bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic history and genetic diversity of wild African harlequin quail (Coturnix delegorguei delegorguei) populations of Kenya
Authors: Ogada Stephen , Otecko Newton O. , Moraa Kennedy Grace , Musina John , Agwanda Bernard , Obanda Vincent , Lichoti Jacqueline , Peng Min‐Sheng , Ommeh Sheila
Published: December 2021

Hunting wild African harlequin quails (Coturnix delegorguei delegorguei) using traditional methods in Western Kenya has been ongoing for generations, yet their genetic diversity and evolutionary history are largely unknown. In this study, the genetic variation and demographic history of wild African harlequin quails were assessed using a 347bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region fragment and 119,339 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) data. Genetic diversity analyses revealed that the genetic variation in wild African harlequin quails was predominantly among individuals than populations. Demographic analyses indicated a signal of rapid demographic expansion, and the estimated time since population expansion was found to be 150,000–350,000 years ago, corresponding to around the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary. A gradual decline in their effective population size was also observed, which raised concerns about their conservation status. These results provide the first account of the genetic diversity of wild African harlequin quails of Siaya, thereby creating a helpful foundation in their biodiversity conservation.
Age‐related survival after alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Batzner Angelika , Aicha Diaa , Pfeiffer Barbara , Neugebauer Anna , Seggewiss Hubert
Published: December 2021

Aims

Since its introduction, alcohol septal ablation (PTSMA) was discussed as treatment option only in elderly symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). We report on long‐term follow‐up after PTSMA with respect to patient's age.

Methods and results

Between May 2000 and June 2017, we treated 952 consecutive HOCM patients with PTSMA; 133 (14.0%) patients were <40 years of age (Group A; mean age 30.3 ± 7.6; 26.3% female), 422 (44.3%) patients were between ≥40 and <60 years of age (Group B; mean age 50.6 ± 5.8; 27.0% female), and 397 (41.7%) patients were ≥60 years of age (Group C; 69.7 ± 6.1; 60.2% female). After PTSMA, need of pacemaker implantation was lowest in Group A (3.8%, P < 0.01 each) compared with Group B (9.2%) and Group C (14.1%) during hospital stay. One patient in Groups A and C died during hospital stay, each. Follow‐up was longer in Group A (7.4 ± 5.5 years) compared with Group C (5.6 ± 4.8 years; P < 0.001) and comparable with Group B (6.5 ± 5.1 years). Mortality was highest in Group C (13.1%; P < 0.0001 each) compared with Group A (1.5%) and Group B (4.3%). In Group A, no patient died from cardiac reason, whereas five patients died from cardiac reasons in Group B and seven patients in Group C. Sudden cardiac death was not observed in Group A, whereas three patients in Group B and one patient in Group C suffered sudden cardiac death.

Conclusions

Mortality after PTSMA is predominantly due to non‐cardiac reasons and mainly observed in elderly patients. Survival in young patients is not affected by cardiac mortality. In experienced centres with careful patient selection, PTSMA is safe in young patients.
Selective electrochemical fluorination of O,S‐acetal derivatives bearing α‐electron‐withdrawing groups
Authors: Yin Bin , Inagi Shinsuke , Fuchigami Toshio
Published: December 2021

In order to perform selective fluorination of organic molecules, conventional hazardous fluorinating reagents have been mainly employed so far. However, selective electrochemical fluorination does not require any hazardous reagents. Herein, we present electrochemical fluorination of O,S‐acetals bearing electron‐withdrawing ester, amide, and nitrile groups at their α‐positions using various supporting poly(HF) salts such as Et3N‐nHF (n = 3–5) and Et4NF‐nHF (n = 3–5). In the case of O,S‐acetals bearing an ester group, the corresponding α‐fluorination products and/or fluorodesulfurization products were formed selectively depending on supporting poly(HF) salts used. O,S‐Acetals bearing a relatively weak electron‐withdrawing amide group gave fluorodesulfurization products selectively while O,S‐acetal having a strongly electron‐withdrawing nitrile group provided the α‐fluorinated product predominantly regardless of the poly(HF) salts used.
Finite element modeling and experimental validation of a radial extensometer and dependant z‐type self‐expanding endovascular stent
Authors: Scott Joel C. R. , Doman Darrel A. , Johnston Clifton R.
Published: December 2021

Stent migration due to haemodynamic drag remains the primary cause of type I endoleak, potentially leading to aneurysm rupture. The prevalence of migration and endoleak can be partially attributed to deficiencies in stent‐graft radial spring design and a lack in understanding of the mechanical properties of endovascular stents. A converged finite element model of a custom radial extensometer was developed, fit, and validated using experimental results for bare stent wire (“uncovered”) with outer diameter of 12 mm stent. During stent constriction to 50 % of the original cross‐sectional area, a comparison of experimental and modeled results produced an value of 0.946, a standard error of 0.099 N, and a mean percent error of 1.69 %. This validated finite element model can be used to analyze the mechanisms responsible for radial force generation in 316L stainless steel self‐expanding endovascular stents, as well as to evaluate new stent designs.
An optimal strategy with various QoS requirement for data fusion for Internet of Things
Authors: Xu Jiuyun , Sun Shan , Li Miao
Published: December 2021

In the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors deployed in different monitoring areas compete to transmit sensory data to the fusion center, and all links attempt to increase their transmission opportunities by unfairly acquiring channel access. In order to provide prompt and reliable delivery of sensory data, this article proposes a distributed scheduling strategy named NCG‐CSMA based on game theory. The innovation of the NCG‐CSMA strategy is that it introduce a new payoff function that takes into account the time and value attributes of packets as well as the past state of the link, to provide more transmission opportunities for packets with high urgent and more value for data fusion. And, the strategy we proposed does not need nodes to interact to their own information with other competitors and guides each player to make rational decisions in a distributed way. At the same time, NCG‐CSMA is a kind of preemptive strategy. The simulation results demonstrate that the real‐time performance of our strategy is much more satisfactory compared with the existing strategies.
Millimeter‐wave planar antennas for 5G‐based remote monitoring and treatment of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Nahar Tapan , Rawat Sanyog
Published: December 2021

Spreading of COVID‐19 intensely affected the social life, economics, and health care system globally. Remote treatment of COVID‐19 is required to prevent healthcare professionals from being infected and solve the shortage of health resources which is generated due to large number of COVID patients. Tele‐health services require low latency, high data rate connections between various sensors, and Internet of Things devices with reliable and uninterrupted networks, which can support massive number of devices. 5G‐based remote health care solutions are provided by various researchers to solve the aforementioned problems. Various technologies such as millimeter‐wave (mm‐wave), beamforming, and multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) are used to fulfill the requirements. mm‐Wave spectrum provides wide available bandwidth, high speed, low latency, and compact antenna size but range of communication is limited due to high link losses and environmental attenuation. High‐gain, narrow beam‐steerable radiation properties of antenna are required to mitigate these losses. This article first presents the design of 16 elements mm‐Wave beam‐steerable planar array for 5G‐based COVID‐19 tracking and health care management. The proposed antenna provides 1.83 GHz of bandwidth with gain of 19.3 dB and side‐lobe levels of less than −24 dB at 28.67 GHz. Narrow main beam having 0.9° beamwidth can be steered from −50° to +45° with less than 5 dB reduction in gain. MIMO configurations of the proposed antenna are also discussed. MIMO performance parameters are under acceptable limit. The proposed antenna is potential cost efficient solution for 5G‐based COVID‐19 tracking and treatment applications.
Pyrrhic nationals: The promise and pitfalls of masculine civic belonging in Argentina
Authors: McNamara Owen
Published: December 2021

In this article I discuss an Argentine workfare program as an entry point to challenge dominant understandings of the relationship between masculinity and the nation‐state. By examining this program as it is enacted in Huerta Maipú, a community farm in the outskirts of Córdoba, Argentina, I explore how materializing nationally appropriate masculinity can impede the realization of the substantive benefits associated with national inclusion. Drawing upon Lauren Berlant's (2011)Cruel Optimism, I develop the concept of Pyrrhic Nationals to describe this dynamic. My argument builds upon a subordinated approach to understanding masculinity which I put into conversation with anthropological analyses of the role of civil society in neoliberal regimes. Even though Huerta Maipú was explicitly constructed as an anti‐market, anti‐capitalist and anti‐patriarchal site, materializing masculinities through social and community activism entailed becoming the exact subjects required by neoliberal projects.
E‐cigarette use and tobacco harm reduction: Pilot survey study evaluating perspectives of head and neck surgeons
Authors: Koo Elliot Y. , Kozak Kyle J. , Achim Virginie , Wenig Barry L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Electronic cigarettes (EC) are popular devices that aerosolize a nicotine and have been controversially considered tool for smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction (THR). The purpose of this pilot study was to identify head and neck cancer (HNC) surgeons' attitudes/perspectives of EC and smoking cessation counseling.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey administered to American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) members.

Results

Response rate was 136 members (15.1%) with the majority 102 (75.00%) having unfavorable attitude toward EC for smoking cessation. Fifty‐eight respondents (42.7%) were familiar with THR. Those familiar with THR 37 (63.79%) routinely inquire about EC use. Compared between THR familiarity, 22 (37.93%) believed the benefits of EC for smoking cessation outweighed the potential risks.

Conclusions

HNC specialists have an unfavorable attitude toward EC. Those familiar with THR were more likely to inquire about EC use. They were also less likely to have a definitive opinion on the benefits of quitting combustible cigarettes.
Entropy optimized MHD fluid flow over a vertical stretching sheet in presence of radiation
Authors: Kataria Hari R. , Mistry Mital H.
Published: December 2021

The present article describes the influence of radiation on two‐dimensional laminar magnetohydrodynamic fluid flow passing over a convective surface. The behavior of the thermal equation is explored through Joule heating, heat generation/absorption, and viscous dissipation. The aim of this study is to examine the physical behavior of the entropy optimization rate. The Cartesian coordinates system is used to model the flow equations. Using similarity variables, a system of partial differential equations is converted into a system of ordinary differential equations. The problem is solved using HAM. The influence of various pertinent parameters on fluid characteristics is graphically explored. Velocity decreases for an increased amount of magnetic parameter, suction parameter, and velocity slip parameter, while behaves the opposite for Grashof number. Temperature increases for a large amount for Brinkman number, magnetic parameter, and radiation parameter, while decreases for Prandtl number. Entropy generation rate increases for Brinkman number, magnetic parameter, and temperature difference parameter. Bejan number decreases for Brinkman number while behaves the opposite for magnetic parameter and temperature difference parameter. Skin friction decreases for large values of magnetic parameters while behaving the opposite for a large amount of velocity slip parameter. Nusselt number decreases for a large amount of Brinkman number. For a better understanding of the study, comparison between numerical outcomes of entropy generation rate and Bejan number for different values of Prandtl number has been done through tables. Also, numerical outcomes of skin friction and Nusselt number are discussed using pertinent parameters through tables.
Degradation and release of tannic acid from an injectable tissue regeneration bead matrix in vivo
Authors: Baldwin Andrew , Hartl Maximilian , Tschaikowsky Mathaeus , Balzer Bizan N. , Booth Brian W.
Published: December 2021

The development of multifunctional biomaterials as both tissue regeneration and drug delivery devices is currently a major focus in biomedical research. Tannic Acid (TA), a naturally occurring plant polyphenol, displays unique medicinal abilities as an antioxidant, an antibiotic, and as an anticancer agent. TA has applications in biomaterials acting as a crosslinker in polymer hydrogels improving thermal stability and mechanical properties. We have developed injectable cell seeded collagen beads crosslinked with TA for breast reconstruction and anticancer activity following lumpectomy. This study determined the longevity of the bead implants by establishing a degradation time line and TA release profile in vivo. Beads crosslinked with 0.1% TA and 1% TA were compared to observe the differences in TA concentration on degradation and release. We found collagen/TA beads degrade at similar rates in vivo, yet are resistant to complete degradation after 16 weeks. TA is released over time in vivo through diffusion and cellular activity. Changes in mechanical properties in collagen/TA beads before implantation to after 8 weeks in vivo also indicate loss of TA over a longer period of time. Elastic moduli decreased uniformly in both 0.1% and 1% TA beads. This study establishes that collagen/TA materials can act as a drug delivery system, rapidly releasing TA within the first week following implantation. However, the beads retain TA long term allowing them to resist degradation and remain in situ acting as a cell scaffold and tissue filler. This confirms its potential use as an anticancer and minimally invasive breast reconstructive device following lumpectomy.
Distance geometry and protein loop modeling
Authors: Labiak Rodrigo , Lavor Carlile , Souza Michael
Published: December 2021

Due to the role of loops in protein function, loop modeling is an important problem in computational biology. We present a new approach to loop modeling based on a combinatorial version of distance geometry, where the search space of the associated problem is represented by a binary tree and a branch‐and‐prune method is defined to explore it, following an atomic ordering previously given. This ordering is used to calculate the coordinates of atoms from the positions of its predecessors. In addition to the theoretical development, computational results are presented to illustrate the advantage of the proposed method, compared with another approach of the literature. Our algorithm is freely available at https://github.com/michaelsouza/bpl.
Reliable recognition ofDNAmethylation using bioanalysis of hybridization on the surface of Ag/GQDnanocomposite stabilized on poly (β‐cyclodextrin): A new platform forDNAdamage studies using genosensor technology
Authors: Adampourezare Mina , Saadati Arezoo , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Dehghan Gholamreza , Feizi Mohammad‐Ali Hosseinpoure
Published: December 2021

Due to the role of DNA methylation in causing cancer in the present study, an innovative and inexpensive method was designed for the sensitive detection of DNA methylation. The silver‐graphene quantum dots (Ag/GQDs) nano ink with high electrical conductivity was used as a substrate for genosensor fabrication toward identification of DNA hybridization. Also, poly (β‐cyclodextrin) (p[β‐CD]) has been used as a biointerface for the stabilization of Ag/GQD nano ink. The thiolated pDNA strand (5′‐SH‐TCCGCTTCCCGACCCGCACTCCGC‐3′) (as bioreceptor element) was fixed on the substrate and hybridized with methylated (5′‐GC(M)GGAGTGC(M)GGGTC(M)GGGAAGC(M)GGA‐3′) and unmethylated (5′‐GCGGAGTGCGGGTCGGGAAGCGGA‐3′) cDNAs, as target sequences were studied using electroanalysis methods. Under optimal conditions and using electrochemical techniques, the linear range was 1amto 1pmwith LLOQ of 1aM. Finally, the designed DNA genosensor was used for detection of DNA methylation in human plasma samples and can be used to detect methylation in patient samples. It is expected that the designed DNA‐based biodevice will be used to early stage diagnosis of cancer using monitoring of DNA methylation. Also, this type of genosensor can be used for epigenetic studies in the near future.
Reduction in area‐specific on‐resistance with vertical stepped doped high‐kVDMOS
Authors: Parmar Onika , Gupta Namrata , Naugarhiya Alok
Published: December 2021

In this article, a novel high‐k VDMOS with vertical stepped doping profile is presented. It possesses lower area specific on‐resistance () in comparing to the conventional structure while the blocking capacity remains unaltered. Hence, the trade‐off between the breakdown voltage andis optimized as well as area specific on‐resistance is reduced from 68% to 27%. The proposed structure shows analogous behavior as conventional structure with improved current driving capability from 42% to 24%. Thus, it exhibits improved device characteristics and possesses enhanced figure of merits than conventional structure.
Some ways to reconstruct a sheaf from its tautological image on a Hilbert scheme of points
Authors: Krug Andreas , Rennemo Jørgen Vold
Published: December 2021

For X a smooth quasi‐projective variety and its associated Hilbert scheme of n points, we study two canonical Fourier–Mukai transforms , the one along the structure sheaf and the one along the ideal sheaf of the universal family. For , we prove that both functors admit a left inverse. This means in particular that both functors are faithful and injective on isomorphism classes of objects. Using another method, we also show in the case of an elliptic curve that the Fourier–Mukai transform along the structure sheaf of the universal family is faithful and injective on isomorphism classes. Furthermore, we prove that the universal family of is always flat over X, which implies that the Fourier–Mukai transform along its structure sheaf maps coherent sheaves to coherent sheaves.
Computational implementation of bounding surface model and its verification through cavity benchmark problems
Authors: Chen Shengli , Abousleiman Younane , Muraleetharan Kanthasamy K.
Published: December 2021

This paper develops an implicit integration algorithm for a general form of the bounding surface model, using the return mapping approach (elastic predictor‐plastic corrector), to obtain the updated stresses for given strain increments. The formulation of the constitutive integration requires the derivation of a supplementary differential equation to describe the evolution of a key variable, that is, the ratio between the image stress and the current stress quantities. The integration algorithm for the bounding surface model is implemented into the finite element analysis commercial program, ABAQUS, through the material interface of UMAT (user defined material subroutine), and then used for the analysis of cavity contraction (wellbore drilling/tunnel excavation) boundary value problems. The predictions from the ABAQUS simulations are found to be in excellent agreement with the analytical solutions, thus demonstrating the validity and accuracy of the proposed integration scheme.
Direct analysis of hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biological samples with complex matrices using polarity‐reversed nanoelectrospray ionization
Authors: Tan Siyuan , Wang Juduo , Li Manli , Yin Xinchi , Gao Xiaomei , Li Chang , Jiang You , Dai Xinhua , Gong Xiaoyun , Fang Xiang
Published: December 2021

Rationale

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of environmental contaminants with carcinogenic effect drawing worldwide attention. PAHs can be converted into hydroxylated PAHs (OH‐PAHs) through metabolic processes. Thus, they are commonly considered as an important class of biomarkers of PAH exposure. However, direct analysis of related metabolites of these environmental pollutants in biological samples using mass spectrometry is still challenging because of matrix effect and ion suppression during nanoelectrospray ionization (nano‐ESI).

Methods

In our previous work, a polarity‐reversed nanoelectrospray ionization (PR‐nESI) technique was developed for the analysis of biomolecules in complex matrices. In this work, we further optimized PR‐nESI for direct and sensitive analysis of OH‐PAHs in different samples under severe salt interference in negative polarity.

Results

Compared with conventional nano‐ESI, the optimized PR‐nESI method realized sensitive detection of 1‐naphthol in samples with a concentration of salt up to millimolar level. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) of OH‐PAHs was increased by 1−2 orders of magnitude compared with conventional nano‐ESI. Six different OH‐PAHs were successfully detected with high S/N ratio using PR‐nESI. PR‐nESI was further successfully applied in the analysis of OH‐PAHs in spiked fetal blood serum, human urine, and single‐cell samples. For environmentally exposed subjects, the detections of OH‐PAHs in single‐cell samples and urines from human smokers were successfully conducted.

Conclusion

The optimized PR‐nESI method was successfully applied for the sensitive analysis of OH‐PAHs in complex biological samples with severe salt effects. Based on the present study, PR‐nESI can have a promising prospect for the sensitive analysis of other metabolites of environmental pollutants in negative polarity.
Assisted reproductive technology in Japan: A summary report for 2019 by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Katagiri Yukiko , Jwa Seung Chik , Kuwahara Akira , Iwasa Takeshi , Ono Masanori , Kato Keiichi , Kishi Hiroshi , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Harada Miyuki , Hamatani Toshio , Osuga Yutaka
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology records online annual cycle‐based information for assisted reproductive technology (ART). This report presents the characteristics and treatment outcomes of ART cycles registered during 2019.

Methods

The Japanese ART registry includes cycle‐specific information from 619 participating facilities, including treatment and pregnancy outcomes. Descriptive analyses were conducted for cycles registered during 2019.

Results

In 2019, 458 101 treatment cycles and 60 598 neonates were reported, both of which increased from 2018. The number of fresh cycles, including in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, decreased, while frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (ET) cycles increased. The mean maternal age was 37.9 years (standard deviation ± 4.7). Of 239 348 oocyte retrievals, 123 690 (51.7%) involved freeze‐all‐embryos cycles; fresh ET was performed in 41 831 cycles (a decreasing trend since 2015). In 2019, there were 211 597 frozen‐thawed ET cycles, resulting in 74 882 pregnancies and 54 168 neonates born. Single ET was performed in 82.6% of fresh transfers and 85.1% of frozen‐thawed cycles, with singleton live birth rates of 97.3% for both.

Conclusions

The number of fresh cycles decreased but frozen cycles increased in 2019. Single ET was performed in >80% of cases, and the proportion of babies born from frozen‐thawed ET increased.
Large deviations of the greedy independent set algorithm on sparse random graphs
Authors: Kolesnik Brett
Published: December 2021

We study the greedy independent set algorithm on sparse Erdős–Rényi random graphs . A large deviation principle was recently established by Bermolen et al. in 2020, however, the proof and rate function are somewhat involved. Upper bounds for the rate function were obtained earlier by Pittel in 1982. Using discrete calculus, we identify the optimal trajectory realizing a given large deviation and obtain the rate function in a simple closed form. In particular, we show that Pittel's bounds are sharp. The proof is brief and elementary. We think the methods presented here will be useful in analyzing the tail behavior of other random processes.
Strategic placement of urban agriculture: A spatial optimization approach
Authors: Thapa Bhuwan , Banerjee Aniruddha , Wilson Jeffrey , Hamlin Samantha
Published: December 2021

Strategic placement of urban agriculture such as community gardens can expand alternate food supply, support physical activity, and promote social interactions. While social and health benefits are critical priorities when planning new urban agriculture locations, no widely accepted site selection methods have been established. We developed a spatial optimization model to identify new urban agriculture locations in the City of Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Considering block groups with vacant parcels as potential locations, the study uses p‐median optimization to identify the 25 best locations that would minimize travel from any block group in the city to potential garden locations. We weighted each block group based on food access and prevalence of obesity, where food access was characterized on three dimensions: economic, geographical, and informational. The model was simulated for three policy scenarios with equal, stakeholder‐driven, and obesity‐driven weights, and the results were compared with randomly selected locations. We found that optimally selected locations were 52% more efficient than randomly chosen locations in terms of the average distance traveled by residents based on the p‐median solution. However, there was no significant difference in travel distance among the three policy scenarios. The spatial optimization model can help policymakers and practitioners strategically locate urban agriculture sites.
Causes of long-term mortality in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Lop Joan , Venegas María del Prado , Pujol Albert , Sauter Blanca , Vásquez Rosselin , Casasayas María , Quer Miquel , León Xavier
Published: December 2021

Purpose

After treatment of a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), patients with an adequate control of the tumor have a decreased overall survival when compared to age- and gender-matched controls in the general population. The aim of our study was to analyze the causes of long-term mortality in patients with HNSCC.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of 5122 patients with an index HNSCC treated at our center between 1985 and 2018. We analyzed the survival considering three causes of death: mortality associated with the HNSCC index tumor, mortality associated with a second or successive neoplasm, and mortality associated with a non-cancer cause.

Results

After the diagnosis of an HNSCC the most frequent cause of death is the head and neck tumor itself during the first 3.5 years of follow-up. Thereafter, mortality is more frequently associated with competing causes of death, such as second malignancies and non-cancer causes. Mortality associated with second and successive neoplasms was 2.3% per year, a percentage that was maintained constant throughout the follow-up. Likewise, mortality attributable to non-cancer causes was 1.6% per year, which also remained constant. There were differences in the mortality patterns according to the characteristics of the patients.

Conclusion

There are differences in the mortality patterns of patients with HNSCC depending on their characteristics. Knowledge of these patterns can help in the design of guidelines to improve the follow-up protocols of this group of patients to optimize the clinical cost-effectiveness.
Office-Work-and-Stretch-Training-Studie – die OST-Studie: Gerätegestütztes Dehntraining als Präventionsmaßnahme bei Büroangestellten – eine Zusammenfassung der Studienresultate
Authors: Holzgreve Fabian , Fraeulin Laura , Haenel Jasmin , Schmidt Helmut , Bader Andreas , Frei Markus , Groneberg David A. , Ohlendorf Daniela , van Mark Anke
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund

Dehntrainings sind eine Maßnahme der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung (BGF) für Büroangestellte zur Prävention von muskuloskeletalen Erkrankungen (MSE). Sie können zu Beweglichkeitszuwächsen führen und auf psychischer Ebene entspannen. Ziel der Studie war es, ein standardisiertes und individualisiertes Dehntraining am Gerät, das „five-Business“, auf MSE, Lebensqualität und Beweglichkeit zu untersuchen. Dies ist eine Zusammenfassung der international publizierten Ergebnisse.

Methodik

In diese Untersuchung wurden 252 Proband(innen) eingeschlossen, 156 in die Interventionsgruppe (IG), 96 in die Kontrollgruppe (KG). Die IG absolvierte für 12 Wochen 22–24 Trainingseinheiten am „five-Business“, möglichst zweimal wöchentlich. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte mittels sportmotorischer bzw. Range-of-motion(ROM)-Tests, dem Nordic Questionnaire (NQ) und dem SF-36-Fragebogen in Form einer Prä-Post-Untersuchung.

Ergebnisse

Nach der Intervention gaben im NQ signifikant weniger Proband(innen) der IG Beschwerden im oberen Rücken (p < 0,001) im Vergleich zur KG an; keine signifikanten Unterschiede wurden bei Beschwerden im Nacken, Schultern, Hüfte und dem unteren Rücken gefunden. Der mit dem SF-36 erhobene allgemeine Gesundheitszustand und die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität haben sich (nach subjektiven Angaben) signifikant verbessert (Summenscore IG:p = 0,005). In den ROM-Tests waren die Prä-Post-Differenzen bei IG-Proband(innen) in der Sagittalebene (Finger-Boden-Abstand und Retroflexion;p < 0,001) und im modifizierten Schultertest nach Janda auf der linken Seite (p = 0,003) signifikant größer.

Diskussion

Trotz des in Zeitdauer und Häufigkeit relativ geringen Trainingsaufwandes wurden sowohl auf körperlicher als auch auf psychischer Ebene relevante Verbesserungen erzielt, so dass das „five-Business“-Dehntraining als BGF-Maßnahme empfohlen werden kann.
Definiteness in Laki: Its interaction with demonstratives and number
Authors: Taghipour Sahar
Published: December 2021

This article investigates definiteness and its interactions with demonstratives and number in Laki (Northwestern Iranian). By the examination of demonstratives and building upon previous proposals, I argue for two types of definite DPs in Laki, namely anaphoric and deictic. I show that the patterns of definite and number marking are sensitive to the type of the DP. In particular, I argue that double definiteness, resulting from an Agree relation between D and N, and head movement of Num to D both are obtained only in anaphoric definite DPs for feature-checking requirements. Overall, this study highlights the contributions of anaphoricity to the DP internal structure. The present proposal can account for similar phenomena in other Iranian languages (i.e., Sorani and Kermanshahi Kurdish). The divergence of Laki definiteness from similar attested patterns (i.e., Scandinavian double definiteness) contributes to our cross-linguistic understanding of definiteness and its interactions with other nominal elements.
Large deviation principle for piecewise monotonic maps with density of periodic measures
Authors: CHUNG YONG MOO , YAMAMOTO KENICHIRO
Published: December 2021

We show that a piecewise monotonic map with positive topological entropy satisfies the level-2 large deviation principle with respect to the unique measure of maximal entropy under the conditions that the corresponding Markov diagram is irreducible and that the periodic measures of the map are dense in the set of ergodic measures. This result can apply to a broad class of piecewise monotonic maps, such as monotonic mod one transformations and piecewise monotonic maps with two monotonic pieces.
Improving physical distancing among healthcare workers in a pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Sick-Samuels Anna C. , Cosgrove Sara , Rock Clare , Salinas Alejandra , Oladapo-Shittu Opeyemi , Gurses Ayse P. , Vecchio-Pagan Briana , Osei Patience , Hsu Yea-Jen , Jacak Ron , Zudock Kristina K. , Blount Kianna M. , Bowden Kenneth V. , Keller Sara ,   for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epicenter Program
Published: December 2021

Background:

Healthcare workers (HCWs) not adhering to physical distancing recommendations is a risk factor for acquisition of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The study objective was to assess the impact of interventions to improve HCW physical distancing on actual distance between HCWs in a real-life setting.

Methods:

HCWs voluntarily wore proximity beacons to measure the number and intensity of physical distancing interactions between each other in a pediatric intensive care unit. We compared interactions before and after implementing a bundle of interventions including changes to the layout of workstations, cognitive aids, and individual feedback from wearable proximity beacons.

Results:

Overall, we recorded 10,788 interactions within 6 feet (∼2 m) and lasting >5 seconds. The number of HCWs wearing beacons fluctuated daily and increased over the study period. On average, 13 beacons were worn daily (32% of possible staff; range, 2–32 per day). We recorded 3,218 interactions before the interventions and 7,570 interactions after the interventions began. Using regression analysis accounting for the maximum number of potential interactions if all staff had worn beacons on a given day, there was a 1% decline in the number of interactions per possible interactions in the postintervention period (incident rate ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.00; P = .02) with fewer interactions occurring at nursing stations, in workrooms and during morning rounds.

Conclusions:

Using quantitative data from wearable proximity beacons, we found an overall small decline in interactions within 6 feet between HCWs in a busy intensive care unit after a multifaceted bundle of interventions was implemented to improve physical distancing.
Changes in children’s attachment security to mother and father after the birth of a sibling: Risk and resilience in the family
Authors: Volling Brenda L. , Oh Wonjung , Gonzalez Richard , Bader Lauren R. , Tan Lin , Rosenberg Lauren
Published: December 2021

Changes in children’s attachment security to mother and father were examined for 230 firstborn children (M = 31.17 months), their mothers and fathers participating in a longitudinal investigation starting in the last trimester of the mothers’ pregnancy and 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after the birth of an infant sibling. Both parents completed the Attachment Q-set at prenatal, 4, and 12 months. Growth mixture models revealed four latent classes in which children’s attachments were (a) both secure with a modest decline to both parents (68.3%); (b) more secure with father than mother with a steep decline for both (12.6%); (c) both insecure with no change (10%); and (d) more secure with mother than father with a modest increase for both (9.1%). Multi-group latent growth curve analyses revealed that parenting and coparenting differed across families. Children had lower externalizing behavior problems in families with two secure attachments than in families with one secure attachment, either to mother or to father, who, in turn, had fewer problems than children with two insecure attachments. Findings underscore the strengths of a family systems framework to understand attachment relationships with multiple caregivers and the family risks and protective factors that covary with children’s behavioral adjustment after the birth of a sibling.
THEOLOGY AND ECONOMY IN THEPOPOL WUJANDTHEOLOGIA INDORUM
Authors: Knowlton Timothy W.
Published: December 2021

Drawing on modern ethnography, scholars often characterize ancient Maya religion as “covenants” involving human beings generating merit through ritual activity in order to repay a primordial debt to the gods. However, models based on modern ethnography alone would not allow us to recognize the impact on Maya religions of those Christian discourses of debt and merit that accompanied sixteenth-century colonization. This article attempts to historicize our understanding of indigenous Mesoamerican theologies by examining how early Colonial indigenous language texts describe moral and ritual obligations to the gods in terms of their societies’ economies. The specific case study here compares two contemporaneous sixteenth-century K'iche' Maya texts: thePopol Wujby traditionalist K'iche' elites and theTheologia Indorumby the Dominican friar Domingo de Vico. Comparison of these texts’ use of exchange-related lexicon illustrates that the traditionalist theological discourse of thePopol Wuj, which emphasizes reciprocal obligations between different beings within an ontological hierarchy, came to exist alongside Christian K'iche' discourses with a more mercantile religious language of spiritual debt payment. It is argued that these results have potential implications for our assessment of ethnohistorical sources on indigenous theology from elsewhere throughout Mesoamerica as well.
The illusory plastic space of Hagia Sophia
Authors: Walker David
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this article is to celebrate the exquisite moments when enclosed space at Hagia Sophia attains an illusory plastic state. The subject is the secularised amalgamation of the Byzantine cathedral of Hagia Sophia and the Turkish mosque of Ayasofya, prior to the restoration of the mosque in 2020. The article is intended as a visual study of intrinsic visual qualities, without the use of seductive imagery.
The Participatory Implications of Racialized Policy Feedback
Authors: Garcia-Rios Sergio , Lajevardi Nazita , Oskooii Kassra A. R. , Walker Hannah L.
Published: December 2021

How do involuntary interactions with authoritarian institutions shape political engagement? The policy feedback literature suggests that interactions with authoritarian policies undercut political participation. However, research in racial and ethnic politics offers reason to believe that these experiences may increase citizens’ engagement. Drawing on group attachment and discrimination research, we argue that mobilization is contingent on individuals’ political psychological state. Relative to their counterparts, individuals with a politicized group identity will display higher odds of political engagement when exposed to authoritarian institutions. To evaluate our theory, we draw on the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Study to examine the experiences of Blacks, Latinos, and Asian Americans. For all subgroups and different types of institutions, we find that, for those with a politicized group identity, institutional contact is associated with higher odds of participation. Our research modifies the classic policy feedback framework, which neglects group-based narratives in the calculus of collective action.
Clinical outcomes following long versus short cephalomedullary devices for fixation of extracapsular hip fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Gabriel Kai Yang , Chong Christoph Sheng , Bin Abd Razak Hamid Rahmatullah
Published: December 2021

Although both long and short cephalomedullary devices (CMDs) are used in the treatment of extracapsular hip fractures, the advantages of either option are subject to debate. This study aims to evaluate the differences in clinical outcomes with long versus short CMDs for extracapsular hip fractures. Studies included must have included subjects with at least 1 year of follow-up and reported on at least one of the following outcomes: rate of reoperation; rate of peri-implant fracture; operating time; blood loss; complication rate; length of hospital stay; 1-year mortality. Only articles written in the English language were included in this study. A search was conducted across the databases of Medline, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), CINAHL and Scopus for articles published from the inception of the database to 1 November 2020. Included studies were assessed for their risk of bias using the Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2) and the risk-of-bias in non-randomized studies – of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. A total of 8460 fractures from 16 studies were included in the analysis, with 3690 fixed with short, and 4770 fixed with long CMDs. A meta-analysis of the results revealed that short CMDs offer peri-operative advantages, while long CMDs could offer longer-term advantages. Limitations of this study include a lack of randomized control trials included in the analysis. In conclusion, when planning for the treatment of extracapsular hip fractures, a patient specific approach may be necessary to make a decision according to the individual risk profile of the patient.
The distinct effects of P18 overexpression on different stages of hematopoiesis involve TGF-β and NF-κB signaling
Authors: Yi Danying , Zhu Lijiao , Liu Yuanling , Zeng Jiahui , Chang Jing , Sun Wencui , Teng Jiawen , Zhang Yonggang , Dong Yong , Pan Xu , Chen Yijin , Zhou Ya , Lai Mowen , Zhou Qiongxiu , Liu Jiaxin , Chen Bo , Ma Feng
Published: December 2021

Deficiency of P18 can significantly improve the self-renewal potential of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and the success of long-term engraftment. However, the effects of P18 overexpression, which is involved in the inhibitory effects of RUNX1b at the early stage of hematopoiesis, have not been examined in detail. In this study, we established inducible P18/hESC lines and monitored the effects of P18 overexpression on hematopoietic differentiation. Induction of P18 from day 0 (D0) dramatically decreased production of CD34highCD43− cells and derivative populations, but not that of CD34lowCD43− cells, changed the cell cycle status and apoptosis of KDR+ cells and downregulated the key hematopoietic genes at D4, which might cause the severe blockage of hematopoietic differentiation at the early stage. By contrast, induction of P18 from D10 dramatically increased production of classic hematopoietic populations and changed the cell cycle status and apoptosis of CD45+ cells at D14. These effects can be counteracted by inhibition of TGF-β or NF-κB signaling respectively. This is the first evidence that P18 promotes hematopoiesis, a rare property among cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs).
Identification of potential core genes in colorectal carcinoma and key genes in colorectal cancer liver metastasis using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Niu Lipeng , Gao Ce , Li Yang
Published: December 2021

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. Meanwhile, the majority of CRC related deaths results from liver metastasis. Gene expression profile of CRC patients with liver Metastasis was identified using 4 datasets. The data was analyzed using GEO2R tool. GO and KEGG pathway analysis were performed. PPI network of the DEGs between 1 and 2 gene sets was also constructed. The set 1 is named between primary CRC tissues and metastatic CRC tissues. The set 2 is named between primary CRC tissues and normal tissues. Finally, the prognostic value of hub genes was also analyzed. 35 DEGs (set 1) and 142 DEGs (set 2) were identified between CRC liver metastatic cancer patients. The PPI network was constructed using the top 10 set 1 hub genes which included AHSG, SERPINC1, FGA, F2, CP, ITIH2, APOA2, HPX, PLG, HRG and set 2 hub genes which included TIMP1, CXCL1, COL1A2, MMP1, AURKA, UBE2C, CXCL12, TOP2A, ALDH1A1 and PRKACB. Therefore, ITIH2 might represent the potential core gene for colon cancer liver metastasis. COL1A2 behaves as a key gene in colorectal carcinoma.
The effect of nitrogen species on the catalytic properties of N-doped graphene
Authors: Skorupska Malgorzata , Ilnicka Anna , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P.
Published: December 2021

The production of effective catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) continues to be a great challenge for scientists. A constant increase in demand for energy storage materials is followed by a proportionate increase in the number of reports on electrocatalyst synthesis. The scientific world focuses on environmentally friendly materials synthesized in accordance with the safest possible. In this work, we developed a facile method of obtaining heavy-metal-free electrode materials that are effective in ORR. Graphene-based catalysts were doped using azodicarbonamide (ADC) as the source of nitrogen, then carbonized at high temperatures in the range of 700–900 °C under inert gas flow. The produced materials were tested as catalysts for ORR, which is the most important reaction for Zn–air batteries and fuel cells. All obtained nitrogen-doped graphene foams showed increased catalytic activity in ORR owing to active sites created by nitrogen functional groups on the graphene surface. This paper shows that carbonization temperature has a significant impact on nitrogen content and that a small percentage of nitrogen may have a positive effect on the catalytic activity of the obtained materials. The number of transferred electrons in ORR was found to range from three to the maximal theoretical value, i.e., four.
Real-life prevalence of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Gagliardi Maureen , Berg Damienne Vande , Heylen Charles-Edouard , Koenig Sandra , Hoton Delphine , Tamirou Farah , Pieters Thierry , Ghaye Benoit , Froidure Antoine
Published: December 2021

The concept of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) has recently emerged. However, real-life proportion of PF-ILDs outside IPF is still hard to evaluate. Therefore, we sought to estimate the proportion of PF-ILD in our ILD cohort. We also determined the proportion of ILD subtypes within PF-ILD and investigated factors associated with PF-ILDs. Finally, we quantified interobserver agreement between radiologists for the assessment of fibrosis. We reviewed the files of ILD patients discussed in multidisciplinary discussion between January 1st 2017 and December 31st 2019. Clinical data, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCTs) were centrally reviewed. Fibrosis was defined as the presence of traction bronchiectasis, reticulations with/out honeycombing. Progression was defined as a relative forced vital capacity (FVC) decline of ≥ 10% in ≤ 24 months or 5% < FVC decline < 10% and progression of fibrosis on HRCT in ≤ 24 months. 464 consecutive ILD patients were included. 105 had a diagnosis of IPF (23%). Most frequent non-IPF ILD were connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated ILD (22%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (13%), unclassifiable ILD (10%) and sarcoidosis (8%). Features of fibrosis were common (82% of CTD-ILD, 81% of HP, 95% of uILD). After review of HRCTs and PFTs, 68 patients (19% of non-IPF ILD) had a PF-ILD according to our criteria. Interobserver agreement for fibrosis between radiologists was excellent (Cohen’s kappa 0.86). The main diagnosis among PF-ILD were CTD-ILD (36%), HP (22%) and uILD (20%). PF-ILD patients were significantly older than non-F-ILD (P = 0.0005). PF-ILDs represent about 20% of ILDs outside IPF. This provides an estimation of the proportion of patients who might benefit from antifibrotics. Interobserver agreement between radiologists for the diagnosis of fibrotic ILD is excellent.