bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermogravimetric infrared analysis for the pyrolysis mechanism and shelf life of lycoramine hydrobromide
Authors: Ling Weihong , Qin Chong , Tian Chunlian , Feng Miao , Wang Chaochun
Published: December 2021

Thermal decomposition curves of lycoramine hydrobromide were obtained in the nitrogen by thermogravimetry coupled with infrared spectroscopy (TG‐FTIR). Four thermal analysis kinetic methods, for example, Achar, Coats–Redfern, Kissingers, and Ozawa methods were used to speculate the probable mechanisms of the thermal decomposing reaction and the kinetic parameters (apparent activation energy Ea and preexponential factor A). The shelf life of lycoramine hydrobromide at room temperature was calculated by the kinetics parameters. According to the theoretical calculations of thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTG), infrared spectra, and bond levels, the decomposition of lycoramine was divided into three stages. The first stage started from 227.3 to 312.3°C, chemical bonds between oxygen atoms and carbon atoms cracked and released alcohol material. The most acceptable mechanism is a chemical reaction control mechanism, which conforms to the reaction series equation, with f(α) = 2(1 − α)3/2. In the second stage, starting from 312.3 to 392.3℃, gases such as CO, CO2, amines, and NH3 produced by lycoramine hydrobromide decomposition were released. The most expected mechanism is a chemical reaction, F3, deceleration type α–t curve, which meets the three‐stage function, f(α) = 1/2(1 − α)3. In the third stage, the residual molecular skeleton (toluene) was thermally cracked deeply from 392.3°C to the end and the gases such as CO2, H2O, and NH3 were released. According to the kinetic parameters of thermolysis at the first stage, the shelf life of lycoramine hydrobromide was inferred, which was 4–5 years at room temperature (25°C).
Clinical Features of Parosmia Associated With COVID‐19 Infection
Authors: Lerner David K. , Garvey Katherine L. , Arrighi‐Allisan Annie E. , Filimonov Andrey , Filip Peter , Shah Janki , Tweel Benjamin , Del Signore Anthony , Schaberg Madeleine , Colley Patrick , Govindaraj Satish , Iloreta Alfred Marc
Published: December 2021

Objective

To characterize the clinical features, risk factors, symptom time‐course, and quality of life implications for parosmia among coronavirus disease (COVID)‐related olfactory dysfunction patients.

Methods

Individuals with olfactory dysfunction associated with laboratory‐confirmed or clinically suspected COVID‐19 infection were recruited from otolaryngology and primary care practices over a period from August 2020 to March 2021. Participants completed olfactory dysfunction and quality of life surveys.

Results

A total of 148 (64.1%) of 231 respondents reported parosmia at some point. Parosmia developed within 1 week of any COVID‐19 symptom onset in 25.4% of respondents, but more than 1 month after symptom onset in 43.4% of respondents. Parosmia was associated with significantly better quantitative olfactory scores on Brief Smell Identification Test (8.7 vs. 7.5, P = .006), but demonstrated worse quality of life scores, including modified brief Questionnaire of Olfactory Dysfunction—Negative Statements and Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22 scores (12.1 vs. 8.5, P < .001; 26.2 vs. 23.2, P = .113). Participants who developed parosmia at any point were significantly younger and less likely to have history of chronic sinusitis than those who did not develop parosmia (40.2 vs. 44.9 years, P = .007; 7.2% vs. 0.7%, P = .006).

Conclusion

COVID‐19‐associated olfactory dysfunction is frequently linked with development of parosmia, which often presents either at onset of smell loss or in a delayed fashion. Despite better quantitative olfactory scores, respondents with parosmia report decreased quality of life. A majority of respondents with persistent parosmia have sought treatment.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:633–639, 2022
Analysis of metamaterial‐inspired soil moisture microwave sensor
Authors: Silva Lincoln Alexandre Paz , Brito‐Filho Francisco de Assis , Andrade Humberto Dionísio de
Published: December 2021

In this letter, the authors propose a microwave sensor capable to detect soil moisture content parameter for use in precision agriculture and agricultural smart monitoring applications. The novel sensor is based on complementary split‐ring resonator metamaterial topology, microstrip line and was built under biodegradable dielectric substrate of polylactic acid for sustainable purposes. The sensing mechanism relates the sensor's resonant frequency to the soil moisture content changes over time. For experimental validation purposes, a compact sensor prototype (75 mm × 35 mm × 1.55 mm and 12 g) with fundamental resonant frequency at 958 MHz was built and submitted to calibration process on typically sandy and clay soils to get fitting models capable to estimate soil moisture content. Simulated and experimental results are presented together and show good agreement with each other. The calibration data for both soil types were processed using the least‐squares method and the proposed curve‐fitting models are capable to estimate soil moisture content levels from 5% to 20% for sandy soil and from 12% to 23% for clay soil with satisfactory accuracy, proving the device viability.
Spatially resolved free‐induction decay spectroscopy using a 3D ultra‐short echo time multi‐echo imaging sequence with systematic echo shifting and compensation of B0 field drifts
Authors: Fischer Anja , Martirosian Petros , Benkert Thomas , Schick Fritz
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Biologically interesting signals can exhibit fast transverse relaxation and frequency shifts compared to free water. For spectral assignment, a ultra‐short echo time (UTE) imaging sequence was modified to provide pixel‐wise free‐induction decay (FID) acquisition.

Methods

The UTE‐FID approach presented relies on a multi‐echo 3D spiral UTE sequence with six echoes per radiofrequency (RF) excitation (TEmin 0.05 ms, echo spacing 3 ms). A complex pixel‐wise raw data set for FID spectroscopy is obtained by several multi‐echo UTE measurements with systematic shifting of the readout by 0.25 or 0.5 ms, until the time domain is filled for 18 or 45 ms. B0 drifts are compensated by mapping and according phase correction. Autoregressive extrapolation of the signal is performed before Gaussian filtering. This method was applied to a phantom containing collagen‐water solutions of different concentrations. To calculate the collagen content, a 19‐peak collagen model was extracted from a non‐selective FID spectrum (50% collagen solution). Proton‐density‐collagen‐fraction (PDCF) was calculated for 10 collagen solutions (2%–50%). Furthermore, an in vivo UTE‐FID spectrum of adipose tissue was recorded.

Results

UTE‐FID signal patterns agreed well with the non‐spatially selective pulse‐acquire FID spectrum from a sphere filled with 50% collagen. Differentiation of collagen solution from distilled water in the PDCF map was possible from 4% collagen concentration for a UTE‐FID sequence with 128 × 128 × 64 matrix (voxel size 1 × 1 × 2.85 mm3). The mean values of the PDCF correlate linearly with collagen concentration.

Conclusion

The presented UTE‐FID approach allows pixel‐wise raw data acquisition similar to non‐spatially selective pulse‐acquire spectroscopy. Spatially resolved applications for assessment of spectra of rapidly decaying signals seem feasible.
Time‐varying characteristics of irregular rigid foundations on fractional visco‐poroelastic stratified cross‐anisotropic soils
Authors: Ai Zhi Yong , Hu Ke Xin , Mu Jin Jing
Published: December 2021

Based on the consolidation solutions of cross‐anisotropic stratified fractional visco‐poroelastic soils, the interaction between an irregular rigid foundation and the underlying soils in the time domain is studied. Firstly, the foundation is discretized into a series of elements, which is similar to the division principle of the finite element method (FEM). The displacement equations of the foundation elements are established according to the fact that the rigid foundation remains flat when loaded. Secondly, the flexibility matrix of the soils is obtained from the consolidation solution, which is taken as the kernel function of the Boundary element method (BEM). After that, the interaction equation is derived according to the displacement compatibility condition and equilibrium of forces between the rigid foundation and the soils. So, the relation between the displacement and the contact force of the soils is attained. Finally, the rotation, displacement, and reaction of the foundation are obtained by solving the interaction equation. The results are compared with several published references to prove the validity of this study. Furthermore, numerical examples are designed to investigate the effects of the viscoelasticity, cross‐anisotropy, stratification, aspect ratio and the irregular shape on the time‐varying interaction.
Memory dynamic output feedback controller based on asynchronous event‐triggered robust H‐infinity control for nonlinear ICPSs under data injection attacks
Authors: Qin Yanfei , Sun Ziwen
Published: December 2021

Aiming at reducing the influence caused by data injection attacks, an asynchronous event‐triggered robust H‐infinity control (AERHC) is proposed for the stability of nonlinear ICPSs suffering from data injection attacks. A robust H‐infinity memory dynamic feedback control technique is designed to guarantee asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system under a Lyapunov functional and the robust stability criterion. Furthermore, a memory dynamic feedback controller which has five controller gains different from each other for mitigating the conservative of nonlinear ICPSs and for resisting data injection attacks in ICPSs. Meanwhile, an asynchronous event‐triggered strategy is adopted to reduce the data communication frequency among nonlinear ICPSs components, and it effectively handle the influence of coupling problem between the measurement channel and the control channel. Finally, simulation tests are conducted by using MATLAB to control the robustness of the motor angle position of electromechanical system by using AERHC, which verify that the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Escherichia coli levels and microbial source tracking in stormwater retention ponds and detention basins
Authors: Olson Erika , Hargiss Christina L. M. , Norland Jack
Published: December 2021

Little is known about the spatial and temporal changes that occur with Escherichia coli in urban stormwater systems. The goal of this project was to assess E. coli in urban stormwater detention basins and retention ponds, not connected to the sewer system, to determine temporal and spatial differences and evaluate the sources of E. coli utilizing microbial source tracking (MST). Surface water quality was sampled at three detention basins and five retention ponds during major storm events in the summers of 2018 and 2019. One week after each storm, groundwater and surface water were sampled. The MST samples were taken from storm events and normal flows, for both surface and groundwater. E. coli levels were higher during rain events in both detention basins and retention ponds and infrequently met a recreational standard. E. coli in groundwater was pervasive and infrequently met a recreational standard. The MST analysis found sewage, dog, human, and bird markers during storm events and sewage and bird markers during regular flows.

Practitioner Points

Rain events had significantly more E. coli than during normal flows in both retention ponds and detention basins.

E. coli in groundwater was ubiquitous and fluctuates over time.

Microbial source tracking (MST) found bird, dog, human, and sewage markers present during all storm events analyzed.
Conclusion: Civil Defence Futures (Re)imagined
Authors: Cronqvist Marie , Farbøl Rosanna , Sylvest Casper
Published: December 2021

Reflecting on the individual studies of civil defence during the Cold War provided in this volume, this brief, concluding chapter performs three tasks. First, against the backdrop of the empirical analyses and the collective exploration of the concept of sociotechnical imaginaries, we reflect on the potential and limitations of this concept in historical scholarship. Second, we sum up the findings of the book by drawing attention to some of the most striking similarities and differences that emerge from the empirical chapters. Finally, we briefly make a case for the value and relevance of civil defence history for current imaginaries of security for civil society in Europe in the face of a highly diverse range of potential threats.
‘The World is Her Home’: The Role of Women Volunteers in Dutch Civil Defence in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: van Lente Dick
Published: December 2021

This chapter describes, and attempts to explain, the contrast between a successful campaign by women volunteers to prepare women for protecting their families in the event of nuclear war and the stumbling efforts of the official Dutch civil defence organisation. The explanation is sought in the perception (or sociotechnical imaginary) of these women of their role in the nuclear age, and the grassroots quality of their work, as opposed to the top-down views and practices of the civil defence organisation, in a society which had a low opinion of the government’s efficacy in the extreme emergency of a nuclear war. The chapter illustrates the influence of widespread and deeply engrained perceptions, such as trust in the government and gender stereotypes, on attitudes towards a new threat.
Ruins of Resilience: Imaginaries and Materiality Imagineered and Embedded in Civil Defence Architecture
Authors: Farbøl Rosanna
Published: December 2021

This chapter examines ruin towns: civil defence training grounds that replicated urban war zones. The ruins provided a stage for enacting nuclear war, where the merely imagined was given a tangible expression. The chapter sketches the transnational extension-by-invitation of a British model of ruins to Denmark, and through architectural and historical analysis, it asks how it was re-embedded into a new national context and appropriated to local needs to become part of the common Danish civil defence landscape. The chapter, then, discusses how these ruin towns contributed to an affirmation of social norms and values, arguing that they caused a taming of the nuclear catastrophe as well as reflecting and reinforcing a specific political and historically situated understanding of social urban order and the good society.
Framing Civil Defence Critique: Swiss Physicians’ Resistance to the Coordinated Medical Services in the 1980s
Authors: Marti Sibylle
Published: December 2021

The Coordinated Medical Services, an emblematic organisation of Switzerland’s total national defence system, were operational at the beginning of the 1980s. Through the Coordinated Medical Services, Swiss authorities propagated a sociotechnical imaginary the core of which was that Switzerland was able to survive a nuclear war through a huge collective effort. This vision faced severe criticism, in particular, from members of the Physicians for Social Responsibility and the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (PSR/IPPNW Switzerland). The chapter sheds light on their resistive actions, including conscientious objection, as well as on their effective discursive strategy of subjectivisation centring around the figure of the conscientious physician. This resistance contributed to a growing civil defence criticism that challenged the Swiss total national defence imaginary.
Feeling Present in Virtual Environments
Authors: Tjostheim Ingvar , Waterworth John A.
Published: December 2021

We compare and contrast different current theoretical accounts of telepresence, including presence as a pretence (a simulation of reality), as pretending (making believe the virtual world is real), as a perceptual illusion (“the illusion of non-mediation”), and as embodied attention to the surrounding (or apparently surrounding) environment. These views are well-accepted in the field, and can be seen as contributing to a virtual travel experience, which is a kind of illusion. When we feel highly present, we believe in the perceived world in which we experience ourselves to be—it is in that moment real to us. Creating that effect is a key part of a convincing digital travel experience. To have that experience, we must be attending to the digital world, feeling as if we are physically surrounded by it. Our imaginations are involved in how we perceive our surroundings, and in how we conceptualise being there.
Tensor renormalization group and the volume independence in 2D U(N) and SU(N) gauge theories
Authors: Hirasawa Mitsuaki , Matsumoto Akira , Nishimura Jun , Yosprakob Atis
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The tensor renormalization group method is a promising approach to lattice field theories, which is free from the sign problem unlike standard Monte Carlo methods. One of the remaining issues is the application to gauge theories, which is so far limited to U(1) and SU(2) gauge groups. In the case of higher rank, it becomes highly nontrivial to restrict the number of representations in the character expansion to be used in constructing the fundamental tensor. We propose a practical strategy to accomplish this and demonstrate it in 2D U(N) and SU(N) gauge theories, which are exactly solvable. Using this strategy, we obtain the singular-value spectrum of the fundamental tensor, which turns out to have a definite profile in the large-N limit. For the U(N) case, in particular, we show that the large-N behavior of the singular-value spectrum changes qualitatively at the critical coupling of the Gross-Witten-Wadia phase transition. As an interesting consequence, we find a new type of volume independence in the large-N limit of the 2D U(N) gauge theory with the θ term in the strong coupling phase, which goes beyond the Eguchi-Kawai reduction.
Usefulness of noninvasive diagnostic procedures for assessment of methotrexate hepatotoxicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Frankowski Marek , Świerkot Jerzy , Gomułkiewicz Marek , Korman Lucyna , Skoczyńska Marta , Starba Aleksandra
Published: December 2021

Methotrexate (MTX) is recommended as a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are no strict guidelines regarding monitoring for liver damage in RA patients. This study aimed to evaluate noninvasive diagnostic procedures in assessing liver fibrosis in RA patients. Ninety-six RA patients were recruited for this study. The procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) serum level was measured in all patients. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF-1) was calculated for 82 patients. Transient elastography (TE) was performed in 91 patients, those examined were divided into two groups: a study and control group, comprising patients with and without risk factors for liver fibrosis, respectively. The TE result correlated only with the body mass index—BMI (p < 0.05); there was no correlation with the cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.33). The TE result was significantly higher in those with risk factors for liver fibrosis than in those without risk factors (TE result >  = 7.1 kPa 28/42 vs 13/41, HR = 2.103, Mann–Whitney U test, approximately 0.02). There was a positive correlation between the PIIINP level and body weight (p = 0.028), cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.007), RA activity (p = 0.028) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the ELF-1 score and age (p < 0.001), cumulative MTX dose (p = 0.007) and RA activity (p < 0.001). The PIIINP level and ELF-1 score are not organ specific, and readings may vary depending on RA activity. TE is organ specific and can be performed by a skilled ultrasonographer might be useful to assess actual liver condition.
Truncating the exponential with a uniform distribution
Authors: Weißbach Rafael , Wied Dominik
Published: December 2021

For a sample of Exponentially distributed durations we aim at point estimation and a confidence interval for its parameter. A duration is only observed if it has ended within a certain time interval, determined by a Uniform distribution. Hence, the data is a truncated empirical process that we can approximate by a Poisson process when only a small portion of the sample is observed, as is the case for our applications. We derive the likelihood from standard arguments for point processes, acknowledging the size of the latent sample as the second parameter, and derive the maximum likelihood estimator for both. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator for the Exponential parameter are derived from standard results on M-estimation. We compare the design with a simple random sample assumption for the observed durations. Theoretically, the derivative of the log-likelihood is less steep in the truncation-design for small parameter values, indicating a larger computational effort for root finding and a larger standard error. In applications from the social and economic sciences and in simulations, we indeed, find a moderately increased standard error when acknowledging truncation.
Energy-dense dietary patterns high in free sugars and saturated fat and associations with obesity in young adults
Authors: Livingstone Katherine Mary , Sexton-Dhamu Meaghan J. , Pendergast Felicity J. , Worsley Anthony , Brayner Barbara , McNaughton Sarah A.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To derive dietary patterns based on dietary energy density (DED), free sugars, SFA, and fiber and investigate association with odds of overweight/obesity in young adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 625 young Australian adults (18–30 years) were used. Dietary patterns were derived using reduced rank regression based on dietary data from a smartphone food diary using DED, free sugars, SFA, and fiber density as response variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate associations between dietary patterns and odds of self-reported overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).

Results

Two dietary patterns were identified (DP1 and DP2). DP-1 was positively correlated with DED, free sugars, and SFA, and inversely correlated with fiber density. It was characterized by higher sugar-sweetened beverages intake and lower vegetable intake, and associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity (OR: 1.22; 95% CI 1.05, 1.42). DP-2 was positively correlated with fiber density and free sugars, and inversely correlated with DED and SFA. It was characterized by higher sugar-sweetened beverages intake and lower non-lean red meat intake, and was not significantly associated with overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

An energy-dense dietary pattern high in free sugars and SFA and low in fiber was associated with higher odds of obesity in young adults. These findings support dietary interventions that target reductions in energy-dense foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Model Catalysis with HOPG-Supported Pd Nanoparticles and Pd Foil: XPS, STM and C2H4 Hydrogenation
Authors: Motin Md. Abdul , Steiger-Thirsfeld Andreas , Stöger-Pollach Michael , Rupprechter Günther
Published: December 2021

A surface science based approach was applied to model carbon supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts. Employing physical vapour deposition of Pd on sputtered surfaces of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), model catalysts were prepared that are well-suited for characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Analysis of the HOPG substrate before and after ion-bombardment, and of Pd/HOPG before and after annealing, revealed the number of “nominal” HOPG defects (~ 1014 cm−2) as well as the nucleation density (~ 1012 cm−2) and structural characteristics of the Pd nanoparticles (mean size/height/distribution). Two model systems were stabilized by UHV annealing to 300 °C, with mean Pd particles sizes of 4.3 and 6.8 nm and size/height aspect ratio up to ~ 10. A UHV-compatible flow microreactor and gas chromatography were used to determine the catalytic performance of Pd/HOPG in ethylene (C2H4) hydrogenation up to 150 °C under atmospheric pressure, yielding temperature-dependent conversion values, turnover frequencies (TOFs) and activation energies. The performance of Pd nanocatalysts is compared to that of polycrystalline Pd foil and contrasted to Pt/HOPG and Pt foil, pointing to a beneficial effect of the metal/carbon phase boundary, reflected by up to 10 kJ mol−1lower activation energies for supported nanoparticles.

Graphical Abstract
How might climate change affect river flows across West Africa?
Authors: Rameshwaran Ponnambalam , Bell Victoria A. , Davies Helen N. , Kay Alison L.
Published: December 2021

West Africa and its semi-arid Sahelian region are one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change with a history of extreme climate variability. There is still considerable uncertainty as to how projected climate change will affect precipitation at local and regional scales and the consequent impact on river flows and water resources across West Africa. Here, we aim to address this uncertainty by configuring a regional-scale hydrological model to West Africa. The model (hydrological modelling framework for West Africa—HMF-WA) simulates spatially consistent river flows on a 0.1° × 0.1° grid (approximately 10 km × 10 km) continuously across the whole domain and includes estimates of anthropogenic water use, wetland inundation, and local hydrological features such as endorheic regions. Regional-scale hydrological simulations driven by observed weather data are assessed against observed flows before undertaking an analysis of the impact of projected future climate scenarios from the CMIP5 on river flows up to the end of the twenty-first century. The results indicate that projected future changes in river flows are highly spatially variable across West Africa, particularly across the Sahelian region where the predicted changes are more pronounced. The study shows that median peak flows are projected to decrease by 23% in the west (e.g. Senegal) and increase by 80% in the eastern region (e.g. Chad) by the 2050s. The projected reductions in river flows in western Sahel lead to future droughts and water shortages more likely, while in the eastern Sahel, projected increases lead to future frequent floods.
Lévy noise-induced self-induced stochastic resonance in a memristive neuron
Authors: Yamakou Marius E. , Tran Tat Dat
Published: December 2021

All previous studies on self-induced stochastic resonance (SISR) in neural systems have only considered the idealized Gaussian white noise. Moreover, these studies have ignored one electrophysiological aspect of the nerve cell: its memristive properties. In this paper, first, we show that in the excitable regime, the asymptotic matching of the deterministic timescale and mean escape timescale of an $$\alpha $$
α
-stable Lévy process (with value increasing as a power $$\sigma ^{-\alpha }$$

σ

-
α

of the noise amplitude $$\sigma $$
σ
, unlike the mean escape timescale of a Gaussian process which increases as in Kramers’ law) can also induce a strong SISR. In addition, it is shown that the degree of SISR induced by Lévy noise is not always higher than that of Gaussian noise. Second, we show that, for both types of noises, the two memristive properties of the neuron have opposite effects on the degree of SISR: the stronger the feedback gain parameter that controls the modulation of the membrane potential with the magnetic flux and the weaker the feedback gain parameter that controls the saturation of the magnetic flux, the higher the degree of SISR. Finally, we show that, for both types of noises, the degree of SISR in the memristive neuron is always higher than in the non-memristive neuron. Our results could guide hardware implementations of neuromorphic silicon circuits operating in noisy regimes.
The Aftermath of Anti-Dumping: Are Temporary Trade Barriers Really Temporary?
Authors: Silberberger Magdalene , Slany Anja , Soegaard Christian , Stender Frederik
Published: December 2021

A consistent finding in the literature is that anti-dumping (AD) acts as a significant barrier to bilateral trade, in particular, during the time such measures are in force. Adding to a relatively scarce empirical literature, however, we identify adverse impacts of AD which survive well beyond its revocation. More specifically, while we cannot rule out a slight post-revocation recovery, we find empirical evidence that once affected bilateral trade does not fully recover on average following revocation. We use panel data at the Harmonized System four-digit (HS4) level of aggregation to produce these results and show that they are robust to the duration of AD cases, the time of their imposition and revocation, differentiation by economic sector and the nature of imposing countries. Several explanations for our observed empirical results seem plausible, and we provide a theoretical framework which suggests our results could be driven by market exit or underinvestment of targeted firms.
Minimally invasive approach: is this the future of aortic surgery?
Authors: Berretta Paolo , Galeazzi Michele , Cefarelli Mariano , Alfonsi Jacopo , De Angelis Veronica , Pierri Michele Danilo , Matteucci Sacha M. L. , Alessandroni Eugenio , Zingaro Carlo , Capestro Filippo , D’Alfonso Alessandro , Di Eusanio Marco
Published: December 2021

Median sternotomy incision has shown to be a safe and efficacious approach in patients who require thoracic aortic interventions and still represents the gold-standard access. Nevertheless, over the last decade, less invasive techniques have gained wider clinical application in cardiac surgery becoming the first-choice approach to treat heart valve diseases, in experienced centers. The popularization of less invasive techniques coupled with an increased patient demand for less invasive therapies has motivated aortic surgeons to apply minimally invasive approaches to more challenging procedures, such as aortic root replacement and arch repair. However, technical demands and the paucity of available clinical data have still limited the widespread adoption of minimally invasive thoracic aortic interventions. This review aimed to assess and comment on the surgical techniques and the current evidence on mini thoracic aortic surgery.
An open-label, single-arm, multi-center, phase II clinical trial of single-dose [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine therapy for patients with refractory pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
Authors: Inaki Anri , Shiga Tohru , Tsushima Yoshito , Jinguji Megumi , Wakabayashi Hiroshi , Kayano Daiki , Akatani Norihito , Yamase Takafumi , Kunita Yuji , Watanabe Satoru , Hiromasa Tomo , Mori Hiroshi , Hirata Kenji , Watanabe Shiro , Higuchi Tetsuya , Tomonaga Hiroyasu , Kinuya Seigo
Published: December 2021

Objective

In this phase II study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of single-dose [131I]meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-mIBG) therapy in patients with refractory pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL).

Patients and methods

This study was designed as an open-label, single-arm, multi-center, phase II clinical trial. The enrolled patients were administered 7.4 GBq of 131I-mIBG. Its efficacy was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks later, and its safety was monitored continuously until the end of the study. We evaluated the biochemical response rate as the primary endpoint using the one-sided exact binomial test based on the null hypothesis (≤ 5%).

Results

Seventeen patients were enrolled in this study, of which 16 were treated. The biochemical response rate (≥ 50% decrease in urinary catecholamines) was 23.5% (90% confidence interval: 8.5–46.1%, p = 0.009). The radiographic response rates, determined with CT/MRI according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and 123I-mIBG scintigraphy were 5.9% (0.3%–25.0%) and 29.4% (12.4%–52.2%), respectively. The most frequent non-hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, appetite loss, and constipation, which were, together, observed in 15 of 16 patients. Hematologic TEAEs up to grade 3 were observed in 14 of 16 patients. No grade 4 or higher TEAEs were observed. All patients had experienced at least one TEAE, but no fatal or irreversible TEAEs were observed.

Conclusion

A single dose 131I-mIBG therapy was well tolerated by patients with PPGL, and statistically significantly reduced catecholamine levels compared to the threshold response rate, which may lead to an improved prognosis for these patients.
On the stress potential of videoconferencing: definition and root causes of Zoom fatigue
Authors: Riedl René
Published: December 2021

As a consequence of lockdowns due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the resulting restricted social mobility, several billion people worldwide have recently had to replace physical face-to-face communication with computer-mediated interaction. Notably, the adoption rates of videoconferencing increased significantly in 2020, predominantly because videoconferencing resembles face-to-face interaction. Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex are used by hundreds of millions of people today. Videoconferencing may bring benefits (e.g., saving of travel costs, preservation of environment). However, prolonged and inappropriate use of videoconferencing may also have an enormous stress potential. A new phenomenon and term emerged, Zoom fatigue, a synonym for videoconference fatigue. This paper develops a definition for Zoom fatigue and presents a conceptual framework that explores the major root causes of videoconferencing fatigue and stress. The development of the framework draws upon media naturalness theory and its underlying theorizing is based on research published across various scientific fields, including the disciplines of both behavioral science and neuroscience. Based on this theoretical foundation, hypotheses are outlined. Moreover, implications for research and practice are discussed.
Recovery of Paleodictyon patterns after simulated mining activity on Pacific nodule fields
Authors: Boehringer Lilian , Ramalho Sofia P. , Marcon Yann , Boetius Antje , Cuvelier Daphne , Purser Autun
Published: December 2021

Since the late 1980s, various experiments have been conducted in polymetallic nodule fields of the Pacific Ocean to assess the potential environmental impacts of future mining, specifically in two areas: the Peru Basin and the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ). Two expeditions, SO242/2 in 2015 (Peru Basin) and SO268/1 + 2 in 2019 (CCZ), deployed a towed camera system to collect imagery from both areas. These expeditions aimed to assess recovery of fauna in the short (few weeks) and long term (several years) following physical seafloor disturbance actions designed to mimic potential mining, by ploughs, dredges and epibenthic sleds. Within the collected image data, several strikingly hexagonal hole patterns were observed and identified as Paleodictyon nodosum, and an irregular form of Paleodictyon traces, both on undisturbed and disturbed areas of seafloor. Recent forms occur abundantly in various deep-sea regions, but their origin, and how they represent the mode of life of the forming organism, remains unknown. In this study, the imaged occurrences of Paleodictyon traces on disturbed seafloor sheds light on the lifecycle of the forming organism, demonstrating that they can recolonize disturbed habitat and produce the trace network in a few weeks. Nevertheless, the density of these patterns on disturbed substrates was lower than observed on undisturbed substrates in both nodule regions. We therefore hypothesize that, along with other benthic deep-sea fauna, these structures and the forming organism are impacted by physical seafloor disturbance, and even 26 years after disturbance, densities on disturbed sediments have not recovered to undisturbed levels.
Monitoring of wastewater quality in Lodz sewage system (Poland)—do the current solutions enable the protection of WWTP and receiving water?
Authors: Sakson Grazyna , Brzezinska Agnieszka , Bandzierz Dawid , Olejnik Dorota , Jedrzejczak Małgorzata , Gryglik Dorota , Badowska Ewa
Published: December 2021

Solving urban wastewater management problems requires knowledge of wastewater composition and variability. In the case of combined sewerage, this applies to both dry and wet weather. Wastewater composition is changing as a result of the appearance of new substances on the market, the changes in inhabitant lifestyle and the catchment characteristic; therefore, it must be constantly monitored. At the same time, due to the time-consuming and high costs of measurement campaigns, solutions that could limit their scope and facilitate the interpretation of the results are sought. This paper presents the results of the measurement campaign conducted in 2018–2021. The aim of the monitoring was, inter alia, assessment of wastewater composition in terms of threats to wastewater treatment plant and urban rivers, which are receivers of discharge from combined sewer overflows. The obtained results were analyzed using the multivariate statistical methods: Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis. However, the applied methods did not allow for the full identification of the relationship between the wastewater quality parameters as well as the differences and similarities in the wastewater composition from individual parts of the city, which could simplify and reduce the measurement campaigns in the future. Therefore, in the case of large urban catchments, it is necessary to introduce other solutions to control the wastewater composition.
Einschüchtern und Vertreiben, Bestrafen und Eskalieren. Instrumentelle Zielsetzungen rechtsterroristischen Handelns
Authors: Virchow Fabian
Published: December 2021

Der Beitrag entwickelt anhand zahlreicher Beispiele rechtsterroristischer Gewalt eine Systematisierung instrumenteller Zielsetzungen rechtsterroristischen Handelns. Dabei ruft er zunächst als zentrale weltanschauliche Referenz den völkischen Nationalismus auf, dem biopolitische Paradigmen inhärent sind, denen mittels rechtsterroristischer Gewalt Geltung verschafft werden soll. Dieses ist für eine Vielzahl rechtsterroristischer Gewalttaten zentral, denen es um die Aufrechterhaltung rassistischer, sexistischer und heteronormativer Gesellschaftsverhältnisse geht. Regelmäßig ist solche Gewalt auch als Botschaftsverbrechen zu verstehen, wobei ganz unterschiedliche Modi der Kommunikation beobachtbar sind. Rechtsterroristische Gewalt – sofern sie nicht parastaatlich verfasst ist – hat nicht die direkte Schwächung der Kampffähigkeit des Gegners zum Ziel, sondern zielt auf Bestrafung, Einschüchterung und Vertreibung ausgewählter sozialer Gruppen und Individuen sowie in manchen Fällen auf das strategische Moment der Zuspitzung gesellschaftlicher Konflikte, wie im abschließenden Teil des Beitrages an zahlreichen Beispielen gezeigt wird.
The Potential and Pitfalls of Collector Collaboration in Southeast Arizona
Authors: Whisenhunt Mary E.
Published: December 2021

In locales where much of the archaeological record has been destroyed or heavily impacted by pothunting and development, engaging with collector informants—including those who legally excavated sites on private property in the 1980s—can help fill crucial information gaps. However, such collaboration can pose ethical, and potentially legal, challenges. In this article, I outline research goals and results from a survey project in southeast Arizona's York-Duncan Valley, discuss the legal and ethical implications involved in working with former pothunters, and offer a critical evaluation of project practice. Finally, I offer a set of recommendations for those considering similar collaborations. I argue that the rejection of individuals who are knowledgeable about damaged or destroyed archaeological sites effectively silences the sites forever. Data acquired from former pothunters led to the identification and recording of 25 of 87 archaeological sites in the York-Duncan Valley. These individuals also served as interlocutors with others in the local community, helping us foster the trusted relationships necessary to promote site preservation on private property. A long-term engagement strategy that incorporates an assessment determining whether collector informants are responsible or responsive and that nurtures community involvement in preserving local archaeology offers a more productive course of action.
Respiratory virus coinfections with severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to be rare one year into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Alberta, Canada (June 2020–May 2021)
Authors: Kanji Jamil N. , Zelyas Nathan , Pabbaraju Kanti , Granger David , Wong Anita , Murphy Stephanie A. , Buss Emily , MacDonald Clayton , Berenger Byron M. , Diggle Mathew A. , Marshall Natalie C. , Conly John M. , Tipples Graham
Published: December 2021

To assess the burden of respiratory virus coinfections with severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), this study reviewed 4,818 specimens positive for SARS-CoV-2 and tested using respiratory virus multiplex testing. Coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 were uncommon (2.8%), with enterovirus or rhinovirus as the most prevalent target (88.1%). Respiratory virus coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 remains low 1 year into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of Late Devonian high-Mg andesites in the Beishan orogen, NW China
Authors: Wang Guo-Qiang , Li Xiang-Min , Yu Ji-Yuan , Bu Tao , Huang Bo-Tao , Liu Yu-Jie
Published: December 2021

High-Mg andesites (HMAs) are crucial for the reconstruction of plate tectonics, continental margin formation and lithospheric evolution. In this study, we present new fossil age, whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope data on the newly discovered Dundunshan Group HMAs in the Dundunshan area of the Beishan orogen (central-southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt). The Dundunshan HMA samples are characterized by high MgO (6.47–7.02 wt%) contents and high Mg#values (67.27–68.77), with SiO2(58.57–62.13 wt%), Al2O3(14.49–16.07 wt%) and CaO (5.05–6.24 wt%) resembling typical HMAs. The Dundunshan HMA samples are calc-alkaline and strongly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs), with slightly negative Eu anomaly and high-field-strength element (HFSE) depletions. Their (87Sr/86Sr)iratios (0.7041–0.7057) and ϵNd(t)(3.73–5.59) indicate that the Dundunshan HMAs were mainly formed by the interactions between subducted oceanic sediment-derived melts and mantle peridotites. Fossil evidence and published radiometric age data constrain the formation of the Dundunshan HMAs to early Late Devonian time. Sedimentological features of the Middle Devonian Sangejing Formation and regional tectonic correlation suggest that the Hongliuhe–Niujuanzi–Xichangjing Ocean in the Dundunshan area was likely closed during late Middle Devonian time, and that the Dundunshan HMAs were formed in a post-collision extensional setting.
Reimagining the Family of King Charles I in Nineteenth-Century British Painting
Authors: Murray Catriona
Published: December 2021

The nineteenth century represents a formative period for the development of historical consciousness in Britain, with texts and, increasingly, images shaping perceptions of the past. This article examines how Stuart history was interpreted and experienced, through a series of historical genre paintings of King Charles I and his family. It explores how Anthony van Dyck's depiction of politicized domesticity in royal portraiture was revised and reworked in these later images. Reimagining Stuart family life, they extended processes of remembering, enlisting audiences in an active, participatory engagement with the past. Probing temporal, visual, and verbal alignments and connections, the article contributes further dimensions to the understanding of historical representation. It argues that these paintings stirred the viewer's intellectual, emotional, and associative responses to encourage a sense of proximity. Establishing an episodic narrative, they initiated processes of recollection and recognition, they reflected sympathetic historiographies, and they encouraged a shared community with their pictorial protagonists. By so doing, nineteenth-century artists diminished historical distance and fashioned a familiarized past.
Effects of dietary iodine supplement on sheep milk and cheese
Authors: Carnicelli Veronica , Lizzi Anna Rita , Ponzi Alessia , Luzi Carla , Grotta Lisa , Bennato Francesca , Di Giulio Antonio
Published: December 2021

The work reported in this paper addresses the iodine nutritional deficiency that still affects a large number of people. For this purpose, we analyzed the possibility to use, as iodine vehicle, a hard typical ewe cheese, called Canestrato d'Abruzzo, derived from milk of ewes fed with an iodine-fortified diet. Both in the milk and the cheese of these animals, the iodine level was higher than that measured in sheep with a normal diet. An increase in the lactoferrin and iron content was evident in the whey derived from milk of the iodine group. Furthermore, in derived cheese, the caseins seemed more efficiently transformed in small peptides making the product more digestible and, for this reason, particularly suitable for feeding the elderly. In conclusion, the dairy products obtained from ewes fed with iodine diet contain more bioactive compounds so that they represent a useful food to prevent iodine and iron deficiency in lamb and humans.
Protein arginine methyltransferases in protozoan parasites
Authors: Rodriguez Mario Alberto
Published: December 2021

Arginine methylation is a post-translational modification involved in gene transcription, signalling pathways, DNA repair, RNA metabolism and splicing, among others, mechanisms that in protozoa parasites may be involved in pathogenicity-related events. This modification is performed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), which according to their products are divided into three main types: type I yields monomethylarginine (MMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine; type II produces MMA and symmetric dimethylarginine; whereas type III catalyses MMA only. Nine PRMTs (PRMT1 to PRMT9) have been characterized in humans, whereas in protozoa parasites, except for Giardia intestinalis, three to eight PRMTs have been identified, where in each group there are at least two enzymes belonging to type I, the majority with higher similarity to human PRMT1, and one of type II, related to human PRMT5. However, the information on the role of most of these enzymes in the parasites biology is limited so far. Here, current knowledge of PRMTs in protozoan parasites is reviewed; these enzymes participate in the cell growth, stress response, stage transitions and virulence of these microorganisms. Thus, PRMTs are attractive targets for developing new therapeutic strategies against these pathogens.