bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Evolution of soil arching during shield tunnelling in silty and sandy soils: A comparative study
Authors: Vinoth Mani , Aswathy Muraleedharan Syamala
Published: November 2022

During earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunnelling, a three‐dimensional stress redistribution occurs, which leads to development of soil arching. In this paper, development of soil arching by stress redistribution in two types of soils, silty and sandy soil is studied. A three‐dimensional numerical model was first developed and validated using the case study of the extension of Dwaraka Najafgarh Metro Corridor of Phase‐III of Delhi MRTS. Using the validated model numerous simplified numerical analyses were carried out to determine the evolution of soil arching in both silty and sandy soil. The variation in stresses (σxx,σyyandσzz), deformation and shear strain were evaluated and, on this basis, the extent of the loosened region and soil arching region was determined for both soil types. Furthermore, impact of different parameters (i.e., face pressure, grout pressure, C/D ratio and diameter of tunnel) on the evolution of loosened region above tunnel crown was assessed. Based on the numerical analysis, the extent of loosened region in the vertical direction for silty soil was determined to be 1.21D from the tunnel crown and the extent for the sandy soil was determined to be only 0.73D. While in the horizontal direction, the loosened region extends up to 0.72D and 0.37D for silty and sandy soils respectively. An optimal range of different parameters which must be adopted at the time EPB shield tunnelling in silty and sandy soil is recommended.
Superconductivity in Th–H and Pu–H Compounds under High‐Pressure Conditions: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Cui Huijuan , Li Menglei , Zheng Fawei , Zhang Ping
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen‐rich materials synthesized at megabar pressures have revolutionized the field of high‐temperature superconductivity. Among hydrogen‐rich materials, clathrate hydrides which show near‐room‐temperature superconductivity have been discovered in recent years. Herein, clathrate actinide hydrides are constructed, and their electronic properties and electron–phonon interaction as well as superconductivity under high pressures are theoretically investigated with density functional theory tools. The calculations adopt projected‐augmented‐wave (PAW) approach. The Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE)‐type generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is used for the exchange–correlation potentials. Specifically, Th–H and Pu–H compounds are presented, of which the stability is demonstrated via calculated phonon dispersions, and the superconducting transition temperatures Tc under 100, 200, and 400 GPa are estimated. ThH10 among Th–H compounds has the highest transition temperature of superconductivity, and Tc of ThH10 can reach 151.8 K under 200 GPa. PuH10 is also better than other investigated Pu–H compounds in superconductivity, but the highest Tc of PuH10 is only 31.4 K under 400 GPa, much lower than that of ThH10.
Influence of process parameters on sealing strength of polymer films in an innovative continuous heat sealing technology
Authors: Tannous Queen , Bereaux Yves , Mousseau Pierre
Published: November 2022

An innovative process for packaging films sealing has been recently promoted: Heat is provided on the upper side of the polymer films. In this paper, sealing conditions are studied for two PET‐PE films. Melting temperature of the sealant layer material was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), through both conventional and successive self nucleation and annealing procedures. Interface temperature was measured during sealing, and a temperature model was fitted to compute the effective sealing time for each process parameter. Unconventional T‐peel tests were established with disk‐shaped seal samples. Strengths of the seals formed for different process parameters were measured. Results have shown that the melting temperature measured by DSC (108° C and 99° C for PE70 and PE120, respectively) is the seal initiation temperature of the materials. Results of T‐peel tests can be divided in two regions: A growth region where seal strength values increase, up to a threshold at which the seal strength is almost constant (20 N/10 mm). In the growth region, we propose a time–temperature relationship between seal strength, tool temperature, and effective sealing time in the form of an Arrhenius model
. The value of the time exponent
in the model is in agreement with what the chain diffusion theory predicted
.
Before Learning the Code: A Commentary on Sargiani, Ehri, and Maluf (RRQ, 2022)
Authors: Guo Teng , Vazeux Maria , Doignon‐Camus Nadège , Bosse Marie‐Line , Mahé Gwendoline , Zagar Daniel
Published: November 2022

In this commentary, we argue the importance of the period before learning the alphabetic code and develop a new theoretical framework for the cognitive processes involved at the very beginning of learning to read. According to our theory, prereaders begin to learn to read by associating letter clusters with concrete phonological units such as syllables, a process we refer to as “building the syllabic bridge” (Doignon‐Camus & Zagar, 2014). This procedure may trigger statistical learning to extract regularities of grapheme–phoneme correspondences. We assume that statistical learning facilitates access to phonemic awareness and then the acquisition of the alphabetic code. Our arguments are partly based on the comparison between the studies conducted by Vazeux et al. (2020) and Sargiani et al. (2022), whose results might have seemed contradictory at first sight. Finally, we suggest pedagogical implications and some perspectives for future research.
An identified agronomic interpretation for potassium permanganate oxidizable carbon
Authors: Svedin Jeffrey D. , Veum Kristen S. , Ransom Curtis J. , Kitchen Newell R. , Anderson Stephen H.
Published: November 2022

The absence of clear empirical relationships between soil health and agronomic outcomes remains an obstacle to widespread adoption of soil health assessments in row crop systems. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine whether soil health indicators are connected to corn (Zea mays L.) productivity and (2) establish interpretive benchmarks for soil health indicators in Missouri. The objectives were accomplished by collecting corn grain yield at 446 monitoring sites (37 m2) in 84 commercial production fields in 2018–2020. Soil health and soil fertility samples were collected prior to planting at each site. These data, along with site‐specific soil and weather data, were modeled using traditional stepwise regression and nonparametric random forest (RF) and conditional inference forest (CIF) approaches. Root‐mean‐square errors were similar (1.4–1.5 Mg ha−1) with distinct R2 improvements over stepwise regression for both CIF (R2 = 0.45) and RF (R2 = 0.46) algorithms. Only seasonal rainfall and potassium permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) were included as top factors governing grain productivity in each model approach, thus demonstrating a regionally robust empirical relationship between POXC and grain productivity. Partial dependency analysis and two decision tree approaches identified 415 mg POXC kg−1 as a threshold for maximum grain productivity, providing a framework for regional interpretation of on‐farm soil health assessments. Little evidence was found connecting grain productivity with autoclaved citrate extractable protein and soil respiration. These findings underscore the power of POXC as an emerging soil health indicator to assess and quantify soil management effects on grain productivity.
Fire exclusion reduces A‐horizon thickness in a long‐term prescribed fire experiment in Spodosols of northern Florida, USA
Authors: Taylor Melanie K. , Strother Dexter J. , Callaham Mac A.
Published: November 2022

Fire influences soils, but it is difficult to attribute long‐term changes in soils to fire, given the short duration, and irregular return interval of most fires. Prescribed fire, in which landscapes are intentionally burned, offer some experimental control, but study sites where prescribed fire has been applied systematically over decades are rare. We had the opportunity to investigate the effects of prescribed fire on soil horizon thickness in Spodosols from a long‐term study in northern Florida, USA, in which three prescribed fire frequency treatments (1, 2, or 4 years) and an unburned control have been continuously maintained in replicated experimental plots for the last 60 years. We found that the thickness of the A horizon in these soils was diminished in the unburned control plots, relative to those in plots receiving regular fire treatments. While conclusions based on one morphological measurement, thickness, certainly have limitations, drivers of this peculiar finding may have implications for carbon storage and vulnerability in these fire‐maintained landscapes.
Learn from the leadership of U.S. presidents
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: November 2022

While in Dallas recently, I had some time to kill before my flight back to Atlanta. Just down the street from Love Field Airport is the Southern Methodist University campus, which hosts the George W. Bush Presidential Center. I'd never been to a presidential library before and decided to venture inside.
Unexpected FERPA questions lead to surprising answers
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: November 2022

Several years ago, I was conducting a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act training session for student services personnel at a large state college.
Fluorine Substitution Promotes Air‐Stability of P'2‐Type Layered Cathodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Xuchun , Zheng Siyu , Liu Pei , Sun Zhiqin , Zhu Kunjie , Li Haixia , Liu Yongchang , Jiao Lifang
Published: November 2022

As one of the most promising cathode materials in sodium‐ion batteries, manganese‐based layered oxides have aroused wide attention due to their high specific capacity and plentiful reserves. However, they are plagued by poor air stability rooting in water/Na+ exchange and adverse structural reconstruction, hindering their practical applications. Herein, it is demonstrated that utilizing fluorine to substitute oxygen atoms can narrow the interlayer spacing of novel P'2‐Na0.67MnO1.97F0.03 (NMOF) cathode material, which resists the attack of water molecules, significantly prolonging exposure time in air. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation results indicate that fluorine substitution alleviates the insertion of water molecules and spontaneous extraction of Na+ effectively. Benefiting from the structural modulation, NMOF can deliver a high specific capacity of 227.1 mAh g‐1 at 20 mA g‐1 and a promising capacity retention of 84.0% after 100 cycles at 200 mA g‐1. This facile and available strategy provides a feasible way to strengthen the air‐stability and expands the scope of practical applications of layered oxide cathodes.
Recurrent liver abscessation in a dog with an incompletely resected hepatocellular adenoma
Authors: Rosen Sydney , Lumbrezer‐Johnson Sarah , Hostnik Eric , Salyer Sarah , Selmic Laura E.
Published: November 2022

A 10‐year‐old, male, neutered, mixed breed dog was diagnosed with septic peritonitis secondary to a liver abscess. Left lateral and medial liver lobectomies were performed and histopathology revealed an incompletely excised hepatocellular adenoma with multifocal septic, suppurative (neutrophilic) inflammation. Eight months later, the dog was presented again and was found to have septic peritonitis. Computed tomography showed recurrent right hepatic abscessation. Abdominal explore and right medial liver lobectomy were performed. Following surgery, disseminated intravascular coagulation was suspected, the patient declined in neurologic and respiratory status. The owner elected humane euthanasia. Postmortem examination showed locally extensive pyogranulomatous hepatitis with necrosis and intralesional rod bacteria, and recurrent hepatocellular adenoma. This case represents recurrence of hepatic abscessation in a dog, 8 months after the first liver lobectomy. This case report highlights clinical findings associated with septic peritonitis secondary to hepatic abscessation and discusses diagnostic and treatment options explored in veterinary and human medicine.
Theoretical and Practical Research in the Context of Regional Synergistic Development
Authors: Zhou Long , Li Bin , Li Sihong , Lei Ngan Leng , Cheong Kengfong
Published: November 2022

This chapter provides a research overview of the related theoretical concepts and practical examples of synergistic regional development. The solution to regional development imbalances from the path of regional cooperation is one of the main objectives of this theory. It provides theories on how regions can develop synergistic collaboration in the areas of economic, environmental and social structures and how these theories can be practised into practical strategic implementation programmes for sustainable regional development. Firstly, we introduce the conceptual and theoretical background of synergistic regional development in the form of urban agglomeration discussed from the perspective of the urban planning discipline. Then we analyse and evaluate cases of synergistic regional development that reflect the research results of regional cooperation. Finally, we explain the advantages and difficulties of forming a synergistic development of Hengqin and Macao.
Cooperation Planning System for Hengqin and Macao
Authors: Zhou Long , Li Bin , Li Sihong , Lei Ngan Leng , Cheong Kengfong
Published: November 2022

The planning system, as a crucial instrument for the government to lead spatial development, is differently designed and operated in Hengqin and Macao within the ‘One Country, Two Systems’. To ensure the cooperation of these two systems, experience from international and domestic cases as cross-border cooperation of planning will be analysed. Four aspects of the planning system, namely legal system, formulating plans, planning management and planning practice, are comparatively studied in Hengqin and Macao. The master plan is employed as an example to display the similarities and differences between planning systems in these two regions. From the analyses, this chapter proposes suggestions to contribute to future planning-led development in Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Diabetes and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khunti Kamlesh , Valabhji Jonathan , Misra Shivani
Published: November 2022

Almost immediately after the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus emerged, it was evident that people with chronic diseases, including diabetes, were disproportionately affected, with an increased risk of hospitalisation and mortality. Over the ensuing 2 years, the indirect effects of the pandemic on healthcare delivery in the short term have become prominent, along with the lingering effects of the virus in those directly infected. In the wake of the pandemic and without any evidence from high quality studies, a number of national and international consensus recommendations were published, which were subsequently rapidly updated based on observational studies. There have been unprecedented disruptions from both direct and indirect impacts of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in people with diabetes. In this review, we summarise the impact of acute COVID-19 in people with diabetes, discuss how the presentation and epidemiology during the pandemic, including presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis and new-onset diabetes, has changed, and we consider the wider impact of the pandemic on patients and healthcare service delivery, including some of the areas of uncertainty. Finally, we make recommendations on prioritising patients as we move into the recovery phase and also how we protect people with diabetes for the future, as COVID-19 is likely to become endemic.

Graphical abstract
The association between social class and the impact of treatment for mental health problems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Barnett Phoebe , Oshinowo Iyinoluwa , Cooper Christopher , Taylor Clare , Smith Shubulade , Pilling Stephen
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to synthesise all quantitative literature on the association between social class and the effectiveness of interventions for mental health disorders.

Methods

Systematic literature searches (inception-March 2021) were conducted across 7 databases, and all quantitative studies meeting inclusion criteria, examining the impact of social class on access to treatment, or intervention effectiveness, or the impact of treatment on social mobility, were synthesised narratively.

Results

Evidence suggests that lower social class may be associated with reduced access to primary and secondary mental health care and increased likelihood of access via crisis services, and patients of lower social class may not benefit from all mental health interventions, with reduced effectiveness. While limited, there was some indication that psychosocial interventions could encourage increased employment rates.

Conclusion

Social class is associated with the effectiveness of psychological interventions, and should be considered when designing new interventions to prevent barriers to access and improve effectiveness.
“The wrong tools for the right job”: a critical meta-analysis of traditional tests to assess behavioural impacts of maternal separation
Authors: Stupart Olivia , Robbins Trevor W. , Dalley Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Unconditioned tasks in rodents have been the mainstay of behavioural assessment for decades, but their validity and sensitivity to detect the behavioural consequences of early life stress (ELS) remains contentious and highly variable.

Objectives

In the present study, we carried out a meta-analysis to investigate whether persistent behavioural effects, as assessed using unconditioned procedures in rats, are a reliable consequence of early repeated maternal separation, a commonly used procedure in rodents to study ELS.

Methods

A literature search identified 100 studies involving maternally separated rats and the following unconditioned procedures: the elevated plus maze (EPM); open field test (OFT); sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swim task (FST). Studies were included for analysis if the separation of offspring from the dam was at least 60 min every day during the pre-weaning period prior to the start of adolescence.

Results

Our findings show that unconditioned tasks are generally poor at consistently demonstrating differences between control and separated groups with pooled effect sizes that were either small or non-existent (EPM: Hedge’s g =  − 0.35, p = 0.01, OFT: Hedge’s g =  − 0.32, p = 0.05, SPT: Hedge’s g =  − 0.33, p = 0.21, FST: Hedge’s g = 0.99, p = 0.0001). Despite considerable procedural variability between studies, heterogeneity statistics were low; indicating the lack of standardization in the maternal separation protocol was the not the cause of these inconsistent effects.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that in general, unconditioned tests of depression and anxiety are not sufficient to reveal the full behavioural repertoire of maternal separation stress should not be relied upon in isolation. We argue that more objective tasks that sensitively detect specific cognitive processes are better suited for translational research on stress-related disorders such as depression.
Chimney Versus Fenestrated Endovascular Versus Open Repair for Juxta/Pararenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Systematic Review and Network Meta‐analysis of the Short‐term Results
Authors: Zlatanovic Petar , Jovanovic Aleksa , Tripodi Paolo , Davidovic Lazar
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The aim of this systematic review and network meta‐analysis was to compare the short‐term results of fenestrated endovascular repair (FEVAR), chimney endovascular repair (ChEVAR), and open surgery (OS) for patients with juxta/pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAA/PAAA).

Materials and methods

MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 1 July 2022. Any comparative studies investigating the results of two or three treatment strategies (ChEVAR, FEVAR, or OS) on clinical outcomes for patients with JAAA/PAAA were included. Analysed outcomes were 30‐day mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and bowel ischaemia (BI).

Results

A total of 22 studies with 8853 patients were included in the analysis. FEVAR (OR = 0.58, 95%CrI 0.36–0.82) and ChEVAR (OR = 0.56, 95%CrI 0.28–1.02) were associated with lower 30‐day mortality than OS. FEVAR (OR = 0.54, 95%CrI 0.33–0.85) was associated with lower risk of AKI than OS. FEVAR (OR = 0.43, 95%CrI 0.20–0.89) and ChEVAR (OR = 0.34, 95%CrI 0.10–0.93) compared to OS were associated with lower rates of BI. FEVAR (OR = 0.67, 95%CrI 0.49–0.90) and ChEVAR (OR = 0.61, 95%CrI 0.35–1.02) were associated with lower 30‐day MACE risk than OS. FEVAR was associated with a higher rate of SCI compared to OS (OR = 4.90, 95%CrI 1.55–19.17).

Conclusion

We found a clear benefit for FEVAR and ChEVAR versus OS in terms of reduced 30‐day mortality, BI, and MACE, as well as AKI for FEVAR. This suggests that higher‐risk patients might benefit from endovascular treatment of JAAA/PAAA; however, should be applied in clinical practice with caution, since long‐term outcomes were outside of the scope of this review.
Free water corrected diffusion tensor imaging discriminates between good and poor outcomes of comatose patients after cardiac arrest
Authors: Keijzer Hanneke M. , Duering Marco , Pasternak Ofer , Meijer Frederick J. A. , Verhulst Marlous M. L. H. , Tonino Bart A. R. , Blans Michiel J. , Hoedemaekers Cornelia W. E. , Klijn Catharina J. M. , Hofmeijer Jeannette
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Approximately 50% of comatose patients after cardiac arrest never regain consciousness. Cerebral ischaemia may lead to cytotoxic and/or vasogenic oedema, which can be detected by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Here, we evaluate the potential value of free water corrected mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) based on DTI, for the prediction of neurological recovery of comatose patients after cardiac arrest.

Methods

A total of 50 patients after cardiac arrest were included in this prospective cohort study in two Dutch hospitals. DTI was obtained 2–4 days after cardiac arrest. Outcome was assessed at 6 months, dichotomised as poor (cerebral performance category 3–5; n = 20) or good (n = 30) neurological outcome. We calculated the whole brain mean MD and FA and compared between patients with good and poor outcomes. In addition, we compared a preliminary prediction model based on clinical parameters with or without the addition of MD and FA.

Results

We found significant differences between patients with good and poor outcome of mean MD (good: 726 [702–740] × 10-6 mm2/s vs. poor: 663 [575–736] × 10-6 mm2/s; p = 0.01) and mean FA (0.30 ± 0.03 vs. 0.28 ± 0.03; p = 0.03). An exploratory prediction model combining clinical parameters, MD and FA increased the sensitivity for reliable prediction of poor outcome from 60 to 85%, compared to the model containing clinical parameters only, but confidence intervals are overlapping.

Conclusions

Free water-corrected MD and FA discriminate between patients with good and poor outcomes after cardiac arrest and hold the potential to add to multimodal outcome prediction.

Key Points

• Whole brain mean MD and FA differ between patients with good and poor outcome after cardiac arrest.

• Free water-corrected MD can better discriminate between patients with good and poor outcome than uncorrected MD.

• A combination of free water-corrected MD (sensitive to grey matter abnormalities) and FA (sensitive to white matter abnormalities) holds potential to add to the prediction of outcome.
Finite-Data Error Bounds for Koopman-Based Prediction and Control
Authors: Nüske Feliks , Peitz Sebastian , Philipp Friedrich , Schaller Manuel , Worthmann Karl
Published: November 2022

The Koopman operator has become an essential tool for data-driven approximation of dynamical (control) systems, e.g., via extended dynamic mode decomposition. Despite its popularity, convergence results and, in particular, error bounds are still scarce. In this paper, we derive probabilistic bounds for the approximation error and the prediction error depending on the number of training data points, for both ordinary and stochastic differential equations while using either ergodic trajectories or i.i.d. samples. We illustrate these bounds by means of an example with the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Moreover, we extend our analysis to (stochastic) nonlinear control-affine systems. We prove error estimates for a previously proposed approach that exploits the linearity of the Koopman generator to obtain a bilinear surrogate control system and, thus, circumvents the curse of dimensionality since the system is not autonomized by augmenting the state by the control inputs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first finite-data error analysis in the stochastic and/or control setting. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the bilinear approach by comparing it with state-of-the-art techniques showing its superiority whenever state and control are coupled.
Changes in fatty acid levels after consumption of a novel docosahexaenoic supplement from algae: a crossover randomized controlled trial in omnivorous, lacto-ovo vegetarians and vegans
Authors: García-Maldonado Elena , Alcorta Alexandra , Zapatera Belén , Vaquero M. Pilar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To determine serum fatty acids of lacto-ovo vegetarian (LOV), vegan (VEG) and omnivorous (OMN) adults, and to analyse the effects of consuming a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplement of vegetable origin on fatty acid profile.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design was conducted in healthy adults. Volunteers (n = 116) were randomly assigned to a DHA-supplement (dose 250 mg/day), made from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., or a placebo during 5-week periods separated by a 5-week washout interim period. Compliance and dietary intake were estimated and serum fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. Results were analysed by mixed linear models.

Results

Percentage of linoleic acid (C18:2n6) in serum was the highest among the fatty acids in the three diet groups, followed by oleic (C18:1n9) and palmitic (C16:0) acids. Linoleic (C18:2n6) and alpha-linolenic (C18:3n3) acids were higher in VEG compared to OMN (p < 0.001), while in LOV, their levels were intermediate between the other groups. Women presented higher DHA (C22:6n3) than men (p < 0.001). The DHA-supplement increased serum DHA compared to placebo in the three diet groups (p < 0.001), and a higher increase was observed in VEG followed by LOV (p < 0.001). The ratio serum n-6/n-3 improved by the supplementation but remained higher in LOV and VEG than in OMN. In contrast, the DHA-supplement decreased docosapentaenoic (C22:5n3) and docosatetraenoic (C22:4n6) acids in all diet groups (p < 0.001) and increased the eicosapentaenoic to alpha-linolenic fatty acids ratio (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

The DHA-supplement at dose of 250 mg/day was effective in increasing serum DHA either in omnivorous, lacto-ovo vegetarian and vegan adults.

Clinical trial registration

Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov), NCT04278482.
Survival of sharp force trauma in burnt bones: effects of environmental factors
Authors: Vachirawongsakorn Vijarn , Márquez-Grant Nicholas , Painter Jonathan
Published: November 2022

This study investigates how environmental variables, such as temperature and rainfall, affect previously induced cut marks on burnt bones. This research used non-serrated and serrated blade knives to inflict trauma on Sus scrofa ribs (n = 240). The bones were later burnt and left for 1 month in a taphonomic experimental facility. Qualitative and quantitative examinations were conducted using macroscopic and microscopic techniques to assess specific characteristics of the cut marks. Any changes to the dimension and morphology of the cut marks as well as their level of fragmentation were recorded.

This study has led to three important outcomes: (1) identification of pre-existing cut marks is possible in reconstructed burnt bone fragments; (2) cut marks from different types of knife blades showed dissimilar responses to heat and the environment; and (3) specific environmental variables affect burnt bone fragmentation. These results have implications for trauma analysis on burnt remains in forensic anthropology casework.
Multidomain cognitive impairment in non-hospitalized patients with the post-COVID-19 syndrome: results from a prospective monocentric cohort
Authors: Schild Ann-Katrin , Goereci Yasemin , Scharfenberg Daniel , Klein Kim , Lülling Joachim , Meiberth Dix , Schweitzer Finja , Stürmer Sophie , Zeyen Philip , Sahin Derya , Fink Gereon R. , Jessen Frank , Franke Christiana , Onur Oezguer A. , Kessler Josef , Warnke Clemens , Maier Franziska
Published: November 2022

Background

A fraction of patients with asymptomatic to mild/moderate acute COVID-19 disease report cognitive deficits as part of the post-COVID-19 syndrome. This study aimed to assess the neuropsychological profile of these patients.

Methods

Assessment at baseline (three months or more following acute COVID-19) of a monocentric prospective cohort of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Multidomain neuropsychological tests were performed, and questionnaires on depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and general health status were administered.

Results

Of the 58 patients screened, six were excluded due to possible alternative causes of cognitive impairment (major depression, neurodegenerative disease). Of the remaining 52 individuals, only one had a below-threshold screening result on Mini-Mental State Examination, and 13 scored below the cut-off on Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Extended neuropsychological testing revealed a neurocognitive disorder (NCD) in 31 (59.6%) participants with minor NCD in the majority of cases (n = 26). In patients with NCD, the cognitive domains learning/memory and executive functions were impaired in 60.7%, complex attention in 51.6%, language in 35.5%, and perceptual-motor function in 29.0%. Cognitive profiles were associated with daytime sleepiness but not with depression, anxiety, sleep quality, total general health status, or fatigue.

Conclusion

Neurocognitive impairment can be confirmed in around 60% of individuals with self-reported deficits as part of post-COVID-19 syndrome following a mild acute COVID-19 disease course. Notably, screening tests cannot reliably detect this dysfunction. Standard psychiatric assessments showed no association with cognitive profiles. Longitudinal studies are needed to further evaluate the course of neurocognitive deficits and clarify pathophysiology.
Smartphone video nystagmography using convolutional neural networks: ConVNG
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian U. , Schneider Erich , Buerklein Miriam , Taeger Johannes , Hartig Johannes , Volkmann Jens , Peach Robert , Zeller Daniel
Published: November 2022

Background

Eye movement abnormalities are commonplace in neurological disorders. However, unaided eye movement assessments lack granularity. Although videooculography (VOG) improves diagnostic accuracy, resource intensiveness precludes its broad use. To bridge this care gap, we here validate a framework for smartphone video-based nystagmography capitalizing on recent computer vision advances.

Methods

A convolutional neural network was fine-tuned for pupil tracking using > 550 annotated frames: ConVNG. In a cross-sectional approach, slow-phase velocity of optokinetic nystagmus was calculated in 10 subjects using ConVNG and VOG. Equivalence of accuracy and precision was assessed using the “two one-samplet-test” (TOST) and Bayesian interval-null approaches. ConVNG was systematically compared to OpenFace and MediaPipe as computer vision (CV) benchmarks for gaze estimation.

Results

ConVNG tracking accuracy reached 9–15% of an average pupil diameter. In a fully independent clinical video dataset, ConVNG robustly detected pupil keypoints (median prediction confidence 0.85). SPV measurement accuracy was equivalent to VOG (TOSTp < 0.017; Bayes factors (BF) > 24). ConVNG, but not MediaPipe, achieved equivalence to VOG in all SPV calculations. Median precision was 0.30°/s for ConVNG, 0.7°/s for MediaPipe and 0.12°/s for VOG. ConVNG precision was significantly higher than MediaPipe in vertical planes, but both algorithms’ precision was inferior to VOG.

Conclusions

ConVNG enables offline smartphone video nystagmography with an accuracy comparable to VOG and significantly higher precision than MediaPipe, a benchmark computer vision application for gaze estimation. This serves as a blueprint for highly accessible tools with potential to accelerate progress toward precise and personalized Medicine.
A hybrid meshless–statistical energy analysis method for complex structure vibration analysis
Authors: Tan Puxue , Fichera Sebastiano , Batou Anas
Published: November 2022

A new hybrid deterministic–statistical energy analysis (SEA) formulation is presented by introducing a meshless method for modeling the deterministic components. Moving least square Ritz (MLSR) meshless method is applied, in which MLS is used to build the discrete model and the Ritz method allows to obtain variational formulation of the deterministic components of the governing equations. Such governing equations can be formulated via boundary conditions by penalty method and Lagrange multipliers. The hybrid model by penalty method keeps a similar formulation with the framework of the finite element SEA, while the model by the latter increases the size of the dynamic stiffness matrix and the expanded components are determined by the constraints. For validation purpose, three case studies are provided, including beam–coupled plates and plate–coupled plates built-up structure. The results by the hybrid MLSR-SEA model are compared with those by FE-SEA and Monte Carlo simulation. Good agreements of responses between the methods demonstrate the reliability of the MLSR-SEA formulation.
Changes in miRNA expression in patients with peripheral arterial vascular disease during moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity
Authors: Sieland Johanna , Niederer Daniel , Engeroff Tobias , Vogt Lutz , Troidl Christian , Schmitz-Rixen Thomas , Banzer Winfried , Troidl Kerstin
Published: November 2022

Background

Walking is the preferred therapy for peripheral arterial disease in early stage. An effect of walking exercise is the increase of blood flow and fluid shear stress, leading, triggered by arteriogenesis, to the formation of collateral blood vessels. Circulating micro-RNA may act as an important information transmitter in this process. We investigated the acute effects of a single bout of 1) aerobic walking with moderate intensity; and 2) anaerobic walking with vigorous intensity on miRNA parameters related to vascular collateral formation.

Methods

Ten (10) patients with peripheral arterial disease with claudication (age 72 ± 7 years) participated in this two-armed, randomized-balanced cross-over study. The intervention arms were single bouts of supervised walking training at (1) vigorous intensity on a treadmill up to volitional exhaustion and (2) moderate intensity with individual selected speed for a duration of 20 min. One week of washout was maintained between the arms. During each intervention, heart rate was continuously monitored. Acute effects on circulating miRNAs and lactate concentration were determined using pre- and post-intervention measurement comparisons.

Results

Vigorous-intensity walking resulted in a higher heart rate (125 ± 21 bpm) than the moderate-intensity intervention (88 ± 9 bpm) (p < 0.05). Lactate concentration was increased after vigorous-intensity walking (p = 0.005; 3.3 ± 1.2 mmol/l), but not after moderate exercising (p > 0.05; 1.7 ± 0.6 mmol/l). The circulating levels of miR-142-5p and miR-424-5p were up-regulated after moderate-intensity (p < 0.05), but not after vigorous-intensity training (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Moderate-intensity walking seems to be more feasible than vigorous exercises to induce changes of blood flow and endurance training-related miRNAs in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Our data thus indicates that effect mechanisms might follow an optimal rather than a maximal dose response relation. Steady state walking without the necessity to reach exhaustion seems to be better suited as stimulus.
Trends in comorbid physical and mental health conditions in children from 1999 to 2017 in England
Authors: Panagi Laura , Newlove-Delgado Tamsin , White Simon R. , Bennett Sophie , Heyman Isobel , Shafran Roz , Ford Tamsin
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Children with long-term physical health conditions (pLTCs) are at increased risk of mental health conditions but less is known about time trends in the mental health of this group of children.

Methods

We used data from three comparable, population-based surveys of children conducted in 1999, 2004, and 2017. We examined whether the proportion of children aged 5–15 years old with comorbid mental health conditions (measured using the multi-informant Development and Well-being Assessment tool) and pLTCs (measured using parental report) in England increased from 1999 to 2017 using linear regression analysis.

Results

Our analysis used data from 8662 (1999), 6401 (2004) and 6219 (2017) children, respectively. The proportion of children with comorbid pLTCs and psychiatric disorders was 0.050 (95% CI = 0.045, 0.055) in 1999, 0.054 (95% CI = 0.049, 0.060) in 2004, and 0.059 (95% CI = 0.053, 0.065) in 2017. The linear regression model revealed a non-significant effect of time on the proportion of children with comorbid pLTCs and psychiatric disorders from 1999 to 2017 (B = 0.0004785; SE = 0.0001256; p = 0.163).

Conclusion

The estimated prevalence of school-aged children with comorbid pLTCs and mental health conditions in England remained stable since 1999, highlighting the need to prioritize mental health resources for children with physical health comorbidities.
Hydrodynamics of karst aquifers in metamorphic carbonate rocks: results from spring monitoring in the Apuan Alps (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Piccini Leonardo , Nannoni Alessia , Poggetti Emilio
Published: November 2022

During the last 40 years, extensive research has characterized the hydrogeology of many karst aquifers, as they are important water resources. Despite that, a systematic investigation on metamorphic karst aquifers is still lacking. The present study investigates the functioning of marble karst aquifers by means of spring hydrological monitoring, coupled with storm-hydrograph, thermograph, and chemograph (HTC) analysis and lag time analysis. Renara and Equi springs (Apuan Alps, Italy) were selected for this investigation. These springs drain catchments that have different degrees of structural complexity. Piston flow is the common hydrodynamic response of Renara spring to infiltration. Strong dilution effects were observed only during the heaviest rainfall events. Prolonged dry conditions after a sustained recharge phase showed the delayed arrival of infiltration water about a month later. Equi spring has a more complex behaviour due to its wider and more hydrologically heterogeneous catchment but the comparison of HTC graphs during the winter dry phase helped to recognize the differential contributions of proximal and distal sectors. Both springs show a rapid discharge increase in response to impulse infiltrative events. Conversely, water temperature and specific electrical conductivity increase only slightly during floods, indicating limited chemical and thermal exchanges between the rock and the water stored in these aquifers. The hydrodynamic behaviour of these karst springs suggests that the Apuan metamorphic aquifers are characterized by the predominance of conduit porosity over fissure and matrix porosities. This is explained by a reduced interstitial porosity and fracturing of the metamorphic carbonate rocks.
Excess costs of multiple sclerosis: a register-based study in Sweden
Authors: Murley Chantelle , Tinghög Petter , Teni Fitsum Sebsibe , Machado Alejandra , Alexanderson Kristina , Hillert Jan , Karampampa Korinna , Friberg Emilie
Published: November 2022

Background and objective

Population-based estimates of the socioeconomic burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited, especially regarding primary healthcare. This study aimed to estimate the excess costs of people with MS that could be attributed to their MS, including primary healthcare.

Methods

An observational study was conducted of the 2806 working-aged people with MS in Stockholm, Sweden and 28,060 propensity score matched references without MS. Register-based resource use was quantified for 2018. Annual healthcare costs (primary, specialised outpatient, and inpatient healthcare visits along with prescribed drugs) and productivity losses (operationalised by sickness absence and disability pension days) were quantified using bottom-up costing. The costs of people with MS were compared with those of the references using independentt-tests with bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to isolate the excess costs of MS from the mean difference.

Results

The mean annual excess costs of MS for healthcare were €7381 (95% CI 6991–7816) per person with MS with disease-modifying therapies as the largest component (€4262, 95% CI 4026–4497). There was a mean annual excess cost for primary healthcare of €695 (95% CI 585–832) per person with MS, comprising 9.4% of the excess healthcare costs of MS. The mean annual excess costs of MS for productivity losses were €13,173 (95% CI 12,325–14,019) per person with MS, predominately from disability pension (79.3%).

Conclusions

The socioeconomic burden of MS in Sweden from healthcare consumption and productivity losses was quantified, updating knowledge on the cost structure of the substantial excess costs of MS.
Usability and transparency in the design of a tool for automatic support for web accessibility validation
Authors: Iannuzzi Nicola , Manca Marco , Paternò Fabio , Santoro Carmen
Published: November 2022

The importance of guaranteeing accessible Web applications is becoming widely recognised, and supported by national and international legislation. This implies an increasing need for large scale validations, which can be achieved only through automatic support. Thus, there is a need for a new generation of accessibility validation tools able to check against the continuously evolving guidelines and report any issues revealed, considering that their results will be used by many people with varied backgrounds and goals. Such tools should be able to support monitoring of Web sites’ accessibility, provide user-friendly information suitable for various purposes, and be transparent in terms of what they are actually able to evaluate in order to elicit the right expectations from their users. They should also consider how the technologies for implementing Web sites have evolved in recent years. In this paper, we provide a description of the requirements and design dimensions that characterise such tools in order to address emerging needs, providing indications on whether and how several existing validation tools support them, and present how we have addressed and implemented them in a specific tool. We also report on a first usability test of such tool, which has provided encouraging feedback.
Challenges and recommendations for eHealth usability evaluation with elderly users: systematic review and case study
Authors: Sinabell Irina , Ammenwerth Elske
Published: November 2022

Previous research has shown that there are a variety of eHealth usability evaluation methods suitable for agile, easily applicable, and useful eHealth usability evaluations. However, it is unclear whether such eHealth usability evaluation methods are also applicable with elderly users. This study aims to examine the challenges in applying eHealth usability evaluation methods with elderly users and how these challenges can be overcome. We chose three established eHealth usability evaluation methods to evaluate an eHealth intervention: (1) Co-Discovery Evaluation, (2) Cooperative Usability Testing, and (3) Remote User Testing combined with Think Aloud. The case study was conducted with seven Austrian elderly users. We supplemented the case study (March, 2021) with a systematic review (March, 2022) to identify (1) applied eHealth usability evaluation methods to elderly and (2) challenges of eHealth usability evaluations with elderly. Our results showed that Remote User Testing combined with Think Aloud could successfully be applied to evaluate the eHealth intervention with elderly users. However, Cooperative Usability Testing and Co-Discovery Evaluation were not suitable. The results of the systematic review showed that user-based eHealth usability evaluation methods are mostly applied to conduct eHealth usability evaluations with elderly users. Overall, the results showed that not all established eHealth usability evaluation methods are applicable with elderly users. Based on the case study and the systematic review, we developed 24 recommendations on how to deal with challenges during eHealth usability evaluations. The recommendations contribute to improving the accessibility, acceptability, and usability of eHealth interventions by the elderly.
Internal resonance of an axially transporting beam with a two-frequency parametric excitation
Authors: Zhang Dengbo , Tang Youqi , Liang Ruquan , Song Yuanmei , Chen Liqun
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the transverse 3:1 internal resonance of an axially transporting nonlinear viscoelastic Euler-Bernoulli beam with a two-frequency parametric excitation caused by a speed perturbation. The Kelvin-Voigt model is introduced to describe the viscoelastic characteristics of the axially transporting beam. The governing equation and the associated boundary conditions are obtained by Newton’s second law. The method of multiple scales is utilized to obtain the steady-state responses. The Routh-Hurwitz criterion is used to determine the stabilities and bifurcations of the steady-state responses. The effects of the material viscoelastic coefficient on the dynamics of the transporting beam are studied in detail by a series of numerical demonstrations. Interesting phenomena of the steady-state responses are revealed in the 3:1 internal resonance and two-frequency parametric excitation. The approximate analytical method is validated via a differential quadrature method.