bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of an Online Programme to Tackle Individual’s Meat Intake through SElf-regulation (OPTIMISE): A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Frie Kerstin , Stewart Cristina , Piernas Carmen , Cook Brian , Jebb Susan A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

A reduction in meat intake is recommended to meet health and environmental sustainability goals. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an online self-regulation intervention to reduce meat consumption.

Methods

One hundred and fifty one adult meat eaters were randomised 1:1 to a multi-component self-regulation intervention or an information-only control. The study lasted 9 weeks (1-week self-monitoring; 4-week active intervention; and 4-week maintenance phase). The intervention included goal-setting, self-monitoring, action-planning, and health and environmental feedback. Meat intake was estimated through daily questionnaires in weeks 1, 5 and 9. The primary outcome was change in meat consumption from baseline to five weeks. Secondary outcomes included change from baseline to nine weeks and change in red and processed meat intake. We used linear regression models to assess the effectiveness of all the above outcomes.

Results

Across the whole sample, meat intake was 226 g/day at baseline, 118 g/day at five weeks, and 114 g/day at nine weeks. At five weeks, the intervention led to a 40 g/day (95%CI − 11.6,− 67.5, P = 0.006) reduction in meat intake, including a 35 g/day (95%CI − 7.7, − 61.7, P = 0.012) reduction in red and processed meat, relative to control. There were no significant differences in meat reduction after the four-week maintenance phase (− 12 g/day intervention vs control, 95% CI 19.1, − 43.4, P = 0.443). Participants said the intervention was informative and eye-opening.

Conclusion

The intervention was popular among participants and helped achieve initial reductions in meat intake, but the longer-term reductions did not exceed control.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04961216, 14th July 2021, retrospectively registered.
In-situ Raman spectroscopic analysis of dissolved silica structures in Na2CO3 and NaOH solutions at high pressure and temperature
Authors: Takahashi Naoko , Tsujimori Tatsuki , Kamada Seiji , Nakamura Michihiko
Published: March 2022

The dissolved silica structures in quartz-saturated 0.50 and 1.50 m [mol kg H2O–1] Na2CO3 and 0.47 m NaOH solutions at up to 750 °C and 1.5 GPa were investigated by in-situ Raman spectroscopy using a Bassett-type hydrothermal diamond anvil cell. The solubility of quartz in the solutions was determined by in-situ observations of the complete dissolution of the grain. The Raman spectra of the quartz-saturated Na2CO3 and NaOH solutions at high pressures and temperatures exhibited the tetrahedral symmetric stretching band of silica monomers. The lower frequency and broader width of the band than those in pure H2O indicated the presence of both neutral and deprotonated monomers. In addition, we newly confirmed the intense bridging oxygen band and the tetrahedral symmetric stretching band of Q1 (silicate center having a single bridging oxygen atom) in the spectra of the Na2CO3 solutions. The integrated intensity ratios of the bridging oxygen band to the monomer band increased with the addition of Na2CO3 and NaOH to fluids, corresponding to an elevation of the measured quartz solubilities. These observations indicate that the formation of silica oligomers in addition to neutral and deprotonated monomers explains the high dissolved silica concentrations in the solutions. The presence of deprotonated monomers under the experimental conditions suggests that deprotonated oligomers exist in the solutions, because the production of the latter more significantly reduces the Gibbs free energy. The anionic silica species and oligomers formed in alkaline silicate fluids may act as effective ligands for certain metal ions or complexes in deep subduction zones.
Behavioral response to heat stress of twig-nesting canopy ants
Authors: Bujan Jelena , Yanoviak Stephen P.
Published: March 2022

Tropical forests experience a relatively stable climate, but are not thermally uniform. The tropical forest canopy is hotter and thermally more variable than the understory. Heat stress in the canopy is expected to increase with global warming, potentially threatening its inhabitants. Here, we assess the impact of heating on the most abundant tropical canopy arthropods—ants. While foragers can escape hot branches, brood and workers inside twig nests might be unable to avoid heat stress. We examined nest choice and absconding behavior—nest evacuation in response to heat stress—of four common twig-nesting ant genera. We found that genera nesting almost exclusively in the canopy occupy smaller cavities compared toCamponotusandCrematogasterthat nest across all forest strata.Crematogasterants absconded at the lowest temperatures in heating experiments with both natural and artificial nests.Cephalotes workers were overall less likely to abscond from their nests. This is the first test of behavioral thermoregulation in tropical forest canopy ants, and it highlights different strategies and sensitivities to heat stress. Behavioral avoidance is the first line of defense against heat stress and will be crucial for small ectotherms facing increasing regional and local temperatures.
Can surgical skills be taught using technological advances online? A comparative study of online and face-to-face surgical skills training
Authors: Fehervari Matyas , Das Bibek , Soleimani-Nouri Payam , Ahmad Manal , Fadel Michael G. , Deputy Mohammed , Morgan Catrin , Burke Joshua R. , Mason John D. , Nott David , Spalding Duncan
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Online teaching has rapidly emerged as a viable alternative to traditional face-to-face education. How to teach surgical skills in the online environment, however, has not yet been fully established nor evaluated.

Methods

An international 1-day online surgical skills course consisting of lectures, pre-recorded virtual workshops, live demonstrations and along with surgical skills teaching in breakout rooms was organised. Based on existing learning theories, new methods were developed to deliver skills teaching online. Simultaneously, traditional in-person surgical skills teaching was also conducted and used as a benchmark. Skills development was assessed by trained demonstrators and self-reported competency scores were compared between the online and face-to-face event.

Results

553 delegates from 20 different countries attended the online course. Of these, 64 were trained in breakout rooms with a 1:5 demonstrator-to-delegate ratio whilst the remaining 489 delegates participated in didactic skills development sessions. In a separate face-to-face course, 20 delegates were trained with traditional methods. Demonstrators rated the competency of delegates for suturing, tendon repair and vascular anastomosis. There was no significant difference in the competency ratings of delegates receiving online teaching or face-to-face teaching (p = 0.253, p = 0.084, p = 1.00, respectively). The development of the same skills to “articulation” were not different between formats (p = 0.841, p = 0.792, p = 1.00, respectively). Post course self-rated competency scores improved for all technical skills (p < 0.001). Small group sessions, both online and face-to-face, received higher satisfaction ratings compared to large group sessions in terms of clarity of instructions, answers to questions and demonstrator feedback. Overall feedback on teaching quality, however, was equivalent across both groups.

Discussion

Online teaching of surgical skills for early training years is an appropriate alternative to face-to-face teaching.
Immunoglobulin substitution in patients with secondary antibody deficiency in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma: a representative analysis of guideline adherence and infections
Authors: Link Hartmut , Kerkmann Markus , Holtmann Laura ,   for the Working Groups Supportive Care (AGSMO),   Medical Oncology (AIO) of the German Cancer Society (DKG)
Published: March 2022

Introduction

In secondary immunodeficiency, immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) is recommended by guidelines (GL) for patients with IgG level < 4 g/l and more than 3 infections or a severe infection. IgRT may be appropriate if IgG level < 4 g/l and/or 1–3 less severe infections (≤ grade 2).

Methods

This was a retrospective sample analysis representative for practices and hospitals in Germany. The treatments and infection data were collected from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM). GL adherence (GLAD) was analyzed.

Results

Data from 1086 patients (CLL 490, MM 596) were collected from 86 centers. Of all patients, 34.8% developed IgG deficiency during therapy (CLL 35.5%; MM 34.2%). IgRT was given in 23.5% of CLL and 14.4% of MM patients. GLAD in hypogammaglobulinemia and indication to IgRT was 23.3% of 86 CLL and 22.1% of 77 MM patients. Without GLAD, the hazard ratio (HR) for any infection was 4.49 (95% CI 3.72–5.42; p < 0.001) and for severe infections (grade ≥ 3) 10.64 (95% CI 7.54–15.00; p < 0.001). Significant independent risk factors for infections were a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, IgG deficiency, and 3rd + line treatment, as well as therapy with BTK inhibitors or chemotherapy in CLL. Multivariable analysis showed a significantly lower risk of severe infections after start of IgRT with a HR of 0.47 (95% CI 0.28–0.77; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Guideline adherence correlated with fewer and less severe infections but was low in patients with indication to IgRT. Risk factors for infection can be identified. Risk of severe infections was significantly lower in patients with IgRT.
Reference modification for trajectory tracking using hybrid offline and online neural networks learning
Authors: Li Jiangang , Huang Youhua , Zhong Ganggang , Li Yanan
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose a hybrid offline/online neural networks learning method, which combines complementary advantages of two types of neural networks (NNs): deep NN (DNN) and single-layer radial basis function NN (RBFNN). Firstly, after analyzing the mechatronic system’s model, we select reasonable features as the input of the DNN to learn the inverse dynamic characteristics of the closed-loop system offline, so as to establish the mapping between the desired trajectory and the reference trajectory of the system. The trained DNN is used to generate a new reference trajectory and compensate for the tracking error in advance, which can speed up the convergence of online learning control based on RBFNN. This reference trajectory is further modified iteratively when the tracking task is repeated. For this purpose, a single-layer RBFNN model is established, and an online learning algorithm is developed to update the RBFNN parameters. The proposed hybrid offline/online NN method can improve the tracking performance of mechatronic systems by modifying the reference trajectory on top of the baseline controller without affecting the system stability. To verify the effectiveness of this method, we conduct experiments on a piezoelectric drive platform.
Setting the Free Material Design problem through the methods of optimal mass distribution
Authors: Bołbotowski Karol , Lewiński Tomasz
Published: March 2022

The paper deals with the Free Material Design$${(\text {FMD})}$$(FMD)problem aimed at constructing the least compliant structures from an elastic material, the constitutive field of which plays the role of design variable in the form of a tensor valued measure$$\lambda $$λsupported in the design domain. Point-wise the constitutive tensor is referred to a given anisotropy class$$\mathscr {H}$$H, while the integral of a cost$$c(\lambda )$$c(λ)is bounded from above. The convexp-homogeneous elastic potentialjis parameterized by the constitutive tensor. The work puts forward the existence result and shows that the original problem can be reduced to the Linear Constrained Problem$$(\mathrm {LCP})$$(LCP)known from the theory of optimal mass distribution by G. Bouchitté and G. Buttazzo. A theorem linking solutions of$${(\text {FMD})}$$(FMD)and$$(\mathrm {LCP})$$(LCP)allows to effectively solve the original problem. The developed theory encompasses several optimal anisotropy design problems known in the literature as well as it unlocks new ones. By employing the derived optimality conditions we give several analytical examples of optimal designs.
Identification of the geometric design parameters of propeller blades from 3D scanning
Authors: Njaastad Eirik B. , Steen Sverre , Egeland Olav
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a new method for the identification of geometric design parameters of ISO 484 class propeller blades from scanned point cloud data. The method can be used for tolerance inspection and in-line measurement of manufactured blades, and for wear assessment and reverse engineering of propellers in service. The geometry of the propeller blades is specified by a set of blade sections stacked radially on concentric cylindrical surfaces. For each of these sections, the chord line and mean camber line is determined, and geometric design parameters such as the pitch, skew, chord length, camber, and thickness distributions are identified. The proposed method is a complete procedure for identifying the design parameters of marine propeller blades from point cloud data, and includes a novel method for the precise identification of the mean camber line based on Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay triangulation. The paper includes validation of the proposed method in experiments where reverse engineering is applied to a propeller blade of the KVLCC2 propeller, and in 3D scanning of a large, high-skew thruster blade where the results were compared to CMM measurements.
Accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) among the Italian Dementia Centers: a study by the Italian DLB study group (DLB-SINdem)
Authors: Russo Mirella , Carrarini Claudia , Di Iorio Angelo , Pellegrino Raffaello , Bruni Amalia Cecilia , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Chiari Annalisa , Pretta Stefano , Marra Camillo , Cotelli Maria Sofia , Arighi Andrea , Fumagalli Giorgio G. , Cataruzza Tatiana , Caso Francesca , Paci Cristina , Rosso Mara , Amici Serena , Giannandrea David , Pilotto Andrea , Luzzi Simona , Castellano Annalisa , D’antonio Fabrizia , Luca Antonina , Gelosa Giorgio , Piccoli Tommaso , Mauri Marco , Agosta Federica , Babiloni Claudio , Borroni Barbara , Bozzali Marco , Filippi Massimo , Galimberti Daniela , Monastero Roberto , Muscio Cristina , Parnetti Lucilla , Perani Daniela , Serra Laura , Silani Vincenzo , Tiraboschi Pietro , Cagnin Annachiara , Padovani Alessandro , Bonanni Laura ,   on Behalf of the Italian Dementia with Lewy bodies Study Group (DLB-SINdem), Roberta Baschi , Federica Fragiacomo , Sebastiano Galantucci , Caterina Gaspari , Gianmarco Gazzola , Giuseppe Magnani , Giulia Mazzon , Stefano Mozzetta , Carmela Ravanelli , Marco Ruggiero , Pierpaolo Salute , Giuseppe Scamarcia Pietro , Marinella Turla , Federico Verde , Antonietta Volontè Maria
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) may represent a diagnostic challenge, since its clinical picture overlaps with other dementia. Two toolkits have been developed to aid the clinician to diagnose DLB: the Lewy Body Composite Risk Score (LBCRS) and the Assessment Toolkit for DLB (AT-DLB). We aim to evaluate the reliability of these two questionnaires, and their ability to enhance the interpretation of the international consensus diagnostic criteria.

Methods

LBCRS and AT-DLB were distributed to 135 Italian Neurological Centers for Cognitive Decline and Dementia (CDCDs), with the indication to administer them to all patients with dementia referred within the subsequent 3 months. We asked to subsequently apply consensus criteria for DLB diagnosis, to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the two toolkits.

Results

A total of 23 Centers joined the study; 1854 patients were enrolled. We found a prevalence of possible or probable DLB of 13% each (26% total), according to the consensus criteria. LBCRS toolkit showed good reliability, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.77, stable even after removing variables from the construct. AT-DLB toolkit Cronbach alpha was 0.52 and, after the subtraction of the “cognitive fluctuation” criterion, was only 0.31. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were higher for LBCRS vs. AT-DLB. However, when simultaneously considered in the logistic models, AT-DLB showed a better performance (p < 0.001). Overall, the concordance between LBCRS positive and AT-DLB possible/probable was of 78.02%

Conclusions

In a clinical setting, the LBCRS and AT-DLB questionnaires have good accuracy for DLB diagnosis.
Perennial monocropping of khat decreased soil carbon and nitrogen relative to multistrata agroforestry and natural forest in southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Mesele , Kaseva Janne , Kahiluoto Helena
Published: March 2022

Monocropping of perennial cash crops providing livelihood for smallholders is replacing native forest throughout the tropics, but there is no direct empirical evidence on the impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) relative to multistrata-agroforestry-based cash cropping. In particular, the impact of the conversion of forests and multistrata-agroforestry-based cash cropping to a rapidly expanding perennial monocropping of khat (Catha edulis Forskal) is not known. We investigated the potential of cash cropping integrated in multistrata agroforestry to alleviate SOC and N loss from converted native forest, relative to cash monocropping. We assessed empirically SOC and N stocks in the 40-cm-deep soil surface layer of three matched adjacent plots of native forest, multistrata agroforestry, and perennial cash monocropping, within nine replicate groups of the three land uses. The fixed mass method was applied. The estimated rates of the annual SOC and N losses were 3.0 and 3.4 times greater, respectively, in areas converted to khat monocropping than in agroforestry systems producing both coffee (Coffea arabica) and khat. Additionally, the carbon and N contents in leaf litter and fine roots were greater in agroforestry than in khat. The results indicated that multistrata-agroforestry-based cash cropping maintains most of the SOC and N stocks of converted native forests lost in conversion to cash monocropping khat than in agroforestry-based cash cropping. This warrants economic incentives to prevent the loss of the current stocks, while enabling cash crop income by smallholders. Reducing forest SOC and N stock decline in agroforestry through system management deserves attention as well.
A multicenter, open-label, single-arm phase I trial of neoadjuvant nivolumab monotherapy for resectable gastric cancer
Authors: Hasegawa Hirotaka , Shitara Kohei , Takiguchi Shuji , Takiguchi Noriaki , Ito Seiji , Kochi Mitsugu , Horinouchi Hidehito , Kinoshita Takahiro , Yoshikawa Takaki , Muro Kei , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Suna Hideaki , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: March 2022

Background

Nivolumab monotherapy has demonstrated superior efficacy in advanced unresectable gastric cancer (GC), but its impact on resectable GC remains unknown. This phase I study aimed to evaluate safety, feasibility, and potential biomarkers of neoadjuvant nivolumab monotherapy in resectable GC.

Methods

Untreated, resectable, cT2 or more advanced gastric adenocarcinomas with clinical stage I, II, or III were treated with two doses of nivolumab before gastrectomy. Patients were excluded if their tumors may be applicable to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the incidence of adverse event (AE) categories of special interest.

Results

All of the 31 enrolled patients completed 2 doses of nivolumab monotherapy. While 30 (97%) patients underwent surgery with curative intent, 1 patient discontinued before the planned surgical intervention because of a newly emerging liver metastasis. Seven patients (23%) had nivolumab treatment-related AEs, and one patient had a treatment-related AE of grade 3–4. The incidences of treatment-related AE categories of special interest ranged from 0 to 6%. Notable surgical complications included two cases of grade 3 anastomotic leakage and two cases of pancreatic fistula. The major pathologic response (MPR) assessed by the independent pathology review committee was achieved in five (16%) patients, of which one patient had a pathologic complete response. The MPR was mostly observed in patients with positive PD-L1 expression, high microsatellite instability, and/or high tumor mutation burden.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant nivolumab monotherapy is feasible with an acceptable safety profile and induces a MPR in certain patients with resectable GC. (Registration: clinicaltrials.jp, JapicCTI-183895).
An interpolation theorem for slice-regular functions with application to very tame sets and slice Fatou–Bieberbach domains in $${\mathbb {H}}^2$$
Authors: Prezelj Jasna , Vlacci Fabio
Published: March 2022

We prove an interpolation theorem for slice-regular quaternionic functions. We define very tame sets in $${\mathbb {H}}^2$$

H

2

to be the sets which can be mapped by compositions of automorphisms with volume 1 to the set $${{\mathcal {T}}}=\lbrace (2n-1,0), n \in {\mathbb {N}}\rbrace \cup \lbrace (2n + {\mathbb {S}},0), n \in {\mathbb {N}}\rbrace .$$

T
=
{
(
2
n
-
1
,
0
)
,
n
∈
N
}
∪
{
(
2
n
+
S
,
0
)
,
n
∈
N
}
.

We then show that any zero set of an entire slice-regular function of one variable embedded in $${\mathbb {H}}\times \lbrace 0 \rbrace \subset {\mathbb {H}}^2$$

H
×

{
0
}

⊂

H

2

is very tame in $${\mathbb {H}}^2.$$

H

2

.

A notion of slice Fatou–Bieberbach domain in $${\mathbb {H}}^2$$

H

2

is introduced and, finally, a slice Fatou–Bieberbach domain in $${\mathbb {H}}^2$$

H

2

avoiding $${{\mathcal {T}}}$$
T
is constructed in the last section.
Traffic sign recognition based on deep learning
Authors: Zhu Yanzhao , Yan Wei Qi
Published: March 2022

Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), including unmanned vehicles, has been gradually matured despite on road. How to eliminate the interference due to various environmental factors, carry out accurate and efficient traffic sign detection and recognition, is a key technical problem. However, traditional visual object recognition mainly relies on visual feature extraction, e.g., color and edge, which has limitations. Convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed for visual object recognition based on deep learning, which has successfully overcome the shortcomings of conventional object recognition. In this paper, we implement an experiment to evaluate the performance of the latest version of YOLOv5 based on our dataset for Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), which unfolds how the model for visual object recognition in deep learning is suitable for TSR through a comprehensive comparison with SSD (i.e., single shot multibox detector) as the objective of this paper. The experiments in this project utilize our own dataset. Pertaining to the experimental results, YOLOv5 achieves 97.70% in terms of mAP@0.5 for all classes, SSD obtains 90.14% mAP in the same term. Meanwhile, regarding recognition speed, YOLOv5 also outperforms SSD.
Bistability and delayed acceleration feedback control analytical study of collocated and non-collocated cases
Authors: Habib Giuseppe , Bártfai András , Barrios Asier , Dombovari Zoltan
Published: March 2022

Stability and bifurcation analysis of a non-rigid robotic arm controlled with a time-delayed acceleration feedback loop is addressed in this work. The study aims at revealing the dynamical mechanisms leading to the appearance of limit cycle oscillations existing in the stable region of the trivial solution of the system, which is related to the combined dynamics of the robot control and its structural nonlinearities. An analytical study of the bifurcations occurring at the loss of stability illustrates that, in general, hardening structural nonlinearities at the joint promote a subcritical character of the bifurcations. Consequently, limit cycle oscillations are generated within the stable region of the trivial solution. A nonlinear control force is then developed to enforce the supercriticality of the bifurcations. Results illustrate that this strategy enables to partially eliminate limit cycle oscillations coexisting with the stable trivial solution. The mechanical system is analysed in a collocated and a non-collocated configuration, depending on the position of the sensor.
Destinism: Puzzle Solved
Authors: Fischer John Martin
Published: March 2022

In a recent article in this journal, “Destinism,” Andrew Bailey presents a puzzle (in different versions) for “Destinism,” the view that the only things we can do are those we in fact do. The puzzle is intriguing and important in part because it challenges a doctrine (Destinism) that many philosophers think could be true compatibly with our being morally responsible. Destinism is at least a viable view. Bailey’s puzzle derives from very plausible assumptions, but I argue that these assumptions are not as plausible as they appear. Interpreted in a way that renders one of them acceptable makes another problematic. There is no one interpretation on which the puzzling arguments are uncontrovertibly sound.
Population structure of Phytophthora capsici in the state of Tennessee
Authors: Siegenthaler Timothy B. , Lamour Kurt , Hansen Zachariah R.
Published: March 2022

The plant pathogen Phytophthora capsici can be found all throughout the USA, and the population genetics of this organism have been studied within many of these states. Until now, no work has been done in the state of Tennessee to investigate the population structure and genetics of P. capsici found there. The population structure of P. capsici was explored using 296 isolates collected from five counties in Tennessee in 2004, 2007, 2018, and 2019. Samples were genotyped using 39 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers. Multiple analyses indicate that the population structure of P. capsici in Tennessee exists in isolated clusters structured by geography. Geographically separate populations were genetically distinct, suggesting there is limited or no outcrossing among populations, but there is significant sexual reproduction occurring within populations. These findings corroborate previous studies of P. capsici throughout the midwestern and northeastern USA, where populations are generally sexually reproducing and structured by geography. This study provides the first characterization of P. capsici population structure in Tennessee.
Die schlafmedizinische Versorgung in Deutschland
Authors: Stuck Boris A. , Schöbel C. , Spiegelhalder K.
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Während eine aktuelle Analyse der schlafmedizinischen Qualifikationen in Deutschland Aussagen zu Anzahl und fachlichen Ausrichtung der Schlafmedizinerinnen erlaubt, sind tiefere Einblicke in die schlafmedizinische Versorgungsroutine bisher kaum möglich, wären für strategische Entscheidungen jedoch erforderlich.

Methodik

Schlafmedizinisch Tätige wurden zur Teilnahme an einem Online-Survey eingeladen. Erfasst wurden u. a. demografische Faktoren, schlafmedizinische Qualifikationen, Art und Häufigkeit der angebotenen diagnostischen und therapeutischen Verfahren, der Kenntnisstand zu Leitlinien und ausgewählten therapeutischen Verfahren und die Einschätzung zu Hindernissen in der Versorgung.

Ergebnisse

Beantwortet wurde der Survey von 435 Personen (Rücklaufquote 8,9 %). Es waren 62 % der Teilnehmerinnen zu etwa gleichen Teilen den Disziplinen Pneumologie und HNO-Heilkunde zugeordnet, 61,4 % hatte einen „BUB-Kurs“ absolviert und 44,1 % die Zusatzbezeichnung (ZB) Schlafmedizin erlangt. Mehr als 10 Jahre schlafmedizinisch tätig waren 72,2% der Teilnehmerinnen, 67,2 % im ambulanten Sektor. Nur ca. ein Viertel ist weiblich, das mittlere Alter lag bei 53 Jahren. Zur Diagnostik wird vornehmlich die Polygraphie angeboten (77,9 %), danach Screeningverfahren (36,3 %) und die stationäre (34,5 %) und ambulante (29,9 %) Polysomnographie. Als Schwerpunkte wurde in 88,7 % die obstruktive Schlafapnoe benannt. Kooperiert wird vornehmlich zwischen HNO-Heilkunde und Pneumologie. Etwa drei Viertel gaben an, die Leitlinien zu den schlafbezogenen Atmungsstörungen (SBAS) zu kennen, bzgl. der Leitlinie zur Insomnie waren es etwas weniger als die Hälfte.

Schlussfolgerung

Schlafmedizinisch tätig sind in Deutschland vor allem männliche Pneumologen und HNO-Ärzte mit den Qualifikationen „BUB-Kurs“ und ZB Schlafmedizin, die im ambulanten Sektor eine Diagnostik der SBAS anbieten. Die Daten deuten auf eine Unterversorgung von Patientinnen mit Insomnie hin. Es gibt derzeit kaum schlafmedizinischen Nachwuchs, was die Disziplin in ihrer Existenz gefährdet.
Diacerein counteracts acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via targeting NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β and IL-4/MCP-1 signaling pathways
Authors: Elshal Mahmoud , Abdelmageed Marwa E.
Published: March 2022

The current study aims at repurposing the anti-arthritic drug diacerein (DCN) for the treatment of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity and investigating the potential underlying mechanisms. Mice were randomly divided into six groups receiving either no treatment (control group), 20 mg/kg DCN i.p, 400 mg/kg acetaminophen i.p, DCN 4 h before acetaminophen, DCN 2 h after acetaminophen, or 400 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine (NAC) i.p, 2 h after acetaminophen. Biomarkers of liver dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed. Hepatic necroinflammatory changes were evaluated along with hepatic expression of NF-κB and caspase-1. The levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-4, MCP-1, and TNF-α in the liver, as well as CYP2E1 mRNA expression, were measured. Diacerein significantly reduced biomarkers of liver dysfunction, oxidative stress, hepatocyte necrosis, and infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages whether administered 4 h before or 2 h after acetaminophen. Further, the effects were comparable to those of NAC. Diacerein also counteracted acetaminophen-induced hepatocellular apoptosis by increasing Bcl-2 and decreasing Bax and caspase-3 expression levels. Moreover, DCN normalized hepatic TNF-α and significantly decreased NF-κB p65 expression. Accordingly, DCN can prevent or reverse acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in mice, suggesting potential utility as a repurposed drug for clinical treatment.
Re-Os Geochronology of the Liuchapo Formation across the Ediacaran-Cambrian Boundary of the Yangtze Block (South China)
Authors: Fu Yong , Wang Fuliang , Guo Chuan , Li Chao , Xia Peng
Published: March 2022

The Ediacaran-Cambrian (E-C) succession in South China records remarkable oceanic, biological and geochemical variations, but it was not well defined geochronologically, which hinders the interpretation of the spatio-temporal seawater chemical architecture during the time E-C interval. This study presents two Re-Os isochron ages of 520.2 ± 6.1 and 561.7 ± 8.5 Ma for the barite-rich black shales from the top Liuchapo and Doushantuo formations respectively in Tianzhu County, Guizhou Province. In combination with existing age data, the two new Re-Os isochron ages suggest that the Liuchapo Formation was deposited between 550 and 520 Ma. Moreover, like the polymetallic Ni-Mo-PGE layers of shelf margin (or platform) facies and V-rich horizons of transitional (or shelf slope) to deep-water facies, the barite deposits were likely formed due to differential mineralization. The timing offset likely resulted from differential elemental concentration related to certain local factors (i.e., hydrothermal fluids, seawater redox and biological activity). The isochron-derived initial 187Os/188Os ratios of the top Liuchapo Formation (0.902 ± 0.048) and the Doushantuo Formation (0.740 ± 0.042) fall within the range of continental weathering flux (1.54) and oceanic crust (0.126), implying the involvement of marine hydrothermal fluids. Moreover, their difference of initial 187Os/188Os ratios may reflect variations of continental weathering intensity and uplift magnitude.
Overcoming Frege’s curse: heuristic reasoning as the basis for teaching philosophy of science to scientists
Authors: Grüne-Yanoff Till
Published: March 2022

A lot of philosophy taught to science students consists of scientific methodology. But many philosophy of science textbooks have a fraught relationship with methodology, presenting it either a system of universal principles or entirely permeated by contingent factors not subject to normative assessment. In this paper, I argue for an alternative, heuristic perspective for teaching methodology: as fallible, purpose- and context-dependent, subject to cost-effectiveness considerations and systematically biased, but nevertheless subject to normative assessment. My pedagogical conclusion from this perspective is that philosophers should aim to teach science students heuristic reasoning: strategies of normative method choice appraisal that are sensitive to purposes, contexts, biases and cost-effectiveness considerations; and that we should do so by teaching them exemplars of such reasoning. I illustrate this proposal at the hand of three such exemplars, showing how they help students to appreciate the heuristic nature of both methods and methodology, and to normatively assess method choice in such circumstances.
Blue–green water utilization in rice–fish cultivation towards sustainable food production
Authors: Ahmed Nesar , Hornbuckle John , Turchini Giovanni M.
Published: March 2022

Integrated rice–fish culture is a competitive alternative to rice monoculture for environmental sustainability and food productivity. Compared to rice monoculture, rearing fish in rice field ecosystems could increase food (rice and fish) production from this coculture. Moreover, the water productivity of rice–fish coculture is considerably higher than that of rice monoculture, because of double cropping. Despite these benefits, rice–fish coculture has not yet been broadly practiced. One of the potential challenges for the wider adoption of rice–fish coculture is water management. There are two forms of water involved in rice–fish cultivation: (1) blue water–surface and groundwater, and (2) green water–soil water from rainfall. The aim of this article is to focus on key factors determining the adoption of rice–fish cultivation through the effective utilization of blue–green water. We suggest that the efficient application of blue and green water in rice–fish coculture could help confronting water scarcity, reducing water footprint, and increasing water productivity.
Electro-lubrication in Janus transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers
Authors: Li Hao , Guo Yufeng , Guo Wanlin
Published: March 2022

Lubrication induced by a vertical electric field or bias voltage is typically not applicable to two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) crystals. By performing extensive first-principles calculations, we reveal that the interlayer friction and shear resistance of Janus transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) MoXY (X/Y = S, Se, or Te, and X ≠ Y) bilayers under a constant normal force mode can be reduced by applying vertical electric fields. The maximum interlayer sliding energy barriers between AA and AB stacking of bilayers MoSTe, MoSeTe, and MoSSe decrease as the positive electric field increases because of the more significant counteracting effect from the electric field energy and the more significant enhancement in interlayer charge transfer in AA stacking. Meanwhile, the presence of negative electric fields decreases the interlayer friction of bilayer MoSTe, because the electronegativity difference between Te and S atoms reduces the interfacial atom charge differences between AA and AB stacking. These results reveal an electro-lubrication mechanism for the heterogeneous interfaces of 2D Janus TMDs.
Application of additively manufactured 3D scaffolds for bone cancer treatment: a review
Authors: Hou Yanhao , Wang Weiguang , Bartolo Paulo
Published: March 2022

Bone cancer is a critical health problem on a global scale, and the associated huge clinical and economic burdens are still rising. Although many clinical approaches are currently used for bone cancer treatment, these methods usually affect the normal body functions and thus present significant limitations. Meanwhile, advanced materials and additive manufacturing have opened up promising avenues for the development of new strategies targeting both bone cancer treatment and post-treatment bone regeneration. This paper presents a comprehensive review of bone cancer and its current treatment methods, particularly focusing on a number of advanced strategies such as scaffolds based on advanced functional materials, drug-loaded scaffolds, and scaffolds for photothermal/magnetothermal therapy. Finally, the main research challenges and future perspectives are elaborated.
FPGA implantations of TRNG architecture using ADPLL based on FIR filter as a loop filter
Authors: Meitei Huirem Bharat , Kumar Manoj
Published: March 2022

This article describes about the design, implementation, and analysis of a true random number generator (TRNG) employing an all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL) based on a finite impulse response (FIR) filter as the digital loop filter and implemented on the Artix 7(XC7A35T-CPG236-1) field programmable gate array (FPGA) board using the Xilinx Vivado v.2015.2 design suite. The coefficients of a 3rd-order broadcast low-pass digital FIR filter are computed using the Keiser window method. The MATLAB-FDA tool is used to calculate the filter coefficient. After reducing the bias in the sequence using the XOR-corrector post-processing approach, the suggested ADPLL-based TRNG designs created an unbiased stochastic random number with an overall throughput of 200 Mbps for both designs. The first proposed FIR-ADPLL-based TRNG design (FAT-1) consumes 0.072 W of power, whereas the second proposed FIR-ADPLL-based TRNG design (FAT-2) consumes 0.074 W. The resulting bitstream is verified for randomness using national institute of standards and technology (NIST) test following post-processing. Digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) is interfaced to the Artrix-7 FPGA board in order to capture the TRNG output waveforms. Both the proposed FIR-based ADPLL-TRNG designs passed the NIST SP 800-22 test, indicating that they are well-suited for a variety of industrial applications, including network security, cybersecurity, banking security, smart cards, radio-frequency identification tags, Internet of Things, and Industrial Internet of Things.
Cumulative Risk and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Early Childhood: Compensatory and Buffering Roles of Family Functioning and Family Regularity
Authors: Hogye Sara I. , Lucassen Nicole , Jansen Pauline W. , Schuurmans Isabel K. , Keizer Renske
Published: March 2022

In this preregistered study, we studied the extent to which family functioning and family regularity compensated for (compensatory model of resilience, Garmezy et al., Child Development 55:97–111, 1984) and buffered against (risk-protective factor model of resilience, Fergus and Zimmerman, Annual Review of Public Health 26:399–419, 2005) the influence of cumulative risks (CRs) on young children’s internalizing and externalizing problems. We conducted path analyses on multi-informant, longitudinal data from 3159 families enrolled in the Generation R Study, a large prospective birth cohort in the Netherlands. Children self-reported on internalizing and externalizing problems at age six. Mothers and fathers reported on 48 CRs between birth and child age five. Mothers reported on family regularity items at child ages two and four, and on family functioning at child age four. CR was positively associated with girls’ and boys’ internalizing problems, and with boys’ externalizing problems. We did not find support for a compensatory or buffering role of family functioning on the association between CR and children’s internalizing or externalizing problems. Our findings suggest that the use of a CR index may be beneficial for identifying children who are at higher risk for developing internalizing and externalizing problems in the early school years, as well as for planning treatment and intervention.Keywords: Cumulative risk, Internalizing problems, Externalizing problems, Family functioning, Family regularity, Early childhood.
Combining experimental and theoretical insights for reduction of CO2 to multi-carbon compounds
Authors: Brewis Ian , Shahzad Rana-Faisal , Field Robert W. , Jedidi Abdesslem , Rasul Shahid
Published: March 2022

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide is a promising method for both recycling of atmospheric CO2 and storing renewably produced electrical energy in stable chemical bonds. In this paper, we review the current challenges within this promising area of research. Here we provide an overview of key findings from the perspective of improving the selectivity of reduction products, to serve as a contextual foundation from which a firmer understanding of the field can be built. Additionally, we discuss recent innovations in the development of catalytic materials selective toward C3 and liquid products. Through this, we form a basis from which key mechanisms into C3 products may be further examined. Carbon–carbon (C–C) bond formation provides a key step in the reduction of CO2 to energy dense and high value fuels. Here we demonstrate how variations in catalytic surface morphology and reaction kinetics influence the formation of multi-carbon products through their impact on the formation of C–C bonds. Finally, we discuss recent developments in the techniques used to characterise and model novel electrocatalysts. Through these insights, we hope to provide the reader with a perspective of both the rapid progress of the field of electrocatalysis, as well as offering a concise overview of the challenges faced by researchers within this rapidly developing field of research.
Micromechanical and Ultrastructural Properties of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Hossack Martin , Fisher Robert , Torella Francesco , Madine Jillian , Field Mark , Akhtar Riaz
Published: March 2022

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a common condition of uncertain pathogenesis that can rupture if left untreated. Current recommended thresholds for planned repair are empirical and based entirely on diameter. It has been observed that some aneurysms rupture before reaching the threshold for repair whilst other larger aneurysms do not rupture. It is likely that geometry is not the only factor influencing rupture risk. Biomechanical indices aiming to improve and personalise rupture risk prediction require, amongst other things, knowledge of the material properties of the tissue and realistic constitutive models. These depend on the composition and organisation of the vessel wall which has been shown to undergo drastic changes with aneurysmal degeneration, with loss of elastin, smooth muscle cells, and an accumulation of isotropically arranged collagen. Most aneurysms are lined with intraluminal thrombus, which has an uncertain effect on the underlying vessel wall, with some authors demonstrating a reduction in wall stress and others a reduction in wall strength. The majority of studies investigating biomechanical properties of ex vivo abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues have used low-resolution techniques, such as tensile testing, able to measure the global material properties at the macroscale. High-resolution engineering techniques such as nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy have been modified for use in soft biological tissues and applied to vascular tissues with promising results. These techniques have the potential to advance the understanding and improve the management of abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease.
On locally analytic vectors of the completed cohomology of modular curves
Authors: Pan Lue
Published: March 2022

We study the locally analytic vectors in the completed cohomology of modular curves and determine the eigenvectors of a rational Borel subalgebra of$\mathfrak {gl}_2(\mathbb {Q}_p)$. As applications, we prove a classicality result for overconvergent eigenforms of weight 1 and give a new proof of the Fontaine–Mazur conjecture in the irregular case under some mild hypotheses. For an overconvergent eigenform of weightk, we show its corresponding Galois representation has Hodge–Tate–Sen weights$0,k-1$and prove a converse result.
Harmony between Man and His Environment: Reviewing the Trump Administration’s Changes to the National Environmental Policy Act in the Context of Environmental Racism
Authors: Kolencik Gabrielle M.
Published: March 2022

This article aims to show how the changes to NEPA by the Trump Administration are an act of environmental racism, defined as “[i]ntentional or unintentional racial discrimination in environmental policy‐making, enforcement of regulations and laws, and targeting of communities for the disposal of toxic waste and siting of polluting industries.”
Framing Black Infant and Maternal Mortality
Authors: Muigai Wangui
Published: March 2022

This article looks to the past to consider how government officials, health professionals, and legal authorities have historically framed racial disparities in birth and the lasting impact these explanations have had on Black birthing experiences and outcomes.
ON THE DIVISOR FUNCTION OVER NONHOMOGENEOUS BEATTY SEQUENCES
Authors: ZHANG WEI
Published: March 2022

We consider sums involving the divisor function over nonhomogeneous (
$\beta \neq 0$
) Beatty sequences
$ \mathcal {B}_{\alpha ,\beta }:=\{[\alpha n+\beta ]\}_{n=1}^{\infty } $
and show that
$$ \begin{align*} \sum_{n\leq N,\ n\in\mathcal{B}_{\alpha,\beta}}d(n) =\alpha^{-1}\sum_{m\leq N}d(m) +O(N^{1-1/(\tau+1)+\varepsilon}), \end{align*} $$

where N is a sufficiently large integer,
$\alpha $
is of finite type
$\tau $
and
$\beta \neq 0$
. Previously, such estimates were only obtained for homogeneous Beatty sequences or for almost all
$\alpha $
.
The First Catholic Diocese in Asia and the Spread of Catholicism: Juan de Albuquerque, Bishop of Goa, 1538–1553
Authors: Paiva José Pedro
Published: March 2022

This article offers an interpretation of the actions of the Franciscan Juan de Albuquerque as bishop of the first Catholic diocese in Asia. The analysis considers the local impacts of the episcopal government and the connectivities of its action, particularly through comparison with similar processes adopted in Spanish America. Based on a wide range of historical sources and cross-referencing them, it investigates how Albuquerque governed in three stages: first, describing the enormous challenges he faced; second, outlining his profile; and third, proposing a reconstruction of his government and the implications it had on the dissemination of Catholicism. The hypothesis raised at the outset is that, in Asia, the Bishop of Goa built a structure that was inspired by the matrix and dynamics of the Portuguese dioceses, which were then adapted to the specificities of the local situation. Accordingly, it is necessary to review the thesis of Charles Boxer, for whom the dynamics of evangelization in the spaces overseen by the Iberian empires from the 16th century onwards were generated essentially by the missionaries from the regular clergy and by the monarchies. By shifting the focus to the actions of a single bishop, the article demonstrates that Albuquerque, the diocesan church he created from scratch, and the secular clergy should not be underestimated.