bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Pilot Testing of Telesimulation for Pediatric Feeding: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Marshall Jeanne , Raatz Madeline , Ward Elizabeth C. , Penman Adriana , Beak Kelly , Moore Madison , Hill Anne E.
Published: January 2023

Simulation enables learners to practice new skills in a supportive environment. Largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, simulation via telepractice, i.e., telesimulation, has emerged. Viable delivery of telesimulation requires consideration of the adaptations needed to conduct simulation via telepractice. The aim of this study was to design and pilot test the feasibility of using telesimulation to provide training in infant feeding management. An iterative process was used across four phases: (1) simulation design, (2) telesimulation adaptations, (3) user testing, feedback, and modifications, and (4) user testing of modified simulation, feedback, and final modifications. During Phases 1 and 2, team members worked together to design and test telepractice adaptations for a simulation experience. During Phases 3 and 4, the telesimulation was pilot tested with a group of speech pathologists, with feedback sought via open-ended survey questions and/or an optional focus group. Manifest content analysis was used to interpret user feedback. In Phase 2, several adaptations were explored to optimize telesimulation delivery and engagement, including Zoom® functions (e.g., ‘spotlighting,’ digital backgrounds) and supplementary video/auditory files. There were 11 participants across Phases 3 and 4. Specific feedback centered around simulation preparation and structure, session practicalities, supports for realism, Zoom® functions, group dynamics, participants’ experiences, and future enhancements. An overall list of recommendations for telesimulation was generated. Telesimulation for feeding management was considered feasible and participant feedback was favorable. Further research is required to investigate if the learner outcomes of telesimulation are comparable to in-person simulation for infant feeding management.
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective observational study
Authors: Emonds Julian Josef , Arlt Felix , Gaudl Alexander , Reinicke Madlen , Heinemann Mitja , Lindner Dirk , Laudi Sven , Ceglarek Uta , Meixensberger Jürgen
Published: January 2023

Background

It is suspected that microbiome-derived trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may enhance platelet responsiveness and accordingly be thrombophilic. The purpose of this prospective observational study is to evaluate TMAO in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and compare it with a control group. A secondary aim was to investigate TMAO in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from SAH patients. This should provide a better understanding of the role of TMAO in the pathogenesis of SAH and its thrombotic complications.

Methods

The study included patients with diagnosed spontaneous SAH recruited after initial treatment on admission and patients with nerve, nerve root, or plexus disorders serving as controls. Blood samples were gathered from all patients at recruitment. Additionally, sampling of SAH patients in the intensive care unit continued daily for 14 days. The CSF was collected out of existing external ventricular drains whenever possible.

Results

Thirty-four patients diagnosed with SAH, and 108 control patients participated in this study. Plasma TMAO levels at baseline were significantly lower in the SAH group (1.7 μmol/L) compared to the control group (2.9 μmol/L). TMAO was detectable in the CSF (0.4 μmol/L) and significantly lower than in plasma samples of the SAH group at baseline. Plasma and CSF TMAO levels correlated positively. The TMAO levels did not differ significantly during the observation period of 15 days.

Conclusions

Although we assumed that patients with higher TMAO levels were at higher risk for SAH a priori, plasma TMAO levels were lower in patients with SAH compared with control subjects with nerve, nerve root, or plexus disorders on admission to the hospital. A characteristic pattern of plasma TMAO levels in patients with SAH was not found.
Damped waves under nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli and extended Green–Naghdi II theories in radiating thermoelastic nanobeams
Authors: Amendola Ada , Zampoli Vittorio , Luciano Raimondo
Published: January 2023

We consider the problem of modelling nanobeams that dissipate thermal energy by radiation. We approach such a problem in a one-dimensional case by discussing the behavior of nonlocal nanobeams based on the Euler–Bernoulli assumptions. With these premises, we propose a thermoelastic model that takes into account the effects of thermal energy radiation to the external environment, employing an extension of the type II Green–Naghdi (GN-II) theory. We also deepen the formulated theoretical model making use of wave-form solutions, to highlight the presence of dissipative effects.
Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying multiple alleles of antigen 43-encoding gene of Escherichia coli associated with biofilm formation
Authors: Tambassi Martina , Passarini Elena , Menozzi Ilaria , Berni Melissa , Bracchi Chiara , Dodi Alessandra , Bolzoni Luca , Scaltriti Erika , Morganti Marina , Ferrarini Giulia , Sordi Laura , Sarti Mario , Ambretti Simone , Pongolini Stefano
Published: January 2023

A clinical strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae typed as sequence type 307 carrying three different alleles of the flu gene encoding the Escherichia coli virulence factor antigen 43 associated with biofilm formation was detected and characterized. The flu alleles are located in the chromosome inside putative integrative conjugative elements. The strain displays the phenotypes associated with Ag43, i.e. bi-phasic colony morphology and enhanced biofilm production. Furthermore, the strain produces low amount of capsule known to affect Ag43 function. Analysis of 1431 worldwide deposited genomes revealed that 3.7% Klebsiella pneumoniae carry one or two flu alleles.
Transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: a cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Stine Yde , Petersen Lars Henning , Murra May , Hvidman Lone , Helmig Rikke Bek , Møller Jens Kjølseth , Khalil Mohammed Rohi , Kirkeby Maria , Henriksen Tine Brink
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the transfer rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in pregnancy and newborns. Two Danish labor wards screened all women for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR upon arrival. Women (n = 99) with a SARS-CoV-2 PCR–positive nasopharyngeal (NP) swab or with a household member with a positive swab at labor or any time during pregnancy, or COVID-19 symptoms upon admission (November 2020 through August 2021), were included. Mother and infant were tested by NP swabs at delivery, and maternal and infant (umbilical cord) venous blood samples were collected. We obtained clinical information including previous PCR test results from the medical records. SARS-Cov-2 IgM and quantified IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and transfer ratios of IgG. We detected IgG antibodies in 73 women and 65 cord blood sera and found a strong correlation between SARS-CoV-2 IgG concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord sera (r = 0.9;p < 0.05). Transfer ratio was > 1.0 in 51 out of 73 (69%) infants and > 1.5 in 26 (35%). We found that transfer was proportional to time from a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR NP swab to delivery (r = 0.5;p < 0.05). Transfer ratios of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were associated with time from infection to delivery with transfer ratios of more than 1.0 in the majority of seropositive mother-infant dyads.
MRI-Based Radiomics Approach Predicts Tumor Recurrence in ER + /HER2 − Early Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Chiacchiaretta Piero , Mastrodicasa Domenico , Chiarelli Antonio Maria , Luberti Riccardo , Croce Pierpaolo , Sguera Mario , Torrione Concetta , Marinelli Camilla , Marchetti Chiara , Domenico Angelucci , Cocco Giulio , Di Credico Angela , Russo Alessandro , D’Eramo Claudia , Corvino Antonio , Colasurdo Marco , Sensi Stefano L. , Muzi Marzia , Caulo Massimo , Delli Pizzi Andrea
Published: January 2023

Oncotype Dx Recurrence Score (RS) has been validated in patients with ER + /HER2 − invasive breast carcinoma to estimate patient risk of recurrence and guide the use of adjuvant chemotherapy. We investigated the role of MRI-based radiomics features extracted from the tumor and the peritumoral tissues to predict the risk of tumor recurrence. A total of 62 patients with biopsy-proved ER + /HER2 − breast cancer who underwent pre-treatment MRI and Oncotype Dx were included. An RS > 25 was considered discriminant between low-intermediate and high risk of tumor recurrence. Two readers segmented each tumor. Radiomics features were extracted from the tumor and the peritumoral tissues. Partial least square (PLS) regression was used as the multivariate machine learning algorithm. PLS β-weights of radiomics features included the 5% features with the largest β-weights in magnitude (top 5%). Leave-one-out nested cross-validation (nCV) was used to achieve hyperparameter optimization and evaluate the generalizable performance of the procedure. The diagnostic performance of the radiomics model was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A null hypothesis probability threshold of 5% was chosen (p < 0.05). The exploratory analysis for the complete dataset revealed an average absolute correlation among features of 0.51. The nCV framework delivered an AUC of 0.76 (p = 1.1∙10−3). When combining “early” and “peak” DCE images of only T or TST, a tendency toward statistical significance was obtained for TST with an AUC of 0.61 (p = 0.05). The 47 features included in the top 5% were balanced between T and TST (23 and 24, respectively). Moreover, 33/47 (70%) were texture-related, and 25/47 (53%) were derived from high-resolution images (1 mm). A radiomics-based machine learning approach shows the potential to accurately predict the recurrence risk in early ER + /HER2 − breast cancer patients.
Global invasion history and native decline of the common starling: insights through genetics
Authors: Stuart Katarina C. , Hofmeister Natalie R. , Zichello Julia M. , Rollins Lee A.
Published: January 2023

Few invasive birds are as globally successful as the Common or European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Native to the Palearctic, the starling has been intentionally introduced to North and South America, South Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, enabling us to explore species traits that may contribute to its invasion success. Coupling the rich studies of life history and more recent explorations of genomic variation among invasions, we illustrate how eco-evolutionary dynamics shape the invasion success of this long-studied and widely distributed species. Especially informative is the comparison between Australian and North American invasions, because these populations colonized novel ranges concurrently and exhibit shared signals of selection despite distinct population histories. In this review, we describe population dynamics across the native and invasive ranges, identify putatively selected traits that may influence the starling’s spread, and suggest possible determinants of starling success world-wide. We also identify future opportunities to utilize this species as a model for avian invasion research, which will inform our understanding of species’ rapid evolution in response to environmental change.
Antiplatelet Agents and Oral Anticoagulant Use in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Carotid Artery Disease After First-Time Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Harrison Stephanie L. , Buckley Benjamin J.R. , Lane Deirdre A. , Fazio-Eynullayeva Elnara , Underhill Paula , Hill Andrew , Werring David J. , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

People with atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently have competing mechanisms for ischaemic stroke, including extracranial carotid atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to determine associations between use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) plus antiplatelet agents (APA) after ischaemic stroke and outcomes for patients with AF and carotid artery disease.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Participants receiving OACs with or without APA were propensity score–matched for age, sex, ethnicity, co-morbidities and presence of cardiac and vascular implants and grafts. Outcomes were 1-year mortality, recurrent stroke and major bleeding.

Results

Of 5708 patients, 24.1% (n=1628) received non-vitamin K antagonist OACs (NOACs) with no APA, 26.0% (n=1401) received NOACs plus APA, 20.7% (n=1243) received warfarin without APA and 29.2% (n=1436) received warfarin plus APA. There was no significant difference in risk of recurrent stroke between the groups. Compared to receiving NOACs without APA, receiving warfarin plus APA was associated with a higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.51 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20, 1.89)) and major bleeding (HR 1.66 (95% CI 1.40, 1.96)). Receiving NOACs plus APA was also associated with a higher risk of major bleeding compared to NOACs without APA (HR 1.27 (95% CI 1.07, 1.51), respectively).

Conclusions

The results suggest for patients with AF and carotid artery disease after ischaemic stroke, receiving NOACs without APA is associated with a lower risk of major bleeding with no negative impact on recurrent stroke or mortality. Evidence from randomised trials is needed to confirm this finding.
Virtual element method for mixed-mode cohesive fracture simulation with element split and domain integral
Authors: Choi Habeun , Chi Heng , Park Kyoungsoo
Published: January 2023

We present a computational framework for mixed-mode cohesive fracture simulation based on the virtual element method (VEM). To represent an arbitrary crack path, the element splitting scheme is developed on a polygonal mesh to capitalize its flexibility in element shape. For the accurate evaluation of a crack-tip stress field and crack propagation direction, the virtual grid-based stress recovery scheme is tailored for VEM in conjunction with the maximum strain energy release rate criterion. The mixed-mode fracture examples are illustrated to validate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed computational scheme. Numerical results demonstrate that the domain integral method with the stress recovery scheme captures an accurate crack path without oscillation under the biaxial tensile stress state. Furthermore, the computed cracks using the element splitting scheme show that smooth and curved patterns on polygonal elements are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Application of feature-based molecular networking in the field of algal research with special focus on mycosporine-like amino acids
Authors: Zwerger Michael J. , Hammerle Fabian , Siewert Bianka , Ganzera Markus
Published: January 2023

Marine red algae have been known as an excellent source for natural sunscreens and antioxidants for a long time, which outlines their potential for various medical and cosmeceutical applications. This is due to their synthesis of unique secondary metabolites to shield themselves from high levels of UV-A and -B radiation encountered in their natural habitats. In this study, a comprehensive and contemporary way for the detection, visualization, and dereplication of algal natural products with special focus on mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) is shown, employing HR-MS/MS metabolomics. 33 crude algal extracts were explored using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) hyphenated to orbitrap high-resolution tandem mass spectroscopy (HRMS2). Acquired raw data, subjected to pretreatment and spectral organization, could subsequently be implemented in the Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) workflow, whereby a feature based molecular network (FBMN) was created and visualized in Cytoscape. This FBMN was matched against an in-house as well as open source library on the GNPS platform and additionally enhanced by chemotaxonomic classification software and spectra of standard MAAs, as well as further information layers covering e.g. physicochemical properties, taxonomy, and fragmentation behavior. Based on the integration of the latestin silicoannotation tools (SIRIUS, CANOPUS, MSNovelist) as well as already published fragmentation patterns of MAAs, structures for known compounds could be corroborated as well as those for novel substances proposed. This offers an interesting and state-of-the-art approach towards the identification and classification of known and new MAAs.
The Influence of Parent- and Adult Child-level Factors on Intergenerational Relationship Quality: A Study of Chinese Families with Multiple Children in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Chang , Bai Xue
Published: January 2023

Intergenerational relationships have become increasingly crucial for maintaining well-being in aging families. Under a changing sociocultural background, families in Hong Kong increasingly exhibit diverse intergenerational relationships and functioning. Focusing on families with mutiple children, this study investigated how the characteristics of parents and their adult children jointly affect different domains of intergenerational relationship quality. A two-stage stratified random sampling design was adopted. Face-to-face questionnaire interviews were conducted between November 2016 and March 2017 with 1,001 Hong Kong residents aged ≥ 50 years. Data of 612 parents and 1,745 adult children were included for analysis. Hierarchical linear modeling was performed to examine child- and parent-level correlates of intergenerational relationship quality. Parents who were female, were married, had higher self-perceived economic status, owned a house, and had fewer depressive symptoms, exhibited higher intergenerational relationship quality. Parents’ age was positively related to affectual closeness, whereas their educational level was negatively related to both affectual closeness and conflict. More favorable intergenerational relationships were reported by aging parents whose adult children were younger, female, and married. Children with higher educational levels exhibited higher levels of both affectual closeness and conflict with their parents. Moreover, affectual closeness was found to be transmitted between generations. The findings can help improve awareness of the factors affecting the different domains of intergenerational relationships, thus informing the development of targeted services and interventions to promote family relationships and well-being.
Exploring the Impact of Covid-19-Related Perceptions on Psychological Distress and Quality of Life in an International Gastrointestinal Cohort Over Time Guided by the Common Sense Model
Authors: Knowles Simon R. , Möller Stephan P. , Stengel Andreas , Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Ferreira Nuno , Trindade Inês A. , Mokrowiecka Anna , Burisch Johan , Barreiro-de Acosta Manuel , Bernstein Charles N. , Lo Bobby , Skvarc David
Published: January 2023

The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine changes in COVID-19 and illness-related perceptions, gastrointestinal symptoms, coping, catastrophising, psychological distress, and QoL during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 831 adults with a gastrointestinal condition completed an online questionnaire at baseline (May—October 2020). Of those, 270 (32.5%) participants (85.2% female, mean age = 47.3 years) provided follow-up data (March—May 2021). Repeated-measures multiple analysis of variance and a cross-lagged panel model were used to test the study hypotheses. Gastrointestinal symptoms and COVID-19 perceptions at follow-up were strongly predicted by their baseline values, while illness perceptions were predicted by baseline gastrointestinal symptoms. Cross-lagged relationships indicated a reciprocal relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological distress. Moreover, gastrointestinal symptoms had substantial predictive utility, strongly predicting future gastrointestinal symptoms, and to a lesser extent, more negative illness perceptions, greater psychological distress, and greater use of adaptive coping strategies across time.
Effect of Scanning Acceleration on the Leakage Signal in Magnetic Flux Leakage Type of Non-destructive Testing
Authors: Zhang Lintao , Cameron Ian M. , Ledger Paul D. , Belblidia Fawzi , Pearson Neil R. , Charlton Peter , Sienz Johann
Published: January 2023

This work investigates the influence of acceleration on the leakage signal in magnetic flux leakage type of non-destructive testing. The research is addressed through both designed experiments and simulations. The results showed that the leakage signal, represented by using peak to peak value, decreases between 15.1% and 26.6% under acceleration. The simulation results indicated that the main reason for the decrease is due to the difference in the distortion of the magnetic field for cases with and without acceleration, which is the result of the different eddy current distributions in the specimen. The findings will help to allow the optimisation of a magnetic flux leakage system to ensure that main defect features can be measured more accurately during the machine acceleration phase of scanning. It also shows the importance of conducting measurements at constant velocity, wherever possible.
Comparative study of Eu and U sorption on cementitious materials in the presence of organic substances
Authors: Burešová Marta , Kittnerová Jana , Drtinová Barbora
Published: January 2023

A comparative study of the sorption behavior of europium, a chemical analogue of trivalent actinides, and uranium was performed on hydrated cement paste (HCP) CEM I and calcium-silicate-hydrates (CSH) phase. Kinetic experiments proved that Eu sorption is faster than that of U depending on the phase ratio L/S and the sorption material, whereas EDTA has no significant effect. Same conclusions can be made for equilibrium experiments with HCP and U while with Eu EDTA clearly influenced the distribution ratio Rd with sorption reduction factor (SRF) below 0.5. Uranium sorption on CSH compared to HCP is higher with SRF above 1.2.
What if, and when? Conditionals, tense, and branching time
Authors: Rumberg Antje , Lauer Sven
Published: January 2023

Indicative conditionals with present tense antecedents can have ‘shifted’ readings that are unexpected given the semantic behavior of the tenses outside of conditionals. In this paper, we compare two accounts of this phenomenon due to Kaufmann (J Semant 22(3):231–280, 2005) and Schulz (SALT XVIII, pp. 694–710, 2008), by reconstructing them in the framework of branching time. We then propose a novel account of indicative conditionals based on the branching time semantics suggested in Rumberg (J Logic Lang Inf 25(1):77–108, 2016), viz. transition semantics. We show that not only is the account of ‘shifted’ readings with present tense antecedents within this semantics very natural, but it also is empirically superior to its rivals in some respects.
Does top management team diversity affect accounting quality? Empirical evidence from Germany
Authors: Schumann Felix , Thun Toni W. , Dauth Tobias , Zülch Henning
Published: January 2023

Earnings management decisions and ineffective monitoring activities have contributed to financial accounting scandals and reduced confidence in firms’ reporting quality among potential investors, lenders and other creditors. The implementation of an effective top management team (TMT) is considered essential in this context. It is well known that top managers have considerable discretion over firms’ financial reporting since they choose whether and how to manage earnings. However, research has yet to establish the relationship between top managers’ diversity attributes and firms’ earnings management levels. Therefore, this study analyses whether and how top managers’ nationality, gender and age diversity are associated with accounting quality. Based on a sample of German DAX 30 listed firms from 2011 to 2018, we found that diversity in TMT nationality and gender have a positive impact on accounting quality. This relationship is context-dependent and negatively moderated by the tenure of the chief financial officer. Our findings provide novel insights on accounting quality for practitioners such as investors, regulators and stock corporations. The implications of this study further advance the academic debate on diversity in TMTs and its effects on earnings management.
On the rigorous derivation of the incompressible Euler equation from Newton’s second law
Authors: Rosenzweig Matthew
Published: January 2023

A long-standing problem in mathematical physics is the rigorous derivation of the incompressible Euler equation from Newtonian mechanics. Recently, Han-Kwan and Iacobelli (Proc Am Math Soc 149:3045–3061, 2021) showed that in the monokinetic regime, one can directly obtain the Euler equation from a system of N particles interacting in $${\mathbb {T}}^d$$

T

d

, $$d\ge 2$$

d
≥
2

, via Newton’s second law through a supercritical mean-field limit. Namely, the coupling constant $$\lambda $$
λ
in front of the pair potential, which is Coulombic, scales like $$N^{-\theta }$$

N

-
θ

for some $$\theta \in (0,1)$$

θ
∈
(
0
,
1
)

, in contrast to the usual mean-field scaling $$\lambda \sim N^{-1}$$

λ
∼

N

-
1

. Assuming $$\theta \in (1-\frac{2}{d(d+1)},1)$$

θ
∈
(
1
-

2

d
(
d
+
1
)

,
1
)

, they showed that the empirical measure of the system is effectively described by the solution to the Euler equation as $$N\rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

. Han-Kwan and Iacobelli asked if their range for $$\theta $$
θ
was optimal. We answer this question in the negative by showing the validity of the incompressible Euler equation in the limit $$N\rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

for $$\theta \in (1-\frac{2}{d},1)$$

θ
∈
(
1
-

2
d

,
1
)

. Our proof is based on Serfaty’s modulated-energy method, but compared to that of Han-Kwan and Iacobelli, crucially uses an improved “renormalized commutator” estimate to obtain the larger range for $$\theta $$
θ
. Additionally, we show that for $$\theta \le 1-\frac{2}{d}$$

θ
≤
1
-

2
d

, one cannot, in general, expect convergence in the modulated energy notion of distance.
Optimization of long-range PCR protocol to prepare filaggrin exon 3 libraries for PacBio long-read sequencing
Authors: Mareso Chiara , Albion Elena , Cozza William , Tanzi Benedetta , Cecchin Stefano , Gisondi Paolo , Michelini Sandro , Bellinato Francesco , Michelini Serena , Michelini Silvia , Bertelli Matteo , Marceddu Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Background

The filaggrin (FLG) protein, encoded by the FLG gene, is an intermediate filament-associated protein that plays a crucial role in the terminal stages of human epidermal differentiation. Loss-of-function mutations in the FLG exon 3 have been associated with skin diseases. The identification of causative mutations is challenging, due to the high sequence homology within its exon 3 (12,753 bp), which includes 10 to 12 filaggrin tandem repeats. With this study we aimed to obtain the whole FLG exon 3 sequence through PacBio technology, once 13-kb amplicons have been generated.

Methods and results

For the preparation of SMRTbell libraries to be sequenced using PacBio technology, we focused on optimizing a 2-step long-range PCR protocol to generate 13-kb amplicons covering the whole FLG exon 3 sequence. The performance of three long-range DNA polymerases was assessed in an attempt to improve the PCR conditions required for the enzymes to function properly. We focused on optimization of the input template DNA concentration and thermocycling parameters to correctly amplify the entire FLG exon 3 sequence, minimizing non-specific amplification.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings suggested that the PrimeSTAR protocol is suitable for producing the amplicons of the 13-kb FLG whole exon 3 to prepare SMRTbell libraries. We suggest that sequencing the generated amplicons may be useful for identifying LoF variants that are causative of the patients’ disorders.
Nonlinear dynamics of a tubular beam considering distortion of the cross sections and internal resonances
Authors: Casalotti Arnaldo , Zulli Daniele , Luongo Angelo
Published: January 2023

The nonlinear dynamics of a thin tube under the action of a harmonic external load is addressed in the paper. Use is made of a beam-like model which extends the Timoshenko beam model with further kinematic descriptors, related to the change in shape of the cross section. The external load is applied in half cap of the pipe, directly triggering both the bending of the axis-line and the flattening of the cross sections. The equations of motion are projected on a reduced basis constituted by the first three linear modes, and then the solutions are sought via the multiple scale method, for two different external resonance conditions. Internal resonances among the modes are considered as well. The outcomes, compared with pure numerical solutions, highlight the possible energy exchange between local modes, i.e., those describing flattening and warping of the cross sections, and global modes, i.e., those related to bending of the axis-line and rotation of the cross section of the pipe.
Adopting an Ecosystem Approach to Digitalization-driven Organizational Change ? Actionable Knowledge from a Collaborative Project
Authors: Shaba Emanuela , Guerci Marco , Canterino Filomena , Gilardi Silvia , Cagliano Raffaella , Bartezzaghi Emilio
Published: January 2023

A vibrant debate has emerged on the opportunities of digitalization for ‘humanizing’ work versus substitution or deskilling effects. Recognizing the processes of designing digitalized organizations as crucial for predicting the outcome of digitalization on workers and labor, extant research has developed an evolutionary ecosystem socio-technical (STS) perspective aimed at designing more human organizations in light of digital transformation. In this study we build upon the STS ecosystem analytical framework by Winby and Mohrman (2018), aiming to explore how the STS design principles, as proposed by said authors, are applied in three big manufacturing companies, in light of digitalization. Data collected through qualitative techniques has been analyzed abductively. Findings provide a detailed overview of how the STS ecosystem design principles are operationalized, and shed novel light on applied design methods, such as ‘agile’ and ‘design thinking’, able to support interconnection among systems, in a never-ending and iterative process. This study extends the existing ecosystem STS organization design conceptual model by exploring ‘how’ we change, ‘who’ the change is for, while also investigating ‘what’ this means for the hitherto conceptualized STS work-system. Implication for management practice and ODC scholarship are also discussed.
The Joy of birds: the effect of rating for joy or counting garden bird species on wellbeing, anxiety, and nature connection
Authors: White Maria E. , Hamlin Iain , Butler Carly W. , Richardson Miles
Published: January 2023

The feeding of garden birds is a popular and accessible means of connecting with wildlife in urban environments in the United Kingdom. Past research has found that the main motivations for feeding birds are psychological benefits, concern for bird welfare, and connecting to nature. This study explores whether a brief birdwatching activity impacts on wellbeing, anxiety, and nature connection. One hundred and fifty-six participants took part in a birdwatching activity, identifying the species that entered their garden during a thirty-minute period. Participants were randomly allocated to the ‘joy’ group, who rated their feeling of joy on seeing each species, or the ‘count’ group, who counted the number of birds of each species. Measures of wellbeing, state anxiety and nature connection were completed before and after the observation period. Both groups had improved wellbeing, anxiety, and nature connection, though decreases in anxiety were greatest for those in the joy group. These results suggest that activating a sense of joy heightens the psychological benefits of watching garden birds. These benefits and the strengthening of nature connections highlight the reciprocal relationship between humans and birds and the importance of actions towards healthy, sustainable urban ecosystems.
Pharmakogenetik neuer Glukosespiegelsenker: eine Chance für die Präzisionsmedizin?
Authors: Lehnich Anna-Therese , Rathmann Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Viele Diabetespatienten erreichen keine optimale glykämische Einstellung. Eine Verbesserung der Therapie könnte durch genetische Informationen erzielt werden. Es ist unklar, ob die Studienlage zu den neuen Glukosespiegelsenkern GLP-1-Rezeptor-Agonisten (GLP-1-RA [GLP: „glucagon-like peptide 1“]), DPP-4-Inhibitoren (DPP-4‑I [DPP: Dipeptidylpeptidase]) und SGLT-2-Inhibitoren (SGLT-2‑I [SGLT: Natrium-Glukose-Kotransporter [„sodium glucose linked transporter“]]) ausreicht, um genetische Auswirkungen auf den Therapieerfolg abzuschätzen.

Fragestellung

Es sollte geklärt werden, welche pharmakogenetischen Studien zu neuen Glukosespiegelsenkern bereits vorliegen und welche Evidenz sich in Bezug auf eine personalisierte Therapie ableiten lässt.

Material und Methoden

Mittels einer Literaturrecherche in PubMed® wurden Studien gesucht, in denen der Einfluss von genetischen Polymorphismen auf die metabolische Wirkung von GLP-1-RA, DPP-4‑I und SGLT-2‑I bei Patienten mit Typ-2-Diabetes analysiert worden war.

Ergebnisse

Bis Juli 2022 lagen 14 Studien zu DPP-4‑I, 9 Studien zu GLP-1-RA und 7 Studien zu SGLT-2‑I vor. Für den GLP-1-Rezeptor wurden Genvarianten gefunden, die bei einer Therapie mit DPP-4‑I oder GLP-1-RA zu einer geringeren Senkung des HbA1c (Glykohämoglobin) führten. Weitere Assoziationen zwischen Genvarianten und dem Ansprechen auf DPP-4‑I oder GLP-1-RA wurden beschrieben (ABCB1 [„ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1“ [ATP: Adenosintriphosphat]], CTRB1/2 [Chymotrypsinogen B1 bzw. B2], NAT2 [N-Acetyl-Transferase 2], TCF7L2 [„transcription factor 7 like 2“]), wobei es sich aber nur um Einzelstudien ohne Replikation handelte.

Das Ansprechen auf eine Therapie mit SGLT-2‑I wurde durch die untersuchten Polymorphismen nicht klinisch relevant verändert.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die bisher vorliegende Evidenz zur Pharmakogenetik neuer Glukosespiegelsenker reicht nicht aus, um daraus Empfehlungen im Sinne einer personalisierten Therapie abzuleiten. Eine verstärkte Berücksichtigung routinemäßig erhobener klinischer Parameter könnte einen Zwischenschritt auf dem Weg zur Präzisionsmedizin darstellen.
Multivendor fully automatic uncertainty management approaches for the intuitive representation of DME fluid accumulations in OCT images
Authors: Vidal Plácido , de Moura Joaquim , Novo Jorge , Ortega Marcos
Published: January 2023

Diabetes represents one of the main causes of blindness in developed countries, caused by fluid accumulations in the retinal layers. The clinical literature defines the different types of diabetic macular edema (DME) as cystoid macular edema (CME), diffuse retinal thickening (DRT), and serous retinal detachment (SRD), each with its own clinical relevance. These fluid accumulations do not present defined borders that facilitate segmentational approaches (specially the DRT type, usually not taken into account by the state of the art for this reason) so a diffuse paradigm is used for its detection and visualization. In this paper, we propose three novel approaches for the representation and characterization of these types of DME. A baseline proposal, using a convolutional neural network as backbone, another based on transfer learning from a general domain, and a third approach exploiting information of regions without a defined label. Overall, our baseline proposal obtained an AUC of 0.9583 ± 0.0093, the approach pretrained with a general-domain dataset an AUC of 0.9603 ± 0.0087, and the approach pretrained in the domain taking advantage of uncertainty, an AUC of 0.9619 ± 0.0073.
“I Had Bills to Pay”: a Mixed-Methods Study on the Role of Income on Care Transitions in a Public-Payer Healthcare System
Authors: Sachdeva Muskaan , Troup Amy , Jeffs Lianne , Matelski John , Bell Chaim M. , Okrainec Karen
Published: January 2023

Background

Income disparities may affect patients’ care transition home. Evidence among patients who have access to publicly funded healthcare coverage remains limited.

Objective

To evaluate the association between low income and post-discharge health outcomes and explore patient and caregiver perspectives on the role of income disparities.

Design

Mixed-methods secondary analysis conducted among participants in a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Participants

Participants from a multicenter study in Ontario, Canada, were classified as low income if annual self-reported salary was below $29,000 CAD, or between $30,000 and $50,000 CAD and supported ≥ 3 individuals.

Main Measures

The associations between low income and the following self-reported outcomes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression: patient experience, adherence to medications, diet, activity and follow-up, and the aggregate of emergency department (ED) visits, readmission, or death up to 3 months post-discharge. A deductive direct content analysis of patient and caregivers on the role of income-related disparities during care transitions was conducted.

Key Results

Individuals had similar odds of reporting high patient experience and adherence to instructions regardless of reported income. Compared to higher income individuals, low-income individuals also had similar odds of ED visits, readmissions, and death within 3 months post-discharge. Low-income individuals were more likely than high-income individuals to report understanding their medications completely (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0–3.4) in fully adjusted regression models. Two themes emerged from 25 interviews which (1) highlight constraints of publicly funded services and costs incurred to patients or their caregivers along with (2) the various ways patients adapt through caregiver support, private services, or prioritizing finances over health.

Conclusions

There were few quantitative differences in patient experience, adherence, ED visits, readmissions, and death post-discharge between individuals reporting low versus higher income. Several hidden costs for transportation, medications, and home care were reported however and warrant further research.
Replication of Particle Trajectories in the Plasma Jet with Two Consecutive Residual Neural Networks
Authors: Bobzin K. , Heinemann H. , Dokhanchi S. R. , Rom M.
Published: January 2023

Due to the complexity of the multi-arc plasma spraying process in combination with the harsh ambient conditions, i.e., extremely high temperatures and velocities, the use of numerical analysis, such as modern methods from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), is unavoidable to gain a better understanding of the coating process. However, the tradeoff between the accuracy of the increasingly sophisticated CFD models and their computation time has always been a concern. This study presents a novel machine learning approach capable of predicting the temperatures, velocities, and coordinates of the in-flight particles in a plasma jet. To this end, two individual residual neural networks are trained consecutively with CFD simulation data sets, in a way that the deviations between the targets and predictions of the first network are used as additional inputs for the second network. The results for test data not used during the training of the networks reveal that the simulated particle trajectories in the plasma jet can be fully replicated by the developed machine learning approach. This indicates the potential of the approach to replace the CFD simulations of the plasma jet, which reduces the computation time from several hours to a few seconds.
A Homozygous PPP1R21 Splice Variant Associated with Severe Developmental Delay, Absence of Speech, and Muscle Weakness Leads to Activated Proteasome Function
Authors: Hentschel Andreas , Meyer Nancy , Kohlschmidt Nicolai , Groß Claudia , Sickmann Albert , Schara-Schmidt Ulrike , Förster Fabian , Töpf Ana , Christiansen Jon , Horvath Rita , Vorgerd Matthias , Thompson Rachel , Polavarapu Kiran , Lochmüller Hanns , Preusse Corinna , Hannappel Luis , Schänzer Anne , Grüneboom Anika , Gangfuß Andrea , Roos Andreas
Published: January 2023

PPP1R21 acts as a co-factor for protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), an important serine/threonine phosphatase known to be essential for cell division, control of glycogen metabolism, protein synthesis, and muscle contractility. Bi-allelic pathogenic variants in PPP1R21 were linked to a neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia, facial dysmorphism, and brain abnormalities (NEDHFBA) with pediatric onset. Functional studies unraveled impaired vesicular transport as being part of PPP1R21-related pathomechanism. To decipher further the pathophysiological processes leading to the clinical manifestation of NEDHFBA, we investigated the proteomic signature of fibroblasts derived from the first NEDHFBA patient harboring a splice-site mutation in PPP1R21 and presenting with a milder phenotype. Proteomic findings and further functional studies demonstrate a profound activation of the ubiquitin–proteasome system with presence of protein aggregates and impact on cellular fitness and moreover suggest a cross-link between activation of the proteolytic system and cytoskeletal architecture (including filopodia) as exemplified on paradigmatic proteins including actin, thus extending the pathophysiological spectrum of the disease. In addition, the proteomic signature of PPP1R21-mutant fibroblasts displayed a dysregulation of a variety of proteins of neurological relevance. This includes increase proteins which might act toward antagonization of cellular stress burden in terms of pro-survival, a molecular finding which might accord with the presentation of a milder phenotype of our NEDHFBA patient.
Partially Oxidative Torrefaction of Woody Biomass Pellets: Burning Behaviour and Emission Analysis
Authors: Riaz Sajid , Al-Abdeli Yasir M. , Oluwoye Ibukun
Published: January 2023

Non-conventional torrefaction under partially oxidative conditions is an emerging cost-effective thermochemical pre-treatment method to improve the quality of biomass for energy applications. The literature lacks data on the combustion of biomass torrefied under oxygen-deficient atmosphere with actual reactor conditions (inevitable non-uniformities in the thermal environment). In this work, a dual mode fixed-bed biomass (torrefaction) reactor and combustor was operated on Australian biomass pellets, to torrefy the fuels at 275 °C for 30 min using partially oxidative atmosphere (O2: 5 vol%, balance N2) and then to combust them. Combustion behaviour with a particular focus on gaseous emissions of raw, blended (25% torrefied), and torrefied (100%) pellet fuels in a batch-type combustor was investigated. The decomposition behaviour was analysed in a thermogravimetric analyser to understand the impact of biomass constituents on the direct combustion of the tested samples. Results indicate that unlike the combustion of raw biomass, the fuels torrefied under partially oxidative conditions burned 45% faster, attained high packed-bed temperatures (1382 °C) and exhaust gas temperatures (657 °C) then latter (bed: 1128 °C, exhaust: 574 °C) at similar airflow. Additionally, 100% torrefied pellets emitted 38% less NOx compared to raw biomass pellets. However, low CO values for torrefied biomass were attained at higher primary airflows compared to raw. The combustion of 100% torrefied biomass in a fixed-bed was dominated by both flaming and smouldering phases with a modified combustion efficiency (MCE) value of 91%, whereas raw biomass combustion occurred in flaming phase with an MCE value of 98% at same airflow (0.35 kg·m−2·s−1). The outcomes of this work provide useful insights into the viability of using biomass fuels torrefied under partially oxidative conditions alongside other industrial processes generating (waste) heat and flue gases.
Burial taphonomy and megalithic ritual practices in Iberia: the Panoría cemetery
Authors: Vílchez Suárez Miriam , Aranda Jiménez Gonzalo , Díaz-Zorita Bonilla Marta , Robles Carrasco Sonia , Sánchez Romero Margarita , Milesi García Lara , Esquivel Sánchez Francisco Javier
Published: January 2023

Our ability to build precise narratives regarding megalithic funerary rituals largely depends on an accurate understanding of bone assemblage formation. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring the ritual variability through the study of funerary taphonomy, as four of the nine recently excavated dolmens are remarkably well-preserved. Based on a multi-proxy approach that includes the contextual archaeological features, skeletal preservation and representation indexes, taphonomic processes, and radiocarbon chronology, three main ritual practices can be outlined: (i) primary sequential inhumations followed by the differential in situ decomposition of skeletal remains; (ii) the selective removal of crania and long bones; and (iii) the curation of subadult crania and probably long bones. The use-life of tombs, the intensity of mortuary depositions, and the intentional protection of specific bones appear as key aspects for understanding the variability in bone assemblage formation.
Formulation study of duloxetine hydrochloride enteric-coated tablets
Authors: Guowei Jiang , Zhihui Cao , Yuhan Zhang , Yongjun Meng , Qingqing Yi
Published: January 2023

During storage, duloxetine hydrochloride may have an unexpected cross reaction with enteric coated acrylic resin, which may affect the product quality. Solve the problem of cross-reaction between the Duloxetine enteric-coated tablets core and coated enteric materials and improve the quality of the products. Duloxetine enteric-coated tablets’ core formulation and isolation layer prescription were designed and compared with duloxetine enteric-coated tablets sold on the market. Then, we measured the dissolution rate, content, and releasing rate of prepared duloxetine enteric-coated tablets. In the formulation of tablets core, prescription 3 had advantages in particle mobility, disintegration time, and dissolution rate. Prescription 5 was stable during the coating process, and the dissolution residue in the cup was relatively good, showing obvious dissolution advantages. Thus, prescription 5 was selected as the isolation layer prescription. The most suitable adhesive for the preparation of Duloxetine hydrochloride enteric-coated tablets was povione K30 dissolved in ethanol solution with 1/2 of the prescription amount. When 1.3 g colloidal silica was added to the prescription and the dosage of magnesium stearate was 1.48 g, the dissolution rate of the drug could be relatively improved. The ratio of sucrose and talc was 138/8.7, which could effectively configure the coating solution with a solid content of 15–20% to make the coating smooth.