bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relations between summer droughts/floods and oxygen isotope composition of precipitation in the Dongting Lake basin
Authors: Liu Zhongli , Zhang Xinping , Xiao Zhuoyong , He Xinguang , Rao Zhiguo , Guan Huade
Published: March 2023

The stable oxygen isotope composition of precipitation (δ18Op) in southern China is considered as a valuable proxy of climatic conditions. However, their interpretations have been controversial. In this study, based on the observed and simulated data (isoGSM2) on oxygen isotope composition of precipitation, the linkage between summer precipitation (P) and δ18Op in the Dongting Lake basin and their possible influencing factors were investigated. The results indicate that the interannual variation of summer δ18Op is consistent with that of annual δ18Op. They both show a significantly negative correlation with the summer P, suggesting that the stable isotope composition in precipitation may be considered as a proxy of summer precipitation in the Dongting Lake basin. Statistically, the amount effect and circulation effect are significant in the isotope composition of precipitation in the basin. Based on either the observed data in Changsha or the simulated data for the basin, the local amount effect appears more important than large‐scale circulation for δ18Op during extreme summers. These results can potentially improve the reconstruction of paleoclimate in the East Asian monsoon region. Further study is needed to determine the contribution of local and large‐scale factors to the oxygen isotope composition of precipitation and to quantify the integral rainout along the moisture transporting paths.
Impacts of frozen ground degradation and vegetation greening on upper Brahmaputra runoff during 1981–2019
Authors: Wang Yuanwei , Wang Lei , Zhou Jing , Chai Chenhao , Hu Zhidan , Zhao Lin , Wang Shengfeng , Fan Mengtian
Published: March 2023

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) contains the largest permafrost region in the mid–low latitudes and the largest area of glaciers outside of the polar regions. In recent decades, this region has experienced vegetation greening (e.g., increasing leaf area index) due to climate change. As the largest exorheic river on the TP, the Upper Brahmaputra Basin (UBB) is very sensitive to climate change, experiencing the humidifying and significant warming. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal variability of frozen ground and vegetation over the last four decades in the UBB and explored how these changes have impacted river runoff using a water‐ and energy‐budget distributed hydrological model (WEB‐DHM). We found that almost 50% of permafrost transformed into seasonally frozen or unfrozen ground from 1981 to 2019 with the great improvement of vegetation leaf area index (LAI). Based on the variable‐controlling approach (set the air temperature or vegetation unchanged), we revealed that frozen ground degradation caused an average of 9.3 billion m3 of water loss per year, accounting for 5.4% of total UBB river runoff, even if frozen ground degradation can increase water resources at the early stage. However, vegetation greening has caused a runoff decline by 10.9 billion m3 (6.4%) annually due to enhanced evapotranspiration. These findings highlight that it is critical to understand and mitigate the impacts of changing frozen ground and vegetation, when managing water resources availability and ecosystem conservation under rapid climate change.
Utilization of a periodontal endoscope in nonsurgical periodontal therapy: A randomized, split‐mouth clinical trial
Authors: Wright Hillary N. , Mayer Elizabeth T. , Lallier Thomas E. , Maney Pooja
Published: March 2023

Background

The removal of subgingival calculus to obtain gingival health is an integral part of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. The periodontal endoscope is used by some clinicians to help enhance access to effectively remove subgingival calculus; however, longer‐term studies on this subject are still lacking. The purpose of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to compare the clinical outcomes of scaling and root planing (SRP) using a periodontal endoscope versus conventional SRP using loupes for up to 12 months, utilizing a split‐mouth design.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients were recruited who exhibited generalized stage II or stage III periodontitis. SRP was rendered by the same experienced hygienist using either a periodontal endoscope or conventional SRP using loupes, following random assignment of the left and right halves of the mouth. All periodontal evaluations were done by the same periodontal resident at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after therapy.

Results

Single‐rooted teeth interproximal sites displayed a significantly lower percentage of improved sites (P < 0.05) than multirooted teeth for probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL). Maxillary multirooted interproximal sites favored the use of the periodontal endoscope at the 3‐ and 6‐month time periods (P = 0.017 and 0.019, respectively) in terms of the percentage of sites with improved CAL. Mandibular multirooted interproximal sites showed more sites with improved CAL using conventional SRP than with the periodontal endoscope (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, the use of a periodontal endoscope was more beneficial in multirooted sites compared to single‐rooted sites, specifically in maxillary multirooted sites.
Cranial nerve palsy prevalence and associated factors in patients with malignant otitis externa
Authors: Zonnour Alireza , Shahnazar Reza , Jamshidi Abolfazl , Dabiri Sasan , Saedi Elham , Emami Hamed , Yazdani Nasrin
Published: March 2023

Objective

To identify the prevalence of cranial nerve (CN) palsy and its associated factors in malignant otitis externa (MOE).

Methods

In a retrospective study, records of MOE patients from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed. MOE and CN involvement were evaluated based on patient demographics, clinical, and paraclinical data.

Results

Overall, 119 MOE patients with a mean age of 65.9 ± 11.3 were included. 69.7% were male, and 63.0% had a history of diabetes. The most common symptoms and signs were otalgia (97.5%), otorrhea (44.5%), and ear canal erythema/edema (24.4%). Thirty‐three patients (27.7%) had CN involvement. The facial nerve was mostly involved (26.1%). Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) was present in 59 patients. When excluding patients younger than 30 and older than 80, age decade was correlated with CN palsy. 66.9% of patients with CN palsy and 65.6% without CN palsy were male, which was significantly different. The following factors were not significantly different between patients with and without CN palsy: Comorbidities, signs and symptoms, diagnostic delay, erythrocyte sedimentation rate level, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c level, antifungal therapy, hospitalization duration, and SBO on imaging. Tinnitus was correlated with SBO evidence on imaging (specificity: 96.7%).

Conclusion

CN involvement occurs in about three out of 10 MOE patients. Male gender and advanced age may be related to a higher incidence rate of CN palsy. Tinnitus can be a specific indicator of SBO. These findings could help in better decision‐making for early interventions.

Level of Evidence

4.
Fractional Schrödinger–Poisson system with critical growth and potentials vanishing at infinity
Authors: Zhang Xinrui , He Xiaoming
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of positive solutions for a class of fractional Schrödinger–Poisson system with critical nonlinearity and multiple competing potentials, which may decay and vanish at infinity. Under some local conditions, we show the existence and concentration of positive solutions by using the modified penalization method and concentration–compactness principle.
The impact of financial scarcity on green consumption: Sequential mediating effects of anxiety and self‐efficacy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ma Qinhai , Guan Dongxiao
Published: March 2023

There is a consensus to promote green consumption to drive sustainable human development and high‐quality economic development. It is therefore essential for academics, policymakers, and marketers to understand the factors that influence green consumption. Through four experiments, this study examines the effect of financial scarcity—a feeling commonly experienced by consumers—on green consumption. These experiments show that financial scarcity can hinder consumers' choice of green products. The above process occurs because the scarcity of monetary resources induces anxiety, which in turn reduces self‐efficacy. We further find that the observed effect will be attenuated when consumers' social support level is high (vs. low). These findings demonstrate that the impact of financial scarcity on green consumption is mediated by anxiety and self‐efficacy perception and moderated by social support. Our results provide recommendations for developing marketing strategies for green products.
On the quadratic wave equation with randomized oscillating coefficients
Authors: Lu Xiaojun
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we consider the asymptotic behavior of the solutions of the quadratic wave equations with perturbed oscillating coefficients which are very important mathematical models in describing the oscillation of particles imposed with time‐dependent electromagnetic fields. By the application of microlocal analysis and stochastic analysis, this paper makes a delicate classification of various types of time‐dependent oscillating coefficients on the principal quantum harmonic oscillator part and explores the corresponding regularity behavior and
‐estimates of the solution of the equation. It is interesting to find out that weak or mild oscillations will not cause any energy growth, while regular and strong oscillations will lead to polynomial or exponential growth of the energy. This is meaningful to help us explore the energy conversion mechanism in the electromagnetic field. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate the optimality of the
‐estimates, typical counterexamples with periodic coefficients will be constructed to show the lower bound of growth rate by the application of harmonic analysis and instability arguments. Compared with formal literatures focusing on the constant coefficients, current results in this paper reveal the essential relation between oscillation types and energy growth.
Non‐germinal center B‐cell subtype of pediatric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in Japan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hori Daiki , Kobayashi Ryoji , Nakazawa Atsuko , Iwafuchi Hideto , Klapper Wolfram , Osumi Tomoo , Ohk Kentaro , Sekimizu Masahiro
Published: March 2023

Background

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is classified into two molecular subtypes according to its cell of origin: germinal center B‐cell (GCB) subtype and activated B‐cell/non‐GCB subtype. This latter subtype shows a poorer prognosis in adults. However, in pediatric DLBCL, the prognostic impact of the subtype is yet to be clarified.

Objectives

This study sought to compare the prognosis between GCB and non‐GCB DLBCL in a large number of cases in children and adolescents. In addition, this study intended to describe the clinical, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic characteristics of these two molecular subtypes of DLBCL, and consider differences in the biology, frequency, and prognosis of GCB and non‐GCB subtypes in pediatric versus adult DLBCL or in Japanese versus Western pediatric DLBCL patients.

Design/methods

We selected mature B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia patients for whom specimens had been submitted to the central pathology review in Japan between June 2005 and November 2019. We referred the past studies on Asian adult patients and Western pediatric patients to compare with our results.

Results

Data were obtained from 199 DLBCL patients. The median age of all patients was 10 years, with 125 patients (62.8%) in the GCB group and 49 (24.6%) in the non‐GCB group other than 25 cases whose immunohistochemical data were insufficient. Overall, the percentage of translocation of MYC (1.4%) and BCL6 (6.3%) was lower than in adult and Western pediatric DLBCL cases. The non‐GCB group showed a significantly higher proportion of females (44.9%), a higher incidence of stage III disease (38.8%), and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2)‐positivity in immunohistochemistry (79.6%) compared to the GCB group; however, no BCL2 rearrangement was observed in both GCB and non‐GCB groups. The prognosis did not differ significantly between the GCB and non‐GCB groups.

Conclusion

This study including a large number of non‐GCB patients showed the same prognosis between GCB and non‐GCB groups and suggested a difference in the biology of pediatric and adolescent DLBCL compared to adult DLBCL as well as between Asian and Western DLBCL.
Emotional subtypes in patients with depression: A cluster analysis
Authors: Chan Rachel Y. T. , Hu Hui‐xin , Wang Ling‐ling , Chan Mandy K. M. , Ho Zoe T. Y. , Cheng Koi‐Man , Lui Simon S. Y. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: March 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with deficits in emotion experience, expression and regulation. Whilst emotion regulation deficits prolong MDD, emotion expression influences symptomatic presentations, and anticipatory pleasure deficits predict recurrence risk. Profiling MDD patients from an emotion componential perspective can characterize subtypes with different clinical and functional outcomes. This study aimed to investigate emotional subtypes of MDD. A two‐stage cluster analysis applied to 150 MDD patients. Clustering variables included emotion experience measured by Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale, emotion expression measured by Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and emotion regulation measured by Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. We validated the resultant clusters by comparing their symptoms and functioning with that of 50 controls. Cluster 1 (n = 50) exhibited intact emotion experience and expression yet adopted reappraisal rather than suppression strategy, whereas Cluster 2 (n = 66) exhibited generalized emotional deficits. Cluster 3 (n = 34) exhibited emotion expression deficits and adopted both reappraisal and suppression strategies. On validation, Cluster 2 exhibited the worst, but Cluster 1 exhibited the least symptoms and social functioning impairments. Cluster 3 was intermediate among the two other subtypes. Our findings support the existence of different emotional subtypes in MDD patients, and have clinical and theoretical implications for developing future specific treatments for MDD.
Experimental and constitutive analyses of the stress relaxation behavior of glassy polymers
Authors: Liu Fan , Wang Jin , Zhang He , Yao Xiaohu
Published: March 2023

The physical mechanism underlying the mechanical behavior of glassy polymers has been studied over decades but remains a long‐standing issue. A consensus view achieved is that the yield, flow, and stress relaxation behaviors are due to structural relaxation in the polymer mainly caused by chain conformation transitions. This is the key physical idea behind the many existing elastic–plastic constitutive models for glassy polymers. In this paper, such a constitutive model was employed for predicting and analyzing the stress relaxation of a glassy polymer. It is found that the model works well in predicting the pre‐yield stress relaxation but significantly underestimates the post‐yield stress relaxation. As considering the chain conformation transition alone leads to a dilemma for the model to concurrently represent the yield/flow and stress relaxation behaviors, the model was extended to incorporate an additional structural relaxation mechanism assumed to originate from the dissociation of weak linkages in the chain network. The extended model succeeds in concurrently representing the yield/flow, and stress relaxation behaviors in the whole deformation region, of which the reasons were analyzed. The knowledge revealed in this paper is instructive and may shed new light on understanding the structural relaxation and mechanical behavior of glassy polymers.
Dosing implications for liposomal amphotericin B in pregnancy
Authors: O'Grady Niamh , McManus Dayna , Briggs Neima , Azar Marwan M. , Topal Jeffrey , Davis Matthew W.
Published: March 2023

Liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) is used in the treatment of opportunistic fungal and parasitic infections, including leishmaniasis. Given its lack of known teratogenicity in pregnancy, LAmB is a preferred agent for treatment for these patients. However, significant gaps remain in determining optimal dosing regimens for LAmB in pregnancy. We describe the use of LAmB for a pregnant patient with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) using a dosing strategy of 5 mg/kg/day for days 1–7 using ideal body weight followed by 4 mg/kg weekly using adjusted body weight. We reviewed the literature for LAmB dosing strategies, particularly dosing weight, in pregnancy. Of the 143 cases identified in 17 studies, only one reported a dosing weight, in which ideal body weight was used. Five Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines in total discussed the use of amphotericin B in pregnancy but no guidelines included recommendations for dosing weight. This review describes our experience in using ideal body weight for dosing LAmB in pregnancy for the treatment of MCL. Use of ideal body weight may minimize risk of adverse effects to the fetus compared to the use of total body weight while maintaining efficacy for treatment of MCL in pregnancy.
Microwave Spectrum Detection at Microscopic Scale Based on Nitrogen Vacancy Center in Diamond
Authors: Liu Yusong , Qin Yue , Wang Qi , Guo Hao , Li Jie , Li Zhonghao , Wen Huanfei , Ma Zongmin , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: March 2023

A machine learning‐based microwave spectrum detection method based on the nitrogen vacancy (NV) color centers in diamonds is proposed. The functional relationship between the fluorescence spectrum and standard microwave spectrum is established. The response matrix is calculated using the Tikhonov regularization technique, and an unknown microwave spectrum is reconstructed. Diamond particles with a size of only 5 × 5 μm2 are placed in the microfluidic structures. Consequently, the frequency detection range of the microwave spectrum is from 2.892 to 6.214 GHz with a resolution of 22 kHz. The proposed research opens new paths for microwave spectrum detection and imaging at the microscopic scale.
Global challenges reflected in software process improvement
Authors: Colomo‐Palacios Ricardo , Messnarz Richard , Biró Miklós
Published: March 2023

This special issue comprises a selected set of high‐quality and extended articles of the 28th Systems, Software and Services Process Improvement (EuroSPI) Conference, held in 2021 in Krems, Austria.

Conferences were held in Dublin (Ireland) in 1994, in Vienna (Austria) in 1995, in Brighton (UK) in 1996, in Budapest (Hungary) in 1997, in Gothenburg (Sweden) in 1998, in Pori (Finland) in 1999, in Copenhagen (Denmark) in 2000, in Limerick (Ireland) in 2001, in Nuremberg (Germany) in 2002, in Graz (Austria) in 2003, in Trondheim (Norway) in 2004, in Budapest (Hungary) in 2005, in Joensuu (Finland) in 2006, in Potsdam (Germany) in 2007, in Dublin (Ireland) in 2008, in Alcala (Spain) in 2009, in Grenoble (France) in 2010, in Roskilde (Denmark) in 2011, in Vienna (Austria) in 2012, in Dundalk (Ireland) in 2013, in Luxembourg in 2014, in Ankara (Turkey) in 2015, in Graz (Austria) in 2016, in Ostrava (Czech Republic) in 2017, in Bilbao (Spain) in 2018, in Edinburgh (UK) in 2019, in Düsseldorf (Germany) in 2020, and in Krems (Austria) in 2021.
Structural design and testing of material optimized ribbed RC slabs with 3D printed formwork
Authors: Huber Tobias , Burger Joris , Mata‐Falcón Jaime , Kaufmann Walter
Published: March 2023

Most of the concrete volume in multistorey buildings is cast in solid slabs, which are frequently flat slabs supported on columns. By using two‐way spanning ribbed slabs, concrete consumption could be significantly reduced. However, due to the high costs associated with formwork, such a complex rib configuration is rarely used nowadays. With the advent of technologies for automated formwork fabrication, the material‐saving potential inherent in this structural system could again be exploited. This paper investigates the feasibility of material‐efficient ribbed concrete slabs on a building scale using conventional concrete and steel reinforcing bars cast inside a three‐dimensional‐printed plastic‐based formwork. To that end, the code‐compliant design of ribbed slabs is first discussed, followed by the introduction of a concept for an automated design‐to‐production workflow. The sustainability of this slab system is compared to a solution using conventional formwork in a case study consisting of a multibay office building with slabs spanning 8 m in both directions, revealing that ribbed slabs use 40% less concrete than solid slabs. Several representative structural elements of the case study (ribs, slab‐column transition) were produced at full‐scale and tested until failure to investigate the feasibility of production and structural performance. Three T‐beams with various rib shapes (straight, kinked with diaphragms, curved) were tested in a three‐point bending configuration, showing a ductile behavior with longitudinal reinforcement yielding and indicating the relevance of torsional effects in curved ribs. Punching tests on two slab‐column connections (ribbed, solid) revealed that the optimized ribbed slab could prevent brittle punching failures and achieve an ultimate load 105% higher than the solid reference slab. All specimens' load‐bearing behavior could be predicted using established design formulas, showing the feasibility of producing code‐compliant ribbed slabs with the applied technology.
Conference report: Third annual young researcher forum of the Japan Society of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Traditional Medicine
Authors: Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Yokogawa Takami , Nakamichi Kohsuke , Manse Yoshiaki , Yoshikawa Hayato , Sasaki Hiroaki , Ando Hirokazu , Nakashima Souichi
Published: March 2023

Four young researchers presented their studies in the field of traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Wakan‐yaku) at the third annual young researcher forum entitled “Respecting and Breaking Traditions,” held 1 week before the 2022 annual meeting of the Japan Society of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences for Traditional Medicine. Dr. Yokogawa presented her research focusing on the mechanism of the Ayurveda drug‐eluting string, Kshara Sutra, in treating anal fistulas, reporting on its effects on the anal tissue in an anal fistula rat model and its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the causative organisms of anal fistulas. Mr. Nakamichi presented his research focusing on the relationship between the efficacy of Kampo medicines with anti‐obesity effects and intestinal microbiota composition. His results partially revealed that bofutsushosan and boiogito affect lipid metabolism in mice and correlate with the intestinal microbiota composition. Dr. Manse reported the anti‐inflammatory activity of diterpenoid components in Enmei‐so (Isodonis Herba), revealing its novel inhibitory activity on nitric oxide released from activated macrophages and on inflammatory cytokines, and identified active components contributing to the inhibition and the mechanism of action. Mr. Yoshikawa reported the anticancer activity of small molecular compounds isolated from the medicinal plants, Valeriana fauriei and Hypericum erectum. His results suggest that five compounds may increase the sensitivity of human cervical carcinoma cells to adriamycin via HSP105 expression suppression. The event was conducted online, and included 78 participants. We intend to hold and improve this forum in 2023 and the future.
X‐ray fluorescence analysis using ultrasonic levitation technique
Authors: Okuda Masaki , Matsuyama Tsugufumi , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: March 2023

A thin film is used as the sample holder for analyzing solutions and solid samples using x‐ray fluorescence (XRF). The incident x‐rays are scattered on the sample and thin film, and the scattered x‐rays serve as background signals in the XRF spectra. To reduce the intensity of the background signal, an ultrasonic levitation method was developed herein for XRF measurements. The ultrasonic levitation device is equipped with a transducer (horn) and reflector, and a small‐size sample is levitated around a node of a generated standing wave; thus, a sample holder is not necessary. Fe solution (2 μL) was analyzed to evaluate the developed instrument. The results obtained using levitation times of 0 and 60 min were compared. The solvent droplet almost evaporated during ultrasonic levitation; therefore, the absorption effects of XRFs and incident x‐rays and the scattering effect of incident x‐rays were reduced. At a levitation time of 60 min, the net intensity of the Fe Kα peak was increased, and the background intensity decreased. The relationship between the levitation time and the net or background intensities of the Fe Kα peak was defined; thus, condensation of the sample droplet was successfully observed. Quantitative analysis was performed using an internal standard method. The relative intensity (ratio of the net intensities of the target and internal standard elements) was proportional to the concentration ratio. Therefore, this method is useful for measuring trace elements at low background intensity and elucidating the process of condensation of a sample droplet.
Extension of Sukur Cultural Landscape in Nigeria to incorporate the 16 DGB sites on the Wandala Cultural Landscape in Cameroon as a serial transboundary World Heritage site
Authors: Sham Anthony
Published: March 2023

As a result of a dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon over the ownership of the Bakasi Peninsula during the last two decades, other international disputed boundary areas have also been identified and properly delineated from the far north in Borno State to the Bakasi Peninsula in Cross River State, with a view to establishing international cooperation and a bilateral relationship that will bring peace and development between the two countries. To further strengthen the cordial relationship between the two countries, experts and authorities of the African World Heritage programme jointly entered into an agreement in 2016 at Yaounde, Cameroon, for the joint preparation and submission of Korup Hill in Cameroon and Oban Hill in Nigeria as a transboundary World Heritage site.
Challenges in preparing a serial transnational nomination for geometric rock art sites in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Authors: Besigye Jackline Nyiracyiza , Musalizi Sarah , Asiimwe Raymond
Published: March 2023

Lake Victoria’s proposed rock art nomination represents an extensive collection of rock paintings. These include large geometric finger-painted shapes that bear an exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition that started over four millennia ago in connection with fertility and potency among the Pygmy hunter-gatherers, whose spirits are still in contact with generations living around the sites today (Namono, 2010a). For instance, the entrance to the Nyero 2 site in Uganda is shaped like a cervix (Figure 1) and it is indeed possible that at that time this area was used for fertility rituals.
The transnational management regime of the Virunga Conservation Area across the Congolese, Rwandan and Ugandan borders: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Birabi Allan Kenneth
Published: March 2023

The Virunga Transboundary Conservation Area (VTCA) shown in Figure 1 is a 434 km2 natural heritage/wildlife complex. One part comprises a 240 km2 portion of the mountainous Virunga National Park, which was created in 1925 inside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As such, Virunga National Park, with a total land area of 7,800 km2 (Figure 2), is not wholly located in the VTCA. The main focus of this paper is the Mikeno sector of the park, an area of approximately 250 km2, which happens to be part of the VTCA territory (Figure 2). The entire park was placed on the World Heritage List in 1979 and pronounced a World Heritage Site in Danger in 1994. The second part of the VTCA is an alpine area covering some 160 km2 of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which was created in 1929 and designated as a Biosphere Reserve (Figures 1, 2 and 3). The third part, also mountainous, is a 33.7 km2 area within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) in Uganda (Figures 1, 2 and 3). The MGNP was established in 1964 as a reserve to protect the mountain gorilla and it was inscribed onto the World Heritage Tentative List in 2007. This ‘three-in-one’ natural heritage area lies between 1°21′50′′ S and 29°38′17′ E.
A proof for string three-point functions in AdS3
Authors: Bufalini Davide , Iguri Sergio , Kovensky Nicolas
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Correlation functions of the SL(2,ℝ)-WZW model involving spectrally flowed vertex operators are notoriously difficult to compute. An explicit integral expression for the corresponding three-point functions was recently conjectured in [1]. In this paper, we provide a proof for this conjecture. For this, we extend the methods of [2] based on the so-called SL(2,ℝ) series identifications, which relate vertex operators belonging to different spectral flow sectors. We also highlight the role of holomorphic covering maps in this context. Our results constitute an important milestone for proving this instance of the AdS3/CFT2 holographic duality at finite ’t Hooft coupling.
NLO oriented event-shape distributions for massive quarks
Authors: Bris Alejandro , Gracia Nestor G. , Mateu Vicent
Published: March 2023

Abstract

In this article we compute the cross section for the process $$ {e}^{+}{e}^{-}\to Q\overline{Q}+X $$

e
+

e
−

→
Q

Q
¯

+
X
, with Q a heavy quark, differential in a given event shape e and the angle θT between the thrust axis and the beam direction. These observables are usually referred to as oriented event shapes, and it has been shown that the θT dependence can be split in two structures, dubbed the unoriented and angular terms. Since the unoriented part is already known, we compute the differential and cumulative distributions in fixed-order for the angular part up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(αs). Our results show that, for the vector current, there is a non-zero $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^0\right) $$
O

α
s
0

contribution, in contrast to the axial-vector current or for massless quarks. This entails that for the vector current one should expect singular terms at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(αs) as well as infrared divergences in real- and virtual-radiation diagrams that should cancel when added up. On the phenomenological side, and taking into account that electroweak factors enhance the vector current, it implies that finite bottom-mass effects are an important correction since they are not damped by a power of the strong coupling and therefore cannot be neglected in precision studies. Finally, we show that the total angular distribution for the vector current has a Sommerfeld enhancement at threshold.
Microbiological investigation on the effect of rinsing of intentionally soiled roe deer carcasses
Authors: Korkmaz Birsen , Mateus-Vargas Rafael Hernán , Maaz Denny , Reich Felix , Bandick Niels , Lahrssen-Wiederholt Monika , Steinhoff-Wagner Julia
Published: March 2023

Reduction of the microbial load of soiled carcasses is essential in the production of game meat. Rinsing with water is a common practice in handling game carcasses to remove any visible contamination. In this study, microbiological investigations were performed on carcasses of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), inoculated with a mixture of gastrointestinal content and then either rinsed (n = 3) or unrinsed (n = 3). Water rinsing may have short-term effects on bacterial contamination related to soiling. However, introducing water into the body cavity may promote bacterial growth during cold storage.
Evidence-based medication adherence among seniors in the first year after heart failure hospitalisation and subsequent long-term outcomes: a restricted cubic spline analysis of adherence-outcome relationships
Authors: Qin Xiwen , Hung Joseph , Knuiman Matthew W. , Briffa Tom G. , Teng Tiew-Hwa Katherine , Sanfilippo Frank M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Non-adherence to heart failure (HF) medications is associated with poor outcomes. We used restricted cubic splines (RCS) to assess the continuous relationship between adherence to renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) and β-blockers and long-term outcomes in senior HF patients.

Methods

We identified a population-based cohort of 4234 patients, aged 65–84 years, 56% male, who were hospitalised for HF in Western Australia between 2003 and 2008 and survived to 1-year post-discharge (landmark date). Adherence was calculated using the proportion of days covered (PDC) in the first year post-discharge. RCS Cox proportional-hazards models were applied to determine the relationship between adherence and all-cause death and death/HF readmission at 1 and 3 years after the landmark date.

Results

RCS analysis showed a curvilinear adherence-outcome relationship for both RASI and β-blockers which was linear above PDC 60%. For each 10% increase in RASI and β-blocker adherence above this level, the adjusted hazard ratio for 1-year all-cause death fell by an average of 6.6% and 4.8% respectively (trend p < 0.05) and risk of all-cause death/HF readmission fell by 5.4% and 5.8% respectively (trend p < 0.005). Linear reductions in adjusted risk for these outcomes at PDC ≥ 60% were also seen at 3 years after landmark date (all trend p < 0.05).

Conclusion

RCS analysis showed that for RASI and β-blockers, there was no upper adherence level (threshold) above 60% where risk reduction did not continue to occur. Therefore, interventions should maximise adherence to these disease-modifying HF pharmacotherapies to improve long-term outcomes after hospitalised HF.
Construct Validity of a Novel Assessment System for Laparoscopic Suture Accuracy Based on Stereoscopy
Authors: Xu Song , Chen Yiran , Luo Na , Zhong Ang , Yang Kun
Published: March 2023

Background

An accurate and objective measuring tool is lacking for laparoscopic suture accuracy assessment in simulation training. We designed and developed the suture accuracy testing system (SATS) and aimed to determine its construct validity in this study.

Methods

Twenty laparoscopic experts and 20 novices were recruited to perform a suturing task in three sessions using traditional laparoscopic instruments (Tra. session), a handheld multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (MDoF) laparoscopic instrument (MDoF session) and a surgical robot (Rob. session), respectively. The needle entry and exit errors were calculated using the SATS and compared between the two groups.

Results

No significant difference of the needle entry error was found in all comparisons. As for the needle exit error, the value of the novice group was significantly higher than that of the expert group in Tra. session (3.48 ± 0.61 mm vs. 0.85 ± 0.14 mm; p = 1.451e‐11) and MDoF session (2.65 ± 0.41 mm vs. 1.06 ± 0.17 mm; p = 1.451e‐11) but not in Rob. session (0.51 ± 0.12 mm vs. 0.45 ± 0.08 mm; p = 0.091).

Conclusions

The SATS demonstrates construct validity. Surgeons’ experience in conventional laparoscopic instruments could be transferred to the MDoF instrument. Surgical robot helps to improve suture accuracy and may bridge the experience gap between laparoscopic experts and novices in basic exercises.
Early release of H2O during subduction of carbonated ultramafic lithologies
Authors: Eberhard Lisa , Plümper Oliver , Frost Daniel J.
Published: March 2023

To investigate the effect of carbon-bearing phases on the release of fluids in subducted serpentinites, we performed high-pressure multi-anvil experiments on representative ophicarbonate assemblages over a pressure range from 2.5 GPa to 5 GPa and from 450 °C to 900 °C, across the antigorite-out reaction. Parallel experiments were performed on carbonate-free serpentinites. In all experiments, we monitored and/or controlled the oxygen fugacity. The addition of 20 wt. % CaCO3 to a serpentinite assemblage at 2.5 GPa is found to decrease the onset of the serpentine dehydration by over 100 °C, in comparison to carbonate-free assemblages. Similarly, the final disappearance of serpentine is also affected by the presence of CaCO3. For a bulk CaCO3 content of 20 wt. %, this causes a decrease in maximum stability of antigorite by 50 °C. For a bulk CaCO3 content exceeding 25 wt. %, this difference can be as high as 100 °C in warm and 150 °C in cold subduction zones, causing antigorite to be completely dehydrated at 500 °C. This results from the reaction of CaCO3 with serpentine to form clinopyroxene and Mg-rich carbonates. This reaction, however, causes no discernible decrease in the proportion of carbonate, indicating that the amount of released carbon is insignificant. Whilst CaCO3, therefore, influences serpentine stability, there is no significant effect of hydrous phases on the carbonate stability. On the other hand, a MgCO3-bearing system shows no significant effects on the serpentinite stability field. Further experiments and oxygen fugacity calculations indicate that graphite is not stable in typical magnetite-bearing serpentinites. The reduction of carbonates to graphite would require oxygen fugacities that are 1–2 log units below those of magnetite-bearing serpentinites. This confirms earlier studies and indicates that reduction of carbonates can only occur through the infiltration of external H2-rich fluids.
Light- and drug-induced pupillary dynamics in eyes with a retropupillary iris-claw intraocular lens
Authors: Bellucci Carlo , Perrella Andrea , Rossi Maurizio , Papapicco Annalaura , Spadini Federico , Tedesco Salvatore Antonio , Gandolfi Stefano , Mora Paolo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

We evaluated the pupillary characteristics and response to light and drugs in eyes with posterior chamber (PC) placement of iris-claw intraocular lens (IC-IOL).

Methods

In this cross-sectional, comparative study, we included adults with an IC-IOL implanted in the PC of a single eye. We excluded patients with ocular trauma, postoperative IC-IOL displacement or complications, and extended iris atrophy. We used anterior segment optical coherence tomography to perform light-controlled pupillography, measure the pupil diameter (PD), and estimated the pupil circularity under mesopic conditions. PD was also assessed under photopic, scotopic, pharmacological mydriasis, and miosis conditions. The results were compared to those of the fellow eye, phakic, or regular pseudophakic.

Results

The IC-IOL and control groups included 30 eyes each. The most frequent reasons for IC-IOL implantation were complicated cataract (37%) and dislocated/luxated prior IOL (33%). Compared to the control group, the IC-IOL group had lower visual acuity, a smaller PD under scotopic conditions (p = 0.0010) and after pharmacological mydriasis (p < 0.0001), and a larger PD after pharmacological miosis (p < 0.0001). Mesopic pupil circularity was comparable between the groups. We also considered ongoing extraocular treatments with possible effects on iris motility.

Conclusions

The pupillary size and profile were similar between the groups in mesopic light. Reduced mydriasis was noted in response to light and drugs, while the degree of miosis was reduced in response to inducing drugs in the IC-IOL compared to the control group. This study complements previous results concerning the PC placement of IC-IOLs by adding original observations on drug-induced pupil motility.
Robotergestützte 3D-Laser-Doppler-Vibrometrie zur experimentellen Modalanalyse von elektrischen Maschinen
Authors: Franck Marius , Berft Dennis , Hameyer Kay
Published: March 2023

Die Modellierung des strukturdynamischen Verhaltens von elektrischen Maschinen ist herausfordernd. Insbesondere die präzise Modellierung der Dämpfung ist nach dem Stand der Technik nicht möglich. Es werden deshalb häufig experimentelle Modalanalysen zur Dämpfungsschätzung genutzt. In dieser Arbeit werden erstmalig vollflächige 3D-Laser-Doppler-Vibrometer-Messungen an einer elektrischen Maschine durchgeführt. Diese erlauben im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Beschleunigungssensoren eine Modellkorrelation auch im höheren Frequenzbereich. Bei der Modellbildung spielt die Abbildung von Fügestellen eine entscheidende Rolle. Deshalb werden zwei Modellierungsansätze mit den Messergebnissen verglichen. Weiter wird auf Herausforderungen bei der Extraktion von modalen Parametern bei der Vermessung mit Laser-Doppler-Vibrometern eingegangen, und es werden erste Lösungsmöglichkeiten vorgeschlagen.
Mechanical complications and reoperations after adult spinal deformity surgery: a clinical analysis with the GAP score
Authors: Hiltunen Susanna , Repo Jussi P. , Pekkanen Liisa , Kautiainen Hannu , Kyrölä Kati
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is prone to postoperative complications, leading to high reoperation rates. The global alignment and proportion (GAP) score is a novel method to predict mechanical complications (MC) based on the optimal parameters related to individual pelvic incidence. The aim of this study was to determine the cut-off point and the predictive value of the GAP score for those MCs that require reoperation. A secondary aim was to investigate the cumulative incidence of MCs requiring reoperation during a long follow-up period.

Methods

In total, 144 ASD patients were operated at our institution due to marked symptomatic spinal deformity between 2008 and 2020. The cut-off point and the predictive value of the GAP score for the MCs that required reoperation and the cumulative incidence of reoperated MCs after index surgery were determined.

Results

A total of 142 patients were included in the analysis. The risk for having an MC that required reoperation was significantly lower when the postoperative GAP score was < 5 (HR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.40–9.02). The discriminative power of the GAP score to predict MCs that require reoperation was good with an AUC of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.58–0.81). The cumulative incidence of reoperated MCs was 18%.

Conclusion

The GAP score was associated with the risk for MCs that require reoperation. The best predictive value for surgically treated MC was with the GAP score $$\ge$$
≥
5. The cumulative incidence of the reoperated MCs was 18%.
Tensor- and high-resolution fiber tractography for the delineation of the optic radiation and corticospinal tract in the proximity of intracerebral lesions: a reproducibility and repeatability study
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Scherer Moritz , Neher Peter , Jesser Jessica , Pflüger Irada , Maier-Hein Klaus , Unterberg Andreas W. , Becker Daniela
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Fiber tracking (FT) is used in neurosurgical planning for the resection of lesions in proximity to fiber pathways, as it contributes to a substantial amelioration of postoperative neurological impairments. Currently, diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI)-based FT is the most frequently used technique; however, sophisticated techniques such as Q-ball (QBI) for high-resolution FT (HRFT) have suggested favorable results. Little is known about the reproducibility of both techniques in the clinical setting. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the intra- and interrater agreement for the depiction of white matter pathways such as the corticospinal tract (CST) and the optic radiation (OR).

Methods

Nineteen patients with eloquent lesions in the proximity of the OR or CST were prospectively enrolled. Two different raters independently reconstructed the fiber bundles by applying probabilistic DTI- and QBI-FT. Interrater agreement was evaluated from the comparison between results obtained by the two raters on the same data set acquired in two independent iterations at different timepoints using the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and the Jaccard Coefficient (JC). Likewise, intrarater agreement was determined for each rater comparing individual results.

Results

DSC values showed substantial intrarater agreement based on DTI-FT (rater 1: mean 0.77 (0.68–0.85); rater 2: mean 0.75 (0.64–0.81); p = 0.673); while an excellent agreement was observed after the deployment of QBI-based FT (rater 1: mean 0.86 (0.78–0.98); rater 2: mean 0.80 (0.72–0.91); p = 0.693). In contrast, fair agreement was observed between both measures for the repeatability of the OR of each rater based on DTI-FT (rater 1: mean 0.36 (0.26–0.77); rater 2: mean 0.40 (0.27–0.79), p = 0.546). A substantial agreement between the measures was noted by applying QBI-FT (rater 1: mean 0.67 (0.44–0.78); rater 2: mean 0.62 (0.32–0.70), 0.665). The interrater agreement was moderate for the reproducibility of the CST and OR for both DSC and JC based on DTI-FT (DSC and JC ≥ 0.40); while a substantial interrater agreement was noted for DSC after applying QBI-based FT for the delineation of both fiber tracts (DSC > 0.6).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that QBI-based FT might be a more robust tool for the visualization of the OR and CST adjacent to intracerebral lesions compared with the common standard DTI-FT. For neurosurgical planning during the daily workflow, QBI appears to be feasible and less operator-dependent.
Linking the macro-scale response of granular materials during drained cyclic loading to the evolution of micro-structure, contact network and energy components
Authors: Sassel Tara S. , Patino-Ramirez Fernando , Hanley Kevin J. , O’Sullivan Catherine
Published: March 2023

This study has considered the behaviour of granular materials subjected to drained cyclic loading under constant mean effective stress. Using the discrete element method, cubical, isotropically compressed samples were subjected to 50 loading cycles at different values of mean stress ($$p' =$$p′= 100, 200, 300 kPa) and different loading amplitudes ($$\zeta =$$ζ=5%, 10% and 20% of$$p'$$p′). At low cycle numbers, the deformation mechanism is controlled by contractive volumetric strains, before transitioning to the ratcheting regime, characterised by the persistent accumulation of plastic strains. An energy/work analysis showed that the volumetric work per cycle decreased as hysteresis loops tighten. During ratcheting, most boundary work was dissipated by contact sliding. The mechanical response was controlled by$$\zeta$$ζ, with little to no influence of$$p'$$p′. For$$\zeta = 5\%$$ζ=5%, deformations were confined to the elastic range, with no increase in secant stiffness$$G_{sec}$$Gsecor shear strength after cyclic loading. For$$\zeta = 10\%$$ζ=10%,$$G_{sec}$$Gsecand the shear strength increased after cyclic loading, although no significant expansion of the yield surfaces was observed. The largest loading amplitude ($$\zeta = 20\%$$ζ=20%) induced yielding at low cycles, leading to significant changes in the fabric, volume and yield surfaces of the samples, and a significant increase of shear strength and$$G_{sec}$$Gsec. At the micro-scale, graph theory was used to quantify the evolution of the contact network. After$$\sim 20$$∼20loading cycles, the network reached a steady-state of constant but persistent topology changes in the material, with most of the topology retained between loading cycles.