bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal desorption ambient ionization mass spectrometry for emergency toxicology
Authors: Su Hung , Huang Min‐Zong , Shiea Jentaie , Lee Chi‐Wei
Published: May 2022

In the emergency department, it is important to rapidly identify the toxic substances that have led to acute poisoning because different toxicants or toxins cause poisoning through different mechanisms, requiring disparate therapeutic strategies and precautions against contraindicating actions, and diverse directions of clinical course monitoring and prediction of prognosis. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry, a state‐of‐the‐art technology, has been proved to be a fast, accurate, and user‐friendly tool for rapidly identifying toxicants like residual pesticides on fruits and vegetables. In view of this, developing an analytical platform that explores the application of such a cutting‐edge technology in a novel direction has been initiated a research program, namely, the rapid identification of toxic substances which might have caused acute poisoning in patients who visit the emergency department and requires an accurate diagnosis for correct clinical decision‐making to bring about corresponding data‐guided management. This review includes (i) a narrative account of the breakthrough in emergency toxicology brought about by the advent of ambient ionization mass spectrometry and (ii) a thorough discussion about the clinical implications and technical limitations of such a promising innovation for promoting toxicological tests from tier two‐level to tier one level.
A comparative study of the fecal microbiota of gray seal pups and yearlings ‐ a marine mammal sentinel species
Authors: Watkins Craig A. , Gaines Taylor , Strathdee Fiona , Baily Johanna L. , Watson Eleanor , Hall Ailsa J. , Free Andrew , Dagleish Mark P.
Published: May 2022

Gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) can act as sentinel species reflecting the condition of the environment they inhabit. Our previous research identified strains of pathogenic Campylobacter and Salmonella, originating from both human and agricultural animal hosts, on rectal swabs from live gray seal (H. grypus) pups and yearlings on the Isle of May, Scotland, UK. We examined rectal swabs from the same pup (n = 90) and yearling (n = 19) gray seals to gain further understanding into the effects of age‐related changes (pup vs. yearling) and three different natal terrestrial habitats on seal pup fecal microbiota. DNA was extracted from a subset of rectal swabs (pups n = 23, yearlings n = 9) using an optimized procedure, and the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was sequenced to identify each individual's microbiota. Diversity in pup samples was lower (3.92 ± 0.19) than yearlings (4.66 ± 0.39) although not significant at the p = 0.05 level (p = 0.062) but differences in the composition of the microbiota were (p < 0.001). Similarly, differences between the composition of the microbiota from pups from three different terrestrial habitats (Pilgrim's Haven [PH], Rona Rocks [RR], and Tarbet Slope [TS]) were highly significant (p < 0.001). Pairwise tests showed significant differences between all three habitats: PH versus TS (p = 0.019), PH versus RR (p = 0.042) and TS versus RR (p = 0.020). This preliminary study suggests a general trend, that seal microbiomes are modified by both age and, in pups, different terrestrial habitats. Furthermore, knowledge of the microbiota species present has the potential to be used in determining the environmental quality index.
How Do I Find Clues About Where Myoclonus Is Originating?
Authors: Latorre Anna , Hale Blake , Rocchi Lorenzo
Published: May 2022

Myoclonus is defined as a brief and jerky shock‐like involuntary movement caused by abrupt muscle contraction or sudden cessation of ongoing muscular activity. Myoclonus can be generated by abnormal activity in different parts of the nervous system, both peripheral and central, including cortical and subcortical structures. According to the presumed neural generator, myoclonus is classified as cortical, subcortical (including myoclonus‐dystonia and brainstem/reticular myoclonus), spinal (including segmental spinal and propriospinal myoclonus), and peripheral. The identification of myoclonus subtypes, and therefore its potential source, is clinically important because it can guide diagnosis and treatment. In this video lecture (Video), we reviewed how to determine myoclonus origin. We first reviewed the clinical features typical of each myoclonus subtype. We, then, explored the electrophysiological techniques that can aid in the differential diagnosis of myoclonus, based on its origin. In conclusion, we provided a clinical and electrophysiological overview on how to find clues about neural generators of myoclonus.
A multivariant recall‐by‐genotype study of the metabolomic signature of BMI
Authors: Fang Si , Wade Kaitlin H. , Hughes David A. , Fitzgibbon Sophie , Yip Vikki , Timpson Nicholas J. , Corbin Laura J.
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study estimated the effect of BMI on circulating metabolites in young adults using a recall‐by‐genotype study design.

Methods

A recall‐by‐genotype study was implemented in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Samples from 756 participants were selected for untargeted metabolomics analysis based on low versus high genetic liability for higher BMI defined by a genetic risk score (GRS). Regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between BMI GRS group and relative abundance of 973 metabolites.

Results

After correction for multiple testing, 29 metabolites were associated with BMI GRS group. Bilirubin was among the most strongly associated metabolites, with reduced levels measured in individuals in the high‐BMI GRS group (β = −0.32, 95% CI: −0.46 to −0.18, Benjamini‐Hochberg adjusted p = 0.005). This study observed associations between BMI GRS group and the levels of several potentially diet‐related metabolites, including hippurate, which had lower mean abundance in individuals in the high‐BMI GRS group (β = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.15, Benjamini‐Hochberg adjusted p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Together with existing literature, these results suggest that a genetic predisposition to higher BMI captures differences in metabolism leading to adiposity gain. In the absence of prospective data, separating these effects from the downstream consequences of weight gain is challenging.
‘Hey, tree. You are my friend’: Assessing multiple values of nature through letters to trees
Authors: Marquina Tatiana , Gould Rachelle K. , Murdoch Duncan
Published: May 2022

The values associated with nature are a central component of human–nature interactions, but their assessment remains a challenge.

In this exploratory research, we examine the potential of a creative data collection method to elucidate the multiple values of nature. We invited visitors to a natural area to write letters to non‐human elements of the ecosystem (trees), then analysed the letters to determine whether they provide information about values.

This project involves collaboration with the Intervale Center in Burlington, VT, U.S.A., a peri‐urban site with both forest and farmland.

We received 45 letters from 25 letter writers. The majority of letter writers discussed relational values associated with trees or benefits from ecosystem services that trees provide to humans and non‐humans. Others asked questions about natural elements at the Intervale Center.

We explored whether the letter writing method, which invites (although does not require) a more interpersonal approach to communicating with non‐humans, might facilitate the expression of relational values. Our findings support this assertion. We found that people expressed diverse relational values towards nature and asked many questions (mostly ecological) about the site and tree species. We encourage future work to consider data collection instruments that provide opportunities for diverse ways of conceiving of human–nature relationships (especially, as in this case, ways more conducive to personhood as not confined to humans).

Benefits of this project include an unconventional framing of human–nature relationships (i.e. one that invites but does not require expanded notions of personhood), the open‐ended nature of the prompt, relatively low costs and flexibility in when and how participants respond. Drawbacks include convenience sampling (and low response rates) and poor accessibility to people who do not read English. We conclude that letter writing method has the potential to elicit data about multiple values of nature, as well as create an engaging experience for visitors of natural areas.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Environmental risks, life history strategy, and developmental psychology
Authors: Yang Anting , Zhu Nan , Lu Hui Jing , Chang Lei
Published: May 2022

In recent decades, life history theory (LHT) has provided an important theoretical framework for understanding human individual differences and their developmental processes. The conceptual complexity and multidisciplinary connections involved in the LH research, however, might appear daunting to psychologists whose research might otherwise benefit from the LH perspective. The main purpose of this review, therefore, is to introduce the evolutionary biological backgrounds and basic principles of LHT as well as their applications in developmental psychology. This review is organized into five parts, starting with an overview of key concepts in LHT, which clarifies the relationship among LH strategy, LH‐related traits, and the fast–slow paradigm of LH variation. We proceed to review theoretical and empirical work related to four basic LH trade‐offs, summarized by an integrated descriptive model of LH trade‐offs that shape different LH strategies in humans. We then explain the effects of four aspects of environmental risks (morbidity‐mortality threats, competition, resource scarcity, and unpredictability) on human LH strategy. This is followed by a discussion of LH calibration models in evolutionary developmental psychology that explicates the environmentally sensitive developmental processes that contribute to variation and plasticity in LH‐related traits and ultimately human LH strategies. Finally, we highlight a few outstanding questions and future directions for LH research in psychology and conclude with why we think it is important that developmental psychology should embrace the LH approach.
Regulation of platform market access by the United States and China: Neo‐mercantilism in digital services
Authors: Mueller Milton L. , Farhat Karim
Published: May 2022

China and the United States host the world's largest digital platforms. Platforms are multisided markets that facilitate value‐creating exchanges among users, such as social media, e‐commerce, software QJ;application downloads, search, email, and cloud services. Internet access and the purely digital nature of many of the products and services make digital platforms potentially global in scope. This means that the rules and restrictions governing the flow of capital and information services among national markets strongly influence the economic and social potential of digital platforms. The paper conducts a sequential analysis of the rise of barriers to the United States–China trade in ICT and digital platform markets from 2000 to 2021. We find that China's thriving platform economy was relatively open, competitive and market‐driven in its early stages, and benefited from U.S. capital and the entry of U.S. firms. Since 2009, both countries have progressively restricted access to each other's domestic information services markets. In both cases, the primary stated rationale involved national security claims rather than trade policy concerns. Drawing on International Political Economy theory, we label the United States–China interaction pattern digital neo‐mercantilism. Digital neo‐mercantilism fuses the power and security of the national state with economic development in the digital economy. Policymakers represent information flows and digital technologies in domestic policy discourse as critical to the security and relative power of the state, and pursue various forms of industrial policy, data localization, trade protectionism, or exclusion of foreigners as a result. Both the United States and China are following this policy.
New‐onset myasthenia gravis after novel coronavirus 2019 infection
Authors: Taheri Amirmasoud , Davoodi Lotfollah , Soleymani Eissa , Ahmadi Noushin
Published: May 2022

In the years since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, numerous neurological manifestations have been reported following this novel virus. Myasthenia gravis is one of them. Here, we present the patient that was referred to us with myasthenia gravis symptoms after a COVID‐19 infection.
Are tri‐pronuclear embryos that show two normal‐sized pronuclei and additional smaller pronuclei useful for embryo transfer?
Authors: Takahashi Hiromi , Hirata Rei , Otsuki Junko , Habara Toshihiro , Hayashi Nobuyoshi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze whether tripronuclear (3PN) zygotes, with two normal‐sized PNs and an additional smaller PN (2.1PN), can be used for embryo transfer.

Method(s)

A retrospective embryo cohort study was conducted on 695 patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Blastocyst formation rates were compared between 2.1PN and 2PN zygotes and PGT‐A analysis was performed on 15 blastocysts derived from 2.1PN zygotes.

Result(s)

Blastocyst formation rates were comparable between 2.1PN (43.8%) and 2PN zygotes (54.8%; p = 0.212). The rates of blastocysts with good morphology derived from 2.1 PN and 2PN zygotes were 18.8% and 25.5%, respectively. No significant differences were detected (p = 0.383). All of the analyzed blastocysts were diploid; however, 13 of these were found to be aneuploid, with a further two being mosaic.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that 2.1PN embryos can reach blastocyst stage. These blastocysts were diploid, however, predominantly aneuploid, and therefore could not be used for embryo transfer.
Quantized feedback control of linear system with performance barrier
Authors: Ma Ji , Lan Weiyao , Yu Xiao
Published: May 2022

In this article, we investigate the quantized control problem of the continuous‐time linear system with performance barrier. The performance of the system is specified by a continuous decaying function. Considering the state quantization in the feedback, a dynamic quantization scheme and a control law with limited bandwidth are developed, such that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable and the specified performance barrier is satisfied. Based on the theory of control barrier function (CBF), the analysis on the performance guarantee of the closed‐loop system under quantization is established. Furthermore, the minimal bandwidth for the quantized system with the performance barrier is explicitly given. Finally, the effectiveness of the obtained result is illustrated by an example.
Halotolerant rhizobacterial consortium confers salt tolerance to maize under naturally salt‐affected soil
Authors: Shabaan Muhammad , Asghar Hafiz Naeem , Zahir Zahir Ahmad , Sardar Muhammad Fahad , Parveen Rashida , Faiza  , Ali Qasim
Published: May 2022

Halotolerant rhizobacteria, which are able to withstand higher concentrations of salts, are useful for conferring salinity tolerance to agricultural crops and improving soil fertility through their different activities. Among their various mechanisms, the improvement in soil enzyme activities they bring about through production of extracellular enzymes is crucial. Soil enzymes are responsible for supplying nutrients to plants under stressed conditions. In the current study, halotolerant plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus and Acinetobacter) species were examined individually and in combination to compare the efficiency with which they improve soil enzyme activities under naturally salt‐affected soil conditions. The microbial consortium caused a significant increase in the soil urease (1.15‐fold), dehydrogenase (14%), acid phosphatase (78%), and alkaline phosphatase (52%) activities, which led to a significant increase in shoot N (42%), grain N (98%), straw P (40%), and grain P (44%) in comparison with the uninoculated control. In addition, application of the microbial consortium to maize (Zea mays L.) seeds led to considerable improvements in plant height (70%), cob length (67%), grain yield (69%), stomatal conductance (17%), water‐use efficiency (96%), photosynthetic rate (22%), cob weight (1.63‐fold), and transpiration rate (1.2‐fold). Moreover, consortium inoculation resulted in a significant reduction in leaf Na+ (38%) content, as evidenced by reduced antioxidant activities (i.e., catalase [59%], superoxide dismutase [37%], glutathione reductase [45%], ascorbate peroxidase [19%], and malondialdehyde [53%]) after consortium application. In conclusion, the rhizobacterial consortium alleviated the negative impacts of salinity on maize growth by improving the soil enzyme activities and nutrient acquisition under salinity stress.
Propensity score methods for observational studies with clustered data: A review
Authors: Chang Ting‐Hsuan , Stuart Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2022

Propensity score methods are a popular approach to mitigating confounding bias when estimating causal effects in observational studies. When study units are clustered (eg, patients nested within health systems), additional challenges arise such as accounting for unmeasured confounding at multiple levels and dependence between units within the same cluster. While clustered observational data are widely used to draw causal inferences in many fields, including medicine and healthcare, extensions of propensity score methods to clustered settings are still a relatively new area of research. This article presents a framework for estimating causal effects using propensity scores when study units are nested within clusters and are nonrandomly assigned to treatment conditions. We emphasize the need for investigators to examine the nature of the clustering, among other properties, of the observational data at hand in order to guide their choice of causal estimands and the corresponding propensity score approach.
Highly Sensitive, Cost‐Effective, and Flexible SERS Substrate Based on Green Synthesized GO/rGO for Pesticide Detection**
Authors: Gokulakrishnan  , Alex Kevin Varghese , Sekhar Koppole C. , Koppole Kamakshi
Published: May 2022

In this work, a novel approach is adopted to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from a natural precursor Desmostachya bipinnata (halfa grass). GO is synthesized by treating ash of halfa grass with aqueous and molten KOH. Further, reduced with lemon extract to synthesize rGO. Then GO and rGO active SERS substrates are fabricated with flexible adhesive tape. Structural and morphological features of SERS substrates are analyzed. Raman spectrum of GO and rGO consists of characteristic D and G peaks around 1331 and 1600 cm−1 and a 2D peak around 2700 cm−1. The variation in ID/IG ratio, decreasing inter‐planar spacing, and the redshift of UV – Vis absorption peak from 225 to 280 nm confirm the reduction of GO on lemon extract treatment. SERS activity of fabricated substrates is analyzed with agro pesticide thiabendazole (TBZ). The detection range of TBZ by SERS substrate lies between 1 mM to 1 nM with a minimum detection limit of 1 nM. This study emphasizes the use of GO synthesized from aqueous KOH treatment and reduced with lemon extract (rGO) for the development of highly sensitive, low cost and flexible SERS substrates to detect TBZ in various agricultural products.
Smart Polycationic Hydrogel Dressing for Dynamic Wound Healing
Authors: Dong Huifeng , Wang Liangyu , Du Lin , Wang Xing , Li Qin , Wang Xiaoyue , Zhang Jie , Nie Jun , Ma Guiping
Published: May 2022

It is challenging for traditional wound dressings to adapt to the complex and changeable environment, due to the lack of stable, efficient, and continuous bactericidal activity. They also cannot be satisfied in a multifunctional sensing platform to reconstruct skin sensory functions for human health monitoring. A multifunctional hydrogel dressing is developed here for the treatment of infected wounds and human health monitoring, which is based on alginate and polycation. The in situ polymerization and solvent displacement method are used to functionalize the hydrogel for the improvement of antifreezing, water retention, and environmental adaptability, as well as the adhesion and photothermal property. As a wound dressing, the as‐prepared hydrogel exhibits an excellent antibacterial property against bothEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. In a rat model of full‐thickness wound infection, it significantly accelerates the healing of infected wounds with a high healing rate of 96.49%. In the further multifunctional sensory tests, the hydrogel shows multiple response modes of strain, pressure and temperature, and sensing stability. An idea is provided here to develop a smart hydrogel dressing that can accelerate wound healing and achieve human health monitoring.
Fabrication of a Free‐Standing MWCNT Electrode by Electric Field Force for an Ultra‐Sensitive MicroRNA‐21 Nano‐Genosensor
Authors: Wang Li , Li Huimin , Su Weiguang , Zhang Wenxian , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Jinshen , Chen Jun
Published: May 2022

Abnormal expression of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) is considered to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. However, great challenges do exist for the development of ultra‐sensitive biosensors to detect the abnormal expression of miR‐21 due to the low concentration in serum (fm level) at the early stage of colorectal cancer. Therefore, electric field force is used to rotate and rearrange random multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at the microscale to improve the active sites of the electrode in this study. The free‐standing MWCNTs are densely and high‐orderly embedded into the bare electrode along the direction of the electric field. Compared to the bare electrode, the peak‐current response of the free‐standing MWCNT electrode improves by 150 times in cyclic voltammetric measurement. A nano‐genosensor based on the free‐standing MWCNT electrode is developed for measuring miR‐21. The nano‐genosensor for miR‐21 shows an ultra‐high sensitivity of 48.24 µA µm−1, a wide linear range from 0.01 × 10−15 to 100 × 10−12 m, and a low detection limit of 1.2 × 10−18 m. The present nano‐genosensor shows superior performance for miR‐21 in human serum samples and demonstrates a potential application for the diagnosis of early stage colorectal cancer.
Test of independence for Hilbertian random variables
Authors: Banerjee Bilol , Ghosh Anil K.
Published: May 2022

In this article, we propose a test of independence for functional random variables modelled as elements of Hilbert spaces. First, we provide a general recipe for constructing measures of dependence among multiple random functions. These measures are non‐negative, and under fairly general assumptions, they take the value zero only when the functions are independent. We consider one such measure based on the d‐variable Hilbert‐Schmidt Independence Criterion and propose a consistent estimator of this measure. Next, we construct a test for independence based on this estimator and establish its large sample consistency under general alternatives. Extensive simulation studies are carried out to compare the performance of the proposed test with some popular tests available in the literature.
A review on high‐temperature thermochemical heat storage: Particle reactors and materials based on solid–gas reactions
Authors: Bellan Selvan , Kodama Tatsuya , Gokon Nobuyuki , Matsubara Koji
Published: May 2022

In order to produce electricity beyond insolation hours and supply to the electrical grid, thermal energy storage (TES) system plays a major role in CSP (concentrated solar power) plants. Current CSP plants use molten salts as both sensible heat storage media and heat transfer fluid, to operate up to 560°C. To meet the future high operating temperature and efficiency, thermochemical storage (TCS) emerged as an attractive alternatives for next generation CSP plants. In these systems, the solar thermal energy is stored by endothermic reaction and subsequently released when the energy is needed by exothermic reversible reaction. This review compares and summarizes different thermochemical storage systems that are currently being investigated, especially TCS based on metal oxides. Various experimental, numerical, and technological studies on the development of particle reactors and materials for high‐temperature TCS applications are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of different types heat storage systems (sensible, latent, and thermochemical), and particle receivers (stacked, fluidized, and entrained), have been discussed and reported.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Solar Energy

Emerging Technologies > Energy Storage

Emerging Technologies > Materials
Near horizon gravitational charges
Authors: Liu Hai-Shan , Mao Pujian
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we study the near horizon symmetry and gravitational charges in the Newman-Penrose formalism. In particular we investigate the effect from topological terms. We find that the Pontryagin term and Gauss-Bonnet term have significant influence on the near horizon charges and bring interesting novel features. We show that the gravitational charge derived from a general class of topological terms including the Pontryagin term and Gauss-Bonnet term can be obtained from the ambiguities of the symplectic potential.
Therapieentscheidung bei Kombinationspathologien Dysplasie – FAI – Fehlrotation
Authors: Vuillemin Nicolas , Steppacher Simon D. , Meier Malin K. , Büchler Lorenz
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Dysplasie, FAI und femorale Fehlrotationen treten häufig gemeinsam auf und führen zu einem Mischbild an Symptomen und biomechanischen Einschränkungen der Hüfte.

Fragestellung

Was sind die aktuellen Empfehlungen zur bestmöglichen Diagnostik und Therapie bei Kombinationspathologien in der hüfterhaltenden Chirurgie.

Methoden

Auswertung und Diskussion der relevanten Literatur mit Berücksichtigung der eigenen Erfahrung in der Behandlung von komplexen kombinierten Pathomorphologien der Hüfte.

Ergebnisse

Die Anamnese und klinische Untersuchung sind richtungsweisend zur Bestimmung der für die Beschwerden ursächlichen Pathomorphologien. Ein korrekt zentriertes Beckenübersichtsbild sowie eine axiale Aufnahme der Hüfte ist die Grundlage der radiologischen Beurteilung der Hüfte, je nach Fall ergänzt mit MRT, CT sowie Animationen der Hüfte. Da sich die Pathologien funktionell gegenseitig beeinflussen, wird in der Behandlung ein schrittweises Vorgehen empfohlen mit vorerst Korrektur der funktionell relevantesten Pathologie, gefolgt von weiteren Korrekturen je nach Bedarf. Erreicht werden muss vornehmlich eine stabile, korrekt überdachte Hüfte, gefolgt von einem normalen Impingement-freien Bewegungsumfang und normalisierter Funktion der Muskulatur. Dabei ist bei der Wahl der Operationsmethode darauf zu achten, dass sämtliche Pathologien suffizient behandelt werden können.

Schlussfolgerung

Mittels der Operationstechniken der hüfterhaltenden Chirurgie können komplexe, kombinierte Pathologien der Hüfte suffizient behandelt werden. Wichtig ist eine gründliche Diagnostik, um die unterschiedlichen Pathologien und deren Zusammenspiel zu erkennen. Das Ziel der operativen Therapie ist eine möglichst korrekt überdachte, stabile Hüfte mit normalem Bewegungsumfang.
Insuffizienzfrakturen der Wirbelsäule in Abhängigkeit von der spongiösen Knochendichte
Authors: Schröder Guido , Flachsmeyer Dirk , Kullen Claus Maximilian , Andresen Julian Ramin , Schulze Marko , Hiepe Laura , Schober Hans-Christof , Andresen Reimer
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Das Risiko für osteoporotische Insuffizienzfrakturen (Fx) am Achsenskelett steigt mit zunehmender Abnahme der Knochendichte, wobei sich thorakal und thorakolumbal eine Häufung findet. Um die unterschiedliche Verteilung von Fx entlang der Wirbelsäule (WS) besser zu verstehen, wurden morphologische und osteodensitometrische Untersuchungen mittels Computertomographie (CT) in den verschiedenen WS-Abschnitten durchgeführt. Zudem war zu klären, ob die bei CT-Untersuchungen aus anderen Indikationen gefunden Hounsfield-Einheiten (HE) mit der Knochendichte korrelieren und Anlass für eine osteologische Diagnostik sein könnten.

Material und Methoden

Von 26 Körperspenden wurden die gesamten WS in einem Plexiglas-Wasser-Phantom fixiert und mittels hochauflösende Spiral-CT analysiert. Zusätzlich erfolgte die Messung der CT-morphologischen Spongiosadichte in HE von C3 bis S2 (624 Wirbelkörper). Der Knochenmineralgehalt (KMG, mg/ml) wurde ermittelt und zur Abschätzung einer Osteoporose (OPO) herangezogen.

Ergebnisse

Bei allen WS lag eine OPO vor. Bei einem KMG unterhalb von 60 mg/ml fanden sich signifikant vermehrte Sinterungsfrakturen im thorakalen und thorakolumbalen Bereich. Osteoporotische Insuffizienzfrakturen im HWS-Bereich fanden sich insgesamt nicht. Die Spongiosadichte war signifikant höher in den zervikalen (Median 188,6 HE) als in den lumbalen (Median 63,6 HE) und sakralen (Median 25,5 HE) Wirbelkörpern aller untersuchten WS.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein KMG-Verlust der Wirbelkörperspongiosa führt zu einem erhöhten Fx-Risiko, welches sich auch bei den verwendeten WS findet. Jedoch wird im zervikalen Bereich ein scheinbarer Schwellenwert für das Auftreten von Sinterungsfrakturen nicht unterschritten. Einen Schwellenwert für HE zu finden, wäre für die klinische Praxis relevant.
Investigation of Lorentz force–induced flow of NaNO3-electrolyte for magnetic field–assisted electrochemical machining
Authors: Frotscher Ophelia , Schaarschmidt Ingo , Lauwers Daniel , Paul Raphael , Meinke Matthias , Steinert Philipp , Schubert Andreas , Schröder Wolfgang , Richter Markus
Published: May 2022

Pulsed electrochemical machining offers great potential to meet growing demands on components like miniaturization, efficiency, and functionalization. Current research activities show that the electrochemical process can be influenced by a superimposed magnetic field. While the effects of most process parameters such as pulse regimes, flow conditions, and cathode material selection are well understood, the influence of magnetic fields is still difficult to estimate for a targeted process design. Obtaining a better understanding of the magnetic field–assisted electrochemical machining process and achieving a foundation for later process simulations are the objectives of the present work where we focus on the influence of the Lorentz force in a NaNO3-electrolyte. Therefore, an experimental setup was designed in which the magnetic field is arranged perpendicular to the electric field. To reduce the influence of the electrochemical reaction on the electrolyte flow field, a large distance between the stainless-steel electrodes was chosen. The resulting flow in the initially resting fluid is mainly induced by the Lorentz force. This electrolyte flow is studied by particle image velocimetry and is modelled by magnetohydrodynamic and multiphase simulations. Based on the experimental results, the simulations are validated. In the future, the simulation approach will be pursued, e.g., for the electrochemical machining with pulsed electric current and oscillating cathode.
Using an E‐Health Application for Post‐operative Monitoring After Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Faessen J. L. , van Vugt R. , Veldhuizen R. , Stoot J. H. M. B.
Published: May 2022

Background

E‐Health care is already well established in some (non‐) surgical specialties and is considered as a means of improving patient‐centred care. Considering the demand of remote health care changes, especially in the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is essential to investigate the feasibility of e‐Health care within one of the most performed surgery procedures: inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

A total of 60 patients used the e‐Health application in this study compliant. Primary objectives were to investigate the accuracy of the “deviating post‐operative course” alerting by the e‐Health application. Secondary objectives included patient perspective and e‐Health costs analysis.

Results

Forty‐four patients reported no deviation in the post‐operative course using the e‐Health application of which 93.2% (n = 41) was in concordance with the findings during standard follow‐up. Within 16 patients reporting a deviating post‐operative course, a true complication was found in 25% (n = 4). Based on in‐hospital costs, a hypothetical e‐Health follow‐up scenario was more expensive (€59.5 per patient) than current standard follow‐up care (€28.2 per patient). Usage of the e‐Health application showed a high perceived overall patient satisfaction: 4.2 (on a Likert‐scale of 1–5).

Conclusion

An e‐Health application is a promising tool for identifying patients who require in‐person or phone follow‐up assessment. Patients’ perspectives surveys revealed high potential and willingness of using this application. A hypothetical e‐Health follow‐up scenario showed to be more expensive compared to current standard follow‐up. If the identified (dis)advantages can be improved, e‐Health follow‐up care appears to be promising in terms of safety and feasibility. Future studies can leverage on this study and further investigate the use of e‐Health within the field of general surgery.
How to: Basics der Schrittmacherprogrammierung
Authors: Johnson V. , Israel C. , Schmitt J.
Published: May 2022

Die Programmierung von Schrittmachersystemen, insbesondere von Zweikammerschrittmachersystemen kann die untersuchenden Ärzte vor große Herausforderungen stellen. Eine genaue Kenntnis der zu programmierenden Parameter sowie der herstellerspezifischen Algorithmen ist essentiell. Bei der Programmierung sollte darauf geachtet werden, die Programmierung den individuellen Bedürfnissen der Patient:innen anzupassen und „Out-of-the-box“-Programmierungen zu vermeiden. Ein weiteres wichtiges Ziel der Programmierung ist es, unnötige Stimulation im rechten Ventrikel zu vermeiden und dem Patienten eine gute Belastbarkeit zu ermöglichen sowie zu vermeiden, dass er eine Stimulation wahrnimmt. Algorithmen der Hersteller können hierbei helfen, müssen jedoch verstanden und bei inadäquatem Verhalten ggf. deaktiviert werden.
Relative error long-time behavior in matrix exponential approximations for numerical integration: the stiff situation
Authors: Maset S.
Published: May 2022

In the stiff situation, we consider the long-time behavior of the relative error $$\gamma _n$$

γ
n

in the numerical integration of a linear ordinary differential equation $$y^{\prime }(t)=Ay(t),\quad t\ge 0$$

y
′

(
t
)

=
A
y

(
t
)

,

t
≥
0

, where A is a normal matrix. The numerical solution is obtained by using at any step an approximation of the matrix exponential, e.g. a polynomial or a rational approximation. We study the long-time behavior of $$\gamma _n$$

γ
n

by comparing it to the relative error $$\gamma _n^{\mathrm{long}}$$

γ
n
long

in the numerical integration of the long-time solution, i.e. the projection of the solution on the eigenspace of the rightmost eigenvalues. The error $$ \gamma _n^{\mathrm{long}}$$

γ
n
long

grows linearly in time, it is small and it remains small in the long-time. We give a condition under which $$\gamma _n\approx \gamma _n^{\mathrm{long}}$$

γ
n

≈

γ
n
long

, i.e. $$\frac{\gamma _n}{\gamma _n^{\mathrm{long}}}\approx 1$$

γ
n

γ
n
long

≈
1

, in the long-time. When this condition does not hold, the ratio $$\frac{\gamma _n}{\gamma _n^{\mathrm{long}}}$$

γ
n

γ
n
long

is large for all time. These results describe the long-time behavior of the relative error $$\gamma _n$$

γ
n

in the stiff situation.
Flowering behavior of clones in a Norway maple (Acer platanoides) seed orchard and mating system analysis using nuclear SSR markers
Authors: Liesebach Heike , Schneck Dagmar
Published: May 2022

Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) is a tree species native to Central Europe and occurs in scattered or in small populations mixed with other tree species. Since Norway maple is considered to be adaptable to climate change, it has increasingly become a focus of forestry as one of the so-called alternative tree species to diversify species composition in forests. However, little knowledge exists on the phenotypic variation in the natural range, and no studies on the reproductive behavior of this monoecious and insect-pollinated tree species. The sexual system of Norway maple is known as heterodichogamous, with male-first and female-first flowering individuals mixed in a population. In a first step, we conducted a mating system analysis in a seed orchard. We used a recently developed set of species-specific SSR markers to genotype the parental clones and respective seed samples. The total seed had proportions of 68% outcrossed offspring between clones of the seed orchard, 11% selfing and 20% external pollination. Four flower types were observed, with protogynous and hermaphrodite types contributing more female gametes, while the protandrous type is highly variable in its female or male contributions. The number of ramets per clone in the seed set has a significant impact on the proportion of genetic contribution per clone to total seed yield. Conclusions are drawn for the establishment of new seed orchards and for further research.
A methodology for developing evidence-based optimization models in humanitarian logistics
Authors: Baharmand Hossein , Vega Diego , Lauras Matthieu , Comes Tina
Published: May 2022

The growing need for humanitarian assistance has inspired an increasing amount of academic publications in the field of humanitarian logistics. Over the past two decades, the humanitarian logistics literature has developed a powerful toolbox of standardized problem formulations to address problems ranging from distribution to scheduling or locations planning. At the same time, the humanitarian field is quickly evolving, and problem formulations heavily rely on the context, leading to calls for more evidence-based research. While mixed methods research designs provide a promising avenue to embed research in the reality of the field, there is a lack of rigorous mixed methods research designs tailored to translating field findings into relevant HL optimization models. In this paper, we set out to address this gap by providing a systematic mixed methods research design for HL problem in disasters response. The methodology includes eight steps taking into account specifics of humanitarian disasters. We illustrate our methodology by applying it to the 2015 Nepal earthquake response, resulting in two evidence-based HL optimization models.
Enhancing antibacterial action of gauze by adding gelatin nanoparticles loaded with spectinomycin and chloramphenicol
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan M. , Taha Ghada M. , El-Alfy Ekhlas A. , El-Bisi Manal K.
Published: May 2022

Proteins are biocompatible, metabolizable, and susceptible to surface changes and legend attachments for targeted distribution, and are therefore ideal materials for nanoparticle-based drug delivery applications. The production, characterization, and use of gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) for intracellular administration of weakly cell-penetrating antibiotics (such as spectinomycin and chloramphenicol) to enhance their treatment of bacterial and fungal infections are described in this paper. Gelatin nanoparticles were synthesized using the desolvation method and then loaded with two antibiotics (spectinomycin and chloramphenicol) for addition to cellulosic cotton medical gauze. The concentration of gelatin and a crosslinker were chosen and analyzed among many factors to maximize the particle size of the nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size analyzers, and antibacterial activity determination were used to evaluate the medical gauze treated with the nanoparticles that were loaded with antibiotics. The results revealed that gelatin nanoparticles loaded with the antibiotics and the treated cellulosic cotton gauze exhibit higher antimicrobial activity (than the non-loaded particles and untreated gauze) against the bacteria and fungi. This resulted from the presence of antibiotics and the safety of the nanostructure as its biocompatibility with skin cells.
Prostate cancer addiction to oxidative stress defines sensitivity to anti-tumor neutrophils
Authors: Costanzo-Garvey Diane L. , Case Adam J. , Watson Gabrielle F. , Alsamraae Massar , Chatterjee Arpita , Oberley-Deegan Rebecca E. , Dutta Samikshan , Abdalla Maher Y. , Kielian Tammy , Lindsey Merry L. , Cook Leah M.
Published: May 2022

Bone metastatic prostate cancer (BM-PCa) remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat due to the complex interactions of cancer and stromal cells. We previously showed that bone marrow neutrophils elicit an anti-tumor immune response against BM-PCa. Further, we demonstrated that BM-PCa induces neutrophil oxidative burst, which has previously been identified to promote primary tumor growth of other cancers, and a goal of this study was to define the importance of neutrophil oxidative burst in BM-PCa. To do this, we first examined the impact of depletion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), via systemic deletion of the main source of ROS in phagocytes, NADPH oxidase (Nox)2, which we found to suppress prostate tumor growth in bone. Further, using pharmacologic ROS inhibitors and Nox2-null neutrophils, we found that ROS depletion specifically suppresses growth of androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cells. Upon closer examination using bulk RNA sequencing analysis, we identified that metastatic prostate cancer induces neutrophil transcriptomic changes that activates pathways associated with response to oxidative stress. In tandem, prostate cancer cells resist neutrophil anti-tumor response via extracellular (i.e., regulation of neutrophils) and intracellular alterations of glutathione synthesis, the most potent cellular antioxidant. These findings demonstrate that BM-PCa thrive under oxidative stress conditions and such that regulation of ROS and glutathione programming could be leveraged for targeting of BM-PCa progression.
Ensuring Mutual Benefit in a Trans-boundary Industrial Pollution Control Problem
Authors: Perera Ryle S. , Sato Kimitoshi
Published: May 2022

Technological developments play a crucial role in allowing governments and industries to meet carbon emission targets, whilst maintaining cost effectiveness. Mathematical modeling related to climate change has often included technology (including technology transfer between nations) as an effective policy instrument. However, such models often incorporate technology as an exogenous variable, highlighting the need to further interrogate the role of technology, its dynamics and limitations on reducing international pollution levels to improve sustainability, energy reliability and subsequent policy initiatives. Hence, in this study, we consider technology as an endogenous variable within a broader trans-boundary industrial pollution problem with random interference factors to obtain a closed-loop (Markov perfect) Nash equilibrium. We then articulate the Nash non-cooperative and cooperative equilibria via a stochastic linear quadratic differential game paradigm and prove the stability of a cooperative game by using Pareto optimal solution. We show that under such strategies to control carbon pollution a cooperative game is more efficient than a non-cooperative game, emphasizing the importance of technology transfer and collaboration between nations, subsequently serving as a mutual benefit for multi-lateral efforts to reduce global carbon emissions. In doing so, our study highlights the role of government subsidy incentives when collaborating with industry to encourage the integration of carbon-reducing technologies, whilst simultaneously increasing each country’s net revenue. Hence, our study provides a novel insight and framework for policymakers when encouraging industry to use carbon capturing and storage technologies. We also emphasize that efforts to coordinate emissions control should be pursued jointly to ensure mutual benefit for government and industry alike.
Cinematic city of cultural coexistence? Perspectives on intercultural encounters in New York
Authors: Sommerlad Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

The paper examines how U.S.-American movies stage and convey intercultural encounters. Drawing from the case study of cinematic New York City, it tackles intercultural encounters and spaces emerging from interactions of protagonists that are staged as being ‘culturally different’. Theoretical ideas on urban encounters, interculturality, and boundaries are intertwined. A comparative analysis 17 movies reveals three key dimensions of intercultural spaces: boundary drawing, boundary crossing, and boundary commuting. As polysemous staging strategies these provide insight into how movies display everyday intercultural encounters in an urban context. The paper concludes that New York City is imagined as a place in which intercultural encounters are consciously reflected as cultural coexistence—the cinematic city serves as canvas for a culturally separated society. This finding disenchants the medially widespread urban myth of New York City being a harmonious intercultural metropolis.
Authenticity in Objects and Activities: Determinants of Satisfaction with Virtual Reality Experiences of Heritage and Non-Heritage Tourism Sites
Authors: Nam Kichan , Dutt Christopher S. , Baker Jeff
Published: May 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming an increasingly important technology in a host of industries, including tourism. VR can provide virtual experiences before, during, or in lieu of real-world visits to tourism sites. Hence, providing authentic experiences is essential to satisfy guests with the site and technology. This study analyzes survey data using PLS to identify the determinants of satisfaction with non-immersive VR experiences of heritage and non-heritage tourism sites. Results from 193 subjects reveal the linkages between system quality, object-related authenticity, activity-related authenticity, and presence, as well their relationship with satisfaction.
Local is Best: Efficient Reductions to Modal Logic K
Authors: Papacchini Fabio , Nalon Cláudia , Hustadt Ullrich , Dixon Clare
Published: May 2022

We present novel reductions of extensions of the basic modal logic $${\textsf {K} }$$
K
with axioms $$\textsf {B} $$
B
, $$\textsf {D} $$
D
, $$\textsf {T} $$
T
, $$\textsf {4} $$
4
and $$\textsf {5} $$
5
to Separated Normal Form with Sets of Modal Levels $$\textsf {SNF} _{sml}$$

SNF

sml

. The reductions typically result in smaller formulae than the reductions by Kracht. The reductions to $$\textsf {SNF} _{sml}$$

SNF

sml

combined with a reduction to $$\textsf {SNF} _{ml}$$

SNF

ml

allow us to use the local reasoning of the prover $${\text {K}_{\text {S}}}{\text {P}}$$

K
S

P

to determine the satisfiability of modal formulae in the considered logics. We show experimentally that the combination of our reductions with the prover $${\text {K}_{\text {S}}}{\text {P}}$$

K
S

P

performs well when compared with a specialised resolution calculus for these logics, the built-in reductions of the first-order prover SPASS, and the higher-order logic prover LEO-III.