bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The food and nutrient intake of 5- to 12-year-old Australian children during school hours: a secondary analysis of the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey
Authors: Manson Alexandra C , Johnson Brittany J , Zarnowiecki Dorota , Sutherland Rachel , Golley Rebecca K
Published: September 2021

Objective:

School food intake of Australian children is not comprehensively described in literature, with limited temporal, nationally representative data. Greater understanding of intake at school can inform school-based nutrition promotion. This study aimed to describe the dietary intake of primary-aged children during school hours and its contribution to daily intake.

Design:

This secondary analysis used nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the 2011 to 2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake was assessed using validated 24-h dietary recalls on school days. Descriptive statistics were undertaken to determine energy, nutrients, food groups and food products consumed during school hours, as well as their contributions to total daily intake. Associations between school food intake and socio-demographic characteristics were explored.

Setting:

Australia.

Participants:

Seven hundred and ninety-five children aged 5–12 years.

Results:

Children consumed 37 % of their daily energy and 31–43 % of select nutrient intake during school hours, with discretionary choices contributing 44 % of school energy intake. Most children consumed less than one serve of vegetables, meat and alternatives or milk and alternatives during school hours. Commonly consumed products were discretionary choices (34 %, including biscuits, processed meat), bread (17 %) and fruit (12 %). There were limited associations with socio-economic position variables, apart from child age.

Conclusions:

Children’s diets were not aligned with national recommendations, with school food characterised by high intake of discretionary choices. These findings are consistent with previous Australian evidence and support transformation of the Australian school food system to better align school food consumption with recommendations.
The making of a littoralminzu: The Dan in late Qing–Republican intellectual writings
Authors: Luk Gary Chi-hung
Published: September 2021

Tracing the assumption behind China's nationality identification that the Dan constituted a littoralminzu, this article examines the rise and circulation of “Dan” as a racial entity in writings by Chinese thinkers, reformers, and scholars in the first half of the twentieth century. It explains how “Dan” emerged as azu, minzu, zhongzu, andrenzhongin late-Qing political polemics and pedagogical texts, and how this notion was combined with Republican-era scholarship on the Dan within and across the disciplines of popular literature, folklore, ethnohistory, and anthropology. Both Western and imperial Chinese scholarly trends and racialist ideas shaped pre-1949 Dan studies. Modern intellectuals presented the Dan as a non-Han minority based on various nationalist concerns as well as their Han and regional identities. From a historical perspective, this article redraws the geoethnic landscape of modern China by taking transregional littoral fringes into consideration and calling for attention to those identified as non-Han before the nationality investigation in the 1950s but as Han afterward.
Growing Threats From Unprecedented Sequential Flood‐Hot Extremes Across China
Authors: Liao Zhen , Chen Yang , Li Wei , Zhai Panmao
Published: September 2021

When multiple extremes occur in rapid sequence, their impacts cascade to cause disproportionate damages. However, the prevalence of univariate definitions and inability to identify low‐likelihood events in short observations/simulations leave the knowledge on sequential extremes sparse. Leveraging two initial‐condition large ensembles, we project future changes in historically unprecedented sequential flood‐hot extremes in China. Results show that despite dozens of 1 in 50‐year floods and hot extremes in more than 2,000 years of historical simulations, their sequenced occurrence within a week has no historical precedent. This out‐of‐ordinary configuration is projected to be increasingly possible across China, with earlier emergence and larger frequency increases expected in Southwest and Southeast China. The direction, spatial extent, and magnitude of projected changes in unprecedented sequential extremes cannot be explained by internal variability alone, though it has the potential to modulate human‐caused changes in emergence timing and magnitude.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for severe COVID-19
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Lifeng , Xu Ruonan , Zhang Chao , Xie Yunbo , Liu Kai , Li Tiantian , Hu Wei , Zhen Cheng , Wang Fu-Sheng
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has placed a global public burden on health authorities. Although the virological characteristics and pathogenesis of COVID-19 has been largely clarified, there is currently no specific therapeutic measure. In severe cases, acute SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to immune disorders and damage to both the adaptive and innate immune responses. Having roles in immune regulation and regeneration, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) serving as a therapeutic option may regulate the over-activated inflammatory response and promote recovery of lung damage. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of MSC-therapy clinical trials has been conducted. The findings indicate that MSC treatment not only significantly reduces lung damage, but also improves patient recovery with safety and good immune tolerance. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in MSC therapy for COVID-19 and highlight the challenges in the field.
Machine learning on properties of multiscale multisource hydroxyapatite nanoparticles datasets with different morphologies and sizes
Authors: Liu Ziteng , Shi Yinghuan , Chen Hongwei , Qin Tiexin , Zhou Xuejie , Huo Jun , Dong Hao , Yang Xiao , Zhu Xiangdong , Chen Xuening , Zhang Li , Yang Mingli , Gao Yang , Ma Jing
Published: September 2021

Machine learning models for exploring structure-property relation for hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) are still lacking. A multiscale multisource dataset is presented, including both experimental data (TEM/SEM, XRD/crystallinity, ROS, anti-tumor effects, and zeta potential) and computation results (containing 41,976 data samples with up to 9768 atoms) of nanoparticles with different sizes and morphologies at density functional theory (DFT), semi-empirical DFTB, and force field, respectively. Three geometric descriptors are set for the explainable machine learning methods to predict surface energies and surface stress of HANPs with satisfactory performance. To avoid the pre-determination of features, we also developed a predictive deep learning model within the framework of graph convolution neural network with good generalizability. Energies with DFT accuracy are achievable for large-sized nanoparticles from the learned correlations and scale functions for mapping different theoretical levels and particle sizes. The simulated XRD spectra and crystallinity values are in good agreement with experiments.
Genomics, social media and mobile phone data enable mapping of SARS-CoV-2 lineages to inform health policy in Bangladesh
Authors: Cowley Lauren A. , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Rahman Sadia Isfat Ara , Mamun Md Mahfuz Al , Chin Taylor , Mahmud Ayesha , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Billah Mallick Masum , Khan Manjur Hossain , Sultana Sharmin , Khondaker Tilovatul , Baker Stephen , Banik Nandita , Alam Ahmed Nawsher , Mannoor Kaiissar , Banu Sayera , Chowdhury Anir , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Thomson Nicholas R. , Buckee Caroline O. , Qadri Firdausi , Shirin Tahmina
Published: September 2021

Genomics, combined with population mobility data, used to map importation and spatial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in high-income countries has enabled the implementation of local control measures. Here, to track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Bangladesh at the national level, we analysed outbreak trajectory and variant emergence using genomics, Facebook ‘Data for Good’ and data from three mobile phone operators. We sequenced the complete genomes of 67 SARS-CoV-2 samples (collected by the IEDCR in Bangladesh between March and July 2020) and combined these data with 324 publicly available Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Bangladesh at that time. We found that most (85%) of the sequenced isolates were Pango lineage B.1.1.25 (58%), B.1.1 (19%) or B.1.36 (8%) in early-mid 2020. Bayesian time-scaled phylogenetic analysis predicted that SARS-CoV-2 first emerged during mid-February in Bangladesh, from abroad, with the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reported on 8 March 2020. At the end of March 2020, three discrete lineages expanded and spread clonally across Bangladesh. The shifting pattern of viral diversity in Bangladesh, combined with the mobility data, revealed that the mass migration of people from cities to rural areas at the end of March, followed by frequent travel between Dhaka (the capital of Bangladesh) and the rest of the country, disseminated three dominant viral lineages. Further analysis of an additional 85 genomes (November 2020 to April 2021) found that importation of variant of concern Beta (B.1.351) had occurred and that Beta had become dominant in Dhaka. Our interpretation that population mobility out of Dhaka, and travel from urban hotspots to rural areas, disseminated lineages in Bangladesh in the first wave continues to inform government policies to control national case numbers by limiting within-country travel.
Effects of low-frequency noise from wind turbines on heart rate variability in healthy individuals
Authors: Chiu Chun-Hsiang , Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Chen Nathan , Hwang Jing-Shiang , Tsou Ming-Chien Mark
Published: September 2021

Wind turbines generate low-frequency noise (LFN, 20–200 Hz), which poses health risks to nearby residents. This study aimed to assess heart rate variability (HRV) responses to LFN exposure and to evaluate the LFN exposure (dB, LAeq) inside households located near wind turbines. Thirty subjects living within a 500 m radius of wind turbines were recruited. The field campaigns for LFN (LAeq) and HRV monitoring were carried out in July and December 2018. A generalized additive mixed model was employed to evaluate the relationship between HRV changes and LFN. The results suggested that the standard deviations of all the normal to normal R–R intervals were reduced significantly, by 3.39%, with a 95% CI = (0.15%, 6.52%) per 7.86 dB (LAeq) of LFN in the exposure range of 38.2–57.1 dB (LAeq). The indoor LFN exposure (LAeq) ranged between 30.7 and 43.4 dB (LAeq) at a distance of 124–330 m from wind turbines. Moreover, households built with concrete and equipped with airtight windows showed the highest LFN difference of 13.7 dB between indoors and outdoors. In view of the adverse health impacts of LFN exposure, there should be regulations on the requisite distances of wind turbines from residential communities for health protection.
Understanding the role of wettability distribution on pore-filling and displacement patterns in a homogeneous structure via quasi 3D pore-scale modelling
Authors: Jahanbakhsh Amir , Shahrokhi Omid , Maroto-Valer M. Mercedes
Published: September 2021

Most numerical simulation studies have focused on the effect of homogenous wettability on fluid flow dynamics; however, most rocks display spatially heterogeneous wettability. Therefore, we have used direct numerical simulations (DNS) to investigate wettability heterogeneity at pore-scale. We have built a quasi-3D pore-scale model and simulated two-phase flow in a homogenous porous media with homogenous and heterogeneous wettability distributions. Five different heterogeneous wettability patterns were used in this study. We observed that heterogenous wettability significantly affects the evolution of fluid interface, trapped saturation, and displacement patterns. Wettability heterogeneity results in fingering and specific trapping patterns which do not follow the flow behaviour characteristic of a porous medium with homogenous wettability. This flow behaviour indicates a different flow regime that cannot be estimated using homogenous wettability distributions represented by an average contact angle. Moreover, our simulation results show that certain spatial configurations of wettability heterogeneity at the microscale, e.g. being perpendicular to the flow direction, may assist the stability of the displacement and delay the breakthrough time. In contrast, other configurations such as being parallel to the flow direction promote flow instability for the same pore-scale geometry.
N6-methylandenosine-related lncRNAs play an important role in the prognosis and immune microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu YuHai , Chen YiPing
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive, fatal tumor. N6-methylandenosine (m6A) methylation is the major epigenetic modification of RNA including lncRNAs. The roles of m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC have not been fully clarified. This study aims to assess gene signatures and prognostic value of m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset were explored to identify m6A-related lncRNAs. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression were performed to construct the m6A-related lncRNAs prognostic riskscore (m6A-LPR) model to predict the overall survival (OS) in the TCGA training cohort. Kaplan–Meier curve with log-rank test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the m6A-LPR. Furthermore, the robustness of the m6A-LPR was further validated in the ICGC cohort. Tumor immunity was evaluated using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. A total of 262 m6A-related lncRNAs were identified in two datasets. In the TCGA training cohort, 28 prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs were identified and the m6A-LPR including four m6A-related lncRNAs was constructed. The m6A-LPR was able to identify high-risk patients with significantly poorer OS and accurately predict OS in both the TCGA training cohort and the ICGC validation cohort. Analysis of tumor immunity revealed that high-risk groups had remarkably lower stromal, immune, and ESTIMATE scores. Moreover, high-risk groups were associated with significantly higher levels of plasma B cells and resting NK cells infiltration, and lower levels of infiltrating resting memory CD4 T cells, monocytes, and resting mast cells. Our study proposed a robust m6A-related prognostic signature of lncRNAs for predicting OS in PDAC, which provides some clues for further studies focusing on the mechanism process underlying m6A modification of lncRNAs.
Virtual and augmented reality in the vestibular rehabilitation of peripheral vestibular disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heffernan Austin , Abdelmalek Mohammed , Nunez Desmond A.
Published: September 2021

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an established treatment for patients with vestibular dysfunction. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be utilised in vestibular rehabilitation. Evidence of the efficacy of VR and AR delivered rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders is reviewed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsychInfo, PsychBITE, OTSeeker, Ei Compendex, IEE, Clinical trials.gov and WebofScience databases were searched. Reduction in vestibular dysfunction symptoms 0–3 months post-intervention was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included long-term symptom improvement and side effects. Risk of bias assessment and meta analyses were planned. Five studies meeting eligibility criteria were included. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores 0–3 months post-intervention were reported by four studies. Meta-analysis identified a 1.13 (95% CI, − 1.74, − 0.52) standardized mean difference reduction in DHI in VR and AR treated patients compared to controls. Side effects reported by two studies were reduced by week four of VR intervention. Bias assessment identified DHI scores and side effects to be at high risk or of some concern. Adjunct VR interventions reduced patient DHI significantly more than vestibular rehabilitation alone 0–3 months post-intervention in adult patients diagnosed with unilateral vestibular disease. High quality studies are needed.
Recent developments in mussel-inspired materials for biomedical applications
Authors: Barros Natan Roberto , Chen Yi , Hosseini Vahid , Wang Weiyue , Nasiri Rohollah , Mahmoodi Mahboobeh , Yalcintas Ezgi Pinar , Haghniaz Reihaneh , Mecwan Marvin Magan , Karamikamkar Solmaz , Dai Wei , Sarabi Shima A. , Falcone Natashya , Young Patric , Zhu Yangzhi , Sun Wujin , Zhang Shiming , Lee Junmin , Lee Kangju , Ahadian Samad , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Khademhosseini Ali , Kim Han-Jun
Published: September 2021

Over the decades, researchers have strived to synthesize and modify nature-inspired biomaterials, with the primary aim to address the challenges of designing functional biomaterials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Antibacterial peptidomimetic and characterization of its efficacy as an antibacterial and biocompatible coating for bioceramic-based bone substitutes
Authors: Chakraborty Sudip , Kuppusamy Rajesh , Roohani Iman , Walsh William R. , Willcox Mark D. P. , Kumar Naresh , Chen Renxun
Published: September 2021

Novel strategies to combat orthopedic device related infections are the need of the hour. We have synthesized an antibacterial peptidomimetic and characterized its suitability as a non-covalent coating material for bioceramic hydroxyapatite discs.
Quantum-sized silicon for enhanced photoluminescence and optical nonlinearity
Authors: Chen Zhexue , Wang Weibiao , Sui Xinyu , Wang Kangkang , Zhang Jianqi , Liu Xinfeng , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2021

Si quantum dots (SiQDs) with intrinsic characteristics demonstrate significantly enhanced photoluminescence (PL) and nonlinear saturation absorption (NSA) performances.
Sensitive MnFe2O4–Ag hybrid nanoparticles with photothermal and magnetothermal properties for hyperthermia applications
Authors: Nha T. T. N. , Nam P. H. , Phuc N. X. , Nguyen V. Q. , Nam N. H. , Manh D. H. , Tam L. T. , Linh N. T. N. , Khanh B. T. V. , Lu L. T. , Nguyen L. H. , Phong P. T.
Published: September 2021

In this study, we present an experiment showing that designing multifunctional MnFe2O4–Ag nanoparticles to act as a dual hyperthermia agent is an efficient route for enhancing their heating ability.
Hydrothermal polymerization of porous aromatic polyimide networks and machine learning-assisted computational morphology evolution interpretation
Authors: Lahnsteiner Marianne , Caldera Michael , Moura Hipassia M. , Cerrón-Infantes D. Alonso , Roeser Jérôme , Konegger Thomas , Thomas Arne , Menche Jörg , Unterlass Miriam M.
Published: September 2021

We report on the hydrothermal polymerization (HTP) of porous polyimide (PI) networks using the medium H2O and the comonomers 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) and pyromellitic acid (PMA).
Singlet fission in covalent dimers of methylene-locked 1,3-diphenyl-isobenzofuran: semiclassical simulations of nonadiabatic dynamics
Authors: Accomasso Davide , Granucci Giovanni , Persico Maurizio
Published: September 2021

Surface hopping investigation of singlet fission in covalently linked dimers: impact of the mutual arrangement.
Unveiling the impurity-modulated photoluminescence from Mn2+-containing metal chalcogenide semiconductors via Fe2+ doping
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Yong , Zhang Jiaxu , Wang Xiang , Wu Zhou , Wu Jin , Chen Ning , Li Dong-Sheng , Wu Tao
Published: September 2021

The impurity-modulated PL emission of Mn2+ was demonstrated from a special nanocluster-based model via the introduction of Fe2+, and direct energy transfer from excited-state Mn2+ to Fe2+ impurities was revealed.
Mesenchymal stromal cells: what have we learned so far about their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action?
Authors: Amadeo Francesco , Trivino Cepeda Katherine , Littlewood James , Wilm Bettina , Taylor Arthur , Murray Patricia
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been found to be safe and effective in a wide range of animal models of human disease. MSCs have been tested in thousands of clinical trials, but results show that while these cells appear to be safe, they tend to lack efficacy. This has raised questions about whether animal models are useful for predicting efficacy in patients. However, a problem with animal studies is that there is a lack of standardisation in the models and MSC therapy regimes used; there appears to be publication bias towards studies reporting positive outcomes; and the reproducibility of results from animal experiments tends not to be confirmed prior to clinical translation. A further problem is that while some progress has been made towards investigating the mechanisms of action (MoA) of MSCs, we still fail to understand how they work. To make progress, it is important to ensure that prior to clinical translation, the beneficial effects of MSCs in animal studies are real and can be repeated by independent research groups. We also need to understand the MoA of MSCs to assess whether their effects are likely to be beneficial across different species. In this review, we give an overview of the current clinical picture of MSC therapies and discuss what we have learned from animal studies. We also give a comprehensive update of what we know about the MoA of MSCs, particularly in relation to their role in immunomodulation.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines: reasons to believe
Authors: Moore Jonathan D.
Published: September 2021

Our hopes of using the power of the immune system to control tumours have been partially fulfilled with anti-PD1 antibodies and other checkpoint inhibitors and the use of engineered T cells targeting lineage-specific surface markers with chimeric antigen receptors. Can these successes be generalised? Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to educate or re-educate the immune system to recognise tumour specific or tumour associated antigens. After many false dawns, some positive data for the effectiveness of such an approach is starting to emerge in advanced solid tumours, albeit as combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors. But is the field targeting the right antigens? Interventions using the most effective vaccine platforms to target certain sets of antigens in patients with low disease burden might bring impressive long-term benefits to patients as single agents.
Dynamic recrystallization behavior and texture evolution of as-cast Fe-4.53%Si non-oriented electrical steel during hot compression
Authors: Wan Yong , Feng Kongkong , Zhang Liqiang , Chen Liangjun , Wen Yonghong , Qiu Junhua , Zhou Lei
Published: September 2021

The dynamic recrystallization behavior and texture evolution of surface, quarter and center layers of as-cast Fe-4.53%Si non-oriented electrical steel during hot compression were studied by optical microscope and electron backscatter diffraction. The surface layer of cast ingot exhibited elongated columnar grains with pronounced {001}<130> and {001}<120> textures, while the quarter and center layers of ingot were mainly large equiaxed grains corresponding to strong {100}<0vw> texture. During hot compression, the shear bands were easy to form in the deformed grains with higher stored energy such as {110}<001>, {014}<114> and {312}<332> grains which is conducive to promoting recrystallization. Due to that the shear band was not easy to form in the {100}<0vw> grain with lower stored energy, the large grains corresponding to strong {100}<0vw> texture in the quarter and center layers of ingot undergone obvious deformation and slight orientation transformation during hot compression process which proved the good heritability of as-cast {100} texture.
Analysis of phase waves in the ECoG data
Authors: Aksenov Alexandre , Beuter Anne
Published: September 2021

Subdural ECoG data recorded from the matrix of electrodes during syllable pronunciation are analyzed by the method of circular-linear regression. Phase waves in 1D electrode arrays and in the whole 2D set of electrodes are detected, and their spatial organization and temporal evolution are studied. Phase portraits of wave vectors indicate the presence of sources, sinks, and saddle points. The analysis of temporal evolution of phase portraits shows that they changed more at the beginning of syllable pronunciation. Furthermore, wave sources were more stable in their localization during the pronunciation. Overall, in spite of large variability of phase portraits, they represent some characterization of the dynamics of electric potential in the cerebral cortex.
Infection after the use of INFIX in Pelvic Ring Injuries
Authors: Vaidya Rahul , Amar Karun , Woodbury Derrek , Washington Austen
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to report on infection with anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation (INFIX) for pelvic ring injuries and the outcomes of treatment. Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective study was performed using trauma databases of a level one and level two trauma center from 2012–2018. Infection after the INFIX procedure was diagnosed in 10 of 179 cases. Treatment included formal irrigation and debridement, removal of the hardware, and culture-specific antibiotics. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Recorded outcomes include X-rays, Majeed scores, and the presence of any loss of reduction using reduction parameters. Results: Time to detect the infection was 54.2 ± 24.3 days (range 24–90, median 56 days). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated. The average follow-up was 830 ± 170 days (range 575–1088 days). All patients went on to the radiographic union. There were no recurrent infections or osteomyelitis at the latest follow-up. Patients maintained their reduction after INFIX removal (KI), and Majeed scores ranged from 72 to 96 (seven good, three excellent). Discussion: Infections after using the INFIX procedure were dealt with by irrigating and debriding the wounds, removing the INFIX with culture-specific antibiotics for 2–6 weeks. Implants were maintained for at least 25 days, and there was no loss of reduction. There were no long-term sequelae noted in this small series or the literature review included in this paper.
Cushing Syndrome is Associated with Increased Stage N2 Sleep and
Decreased SWS Partially Reversible After Treatment
Authors: Ismailogullari Sevda , Karaca Zuleyha , Firat Sedat Tarik , Unluhizarci Kursad , Kelestimur Fahrettin
Published: September 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sleep parameters of patients
with Cushing syndrome (CS) at the time of diagnosis and 12-months after
treatment. Thirty four newly diagnosed patients with endogenous CS (17 with
ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, 17 with adrenal CS) and 23 controls with
similar age were included in the study. Two polysomnography (PSG) recordings
were performed; one at the time of diagnosis and the other 12 months after
resolution of hypercortisolemia. Control group had only baseline PSG. Based on
the PSG findings, stage N2 sleep was found to be prolonged, stage N3 and REM
sleep were shortened in patients with CS. Average heart rate and mean Apnea
Hypopnea Index (AHI) score were higher in patients with CS than the control
subjects. Sixteen (47.1%) patients with CS and 4 (17.4%)
controls had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; AHI ≥5). There were no
significant differences in sleep parameters of patients according to the
etiology of CS (adrenal vs. pituitary) patients. Following 12-months of
treatment, a significant decrease in stage N2 sleep and a significant increase
in stage N3 sleep were detected, but there was no change in terms of AHI. In
conclusion, Cushing syndrome has disturbing effects on sleep structure and these
effects are at least partially reversible after treatment. However, the
increased risk of OSA was not reversed a year after treatment indicating the
importance of early diagnosis and treatment of CS.
Options for Low Rectal Cancer: Robotic Total Mesorectal Excision
Authors: Quezada-Diaz Felipe F. , Smith J. Joshua
Published: September 2021

Low rectal cancers (LRCs) may offer a difficult technical challenge even to experienced colorectal surgeons. Although laparoscopic surgery offers a superior exposure of the pelvis when compared with open approach, its role in rectal cancer surgery has been controversial. Robotic platforms are well suited for difficult pelvic surgery due to its three-dimensional visualization, degree of articulation of instruments, precise movements, and better ergonomics. The robot may be suitable especially in the anatomically narrow pelvis such as in male and obese patients. Meticulous dissection in critical steps, such as splenic flexure takedown, nerve-sparing mesorectal excision, and distal margin clearance, are potential technical advantages. In addition, robotic rectal resections are associated with lower conversion rates to open surgery, less blood loss, and shorter learning curve with similar short-term quality of life outcomes, similar rates of postoperative complications, and equivalent short-term surrogate outcomes compared with conventional laparoscopy. Robotic surgery approach, if used correctly, can enhance the skills and the capabilities of the well-trained surgeon during minimally invasive procedures for LRC.
Cerebral Abscess Caused by Listeria monocytogenes: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cipriani Debora , Trippel Michael , Buttler Klaus-Jürgen , Rohr Eva , Wagner Dirk , Beck Jürgen , Schnell Oliver
Published: September 2021

Background Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic gram-positive, facultative intracellular bacterium that causes invasive diseases mostly in pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients. Despite the predilection toward the central nervous system (CNS), it usually causes meningitis and meningoencephalitis, whereas brain abscesses are very uncommon.

Case presentation We describe the case of a 69-year-old homeless patient with a brain abscess due to L. monocytogenes who was successfully treated surgically by a guided stereotactic aspiration and antibiotic therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin. Our patient was discharged after 4 weeks of therapy without neurologic deficits. Additionally, we provide a review of the literature of brain abscesses caused by L. monocytogenes.

Conclusions This case highlights the need to drain cerebral abscesses and culture pus to correctly treat patients with antibiotics, especially given the high mortality rate of this infectious entity.
Robotic Intracorporeal Anastomosis
Authors: Lagares-Garcia Jorge A.
Published: September 2021

Robotic intracorporeal anastomosis is currently increasingly used for the performance of colorectal anastomosis. We describe the technical details for the proper performance of an iso- and anti-peristaltic anastomosis including the set up of the robotic platform and the performance of the anastomosis.
How to Analyze the Diagnostic Performance of a New Test? Explained with Illustrations
Authors: Dhamnetiya Deepak , Jha Ravi Prakash , Shalini Shalini , Bhattacharyya Krittika
Published: September 2021

Diagnostic tests are pivotal in modern medicine due to their applications in statistical decision-making regarding confirming or ruling out the presence of a disease in patients. In this regard, sensitivity and specificity are two most important and widely utilized components that measure the inherent validity of a diagnostic test for dichotomous outcomes against a gold standard test. Other diagnostic indices like positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, accuracy of a diagnostic test, and the effect of prevalence on various diagnostic indices have also been discussed. We have tried to present the performance of a classification model at all classification thresholds by reviewing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the depiction of the tradeoff between sensitivity and (1–specificity) across a series of cutoff points when the diagnostic test is on a continuous scale. The area under the ROC (AUROC) and comparison of AUROCs of different tests have also been discussed. Reliability of a test is defined in terms of the repeatability of the test such that the test gives consistent results when repeated more than once on the same individual or material, under the same conditions. In this article, we have presented the calculation of kappa coefficient, which is the simplest way of finding the agreement between two observers by calculating the overall percentage of agreement. When the prevalence of disease in the population is low, prospective study becomes increasingly difficult to handle through the conventional design. Hence, we chose to describe three more designs along with the conventional one and presented the sensitivity and specificity calculations for those designs. We tried to offer some guidance in choosing the best possible design among these four designs, depending on a number of factors. The ultimate aim of this article is to provide the basic conceptual framework and interpretation of various diagnostic test indices, ROC analysis, comparison of diagnostic accuracy of different tests, and the reliability of a test so that the clinicians can use it effectively. Several R packages, as mentioned in this article, can prove handy during quantitative synthesis of clinical data related to diagnostic tests.
Coach statt Chef: Mitarbeiterförderung und -entwicklung mit Herz und Humor
Authors: Brandstetter Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Motivierte Mitarbeiter leisten mehr. Nur wie erreicht man diese Motivation? Was tun, wenn Mitarbeiter nicht von selbst vor Leistungsdrang strotzen? Nicht zuletzt deshalb liegt diese wichtige Aufgabe in den Händen der jeweiligen Führungskraft. Sie ist Vorbild und Mentor, die Orientierung gibt und Mut macht. Sie ist es, die Mitarbeiter dazu bringt, Ziele zu erreichen und produktiver zu werden. Dabei darf das Interesse am einzelnen Individuum sowie eine gute Portion Humor nicht zu kurz kommen.
Regelkonformität: Compliance-Management im Krankenhaus – Wie der Einkauf davon profitieren kann
Authors: Kraft Mirko , Bauchowitz Anja
Published: September 2021

Die in der Corona-Pandemie angespannte Situation der Krankenhäuser ist unbestritten. Das Gesundheitspersonal war bereits zuvor vielfach überlastet, es herrscht Fachkräftemangel und die wirtschaftliche Belastung einzelner Häuser bewegt sich an der Grenze. Diese Aspekte verschleiern jedoch ein nach wie vor akutes und bisweilen unterschätztes Risiko: Non-Compliance bzw. Compliance-Risiken, die gerade im Gesundheitswesen weitreichende Folgen haben können und die auch in den Einkaufsabteilungen schlummern.
Kolumne: Einkaufsgemeinschaften als Qualifizierungsmoderatoren
Authors: Fuchs Björn
Published: September 2021

Krankenhaus-Einkäufer und Vertriebsverantwortliche der Industrie brauchen einen ganzheitlichen Ansatz zur Gestaltung von Kooperationen. Um lösungsorientiert zusammen zu arbeiten, benötigen beide ein klares Verständnis von den Erwartungen an ihren künftigen Partner. Einen wichtigen Beitrag hierzu könnten Einkaufsgemeinschaften leisten.
The “thinking meme” meme
Authors: Ritchie L. David
Published: September 2021

After a brief flurry of attention following its introduction byDawkins (1976), the concept ofmemeshas largely disappeared from mainstream social and cognitive science discourse. A significant exception is Dennett’s (1995; 2017) writings on the philosophy of mind. In his most recent book,Dennett (2017)develops what he presents as a comprehensive account of cultural evolution, based on the claims that memes, defined as a “way of behaving(roughly) that can be copied, transmitted, remembered, taught…,” develop through evolutionary processes more or less identical to the processes through which biological organisms and their genes evolve, and that both memes and genes are active agents in their own evolution. Although Dennett presents some very interesting ideas about the co-evolution of culture and human brains, he couches his argument in a system ofpersonification, organism, war, andobjectmetaphors that implicitly assign mental activities including intending, competing, and planning to memes. In this paper I analyze Dennett’s metaphors and argue that they effectively distract attention from the psychological and cultural processes that actually determine whether a behavior pattern (i.e. ameme) is learned, remembered, and reproduced (none of which Dennett acknowledges). I then show how the substance of Dennett’s argument can be rephrased in language that avoids the obfuscating effect of his metaphors. In addition to countering a common metaphor-based misconception in evolution theory, this analysis illustrates the importance of close attention to the entailments of conceptual metaphors used as theoretical arguments.
Wide dynamic detection range of methane gas based on enhanced cavity absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Yu , Ding Bo-Kun , Wang Kun-Yang , Mei Jiao-Xu , Han Ze-Lin , Tan Tu , Gao Xiao-Ming
Published: September 2021

Integrated cavity output spectroscopy (ICOS) is an effective technique in trace gase detection. The strong absorption due to the long optical path of this method makes it challenging in the application scenes that have large gas concentration fluctuation, especially when the gas concentration is high. In this paper, we demonstrate an extension of the dynamic range of ICOS by using a detuned laser combined with an off-axis integrating cavity. With this, we improve the upper limit of the dynamic detection range from 0.1% (1000 ppm) to 20% of the gas concentration. This method provides a way of using ICOS in the applications with unpredictable gas concentrations such as gas leak detection, ocean acidification, carbon sequestration, etc.
Characterization of premixed swirling methane/air diffusion flame through filtered Rayleigh scattering
Authors: Li Meng , Yan Bo , Chen Shuang , Chen Li , Mu Jin-He
Published: September 2021

Characteristics of a premixed, swirl methane/air diffusion flame at atmospheric pressure are measured by filtered Rayleigh scattering (FRS). Three operating conditions are investigated with the equivalence ratios of the methane/air flame covering a range of 0.67–0.83. Under each condition, single-shot and averaged FRS images over a region measured 39.3 × 65.6 mm2 at seven cross sections of the flame are collected to demonstrate the flame behavior. A gradient calculation algorithm is applied to identify reaction zone locations and structures in the instantaneous FRS measurements. Statistical analysis for the mean FRS measurements is performed by means of joint probability density functions. The experimental results indicate that thermochemical state of the swirl flame is strongly influenced by equivalence ratio, leading to varieties of flame structures and temperature distributions. The gradient of the instantaneous FRS images clearly illustrates the characteristics of the reaction zone. The results also demonstrate that FRS can provide detailed insights into the behavior of turbulent flames.
Electronic structures and topological properties of TeSe2 monolayers*
Authors: Wan Zhengyang , Huan Hao , Bao Hairui , Liu Xiaojuan , Yang Zhongqin
Published: September 2021

The successfully experimental fabrication of two-dimensional Te monolayer films [Phys. Rev. Lett.
119 106101 (2017)] has promoted the researches on the group-VI monolayer materials. In this work, the electronic structures and topological properties of a group-VI binary compound of TeSe2 monolayers are studied based on the density functional theory and Wannier function method. Three types of structures, namely, α-TeSe2, β-TeSe2, and γ-TeSe2, are proposed for the TeSe2 monolayer among which the α-TeSe2 is found being the most stable. All the three structures are semiconductors with indirect band gaps. Very interestingly, the γ-TeSe2 monolayer becomes a quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulator with a global nontrivial energy gap of 0.14 eV when a 3.5% compressive strain is applied. The opening of the global band gap is understood by the competition between the decrease of the local band dispersion and the weakening of the interactions between the Se p
x
, p
y
orbitals and Te p
x
, p
y
orbitals during the process. Our work realizes topological states in the group-VI monolayers and promotes the potential applications of the materials in spintronics and quantum computations.
Particle captured by a field-modulating vortex through dielectrophoresis force
Authors: Yan Bing , Chen Bo , Peng Zerui , Xiong Yong-Liang
Published: September 2021

In microfluidic technology, dielectrophoresis (DEP) is commonly used to manipulate particles. In this work, the fluid–particle interactions in a microfluidic system are investigated numerically by a finite difference method (FDM) for electric field distribution and a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for the fluid flow. In this system, efficient particle manipulation may be realized by combining DEP and field-modulating vortex. The influence of the density (ρ
p), radius (r), and initial position of the particle in the y direction (y
p0), and the slip velocity (u
0) on the particle manipulation are studied systematically. It is found that compared with the particle without action of DEP force, the particle subjected to a DEP force may be captured by the vortex over a wider range of parameters. In the y direction, as ρ
p or r increases, the particle can be captured more easily by the vortex since it is subjected to a stronger DEP force. When u
0 is low, particle is more likely to be captured due to the vortex–particle interaction. Furthermore, the flow field around the particle is analyzed to explore the underlying mechanism. The results obtained in the present study may provide theoretical support for engineering applications of field-controlled vortices to manipulate particles.
A review on the design of ternary logic circuits*
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yuan , Dong Chuan-Tao , Wu Zhi-Ru , Cheng Zhi-Qun
Published: September 2021

A multi-valued logic system is a promising alternative to traditional binary logic because it can reduce the complexity, power consumption, and area of circuit implementation. This article briefly summarizes the development of ternary logic and its advantages in digital logic circuits. The schemes, characteristics, and application of ternary logic circuits based on CMOS, CNTFET, memristor, and other devices and processes are reviewed in this paper, providing some reference for the further research and development of ternary logic circuits.
Nonlinear optical properties in n-type quadruple δ-doped GaAs quantum wells
Authors: Noverola-Gamas Humberto , Gaggero-Sager Luis Manuel , Oubram Outmane
Published: September 2021

The effects of the interlayer distance on the nonlinear optical properties of n-type quadruple δ-doped GaAs quantum well were theoretically investigated. Particularly, the absorption coefficient and the relative refraction index change were determined. In the effective mass approach and within the framework of the Thomas–Fermi theory, the Schrödinger equation was resolved. Thereby, the subband energy levels and their respective wave functions were calculated. The variations in the nonlinear optical properties were determined by using the density matrix solutions. The achieved results demonstrate that the interlayer distance causes optical red-shift on nonlinear optical properties. Therefore, it can be deduced that the suitably chosen interlayer distance can be used to tune optical properties within the infrared spectrum region in optoelectronic devices such as far-infrared photo-detectors, high-speed electronic-optical modulators, and infrared lasers.
Dynamical learning of non-Markovian quantum dynamics
Authors: Yang Jintao , Cao Junpeng , Yang Wen-Li
Published: September 2021

We study the non-Markovian dynamics of an open quantum system with machine learning. The observable physical quantities and their evolutions are generated by using the neural network. After the pre-training is completed, we fix the weights in the subsequent processes thus do not need the further gradient feedback. We find that the dynamical properties of physical quantities obtained by the dynamical learning are better than those obtained by the learning of Hamiltonian and time evolution operator. The dynamical learning can be applied to other quantum many-body systems, non-equilibrium statistics and random processes.
Chip-based quantum communications
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Zheng Yun , Zhai Chonghao , Li Xudong , Gong Qihuang , Wang Jianwei
Published: September 2021

Quantum communications aim to share encryption keys between the transmitters and receivers governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. Integrated quantum photonics offers significant advantages of dense integration, high stability and scalability, which enables a vital platform for the implementation of quantum information processing and quantum communications. This article reviews recent experimental progress and advances in the development of integrated quantum photonic devices and systems for quantum communications and quantum networks.
The scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy of GaSb1–

x
Bi
x
films of a few-nanometer thickness grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Zha Fangxing , Zhang Qiuying , Dai Haoguang , Zhang Xiaolei , Yue Li , Wang Shumin , Shao Jun
Published: September 2021

The ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was used to characterize the GaSb1–

x
Bi
x
films of a few nanometers thickness grown by the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on the GaSb buffer layer of 100 nm with the GaSb (100) substrates. The thickness of the GaSb1–

x
Bi
x
layers of the samples are 5 and 10 nm, respectively. For comparison, the GaSb buffer was also characterized and its STM image displays terraces whose surfaces are basically atomically flat and their roughness is generally less than 1 monolayer (ML). The surface of 5 nm GaSb1–

x
Bi
x
film reserves the same terraced morphology as the buffer layer. In contrast, the morphology of the 10 nm GaSb1–

x
Bi
x
film changes to the mound-like island structures with a height of a few MLs. The result implies the growth mode transition from the two-dimensional mode as displayed by the 5 nm film to the Stranski–Krastinov mode as displayed by the 10 nm film. The statistical analysis with the scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) measurements indicates that both the incorporation and the inhomogeneity of Bi atoms increase with the thickness of the GaSb1–

x
Bi
x
layer.
The realization of a wide-angle voice transmission non-line-of-sight ultraviolet communication system
Authors: Deng Yangyang , Wang Yuehui , Zhang Yiqing , Du Axin , Liu Jianguo
Published: September 2021

A 300 kbps wide-angle non-line-of-sight ultraviolet communication system with voice transmission function is designed here. Based on Poisson distribution theory, we design the symbol detecting method for the receiving discrete photon signals. Using 272 nm LED array as the light source and PMT as the detector, the voice transceiver is integrated into the carriable size of 200 × 90 × 65 mm3. An outfield test shows the system obtains the BER of 0.88% under 200 m. Under 10° wide-angle deviation of the transmitter, a BER below 1.33% is achieved.