwendigen individuellen intraoperativen Anpassung der Plattensysteme am meist schlecht zugänglichen Knochen deutlich. Wir stellen eine Methode vor, diese Nachteile zu überwinden und die Vorteile plattenbasierter Systeme stärker auszuspielen.

Methodik

Das knöcherne Mittegesicht eines Patienten mit erfolgter Rhinektomie bei Karzinom des Naseneingangs wurde anhand der präoperativen Computertomographie als virtuelles 3‑D-Modell rekonstruiert. Die verwendete Open-Source-Software (3-D-Sclicer) ermöglichte die einfache und schnelle Rekonstruktion sowie Anpassung zum Druck des 3‑D-Modells mittels transparenten Kunststoffs (MED610; stratasys Ltd., MN, USA).

Ergebnisse

Die als Epithesenanker verwendete Titan-Brückenplatte (MEDICON) konnte am 3‑D-Druck des Mittelgesichts äußerst präzise vorangepasst werden. Wichtige anatomische Strukturen wurden geschont und die Verschraubungspunkte entsprechend der gegebenen Knochendicke gewählt. Die Implantation der vorangepassten Titanplatte erfolgte komplikationslos ohne weitere intraoperative Anpassungen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Voranpassung plattenbasierter Ankersysteme für faziale Epithesen am 3‑D-Druck des Mittelgesichts überwindet deren Nachteile einer aufwendigen ggf. unpräzisen intraoperativen individuellen Anpassung. Diese Methode spielt die Vorteile der besseren Kraftverteilung durch mehr mögliche Verschraubungen, auch in dünnerem Knochen, weiter aus und kann somit Implantatlockerungen vorbeugen. Zudem ermöglicht die Voranpassung am 3‑D-Modell die bessere Identifikation und Schonung wichtiger anatomischer Strukturen und spart Op.-Zeit ein.
Ambulantisierungspotenzial stationärer Fälle einer universitären Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie
Authors: Henkelmann Jeanette , Henkelmann Ralf , von Dercks Nikolaus
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Durch das Reformgesetz des Medizinischen Dienstes der Kassen (MDK) soll u. a. eine Verlagerung bislang stationär erbrachter Leistungen in den ambulanten Versorgungsektor bzw. die Versorgung nach §115b SGB V umgesetzt werden. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Untersuchung bestimmter Gruppen stationärer Fälle eines universitären Maximalversorgers für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, die das Risiko einer operativen Ambulantisierung tragen.

Methodik

Die Datenerfassung mittels SAP Data Warehouse umfasst alle stationären Fälle 2017–2019. Es erfolgt die Subgruppenanalyse der Krankenhausleistungsparameter von 3 potenziellen Risikogruppen (RG): 1) primäre Fehlbelegungen, 2) Katalogleistungen der AOP-Kategorie 1 und/oder 2 sowie 3) elektive Eintagesfälle als hypothetische Risikogruppe. Zudem erfolgt eine Analyse epidemiologischer und ökonomischer Parameter.

Ergebnisse

Eine primäre Fehlbelegung (RG 1) wurde vom MDK in 245 Fällen beanstandet. RG 2 umfasst 764 Fälle und RG 3 891 Fälle. Das Kollektiv wies ein Durchschnittsalter von 45,5 ± 17,7 Jahren auf und zeigte in 90 % keine relevanten Nebendiagnosen (PCCL 0). Der Hauptanteil der Fälle ließ sich den DRG I23B und I21Z (Entfernung von Osteosynthesematerial, 15–23 %) zuordnen, nachfolgend offenen oder arthroskopischen Eingriffen an den Extremitäten (DRG I32F, I32G, I24Z, I18B, 6–9 %). Im Falle einer zunehmenden Ambulantisierung ergibt sich ein potenzielles Erlösrisiko 2017 von 1.049.207 €, 2018 von 1.076.727 € und 2019 von 923.163 €.

Schlussfolgerung

Einzelne Gruppen haben ein erhöhtes Transferpotenzial in bestimmten DRG für ambulante Operationen. Eine proaktive Patientensteuerung in Bezug auf ambulante vs. stationäre Behandlung sowie ein besonderes Management personeller und räumlicher Ressourcen sind notwendig, um nachgelagerte Erlöskürzungen zu antizipieren.
Do minimum wages improve self-rated health? Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Hafner Lucas , Lochner Benjamin
Published: August 2021

We analyze whether the introduction of the general minimum wage in Germany in 2015 had an effect on workers’ self-rated health. To this end, we use survey data linked to administrative employment records and apply difference-in-differences regressions combined with propensity score matching. This approach enables us to control for a vast set of potential confounding variables. We find a health improving effect among the individuals who were most likely to be affected by the reform. Our results indicate that workers’ improved satisfaction with pay, their reduced working hours, and a reduction in time pressure at work may drive this result.
Analytical performance of aPROMISE: automated anatomic contextualization, detection, and quantification of [18F]DCFPyL (PSMA) imaging for standardized reporting
Authors: Johnsson Kerstin , Brynolfsson Johan , Sahlstedt Hannicka , Nickols Nicholas G. , Rettig Matthew , Probst Stephan , Morris Michael J. , Bjartell Anders , Eiber Mathias , Anand Aseem
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The application of automated image analyses could improve and facilitate standardization and consistency of quantification in [18F]DCFPyL (PSMA) PET/CT scans. In the current study, we analytically validated aPROMISE, a software as a medical device that segments organs in low-dose CT images with deep learning, and subsequently detects and quantifies potential pathological lesions in PSMA PET/CT.

Methods

To evaluate the deep learning algorithm, the automated segmentations of the low-dose CT component of PSMA PET/CT scans from 20 patients were compared to manual segmentations. Dice scores were used to quantify the similarities between the automated and manual segmentations. Next, the automated quantification of tracer uptake in the reference organs and detection and pre-segmentation of potential lesions were evaluated in 339 patients with prostate cancer, who were all enrolled in the phase II/III OSPREY study. Three nuclear medicine physicians performed the retrospective independent reads of OSPREY images with aPROMISE. Quantitative consistency was assessed by the pairwise Pearson correlations and standard deviation between the readers and aPROMISE. The sensitivity of detection and pre-segmentation of potential lesions was evaluated by determining the percent of manually selected abnormal lesions that were automatically detected by aPROMISE.

Results

The Dice scores for bone segmentations ranged from 0.88 to 0.95. The Dice scores of the PSMA PET/CT reference organs, thoracic aorta and liver, were 0.89 and 0.97, respectively. Dice scores of other visceral organs, including prostate, were observed to be above 0.79. The Pearson correlation for blood pool reference was higher between any manual reader and aPROMISE, than between any pair of manual readers. The standard deviations of reference organ uptake across all patients as determined by aPROMISE (SD = 0.21 blood pool and SD = 1.16 liver) were lower compared to those of the manual readers. Finally, the sensitivity of aPROMISE detection and pre-segmentation was 91.5% for regional lymph nodes, 90.6% for all lymph nodes, and 86.7% for bone in metastatic patients.

Conclusion

In this analytical study, we demonstrated the segmentation accuracy of the deep learning algorithm, the consistency in quantitative assessment across multiple readers, and the high sensitivity in detecting potential lesions. The study provides a foundational framework for clinical evaluation of aPROMISE in standardized reporting of PSMA PET/CT.
Ruxolitinib-treated polycythemia vera patients and their risk of secondary malignancies
Authors: Sekhri Rohit , Sadjadian Parvis , Becker Tatjana , Kolatzki Vera , Huenerbein Karlo , Meixner Raphael , Marchi Hannah , Wallmann Rudolf , Fuchs Christiane , Griesshammer Martin , Wille Kai
Published: August 2021

Recently, there has been increased concern about a risk of secondary malignancies (SM) occurring in myelofibrosis (MF) patients receiving ruxolitinib (RUX). In polycythemia vera (PV), on the other hand, only limited data on the risk of SM under RUX treatment are available. To investigate the association between RUX therapy in PV and SM, we conducted a retrospective, single-center study that included 289 PV patients. RUX was administered to 32.9% (95/289) of patients for a median treatment duration of 48.0 months (range 1.0–101.6). Within a median follow-up of 97 months (1.0–395.0) after PV diagnosis, 24 SM occurred. Comparing the number of PV patients with RUX-associated SM (n = 10, 41.7%) with the 14 (58.3%) patients who developed SM without RUX, no significant difference (p = 0.34, chi square test) was found. No increased incidences of melanoma, lymphoma, or solid “non-skin” malignancies were observed with RUX (p = 0.31, p = 0.60, and p = 0.63, respectively, chi square test). However, significantly more NMSC occurred in association with RUX treatment (p = 0.03, chi-squared test). The “SM-free survival” was not significantly different by log rank test for all 289 patients (p = 0.65), for the patients (n = 208; 72%) receiving cytoreductive therapy (p = 0.48) or for different therapy sequences (p = 0.074). In multivariate analysis, advanced age at PV diagnosis (HR 1.062 [95% CI 1.028, 1.098]) but not administration of RUX (HR 1.068 [95% CI 0.468, 2.463]) was associated with an increased risk for SM (p = 0.005). According to this retrospective analysis, no increased risk of SM due to RUX treatment could be substantiated for PV.
Femtosecond laser semi-assisted Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty: 2-year outcomes of endothelial cell loss and graft survival
Authors: Wang Ting , Shi Peiyan , Li Fengjie , Gao Hua , Li Suxia , Liu Tong , Shi Weiyun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To assess 2-year endothelial cell loss and graft survival after femtosecond laser semi-assisted Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (FLS-DSEK).

Methods

In this prospective and noncomparative study carried out at Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, 85 eyes (84 patients) with endothelial dysfunction receiving FLS-DSEK (n=62, 75.9%) or FLS-DSEK combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation (n=23, 27.1%) from 2013 through 2016 were included. The graft endothelial cell loss, endothelial graft thickness, visual acuity, and complications after surgery were evaluated.

Results

Thin endothelial grafts were all successfully prepared, with no occurrence of perforation. The rate of endothelial cell loss was 17.4%, 18.8%, 19.9%, and 26.7%, and the central graft thickness was 113±54 μm, 102±40 μm, 101±28 μm, and 96±23 μm at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The median best-corrected visual acuity was 0.4 logMAR (range, 0–2 logMAR) at 24 months, demonstrating a significant difference from that before surgery (2 logMAR; range, 0.2–3 logMAR) (T=187.5, P<.001). Partial graft dislocation was the most common postoperative complication, with an occurrence rate of 14% (n=12), and it was associated with an abnormal iris-lens diaphragm (r=.35, P<.001). The other complications included a high intraocular pressure (n=5, 6%), endothelial graft rejection (n=4, 5%), and pupillary block (n=1, 1%). Endothelial graft decompensation occurred in the two eyes, and 98% (n=83) of the grafts survived at 24 months.

Conclusions

Data of the study suggest that the treatment using FLS-DSEK seems to be promising and might be considered a feasible choice in patients with endothelial dysfunction.

Trial registration

1. Date of registration: 2021-02-18

2. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100044091

3. Registration site: https://www.chictr.org.cn/
The feasibility of energy autonomy for municipalities: local energy system optimisation and upscaling with cluster and regression analyses
Authors: Weinand Jann Michael , McKenna Russell , Fichtner Wolf
Published: August 2021

The sheer number of alternative technologies and measures make the optimal planning of energy system transformations highly complex, requiring decision support from mathematical optimisation models. Due to the high computational expenses of these models, only individual case studies are usually examined. In this article, the approach from the author’s PhD thesis to transfer the optimisation results from individual case studies to many other energy systems is summarised. In the first step, a typology of the energy systems to be investigated was created. Based on this typology, representative energy systems were selected and analysed in an energy system optimisation model. In the third step, the results of the representative case studies were transferred to all other energy systems. This approach was applied to a case study for determining the minimum costs of energy system transformation for all 11,131 German municipalities from 2015 to 2035 in the completely energy autonomous case. While a technical potential to achieve energy autonomy is present in 56% of the German municipalities, energy autonomy shows only low economic potential under current energy-political conditions. However, energy system costs in the autonomous case can be greatly reduced by the installation and operation of base-load technologies like deep-geothermal plants combined with district heating networks. The developed approach can be applied to any type of energy system and should help decision makers, policy makers and researchers to estimate optimal results for a variety of energy systems using practical computational expenses.
Assessing the association between vitamin D receptor and dental age variability
Authors: Küchler Erika Calvano , Carelli Julia , Morais Nathaly D. , Brancher João Armando , de França Lopes Celia Maria Condeixa , Baratto-Filho Flares , Paddenberg Eva , de Menezes Oliveira Maria Angélica Hueb , Moro Alexandre , Kirschneck Christian
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To explore the association between genetic polymorphisms invitamin D receptor(VDR), vitamin D serum levels, and variability in dental age.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study was based on an oral examination, panoramic radiograph analysis, and genotype analysis from biological samples. Dental age was evaluated using two different methods: Demirjian et al. (Hum Biol 45:211–227, 1973) and Hofmann et al. (J Orofac Orthop.78:97–111, 2017). The genetic polymorphisms BglI (rs739837) and FokI (rs2228570) inVDRwere genotyped through real-time PCR. The vitamin D level was also measured in the serum. Delta (dental age–chronological age) was compared among genotypes inVDRin the co-dominant model. Multiple linear regression analysis was also performed. An established alpha of 5% was used.

Results

Genotype distributions of BglI and FokI were not associated with dental maturity (p > 0.05). In the logistic regression analyses, genotypes in BglI and FokI and vitamin D levels were not associated with variability in dental age (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The genetic polymorphisms BglI and FokI inVDRand the vitamin D levels were not associated with variability in dental age.

Clinical relevance

To unravel the factors involved in dental maturity can improve dental treatment planning in pediatric and orthodontic practice.
6G and the UN SDGs: Where is the Connection?
Authors: Matinmikko-Blue Marja , Yrjölä Seppo , Ahokangas Petri , Ojutkangas Kirsi , Rossi Elina
Published: August 2021

Sustainability has entered all aspects of life, calling for an active approach from the wireless and mobile communications community to help in solving fundamental challenges facing societies. Societal, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability have become increasingly important design criteria in developing future technologies, along with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) framework that sets specific goals and targets to be achieved by 2030. The role of mobile communications is important in supporting nations and organizations in meeting the UN SDGs in a timely manner, but the whole ICT sector itself, with its critical role as the backbone of society, can create a significant sustainability burden. Research on the next-generation mobile communication networks (6G) has started, aiming at first deployments in 2030, in a new era where sustainability defines its development. Therefore, sustainability, especially through the UN SDGs, and the future 6G wireless networks, cannot be treated in isolation, but a clear connection between them is urgently needed. This paper extends from traditional green communications and energy efficiency considerations in wireless communications to establishing a close connection between 6G and the triple bottom line of economic sustainability, societal sustainability, and environmental sustainability. The paper outlines open research challenges for sustainable 6G development and provides a set of research questions encouraging especially the researchers and engineers in the wireless and mobile communications community to address to realize a sustainable future.
Mechanical design and analysis of a novel variable stiffness actuator with symmetrical pivot adjustment
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Cui Shipeng , Sun Yongjun
Published: August 2021

The safety of human-robot interaction is an essential requirement for designing collaborative robotics. Thus, this paper aims to design a novel variable stiffness actuator (VSA) that can provide safer physical human-robot interaction for collaborative robotics. VSA follows the idea of modular design, mainly including a variable stiffness module and a drive module. The variable stiffness module transmits the motion from the drive module in a roundabout manner, making the modularization of VSA possible. As the key component of the variable stiffness module, a stiffness adjustment mechanism with a symmetrical structure is applied to change the positions of a pair of pivots in two levers linearly and simultaneously, which can eliminate the additional bending moment caused by the asymmetric structure. The design of the double-deck grooves in the lever allows the pivot to move freely in the groove, avoiding the geometric constraint between the parts. Consequently, the VSA stiffness can change from zero to infinity as the pivot moves from one end of the groove to the other. To facilitate building a manipulator in the future, an expandable electrical system with a distributed structure is also proposed. Stiffness calibration and control experiments are performed to evaluate the physical performance of the designed VSA. Experiment results show that the VSA stiffness is close to the theoretical design stiffness. Furthermore, the VSA with a proportional-derivative feedback plus feedforward controller exhibits a fast response for stiffness regulation and a good performance for position tracking.
The geometric phase in nonlinear frequency conversion
Authors: Karnieli Aviv , Li Yongyao , Arie Ady
Published: August 2021

The geometric phase of light has been demonstrated in various platforms of the linear optical regime, raising interest both for fundamental science as well as applications, such as flat optical elements. Recently, the concept of geometric phases has been extended to nonlinear optics, following advances in engineering both bulk nonlinear photonic crystals and nonlinear metasurfaces. These new technologies offer a great promise of applications for nonlinear manipulation of light. In this review, we cover the recent theoretical and experimental advances in the field of geometric phases accompanying nonlinear frequency conversion. We first consider the case of bulk nonlinear photonic crystals, in which the interaction between propagating waves is quasi-phase-matched, with an engineerable geometric phase accumulated by the light. Nonlinear photonic crystals can offer efficient and robust frequency conversion in both the linearized and fully-nonlinear regimes of interaction, and allow for several applications including adiabatic mode conversion, electromagnetic nonreciprocity and novel topological effects for light. We then cover the rapidly-growing field of nonlinear Pancharatnam-Berry metasurfaces, which allow the simultaneous nonlinear generation and shaping of light by using ultrathin optical elements with subwavelength phase and amplitude resolution. We discuss the macroscopic selection rules that depend on the rotational symmetry of the constituent meta-atoms, the order of the harmonic generations, and the change in circular polarization. Continuous geometric phase gradients allow the steering of light beams and shaping of their spatial modes. More complex designs perform nonlinear imaging and multiplex nonlinear holograms, where the functionality is varied according to the generated harmonic order and polarization. Recent advancements in the fabrication of three dimensional nonlinear photonic crystals, as well as the pursuit of quantum light sources based on nonlinear metasurfaces, offer exciting new possibilities for novel nonlinear optical applications based on geometric phases.
Atto-Foxes and Other Minutiae
Authors: Fowler A. C.
Published: August 2021

This paper addresses the problem of extinction in continuous models of population dynamics associated with small numbers of individuals. We begin with an extended discussion of extinction in the particular case of a stochastic logistic model, and how it relates to the corresponding continuous model. Two examples of ‘small number dynamics’ are then considered. The first is what Mollison calls the ‘atto-fox’ problem (in a model of fox rabies), referring to the problematic theoretical occurrence of a predicted rabid fox density of$$10^{-18}$$10-18(atto-) per square kilometre. The second is how the production of large numbers of eggs by an individual can reliably lead to the eventual survival of a handful of adults, as it would seem that extinction then becomes a likely possibility. We describe the occurrence of the atto-fox problem in other contexts, such as the microbial ‘yocto-cell’ problem, and we suggest that the modelling resolution is to allow for the existence of a reservoir for the extinctively challenged individuals. This is functionally similar to the concept of a ‘refuge’ in predator–prey systems and represents a state for the individuals in which they are immune from destruction. For what I call the ‘frogspawn’ problem, where only a few individuals survive to adulthood from a large number of eggs, we provide a simple explanation based on a Holling type 3 response and elaborate it by means of a suitable nonlinear age-structured model.
Increased Fracture Risk After Bariatric Surgery: a Case-Controlled Study with a Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Alsaed Omar Suhail , Al-Allaf Abdul-Wahab , Elgenaied Isra , Jebril Rawand Abdelnaser , Sasi Sreethish , Ahmed Ashraf Omer , Boussarsar Rabab , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed , Abdulmomen Ibrahim , Elhag Wahiba , Alemadi Samar A. Al Razaq
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Bariatric surgeries are common procedures due to the high prevalence of obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether bariatric surgery increases fracture risk.

Material and Methods

It was a case-controlled study. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery during 2011 and 2012 were matched for age (± 5 years) and gender to patients on medical weight management during the same period with a ratio of 1:2. The index date was defined as the date of bariatric surgery for both groups. The subject’s electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively to identify fractures documented by radiology during January 2020.

Results

Randomly selected 403 cases were matched to 806 controls with a median age of 36.0 years (IQR 14.0) and 37.0 years (IQR 14.0), respectively. Seventy per cent of the cohort were females. Eighty per cent received sleeve gastrectomy, and the remaining (17%) underwent gastric bypass. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.6 years. The fracture rate was higher in the surgical group as compared to the controls (9.4% vs 3.5%) with a crude odds ratio of 2.71 (95% CI 1.69–4.36). The median duration for time to fracture was 4.17 years for the surgical group and 6.09 years for controls (p-value = 0.097). The most common site of fractures was feet, followed by hands. Apart from a few wrist fractures, there was no typical osteoporotic sites fracture.

Conclusion

Subjects who underwent bariatric procedures had more non-typical osteoporotic site fractures affecting mainly feet and hands, and fractures tend to occur earlier as compared to controls.

Graphical abstract