bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reported clinical incidents of children with intellectual disability: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Ong Natalie , Mimmo Laurel , Barnett Diana , Long Janet , Weise Janelle , Walton Merrilyn
Published: May 2022

Aim

To qualitatively explore reported clinical incidents of children with intellectual disability aged 0 to 18 years.

Method

A secondary qualitative evaluation using latent content analysis was used on retrospective hospital incident management reporting data (1st January–31st December 2017) on 1367 admissions for 1018 randomly selected patients admitted to two tertiary children's hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Sex and age at admission in children with and without intellectual disability: 83 (43.7%) versus 507 (43.1%) females and 107 (56.3%) versus 670 (56.9%) males, p=0.875; median age 3 years (0–18y) versus 4 years (0–18y), p=0.122. Of these, 44 patient safety incident reports for children with intellectual disability (sex, SD, and range) and 167 incident reports for children without intellectual disability (sex, SD, and range) were found and analysed.

Results

Ten themes were synthesized from the data and represented the groups with and without intellectual disability. Children with intellectual disability had a significantly higher proportion of care issues identified by their parents. They also had higher rates of multiple reported clinical incidents per admission compared to children without intellectual disability.

Interpretation

Mechanisms to advocate and raise patient safety issues for children with intellectual disability are needed. Partnerships with parents and training of staff in reporting clinical incidents for this population would enhance the embedding of reasonable adaptations into incident management systems for ongoing monitoring and improvement.

What this paper adds

Children with intellectual disability experienced multiple patient safety incidents per admission compared to children without intellectual disability.

Children with intellectual disability had significantly increased rates of parent‐identified incidents.

Issues with medication, communication, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and identification of deterioration were noted.
Lifestyle changes and kidney function: A 10‐year follow‐up study in patients with manifest cardiovascular disease
Authors: Østergaard Helena Bleken , Demirhan Imre , Westerink Jan , Verhaar Marianne C. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , de Borst Gert J. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Visseren Frank L. J. , van der Leeuw Joep ,   the UCC‐SMART studygroup
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at higher risk of kidney function decline. The current study aimed to examine the association of lifestyle changes with kidney function decline in patients with manifest CVD.

Methods

A total of 2260 patients from the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort‐Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease cohort with manifest CVD who returned for a follow‐up visit after a median of 9.9 years were included. The relation between change in lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and obesity) and change in kidney function (eGFR and uACR) was assessed using linear regression models.

Results

An increase in body mass index (β −2.81; 95% CI −3.98; −1.63 per 5 kg/m2) and for men also an increase in waist circumference (β −0.87; 95% CI −1.28; −0.47 per 5 cm) were significantly associated with a steeper decline in eGFR over 10 years. Continuing smoking (β −2.44, 95% CI −4.43; −0.45) and recent smoking cessation during follow‐up (β −3.27; 95% CI −5.20; −1.34) were both associated with a steeper eGFR decline compared to patients who remained as non‐ or previous smokers from baseline. No significant association was observed between physical exercise or alcohol consumption and kidney function decline. No significant relation between any lifestyle factor and change in uACR was observed.

Conclusions

In patients with CVD, continuing smoking, recent smoking cessation and an increase in obesity markers were related to a steeper kidney function decline. Although no definite conclusions from this study can be drawn, the results support the importance of encouraging weight loss and smoking cessation in high‐risk patients as a means of slowing down kidney function decline.
Investigation of damage mechanisms and short fatigue crack growth during thermomechanical fatigue loading of the nickel‐based superalloy Inconel 100
Authors: Schackert Sophie Madeleine , Schweizer Christoph
Published: May 2022

Growing demands on gas turbines, meaning lower consumption and higher efficiency, is accompanied by higher temperatures inside the turbine. Better lifetime prediction concepts for thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) loading of gas turbine components are needed to ensure safe operation. The influence of the TMF loading history—either in‐phase (IP) or out‐of‐phase (OP)—on crack initiation and short crack growth is studied for the cast nickel‐based super alloy IN100, which is commonly used as blade material. Therefore, smooth specimens are loaded at two different mechanical strain levels with, respectively, two phase relationships, using a temperature cycle T = 300–950°C and T = 300–850°C. The replica technique is used to detect cracks in the order of tens of micrometers. The differences in crack initiation and short crack growth are studied for the different loading conditions and the development of the crack length evolving from multiple short cracks is investigated.
The challenges and opportunities of using small drones to monitor fishing activities in a marine protected area
Authors: Reis‐Filho José Amorim , Joyeux Jean‐Christophe , Pimentel Caio Ribeiro , Teixeira João Batista , Macieira Raphael , Garla Ricardo C. , Mello Thayná , Gasparini João Luiz , Giarrizzo Tommaso , Rocha Luiz , Pinheiro Hudson T.
Published: May 2022

Fishing monitoring to gather fishery dynamic data is usually land‐based or carried from onboard inspections. However, direct georeferencing of fishing activities using aerial drones is a versatile and easy option that can potentially improve fishery studies, especially in Marine Protected Areas. We investigated the utility of aerial images to understand spatial displacement and fishing territoriality in a Brazilian MPA system under risk of deregulation. Survey flights were conducted in the multiple use area where fishing is allowed in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, located in the South Atlantic Ocean and considered one of the main ecotourism destinations and marine conservation sites in Brazil. An aircraft was used to map and detect several aspects of fishing activities and shallow seabed characteristics to demonstrate its utility for fishery management. We recorded 89 fishing activities in the marine area and 75 shore fishers on beaches. Results documented areas most intensively targeted by fishers, and operational aspects of fishing effort, both onboard and shoreline activities targeting shoals. Enforcement and monitoring efforts must be strengthened to assess the impact of expanded fishing activity in this marine sanctuary, mainly due to fading conservation rules imposed by top‐down political decisions. This aerial approach demonstrates the utility of quantifying and mapping fishing activities to assist both MPA and fisheries management aligned to benchmarks for biodiversity conservation and human‐based demands.
Global loss of Neuron‐specific gene 1 causes alterations in motor coordination, increased anxiety, and diurnal hyperactivity in male mice
Authors: Austin Roman , Chander Praveen , Zimmerman Amber J. , Overby Malene , Digilio Laura , Yap Chan Choo , Linsenbardt David N. , Müller Heidi Kaastrup , Weick Jason P.
Published: May 2022

The Neuron‐specific gene family (NSG1‐3) consists of small endolysosomal proteins that are critical for trafficking multiple receptors and signaling molecules in neurons. NSG1 has been shown to play a critical role in AMPAR recycling from endosomes to plasma membrane during synaptic plasticity. However, to date nothing is known about whether NSG1 is required for normal behavior at an organismal level. Here we performed a battery of behavioral tests to determine whether loss of NSG1 would affect motor, cognitive, and/or affective behaviors, as well as circadian‐related activity. Consistent with unique cerebellar expression of NSG1 among family members, we found that NSG1 was obligatory for motor coordination but not for gross motor function or learning. NSG1 knockout (KO) also altered performance across other behavioral modalities including anxiety‐related and diurnal activity paradigms. Surprisingly, NSG1 KO did not cause significant impairments across all tasks within a given modality, but had specific effects within each modality. For instance, we found increases in anxiety‐related behaviors in tasks with multiple stressors (e.g., elevation and exposure), but not those with a single main stressor (e.g., exposure). Interestingly, NSG1 KO animals displayed a significant increase in locomotor activity during subjective daytime, suggesting a possible impact on diurnal activity rhythms or vigilance. Surprisingly, loss of NSG1 had no effect on hippocampal‐dependent learning despite previous studies showing deficits in CA1 long‐term potentiation. Together, these findings do not support a role of NSG1 in hippocampal‐dependent learning, but support a role in mediating proper neuronal function across amygdalar and cerebellar circuits.
Effectiveness of root canal irrigation and dressing for the treatment of apical periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero , Rödig Tina
Published: May 2022

Background

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and/or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) are commonly used during root canal treatment. Evaluation of their effectiveness regarding clinical and patient‐related outcomes requires further understanding.

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of root canal irrigation and dressing for the treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis (AP).

Methods

A search was conducted in the PubMed‐MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google scholar databases and available repositories, followed by hand searches, until July 2021. Eligibility criteria followed the a priori formulated Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, Timing, and Study design (PICOTS) framework. Clinical studies restricted to English language were included. The revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2) was used to assess the quality of included studies. Meta‐analyses were performed using the fixed‐effect model to obtain Risk Ratio (RR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI), with sensitivity analysis. Overall quality of evidence of meta‐analyses was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool.

Results

The search identified 1357 records of which six fulfilled the inclusion criteria, providing data for ‘irrigation’ from 212 teeth and for ‘dressings’ from 438 teeth. Two studies reported no significant difference regarding the outcome ‘pain at 7 days’ using 2% chlorhexidine vs. 5.25% NaOCl and EDTA or after using different concentrations of NaOCl (1% vs. 5%). No significant difference was detected between different NaOCl concentrations regarding the reduction of AP. A meta‐analysis was possible for the comparison of single‐visit (SV) versus multiple‐visits including the use of Ca(OH)2 demonstrating a significant effect in favour of SV (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.19; p = .007; I2 = 0). RoB of included studies was moderate to low.

Discussion

The use of Ca(OH)2 for the treatment of AP may not be beneficial. There is scarce or no evidence fulfilling the proposed PICOTS regarding irrigants and dressings.

Conclusions

There is moderate certainty that SV treatment is associated with better radiographic evidence of normal periodontal ligament space (strict criteria) compared with the use of Ca(OH)2. Reduction of AP is comparable after irrigation with 1% and 5% NaOCl, whereas postoperative pain at 7 days for the irrigants assessed is similar.

Registration

PROSPERO database CRD42021260271.
Excellent properties of Ga‐doped ZnO film as an alternative transparent electrode for thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Peng Shou , Wang Wei , Yao Tingting , Guan Min , Gan Zhiping , Chu Jingyuan , Gai Linlin
Published: May 2022

Optical and electrical properties of transparent electrode are directly related to the photoelectric conversion efficiency of thin‐film solar cells. For this reason, Ga and Al‐doped ZnO (GZO and AZO) transparent conducting films were fabricated on float glass through the magnetic sputtering technique. Compared with AZO films, GZO films show a higher figure of merit (FoM) value indicating their outstanding optical and electrical properties. The smaller difference of ionic radius between Ga3+ and Zn2+ than Al3+ and Zn2+ contributes to high carrier concentration and electron mobility of GZO films. In addition, it has been shown that GZO films can be stable at high substrate temperatures. After being annealed at 550°C in N2 atmosphere, the FoM value of GZO films is twice as much as that of FTO films, indicating that GZO can be applied as the front contact material not only in CIGS thin‐film solar cells, but also in CdTe thin‐film solar cells.
Clinical clues to identify patients with ocular rosacea – a Germany‐wide epidemiologic analysis
Authors: Zierl Stephan , Hildebrand Johannes A. , Guertler Anne , Dietrich Cecilia , Clanner‐Engelshofen Benjamin M. , French Lars E. , Reinholz Markus
Published: May 2022

Background and objectives

Ocular rosacea is a special manifestation of rosacea with unknown etiology. Eye involvement in rosacea patients is surprisingly common; however, it is often underdiagnosed, resulting in inappropriate treatment. We aimed to provide an updated epidemiologic perspective on ocular rosacea in Germany to improve patient care.

Patients and methods

Data of 777 rosacea patients were assessed using a detailed online questionnaire regarding ocular and skin symptoms, previous dermatological and ophthalmological consults, presence of type 1 hypersensitivities, and Demodex testing. All data were statistically analyzed.

Results

Most patients reported ocular symptoms (399/777, 51.4%), including red eyes (179/399, 44.9%), itching (187/399, 46.9%), sty or chalazion (309/399, 77.4%), and dryness (108/399, 27.1%). Ocular rosacea was confirmed in 149/309 cases who consulted an ophthalmologist (45.3%). A total of 159/399 (39.8%) had no pre‐existing allergies. Eye involvement was significantly associated with the presence of skin symptoms (P < 0.05), impacting patients' general well‐being and overall treatment satisfaction. About half of Demodex‐positive patients (21/45, 46.7%) showed ocular symptoms.

Conclusions

Eye involvement in rosacea patients was common, often presenting with unspecific symptoms.
Under‐graduate nursing students working during the first outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study of psychosocial effects and coping strategies
Authors: Velarde‐García Juan Francisco , González‐Hervías Raquel , Álvarez‐Embarba Beatriz , Cachón‐Pérez Jose Miguel , Rodríguez‐García Marta , Oliva‐Fernández Oscar , González‐Sanz Pilar , Palacios‐Ceña Domingo , Moro‐López‐Menchero Paloma , Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Mas Espejo Marta
Published: May 2022

Background

The first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic caused a shortage of health care staff, forcing the hiring of senior nursing students.

Aims

To describe the psychosocial impact and coping strategies used by nursing students during the first outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic and to understand the coping strategies they employed.

Method

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted, based on Sandelowski's proposal. Purposive sampling was carried out to recruit 18 students hired during the pandemic. The students were interviewed between 18 March and 15 June 2020. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted using a digital platform. An inductive thematic analysis was performed.

Findings

The students lived alone and isolated during their contract to protect their cohabitants from possible contagion. The impact of working during the pandemic leads to experiences of stress, insomnia, nightmares and anxiety. Nursing students coped with the emotional burden through mental disconnection and the support of co‐workers and family members.

Conclusion

Psychological support and tutoring should be provided by health centres. In addition, in these special circumstances, universities should adapt the training provided.
Single immediate instillation of chemotherapy is associated with decreased recurrence and progression in patients with high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who receive adjuvant induction bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Momota Masaki , Narita Takuma , Tobisawa Yuki , Yoneyama Tohru , Yamamoto Hayato , Ito Hiroyuki , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Yoshikawa Kazuaki , Ohyama Chikara
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To investigate whether a single intravesical instillation of chemotherapy is associated with improved oncological outcomes in patients with high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who receive adjuvant induction bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy.

Methods

This multi‐institutional retrospective study included 205 patients with high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who received adjuvant induction bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received the combined therapy of a single instillation of chemotherapy plus subsequent adjuvant induction bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy (combined therapy group), and those who received adjuvant induction bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy alone (bacillus Calmette‐Guérin monotherapy group). Multivariable analyses using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method and Fine‐Gray competing risk regression models were performed to evaluate the impact of a single instillation of chemotherapy on intravesical recurrence‐free survival and muscle‐invasive bladder cancer‐free survival.

Results

Among the 205 patients, 130 (63%) and 75 (37%) were classified as the combined therapy and bacillus Calmette‐Guérin monotherapy groups, respectively. Multivariable analyses using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method showed that a single instillation of chemotherapy was significantly associated with longer intravesical recurrence‐free survival (hazard ratio 0.279; P < 0.001) and muscle‐invasive bladder cancer‐free survival (hazard ratio 0.078; P < 0.001). Fine‐Gray competing risk regression model revealed that a single instillation of chemotherapy was associated with a significantly lower probability of intravesical recurrence and muscle‐invasive bladder cancer progression, with an adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio of 0.477 (P = 0.008) and 0.261 (P = 0.043), respectively.

Conclusion

A single intravesical instillation of chemotherapy may be a potential treatment option in patients with high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who receive adjuvant induction bacillus Calmette‐Guérin therapy.
Comparative trophic ecology of microhabitat‐associated guilds of reef fishes in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Hayden Brian , Kovačić Macelo , Kirinčić Marin , Marčić Zoran
Published: May 2022

Reef ecosystems are characterized by highly heterogenous habitats and functionally diverse fish communities. Few studies have examined how functional diversity differs among habitats within these communities, i.e., species associated with a specific habitat may have similar trophic ecologies meaning that the functional diversity within the community is driven by habitat diversity or, conversely, high functional diversity within each habitat would indicate that resource segregation also occurs at the habitat level. We used stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen to estimate trophic position, resource use and ontogenetic niche shifts of 15 reef fishes associated with four distinct habitat types (cryptobenthic, epibenthic sand, epibenthic rock and hyperbenthic) on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Trophic ecology was quite similar across fish assemblages, but there was strong evidence of niche segregation among fish species within each assemblage showing high functional diversity within each microhabitat. The sampled fish community contained benthic and pelagic resource users, along with multiple intermediate generalists. Consumer stable isotope ratios revealed considerable interspecific variation in resource use among fishes within each habitat type. The cryptobenthic fishes were a notable exception to this trend with the narrow range of resource use values, indicating reliance of these species on a single resource. The greatest diversity of trophic positions within a guild was observed in cryptobenthic and rock‐associated epibenthic fishes. The majority of observed ontogenetic variation in studied fish species reflected an increase in benthic resource use and trophic position. However, the degree of ontogenetic variation in trophic ecology of studied species, if present, was generally low, showing no dramatic change in the ecology of any species. The size structuring among guilds was considerable, with cryptobenthic fishes the smallest on average and hyperbenthic fishes the largest, despite guilds having similar ranges of trophic positions.
Vasopressin acts as a synapse organizer in limbic regions by boosting PSD95 and GluA1 expression
Authors: Zhang Limei , Padilla‐Flores Teresa , Hernández Vito S. , Zetter Mario A. , Campos‐Lira Elba , Escobar Laura I. , Millar Robert P. , Eiden Lee E.
Published: May 2022

Hypothalamic arginine vasopressin (AVP)‐containing magnocellular neurosecretory neurons (AVPMNN) emit collaterals to synaptically innervate limbic regions influencing learning, motivational behaviour, and fear responses. Here, we characterize the dynamics of expression changes of two key determinants for synaptic strength, the postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins AMPAR subunit GluA1 and PSD scaffolding protein 95 (PSD95), in response to in vivo manipulations of AVPMNN neuronal activation state, or exposure to exogenous AVP ex vivo. Both long‐term water deprivation in vivo, which powerfully upregulates AVPMNN metabolic activity, and exogenous AVP application ex vivo, in brain slices, significantly increased GluA1 and PSD95 expression as measured by western blotting, in brain regions reportedly receiving direct ascending innervations from AVPMNN (i.e., ventral hippocampus, amygdala and lateral habenula). By contrast, the visual cortex, a region not observed to receive AVPMNN projections, showed no such changes. Ex vivo application of V1a and V1b antagonists to ventral hippocampal slices ablated the AVP stimulated increase in postsynaptic protein expression measured by western blotting. Using a modified expansion microscopy technique, we were able to quantitatively assess the significant augmentation of PSD95 and GLUA1 densities in subcellular compartments in locus coeruleus tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive fibres, adjacent to AVP axon terminals. Our data strongly suggest that the AVPMNN ascending system plays a role in the regulation of the excitability of targeted neuronal circuits through upregulation of key postsynaptic density proteins corresponding to excitatory synapses.
Super‐selective intra‐arterial dissolution therapy for lingual artery occlusion resulting due to the use of hyaluronic acid for chin augmentation: The first reported case
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhou Guiwen , Chen Kang , Fu Qiang , Lai Linying , Chen Minliang
Published: May 2022

As a consequence of the current trend of performing minimally invasive surgery, the use of injectable fillers has progressively increased in aesthetic surgery. Vascular complications resulting due to the filling of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the chin have been previously reported. However, clinical evidence regarding the results of treatment of lingual artery occlusion with super‐selective intra‐arterial dissolution is lacking. Herein, we reported a case of lingual artery occlusion resulting due to HA filling for which tongue arteriography and catheter‐directed dissolution were implemented via femoral artery intubation for the first time in the literature. The aim of this paper was to discuss the rare complications arising due to chin augmentation and their treatment to provide a deeper understanding of the use and side effects of HA in this procedure.
Is there a link between alopecia areata and gut?
Authors: Hacınecipoğlu Fatmanur , Gönül Müzeyyen , Özdemir Şeyda , Demir Ömer Faruk
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background

There may be an association between increased intestinal permeability and the progression of alopecia areata (AA).

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the role of intestinal permeability in the etiopathogenesis of AA and its association with the severity of the disease.

Methods

Serum zonulin levels of 70 patients with AA who were not receiving any systemic treatment and of 70 healthy control subjects were measured.

Results

The median serum zonulin level in the patient group (46.38 ng/mL) did not differ significantly from that in the control group (50.34 ng/mL) (p = 0.828). Moreover, there was no significant relationship between serum zonulin levels and the severity of the disease (p = 0.549).

Limitations

The present study had a cross‐sectional design, and it did not include patients with alopecia totalis (AT) or alopecia universalis (AU).

Conclusion

We did not observe an increase in intestinal permeability secondary to zonulin expression in patients with AA. However, in order to generalize this result to all patients with AA, serum zonulin levels need to be evaluated in studies including more patients with severe disease, AT, and AU.
Stability and rheology of plant‐derived hydrocolloid–mucin mixtures
Authors: Asimakopoulou Evdoxia , Giotis Charilaos , Andreadis Ioannis I. , Fatouros Dimitrios G. , Ritzoulis Christos
Published: May 2022

Mixtures of mucin with pectin were investigated in a range of pectin to mucin ratios and pH values. The phase stability was first studied as absorbance measured at 500 nm (turbidity). Co‐existence of the two materials did not result in co‐sedimentation or relevant phase separations, while lower pH enhanced aggregation and partial sedimentation of individual components, especially for mucin. The above are in line with the recorded zeta potential values, which are negative for both components at neutral pH and drop down to almost zero at acidic values. The sizes of the particles, as recorded by dynamic light scattering, show a similar trend to the absorbance values, indicating that phase separations are in line with events at the scale of a few hundred nm. Such interactions reflect in shear rheology: The viscosity corresponding to 50 s−1 decreases upon substitution of pectin with mucin at pH 7 and 3, suggesting a flow dominated by changes in the space occupancy by the two components and by changes in the size of the self‐assembled structures. The results were compared with those of more complex and typical hydrocolloids extracted from olive compost: The overall shape of the stability diagram of the two ingredients match, suggesting similar modes of action in the presence of mucin for other natural materials. These data throw some light in the norms during the co‐existence of food polysaccharides and mucin in oral and gastrointestinal environments.
The European Forest Plant Species List (EuForPlant): Concept and applications
Authors: Heinken Thilo , Diekmann Martin , Liira Jaan , Orczewska Anna , Schmidt Marcus , Brunet Jörg , Chytrý Milan , Chabrerie Olivier , Decocq Guillaume , De Frenne Pieter , Dřevojan Pavel , Dzwonko Zbigniew , Ewald Jörg , Feilberg Jon , Graae Bente Jessen , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Hermy Martin , Kriebitzsch Wolf‐Ulrich , Laiviņš Māris , Lenoir Jonathan , Lindmo Sigrid , Marage Damien , Marozas Vitas , Niemeyer Thomas , Paal Jaanus , Pyšek Petr , Roosaluste Elle , Sádlo Jiří , Schaminée Joop H.J. , Tyler Torbjörn , Verheyen Kris , Wulf Monika , Vanneste Thomas
Published: May 2022

Question

When evaluating forests in terms of their biodiversity, distinctiveness and naturalness, the affinity of the constituent species to forests is a crucial parameter. Here we ask to what extent are vascular plant species associated with forests, and does species’ affinity to forests vary between European regions?

Location

Temperate and boreal forest biome of Northwestern and Central Europe.

Methods

We compiled EuForPlant, a new extensive list of forest vascular plant species in 24 regions spread across 13 European countries using vegetation databases and expert knowledge. Species were region‐specifically classified into four categories reflecting the degree of their affinity to forest habitats: 1.1, species of forest interiors; 1.2, species of forest edges and forest openings; 2.1, species that can be found in forest as well as open vegetation; and 2.2, species that can be found partly in forest, but mainly in open vegetation. An additional “O” category was distinguished, covering species typical for non‐forest vegetation.

Results

EuForPlant comprises 1,726 species, including 1,437 herb‐layer species, 159 shrubs, 107 trees, 19 lianas and 4 epiphytic parasites. Across regions, generalist forest species (with 450 and 777 species classified as 2.1 and 2.2, respectively) significantly outnumbered specialist forest species (with 250 and 137 species classified as 1.1 and 1.2, respectively). Even though the degree of shifting between the categories of forest affinity among regions was relatively low (on average, 17.5%), about one‐third of the forest species (especially 1.2 and 2.2) swapped categories in at least one of the study regions.

Conclusions

The proposed list can be used widely in vegetation science and global change ecology related to forest biodiversity and community dynamics. Shifting of forest affinity among regions emphasizes the importance of a continental‐scale forest plant species list with regional specificity.
Adverse events of subcutaneous loop recorders: Insights from the MAUDE database
Authors: Heaton Joseph , Rezkalla Kyrillos , Fullmer Jessie , Mbamalu Buniechukwuenu , Buddhavarapu Sivacharan , Garyali Samir
Published: May 2022

Background

Complications using internal cardiac monitors (ICM) have been reported at a low rate. Targeted analyses of complications have not been well described in the literature.

Objective

To investigate and describe complications associated with ICM events reported to the FDA's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.

Methods

Our team reviewed all reported events for the Reveal LINQ loop recorder submitted to the MAUDE database over 7 years (1/1/2013–12/31/2019). A 5% random selection of reports was audited by two researchers to ensure report validity. Two cardiologists manually reviewed death and incongruent events for final interpretation.

Results

12,652 records were obtained during the observed time period. A total of 15,587 device complications were reported. Of this, undersensing (n = 4509, 28.93%), premature discharge of battery (n = 3262, 20.93%), oversensing (n = 2788, 17.89%), and other sensing issues (n = 1532, 9.83%) were most commonly reported. Patient adverse events were reported 1,030 times. Pain or discomfort (n = 275, 26.70%), site infection (n = 213, 20.68%), erosion (n = 138, 13.40%), and impaired healing (n = 49, 4.76%) were most commonly reported to affect patients. Death was reported four times; after expert review, no reports justified the device or procedure as a reasonable cause.

Conclusion

Several non‐life‐threatening ICM complications were commonly noted from the analysis. This study supports the safe use of ICMs. A better understanding of the complication profile will help providers select patients, provide informed consent, and expected management.
Faunal standards for the restoration of terrestrial ecosystems: a framework and its application to a high‐profile case study
Authors: Andersen Alan N. , Einoder Luke D. , Fisher Alaric , Hill Brydie , Oberprieler Stefanie K.
Published: May 2022

Assessments of ecosystem restoration have traditionally focused on soil and vegetation, often with little consideration of fauna. It is critical to include fauna in such assessments, not just because of their intrinsic biodiversity value but also because of the many ecological roles that animals play in restoration processes. However, a widely accepted framework for specifying faunal standards for restoration is lacking. Here we present such a framework, incorporating: (1) the identification of appropriate reference conditions; (2) the taxa to be targeted for assessment; (3) the attributes of these taxa to be measured; (4) acceptable similarity with reference conditions; and (5) robust sampling methodologies for reliable assessment. We illustrate this framework using the restoration program at Ranger Uranium Mine in the Australian seasonal tropics, which aims to establish an environment similar to the surrounding World Heritage‐listed Kakadu National Park, corresponding to “full recovery” according to Society for Ecosystem Restoration's standards. Our case study has especially high restoration standards, but our framework has wide applicability to the specification of faunal standards for ecosystem restoration.
Insights from behavioral economics for policymakers of choice‐based health insurance markets: A scoping review
Authors: Krishnan S. Sai , Iyer Subramanian S. , Balaji SMR Sai
Published: May 2022

This article uses the systematic scoping review method to summarize literature at the interface of behavioral economics and health insurance. We aim to offer policymakers of choice‐based health insurance markets an understanding of (a) behavioral factors that affect consumer decision‐making in health insurance markets and (b) behavioral interventions that can be used to help consumers make better health insurance decisions. In the process, we reviewed 80 studies from extant literature and found that 18 behavioral factors negatively impact three major aspects of consumer decision‐making: that is, purchasing, quality of plan choice, and switching. We also identify 17 behavioral interventions that policymakers could use to help consumers make better health insurance decisions. However, while using the findings of the field, policymakers must keep in mind that there are limitations to the generalizability of the findings coupled with limitations that behavioral economics comes along with. Based on this study, future research could focus on identifying the segments of the populous that are more likely to be affected by the behavioral factors, and what behavioral interventions can be used to help them. Future research is also needed in settings other than WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) nations for the benefit of policymakers of non‐WEIRD nations.
Wind Turbines, Public Acceptance, and Electoral Outcomes
Authors: Umit Resul , Schaffer Lena Maria
Published: May 2022

Despite a widespread public support for wind energy in general, wind turbine proposals attract a considerable amount of public opposition. At a time of political commitments to building more wind turbines for climate risk mitigation, we study the potential causes of this opposition and its electoral effects. Our analysis draws on a survey experiment in Switzerland, where the number of wind turbines will grow from a couple of dozens to many hundreds in the next three decades. We find that exposure to wind turbines increases public acceptance, but this affect does not translate into electoral turnout or vote choice. Moreover, locality or politicisation does not seem to have an effect at all—neither on acceptance nor on electoral outcomes. Our results suggest that voters do not reward or punish political parties for their positions on wind energy, even when turbines might soon be rising in their local area.
Revisiting Castells' Take on the City and the Informational Age
Authors: Mamadouh V. , van der Wusten H.
Published: May 2022

This paper reappraises the two papers of Manuel Castells published in this journal in 1993 and 2002. This appraisal considers the context of his academic career and formidable body of work, the historical period in which the papers appeared and the general discussion on the transformation of cities and societies in academia. Although his legacy is now strongly coloured by Castells' later shift to information and communication, his contributions to cities should not be neglected. Commonalities and differences between the two papers at issue here are summarised. Despite shifts in personal positions of the author and socio‐economic positions of the studied cities, commonalities largely prevail. Their footprint in the academic literature is indicated by a discussion of cities and the world economy.
‘Fit for surgery’: the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and postoperative outcomes
Authors: Rose George A. , Davies Richard G. , Appadurai Ian R. , Williams Ian M. , Bashir Mohamad , Berg Ronan M. G. , Poole David C. , Bailey Damian M.
Published: May 2022

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The relationships and physiological mechanisms underlying the clinical benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients undergoing major intra‐abdominal surgery.

What advances does it highlight?

Elevated CRF reduces postoperative morbidity/mortality, thus highlighting the importance of CRF as an independent risk factor. The vascular protection afforded by exercise prehabilitation can further improve surgical risk stratification and postoperative outcomes.

Surgery accounts for 7.7% of all deaths globally and the number of procedures is increasing annually. A patient's ‘fitness for surgery’ describes the ability to tolerate a physiological insult, fundamental to risk assessment and care planning. We have evolved as obligate aerobes that rely on oxygen (O2). Systemic O2 consumption can be measured via cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) providing objective metrics of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Impaired CRF is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity. The perioperative period is associated with increased O2 demand, which if not met leads to O2 deficit, the magnitude and duration of which dictates organ failure and ultimately death. CRF is by far the greatest modifiable risk factor, and optimal exercise interventions are currently under investigation in patient prehabilitation programmes. However, current practice demonstrates potential for up to 60% of patients, who undergo preoperative CPET, to have their fitness incorrectly stratified. To optimise this work we must improve the detection of CRF and reduce potential for interpretive error that may misinform risk classification and subsequent patient care, better quantify risk by expressing the power of CRF to predict mortality and morbidity compared to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and improve patient interventions with the capacity to further enhance vascular adaptation. Thus, a better understanding of CRF, used to determine fitness for surgery, will enable both clinicians and exercise physiologists to further refine patient care and management to improve survival.
A Note on the New Activation Function of Gompertz Type
Authors: Iliev Anton Iliev , Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Markov Svetoslav
Published: May 2022

In this note we construct a family of parametric Gompertz activation function (PGAF) based on hyperbolic tangent function. We prove upper and lower estimates for the Hausdorff approximation of the sign function by means of this family. Some comparisons between the hyperbolic tangent activation function and the new parametric Gompertz activation function are reported. Numerical examples, illustrating our results are given.
Dynamics of Low and High Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild and Domestic Bird Populations
Authors: Tuncer Necibe , Torres J. , Martcheva* Maia
Published: May 2022

Avian influenza H5N1 is at present the most dangerous zoonotic disease infecting wild and domestic birds. Should the virus mutate and become efficiently human-to-human transmittable, a pandemic will occur with high mortality. Avian influenza H5N1 exists in two forms: Low pathogenic (LPAI) and high pathogenic (HPAI). In this talk we build a model of LPAI and HPAI in wild and domestic birds. Birds, wild and domestic, who have been priorly infected with LPAI are partially protected against HPAI. We compute the relevant reproduction numbers and invasion reproduction numbers. We find that the systems has a disease-free equilibrium, LPAI-only equilibrium, HPAI-only equilibrium and at least one coexistence equilibrium. Furthermore, the LPAI-only equilibrium and HPAI-only equilibrium are locally asymptotically stable under appropriate conditions on the reproduction numbers. In contrast, the coexistence equilibrium can lose stability and oscillations are possible. We show that the oscillations are caused by the cross-immunity and can exist in the wild bird system, separate from the domestic bird system. For a pathogen circulating in a multi-species system, species A is called a sink (source), if the pathogen cannot (can) sustain itself in species A without the inflow of infectives from other species. We investigate the sink/source status of LPAI and HPAI in wild and domestic birds.
Surrogate Models for the Prediction of Damping Ratios in Coupled Acoustoelastic Rotor-Cavity Systems
Authors: Heinrich Christoph Rocky , Unglaube Tina , Beirow Bernd , Brillert Dieter , Steff Klaus , Petry Nico
Published: May 2022

Centrifugal compressors are versatile machines that many industries employ for a wide range of different applications, including the production of highly compressed gases. During the last decades, comprehensive research was conducted on the impact of high-pressure operating conditions on the vibrational behavior of radial compressors. In various studies, acoustic modes building up in the side cavities were found to be a potential source of high cycle fatigue. Nowadays, it is well-known that an increase in gas pressure levels leads to a more pronounced fluid–structure interaction between the side cavities and the impeller resulting in a frequency shift of the acoustic and structural modes. In a recently published paper, the authors presented a generalized model which can predict this behavior. As it is not always possible to avoid operating close to or accelerating through a resonance, it is crucial to know the damping present within the system. Currently, only few publications concentrate on the damping of radial impellers. Therefore, the authors present measurement data acquired from a test rig at the University of Duisburg-Essen, which reveals the damping behavior of a disk under varying operating conditions. Two surrogate models are proposed to predict the identified damping behavior. The first one is based solely on a one-dimensional piston model and the second approach uses an enhanced version of the generalized method. Finally, the measurement data are used to validate both surrogate systems.
Fluid–Solid Interaction Modeling of Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Point Contacts
Authors: Peterson Wyatt , Singh Kushagra , Sadeghi Farshid
Published: May 2022

Elastohydrodynamically lubricated point contact was investigated using a two-way partitioned fluid–solid interaction (FSI) model. ansys Mechanical finite element modeling software was used to compute elastic (and plastic) deformation of the solid bodies, while ansys fluent computational fluid dynamics software was used to model the fluid with the Navier–Stokes equations. The current model is not limited by Reynolds equation assumptions, allowing for the investigation of pressure, viscosity, and temperature variation across point contact elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) films. Solid body material stress distribution and fluid behavior such as cavitation were also investigated. The details of model development are described. Validation of the model is presented across a range of loads and speeds for cases when the Reynolds equation is applicable. The results are in excellent agreement. Various slide-to-roll ratios were investigated considering a non-Newtonian fluid with thermal effects to characterize lubricant properties within the EHL film. Results demonstrate notable lubricant viscosity and temperature variations within the EHL film thickness both along and perpendicular to the rolling direction for cases with high slide-to-roll ratio. Cavitation was also considered, and cavitation bubble lengths were found to agree well with results found in open literature. Finally, the effects of material plasticity on solid body response were investigated. The FSI model developed in this research provides new insights on a classical EHL problem.
Characterizations of two-dimensional materials with cryogenic ultrahigh vacuum near-field optical microscopy in the visible range
Authors: Schultz Jeremy F. , Jiang Nan
Published: May 2022

The development of new characterization methods has resulted in innovative studies of the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Observations of nanoscale heterogeneity with scanning probe microscopy methods have led to efforts to further understand these systems and observe new local phenomena by coupling light-based measurement methods into the tip-sample junction. Bringing optical spectroscopy into the near-field in ultrahigh vacuum at cryogenic temperatures has led to highly unique studies of molecules and materials, yielding new insight into otherwise unobservable properties nearing the atomic scale. Here, we discuss studies of 2D materials at the subnanoscale where the measurement method relies on the detection of visible light scattered or emitted from the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). We focus on tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, a subset of scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy, where incident light is confined and enhanced by a plasmonic STM tip. We also mention scanning tunneling microscope induced luminescence, where the STM tip is used as a highly local light source. The measurement of light-matter interactions within the atomic STM cavity is expected to continue to provide a useful platform to study new materials.
Analysis of sound pressure levels generated by nozzle-emitted large bubbles
Authors: Nelli Filippo , Deane Grant , Ooi Andrew , Manasseh Richard
Published: May 2022

The sound radiated by newly formed bubbles can be used to determine their properties. However, details of the fluid dynamics driving the acoustic emission remain unclear. A neck-collapsing model has been proposed to explain the sound generation at bubble pinch-off. The model uses a forcing function which drives the Rayleigh-Plesset equation and is linked to the bubble acoustic pressure. Here, the model is tested on bubbles of diameter up to 7 mm generated in distilled water, tap water, and alcohol-water solution. The model works well for bubbles less than 2.2 mm radius but the error increases up to 71% for larger diameters.
Overcoming snapshot-deficient measurements with knowledge-aided approaches
Authors: Brooker D. J. , Gemba Kay L. , Fialkowski Laurie T.
Published: May 2022

The use of knowledge-aided covariance is considered for processing underwater acoustic array data in snapshot-deficient scenarios. The knowledge-aided formalism is a technique that combines array data with a known covariance to produce an invertible estimate. For underwater acoustics, simulations of ambient noise provide the a priori covariance allowing degraded signals to be processed adaptively in situations where the sample covariance matrix is rank-deficient. The method is demonstrated for matched field processing using the 21 element array event S5 from the SWellEx-96 experiment. With five snapshots, the knowledge-aided approach significantly reduces localization ambiguity compared to the adaptive white noise gain constraint processor.