bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A trend extraction method based on logistic functions and envelopes
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Luo Jinglin , Zhang Xuan
Published: January 2022

A method of step characteristic trend extraction based on logistic functions and envelopes (LFEs) is proposed in this paper. Compared with the existing trend extraction methods, the LFE method can determine the starting position of the step trend using a logistic function and extract the local trend using upper and lower envelopes. This method enhances the extraction accuracy and reduces the computation time. To verify the effectiveness of the LFE method, a simulated signal with a step trend feature was compared with the five-spot triple smoothing method, wavelet transform method and empirical mode decomposition-based method. All of these methods were applied to a real shock signal. The results demonstrate that the LFE method can reliably and accurately extract the trends with step characteristics based on less prior knowledge. Moreover, the proposed technique is suitable for industrial online applications.
The duration of daily activities has no impact on measures of overall wellbeing
Authors: Henwood Amanda , Guerreiro João , Matic Aleksandar , Dolan Paul
Published: January 2022

It is widely assumed that the longer we spend in happier activities the happier we will be. In an intensive study of momentary happiness, we show that, in fact, longer time spent in happier activities does not lead to higher levels of reported happiness overall. This finding is replicated with different samples (student and diverse, multi-national panel), measures and methods of analysis. We explore different explanations for this seemingly paradoxical finding, providing fresh insight into the factors that do and do not affect the relationship between how happy we report feeling as a function of how long it lasts. This work calls into question the assumption that spending more time doing what we like will show up in making us happier, presenting a fundamental challenge to the validity of current tools used to measure happiness.
Optimization of pineapple juice amount used as a negative oral contrast agent in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Renzulli Matteo , Caretti Daniele , Pettinari Irene , Biselli Maurizio , Brocchi Stefano , Sergenti Alessandro , Brandi Nicolò , Golfieri Rita
Published: January 2022

To evaluate the potential variability of Manganese (Mn2+) in commercial pineapple juice (PJ) produced in different years and to identify the optimal Mn2+ concentration in the correct amount of PJ to be administered prior to Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in order to suppress the gastroduodenal (GD) liquid signal. The Mn2+ concentration in PJ produced in different years was defined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The optimal Mn2+ concentration and the amount of PJ, were estimated in an in-vitro analysis, and were then prospectively tested in a population of patients who underwent MRCP. The results were compared with those achieved with the previous standard amount of PJ used in a similar population. The concentrations of Mn2+ in commercial PJ produced in different years did not differ. A total amount of 150 ml (one glass) of PJ having a high Mn2+ content (2.37 mg/dl) was sufficient for the suppression of the GD liquid signal, despite the additional dilution caused by GD liquids since it led to a final concentration of Mn2+ of 0.5–1.00 mg/dl. The optimized single-dose oral administration of 150 ml (approximately one glass) of PJ having a high Mn2+ concentration prior to MRCP was adequate to guarantee the correct amount of Mn2+ to suppress the GD signal.
Splice-switching of the insulin receptor pre-mRNA alleviates tumorigenic hallmarks in rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Khurshid Safiya , Montes Matias , Comiskey Daniel F. , Shane Brianne , Matsa Eleftheria , Jung Francesca , Brown Chelsea , Bid Hemant Kumar , Wang Ruoning , Houghton Peter J. , Roberts Ryan , Rigo Frank , Chandler Dawn
Published: January 2022

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive pediatric tumor with a poor prognosis for metastasis and recurrent disease. Large-scale sequencing endeavors demonstrate that Rhabdomyosarcomas have a dearth of precisely targetable driver mutations. However, IGF-2 signaling is known to be grossly altered in RMS. The insulin receptor (IR) exists in two alternatively spliced isoforms, IR-A and IR-B. The IGF-2 signaling molecule binds both its innate IGF-1 receptor as well as the insulin receptor variant A (IR-A) with high affinity. Mitogenic and proliferative signaling via the canonical IGF-2 pathway is, therefore, augmented by IR-A. This study shows that RMS patients express increased IR-A levels compared to control tissues that predominantly express the IR-B isoform. We also found that Hif-1α is significantly increased in RMS tumors, portraying their hypoxic phenotype. Concordantly, the alternative splicing of IR adapts to produce more IR-A in response to hypoxic stress. Upon examining the pre-mRNA structure of the gene, we identified a potential hypoxia-responsive element, which is also the binding site for the RNA-binding protein CUG-BP1 (CELF1). We designed Splice Switching Oligonucleotides (SSO) against this binding site to decrease IR-A levels in RMS cell lines and, consequently, rescue the IR-B expression levels. SSO treatment resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Our data shows promising insight into how impeding the IGF-2 pathway by reducing IR-A expression mitigates tumor growth. It is evident that Rhabdomyosarcomas use IR alternative splicing as yet another survival strategy that can be exploited as a therapeutic intervention in conjunction with already established anti-IGF-1 receptor therapies.
Analysis of the glyco-code in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma identifies glycan-mediated immune regulatory circuits
Authors: Rodriguez Ernesto , Boelaars Kelly , Brown Kari , Madunić Katarina , van Ee Thomas , Dijk Frederike , Verheij Joanne , Li R. J. Eveline , Schetters Sjoerd T. T. , Meijer Laura L. , Le Large Tessa Y. S. , Driehuis Else , Clevers Hans , Bruijns Sven C. M. , O’Toole Tom , van Vliet Sandra J. , Bijlsma Maarten F. , Wuhrer Manfred , Kazemier Geert , Giovannetti Elisa , Garcia-Vallejo Juan J. , van Kooyk Yvette
Published: January 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive malignancies with a 5-year survival rate of only 9%. Despite the fact that changes in glycosylation patterns during tumour progression have been reported, no systematic approach has been conducted to evaluate its potential for patient stratification. By analysing publicly available transcriptomic data of patient samples and cell lines, we identified here two specific glycan profiles in PDAC that correlated with progression, clinical outcome and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) status. These different glycan profiles, confirmed by glycomics, can be distinguished by the expression of O-glycan fucosylated structures, present only in epithelial cells and regulated by the expression of GALNT3. Moreover, these fucosylated glycans can serve as ligands for DC-SIGN positive tumour-associated macrophages, modulating their activation and inducing the production of IL-10. Our results show mechanisms by which the glyco-code contributes to the tolerogenic microenvironment in PDAC.
Transcriptomic profiling of single circulating tumor cells provides insight into human metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Negishi Ryo , Yamakawa Hitomi , Kobayashi Takeru , Horikawa Mayuko , Shimoyama Tatsu , Koizumi Fumiaki , Sawada Takeshi , Oboki Keisuke , Omuro Yasushi , Funasaka Chikako , Kageyama Akihiko , Kanemasa Yusuke , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Matsunaga Tadashi , Yoshino Tomoko
Published: January 2022

Transcriptome analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which migrate into blood vessels from primary tumor tissues, at the single-cell level offers critical insights into the biology of metastasis and contributes to drug discovery. However, transcriptome analysis of single CTCs has only been reported for a limited number of cancer types, such as multiple myeloma, breast, hepatocellular, and prostate cancer. Herein, we report the transcriptome analysis of gastric cancer single-CTCs. We utilized an antigen-independent strategy for CTC isolation from metastatic gastric cancer patients involving a size-dependent recovery of CTCs and a single cell isolation technique. The transcriptomic profile of single-CTCs revealed that a majority of gastric CTCs had undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and indicated the contribution of platelet adhesion toward EMT progression and acquisition of chemoresistance. Taken together, this study serves to employ CTC characterization to elucidate the mechanisms of chemoresistance and metastasis in gastric cancer.
Rapid measurement of waterborne bacterial viability based on difunctional gold nanoprobe
Authors: Wen Junlin , Liu Jianbo , Wu Jialin , He Daigui
Published: January 2022

A colorimetric method is proposed to measure waterborne bacterial viability by using a difunctional gold nanoprobe that can generate color signals while recognizing bacterial suspensions of different viabilities.
Is Bilingual Receptive Vocabulary Assessment via Telepractice Comparable to Face-to-Face?
Authors: Castilla-Earls Anny , Ronderos Juliana , McIlraith Autumn , Martinez Damaris
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

This study investigated the effect of delivery method (face-to-face or telepractice), time, home language, and language ability on bilingual children's receptive vocabulary scores in Spanish and English.

Method:

Participants included bilingual children with (
n
= 32) and without (
n
= 57) developmental language disorders (DLD) that were assessed at 2 time points about 1 year apart. All children participated in face-to-face assessment at Time 1. At Time 2, 41 children were assessed face-to-face and 48 children were assessed using telepractice.

Results:

Delivery method was not a significant predictor of receptive scores in either Spanish or English. Spanish and English receptive vocabulary increased over time in both children with and without DLD. Children with DLD had lower receptive vocabulary raw scores than children with typical development. Children who spoke English-only at home had significantly higher English receptive scores than children who spoke Spanish-only or both Spanish and English at home.

Conclusions:

Face-to-face and telepractice assessments seem to be comparable methods for the assessments of Spanish and English receptive skills. Spanish and English receptive skills increased over time in children with and without DLD.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17912297
Round table on open quantum systems
Authors: Escobedo Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2022

This is a discussion about open quantum systems and its application to the study of hard probes. It reviews some of the things that were said in the corresponding round table. Views are only my own.
Particle therapy masterclass
Authors: Foka Panagiota , Mamaras Aristeidis , Skrjiel Damir , Seco Joao , Graeff Christian , Pulia Marco , Wieser Hans-Peter , Wahl Niklas
Published: January 2022

The aim of the new Particle Therapy MasterClass (PTMC) was to develop an educational and training environment in which anyone can learn about fundamental and applied research in particle therapy. The PTMC was recently integrated into the International MasterClass 2021 online programme that attracted 1500 students from 37 institutes in 20 countries, worldwide. The PTMC focuses on the topic of cancer treatment, a particularly sensitive and socially relevant topic. The main idea is to (a) provide a basic understanding of cancer radiation therapy, (b) demonstrate that fundamental properties of particle interactions with matter, which are used for detection in physics experiments, are also the basis for treating cancer tumours; and (c) show that the same accelerator technologies are used in both, research laboratories and therapy centres. For the hands-on session, the open-source professional treatment planning software matRad is used, developed for research and training by the German Cancer Research Center – DKFZ. Ultimately, students are shown “what physics has to do with medicine” and what are the various possibilities that physics and STEM studies may open up for job opportunities in fields that are lacking expert personnel.
Data-driven approaches to the evaluation of hadronic contributions to the (g − 2)μ
Authors: Colangelo Gilberto
Published: January 2022

In this talk I reviewed the data-driven theoretical calculation of the hadronic contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon in the Standard Model mainly as it has been presented in the White Paper, but also including the most recent developments. All this is presented in the light of the new measurement of (g − 2)μ recently released by the Fermilab experiment, which led to an increase of the discrepancy with the Standard Model from 3.7 to 4.2σ.
Monopoles of the Dirac type and color confinement in QCD
Authors: Suzuki Tsuneo , Hiraguchi Atsuki , Ishiguro Katsuya
Published: January 2022

We present results of SU(3) Monte-Carlo studies of a new color confinement scheme proposed recently due to Abelian-like monopoles of the Dirac type corresponding in the continuum limit to violation of the non-Abelian Bianchi identities (VNABI). The simulations are done without any additional gauge-fixing smoothing the vacuum. We get for the first time, in pure SU(3) simulations, (1) the perfect Abelian dominance with respect to the static potentials on (12 ~ 16)4 at β = 5.6 − 5.8 using the multilevel method, (2) the monopole as well as Abelian dominances with respect to the static potentials by evaluating the Polyakov-loop correlators on 243 × 4 at β = 5.6. The Abelian photon part gives zero string tension. The new SU(3) as well as the previous SU(2) results are consistent with the new Abelian picture of color confinement that each one of eight colored electric flux is squeezed by the corresponding colored Abelian-like monopole of the Dirac type corresponding to VNABI.
Correlations and Critical Behavior in Lattice Gluodynamics
Authors: Bornyakov Vitaly , Goy Vladimir , Kozlovsky Evgeny , Mitrjushkin Valentin , Rogalyov Roman
Published: January 2022

In the Landau-gauge lattice gluodynamics we find that, both in the SU(2) and SU(3) theory, a correlation of the Polyakov loop with the asymmetry of the A2 gluon condensate as well as with the longitudinal propagator makes it possible to determine the critical behavior of these quantities. We discuss finitevolume corrections and reveal that they can be reduced by the use of regression analysis. We also analyze the temperature dependence of low-momenta propagators in different Polyakov-loop sectors.
Quenched glueball spectrum from functional equations
Authors: Huber Markus Q. , Fischer Christian S. , Sanchis-Alepuz Hèlios
Published: January 2022

We give an overview of results for the quenched glueball spectrum from two-body bound state equations based on the 3PI effective action. The setup, which uses self-consistently calculated two- and three-point functions as input, is completely self-contained and does not have any free parameters except for the coupling. The results for JPC = 0±+, 2±+, 3±+, 4±+ are in good agreement with recent lattice results where available. For the pseudoscalar glueball, we present first results from a two-loop complete calculation, rendering also the bound state calculation fully self-consistent.
Medium evolution of a static quark-antiquark pair in the large Nc limit
Authors: Escobedo Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2022

We study the transitions between the different color states of a static quark-antiquark pair, singlet and octet, in a thermal medium. This is done non-perturbatively exploiting the infinite mass limit of QCD. This study is interesting because it can be used for future developments within the framework of Effective Field Theories (EFTs) and because it can be combined with other techniques, like lattice QCD or AdS/CFT, to gain non-perturbative information about the evolution of quarkonium in a medium. We also study the obtained expressions in the large Nc limit. This allows us to learn lessons that are useful to simplify phenomenological models of quarkonium in a plasma.
Finite temperature QCD phase transition and its scaling window from Wilson twisted mass fermions
Authors: Kotov A.Yu. , Lombardo M.P. , Trunin A.
Published: January 2022

We study the properties of finite temperature QCD using lattice simulations with Nf = 2 + 1 + 1 Wilson twisted mass fermions for pion masses from physical up to heavy quark regime. In particular, we investigate the scaling properties of the chiral phase transition close to the chiral limit. We found compatibility with O(4) universality class for pion masses up to physical and in the temperature range [120 : 300] MeV. We also discuss other alternatives, including mean field behaviour or Z2 scaling. We provide an estimation of the critical temperature in the chiral limit, T0 = 134−4+6 MeV, which is stable against various scaling scenarios.
Recent progress in hadronic light-by-light scattering
Authors: Hoferichter Martin
Published: January 2022

In recent years, significant progress in the calculation of the HLbL contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon has been achieved both with data-driven methods and in lattice QCD. In these proceedings I will discuss current developments aimed at controlling HLbL scattering at the level of 10%, as required for the final precision of the Fermilab E989 experiment.
Electric dipole moment of light nuclei in chiral effective field theory
Authors: Gnech Alex , de Vries Jordy , Shain Sachin , Viviani Michele
Published: January 2022

CP-violating interactions at quark level generate CP-violating nuclear interactions and currents, which could be revealed by looking at the presence of a permanent nuclear electric dipole moment. Within the framework of chiral effective field theory, we discuss the derivation of the CP-violating nuclear potential up to next-to-next-to leading order (N2LO) and the preliminary results for the charge operator up to next-to leading order (NLO). Moreover, we introduce some renormalization argument which indicates that we need to promote the short-distance operator to the leading order (LO) in order to reabsorb the divergences generated by the one pion exchange. Finally, we present some selected numerical results for the electric dipole moments of 2H, 3He and 3H discussing the systematic errors introduced by the truncation of the chiral expansion.
NICER view on holographic QCD
Authors: Jokela Niko
Published: January 2022

The holographic models for dense QCD matter work surprisingly well. A general implication seems that the deconfinement phase transition dictates the maximum mass of neutron stars. The nuclear matter phase turns out to be rather stiff which, if continuously merged with nuclear matter models based on effective field theories, leads to the conclusion that neutron stars do not have quark matter cores in the light of all current astrophysical data. We comment that as the perturbative QCD results are in stark contrast with strong coupling results, any future simulations of neutron star mergers incorporating corrections beyond ideal fluid should proceed cautiously. For this purpose, we provide a model which treats nuclear and quark matter phases in a unified framework at strong coupling.
Maximum latent heat of neutron star matter without GR
Authors: Lope-Oter Eva
Published: January 2022

We show how the specific latent heat is relevant to characterize the first-order phase transitions in neutron stars. Our current knowledge of this dynamical quantity strongly depends on the uncertainty bands of Chiral Perturbation Theory and of pQCD calculations and can be used to diagnose progress on the equation of state. We state what is known to be hadron-model independent and without feedback from neutron star observations and, therefore, they can be used to test General Relativity as well as theories beyond GR, such as modified gravity.
A new tool for the simulation of different nuclear fleets at equilibrium
Authors: Barale Heddy , Laguerre Camille , Sabatini Paul , Courtin Fanny , Tirel Kévin , Martin Guillaume
Published: January 2022

Scenario simulations are the main tool for studying the impact of a nuclear reactor fleet on the related fuel cycle facilities. This equilibrium preliminary study aims to present the functionalities of a new tool and to show the wide variety of reactors/cycles/strategies that can be studied in steady state conditions and validated with more details thanks to dynamic code. Different types of scenario simulation tools have been developed at CEA over the years, this study focuses on dynamic and equilibrium codes. Dynamic fuel cycle simulation code models the ingoing and outgoing material flow in all the facilities of a nuclear reactor fleet and their evolutions through the different nuclear processes over a given period of time. Equilibrium fuel cycle simulation code models advanced nuclear fuel cycles in equilibrium conditions, i.e. in conditions which stabilize selected nuclear inventories such as spent nuclear fuel constituents, plutonium or some minor actinides. The principle of this work is to analyze different nuclear reactors (PWR, AMR) and several fuel types (UOX, MOX, ERU, MIX) to simulate advanced nuclear fleet with partial and fully plutonium and uranium multi-recycling strategies at equilibrium. At this first stage, selected results are compared with COSI6 simulations in order to evaluate the precision of this new tool, showing a significant general agreement.
Taguchi based fuzzy logic model for optimisation and prediction of surface roughness during AWJM of DRCUFP composites
Authors: Shetty Raviraj , Hegde Adithya
Published: January 2022

From last two decades, plant fiber reinforced polymer/polyester composites have been effectively used in structural and automotive applications. Researchers and manufacturers are looking forward for an effective utilization of these composites. However, despite the outstanding properties in terms of load bearing capacity and environmental sustainability of plant fibers the uptake of these composites are limited due to its poor machinability characteristics. Hence in this paper, Taguchi based fuzzy logic model for the optimization and prediction of process output variable such as surface roughness during Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) of new class of plant fiber reinforced polyester composites i.e., Discontinuously Reinforced Caryota Urens Fiber Polyester (DRCUFP) composites has been explored. Initially machining experiments has been carried out using L27 orthogonal array obtained from Taguchi Design of Experiments (TDOE). Finally, Taguchi based fuzzy logic model has been developed for optimisation and prediction of surface roughness. From the extensive experimentation using TDOE it was observed that the optimum cutting conditions for obtaining minimum surface roughness value, water pressure (A): 300 bar, traverse speed (B): 50 mm, stand of distance: 1 mm, abrasive flow rate: 12 g/s, depth of cut (C): 5 mm and Abrasive Size:200 microns. Further from FLM, it is observed that minimum water pressure (A): 100 bar, traverse speed (B): 50 mm, stand of distance: 1 mm, abrasive flow rate: 8 g/s, depth of cut (C): 5 mm and abrasive size:100 microns gave higher surface roughness values (3.47 microns) than that at maximum water pressure (A): 300 bar, traverse speed (B): 150 mm, stand of distance: 4 mm, abrasive flow rate: 12 g/s, depth of cut (C): 15 mm and abrasive size:200 microns the surface roughness values (3.25 microns).
Association between road safety habits and risky health behaviours in Latvian adult population
Authors: Bukova-Zideluna Aija , Villerusa Anita , Pudule Iveta
Published: January 2022

The study examined the road safety habits of the adult population of Latvia in relation to risky health behaviours (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, no regular health check-ups at the family doctor). Data of Health Behaviour among the Latvian Adult Population for five consecutive surveys for the years 2010–2018 were analysed. Results: The use of seat belts has increased slightly – from 93.5% to 95.6% in the front seat of the vehicle, from 52.4% to 56.3% in the rear seat of the vehicle (p < 0,001). Of the 10,731 respondents, 30.8% (N = 3309; 95% CI 30.0–31.7) were daily smokers, 14.8% (N = 1593; 95% CI 14.2–15.5) had excessive alcohol consumption habits, 25.9% (N = 2779; 95% CI 25.1–26.7) had not visited their family doctor during the last year. Higher odds for seat belt use were observed among respondents without excessive alcohol consumption (OR = 2.1), non-smokers (OR = 1.5–1.8), and those, who had visited their family doctor last year (OR = 1.2–1.3). Multivariate regression analysis showed risky behaviour is an independent factor associated with road safety habits.
Impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on the employment of older people in Latvia, the Baltic States and Europe
Authors: Rajevska Olga , Reine Agnese , Baltmane Diana
Published: January 2022

The study bases on the SHARE Wave 8 COVID-19 Survey conducted in June-August 2020 in 26 European countries and Israel via CATI. The association between health status of older workers and their involvement into labour market in Latvia is the strongest in Europe. In the short term, the first wave of the infection outbreak affected the employment of older population in the Baltic States to much lesser extent than in most of participating countries. The proportion of those workers who experienced unemployment, lay-off or closure of business, as well as changes in the number of working hours was considerably lower than average values. The branches with traditionally high share of older workers (education, healthcare, agriculture, administrative services) were least affected by lockdown measures. Remote work from home in the Baltic States as well as combining work from home with usual work place was lower than the European average. The existing labour legislation in Latvia does not ensure sufficient protection of workers’ rights and health in the situation of remote work.
Access to healthcare during COVID-19 among ageing population in Latvia
Authors: Reine Ieva , Mikelsone Madara , Ivanovs Andrejs , Tomsone Signe
Published: January 2022

Medical staff has worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to test and treat coronavirus patients. However, the focus on the virus has caused huge disruption to healthcare services, resulting in delayed treatment for patients with other serious conditions. Additionally, the reasons for forgoing or abstaining healthcare could also relate to individual decisions. We used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), where the respondents aged 50 and older of the Wave 8, version 0, were asked to answer, among other, questions on delayed, postponed or denied healthcare services during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. For comparative reasons also Estonian and Lithuanian data were included in the study with 2 473 627 valid weighted cases in total. Due to the large sample size, in order to evaluate statistically significant result for Pearson’s chi-square test, strength of association (f) was provided. The results show that 12.7% of the respondents forwent and 14% postponed medical treatment in Latvia. Appointment was denied to 5.5% of the respondents. Generally, older people in Latvia had better access to health care services compared to the average in the Baltic countries. We found significant age and gender differences, but they varied depending on the type of treatment and reason for not receiving it. However, further studies are necessary to analyse how limited access to the healthcare for other reasons has affected health of the ageing population. Also, more knowledge is needed about how to maintain public health and wellbeing for the growing part of the ageing society.
Using the Workload Indicator of Staffing Need (WISN) – Method to model the HR requirements and costs of Health Care Services in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Goetz Olav , Schmidt Jean Olivier , Broch Alvarez Valerie , Blackaby Sandra , Seksenbaeva Damira
Published: January 2022

Health Care systems are facing several challenges. The lack of resources, such as health workers, costing and financing are open and urgent questions in Health Care Systems. Tools from HRManagement (e.g. the Workload Indicator of Staffing Need (WISN) – method, WHO - HR-Management Tool) and Cost-Accounting can help to improve current financing and further develop healthcare reimbursement systems, such as DRG-Systems. Based on empirical data and interviews with healthcare professionals from multiple healthcare institutions in Kyrgyzstan the WISN method was applied to calculate human resource needs in a new perinatal health centre in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The results of the analysis show that it is possible to calculate the required personal resources using the WISN method. Additionally, WISN can be used to calculate personnel costs. The results also show that in combination with material costs, e.g. from a DRG – Cost – Matrix, such as the G-DRG-Report Browser, it is possible to calculate the total costs of healthcare services and to use this as the basis for the reimbursement system. WISN in combination with additional Cost-Accounting systems is a good way to calculate the total costs for an intervention in a healthcare institution, e.g. a hospital. These tools can help to make financing in healthcare more transparent and efficient.
Motor activity of nursing students in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Popova Nikoleta , Georgieva Anna , Digalovska Vasilena
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all areas of human life and activity. A number of lifestyle changes associated with health risk factors have occurred, one of which is inactivity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the opinion of nursing students about their motor activity in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: In our report, we have applied analysis of literary sources and a survey (on-line anonymous group survey). The opinion of 60 nursing students of second, third and fourth year at the Medical University – Varna was studied. The nurses received explanation for the purpose and methodology of the study, their anonymity was guaranteed, and their informed consent for the study was obtained. The study was conducted in August 2020–January 2021. Graphical analysis was used to visualize the observed processes and phenomena. To create the graphs, we used Microsoft Office Excel 2013. The data were processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 19 statistical package. Results: The majority of the respondents shared that they had been less active compared to the time before the pandemic began. The search for alternatives for exercising and sports among students is hampered by a number of factors, which relate to the changes in the organization of life and educational activities associated with measures to stop the pandemic.

Conclusion: The results of this study prove that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the lifestyle of the nursing students - most of them have reduced their motor activity. The data highlights the need to find alternatives and strategies to reduce the inactivity.
Arthroskopisch assistierte Versorgung einer intraartikulären Skapulafraktur bei einem Rugbyspieler
Authors: Szewczyk Karol , Mann Jakob , Ellwein Alexander , Jensen Gunnar , Warnhoff Mara , Hahner Florian , Lill Helmut , Dey Hazra Rony-Orijit
Published: January 2022

Bei Skapulafrakturen handelt es sich um eine seltene Verletzungsentität mit einer Inzidenz von 0,4–1 % aller Frakturen und 3–5 % der Frakturen des Schultergürtels. Im vorliegenden Fall handelt es sich um einen 29-jährigen männlichen Patienten, der im Rahmen eines Punktspiels der Rugby-Bundesliga die o. g. Verletzung nach einem direkten Anpralltrauma erlitt. Nach der klinischen sowie radiologischen Untersuchung zeigten sich eine mehrfragmentäre, dislozierte Skapulablattfraktur unter mehrfragmentärer Beteiligung der Margo superior, Frakturausläufer in die Margo medialis und V. a. Stufenbildung im Glenoid bei äquatorialer Transversalfraktur (Euler und Rüedi D2b/nach AO 14 F1.3e). Die operative Versorgung erfolgte in minimalinvasiver arthroskopischer Technik, und postoperativ wurde eine frühfunktionelle Nachbehandlung ohne Belastung und mit einer Bewegungslimitierung von 90° Abduktion/Anteversion durchgeführt. Bereits am 1. Spieltag der Rückrunde (5 Monate postoperativ) war der Patient wieder vollständig einsatzfähig und 6 Monate postoperativ präsentierte sich der Patient beschwerdefrei mit einem exzellenten klinischen Resultat (CS 100 Punkte, SSV 98 %, OSS 12 Punkte, ASES-Score 100 Punkte). Zusammenfassend ist die arthroskopisch assistierte Versorgung einer intraartikulären Skapulafraktur beim sportlich aktiven Patienten mit einem entsprechend hohen körperlichen Anspruch eine suffiziente Therapieoption.
History of Evolution of Posterolateral Approaches to the Thoracic Spine: From Cure of Pott's Disease to Epidural Tumor Resection
Authors: Gagliardi Filippo , Pompeo Edoardo , De Domenico Pierfrancesco , Snider Silvia , Roncelli Francesca , Acerno Stefania , Mortini Pietro
Published: January 2022

Since the end of the nineteenth century, the wide dissemination of Pott's disease has ignited debates about which should be the ideal route to perform ventrolateral decompression of the dorsal spine in case of paraplegia due to spinal cord compression in tuberculosis spondylitis. It was immediately clear that the optimal approach should be the one minimizing the surgical manipulation on both neural and extraneural structures while optimizing the exposure and surgical maneuverability on the target area. The first attempt was reported by Victor Auguste Menard in 1894, who described, for the first time, a completely different route from traditional laminectomy, called costotransversectomy. The technique was conceived to drain tubercular paravertebral abscesses causing paraplegia without manipulating the spinal cord. Over the following decades, many other routes have been described all over the world, thus demonstrating the wide interest on the topic. Surgical development has been marked by the new technical achievements and by instrumental/technological advancements, until the advent of portal surgery and endoscopy-assisted techniques. In this article, the authors retraced the milestones of this history up to the present days, through a systematic review on the topic.
Biaxial Flexural Strength of Different Monolithic Zirconia upon Post-Sintering Processes
Authors: Juntavee Niwut , Juntavee Apa , Phattharasophachai Thipradi
Published: January 2022

Objective Different post-sintering processes are expected to be a reason for alteration in the strength of zirconia. This study evaluated the effect of post-sintering processes on the flexural strength of different types of monolithic zirconia.

Materials and Methods A total of 120 classical- (Cz) and high-translucent (Hz) monolithic zirconia discs (1.2 mm thickness and 14 mm in Ø) were prepared, sintered, and randomly divided into four groups to be surface-treated with (1) as-glazed (AG); (2) finished and polished (FP); (3) finished, polished, and overglazed (FPOG); and (4) finished, polished, and heat-treated (FPHT) technique (n = 15). Biaxial flexural strength (σ) was determined on a piston-on-three ball in a universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/min.

Statistical Analysis Analysis of variance, and post hoc Bonferroni multiple comparisons were determined for significant differences (α = 0.05). Weibull analysis was applied for survival probability, Weibull modulus (m), and characteristic strength (σ0). The microstructures were examined with a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction.

Results The mean ± standard deviation value of σ (MPa), m, and σ0 were 1,626.43 ± 184.38, 9.51, and 1,709.79 for CzAG; 1,734.98 ± 136.15, 12.83, and 1,799.17 for CzFP; 1,636.92 ± 130.11, 14.66, and 1,697.63 for CzFPOG; and 1,590.78 ± 161.74, 10.13, and 1,663.82 for CzFPHT; 643.30 ± 118.59, 5.59, and 695.55 for HzAG; 671.52 ± 96.77, 3.28, and 782.61 for HzFP; 556.33 ± 122.85, 4.76, and 607.01 for HzFPOG; and 598.36 ± 57.96, 11.22, and 624.89 for HzFPHT. The σ was significantly affected by the post-sintering process and type of zirconia (p < 0.05), but not by their interactions (p > 0.05). The Cz indicated a significantly higher σ than Hz. The FP process significantly enhanced σ more than other treatment procedures.

Conclusion Post-sintering processes enabled an alteration in σ of zirconia. FP enhanced σ, while FPOG and FPHT resulted in a reduction of σ. Glazing tends to induce defects at the glazing interface, while heat treatment induces a phase change to tetragonal, both resulted in reducing σ. Finishing and polishing for both Cz and Hz monolithic zirconia is recommended, while overglazed or heat-treated is not suggested.
Relationship of Malocclusions with Disorders of the Temporomandibular Joint in Children of CALI—Colombia
Authors: Mora-Zuluaga Nataly , Soto-Llanos Libia , Aragón Natalia , Torres-Trujillo Katherine
Published: January 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of malocclusion with the presence and severity of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in children.

Materials and Methods A clinical examination was performed in 87 patients (from 4 to 14 years of age) who attended the dentistry clinics of Universidad del Valle.

Results The 77 patients studied had malocclusions; 55 patients had TMD and 67.3% were female. The most frequent symptom of TMD was articular unilateral noise with 33.8%, followed by pain in at least one masticatory muscle with 26%. TMJ pain was observed in 24.7% of the patients. There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence and severity of TMD with type of dentition and transverse malocclusion, respectively.

Conclusion The presence of TMD in children with malocclusion presented in a high frequency. TMD depends on the type of dentition and its severity is dependent on transverse malocclusion.
The Effectiveness of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gel on Early Wound Healing after Tooth Extraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Amaliya Amaliya , Ramadhanti Rika , Hadikrishna Indra , Maulina Tantry
Published: January 2022

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on wound healing after tooth extraction.

Materials and Methods A single blind, randomized controlled trial was performed recruiting 32 participants who underwent dental extractions. Patients were randomly allocated for CHX group or placebo group. The primary outcomes were wound closure measured with calipers and healings were assessed by Landry et al index after 7 days of topical application of allocated gels on extraction sites.

Results The wound closures were greater in CHX group compared with placebo group and healing scores were correlated with the use of CHX gel (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion In a population of healthy nonsmoker adults, application of 0.2% CHX gel twice a day for 7 days after tooth extraction has a beneficial effect on wound healing.
Percutaneous Cryoablation of Renal Tumors: Initial Indian Experience
Authors: Gorsi Ujjwal , Jain Rishabh , Bansal Akash , Kalra Naveen , Kang Mandeep , Chaluvashetty Sreedhara B. , Mavuduru Ravimohan Suryanarayan , Kumar Santosh , Singh Shrawan K. , Sandhu Manavjit Singh
Published: January 2022

Purpose The purpose of this study was to report short-term outcomes of cryoablation of early-stage renal tumors (T1a and T1b) at a tertiary hospital in India.

Methods This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from November 2018 to June 2020. Cryoablation was performed under combined ultrasound and computed tomography guidance using a helium-argon cryoablation system. Tumor number, size, location, nephrometry score, relationship of the tumor with pelvicalyceal system, and adjacent organs were tabulated, and technical and clinical success evaluated. Early and late recurrence and complications were also assessed.

Results Eleven patients (median age: 62 years) with 11 tumors underwent cryoablation. The mean tumor size was 2.58 cm (range: 1.62–5.62 cm) with 10 lesions being T1a and one lesion T1b. Tissue sampling was done in 9/11 patients, 3 were papillary RCC and the rest, clear cell RCC. In two patients, the tumor was completely endophytic, three patients had partially endophytic tumors while 6 patients had exophytic lesions. The median nephrometry score was 6 (range: 4–11, Mode 4). Technical success was achieved in all patients. Complete response was achieved in 81% (9/11) of the patients at 1-month follow-up. Median follow-up period was 6 months. Two patients showed residual disease on follow-up imaging at 1 and 3 months, respectively.

Conclusion Cryoablation is a promising, relatively new minimally invasive therapy for treating small renal tumors in India. It is safe, technically feasible, and shows excellent short-term efficacy.
Scott William Sloan 1954–2019
Authors: Carter John. P. , Potts David. M. , Gens Antonio
Published: January 2022

Scott Sloan (1954–2019) was a leader of academic engineering in Australia and beyond, as evidenced by his numerous professional accolades and important research achievements, which have had significant impact on his chosen profession of geotechnical engineering. Educated in Australia and the United Kingdom, he returned to Australia in 1984 and developed a large and active research group at the University of Newcastle, and tackled a wide range of important problems in civil and mining engineering. These include the development of computational methods to predict the mechanical behaviour of soil and rock masses, and his pioneering methods to predict the collapse states of structures made of, on, and in, earth materials, allowing engineers to design cheaper and safer civil infrastructure around the globe. Sloan established long-standing international collaborations and was awarded many honours for his research achievements. He was also a keen and skilful fisherman and a more than competent blues guitar player.
A simulation approach to predict the calibration curve of low LET radiations for biological dosimetry using the Geant4-DNA toolkit
Authors: Mirrezaei E. , Setayeshi S. , Zakeri F. , Baradaran S.
Published: January 2022

Ionizing radiation is extensively utilized in various applications; however, it can lead to significant harm to living systems. In this regard, the radiation absorbed dose is usually evaluated by performing biological dosimetry and physical reconstruction of exposure scenarios. But, this is costly, time-consuming, and maybe impractical for a biodosimetry lab to perform biological dosimetry. This study aimed to assess the applicability and reliability of the Geant4-DNA toolkit as a simulation approach to construct a reliable dose-response curve for biodosimetry purposes as an appropriate substitution for experimental measurements. In this matter, the total number of double-strand breaks (DSBs), due to different doses of low LET radiation qualities on DNA molecules, was calculated and converted to the values of dicentric chromosomes using a mechanistic model of cellular response. Then, the number of dicentric chromosomes induced by 200 kVp X-rays were modified by using a semi-empirical scaling factor for compensating the restriction of simulation code to consider what can happen in a real cell. Next, the trend of dicentrics for 137Cs and 60Co were calculated and modified by the above scaling factor. Finally, the dose-response curves for these gamma sources compared to several published experiments. The suggested calibration curves for

137Cs and 60Co
followed a linear quadratic equation: Ydic = 0.0054 (± 0.0133) - 0.0089 (± 0.0212) × D + 0.0568 (± 0.0051) × D2 and Ydic = 0.0052 (± 0.0128) - 0.00568 (± 0.0203) × D + 0.0525 (± 0.0049) × D2 respectively. They revealed a satisfactory agreement with the experimental data reported by others. The Geant4 program developed in this work could provide an appropriate tool for predicting the dose-response (calibration) curve for biodosimetry purposes.
Subdiffusive search with home returns via stochastic resetting: a subordination scheme approach
Authors: Stanislavsky Aleksander A , Weron Aleksander
Published: January 2022

Stochastic resetting with home returns is widely found in various manifestations in life and nature. Using the solution to the home return problem in terms of the solution to the corresponding problem without home returns (Pal et al 2020 Phys. Rev. Res.
2 043174), we develop a theoretical framework for search with home returns in the case of subdiffusion. This makes a realistic description of restart by accounting for random walks with random stops. The model considers stochastic processes, arising from Brownian motion subordinated by an inverse infinitely divisible process (subordinator).
Moiré patterns and carbon nanotube sorting
Authors: Konevtsova Olga V , Roshal Daria S , Rochal Sergei B
Published: January 2022

Moiré patterns (MPs), arising from the superposition of two lattices with close periods, are tightly related to the physicochemical properties of bilayer nanostructures. Here, we develop the theory of complex MPs emerging in twisted bilayer graphene and planar nets of double-walled nanotubes at significant relative twist and/or deformation of layers. The proposed theory clarifies the physicochemical regularities arising at sorting of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by organic molecules, which self-assemble in regular coatings on both the tubes and planar graphene. We introduce and consider an outer tubular virtual lattice that is a parent structure for the deposited coating and due to this fact, its existence is crucial for the coating formation. As we show, such outer lattices exist only for successfully sorted SWCNTs and the superposition between the outer lattice and SWCNT forms a specific long-period MP. We explain known experimental results of SWCNT sorting by molecules of flavin group, poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl), and poly [(m-phenylenevinylene)-alt-(p-phenylenevinylene)]. Also, our approach points out other organic molecules and polymers suitable for effective carbon nanotube sorting.
Influence of tool rotational speed on the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of precipitation-hardened Aluminium 6061 butt joint during friction stir welding
Authors: Ghosh Biplab , Das Hrishikesh , Samanta Asis , Majumdar Jyotsna Dutta , Ghosh Manojit
Published: January 2022

The present investigation intends to interpret the effect of tool rotational speed on the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution in Aluminium 6061-T6 alloy during friction stir welding. A higher value of tool rotation produces more hardness at the nugget zone, which is attributed to the higher intensity of reprecipitation at higher rpm, revealed by transmission electron microscopy. The nugget zone is revealed as a nearly precipitate-free region, while the thermo-mechanically affected zone contains coarse precipitates, deformed and dynamically recovered grains with a few recrystallized grains. Significant reduction in grain size in the stirred zone is also a key finding. The observations depict the dependence of microstructure, and thus mechanical behaviour on tool rotational speed. A specific combination of process parameters has been determined from experiments, which corresponds to the maximum joint efficiency.