bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of lamellar morphology by side‐chain crystalline comb‐like polymers for gas barrier
Authors: Kong Peng , Deng Jingqian , Du Zhongjie , Zou Wei , Zhang Chen
Published: September 2021

A comb‐like polymer containing crystallized alkyl side chains and the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the linking groups was fabricated by grafting long‐chain fatty amine onto poly(styrene‐co‐acrylic acid)n (P(S‐AA)n, wherein “n” denoted AA feed ratio). The chemical structures and crystallization behaviors of the comb‐like polymer P(S‐AA)n‐g(p) (wherein “p” denoted the number of side‐chain carbon atoms) were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffractometer, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, respectively. It was found that the lamellar morphology could be generated by controlling the grafting density and side chain length of P(S‐AA)n‐g(p). Moreover, it was identified that the hydrogen bonds between amide groups could enhance the crystallinity and then adjust the interlamellar spacing of lamellar phase. As a result, P(S‐AA)70‐g(18) with the highest degree of crystallinity and closely packed lamellar morphology showed a good gas‐barrier performance, and the nitrogen permeability reached 1.78 × 10−14 cm3·cm/cm2·s·Pa. Furthermore, the permeation switch of the obtained comb‐like polymer could reach 500 times traversing the melting point.
Telerehabilitation perceptions and experiences of physiatrists in a lower‐middle‐income country during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Leochico Carl Froilan D. , Rey‐Matias Beatrice Milrose V. , Rey‐Matias Reynaldo R.
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic catalyzed the adoption of telerehabilitation in various health care settings. However, there was neither a preexisting national guideline in the Philippines nor an internationally agreed upon standard for telerehabilitation. The literature lacks nationwide studies documenting how physiatrists perceived and experienced telerehabilitation during the pandemic.

Objective

To determine the perceptions and experiences of physiatrists in the Philippines regarding telerehabilitation.

Design

Online survey originally developed by the authors with inputs from local experts in telehealth or telerehabilitation.

Setting

Nationwide, involving board‐certified physiatrists practicing in the Philippines.

Participants

Fellows of the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) (N = 259) with Internet access.

Main Outcome Measures

Self‐reported telerehabilitation knowledge, skills, and experience; key concerns; preferred clients, service offerings, and methods (technology, duration, charging).

Results

The respondents (n = 161; 62.2% response rate) had a mean age of 48.1 ± 9.6 years, were mostly female (57.8%), and mostly practiced in private hospitals and urban settings. The majority reported inadequate telerehabilitation knowledge (61.5%), skills (58.4%), and experience (72.1%). The most common sources of telerehabilitation knowledge were colleagues (52.8%), PARM (51.6%), and telemedicine‐related websites (41.6%). Most of the respondents preferred to conduct telerehabilitation with former patients over new ones and prescribe telerehabilitation programs for physical, occupational, psychological, and speech‐language therapy but not for swallowing therapy. Videoconferencing was the most common telerehabilitation method. More than half of the respondents charged lesser fees for telerehabilitation compared to in‐person consultations. Although the majority recognized the need for telerehabilitation, their key concerns included the lack of thorough patient examination and medicolegal liability issues.

Conclusion

Despite their limited baseline knowledge, skills, and experience regarding telerehabilitation, many physiatrists in the Philippines learned to adopt this service delivery method during the pandemic. Their perceptions and experiences could be used in formulating practice‐based guidelines and strategies to improve the conduct of telerehabilitation in the country.
Theoretical investigation on the gas phase reaction mechanism of methanol with Sn and Pb in sludge incineration
Authors: Lu Chenggang , Zhao Hui , Wang Shuangjun , Tang Yizhen
Published: September 2021

In this work, using the M06‐2X method with Land2DZ for Sn and Pb atom and 6‐311++G(d,p) for the remaining atoms, the reaction mechanisms and products of Sn and Pb with methanol in sludge incineration were investigated. Result shows that Sn and Pb react with CH3OH via insertion mechanism into different chemical bond, that is, CH, CO, and OH bond. The order of stability of final products is CH3MOH > CH3OMH > HMCH2OH (M = Sn and Pb) from the most stable to the least stable. Moreover, the reactivity of Sn towards methanol is higher than that of Pb via the same insertion chemical bond. Kinetically, the order of barrier height via insertion into different chemical bond is CO > OH > CH bond from highest to lowest, which is contrast to the stability of products. Thermodynamics indicates that all products are spontaneous to be formed below 1500 K in incinerator. It is therefore Sn‐ and Pb‐contained organic compounds would be generated readily in incineration of sludge. The secondary treatment of bottom slag or fly ash is expected to reduce the pollution to environment after incineration of Sn‐ and Pb‐contained sludge.
Identical Response of Insulators to Irradiations by Swift Heavy Ions: Application to Experiments on Gd2Ti2O7
Authors: Szenes György
Published: September 2021

Track radii Re induced by swift heavy ions are studied. The experimental track data are analyzed in Gd2Ti2O7 pyrochlore in the range Se = 6−54 keV nm−1 (Se: electronic stopping power), including irradiations by low‐ and high‐velocity ions. The Analytical Thermal Spike Model (ATSM) is applied, whose main features are reviewed. The track data of Gd2Ti2O7 exhibit scaling features which mean simple quantitative relationships with track sizes of other insulators controlled only by a single materials parameter (MP), the melting temperature Tm. The Re2−Se track evolution curve is described in the whole range of Se without the application of any individual fitting parameter and MPs apart from Tm; the thresholds for track formation are Set = 6.1 and 14.4 keV nm−1 for E < 2 MeV/nucleon and E > 8 MeV/nucleon, respectively. The unique role of Tm is a highly important limitation for the mechanism of track formation. The practical consequences of the results are discussed with respect to the estimation of irradiation parameters.
Combining multiple imputation with raking of weights: An efficient and robust approach in the setting of nearly true models
Authors: Han Kyunghee , Shaw Pamela A. , Lumley Thomas
Published: September 2021

Multiple imputation (MI) provides us with efficient estimators in model‐based methods for handling missing data under the true model. It is also well‐understood that design‐based estimators are robust methods that do not require accurately modeling the missing data; however, they can be inefficient. In any applied setting, it is difficult to know whether a missing data model may be good enough to win the bias‐efficiency trade‐off. Raking of weights is one approach that relies on constructing an auxiliary variable from data observed on the full cohort, which is then used to adjust the weights for the usual Horvitz‐Thompson estimator. Computing the optimally efficient raking estimator requires evaluating the expectation of the efficient score given the full cohort data, which is generally infeasible. We demonstrate MI as a practical method to compute a raking estimator that will be optimal. We compare this estimator to common parametric and semi‐parametric estimators, including standard MI. We show that while estimators, such as the semi‐parametric maximum likelihood and MI estimator, obtain optimal performance under the true model, the proposed raking estimator utilizing MI maintains a better robustness‐efficiency trade‐off even under mild model misspecification. We also show that the standard raking estimator, without MI, is often competitive with the optimal raking estimator. We demonstrate these properties through several numerical examples and provide a theoretical discussion of conditions for asymptotically superior relative efficiency of the proposed raking estimator.
Functional Characteristics and Physical Properties of Spray Dried Starch Inclusion Complexes with Drugs
Authors: Marinopoulou Anna , Zoumaki Maria , Goulas Athanasios , Petridis Dimitris , Raphaelides Stylianos , Aslampaloglou Antonios , Tzikas Achileas , Karageorgiou Vassilis
Published: September 2021

Starch systems containing bioactive compounds (ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, myristic acid) are produced in a pilot plant scale spray dryer. The obtained powders are characterized in terms of their physical properties namely moisture, solubility, bulk and tapped density, suspensibility, hygroscopicity, cohesiveness, flowability, and particle size. The effect of spray drying processing parameters and storage relative humidity on the physical properties of powders is investigated. Light microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) are used to characterize the morphology of the powders and assess possible interaction of amylose with the bioactive compounds. A multiple response optimization is performed to determine the optimal physical properties for achieving the ideal powder formulation that jointly satisfy the spray drying operating conditions. Results revealed that the physical properties of powders are mainly affected by the different operating conditions employed during spray drying. All samples displayed significant differences in their physical properties. Microscopic examination showed the presence of disrupted and intact starch granules, albeit swollen. The optimal processing parameters for the production of spray dried powders with more satisfactory physical properties are obtained at high inlet temperatures. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) showed that there are strong positive correlations among the physical properties of the powders.
Restoring force model of high‐strength concrete‐encased CFST composite columns
Authors: Ke Xiaojun , Yang Tingting , Li Juntao
Published: September 2021

To investigate the seismic behavior of high‐strength concrete‐encased concrete‐filled steel tube (HSC‐encased CFST) composite column, eight specimens with a high axial compression ratio were tested under lateral cyclic loading and constant axial compressive loading in this paper. Key points on the load–displacement skeleton curve of the composite columns were obtained based on the experimental results. The test parameters include the axial compression ratio, volume stirrup ratio, stirrup form, and the diameter‐width ratio. All specimens failed in the flexural mode, with the crushing of compressive concrete and losing of vertical load‐carrying capacity. The ductility and deformation capacity decrease with the axial compression ratio increasing, and enhancing the volume stirrup ratio within 1.33–1.63% can provide an effective confinement of composite column. The ultimate strength of specimen with the octagonal stirrup is 23.8% higher than that with well stirrup, and the ductility and load‐carrying capacity are enhanced due to the increase of diameter‐width ratio. A degrading trilinear restoring force model of HSC‐encased CFST composite column with a high compression ratio is proposed. The comparisons made between calculated results and test results show such a high agreement, which indicates the proposed restoring force model is applicable to such HSC‐encased CFST composite column. It provides a theoretical basement for further research on the nonlinear dynamic analysis of such CFST composite column.
Feasibility of teledentistry in population groups: Introducing a matrix model for its assessment
Authors: Suresh Lekshmi R. , Hegde Amitha M.
Published: September 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has seen a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare organizations to improve their utilization of digital platforms to supplement the reach of conventional healthcare services. In the wake of this crisis, dentistry is on the cusp of a major overhaul, promoting preventive practices and a rapid shift to teledentistry platforms. A random push to adapt to teledentistry platforms may cause the straining of available resources and manpower, especially in sectors involved in the care of vulnerable population groups like children, individuals with special needs and those in the low socioeconomic strata. It is thus advisable to make this transition systematically, beginning with an analysis of feasibility, done periodically, to maximize efficiency. Described in this article is a system to facilitate this transition by utilizing a matrix model, laying foundation for assessment of feasibility based on target population characteristics. It calls for the improvement of population characteristics to reduce strain on the healthcare sector using key indicators of the model, paired against potential barriers, and is described using a case study from the field.
Reversing Tree Encroachment Increases Usable Space for Sage‐Grouse during the Breeding Season
Authors: OLSEN ANDREW C. , SEVERSON JOHN P. , ALLRED BRADY W. , JONES MATTHEW O. , MAESTAS JEREMY D. , NAUGLE DAVID E. , YATES KATE H. , HAGEN CHRISTIAN A.
Published: September 2021

In the Great Basin, coniferous trees are expanding their range at a rate higher than any other time during the Holocene. Approximately 90% of the expansion has occurred in ecosystems previously dominated by sagebrush (Artemisiaspp.). Transitions from open, sagebrush steppe to woodlands are considered a threat to the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush obligate gallinaceous bird that occupies approximately 56% of its pre‐European settlement distribution. Using a telemetry data set from 2010–2017 breeding seasons for a treatment area with conifer removal and an experimental control area, we assessed the efficacy of conifer removal for increasing usable space and determined relative probability of use of a landscape previously impacted by conifer expansion. Sage‐grouse increasingly selected areas closer to conifer removals and were 26% more likely to use removal areas each year after removal. Sage‐grouse were most likely to select areas where conifer cover had been reduced by ≤10%. The proportion of available locations having a high relative probability of use increased from 5% to 31% between 2011 and 2017 in the treatment area and locations with the lowest relative probability of use decreased from 57% to 21% over the same period. Dynamics in relative probability of use at available locations in the control area were stochastic or stable and did not demonstrate clear temporal trends relative to the treatment area. Targeted conifer removal is an effective tool for increasing usable space for sage‐grouse during the breeding season and for restoring landscapes affected by conifer expansion. © 2021 The Authors.Wildlife Society Bulletinpublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
New physics searches at the ILC positron and electron beam dumps
Authors: Asai Kento , Iwamoto Sho , Sakaki Yasuhito , Ueda Daiki
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We study capability of the ILC beam dump experiment to search for new physics, comparing the performance of the electron and positron beam dumps. The dark photon, axion-like particles, and light scalar bosons are considered as new physics scenarios, where all the important production mechanisms are included: electron-positron pair-annihilation, Primakoff process, and bremsstrahlung productions.

We find that the ILC beam dump experiment has higher sensitivity than past beam dump experiments, with the positron beam dump having slightly better performance for new physics particles which are produced by the electron-positron pair-annihilation.
Averaging over moduli in deformed WZW models
Authors: Dong Junkai , Hartman Thomas , Jiang Yikun
Published: September 2021

Abstract

WZW models live on a moduli space parameterized by current-current deformations. The moduli space defines an ensemble of conformal field theories, which generically have N abelian conserved currents and central charge c > N. We calculate the average partition function and show that it can be interpreted as a sum over 3-manifolds. This suggests that the ensemble-averaged theory has a holographic dual, generalizing recent results on Narain CFTs. The bulk theory, at the perturbative level, is identified as U(1)2N Chern-Simons theory coupled to additional matter fields. From a mathematical perspective, our principal result is a Siegel-Weil formula for the characters of an affine Lie algebra.
Conformal symmetries for extremal black holes with general asymptotic scalars in STU supergravity
Authors: Cvetič M. , Pope C. N. , Saha A.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We present a construction of the most general BPS black holes of STU supergravity ($$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric D = 4 supergravity coupled to three vector super-multiplets) with arbitrary asymptotic values of the scalar fields. These solutions are obtained by acting with a subset of the global symmetry generators on STU BPS black holes with zero values of the asymptotic scalars, both in the U-duality and the heterotic frame. The solutions are parameterized by fourteen parameters: four electric and four magnetic charges, and the asymptotic values of the six scalar fields. We also present BPS black hole solutions of a consistently truncated STU supergravity, which are parameterized by two electric and two magnetic charges and two scalar fields. These latter solutions are significantly simplified, and are very suitable for further explicit studies. We also explore a conformal inversion symmetry of the Couch-Torrence type, which maps any member of the fourteen-parameter family of BPS black holes to another member of the family. Furthermore, these solutions are expected to be valuable in the studies of various swampland conjectures in the moduli space of string compactifications.
FZZT branes in JT gravity and topological gravity
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi , Sakai Kazuhiro
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We study Fateev-Zamolodchikov-Zamolodchikov-Teschner (FZZT) branes in Witten-Kontsevich topological gravity, which includes Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity as a special case. Adding FZZT branes to topological gravity corresponds to inserting determinant operators in the dual matrix integral and amounts to a certain shift of the infinitely many couplings of topological gravity. We clarify the perturbative interpretation of adding FZZT branes in the genus expansion of topological gravity in terms of a simple boundary factor and the generalized Weil-Petersson volumes. As a concrete illustration we study JT gravity in the presence of FZZT branes and discuss its relation to the deformations of the dilaton potential that give rise to conical defects. We then construct a non-perturbative formulation of FZZT branes and derive a closed expression for the general correlation function of multiple FZZT branes and multiple macroscopic loops. As an application we study the FZZT-macroscopic loop correlators in the Airy case. We observe numerically a void in the eigenvalue density due to the eigenvalue repulsion induced by FZZT-branes and also the oscillatory behavior of the spectral form factor which is expected from the picture of eigenbranes.
The efficacy and safety of levilimab in severely ill COVID-19 patients not requiring mechanical ventilation: results of a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase III CORONA clinical study
Authors: Lomakin Nikita V. , Bakirov Bulat A. , Protsenko Denis N. , Mazurov Vadim I. , Musaev Gaziyavdibir H. , Moiseeva Olga M. , Pasechnik Elena S. , Popov Vladimir V. , Smolyarchuk Elena A. , Gordeev Ivan G. , Gilyarov Mikhail Yu , Fomina Darya S. , Seleznev Anton I. , Linkova Yulia N. , Dokukina Ekaterina A. , Eremeeva Anna V. , Pukhtinskaia Polina S. , Morozova Maria A. , Zinkina-Orikhan Arina V. , Lutckii Anton A.
Published: September 2021

Objective and design

The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III CORONA clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IL-6 receptor inhibitor levilimab (LVL) in subjects with severe COVID-19.

Subjects

The study included 217 patients. The eligible were men and non-pregnant women aged 18 years or older, hospitalized for severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Treatment

206 subjects were randomized (1:1) to receive single subcutaneous administration of LVL 324 mg or placebo, both in combination with standard of care (SOC). 204 patients received allocated therapy. After the LVL/placebo administration in case of deterioration of symptoms, the investigator could perform a single open-label LVL 324 mg administration as the rescue therapy.

Methods

The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with sustained clinical improvement on the 7-category ordinal scale on Day 14. All efficacy data obtained after rescue therapy administration were considered missing. For primary efficacy analysis, all subjects with missing data were considered non-responders.

Results

63.1% and 42.7% of patients in the LVL and in the placebo groups, respectively, achieved sustained clinical improvement on Day 14 (P = .0017). The frequency of adverse drug reactions was comparable between the groups.

Conclusion

In patients with radiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, requiring or not oxygen therapy (but not ventilation) with no signs of other active infection administration of LVL + SOC results in an increase of sustained clinical improvement rate.

Trail registration

The trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04397562).
Transperineal ultrasound to estimate the appropriate ring pessary size for women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Manzini Claudia , Withagen Mariëlla I. J. , van den Noort Frieda , Grob Anique T. M. , van der Vaart Carl H
Published: September 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to predict the successful ring pessary size based on the levator hiatal area (HA).

Methods

This is a prospective case–control study. Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) choosing pessary treatment were included. All women underwent an interview, clinical examination, and 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). The ring pessary size used in each trial and the reason for unsuccessful trials were recorded. In addition, levator hiatal area divided by ring pessary size (HARP ratio) was measured at rest, maximum contraction, and maximum Valsalva. The HARP ratios of successful and unsuccessful trials were compared, receiver operating characteristic curves in the prediction of successful trials were constructed, and the cut-off optimizing sensitivity and specificity was identified.

Results

A total of 162 women were assessed and 106 were included with 77 successful trials, 49 unsuccessful trials owing to dislodgment or failure to relieve POP symptoms, and 20 unsuccessful trials owing to pain/discomfort. Rest HARP ratio and Valsalva HARP ratio were significantly smaller in the successful trials versus dislodgment/failure to relieve POP symptoms trials (mean rest HARP ratio [SD]: 2.93 [0.59] vs 3.24 [0.67], p = 0.021; median Valsalva HARP ratio (IQR): 4.65 (1.56) vs 5.32 (2.08), p = 0.004). No significant difference was observed between pain/discomfort trials and successful trials. The best cut-off for the prediction of successful trials was Valsalva HARP ratio ≤ 5.00.

Conclusions

Unsuccessful fitting trials due to dislodgment/failure to relieve POP symptoms are associated with a small ring pessary with respect to the levator HA. A ring pessary that produces a Valsalva HARP ratio > 5.00 has a higher risk of dislodgment/failure to relieve POP symptoms.
Pulse consumption improves indices of glycemic control in adults with and without type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of acute and long-term randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hafiz Maryam S. , Campbell Matthew D. , O’Mahoney Lauren L. , Holmes Melvin , Orfila Caroline , Boesch Christine
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of pulse intake on glycemic control are inconsistent and conclusive evidence is lacking. The aim of this study was to systematically review the impact of pulse consumption on post-prandial and long-term glycemic control in adults with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Databases were searched for RCTs, reporting outcomes of post-prandial and long-term interventions with different pulse types on parameters of glycemic control in normoglycemic and T2D adults. Effect size (ES) was calculated using random effect model and meta-regression was conducted to assess the impact of various moderator variables such as pulse type, form, dose, and study duration on ES.

Results

From 3334 RCTs identified, 65 studies were eligible for inclusion involving 2102 individuals. In acute RCTs, pulse intake significantly reduced peak post-prandial glucose concentration in participants with T2D (ES  – 2.90; 95%CI  – 4.60,  – 1.21; p ≤ 0.001; I2 = 93%) and without T2D (ES  – 1.38; 95%CI  – 1.78,  – 0.99; p ≤ 0.001; I2 = 86%). Incorporating pulse consumption into long-term eating patterns significantly attenuated fasting glucose in normoglycemic adults (ES  – 0.06; 95%CI  – 0.12, 0.00; p ≤ 0.05; I2 = 30%). Whereas, in T2D participants, pulse intake significantly lowered fasting glucose (ES  – 0.54; 95%CI  – 0.83,  – 0.24; p ≤ 0.001; I2 = 78%), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (ES  – 0.17; 95%CI  – 0.33, 0.00; p ≤ 0.05; I2 = 78) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ES  – 0.47; 95%CI  – 1.25,  – 0.31; p ≤ 0.05; I2 = 79%).

Conclusion

Pulse consumption significantly reduced acute post-prandial glucose concentration > 1 mmol/L in normoglycemic adults and > 2.5 mmol/L in those with T2D, and improved a range of long-term glycemic control parameters in adults with and without T2D.

PROSPERO registry number

(CRD42019162322).
„Selektive“ Fortpflanzung durch pränatale Diagnostik?
Authors: Rehmann-Sutter Christoph
Published: September 2021

Die breite Einführung nicht-invasiver pränataler Tests (NIPT) sowie die Ausweitung der Testziele über Trisomien hinaus machen es notwendig, Sinn und Ziel der pränatalen Diagnostik (PND) als emergente soziale Praxis grundsätzlich zu diskutieren. Wenn, wie angenommen wird, PND nicht zu eugenischen Zwecken, sondern zur Stärkung der Autonomie dienen soll, muss gefragt werden, welche Bedeutung die Entscheidungen haben, ein bestimmtes zukünftiges Kind (nicht) zu gebären. Stephen Wilkinson hat vorgeschlagen, PND als eine Form „selektiver Reproduktion“ zu verstehen. In diesem Paper wird geprüft, ob die Charakterisierung der Entscheidung nach PND als „Selektion“ zutrifft und welche moralischen Vorannahmen ihr zugrunde liegen.

Es zeigt sich, dass das Konzept der „selektiven Reproduktion“ die Handlungen der PND inakkurat repräsentiert. Es beinhaltet zudem sowohl eine Abstrahierung als auch eine Distanzierung. Es nimmt an, dass Frauen und Paare entweder falls nötig mehrere Schwangerschaften planen, um ein gesundes Kind zu erzeugen, oder sich als Ausführende einer selektiven Strategie auf der Populationsebene verstehen. Die Einschränkung der ethischen Diskussion auf das Problem der Selektion verdeckt zwei wichtige Problemfelder, die die konflikthaltige Situation der PND aus der Perspektive der Frau oder des Paares charakterisieren: die Schwangerschaft als persönliche Beziehung und den Akt des Abbruchs der Schwangerschaft. Aufgrund seiner impliziten Normativität wird „selektive Fortpflanzung“ als sinnvolle Bezeichnung für die Praxis der PND zurückgewiesen.
PARPACT – Paramedic Palliative Care Test
Authors: Chwallek D. , Schweda A. , Neukirchen M. , Hense J. , Schwartz J. , Mallmann B. , Teufel M. , Schuler M. , Tewes Mitra
Published: September 2021

Hintergrund

Angesichts der Vielzahl von Palliativpatienten, die vom Rettungsdienst versorgt werden, spielen Aus- und Weiterbildung in palliativmedizinischen Themen eine immer größere Rolle. Zur Verbesserung der Entscheidungsfindung in Rettungssituationen wurde in vielen Städten ein Palliativ- bzw. Notfallausweis eingeführt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Um den Erfolg von Bildungsmaßnahmen und den Effekt des Palliativ- bzw. Notfallausweises zu überprüfen, wurde ein Fragebogen zur Ermittlung von palliativem Wissen und palliativer Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung im Rettungsdienst entwickelt und validiert.

Material und Methoden

Die Entwicklung und Inhaltsvalidierung erfolgte mithilfe eines Delphi-Prozesses. Zur Konstruktvalidierung wurde die Faktorenanalyse genutzt. Die Kriteriumsvalidität wurde anhand von 22 speziell in Palliative Care geschulten Pflegekräften überprüft. Die Reliabilität wurde mittels Cronbachs α als Maß der internen Konsistenz ermittelt.

Ergebnisse

291 von 750 Rettungsdienstmitarbeitern nahmen an der freiwilligen Befragung teil. Nach Abschluss des Delphi-Prozesses bestand Konsens, dass die wichtigen Themen Schmerz, Dyspnoe, Sedierung, Sterbebegleitung, Sterbehilfe und rechtliche Aspekte im Fragebogen abgedeckt sind. Das Ergebnis der Faktorenanalyse sprach für eine 6‑Faktoren-Lösung. Bei der Kriteriumsvalidierung zeigte sich ein signifikanter Unterschied im palliativen Wissen zwischen den Palliative-Care-Pflegekräften (MRang289,73) und den Rettungsdienstmitarbeitern (MRang146,97, U = 281.000, r = 0,40,p < 0,001). Cronbachs α lag für die Wissensfragen bei 0,70 und für die Subskala der palliativen Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung bei 0,82.

Diskussion

Mit dem Paramedic Palliative Care Test (PARPACT) liegt ein validiertes Messinstrument zur Überprüfung von Bildungsmaßnahmen im Rettungsdienst vor.
Complex relationship between amino acids, fitness and food intake in Bombus terrestris
Authors: Archer C. Ruth , Fähnle Johannes , Pretzner Maximilian , Üstüner Cansu , Weber Nina , Sutter Andreas , Doublet Vincent , Wilfert Lena
Published: September 2021

The ratio of amino acids to carbohydrates (AA:C) that bumble bees consume has been reported to affect their survival. However, it is unknown how dietary AA:C ratio affects other bumble bee fitness traits (e.g., fecundity, condition) and possible trade-offs between them. Moreover, while individual AAs affect phenotype in many species, the effects of AA blend on bumble bee fitness and food intake are unclear. We test how the AA:C ratio that bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) consume affects their condition (abdomen lipid and dry mass), survival following food removal, and ovarian activation. We then compare ovarian activation and food intake in bees fed identical AA:C ratios, but where the blend of AAs in diets differ, i.e., diets contained the same 10 AAs in an equimolar ratio or in the same ratio as in bee collected pollen. We found that AA:C ratio did not significantly affect survival following food removal or ovarian activation; however, high AA intake increased body mass, which is positively correlated with multiple fitness traits in bumble bees. AA blend (i.e., equimolar versus pollen) did not significantly affect overall ovarian activation or consumption of each experimental diet. However, there was an interaction between AA mix and dietary AA:C ratio affecting survival during the feeding experiment, and signs that there may have been weak, interactive effects of AA mix and AA:C ratio on food consumption. These results suggest that the effect of total AA intake on bumble bee phenotype may depend on the blend of individual AAs in experimental diets. We suggest that research exploring how AA blend affects bumble bee performance and dietary intake is warranted, and highlight that comparing research on bee nutrition is complicated by even subtle variation in experimental diet composition.
Algebraic aggregation of random forests: towards explainability and rapid evaluation
Authors: Gossen Frederik , Steffen Bernhard
Published: September 2021

Random Forests are one of the most popular classifiers in machine learning. The larger they are, the more precise the outcome of their predictions. However, this comes at a cost: it is increasingly difficult to understand why a Random Forest made a specific choice, and its running time for classification grows linearly with the size (number of trees). In this paper, we propose a method to aggregate large Random Forests into a single, semantically equivalent decision diagram which has the following two effects: (1) minimal, sufficient explanations for Random Forest-based classifications can be obtained by means of a simple three step reduction, and (2) the running time is radically improved. In fact, our experiments on various popular datasets show speed-ups of several orders of magnitude, while, at the same time, also significantly reducing the size of the required data structure.
Natural Advance Regeneration of Native Tree Species in Pinus radiata Plantations of South-Central Chile Suggests Potential for a Passive Restoration Approach
Authors: Kremer Klaus , Promis Álvaro , Bauhus Jürgen
Published: September 2021

Restoration of natural forests previously replaced by plantations is a widespread challenge for forestry in Chile and elsewhere. However, there is little documented evidence for successful restoration, either through active or passive approaches. In this study, we aimed at (1) determining the potential for passive restoration in first-rotationPinus radiataplantations through natural regeneration of native tree species and (2) identifying drivers of this advance regeneration. Across different regions in south-central Chile, we established nearly 260 plots to assess regeneration and environmental conditions along 26 transects running from plantations into adjacent natural forests. The regeneration was exclusively composed by native species, except for 7 individuals ofP. radiata. Mean density and diversity of seedlings were significantly higher in natural forests than in plantations, but this was not the case for sapling density, and no differences in sapling diversity were supported. Additionally, significant differences in regeneration composition between plantations and natural forests were found only at two of the eight study sites. Compared to climatic and soil chemical variables, which varied mostly at regional scales, local environmental conditions showed little influence on regeneration, possibly due to the structural homogeneity of plantations. Yet, the significantly higher basal area, litter thickness and gap fraction of plantations compared to natural forests suggest that these factors may explain differences at the seedling stage. Our study indicates that the use of appropriate harvesting methods that maintain advance regeneration may facilitate the transition from plantations to native forests through passive restoration. The use this approach should be further investigated through analyzing regeneration’s response to different forms of plantation harvesting.
Unusual catchment runoff in a high alpine karst environment influenced by a complex geological setting (Northern Calcareous Alps, Tyrol, Austria)
Authors: Krainer Karl , Winkler Gerfried , Pernreiter Sabine , Wagner Thomas
Published: September 2021

Garber Schlag (Q-GS) is one of the major springs of the Karwendel Mountains, Tyrol, Austria. This spring has a unique runoff pattern that is mainly controlled by the tectonic setting. The main aquifer is a moderately karstified and jointed limestone of the Wetterstein Formation that is underlain by nonkarstified limestone of the Reifling Formation, which acts as an aquitard. The aquifer and aquitard of the catchment of spring Q-GS form a large anticline that is bound by a major fault (aquitard) to the north. Discharge of this spring shows strong seasonal variations with three recharge origins, based on δ18O and electrical conductivity values. A clear seasonal trend is observed, caused by the continuously changing portions of water derived from snowmelt, rainfall and groundwater. At the onset of the snowmelt period in May, the discharge is composed mainly of groundwater. During the maximum snowmelt period, the water is dominantly composed of water derived from snowmelt and subordinately from rainfall. During July and August, water derived from snowmelt continuously decreases and water derived from rainfall increases. During September and October, the water released at the spring is mainly derived from groundwater and subordinately from rainfall. The distinct discharge plateau from August to December and the following recession until March is likely related to the large regional groundwater body in the fissured and moderately karstified aquifer of the Wetterstein Formation and the tectonic structures (anticline, major fault). Only a small portion of the water released at spring Q-GS is derived from permafrost.
Mixed precision path tracking for polynomial homotopy continuation
Authors: Timme Sascha
Published: September 2021

This article develops a new predictor-corrector algorithm for numerical path tracking in the context of polynomial homotopy continuation. In the corrector step, it uses a newly developed Newton corrector algorithm which rejects an initial guess if it is not an approximate zero. The algorithm also uses an adaptive step size control that builds on a local understanding of the region of convergence of Newton’s method and the distance to the closest singularity following Telen, Van Barel, and Verschelde. To handle numerically challenging situations, the algorithm uses mixed precision arithmetic. The efficiency and robustness are demonstrated in several numerical examples.
Development and use of a convolutional neural network for hierarchical appearance-based localization
Authors: Cebollada S. , Payá L. , Jiang X. , Reinoso O.
Published: September 2021

This paper reports and evaluates the adaption and re-training of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with the aim of tackling the visual localization of a mobile robot by means of a hierarchical approach. The proposed method addresses the localization problem from the information captured by a catadioptric vision sensor mounted on the mobile robot. A CNN is adapted and evaluated with a twofold purpose. First, to perform a rough localization step (room retrieval) by means of the output layer. Second, to refine this localization in the retrieved room (fine localization step) by means of holistic descriptors obtained from intermediate layers of the same CNN. The robot estimates its position within the selected room/s through a nearest neighbour search by comparing the obtained holistic descriptor with the visual model of the retrieved room/s. Additionally, this method takes advantage of the likelihood information provided by the output layer of the CNN. This likelihood is helpful to determine which rooms should be considered in the fine localization process. This novel hierarchical localization method constitutes an efficient and robust solution, as shown in the experimental section even in presence of severe changes of the lighting conditions.
Characteristics and Longitudinal Patterns of Erectile Dysfunction Drug Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the U.S.
Authors: Park Jee Won , Dobs Adrian S. , Ho Ken S. , Palella Frank J. , Seaberg Eric C. , Weiss Robert E. , Detels Roger
Published: September 2021

We investigated the longitudinal relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) drug use with behavioral factors, including substance use and sexual activities in men who have sex with men from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study during 1998–2016 (n = 1636). We used a bivariate random-intercept model to evaluate ED drug use along with other behavioral factors to assess relationships between the two outcomes over time on a population level and also at the individual level. Average ED drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV was positively correlated with average use of marijuana (r = .19), poppers (r = .27), and stimulants (r = .25). In this group, testosterone use (r = .32), multiple partners (r = .41), insertive anal intercourse with condom (r = .40), and insertive anal intercourse without condom (r = .43) all showed moderate correlations over time with average ED use (p < .001). Associations among MSM without HIV were similar, with average marijuana use (r = .19) and stimulant use (r = .22) being positively correlated with average ED drug use, and were also correlated with having multiple partners (r = .36), insertive anal intercourse with condom (r = .22), and insertive anal intercourse without condom (r = .18) over time. Positive within-individual associations between ED drug use and multiple partners and insertive anal intercourse with and without condom were observed regardless of HIV serostatus. This study showed that MSM who reported use of ED drugs were also, on average, more likely to use recreational drugs and engage in sexual activities, such as having multiple partners and insertive anal intercourse. Within individuals, average ED drug use was also positively correlated with sexual behaviors.
Distinctive patterns and signals at major environmental events and collapse zone boundaries
Authors: Pálinkás Melinda , Hufnagel Levente
Published: September 2021

We studied the patterns of pre-collapse communities, the small-scale and the large-scale signals of collapses, and the environmental events before the collapses using four paleoecological and one modern data series. We applied and evaluated eight indicators in our analysis: the relative abundance of species, hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, total abundance, species richness, standard deviation (without a rolling window), first-order autoregression, and the relative abundance of the dominant species. We investigated the signals at the probable collapse triggering unusual environmental events and at the collapse zone boundaries, respectively. We also distinguished between pulse and step environmental events to see what signals the indicators give at these two different types of events. Our results show that first-order autoregression is not a good environmental event indicator, but it can forecast or indicate the collapse zones in climate change. The rest of the indicators are more sensitive to the pulse events than to the step events. Step events during climate change might have an essential role in initiating collapses. These events probably push the communities with low resilience beyond a critical threshold, so it is crucial to detect them. Before collapses, the total abundance and the species richness increase, the relative abundance of the species decreases. The hierarchical cluster analysis and the relative abundance of species together designate the collapse zone boundaries. We suggest that small-scale signals should be involved in analyses because they are often earlier than large-scale signals.
Seismic risk analysis for large dams in West Coast basin, southern Ghana
Authors: Irinyemi Stephen A. , Lombardi Domenico , Ahmad Syed M.
Published: September 2021

Dams are parts of the critical infrastructure of any nation, the failure of which would have a high-risk potential on the people and properties within the dam vicinity. Ghana is one of the most seismically active regions in West Africa and has at least 5 large dams across the region, constructed in strategic locations. The area is characterised by low-to-moderate seismicity, yet historical events suggest that major earthquakes that are potentially damaging have occurred in the study basin. This paper summarises the method used to analyse seismic risk and discusses the seismic hazards of three large dams across the study basin based on the seismicity at the dam sites and their risk due to structural properties and the location of each dam. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) values for the dam sites estimated are within the range of (0.31 g and 0.52 g) for 10,000 years return period. The study shows that one large dam has a high-risk class in the basin. This dam should be inspected and analysed for its seismic safety and people’s protection in the downstream paths.
Efficient and precise Ultra-QuickDASH scale measuring lymphedema impact developed using computerized adaptive testing
Authors: Xu Cai , Schaverien Mark V. , Christensen Joani M. , Sidey-Gibbons Chris J.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the QuickDASH for use in assessment of limb function in patients with upper extremity lymphedema using modern psychometric techniques.

Method

We conducted confirmative factor analysis (CFA) and Mokken analysis to examine the assumption of unidimensionality for IRT model on data from 285 patients who completed the QuickDASH, and then fit the data to Samejima’s graded response model (GRM) and assessed the assumption of local independence of items and calibrated the item responses for CAT simulation.

Results

Initial CFA and Mokken analyses demonstrated good scalability of items and unidimensionality. However, the local independence of items assumption was violated between items 9 (severity of pain) and 11 (sleeping difficulty due to pain) (Yen’s Q3 = 0.46) and disordered thresholds were evident for item 5 (cutting food). After addressing these breaches of assumptions, the re-analyzed GRM with the remaining 10 items achieved an improved fit. Simulation of CAT administration demonstrated a high correlation between scores on the CAT and the QuickDash (r = 0.98). Items 2 (doing heavy chores) and 8 (limiting work or daily activities) were the most frequently used. The correlation among factor scores derived from the QuickDASH version with 11 items and the Ultra-QuickDASH version with items 2 and 8 was as high as 0.91.

Conclusion

By administering just these two best performing QuickDash items we can obtain estimates that are very similar to those obtained from the full-length QuickDash without the need for CAT technology.
Assessing anger and irritability in children: psychometric evaluation and normative data for the German version of the PROMIS® Parent Proxy Anger Scale
Authors: Kaman Anne , Otto Christiane , Devine Janine , Erhart Michael , Döpfner Manfred , Banaschewski Tobias , Görtz-Dorten Anja , Hanisch Charlotte , Kölch Michael , Roessner Veit , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Anger and irritability are common and impairing symptoms in children. The PROMIS Anger scales assess self- and parent-reported irritable and angry mood over the past 7 days. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the German version of the PROMIS Parent Proxy Short Form v1.0—Anger and to provide normative data.

Methods

To evaluate the psychometric properties, data from the study ADOPT Epidemiology were used. In this study, the PROMIS Anger Scale was administered to a population-based sample of n = 8746 parents of children aged 8–12 years. Psychometric analyses were carried out including the investigation of distribution characteristics, factor structure, model fit, internal consistency, and congruent validity. Normative data were calculated as percentile ranks and T-scores.

Results

The PROMIS Anger Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties, including satisfactory distribution characteristics, unidimensionality, good internal consistency as well as congruent validity. German normative data for the PROMIS Anger Scale are presented.

Conclusion

Based on first psychometric analyses, the German version of the PROMIS Anger Scale can be recommended for use in research and practice; however, further investigations using clinical data are needed. The normative data will allow researchers and clinicians an interpretation of the test scores in future applications.