bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification algebra for multi‐tenant applications in VaaS architecture
Authors: Hu Kai , Wan Ji , Luo Kan , Xu Yuzhuang , Cheng Zijing , Tsai Wei‐Tek
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes an algebraic system, verification algebra (VA), for reducing the number of component combinations to be verified in multi‐tenant architecture (MTA). MTA is a design architecture used in SaaS (Software‐as‐a‐Service) where a tenant can customize its applications by integrating services already stored in the SaaS databases or newly supplied services. Similar to SaaS, VaaS (Verification‐as‐a‐Service) is a verification service in a cloud that leverages the computing power offered by a cloud environment with automated provisioning, scalability and service composition. In VaaS architecture, however, there is a challenging problem called ‘combinatorial explosion’ that it is difficult to verify a large number of compositions constructed by both quantities of components and various combination structures even with computing resources in cloud. This paper proposes rules to emerge combinations status for future verification, on the basis of the existing results. Both composition patterns and properties are considered and analysed in VA rules.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of non‐typhoidal Salmonella isolated from chickens in Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Bindu R. , Ghosh Sumon , Chowdhury Sukanta , Dutta Avijit , Chandra Deb Liton , Krishna Sarker Bidhan , Sultana Tania , Mozaffor Hossain Khandoker Mohammad
Published: February 2021

Salmonellosis in poultry is an important disease that seriously impedes the development of the poultry industry. The increased resistance to antimicrobials against Salmonella has been a major public health concern worldwide. We conducted a study from January to June 2016 in and around the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh on the commercial chicken to isolate, identify and characterize poultry‐specific Salmonella, to assess the potential risk factors and to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates. The overall prevalence of Salmonella enterica was 41% (49/120) [95% CI: 31.95%–50.17%] with 41.7% in broiler chicken (25/60) [95% CI: 29.06%–55.12%] and 40% in layer chicken (24/60, 40%) [95% CI: 27.56%–53.46%]. Samples collected from Rajshahi city (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.50–3.73) and Puthia Upazila (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.56–4.12) were more likely to be positive for Salmonella than Charghat Upazila. Salmonella detection was 1.3 times higher in chicken, providing loose feed than those provided ready feed. All the isolates fermented dextrose, maltose and mannitol with the production of acid and gas, but did not ferment sucrose and lactose. The isolates showed catalase, MR, citrate utilization test and TSI agar test positive, but indole and V‐P tests negative. Salmonella isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin (90%), gentamycin (80%), amoxicillin (75%), streptomycin (70%), ampicillin (45%) and sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim (45%), whereas highly resistant to penicillin (100%) and nalidixic acid (100%) followed by sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim (55%), ampicillin (40%) and amoxicillin (25%). Salmonella enterica is endemic in commercial chicken production in Bangladesh with high prevalence. A considerable proportion of Salmonella isolates was found to be resistant to the majority of the common antimicrobial drugs. A good biosecurity system could be effective for the reduction of Salmonella. It is necessary to obtain universal commitments to establish prudent antibiotic use policies.
Asymptotic structure of the Rarita-Schwinger theory in four spacetime dimensions at spatial infinity
Authors: Fuentealba Oscar , Henneaux Marc , Majumdar Sucheta , Matulich Javier , Neogi Turmoli
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We investigate the asymptotic structure of the free Rarita-Schwinger theory in four spacetime dimensions at spatial infinity in the Hamiltonian formalism. We impose boundary conditions for the spin-3/2 field that are invariant under an infinite-dimensional (abelian) algebra of non-trivial asymptotic fermionic symmetries. The compatibility of this set of boundary conditions with the invariance of the theory under Lorentz boosts requires the introduction of boundary degrees of freedom in the Hamiltonian action, along the lines of electromagnetism. These boundary degrees of freedom modify the symplectic structure by a surface contribution appearing in addition to the standard bulk piece. The Poincaré transformations have then well-defined (integrable, finite) canonical generators. Moreover, improper fermionic gauge symmetries, which are also well-defined canonical transformations, are further enlarged and turn out to be parametrized by two independent angle-dependent spinor functions at infinity, which lead to an infinite-dimensional fermionic algebra endowed with a central charge. We extend next the analysis to the supersymmetric spin-(1, 3/2) and spin-(2, 3/2) multiplets. First, we present the canonical realization of the super-Poincaré algebra on the spin-(1, 3/2) multiplet, which is shown to be consistently enhanced by the infinite-dimensional abelian algebra of angle-dependent bosonic and fermionic improper gauge symmetries associated with the electromagnetic and the Rarita-Schwinger fields, respectively. A similar analysis of the spin-(2, 3/2) multiplet is then carried out to obtain the canonical realization of the super-Poincaré algebra, consistently enhanced by the abelian improper bosonic gauge transformations of the spin-2 field (BMS supertranslations) and the abelian improper fermionic gauge transformations of the spin-3/2 field.
Interpreting the compositional truth predicate in models of arithmetic
Authors: Cieśliński Cezary
Published: February 2021

We present a construction of a truth class (an interpretation of a compositional truth predicate) in an arbitrary countable recursively saturated model of first-order arithmetic. The construction is fully classical in that it employs nothing more than the classical techniques of formal proof theory.
Is it good to be bad or bad to be good? Assessing the aggregate impact of abnormal weather on consumer spending
Authors: Sandqvist Anna Pauliina , Siliverstovs Boriss
Published: February 2021

Although the influence of exceptional weather on individual behaviour has already been acknowledged in finance, psychology, and marketing, the literature examining weather effects at more aggregate level is still limited. Further, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that weather anomalies affect consumer spending and retail business. The main aim of this analysis is to investigate and quantify the effects of unusual weather in consumer spending at macro-level. Using aggregate retail sales data for Switzerland, our findings reveal that weather deviations from seasonal norms, especially, unusually high or low temperatures in a given month, do cause sizeable intertemporal shifts in consumer spending at country level. Furthermore, the effects of abnormal weather are found to differ across seasons, both with respect to sign and magnitude. In particular, our findings indicate that weather effects manifest mainly through the seasons change channel: weather conditions in line with the coming season boost the purchases early in the season.
Mast cell proliferation in the cerebrospinal fluid after intraventricular administration of anti-B7H3 immunotherapy
Authors: Kramer Kim , Donzelli Maria A. , Pessin Melissa S.
Published: February 2021

Omburtamab is a B7H3-specific murine monoclonal antibody. B7H3 (CD 276) is a member of the B7 family of immune checkpoint co-inhibitory receptors overexpressed on many human malignancies. Radioimmunotherapy with 124I- or 131I-omburtamab administered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), intraperitoneal or intratumoral cavity is currently under investigation for the treatment of CNS malignancies. The immunologic effects of anti-B7H3 therapy are not fully elucidated. A 6-year-old male was diagnosed with metastates of neuroblastoma to the received intraventricular 131I-omburtamab on an IRB-approved protocol. A treatment cycle consisted of a 2 mCi dosimetry dose and a 50 mCi treatment dose. Dosimetry by serial imaging, pharmacokinetics and safety were investigated. Clinical status, magnetic resonance imaging, CSF cell count and cytology were evaluated pre- and post-131I-omburtamab at 5 and 26 weeks. The patient did well with cycle 1. Three hours after the dosimetry dose of cycle 2, he developed a fever (39 °C), chills and headache. Blood and CSF samples were sent for culture. CSF was notable for nucleated cell pleocytosis with profound mast cell proliferation consistent with chemical meningitis. He was treated with supportive care; symptoms resolved over 48 h. Further therapy with 131I-omburtamab was electively discontinued. CSF cell count 5 weeks later demonstrated resolution of CSF pleocytosis. Local–regional administration of intraventricular 131I-omburtamab targeting B7H3 can result in a profound nucleated CSF pleocytosis with mastocytosis consistent with an acute allergic reaction.
Historical Observations on Clamshell Thoracotomy
Authors: Ehrhardt John D. , Baroutjian Amanda , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: February 2021

Bilateral transverse thoracosternotomy, known colloquially as “clamshell thoracotomy,” provides quick and extensive exposure to the thoracic organs. The origins of the radical incision are unclear, and its influence on historical developments in surgery has not been elaborated. Transsternal extension to bilateral thoracotomy likely occurred during World War I and was designated as Tuffier's method by 1922. Théodore Tuffier had already solidified his reputation as a trailblazing thoracic surgeon in Paris when the French army summoned him to design triage systems for trauma patients during the Great War. Following World War II, cardiac surgery grew tremendously during the 1950s, and many pioneering open‐heart procedures utilized the bilateral incision for safe exposures with satisfactory results. Median sternotomy became the incision of choice for open‐heart surgery by the early 1960s; however, thoracotomy remained important to the trauma surgeon's repertoire. Transsternal conversion was only briefly mentioned in trauma literature through the 1980s, although up to one‐half of reported emergency thoracotomies at busy trauma centers were clamshells. The moniker clamshell thoracotomy came in 1994 when thoracic surgical oncology and lung transplantation flourished with complex operations requiring larger incisions. The twenty‐first century has brought two iterations of evidence‐based guidelines for emergency thoracotomy, but incision choice has not been formally discussed. Renewed conversation in recent years has advocated for the clamshell as arguably the best approach for patients in extremis. Given these trends, the tortuous history of this controversial incision deserves attention.
Thymus and autoimmunity
Authors: Marx Alexander , Yamada Yosuke , Simon-Keller Katja , Schalke Berthold , Willcox Nick , Ströbel Philipp , Weis Cleo-Aron
Published: February 2021

The thymus prevents autoimmune diseases through mechanisms that operate in the cortex and medulla, comprising positive and negative selection and the generation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Egress from the thymus through the perivascular space (PVS) to the blood is another possible checkpoint, as shown by some autoimmune/immunodeficiency syndromes. In polygenic autoimmune diseases, subtle thymic dysfunctions may compound genetic, hormonal and environmental cues. Here, we cover (a) tolerance-inducing cell types, whether thymic epithelial or tuft cells, or dendritic, B- or thymic myoid cells; (b) tolerance-inducing mechanisms and their failure in relation to thymic anatomic compartments, and with special emphasis on human monogenic and polygenic autoimmune diseases and the related thymic pathologies, if known; (c) polymorphisms and mutations of tolerance-related genes with an impact on positive selection (e.g. the gene encoding the thymoproteasome-specific subunit,PSMB11), promiscuous gene expression (e.g.AIRE,PRKDC,FEZF2,CHD4), Treg development (e.g.SATB1,FOXP3), T-cell migration (e.g.TAGAP) and egress from the thymus (e.g.MTS1,CORO1A); (d) myasthenia gravis as the prototypic outcome of an inflamed or disordered neoplastic ‘sick thymus’.
Regulation of retinal membrane guanylyl cyclase (RetGC) by negative calcium feedback and RD3 protein
Authors: Dizhoor Alexander M. , Peshenko Igor V.
Published: February 2021

This article presents a brief overview of the main biochemical and cellular processes involved in regulation of cyclic GMP production in photoreceptors. The main focus is on how the fluctuations of free calcium concentrations in photoreceptors between light and dark regulate the activity of retinal membrane guanylyl cyclase (RetGC) via calcium sensor proteins. The emphasis of the review is on the structure of RetGC and guanylyl cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs) in relation to their functional role in photoreceptors and congenital diseases of photoreceptors. In addition to that, the structure and function of retinal degeneration-3 protein (RD3), which regulates RetGC in a calcium-independent manner, is discussed in detail in connections with its role in photoreceptor biology and inherited retinal blindness.
Use of self-expandable metallic stents for endoscopic biliary decompression decreases stent complications in pancreatic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Vehviläinen Sini , Seppänen Hanna , Nurmi Anna , Haglund Caj , Mustonen Harri , Udd Marianne , Kylänpää Leena
Published: February 2021

Background

Both plastic stents and self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSes) are used for endoscopic biliary decompression (BD) among patients with pancreatic cancer (PAC). Cholangitis or stent occlusion often interrupts or ends chemotherapy. We investigated cholangitis, stent occlusion, and chemotherapy interruption rates for SEMSes and plastic stents among patients receiving chemotherapy for PAC.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed data for 293 PAC patients who received a biliary stent at Helsinki University Hospital during 2000–2017. Patients received chemotherapy as palliative treatment (PT: n = 187) or neoadjuvant treatment (NAT: n = 106). Among participants, 229 had a plastic stent (PT: n = 138, NAT: n = 91) and 64 had a SEMS (PT: n = 49, NAT: n = 15).

Results

Overall, 15.6% (n = 10) of patients with SEMSes (PT: 20.4%, n = 10, NAT: 0%) and 53.0% (n = 121) of patients with plastic stents (PT: 69.3%, n = 95, NAT: 28.5%, n = 26) experienced one or more stent complications (p < 0.001). Cholangitis developed in 6.3% (n = 8) of PT patients with SEMSes. No patients with SEMSes receiving NAT (n = 15) experienced cholangitis. However, 31.9% (PT: 42.8%, n = 59, p = 0.001; NAT: 15.4%, n = 14, p = 0.211) of patients with plastic stents developed cholangitis. Among all patients receiving NAT or PT, cholangitis interrupted chemotherapy 6 times (9.4%) in SEMS patients and 61 times (26.6%) in plastic stent patients (p = 0.004). Stent occlusion without cholangitis interrupted NAT or PT 2 times (2.1%) in SEMS patients and 31 times (13.5%) in plastic stent patients (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

SEMS is recommended for BD among patients with PAC receiving chemotherapy. Among both PT and NAT patients, patients with SEMS experience a lower stent failure rate, lower rate of cholangitis, and fewer chemotherapy interruptions than patients with plastic stents.
Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: a case-matched cost-analysis between robot-assisted surgery and direct manual laparoscopy
Authors: Di Franco Gregorio , Peri Andrea , Lorenzoni Valentina , Palmeri Matteo , Furbetta Niccolò , Guadagni Simone , Gianardi Desirée , Bianchini Matteo , Pollina Luca Emanuele , Melfi Franca , Mamone Domenica , Milli Carlo , Di Candio Giulio , Turchetti Giuseppe , Pietrabissa Andrea , Morelli Luca
Published: February 2021

Background

Few studies have reported a structured cost analysis of robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP), and none have compared the relative costs between the robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) and the direct manual laparoscopy (DML) in this setting. The aim of the present study is to address this issue by comparing surgical outcomes and costs of RDP and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (LDP).

Methods

Eighty-eight RDP and 47 LDP performed between January 2008 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Three comparable groups of 35 patients each (Si-RDP-group, Xi-RDP group, LDP-group) were obtained matching 1:1 the RDP-groups with the LDP-group. Overall costs, including overall variable costs (OVC) and fixed costs were compared using generalized linear regression model adjusting for covariates.

Results

The conversion rate was significantly lower in the Si-RDP-group and Xi-RDP-group: 2.9% and 0%, respectively, versus 14.3% in the LDP-group (p = 0.045). Although not statistically significant, the mean operative time was lower in Xi-RDP-group: 226 min versus 262 min for Si-RDP-group and 247 min for LDP-group. The overall post-operative complications rate and the length of hospital stay (LOS) were not significantly different between the three groups. In LDP-group, the LOS of converted cases was significantly longer: 15.6 versus 9.8 days (p = 0.039). Overall costs of LDP-group were significantly lower than RDP-groups, (p < 0.001). At multivariate analysis OVC resulted no longer statistically significantly different between LDP-group and Xi-RDP-group (p = 0.099), and between LDP-group and the RDP-groups when the spleen preservation was indicated (p = 0.115 and p = 0.261 for Si-RDP-group and Xi-RDP-group, respectively).

Conclusions

RAS is more expensive than DML for DP because of higher acquisition and maintenance costs. The flattening of these differences considering only the variable costs, in a high-volume multidisciplinary center for RAS, suggests a possible optimization of the costs in this setting. RAS might be particularly indicated for minimally invasive DP when the spleen preservation is scheduled.
Moving far, staying close: red fox dispersal patterns revealed by SNP genotyping
Authors: Walton Zea , Hagenlund Mari , Østbye Kjartan , Samelius Gustaf , Odden Morten , Norman Anita , Willebrand Tomas , Spong Göran
Published: February 2021

The genetic structure of a population can provide important insights into animal movements at varying geographical scales. Individual and social behaviors, such as philopatry and dispersal, affect patterns of relatedness, age and sex structure, shaping the local genetic structure of populations. However, these fine scale patterns may not be detected within broader population genetic structure. Using SNP genotyping for pairwise relatedness estimates, we investigated the spatial and genetic structuring of 141 red foxes within south-central Sweden at two scales. First, we looked at broad scale population structuring among red foxes at the regional level. We then estimated pairwise relatedness values to evaluate the spatial and genetic structure of male, female and mixed sex pairs for patterns of philopatry and dispersal at a more localized scale. We found limited genetic differentiation at the regional scale. However, local investigations revealed patterns of female philopatry and male biased dispersal. There were significant differences in pairwise geographic distances between highly related same sex pairs with the average distance between related males, 37.8 km, being six times farther than that of related females, averaging 6.3 km. In summary, the low levels of genetic differentiation found in this study illustrates the mobility and dispersal ability of red foxes across scales. However, relatedness plays a strong role in the spatial organization of red foxes locally, ultimately contributing to male biased dispersal patterns.
Inferentialist Truth Pluralism
Authors: Veluwenkamp Herman
Published: February 2021

Metasemantic inferentialismhas gained popularity in the last few decades. Traditionally, inferentialism is combined with a deflationary attitude towards semantic terms such as truth and reference, i.e., many inferentialists hold that when we use these semantic terms we do not purport to refer to substantive properties. This combination makes inferentialism attractive for philosophers who see themselves as antirealists. Although the attractions of combining inferentialism and deflationism are easy to see, deflationism is also a controversial position. For one, deflationists maintain that truth is an insubstantive property, but it is not altogether clear what an insubstantive property is. Secondly, as deflationists maintain that truth does not play an explanatory role, it is incompatible with the position that truth can explain the normativity of truth talk. Given that deflationism faces these objections, it would be preferable if the success of inferentialism did not depend on the deflationist’s ability to respond to these objections. I argue that someone attracted to inferentialism for its ability to accommodate antirealist intuitions about a domain (e.g. morality) is not committed to deflationism about truth. More specifically, I will show that inferentialism combined with a straightforward account of inferentialist truth-conditions is compatible with a version of truth pluralism. I call this position Inferentialist Truth Pluralism.
Sonographic abnormalities in pregnancies conceived following IVF with and without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)
Authors: Riestenberg Carrie K. , Mok Thalia , Ong Jessica R. , Platt Lawrence D. , Han Christina S. , Quinn Molly M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To report the rate of fetal anomalies detected on anatomy ultrasound in pregnant patients who underwent IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) compared to patients who conceived following IVF with unscreened embryos and age-matched patients with natural conceptions.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study at a single maternal-fetal medicine practice. Patients with singleton pregnancies who had a mid-trimester anatomy ultrasound between January 2017 and December 2018 were screened for inclusion. A total of 712 patients who conceived after IVF with or without PGT-A were age-matched with natural conception controls. The primary outcome was the rate of fetal and placental anomalies detected on mid-trimester anatomical survey. Secondary outcomes included the rates of abnormal nuchal translucency (NT), second trimester serum analytes, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and invasive diagnostic testing.

Result(s)

There were no differences in the rate of fetal anomalies in patients who underwent IVF with PGT-A compared to patients who conceived following IVF with unscreened embryos and age-matched patients with natural conceptions. Rate of abnormal NT, high-risk NIPT, and abnormal invasive diagnostic testing were also similar. Patients who conceived after IVF with or without PGT-A had higher rates of abnormal placental ultrasound findings and abnormal second trimester serum analytes compared to natural conception controls.

Conclusion

The use of PGT-A was not associated with a difference in risk of fetal anomaly detection on a mid-trimester anatomical survey. The results of this study highlight the importance of improved patient counseling regarding the limitations of PGT-A, and of providing standard prenatal care for pregnancies conceived through ART, regardless of whether PGT-A was performed.
Gold nanoparticles obtained by ns-pulsed laser ablation in liquids (ns-PLAL) are arranged in the form of fractal clusters
Authors: Gentile Luigi , Mateos Helena , Mallardi Antonia , Dell’Aglio Marcella , De Giacomo Alessandro , Cioffi Nicola , Palazzo Gerardo
Published: February 2021

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), synthesized by ns-pulsed laser ablation in liquid (ns-PLAL) in the absence of any capping agents, are potential model systems to study the interactions with biological structures unencumbered by interference from the presence of stabilizers and capping agents. However, several aspects of the physics behind these AuNPs solutions deserve a detailed investigation. The structure in solution of ns-PLAL-synthesized AuNPs was investigated in solution by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Furthermore, the (dried) NPs have been examined using TEM. The analysis of the SAXS curve shows the presence of a large number of small aggregates with a fractal structure stabilized by strong long-range repulsive interactions. Fitting of the SAXS curve to a suitable “fractal model” allows the estimation of the features of the fractal including the fractal dimension d = 1.9. The latter allows to estimate the fraction of light scattered by fractals of different sizes and thus permits a fair comparison between the DLS and TEM data. Here, a stable abundant population of fractal clusters is reported reflecting a mechanism where primary AuNPs (size 7.6 nm) are forced to aggregate forming clusters during the collapse of the cavitation bubble. When these clusters are released in the aqueous phase, their large negative charge builds up repulsive interactions that prevent cluster-cluster aggregation imparting colloidal stability.
Bootstrapping of integer concepts: the stronger deviant-interpretation challenge (and how to solve it)
Authors: Pantsar Markus
Published: February 2021

Beck (Cognition 158:110–121, 2017) presents an outline of the procedure of bootstrapping of integer concepts, with the purpose of explicating the account of Carey (The Origin of Concepts, 2009). According to that theory, integer concepts are acquired through a process of inductive and analogous reasoning based on the object tracking system (OTS), which allows individuating objects in a parallel fashion. Discussing the bootstrapping theory, Beck dismisses what he calls the "deviant-interpretation challenge"—the possibility that the bootstrapped integer sequence does not follow a linear progression after some point—as being general to any account of inductive learning. While the account of Carey and Beck focuses on the OTS, in this paper I want to reconsider the importance of another empirically well-established cognitive core system for treating numerosities, namely the approximate number system (ANS). Since the ANS-based account offers a potential alternative for integer concept acquisition, I show that it provides a good reason to revisit the deviant-interpretation challenge. Finally, I will present a hybrid OTS-ANS model as the foundation of integer concept acquisition and the framework of enculturation as a solution to the challenge.
Körperorientierte Intervention im Coaching
Authors: Lienhard Natascha , Künzli Hansjörg
Published: February 2021

In der Coaching-Literatur sind körperorientierte Interventionen untervertreten oder haben nicht den Stellenwert, der ihnen zukommen könnte. Zu der Frage, ob und in welchem Ausmaß sich dies auch in der Coachingpraxis spiegelt, führten wir im Herbst 2020 eine Online-Umfrage durch. Insgesamt 242 Coaches beantworteten 45 Fragen zu vier Themenkreisen körperorientierter Interventionen. Die meisten der befragten Coaches setzen körperorientierte Interventionen ein, betrachten sie als zielführend und sinnvoll für Coaching und wollen sie in Zukunft gleich oft oder noch intensiver einzusetzen. Große Unterschiede sind festzustellen hinsichtlich der Art der eingesetzten Interventionen. Körperhaltung und Mimik wird von fast allen Coaches als Erkenntnisquelle genutzt. Die aktive Arbeit mit dem Körper, z. B. in Form von Bewegungsübungen, wird weniger oft eingesetzt. Das Thema Körperorientierte Intervention im Coaching ist noch weitgehend unerforscht. Ebenso entsteht der Eindruck, dass der Begriff „körperorientierte Intervention“ im Coaching noch sehr unterschiedlich gedeutet wird.
Optimizing micropropagation conditions for a recalcitrant ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius L. maxim.) cultivar
Authors: Jagiełło-Kubiec K. , Nowakowska K. , Ilczuk A. , Łukaszewska A. J.
Published: February 2021

Ninebark is a very popular ornamental shrub. Micropropagation is an efficient method for mass production of uniform plant material. This study was designed to develop and optimize conditions at all phases of ninebark micropropagation. For the multiplication stage, the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium at full concentration and pH 5.8 was chosen as the basal medium. Sorbitol proved a more effective carbohydrate source than fructose, with no adverse effects on shoot vitrification or the medium itself. The best shoot production, both in number and length, was on the medium enriched with 2 and 3 mg·L−1 zeatin. High numbers of shoots were also obtained in treatments with 1 mg·L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) or 2 mg·L−1 meta-Topolin (mT) in the basal medium. BA was the most cost-effective cytokinin. There was a positive effect of the gibberellic acid on proliferation: the highest shoot number per explant was produced in the presence of 1 mg·L−1 GA3. No effect of the culture age (up to 20 subcultures) on the percentage of regenerating explants was evident, and the highest numbers of shoots were obtained between passages 10 and 17. For rooting, the MS medium at half strength was used. The best rooting was at 1 mg·L−1 IBA. Spraying the in vitro rooted cuttings with abscisic acid (ABA) favored plant acclimation to the ex vitro conditions. Exvitro rooting, including the treatments with IBA and ABA, shortened the production time by approximately one third.
The Complex Association Between Bariatric Surgery and Depression: a National Nested-Control Study
Authors: Arhi Chanpreet Singh , Dudley Roise , Moussa Osama , Ardissino Maddalena , Scholtz Samantha , Purkayastha Sanjay
Published: February 2021

Background

Although bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce weight loss and obesity-related conditions, an improvement in depression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether bariatric surgery is associated with a resolution of depression, and the prevention of its onset.

Method

Patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 who had undergone bariatric surgery were identified from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), matched 5:1 to controls. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the risk of developing de novo depression. Kaplan-Meier analysis compared the proportion of patients with no further consultations related to depression between the two groups.

Results

In total, 3534 patients who underwent surgery, of which 2018 (57%) had pre-existing depression, were matched to 15,480 controls. Cox proportional hazard modelling demonstrated surgery was associated with a HR of 1.50 (95% CI 1.32–1.71, p < 0.005) for developing de novo depression. For those with pre-existing depression, by 5 years, just over 20% of post-surgical patients had no further depression episodes compared with 17% of controls.

Conclusion

In individuals with a history of depression, bariatric surgery is associated with an improvement in mental health. On the contrary, the finding of increased de novo diagnoses of depression following surgery indicates the need for further study of the mechanisms by which bariatric surgery is associated with depression in this subset of patients.
A comparative cross-sectional study on sleep quality in patients with a history of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and its correlation with quality of life
Authors: Teliti Marsida , Monti Eleonora , Comina Martina , Conte Lucia , Vera Lara , Gay Stefano , Saccomani Giorgia , Ferone Diego , Giusti Massimo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate sleep quality in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients and correlate sleep disturbances with quality of life (QoL).

Methods

119 DTC patients were enrolled (DTC group). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) inventories were administered. The Thyroid-specific Patient-Reported Outcome (ThyPRO) questionnaire, the Billewicz scale (BS) and an ad-hoc visual analogic scale (VAS) were used to measure QoL and subjective therapy-related complaints. The same examinations were conducted in 53 subjects (control group) who had undergone surgery for benign thyroid pathology.

Results

L-T4 dosages and TSH levels differed between the groups. BS and VAS scores were comparable. PSQI documented a similar percentage of poor sleepers in the DTC (74%) and control (62%) groups. ISI showed no difference in subjects without clinically significant insomnia: DTC (43%) and controls (48%). ThyPRO showed significantly worse scores in DTC than control subjects. In DTC patients, PSQI (P = 0.002) and ISI (P = 0.04) correlated significantly with age. In control subjects, TSH displayed a significant positive association with PSQI (P = 0.02) and ISI (P < 0.05). The ThyPRO general score correlated significantly with PSQI in DTC patients. In both groups, ISI correlated significantly with several ThyPRO scales and the ThyPRO general score. “Anxiety” and “emotional susceptibility” were the scales most significantly related with PSQI and ISI.

Conclusion

In disease-free DTC patients and subjects who undergo thyroid surgery for benign pathology, abnormal sleep components and insomnia are similar. The ThyPRO questionnaire closely reflects sleep disturbances in all subjects. Recognising and treating sleep disturbances might improve QoL.
Sharing primary percutaneous coronary intervention care: first experiences with South Limburg ST-elevation myocardial infarction network
Authors:   South Limburg Interventional Cardiology Group, the Netherlands, Lux A. , Vainer J. , Theunissen R. A. L. J. , Veenstra L. F. , Kasperski I. , Gho B. C. G. , Stein M. , Ilhan M. , Ruiters A. W. , Winkler P. J. C. , van Beurden A. , Dohmen W. , Rasoul S. , van ’t Hof A. W. J.
Published: February 2021

Background

In the region of South Limburg, the Netherlands, a shared ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) networking system (SLIM network) was implemented. During out-of-office hours, two percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centres—Maastricht University Medical Centre and Zuyderland Medical Centre—are supported by the same interventional cardiologist. The aim of this study was to analyse performance indicators within this network and to compare them with contemporary European Society of Cardiology guidelines.

Methods

Key time indicators for an all-comer STEMI population were registered by the emergency medical service and the PCI centres. The time measurements showed a non-Gaussian distribution; they are presented as median with 25th and 75th percentiles.

Results

Between 1 February 2018 and 31 March 2019, a total of 570 STEMI patients were admitted to the participating centres. The total system delay (from emergency call to needle time) was 65 min (53–77), with a prehospital system delay of 40 min (34–47) and a door-to-needle time of 22 min (15–34). Compared with in-office hours, out-of-office hours significantly lengthened system delays (55 (47–66) vs 70 min (62–81), p < 0.001), emergency medical service transport times (29 (24–34) vs 35 min (29–40), p < 0.001) and door-to-needle times (17 (14–26) vs 26 min (18–37), p < 0.001).

Conclusions

With its effective patient pathway management, the SLIM network was able to meet the quality criteria set by contemporary European revascularisation guidelines.
Morphometric analysis and prioritization of upper Benue River watershed, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Odiji Caleb Akoji , Aderoju Olaide Monsor , Eta Joseph Bisong , Shehu Idris , Mai-Bukar Adama , Onuoha Hilda
Published: February 2021

The upper Benue River watershed is undergoing remarkable modifications due to man-made and natural phenomena. Hence, an evaluation is required to understand the hydrological process of the watershed for planning and management strategies. This study aimed to assess the morphometric characteristics and prioritize the upper Benue River watershed. The boundary of the watershed and sub-watersheds, as well as stream networks, was extracted from the digital elevation model (DEM) coupled with hydrological and topographic maps. Twenty-eight morphometric parameters under three categories, i.e. linear, areal, and relief aspects were computed and mapped. Findings from the study revealed that the watershed is a seventh stream order system characterized by a dendritic drainage pattern. The result also showed that 4821 streams were extracted with a cumulative length of 30,232.84 km. The hypsometric integral of the watershed was estimated to be 0.22, indicating that it is in the old stage. In the prioritization of the watershed, the morphometric variables were utilized to calculate and classify the compound factor. The result showed that sub-watersheds 12, 16, 18, 24, 26, and 27 were ranked as very high priority for which conservation measures are required to mitigate the risk of flood and erosion. The outcome of this study can be used by decision-makers for sustainable watershed management and planning.
Polynomial ring representations of endomorphisms of exterior powers
Authors: Behzad Ommolbanin , Contiero André , Gatto Letterio , Martins Renato Vidal
Published: February 2021

An explicit description of the ring of the rational polynomials in r indeterminates as a representation of the Lie algebra of the endomorphisms of the k-th exterior power of a countably infinite-dimensional vector space is given. Our description is based on results by Laksov and Throup concerning the symmetric structure of the exterior power of a polynomial ring. Our results are based on approximate versions of the vertex operators occurring in the celebrated bosonic vertex representation, due to Date, Jimbo, Kashiwara and Miwa, of the Lie algebra of all matrices of infinite size, whose entries are all zero but finitely many.
Technological and social networks of a pastoralist artificial society: agent-based modeling of mobility patterns
Authors: Rodriguez-Lopez Juan Miguel , Schickhoff Meike , Sengupta Shubhankar , Scheffran Jürgen
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the advantages of simulation to raise the question of how digital and social networks affect the mobility in a pastoralist artificial society in the context of environmental degradation. We aim to explore mechanisms and develop scenarios, which are going to be validated through further research. We use a model of a simple pastoralist society in a world without borders to migration by adding the possibility of experiencing the effects of social structures (such as family and friends) and technological networks (e.g., social media). It appears obvious that pastoralist mobility depends on other dimensions as land tenure and traditional knowledge; however, isolating these two effects and experimenting in a simple society allow us to filter the multidimensionality of mobility decisions and concentrate on comparing scenarios in several different social structures and technological network combinations. The results show an expected behavior of more connection and more mobility, and a non-linear emergent behavior where pastoralists wait for a longer amount of time to mobilize when they interact using powerful social and technological networks. This occurs until they decide to move, and then, they mobilize more quickly and strongly than they did when communication was non-existent between them. The literature on migration explains this emergent non-linear behavior.
Growth mechanism and motion trajectory of lazy “S” in friction stir welding joint of 6082-T6 aluminum alloy
Authors: Zhang Hang , Sun Yu-meng , Gong Wen-biao , Cui Heng
Published: February 2021

Samples of 4-mm-thick 6082-T6 aluminum alloy were subjected to friction stir welding (FSW), and the different lazy “S” morphology of joint cross section and weld surface was obtained corresponding to five groups' welding parameters. Based on the diffusion and kinetics equation of the oxygen–aluminum interface film, a vortex current model of lazy “S” motion trajectory composed of (A → B → C → D → E) five points which was affected thermomechanical action by temperature field, non-Newtonian fluid and stress field was provided. It was found that the oxygen–aluminum interface film theory not only explained the growth mechanism of lazy “S” and the phenomenon that the lazy “S” on the weld surface disappeared as the welding speed increases, but also clarified the reason why there is no significant difference in cross-section lazy “S” width. In addition, the vortex current model of the accumulation area at the back of the stirring tool illustrated the regularity of the movement trajectory forming of the cross-section lazy “S” and the variation of the position of the lazy “S” of the weld surface deviated from the weld centerline.
Immersed boundary method for MHD unsteady natural convection around a hot elliptical cylinder in a cold rhombus enclosure filled with a nanofluid
Authors: Hosseinjani Ali Akbar , Roohi Amir H.
Published: February 2021

In this study, the numerical investigation of the natural convection heat transfer around a hot elliptical cylinder inside a cold rhombus enclosure filled with a nanofluid in the presence of a uniform magnetic field is conducted. An immersed boundary method as a computational tool has been extended and applied to solve the problem. The influence of various parameters such as cylinder diameters (a, b), Hartmann number (Ha = 0, 50 and 100), nanofluid volume fraction ($$\varphi = 0 , 2.5\% and 5\%$$

φ
=
0
,
2.5
%
a
n
d
5
%

), and Rayleigh number (Ra = 103, 104, 105, 106, and 107) has been studied. Streamlines and isotherms contours as well as average Nusselt number have been specified for different modes. An equation for the average Nusselt number as a function of mentioned parameters is presented in this paper. The results show that at lower Ra numbers of Ra = 103 and 104, the magnetic field effect is negligible. However, at higher Rayleigh numbers, the average Nusselt number (Nuave) decreases with the increasing Ha number. The maximum decrease in Nuave at Ra = 105, 106 and 107are calculated −8.15%, −23.4% and −27.3%, respectively. An asymmetry-unsteady flow is observed at $${\text{Ra}} = 10^{7}$$

Ra
=

10
7

for Ha = 0. However, at higher Ha numbers a steady-symmetrical flow is formed.
State consistence of data-driven reduced order models for parametric aeroelastic analysis
Authors: Krolick William C. , Shu Jung I. , Wang Yi , Pant Kapil
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the state consistence of parametric data-driven reduced order models (ROMs) in a state-space form obtained by various system identification methods, including autoregressive exogenous (ARX) and subspace identification (N4SID), for aeroelastic analysis in varying flight conditions. The target flight envelop is first partitioned into discrete grid points, on each of which an aerodynamic ROM is constructed using system identification to capture the dependence of the generalized aerodynamic force on the generalized displacement of structural modes. High-fidelity aeroelastic modal perturbation simulations are used to generate the ROM training and verification data. Aerodynamic ROMs not on the grid point are obtained by interpolating those at neighboring grid points. Through a thorough analysis of the model coefficients and pole migration, it is found that only the ARX-based aerodynamic ROM preserves the state consistence, and hence, allowing direct interpolation of system matrices at the non-grid point and rapid aerodynamic ROM database development in the entire flight parameter space. In contrast, N4SID-based ROM destroys the state consistence and yields physically meaningless results when ROMs are interpolated. The origin of the difference in the state consistence caused by both methods is also discussed. The interpolated ARX aerodynamic ROMs coupled with the structural ROM for parametric aeroelastic analysis exhibit excellent agreement with the high fidelity full order model (mostly <5% relative error) and salient computational efficiency.
Optimization of Cutting Parameters Affecting Surface Roughness in Turning of Inconel 625 Superalloy by Cryogenically Treated Tungsten Carbide Inserts
Authors: Akgün Mahir , Demir Halil
Published: February 2021

This work focuses on developing the mathematical model of surface roughness (Ra) in the turning of Inconel 625 superalloy with cryogenically treated tungsten carbide inserts. The influence of cryogenic treated on the microstructure and hardness of tungsten carbide tools was also investigated for the as-received inserts and deep cryogenic treatment at − 196 °C for 12, 24, and 36 h conditions. Turning experiments have been performed according to an orthogonal array L16 with three parameters (cutting tool, feed rate, cutting speed) at different levels with a 1 mm depth of cut. The ideal cutting tool and cutting parameters were evaluated in terms of the surface roughness (Ra). Analysis of Variance has been applied to determine the percentage of each cutting factor. It has been observed that the cutting speed has a maximum with 66.28% contribution on Ra. The best optimal turning parameters are obtained as A3B3C1 according to S/N ration. The mathematical model of Ra has been developed by regression analysis. The developed model is tested with verification experiments and found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
α-Si3N4 and Si2N2O whiskers from rice husk and industrial rice husk ash
Authors: Parrillo A. , Sánchez G. , Alles A. Bologna
Published: February 2021

Rice industrialization worldwide generates significant amounts of rice husk as a by-product. When rice husk is burned to obtain energy, a relatively common practice, a substantial portion of the husk turns into ash, and both constitute environmental liabilities. Using rice husk and ash as starting materials to produce high-value products could help in mitigating the environmental impact while providing economic revenue. Rice husk and rice husk ash as produced in a local cogeneration plant without any pretreatments were evaluated as feasible sources for silicon nitride (Si3N4) and silicon oxynitride (Si2N2O) whiskers by carbothermal reduction and nitridation. Rice husk and the ash were held at temperatures between 1200 and 1400 °C for 3 h under flowing nitrogen. Increasing soaking temperature values led to higher whisker development for both starting materials, with the best results observed at 1400 °C. Whereas α-silicon nitride whiskers were obtained when rice husk was employed, the graphite surface-to-ash ratio dictated whisker composition for the ash. Treatment of the ash at the soaking temperature value of 1400 °C led to silicon oxynitride for lower graphite surface-to-ash ratios, but when this ratio was increased, α-silicon nitride predominated. α-silicon nitride whiskers had cross sections ranging from about 100 nm to 1 µm in width, whereas the silicon oxynitride whiskers had cross sections ranging from approx. 100 to 500 nm in diameter. Both types of whiskers were observed to be in the millimeter length range.
Evaluating the Effect of Inert Recruiting on Blood Donations Immediately After the Consecutive Earthquakes
Authors: Lu Shih-Chien , Kuo Sau-Wei , Ku Chih-Hung , Chin Li-Te
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Disasters can have impact on the demand and supply of blood, with such a difficult perspective, planning of an appropriate response to counterbalance the need for blood is of paramount importance. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate how the impact of blood imbalances may be absorbed by inert recruitment of donors during 2 life-threatening earthquakes that shook Taiwan on the same date in 2016 and 2018.

Method:

A retrospective database search from blood bank registries was developed.

Results:

Despite the public efforts to restrain the flow, a 3- to 4-fold increase in volunteers responded to the earthquakes. This surge alleviated after a day and did not contribute to sub-par collections. Those who donated more than usual immediately after the event were identified as first-time, younger, and female populations. The hospitals providing inpatient care to the injured transfused a slightly decreased amount of packed red cells, whereas the use of whole blood, platelets, and plasma remained stable. The inert recruiting was effective in reducing the duration of donor overabundance.

Conclusion:

Compared with other examples, the inert recruiting approach was effective in reducing the duration of donor overabundance to 1 day and may be useful for disaster preparedness of transfusion supplies.