bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cost of privatisation to the profession: Media representation of audiology in Australia
Authors: Šarkić Bojana , Simpson Andrea , Heine Chyrisse
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To investigate how the profession of audiology was represented in the media in Australia and how the increased privatisation of the profession may have shaped this representation.

Methods

A systematic search of English language media records was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 17 July 2020 using ANZ News Stream, TV News, Google News and INFORMIT. Twenty‐four of 1056 originally identified articles were retained. The findings were extracted and synthesised.

Results

Context and content analyses were preformed, revealing a predominantly negative portrayal of Audiology as a profession in 21 (87.5%) of 24 articles. Predominant themes included: sales driven by incentives; predatory strategies and malpractice; non‐regulation and privatisation of the hearing care industry; and conflict of interest.

Conclusions

The media was found to highlight consumer mistrust in the profession in recent years. Increased regulation of the profession of audiology is recommended to protect the population against exploitative practices and to renew faith in the profession by the public.
Conformer‐RL: A deep reinforcement learning library for conformer generation
Authors: Jiang Runxuan , Gogineni Tarun , Kammeraad Joshua , He Yifei , Tewari Ambuj , Zimmerman Paul M.
Published: August 2022

Conformer‐RL is an open‐source Python package for applying deep reinforcement learning (RL) to the task of generating a diverse set of low‐energy conformations for a single molecule. The library features a simple interface to train a deep RL conformer generation model on any covalently bonded molecule or polymer, including most drug‐like molecules. Under the hood, it implements state‐of‐the‐art RL algorithms and graph neural network architectures tuned specifically for molecular structures. Conformer‐RL is also a platform for researching new algorithms and neural network architectures for conformer generation, as the library contains modular class interfaces for RL environments and agents, allowing users to easily swap components with their own implementations. Additionally, it comes with tools to visualize and save generated conformers for further analysis. Conformer‐RL is well‐tested and thoroughly documented with tutorials for each of the functionalities mentioned above, and is available on PyPi and Github: https://github.com/ZimmermanGroup/conformer-rl.
An improved radiosynthesis of [18F]FAraG, a PET radiotracer for imaging T‐cell activation
Authors: Holt Daniel P. , Dannals Robert F.
Published: August 2022

In this concise practitioner protocol, the radiochemical synthesis of 2′‐deoxy‐2′‐[18F]fluoro‐9‐β‐d‐arabinofuranosylguanine ([18F]FAraG) suitable for human positron emission tomography (PET) studies is described and the results from validation productions are presented. The high specific activity (sometimes referred to as molar activity) radiotracer product is prepared as a sterile, apyrogenic solution that conforms to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Right ventricular lead sensing latency in pacemaker therapy
Authors: Zagkli Fani , Kalovrenti Nikoleta , Patrinos Panagiotis , Chronopoulos Panagiotis , Chiladakis John
Published: August 2022

Background

Pacemaker implantation involves intraoperative testing of ventricular sensing using a device called a pacing system analyzer (PSA). The value obtained is expected to correspond to those taken by the pacemaker after its implantation. This study determined the latency period for sensing intracardiac electrogram (EGM) by the right ventricular (RV) lead.

Methods

Patients without significant heart disease and underlying intrinsic atrioventricular (AV) conduction underwent Medtronic or Abbott dual‐chamber pacemaker implantation with the RV lead positioned on the mid‐septum. Real‐time sensing data were obtained through PSA and after pacemaker implantation to evaluate latency as the time interval Q‐VS between the onset of QRS on surface electrocardiogram and the sensed EGM by the RV lead.

Results

Of 157 patients, 105 had narrow QRS (<120 ms) and 52 had wide QRS of complete right bundle branch block (RBBB). Both narrow‐QRS and RBBB patients had longer sensing latency through PSA (50.9 ± 24.2 and 67.8 ± 32.9 ms, respectively) than through pacemaker (18.2 ± 12.8 and 31.2 ± 14.8 ms, respectively, both p < 0.001). RBBB patients had longer sensing latency compared with narrow QRS patients, either through PSA or through pacemaker (p < 0.001). The sensing latency of Medtronic recipients was longer than those of Abbott in narrow‐QRS (p < 0.05), but not in RBBB.

Conclusion

We demonstrated longer RV lead sensing latency (1) through PSA than through pacemaker, (2) in RBBB than in narrow‐QRS, and (3) in Medtronic pacemakers compared with Abbott pacemakers. Knowledge of sensing latency helps the optimization of the AV delay.
Peanut monoculture‐induced decline in fertility of Andosols in Nicaragua
Authors: Castillo Xiomara , Materna Juliane , Jannoura Ramia , Joergensen Rainer Georg
Published: August 2022

Background

Andosols are generally characterized by strong resilience to degradation and high soil fertility. This may decline during long‐term peanut (Arachis hypogea) monoculture, as indicated by soil chemical and biological properties.

Aims

The study investigated the monoculture‐induced changes in soil chemical environment as driver for the decline in soil fertility.

Methods

In this on‐farm study, soils from seven sites cropped with peanut monoculture for different periods between 1 and 20 years were analyzed for soil chemical properties (pH, Al and Fe oxides, soil organic matter) as well as soil microbial biomass and microbial functional diversity, estimated by multiple substrate‐induced respiration (MSIR).

Results

Total nitrogen (N), soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial biomass C (MBC) declined by 57%, 62%, and 73%, respectively, over 20 years of peanut monoculture in comparison with 1 year peanut cultivation. The SOC/total N ratio showed the most consistent decrease during this period. The Shannon diversity index, calculated from the MSIR responses, generally decreased from 2.5 to 2.1 during peanut monoculture, passing a minimum after 10 years. Discriminant function 1 declined with increasing years of peanut monoculture (r = –0.87) and explained 74% of the variance, separating nearly all peanut sites from each other. The main predictors were soil pH, exchangeable Al3+, and the SOC/total N ratio, but dithionite extractable Al and Fe as well the ratio of exchangeable Ca2+/Mg2+ also made significant contributions.

Conclusion

Twenty years of peanut monoculture led to a strong decline in soil fertility, as strongly indicated by soil microbiological indices.
Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction of diphenylphosphoryl azide under high pressures
Authors: Wen Yang , Huili Wei , Tianyi Yu , Junru Jiang , Jian Wang , Zhijun He , Xinmei Hou , Qiliang Cui , Hongyang Zhu
Published: August 2022

Diphenylphosphoryl azide ((C6H5O)2P(O)N3, DPPA) was studied by in situ Raman scattering spectroscopy and synchrotron angle‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction (ADXRD) technologies up to 11.6 GPa at room temperature. The analyses of Raman spectra revealed that the liquid DPPA transformed from Phase I to Phase II at 0.4 GPa and went to Phase III at 1.3 GPa. The first phase transition was attributed to the change of molecular conformation, and the second phase transition was induced by the deformation of benzene rings. The XRD results suggested that DPPA remained in a liquid state during the two phase transitions. The azide group became increasingly asymmetric under pressure and decomposed at 11.6 GPa. The low decomposition pressure of the azide group is conducive to the formation of polymeric nitrogen. Exploring the behaviors of the azide group under pressure might be helpful for understanding the potential application of DPPA in the synthesis of high energy density materials (HEDMs).
Analysis and correlations of the protein content and selected ‘antinutrients’ of faba beans (Vicia faba) in a German sample set of the cultivation years 2016, 2017, and 2018
Authors: Walter Sinja , Zehring Jenny , Mink Kathrin , Ramminger Sara , Quendt Ulrich , Zocher Kathleen , Rohn Sascha
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Faba beans (Vicia faba) experienced a significant revival in cultivation in Western Europe in the last decade. In this study, potential correlations between protein content (PC), trypsin inhibitory activity (TIA), and tannin content were investigated in a large German sample set with bean samples obtained from 50 different farms present in 11 German federal states. Three consecutive cultivation years (2016, 2017, and 2018) were included.

RESULTS

The faba bean samples were grown under real cultivation conditions without any specific experimental design and finally marketed by the farmers. This enabled researchers to identify the relationship and extent of the three quality parameters towards the varying cultivation conditions and practices. Moreover, the correlations observed between the parameters were brought into the context of well‐known theoretical plant hypotheses such as the carbon–nutrient balance hypothesis (CNBH), the growth–differentiation balance hypothesis (GDBH), as well as the protein competition model (PCM) for evaluating the potential for use in predictions. The study showed a significant negative correlation between PC and tannin content in faba beans over each cultivation year, whereas a positive correlation between TIA and tannin content was found. No clear correlation was observed between PC and TIA.

CONCLUSION

The three plant hypotheses (CNBH, GDBH, and PCM) seem to be not fully valid. Nonetheless, these findings might be a useful guideline for predicting the composition of selected compounds, and sustainable recommendations about cultivation and exploitation for the feed and food sector can be derived. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of the linking positions on the benzene ring on properties of poly(silane arylether arylacetylene)s
Authors: Li Jixian , Lv Shuaikang , Gong Changjun , Zhou Yan , Huang Farong
Published: August 2022

Three aromatic diynes with para‐, meta‐, and ortho‐oxyphenyloxy structures and dichlorodimethylsilane were used to prepare the corresponding poly(silane arylether arylacetylene) (PSEA) resins, that is, ppp‐PSEA, pmp‐PSEA, and pop‐PSEA, and effect of the linking positions on the benzene ring on properties of PSEA resins was explored. The results show that pmp‐PSEA and pop‐PSEA resins exhibit lower crystallinity but better processability as compared with ppp‐PSEA resin. For the cured PSEA resins, the density increases but the maximum water uptake decreases with the change in the linking position of the benzene ring from para‐position to meta‐position followed by ortho‐position. Cured pmp‐PSEA and pop‐PSEA resins possess higher mechanical property in comparison with cured ppp‐PSEA resin. The cured pop‐PSEA resin shows the highest flexural strength (68.4 MPa) and flexural modulus (2.75 GPa). Furthermore, three cured resins possess excellent heat resistance with the decomposition temperature (Td5) of over 505 °C.
Preoperative prediction of lymphovascular invasion of CRC by artificial neural network
Authors: Wu Dejun , Yang Zhou , Sun Leilei , Quan Yingjun , Min Zhijun
Published: August 2022

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was considered to be important for metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there was still no effective method to predict LVI before operation. Our research aimed to construct an artificial neural network (ANN) for the preoperative prediction of LVI. We obtained blood indexes and condition of LVI (confirmed by pathological examination) of 288 cases of CRC patients from a tertiary hospital in China. One hundred and eighty‐five CRC patients (training group) were randomly selected to establish neural network and logistic regression models. The remaining 103 cases of CRC patients received the test of ANN and logistic model (validation group). Receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to assess the accuracy of constructed model respectively. All procedures involving human participants were performed by the Shanghai Pudong Hospital ethical committee (2020 No. W2‐007) and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. All patients provided their written informed consent. In the training group, the area under the curve (AUC) of ANN was higher than that of the logistic model (0.832 vs 0.692). The ANN correctly predicted 92% cases of LVI, whereas the logistic model only predicted 56% cases. Similar results were also tested in the validation model. Our constructed ANN showed higher accuracy compared with the conventional linear model. The ANN‐based on blood indexes may provide value for preoperative prediction of LVI.
High‐resolution simulations of tropical island thunderstorms: Does an increase in resolution improve the representation of extreme rainfall?
Authors: Bergemann Martin , Lane Todd P. , Wales Scott , Narsey Sugata , Louf Valentin
Published: August 2022

Recent increases in computational resources have led to the application of kilometre‐ and sub‐kilometre‐scale simulations in research, numerical weather prediction, and climate modelling alike. Despite anticipated improvements with resolution, there is still considerable work needed to evaluate how well such models improve the representation of intense convection. In this study we conduct ensemble simulations with kilometre‐ and sub‐kilometre‐scale horizontal grids to investigate intense convective events in the tropical island thunderstorm system Hector, which frequently occurs over the Tiwi Islands in North Australia. To avoid losing information through spatio‐temporal averaging we apply a tracking algorithm to simulated and observed storms. When compared with observations, the model storms exhibit a lack of propagation across the study domain. In general, simulated storms are too intense but too small and too short‐lived. This is especially true for the sub‐kilometre simulations, where storms are more intense, smaller, and more numerous than in the kilometre‐scale counterparts. We argue that size and duration errors compensate for storm number and intensity errors, which could lead to misleading interpretations when only comparing time and space averages of rainfall fields. Investigating some properties of the simulated storms suggests that storms with high rainfall intensities have stronger updrafts in the sub‐kilometre model and are accompanied by an increase in cold pool intensity. The results and their resolution sensitivities highlight that the remaining parametrisations and their many tuning parameters in high‐resolution set‐ups influence the representation of convective storms in such models.
Evaluation of machine learning techniques for forecast uncertainty quantification
Authors: Sacco Maximiliano A. , Ruiz Juan J. , Pulido Manuel , Tandeo Pierre
Published: August 2022

Ensemble forecasting is, so far, the most successful approach to produce relevant forecasts with an estimation of their uncertainty. The main limitations of ensemble forecasting are the high computational cost and the difficulty to capture and quantify different sources of uncertainty, particularly those associated with model errors. In this article we perform toy‐model and state‐of‐the‐art model experiments to analyze to what extent artificial neural networks (ANNs) are able to model the different sources of uncertainty present in a forecast. In particular, those associated with the accuracy of the initial conditions and those introduced by the model error. We also compare different training strategies: one based on a direct training using the mean and spread of an ensemble forecast as target, and the other ones rely on an indirect training strategy using an analyzed state as target in which the uncertainty is implicitly learned from the data. Experiments using the Lorenz'96 model show that the ANNs are able to emulate some of the properties of ensemble forecasts like the filtering of the most unpredictable modes and a state‐dependent quantification of the forecast uncertainty. Moreover, ANNs provide a reliable estimation of the forecast uncertainty in the presence of model error. Preliminary experiments conducted with a state‐of‐the‐art forecasting system also confirm the ability of ANNs to produce a reliable quantification of the forecast uncertainty.
Characteristics and Mechanism of the Adsorption of Imidazole Ionic Liquids in Wastewater by Montmorillonite: Effect of Carbon Chain Length and Dosage of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Qiu Jun , Yang Wei , Chen Guowei , Wang Guifang , Cui Kaibo , Yan Zhengqing , Wang Yueting , Wu Peng
Published: August 2022

This paper studied the adsorption characteristics and mechanism of four kinds of ionic liquids (ILs) with different carbon chain lengths in montmorillonite (Mt). The results of isothermal adsorption at 25 °C show that the adsorption of four kinds of IL in Mt conforms to the Modified‐Langmuir model, and the adsorbance of IL in Mt is positively correlated with the dosage and the carbon chain length of IL. The dynamics research results show that the adsorption of IL in Mt fits well with the quasi‐second‐order dynamics equation. The reaction constant k is negatively correlated with the dosage of IL but positively correlated with the carbon chain length. The thermodynamics results show that the adsorption of IL in Mt is exothermic. The carbon chain length and the dosage of IL have a cross effect on the adsorption capacity of Mt for IL and the structure of the adsorption products. The adsorption capacity of Mt increases first and then decreases with the increase of dosage, and it increases with the increase of carbon chain length. The dosage of IL has little effect on the d(001) of IL/Mt with the short carbon chain, but the d(001) of IL/Mt with the long carbon chain increases with the increase of the dosage of IL. The carbon chain length has little effect on the d(001) of IL/Mt with a low dosage of IL, however, when the dosage of IL is high, the d(001) of IL/Mt increases with the increase of carbon chain length. The specific surface area, pore volume and the most probable radius of IL/Mt decrease with the increase of the dosage and carbon chain length, but excessive amounts of IL will still increase the most probable radius. Molecular dynamics simulation results show that when the dosage of IL is 0.3CEC, four ILs with different carbon chain lengths are arranged in a monolayer between Mt layers, N (N in IL) coordinates with Ot (O on the tetrahedral surface) at a distance of 3.0 Å, and the coordination strength increases with the increase of the carbon chain length of IL.
On the Protonation and Deuteration of Hydroxy‐Substituted Naphthalenes – A 1H NMR Study**
Authors: Hartmann Horst , Yu Xiuling
Published: August 2022

The 1HNMR spectra of all possible structural isomers of mono and dihydroxy substituted naphthalenes are measured in trifluoracetic acid and trifluormethanesulfonic acid as well as in their deuterated derivatives. These spectra indicate different protonation/deuteration positions in the compounds studied. Whereas with the relative weak TFA the OH group as most basic group of the substrates is protonated, with the more acidic TFS also aromatic positions with lower basicity are protonated. However, some of these position were indicated only by using deutertated acids. To quantify the degree of proton/deuterium exchange at the aromatic rings, dioxane as proton standard was used. For the OH‐protonation a complex between the appropriate naphthol and the acid used, in which a quick proton exchange can be occur, is assumed. Furthermore, the formation of corresponding trifluoroacetates or triflates by reaction of the naphthols with the corresponding acids has been indicated. In some cases, in which the ring positions of protonation are not definitely clear, 2D NOESYNMR experiments have been performed..
Not Just a Coincidence. Conditional Counter-examples to Locke’s Thesis
Authors: Spolaore Giuseppe ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

So-called Locke’s thesis is the view that no two things of the same kind may coincide, that is, may be completely in the same place at the same time. A number of counter-examples to this view have been proposed. In this paper, some new and arguably more convincing counter-examples to Locke’s thesis are presented. In these counter-examples, a particular entity (a string, a rope, a net, or similar) is interwoven to obtain what appears to be a distinct, thicker entity of the same kind. It is argued that anyone who subscribes to certain standard metaphysical arguments, which are generally taken for granted in the debate about Locke’s thesis, is virtually compelled to accept the counter-examples.
Kripke’s Frege
Authors: Yourgrau Palle ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

In a recent essay, "Frege’s Theory of Sense of Reference: Some Exegetical Notes", Saul Kripke shows that in addition to being an astute critic of Frege, he is also an insightful interpreter. Kripke’s Frege emerges as a closet Russellian, who, like Russell, relies heavily on a doctrine of acquaintance. Is Kripke right? Where exactly does his approach resemble, and where depart from earlier interpretations, and what should one take away about whether or not Frege really was a Russellian and the effect this has on his theory?
Propositions and Multiple Indexing
Authors: Rabern Brian ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

It is argued that propositions cannot be the compositional semantic values of sentences (in context) simply due to issues stemming from the compositional semantics of modal operators (or modal quantifiers). In particular, the fact that the arguments for double indexing generalize to multiple indexing exposes a fundamental tension in the default philosophical conception of semantic theory. This provides further motivation formaking a distinction between two sentential semantic contents—what (Dummett 1973) called ‘‘ingredient sense’’ and ‘‘assertoric content’’.
An Embarrassment for Double-Halfers
Authors: Titelbaum Michael G. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

‘‘Double-halfers’’ think that throughout the Sleeping Beauty Problem, Beauty should keep her credence that a fair coin flip came up heads equal to 1/2. I introduce a new wrinkle to the problem that shows even double-halfers can’t keep Beauty’s credences equal to the objective chances for all coin-flip propositions. This leaves no way to deny that self-locating information generates an unexpected kind of inadmissible evidence.
On the questions of asymptotic recoverability of information and subsystems in quantum gravity
Authors: Giddings Steven B.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

A longstanding question in quantum gravity regards the localization of quantum information; one way to formulate this question is to ask how subsystems can be defined in quantum-gravitational systems. The gauge symmetry and necessity of solving the gravitational constraints appear to imply that the answers to this question here are different than in finite quantum systems, or in local quantum field theory. Specifically, the constraints can be solved by providing a “gravitational dressing” for the underlying field-theory operators, but this modifies their locality properties. It has been argued that holography itself may be explained through this role of the gauge symmetry and constraints, at the nonperturbative level, but there are also subtleties in constructing a holographic map in this approach. There are also claims that holography is implied even by perturbative solution of the constraints. This short note provides further examination of these questions, and in particular investigates to what extent perturbative or nonperturbative solution of the constraints implies that information naïvely thought to be localized can be recovered by asymptotic measurements, and the relevance of this in defining subsystems. In the leading perturbative case, the relevant effects are seen to be exponentially suppressed and asymptotically vanishing, for massive fields. These questions are, for example, important in sharply characterizing the unitarity problem for black holes.
Charge transfer between rotating complex scalar fields
Authors: Domcke Valerie , Harigaya Keisuke , Mukaida Kyohei
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We consider the transfer of a U(1) charge density between Bose-Einstein condensates of complex scalar fields coupled to a thermal bath, focusing on the case of a homogeneous Affleck-Dine field transmitting the charge stored in its angular motion to an axion field. We demonstrate that in the absence of additional symmetries this charge transfer, aided by cosmic expansion as well as the thermal effective potential of the Affleck-Dine field, can be very efficient. The charge redistribution between the scalar fields becomes possible if the interactions with the thermal bath break the original U(1) × U(1) symmetry down to a single U(1) symmetry; the charge distribution between the two fields is then determined by minimizing the free energy. We discuss implications for cosmological setups involving complex scalars, with applications to axion dark matter, baryogenesis, kination domination, and gravitational wave production.
Self-produced images, sexting, coercion and children’s rights
Authors: Quayle Ethel
Published: August 2022

Converging sources of data would suggest that the volume of images and videos which involve minors is increasing and places a burden on law enforcement in terms of victim identification as well as prosecution. The terminology used in relation to these activities is problematic, as reference to self-produced sexual images would seem to result in victim-blaming. While there is an acknowledgement that there are diverse motives in the creating and sharing of this content, in many jurisdictions these images are seen as meeting the criteria for illegality and may result in prosecutions under child pornography legislation. This potentially criminalises (or at least problematises) the consensual creation and sharing of sexually explicit content between minors. Concerns regarding this sit alongside growing disquiet that this disregards children’s rights to sexual autonomy and decision making.
Strategic similarities between earth observation small satellite constellations in very low earth orbit and low-cost carriers by means of strategy canvas
Authors: Rodriguez-Donaire Silvia , Garcia-Almiñana Daniel , Garcia-Berenguer Marina , Roberts Peter C. E. , Crisp Nicholas H. , Herdrich George H. , Kataria Dhiren , Hanessian Virginia , Becedas Jonathan , Seminari Simon
Published: August 2022

The space industry is growing and space data are becoming accessible to businesses that were previously unthinkable. Constellations of small satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) have created a gap that is allowing small and medium-sized space companies to gain momentum by developing new strategies and technologies. According to Euroconsult forecasting, the NewSpace market will grow from $12.6 billion to $42.8 billion in the next decade (2019–2028). Despite the study’s limitations and the uncertainties of the small satellite market, the results obtained in this exploratory research suggest that the Low-Cost Carriers (LCC) market, an already established market in the aviation industry, and the growing market of EO small satellite constellations in VLEO have similar behaviours. This behaviour shows that the evolution of EO smallsat constellations in VLEO is comparable with the evolution of the LCC airlines. In addition, the result also identifies a set of competitive factors that allow the researchers to observe similar strategic behaviour in both markets.
Evaluation of the performance and usability of a novel continuous glucose monitoring system
Authors: Yan Li , Li Qiang , Guan Qingbo , Han Mingsong , Zhao Yu , Fang Junfei , Zhao Jiajun
Published: August 2022

Background

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can help manage diabetes mellitus (DM) and prevent hypoglycemia. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and usability of a novel SiJoy GS1 CGM system.

Methods

This multicenter trial enrolled participants with DM. Based on the comparison of glucose values measured by SiJoy GS1 CGM and venous blood glucose test, the 20/20% consistency and mean absolute relative difference (MARD%) were calculated, as well as Clarke and consensus error grid analysis. Product usability was evaluated by questionnaire completed by participants. Any occurrence of adverse events (AE) was documented.

Results

Seventy participants were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 41.5 ± 13.2 years, among which 29 (42.0%) were male, with the DM course of 8.6 ± 7.5 years. A total of 39 (56.5%) of them had type 1 DM, 24 (34.8%) had type 2 DM, and 6 (8.7%) were others for DM. The 20/20% consistency achieved 91.82%, which was higher than the target 65%. The percentage of A + B zones of Clarke and consensus error grid was 99.22% and 99.90%, respectively. The MARD value was 8.83% ± 4.03%. The mean score of usability questionnaire was 86.59 ± 5.17 out of 90. AE were observed in only one participant (mild fever), and no severe AEs occurred.

Conclusions

The SiJoy GS1 CGM system achieved satisfactory performance and usability. No severe AEs occurred and mild AE was reported in only one case.
Sellar and parasellar lesions in the transition age: a retrospective Italian multi-centre study
Authors: Feola T. , Pirchio R.sa , Puliani G. , Pofi R. , Crocco M. , Sada V. , Sesti F. , Verdecchia F. , Gianfrilli D. , Appetecchia M. , Di Iorgi N. , Jaffrain-Rea M. L. , Pivonello R. , Isidori A. M. , Grossman A. B. , Sbardella E. ,   TALENT group, Savage A. M. , Foresta C. , Krausz C. , Durante C. , De Martino M. C. , Paoli D. , Ferrigno R. , Caiulo S. , Minnetti M. , Hasenmajer V. , Pozza C. , Kanakis G. , Cangiano B. , Tenuta M. , Petrozzi A. , Carlomagno F. , Di Nisio A. , Pallotti F. , Tarsitano M. G. , Spaziani M. , Cargnelutti F. , Sabovic I. , Grani G. , Virili C. , Cozzolino A. , Stramazzo I. , Filardi T. , Mazzotta P.
Published: August 2022

Background

Sellar/parasellar lesions have been studied in the adult and paediatric age range, but during the transition age their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, management and treatment outcomes have been poorly investigated.

Materials and methods

An Italian multicentre cohort study, in which hospital records of patients with diagnosis of sellar/parasellar lesions during the transition age and young adulthood (15–25 years), were reviewed in terms of prevalence, clinical and hormonal features at diagnosis, and outcomes where available. Both pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (pituitary tumours, Group A) and non-endocrine lesions (Group B) were included.

Results

Among Group A (n = 170, 46.5% macroadenomas), the most frequent were prolactin and GH-secreting tumours, with a female predominance. Among Group B (n = 28), germinomas and Rathke cells cysts were the most common. In Group A, the most frequent hormonal deficiency was gonadal dysfunction. Galactorrhoea and amenorrhoea were relatively common in female patients with prolactinomas. Pre-surgical diabetes insipidus was only seen in Group B, in which also hormone deficiencies were more frequent and numerous. Larger lesions were more likely to be seen in Group B. Patients in Group B were more frequently male, younger, and leaner than those of Group A, whereas at last follow-up they showed more obesity and dyslipidaemia. In our cohort, the percentage of patients with at least one pituitary deficiency increased slightly after surgery.

Conclusions

The management of sellar/parasellar lesions is challenging in the transition age, requiring an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Hormone and metabolic disorders can occur many years after treatment, therefore long-term follow-up is mandatory.
Tissue-Engineered Endothelial Cells Induce Sustained Vascular Healing Through Early Induction of Vascular Repair
Authors: Parikh Sahil A. , Edelman Elazer R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Perivascular implantation of tissue-engineered endothelial cells (TEEC) after vascular injury profoundly inhibits neointimal hyperplasia. However, the time course and mechanism by which this effect occurs remain unknown. By developing genetically modified TEEC that express a “suicide gene,” we can control the time during which the TEEC could exert their effect and determine the length of time TEEC need to be present following vascular injury to exert their inhibitory effect on long-term neointimal hyperplasia.

Methods

Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAE) were transfected with the human herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (tk) gene to render them sensitive to ganciclovir (GCV). These BAE+tk were grown to confluence on Gelfoam and shown to have the same growth kinetics and biologic potency as control cells but were sensitive to GCV at low concentrations. The BAE+tk were grown on Gelfoam and placed in the perivascular space around balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Rats randomly received BAE-tk, BAE+tk, or nothing (control) after balloon injury. GCV was administered early (days 1–7), late (days 5–11), or not at all.

Results

Two weeks after injury, extensive neointimal hyperplasia was observed in control animals with an intima:media (I:M) area ratio of 0.80 ± 0.19. Early administration of GCV killed the BAE in constructs with TK sensitivity and eliminated the impact of TEEC regulation of intimal hyperplasia (0.45 ± 0.06). Intimal hyperplasia was still effectively reduced in animals with implants containing BAE-tk or BAE+tk which received GCV late (0.11 ± 0.04 and 0.19 ± 0.05). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the lethal effect of GCV on TK-sensitive cells.

Conclusions

The application of perivascular TEEC for only the first few days after injury had a significant inhibitory effect on intimal hyperplasia. This is in contrast to the results obtained in this same animal model with the infusion of isolated anti-smooth muscle cell proliferative agents. This suggests that the mechanism of action of TEEC may be upstream from smooth muscle cell proliferation. Moreover, the use of this technique to further elucidate biologic mechanisms will prove invaluable in the tissue engineering field.

Lay Summary

We report a novel, genetically altered tissue-engineered endothelial cell (TEEC) implant that inhibits neointimal hyperplasia after experimental vascular injury. The viability of these implants can be carefully controlled and suggest a putative mechanism by which TEEC recapitulate control over the vascular response to injury.
Effects of high-fat diet and treadmill running on the hypothalamic Kiss-1–GPR54 signaling pathway in male growing rats
Authors: Xu Rui , Feng Junpeng , Liang Chunyu , Song Ge , Yan Yi
Published: August 2022

Background

Kiss-1 neuron, one of the metabolic sensors in the hypothalamus, is necessary for puberty initiation. It acts through G protein-coupled receptor, known as GPR54. In this study, the mechanism of the hypothalamic Kiss-1–GPR54 signaling pathway in a high-fat diet and exercise was investigated in growing male rats.

Methods

A total of 135 3-week-old male weaned rats were kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) and exercise (60–70% $$\dot{\mathrm V}{\mathrm O}_{2\max}$$

V
˙

O

2
max

, 1 h/day, 5 days/week). They were randomly divided, as follows: control group (C); normal diet + exercise group (CE); HFD group (H); and HFD + exercise group (HE). Hypothalamus, testis, and serum samples of each group were collected on postnatal day (PND) 21 (early childhood), 43 (puberty), and 56 (maturity). Immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and chemiluminescent immunoassays were used in the study. ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of age (PNDs 21, 43, and 56), exercise (exercise and sedentariness), and diet (high-fat and normal) on the biological indices of rats.

Results

mRNA and protein expression of Kiss-1 and GPR54 in the hypothalamus gradually increased along with growth and peaked at PND 43, while those in serum testosterone increased and peaked at PND 56. The high-fat diet increased the expression of the Kiss-1–GPR54 system in the hypothalamus, whereas the serum testosterone decreased during different stages of growth. Exercise decreased the expression of Kiss-1 at PND 56 and increased it at PND 43. Meanwhile, it decreased testosterone and the deposition of lipid droplets in the testis at all ages of development.

Conclusions

The expression of Kiss-1–GPR54 in male rats showed fluctuating changes during growth and development. The high-fat diet was able to upregulate the expression of the Kiss-1–GPR54 system in the hypothalamus. The exercise was able to correct the adverse effect of the high-fat diet on the Kiss-1–GPR54 signaling pathway in the hypothalamus and the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, but had age-specific effects on the male rats’ development.
The COVID-19 crisis, Herd Immunity, and “Vaccine Apartheid” in the Age of Anthropocene
Authors: Fukurai Hiroshi , Gabriel Robin , Liang Xiaochen
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus pandemic has led to millions of deaths around the world. In many countries, it has also exposed long-standing inequities and injustices in health care, income distribution, labour market practice, and social protection for the poor, women, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized segments of the population. The disproportionate casualties among vulnerable populations have also exposed predatory corporate practices, such as the refusal to share vaccine patents with low-income countries (LIC) in the Global South. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that this “vaccine apartheid” could lead to the further spread of more dangerous forms of virus variants, and that global solidarity and collaboration may be the only viable approach to current and future pandemics.1 Scientists have long warned that the continued destruction of the environment and ecological diversity would lead to future waves of cross-species (zoonotic) viral pandemics, due to the elimination of “natural borders” that once existed between human and non-human species. In the last several decades alone, humanity has suffered from five major zoonotic pandemics: AIDS, SARS, MARS, Ebola, and COVID-19.2 This Special Issue focuses on a select group of Asian countries in order to critically examine the impact of socio-legal inequities in state-centric policies upon domestic populations, including indigenous peoples, and to explore the possibility of international collaborative strategies for controlling the spread of deadly viruses and their variants in the coming years and decades, in Asia and beyond.
Lessons learned from an enterprise-wide clinical datathon
Authors: Zimolzak Andrew J. , Davila Jessica A. , Punugoti Vamshi , Balasubramanyam Ashok , Klotman Paul E. , Petersen Laura A. , Rochat Ryan H. , Liao Gloria , Laubscher Rory R. , Leiber Lee , Amos Christopher I.
Published: August 2022

In 2020, Baylor College of Medicine held a datathon to inform potential users of a new data warehouse, allow users to address clinical questions, identify warehouse capabilities and limitations, foster collaborations, and engage trainees. Senior faculty selected proposals based on feasibility and impact. Selectees worked with Information Technology for 2 months and presented findings. A survey of participants showed diverse levels of experience, high perceived value of the datathon, high rates of collaboration, and significant increases in knowledge. A datathon can promote familiarity with a new data warehouse, guide data warehouse improvement, and promote collaboration.
Involuntariness in negligence actions
Authors: Bogle Stephen
Published: August 2022

In a negligence action against a defendant suffering from a mental disorder or an incapacity, a key but neglected question is what we mean by involuntariness. Although involuntariness is an accepted response, its relationship to mental or physical incapacity is poorly understood. The existing authorities offer only basic instruction about what is meant by involuntariness. Moreover, there is a suspicion that involuntariness undermines the objectivity of the standard of care. However, in this paper, it is argued that involuntariness can be better defined and a clearer understanding can be gained of how responsibility operates within tort law. By relating the case law and commentary on involuntariness to a choice theory of responsibility and arguing that this operates at a foundational level which is analytically prior to questions of breach, this paper tries to illuminate how tort law – like other areas of law – makes fundamental assumptions about the capacity of individuals to whom duties are expected to apply. None of this will necessarily increase the volume of claims or unsettle well-worn authorities but it does ensure both consistency and fairness and argues for a deeper appreciation of agency within how tort law characterises the applicability of duties.
Abraham, Isaac, and the toxin: a Kavkan reading of the binding of Isaac
Authors: Willard-Kyle Christopher
Published: August 2022

I argue that the story of God's commanding Abraham to sacrifice Isaac can be read as a variant of Kavka's (1983) Toxin Puzzle. On this reading, Abraham has no reason to kill Isaac, only reason to intend to kill Isaac. On one version of the Kavkan reading, it's impossible for Abraham, thus situated, to form the intention to kill Isaac. This would make the binding an impossible story: I explore the ethical and theological consequences of reading the story in this way. Finally, I suggest that analytic philosophers may have more to contribute to interpretative projects in philosophical theology than generally practised.
On environmental justice, Part II: non-absolute equal division of rights to the natural world
Authors: Mazor Joseph
Published: August 2022

This article considers whether any interpretation of the idea of equal claims to the natural world can resolve the Canyon Dilemma (i.e. can justify protecting the Grand Canyon but not a small canyon from mining by a poor generation). It first considers and ultimately rejects the idea of subjecting natural resource rights to an intergenerational equal division. It then demonstrates that a pluralist theory of environmental justice committed to both respect for the separateness of persons and to the collective good can justify a type of intergenerational non-absolute equal division of natural resource rights that can navigate the Canyon Dilemma.
A complicated Glenn procedure: risk factors and association with adverse long-term neurodevelopmental and functional outcomes
Authors: Khaira Gurpreet K. , Joffe Ari R. , Guerra Gonzalo G. , Matenchuk Brittany A. , Dinu Irina , Bond Gwen , Alaklabi M. , Robertson Charlene M.T. , Sivarajan V. Ben ,   for the Complex Pediatric Therapies Follow-up Program
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

To determine potentially modifiable risk factors for a complicated Glenn procedure (cGP) and whether a cGP predicted adverse neurodevelopmental and functional outcomes. A cGP was defined as post-operative death, heart transplant, extracorporeal life support, Glenn takedown, or prolonged ventilation.

Methods:

All 169 patients having a Glenn procedure from 2012 to 2017 were included. Neurodevelopmental assessments were performed at age 2 years in consenting survivors (n = 156/159 survivors). The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3rd Edition (Bayley-III) and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-2nd Edition (ABAS-II) were administered. Adaptive functional outcomes were determined by the General Adaptive Composite (GAC) score from the ABAS-II. Predictors of outcomes were determined using univariate and multiple variable linear or Cox regressions.

Results:

Of patients who had a Glenn procedure, 10/169 (6%) died by 2 years of age and 27/169 (16%) had a cGP. Variables statistically significantly associated with a cGP were the inotrope score on post-operative day 1 (HR 1.04, 95%CI 1.01, 1.06; p = 0.010) and use of inhaled nitric oxide post-operatively (HR 7.31, 95%CI 3.19, 16.76; p < 0.001). A cGP was independently statistically significantly associated with adverse Bayley-III Cognitive (ES −10.60, 95%CI −17.09, −4.11; p = 0.002) and Language (ES −11.43, 95%CI −19.25, −3.60; p = 0.004) scores and adverse GAC score (ES −14.89, 95%CI −22.86, −6.92; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Higher inotrope score and inhaled nitric oxide used post-operatively were associated with a cGP. A cGP was independently associated with adverse 2-year neurodevelopmental and functional outcomes. Whether early recognition and intervention for risk of a cGP can prevent adverse outcomes warrants study.
Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildung beeinflussen den Verbleib im Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegeberuf
Authors: Köstler Cornelia , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Scupin Olaf
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die öffentliche Diskussion um Aussteiger_innen aus dem Pflegeberuf zeigt seit Jahren eine zunehmende Dynamik. Belastungen der Pflegenden, politische und (berufs-)bildungspolitische Fehlentscheidungen und finanzielle sowie strukturelle Rahmenbedingungen werden als Ursache dafür genannt. Wenig ist über den Einfluss der Bildungsbiographie auf den Verbleib im Pflegeberuf bekannt. Ziel: Diese Studie untersucht Daten zu formalen und alternativen Bildungsquellen, der zeitlichen Positionierung von Bildungsmaßnahmen und Veränderungen des Bildungsinteresses über die Zeit und fokussiert auf die Gruppe der im Beruf verbleibenden Pflegekräfte. Methoden: Befragt wurden langjährig Pflegende der Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege ( N = 200). Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass 77,6% der langjährig Pflegenden die schulische Mindestqualifikation mit durchschnittlich guten Abschlussnoten besitzen. 65,3% der Pflegenden haben Fachweiterbildungen und 74,5% berufsqualifizierende Fortbildungen besucht, die über die gesamte Zeit der Berufstätigkeit absolviert wurden. Über die Berufszeit verändern sich die Fortbildungsthemen und die Bildungsquellen. Schlussfolgerungen: Es zeigt sich, dass die Gruppe der lange im Beruf verbleibenden Pflegekräfte eine hohe Bereitschaft zur beruflichen Bildung, mit und ohne Vergütungsrelevanz, auszeichnet.
Kognitive Beeinträchtigungen alkoholabhängiger Patient_innen im Abstinenzverlauf und die Relevanz depressiver Komorbidität
Authors: Angleitner Alexander , Dehn Lorenz , Driessen Martin , Beblo Thomas
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Mit dieser Studie wird der Frage nachgegangen, inwieweit sich kognitive Beeinträchtigungen alkoholabhängiger Patient_innen in Abhängigkeit von Abstinenz und Depressivität im Behandlungsverlauf verbessern. Methode: Alkoholabhängige Patient_innen mit ( n = 22) und ohne Depression ( n = 58) wurden neuropsychologisch und hinsichtlich der Depressivität zu drei Zeitpunkten untersucht (nach Entzug und 6 Wochen bzw. 6 Monate später). 33 gesunde Kontrollproband_innen wurden zusätzlich zum ersten Zeitpunkt untersucht. Ergebnisse: Alkoholabhängige Patient_innen zeigten verglichen mit gesunden Kontrollpersonen eine verminderte Leistung im schlussfolgernden Denken. Im Behandlungsverlauf zeigte sich eine trendweise günstigere Entwicklung für abstinente verglichen mit rückfälligen Patient_innen und eine größere Depressivität war mit schwächeren Leistungen assoziiert. Diskussion: Alkoholabhängige Patient_innen leiden an kognitiven Defiziten, die sich z. T. im weiteren Behandlungsverlauf zu verbessern scheinen, v. a. bei Abstinenz.
What Drives Hillslope Connectivity?
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: August 2022

Hillslopes play a critical role in linking ecosystems. Understanding the forces that drive their connections can help us to better understand adaptation in the face of climate change.