bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical review of the ecological status of lakes and rivers from Canada's oil sands region
Authors: Arciszewski Tim J. , Hazewinkel Roderick R. O. , Dubé Monique G.
Published: September 2021

We synthesize the information available from the peer-reviewed literature on the ecological status of lakes and rivers in the oil sands region (OSR) of Canada. The majority of the research from the OSR has been performed in or near the minable region and examines the concentrations, flux, or enrichment of contaminants of concern (CoCs). Proximity to oil sands facilities and the beginning of commercial activities tend to be associated with greater estimates of CoCs across studies. Research suggests the higher measurements of CoCs are typically associated with wind-blown dust, but other sources also contribute. Exploratory analyses further suggest relationships with facility production and fuel use data. Exceedances of environmental quality guidelines for CoCs are also reported in lake sediments, but there are no indications of toxicity including those within the areas of the greatest atmospheric deposition. Instead, primary production has increased in most lakes over time. Spatial differences are observed in streams, but causal relationships with industrial activity are often confounded by substantial natural influences. Despite this, there may be signals associated with site preparation for new mines, potential persistent differences, and a potential effect of petroleum coke used as fuel on some indices of health in fish captured in the Steepbank River. There is also evidence of improvements in the ecological condition of some rivers. Despite the volume of material available, much of the work remains temporally, spatially, or technically isolated. Overcoming the isolation of studies would enhance the utility of information available for the region, but additional recommendations for improving monitoring can be made, such as a shift to site-specific analyses in streams and further use of industry-reported data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:361–387. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

Contaminants of concern are often found at elevated concentrations adjacent to oil sands mines and some guidelines are occasionally exceeded in lakes and rivers.  While site preparation and construction activities may influence streams, studies using upstream reference sites to detect change at the downstream exposure locations report differences but often cannot separate natural and anthropogenic causes.  Paleolimnological reconstructions of biotic commuities from lake cores and contemporaneous collections of invertebrates from lakes do not show evidence of toxicity and instead often suggest increases in primary productivity or good ecological status.  Preliminary analyses suggest relationships between on-site industry practices with deposition of contaminants in snow, and with health of fish.
Payout policy, managerial perquisites, and sticky SG&A costs
Authors: Smith Deborah Drummond
Published: September 2021

Background

Sticky SG&A costs provide a novel opportunity to investigate whether payout policy serves as a remedy for management overspending on perquisites that are embedded in SG&A expenses. Payout policy, especially under strong governance, may reduce overspending. Another possibility is that management may use sales declines opportunistically to repurchase shares when sales are expected to rebound.

Methods

Regression analysis is used to examine the effect of payout mechanisms (dividends, share repurchases, and combinations thereof) and shareholder rights (EIndex) to determine whether managerial overspending on perquisites is reduced through payout policy.

Results

The results indicate that dividends and share repurchases are associated with reduced SG&A cost stickiness. Payout policy reduces sticky SG&A costs under both strong and weak governance, where dividend payout is significant only for firms with strong governance, and share repurchases primarily significant for firms with weak governance.

Conclusion

Under strong governance, dividends are significantly associated with reduced SG&A cost stickiness, supporting agency theory. However, strongly governed dividend payers are only significant when they also repurchase shares. For the weak governance sample, dividends are not significant, but share repurchase is significantly associated with less sticky SG&A costs, consistent with weakly governed management repurchasing shares in times of lower sales to improve earnings per share, reduce SG&A expenses to improve net income, and fund the share repurchases.
One‐step green synthesis of nano‐sodalite zeolite and its performance for the adsorptive removal of crystal violet
Authors: Gilani Neda Salek , Tilami Salma Ehsani , Azizi Seyed Naser
Published: September 2021

In this study, a novel approach for the synthesis of nano‐sodalite zeolite crystals is explored. Synthesized nanocrystals were then characterized successfully via various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). Then, the performance of nano‐sodalite zeolite was evaluated for its potential in the adsorptive removal of cationic crystal violet (CV) dye. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature, were investigated in batch mode. Also, the adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic parameters were studied. The equilibrium sorption data were fitted better by the Freundlich isotherm than by the Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic adsorption data obeyed the Lagergren pseudo‐second order model. Thermodynamic parameters analysis revealed that the adsorption of CV from an aqueous solution by nano‐sodalite zeolite was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The results indicated that nano‐sodalite zeolite could be applied as a promising adsorbent for the efficient removal of CV from aqueous solutions.
Analytical and clinical evaluation of a novel assay for measurement of interleukin 6 in human whole blood samples
Authors: Ye Zhicheng , Dong Niuniu , Liang Keqing , Hu Haixia , Xu Jin
Published: September 2021

Background

Interleukin 6 assays are useful in early detection of infections and risk stratification of critically ill patients, so an assay with a short turnaround‐time and near‐patient use is preferred. This study evaluated the performance of a new interleukin 6 assay, Pylon IL‐6 assay, and explored its potential use in near‐patient settings.

Methods

We carried out imprecision, linearity and comparison studies using serum and plasma samples according to CLSI EP guidelines. The stability of whole blood samples during storage was assessed. Furthermore, whole blood samples from pediatric patients with suspected infection were measured to evaluate the assay's diagnostic performance.

Results

The within‐run CVs and total CVs of Pylon IL‐6 assay were determined as 1.8% and 3.0% at 159.3 pg/ml and 3.5% and 4.7% at 8009.9 pg/ml, respectively. The method showed linearity between 1.5 and 42,854 pg/ml. The results of serum samples measured by Pylon assays correlated to those measured by Roche assays, as well as to those of matched whole blood samples measured by Pylon assays. IL‐6 in whole blood was found stable for ~8 h at room temperature. Pylon IL‐6 results of whole blood samples from 179 pediatric patients with suspected infection showed an AUC of 0.842 in diagnosis of bacterial infection. The turnaround time of Pylon IL‐6 assay was only 1 h when using whole blood samples.

Conclusion

The new assay demonstrated performance comparable to those performed on clinical laboratory instruments and can be used in near‐patient settings with whole blood to reduce turnaround times.
Prospective trial to evaluate the prognostic value of different nutritional assessment scores for survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (NURIMAS Pancreas SURVIVAL)
Authors: Heckler Max , Klaiber Ulla , Hüttner Felix J. , Haller Sebastian , Hank Thomas , Nienhüser Henrik , Knebel Philip , Diener Markus K. , Hackert Thilo , Büchler Markus W. , Probst Pascal
Published: September 2021

Background

Malnutrition is associated with poor survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Nutritional scores show great heterogeneity diagnosing malnutrition. The aim of this study was to find the score best suitable to identify patients with malnutrition related to worse survival after surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study represents a follow‐up study to the prospective NURIMAS Pancreas trial that evaluated short term impact of nutritional score results after surgery.

Methods

Risk of malnutrition was evaluated preoperatively using 12 nutritional assessment scores. Patients were followed‐up prospectively for at least 3 years. Patients at risk for malnutrition were compared with those not at risk according to each score using Kaplan–Meier survival statistics.

Results

A total of 116 patients receiving a PDAC resection in curative intent were included. Malnutrition according to the Subjective Global Assessment score (SGA), the Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ), and the INSYST2 score was associated with worse overall survival (SGA: at‐risk: 392 days; not at‐risk: 942 days; P = 0.001; SNAQ: at‐risk: 508 days; not at‐risk: 971 days; P = 0.027; INSYST2: at‐risk: 538 days; not at risk: 1068; P = 0.049). In the multivariate analysis, SGA (hazard ratio of death 2.16, 95% confidence interval 1.34–3.47, P = 0.002) was associated with worse overall survival.

Conclusions

Malnutrition as defined by the Subjective Global Assessment is independently associated with worse survival in resected PDAC patients. The SGA should be used to stratify PDAC patients in clinical studies. Severely malnourished patients according to the SGA profit from intensified nutritional therapy should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
Characterizing Fibrosis and Inflammation in a Partial Bile Duct Ligation Mouse Model by Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Liu Jia‐Yi , Cai Ye‐Yu , Ding Zhu‐Yuan , Zhou Zi‐Yi , Lv Min , Liu Huan , Zheng Li‐Yun , Li Lan , Luo Yong‐Heng , Xiao En‐Hua
Published: September 2021

Background

Partial bile duct ligation (PBDL) model is a reliable cholestatic fibrosis experimental model that showed complex histopathological changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of PBDL have not been well characterized.

Purpose

To investigate the potential of MRI parameters in assessing fibrosis in PBDL and explore the relationships between MRI and pathological features.

Animal Model

Established PBDL models.

Population

Fifty‐four mice were randomly divided into four timepoints PBDL groups and one sham group.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T;MRIsequences includedT1‐weighted fast spin‐echo (FSE),T2‐weighted single shotFSE, variable flip angleT1mapping, multi‐echoSE T2mapping, multi‐echo gradient‐echoT2* mapping, and multi‐b‐value diffusion‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

MRI examination was performed at the corresponding timepoints after surgery. Native T1, ΔT1 (T1native‐T1post), T2, T2*, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, histogram parameters (skewness and kurtosis), intravoxel incoherent motion parameters (f,D, andD*) within the entire ligated (PBDL), non‐ligated liver (PBDL), and whole liver (sham) were obtained. Fibrosis and inflammation were assessed in Masson and H&E staining slices using the Metavir and activity scoring system.

Statistical Tests

One‐way ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Fibrosis and inflammation were finally staged as F3 and A3 in ligated livers but were not observed in non‐ligated or sham livers. Ligated livers displayed significantly elevated native T1, ΔT1, T2, and reduced ADC and T2*than other livers. Spearman's correlation showed better correlation with inflammation (r = 0.809) than fibrosis (r = 0.635) in T2 and both ΔT1 and ADC showed stronger correlation with fibrosis (r = 0.704 andr = −0.718) than inflammation (r = 0.564 andr = −0.550). Area under the curve (AUC) for ΔT1 performed the highest (0.896). When combined with all relative parameters, AUC increased to 0.956.

Data Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI can evaluate and differentiate pathological changes in PBDL. ΔT1 and ADC better correlated with fibrosis while T2 stronger with inflammation.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Study of vibrational properties of Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystals in host glass: Effect of xMn‐concentration
Authors: dos Santos Silva Alessandra , Guimarães Éder Vinícius , Cano Nilo Francisco , da Silva Ricardo Souza
Published: September 2021

The Raman and infrared (IR) active lattice vibrations of xMn‐concentration Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystals (NCs) as a dopant in semiconductor Bi2Te3 nanocrystals grown in a host glass matrix, whose symmetries correspond to the
space group, are investigated by Raman scattering. Transmission electron microscopy images confirm the formation of Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystals with an average size of around 5.4 nm. The observation of the six hyperfine structure lines in electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirms the incorporation of Mn2+ ions in Bi2Te3 nanocrystals. The vibrational modes of quintuple layer (QL) of the diluted magnetic semiconductor Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystals are modified in relation to pure Bi2Te3 nanocrystals. The appearance of the
(95.5 cm−1),
(114 cm−1), and
(103 cm−1) IR‐active modes is mainly due to quantum size effects. Indeed, the redshifts of the
(95.5 cm−1),
(103 cm−1),
(110 cm−1),
(114 cm−1), and
(141 cm−1) vibrational modes give strong indications of the substitutional and interstitial incorporation of Mn2+ in the Bi2Te3 crystalline structure. In addition, the Raman spectra show the formation of Bi2OTe2 semiconductor due to the appearance of the (123 cm−1) mode. The investigation of the Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystal has promising potential to design new devices with magnetic and optical properties adjusted according to the xMn‐concentration.
Goodness‐of‐fit measures based on the Mellin transform for beta generalized lifetime data
Authors: Vasconcelos Josimar M. , Cintra Renato J. , Nascimento Abraão D. C.
Published: September 2021

In recent years various probability models have been proposed for describing lifetime data. Increasing model flexibility is often sought as a means to better describe asymmetric and heavy tail distributions. Such extensions were pioneered by the beta‐G family. However, efficient (GoF) measures for the beta‐G distributions are sought. In this paper, we combine probability weighted moments (PWMs) and the Mellin transform (MT) in order to furnish new qualitative and quantitative GoF tools for model selection within the beta‐G class. We derive PWMs for the Fréchet and Kumaraswamy distributions, and we provide expressions for the MT, and for the log‐cumulants (LC) of the beta‐Weibull, beta‐Fréchet, beta‐Kumaraswamy, and beta‐log‐logistic distributions. Subsequently, we construct LC diagrams and, based on the Hotelling'sT2statistic, we derive confidence ellipses for the LCs. Finally, the proposed GoF measures are applied on five real data sets in order to demonstrate their applicability.
An accurate porosity‐velocity‐concentration approach for solving reactive mass transport problems involving chemical dissolution in fluid‐saturated porous media with arbitrarily initial porosity distributions
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Hobbs Bruce , Ord Alison
Published: September 2021

This article presents an accurate porosity‐velocity‐concentration approach, in which porosity, pore‐fluid velocity and the concentration of dissolvable substances in the pore fluid are selected as four primary unknown variables for solving reactive mass transport problems involving chemical dissolution in fluid‐saturated porous media with arbitrarily initial porosity distributions. The first advantage of using the proposed approach is that since pore‐fluid velocity, instead of pore‐fluid pressure, is selected as the primary unknown variable to describe the pore‐fluid flow process, the pore‐fluid velocity obtained from the proposed approach is more accurate than that obtained from the numerical simulation, in which pore‐fluid pressure is selected as the primary unknown variable to describe the pore‐fluid flow. The second advantage of using the proposed approach is that because the property matrices of a four‐node rectangular element are precisely calculated in a purely mathematical way, the overall accuracy of numerical solutions can be ensured. After the proposed approach is verified by a benchmark problem, it has been applied for solving reactive mass transport problems involving chemical dissolution in fluid‐saturated porous media with three different kinds of initial porosity distributions. It has been demonstrated that: (1) the proposed approach can produce highly‐accurate numerical solutions for solving reactive mass transport problems involving chemical dissolution in fluid‐saturated porous media with arbitrarily initial porosity distributions; (2) the initial porosity distribution in a porous medium can have remarkable effects on the reactive mass transport process in the porous medium; (3) the porosity and dimensionless concentration fronts propagate from the entrance to the exit of the problem domain, which is identical to the pore‐fluid flow direction.
Registered nurses’ experience as disaster preparedness coordinators during a major incident: A qualitative study
Authors: Murphy Jason P. , Hörberg Anna , Rådestad Monica , Kurland Lisa , Rüter Anders , Jirwe Maria
Published: September 2021

Aims

To explore registered nurses’ experiences as disaster preparedness coordinators of hospital incident command groups’ during a major incident.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design using semi‐structured interview.

Methods

This was a qualitative study based on one focus group discussion and six individual follow‐up interviews. Participants were registered nurses in their capacity as disaster preparedness coordinators with experience from Major Incident simulations and a real‐life Major Incident. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. The COREQ checklist was used for reporting the findings.

Results

The analysis of data generated the main category: Expectations, previous experience and uncertainty affect hospital incident command group response during a Major Incident and three categories, (I) Gaining situational awareness (containing two subcategories), (II) Transitioning to management (containing three subcategories) and (III) Actions taken during uncertainty (containing two subcategories).
Effect of hydroxyapatite content and particle size on the mechanical behaviors and osteogenesis in vitro of polyetheretherketone–hydroxyapatite composite
Authors: Li Shuai , Wang Tianyu , Hu Jiqiang , Wang Bing , Li Yingze , Wang Lianchao , Li Gao , Zhang Jialin , Zhou Zhengong
Published: September 2021

Poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) possesses excellent biocompatibility and similar elastic modulus as bones but suffers from poor osseointegration; usually, the addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) is considered as an effective way to improve the osseointegration of PEEK implant interface. To investigate the effect of HA content and particle size on the mechanical behaviors and osteogenesis in vitro of PEEK‐HA composites, the PEEK‐HA specimens with variable HA content and particle size have been fabricated by powder mixing‐heat press method and characterized by mechanical and biological tests. The results showed that the tensile/bending strength and elongation at break of PEEK‐HA are significantly impaired as the increasing HA amount, but the modulus improves. The compressive strength and modulus are improved as the increasing amount of HA. The PEEK‐HA with smaller HA particle size possesses higher‐performance tensile/bending and lower‐performance compressive properties. In osteogenesis tests in vitro, the results reveal that the cells amount attached on the substrate rises and the cells flatten more evenly with numerous cytoplasmic processes on greater area with the increasing HA content and decreasing particle size. The PEEK‐HA group that HA content is 20 wt% and particle size is 20 nm exhibits optimal‐performance osteogenesis in vitro, while maintaining sufficient mechanical properties.
Frequency of anxiety and depression and screening performance of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale in a psycho‐oncology clinic
Authors: Valentine Alan , Brown Jessica , Lacourt Tamara , Chen Minxing , De La Garza Richard , Bruera Eduardo
Published: September 2021

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to determine the frequency of screening instrument‐detected depression and anxiety in outpatients on initial presentation to a consultation psychiatric oncology clinic. The secondary objectives were to identify characteristics associated with depression and anxiety among these patients, and to determine the optimal cut‐off score for the ESAS‐Anxiety (ESAS‐A) and ESAS‐Depression (ESAS‐D) items, using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and the General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7) as a gold standard in cancer patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for 1221 consecutive cancer patients seen in the Psychiatric Oncology Center as an initial consult between June 1, 2014 and January 31, 2017.

Results

When the cutoff was 10 for the PHQ‐9 and the GAD‐7, 60% of patients self‐reported depression and 51% self‐reported anxiety. When the cutoff was 15 (severe symptom) for the PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, approximately 30% and 27% of the patients had severe depression or anxiety, respectively. Age and gender were found to be associated with anxiety. An ESAS cutoff value of ≥3 for depression and ≥5 for anxiety resulted in sensitivity of 0.84 and 0.85 when using PHQ 9 ≥ 10 for depression and GAD 7 ≥ 10 for anxiety, respectively.

Conclusions

Self‐reported depression and anxiety are frequent symptoms among patients at a psychiatric oncology center for an initial visit. ESAS‐A and ESAS‐D have good sensitivity for anxiety and depression screening of cancer patients.
Are mind–body therapies effective for relieving cancer‐related pain in adults? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Danon Nadia , Al‐Gobari Muaamar , Burnand Bernard , Rodondi Pierre‐Yves
Published: September 2021

Objective

To assess whether mind–body therapies are effective for relieving cancer‐related pain in adults, since at least one‐third of adults with cancer are affected by moderate or severe pain.

Methods

We searched for all randomized or quasi‐randomized controlled trials that included adults (≥18 years) with cancer‐related pain who were treated with mind–body therapies (mindfulness, hypnosis, yoga, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation) in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Science Citation Index, Web of Science, trials registers, and reference lists. The primary outcome was pain intensity. We calculated the standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assessed the risk of bias.

Results

We identified 40 primary studies involving a total of 3569 participants. The meta‐analysis included 24 studies (2404 participants) and showed a significant effect of −0.39 (95% CI −0.62 to −0.16) with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 86.3%, p < 0.001). After we excluded four “outlier” studies in sensitivity analyses, the effect size remained significant but weaker. There was a high risk of bias in all studies, for example, performance bias due to lack of participant blinding. Patients in multiple settings were included but many studies were of low quality.

Conclusions

Mind–body therapies may be effective in improving cancer pain, but the quality of the evidence is low. There is a need for further high‐quality clinical trials.
The Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling family of proteins and their potential impact on COVID‐19 disease progression
Authors: Low Zheng Yao , Wen Yip Ashley Jia , Chow Vincent T. K. , Lal Sunil K.
Published: September 2021

The family of Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) proteins plays pivotal roles in cytokine and immune regulation. Despite their key roles, little attention has been given to the SOCS family as compared to other feedback regulators. To date, SOCS proteins have been found to be exploited by viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Zika virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Ebola virus, influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS‐CoV, just to name a few. The hijacking and subsequent upregulation of the SOCS proteins upon viral infection, suppress the associated JAK‐STAT signalling activities, thereby reducing the host antiviral response and promoting viral replication. Two SOCS protein family members, SOCS1 and SOCS3 are well‐studied and their roles in the JAK‐STAT signalling pathway are defined as attenuating interferon (IFN) signalling upon viral infection. The upregulation of SOCS protein by SARS‐CoV during the early stages of infection implies strong similarity with SARS‐CoV‐2, given their closely related genomic organisation. Thus, this review aims to outline the plausibility of SOCS protein inhibitors as a potential therapeutic regimen for COVID‐19 patients. We also discuss the antagonists against SOCS protein to offer an overview on the previous ‘successes’ of SOCS protein inhibition in various viral infections that may portray possible clues for COVID‐19 disease management.
Ultrafast, High‐Contractile Electrothermal‐Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomer Fibers towards Artificial Muscles
Authors: Sun Jiahao , Wang Yunpeng , Liao Wei , Yang Zhongqiang
Published: September 2021

Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers are capable of large and reversible deformations, making them an ideal artificial muscle. However, limited to stimulating source and structural design, current LCE fibers have not yet achieved both large contraction ratio and fast contraction rate to perform the intense motion. In this work, electrothermal‐responsive liquid metal (LM) containing LCE (LM‐LCE) fibers is reported. By introducing flexible liquid metal, LM‐LCE fibers retain deformability with a large contraction ratio similar to that of pure LCE fibers and are endowed with electrical responsiveness. Applying precisely controlled electrical stimulation, the contraction ratio and rate of LM‐LCE fibers can be programmed by adjusting voltage value and pulse time. Under electrical stimulation at 1.25 V cm−1, 0.1 s, LM‐LCE fibers can produce over 40% contraction ratio at an ultrafast contraction rate of up to 280% s−1. Furthermore, LM‐LCE fibers mimic human triceps muscle and can conduct precise ball shooting. LM‐LCE fibers with excellent contraction ratio and rate extend their functionality as artificial muscles to perform intense movements and are expected to enrich the challenging applications of soft robots.
Effect of Casting Parameters on the Flow Pattern in a Steel Continuous Casting Slab Mold: Numerical Simulation and Industrial Trials
Authors: Huang Caide , Zhou Haichen , Zhang Lifeng , Yang Wen , Zhang Ji , Ren Ying , Chen Wei
Published: September 2021

Herein, multiphase flow patterns in a continuous casting slab strand are studied using a 3D numerical model and nail board measurement. The motion and turbulence of the argon gas and molten steel are simulated using the Euler–Euler approach and the realizable κ–ϵ turbulence model, respectively. Casting parameters for a 1435 mm × 200 mm mold are optimized by both the simulation and the capillary number. The capillary number is calculated by the measured velocity and used to evaluate the capability of the slag entrainment by the turbulent flow. The optimized values of the casting speed and the gas flow under the current specific continuous casting condition are 1.4 m min−1 and 8 NL min−1, respectively. Slag entrainment might occur near the narrow face under a casting speed of 1.6 m min−1 and near the SEN under a gas flow rate of 15 NL min−1. Meanwhile, effects of casting speed and argon flow rate on the transformation of flow patterns inside the mold with different dimensions are analyzed. A software incorporated by a Graphical User Interface is developed to predict the flow pattern inside the mold for a given steel grade and casting parameters.
The professional practice of forensic anthropology: Contemporary developments and cross‐disciplinary applications
Authors: Franklin Daniel , Marks Murray K.
Published: September 2021

The modern practice of forensic anthropology is focused on the quantification of skeletal variation based upon a qualitative prowess developed according to theory and method in the parent discipline of biological anthropology. Such morphological variances allow estimates of biological attributes, for example, age, sex, population affinity, stature, pathology of disease processes—among others, that collectively may resolve the identification of unknown forensic human remains. The latter is a basic human right under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) afforded to descendants who go missing in armed conflicts and other violence‐base situations. The specific traditional methods applied by the forensic anthropologist are well established in the published literature and routinely supported by global research that guides graduate programs designed to train the next generation of practitioners. Important in that cornerstone literature and graduate training regimen are aspects of our practice that are increasingly cross‐disciplinary, especially those grounded in the molecular, chemical, and histological sciences. These upper‐tier endeavors supplement and many times, validate, the traditional approaches as dictated by case context. This review focuses on evolving cross‐disciplinary developments and novel research trends in the analysis of human remains that involve the specific expertise of the forensic anthropologist.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Anthropology > Age Assessment

Forensic Anthropology > Anthropology in Mass Disaster & War Crime Contexts
Nonlinear extensions of gravitating dyons: from NUT wormholes to Taub-Bolt instantons
Authors: Flores-Alonso Daniel , Linares Román , Maceda Marco
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Recent work has shown the existence of a unique nonlinear extension of electromagnetism which preserves conformal symmetry and allows for the freedom of duality rotations. Moreover, black holes and gravitational waves have been found to exist in this nonlinearly extended electrovacuum. We generalise these dyonic black holes in two major ways: with the relaxation of their horizon topology and with the inclusion of magnetic mass. Motivated by recent attention to traversable wormholes, we use this new family of Taub-NUT spaces to construct AdS wormholes. We explore some thermodynamic features by using a semi-classical approach. Our results show that a phase transition between the nut and bolt configurations arises in a similar way to the Maxwellian case.
Hyperthreads in holographic spacetimes
Authors: Harper Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We generalize bit threads to hyperthreads in the context of holographic spacetimes. We define a “k-thread” to be a hyperthread which connects k different boundary regions and posit that it may be considered as a unit of k-party entanglement. Using this new object, we show that the contribution of hyperthreads to calculations of holographic entanglement entropy are generically finite. This is accomplished by constructing a surface whose area determines their maximum allowed contribution. We also identify surfaces whose area is proportional to the maximum number of k-threads, motivating a possible measure of multipartite entanglement. We use this to make connections to the current understanding of multipartite entanglement in holographic spacetimes.
Extranatural flux inflation
Authors: Hirose Takuya , Maru Nobuhito
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We propose a new inflation scenario in flux compactification, where a zero mode scalar field of extra components of the higher dimensional gauge field is identified with an inflaton. The scalar field is a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson of spontaneously broken translational symmetry in compactified spaces. The inflaton potential is non-local and finite, which is protected against the higher dimensional non-derivative local operators by quantum gravity corrections thanks to the gauge symmetry in higher dimensions and the shift symmetry originated from the translation in extra spaces. We give an explicit inflation model in a six dimensional scalar QED, which is shown to be consistent with Planck 2018 data.
Noradrenaline modulates neuronal and perceptual visual detectability via β-adrenergic receptor
Authors: Tsunoda Keisuke , Sato Akinori Y. , Mizuyama Ryo , Shimegi Satoshi
Published: September 2021

Rationale

Noradrenaline (NA) is a neuromodulator secreted from noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus to the whole brain depending on the physiological state and behavioral context. It regulates various brain functions including vision via three major adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes. Previous studies investigating the noradrenergic modulations on vision reported different effects, including improvement and impairment of perceptual visual sensitivity in rodents via β-AR, an AR subtype. Therefore, it remains unknown how NA affects perceptual visual sensitivity via β-AR and what neuronal mechanisms underlie it.

Objectives

The current study investigated the noradrenergic modulation of perceptual and neuronal visual sensitivity via β-AR in the primary visual cortex (V1).

Methods

We performed extracellular multi-point recordings from V1 of rats performing a go/no-go visual detection task under the head-fixed condition. A β-AR blocker, propranolol (10 mM), was topically administered onto the V1 surface, and the drug effect on behavioral and neuronal activities was quantified by comparing pre-and post-drug administration.

Results

The topical administration of propranolol onto the V1 surface significantly improved the task performance. An analysis of the multi-unit activity in V1 showed that propranolol significantly suppressed spontaneous activity and facilitated the visual response of the recording sites in V1. We further calculated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), finding that the SNR was significantly improved after propranolol administration.

Conclusions

Pharmacological blockade of β-AR in V1 improves perceptual visual detectability by modifying the SNR of neuronal activity.
Pre-medication with oral anticoagulants is associated with better outcomes in a large multinational COVID-19 cohort with cardiovascular comorbidities
Authors: Rieder Marina , Gauchel Nadine , Kaier Klaus , Jakob Carolin , Borgmann Stefan , Classen Annika Y. , Schneider Jochen , Eberwein Lukas , Lablans Martin , Rüthrich Maria , Dolff Sebastian , Wille Kai , Haselberger Martina , Heuzeroth Hanno , Bode Christoph , von zur Mühlen Constantin , Rieg Siegbert , Duerschmied Daniel
Published: September 2021

Aims

Coagulopathy and venous thromboembolism are common findings in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are associated with poor outcome. Timely initiation of anticoagulation after hospital admission was shown to be beneficial. In this study we aim to examine the association of pre-existing oral anticoagulation (OAC) with outcome among a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

Methods and results

We analysed the data from the large multi-national Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (LEOSS) from March to August 2020. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were eligible for inclusion. We retrospectively analysed the association of pre-existing OAC with all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures included COVID-19-related mortality, recovery and composite endpoints combining death and/or thrombotic event and death and/or bleeding event. We restricted bleeding events to intracerebral bleeding in this analysis to ensure clinical relevance and to limit reporting errors. A total of 1 433 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were analysed, while 334 patients (23.3%) had an existing premedication with OAC and 1 099 patients (79.7%) had no OAC. After risk adjustment for comorbidities, pre-existing OAC showed a protective influence on the endpoint death (OR 0.62,P = 0.013) as well as the secondary endpoints COVID-19-related death (OR 0.64,P = 0.023) and non-recovery (OR 0.66,P = 0.014). The combined endpoint death or thrombotic event tended to be less frequent in patients on OAC (OR 0.71,P = 0.056).

Conclusions

Pre-existing OAC is protective in COVID-19, irrespective of anticoagulation regime during hospital stay and independent of the stage and course of disease.

Graphic abstract
Mobile health solutions for atrial fibrillation detection and management: a systematic review
Authors: Hermans Astrid N. L. , Gawalko Monika , Dohmen Lisa , van der Velden Rachel M. J. , Betz Konstanze , Duncker David , Verhaert Dominique V. M. , Heidbuchel Hein , Svennberg Emma , Neubeck Lis , Eckstein Jens , Lane Deirdre A. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Sanders Prashanthan , Hendriks Jeroen M. , Pluymaekers Nikki A. H. A. , Linz Dominik
Published: September 2021

Aim

We aimed to systematically review the available literature on mobile Health (mHealth) solutions, including handheld and wearable devices, implantable loop recorders (ILRs), as well as mobile platforms and support systems in atrial fibrillation (AF) detection and management.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The electronic databases PubMed (NCBI), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane were searched for articles published until 10 February 2021, inclusive. Given that the included studies varied widely in their design, interventions, comparators, and outcomes, no synthesis was undertaken, and we undertook a narrative review.

Results

We found 208 studies, which were deemed potentially relevant. Of these studies included, 82, 46, and 49 studies aimed at validating handheld devices, wearables, and ILRs for AF detection and/or management, respectively, while 34 studies assessed mobile platforms/support systems. The diagnostic accuracy of mHealth solutions differs with respect to the type (handheld devices vs wearables vs ILRs) and technology used (electrocardiography vs photoplethysmography), as well as application setting (intermittent vs continuous, spot vs longitudinal assessment), and study population.

Conclusion

While the use of mHealth solutions in the detection and management of AF is becoming increasingly popular, its clinical implications merit further investigation and several barriers to widespread mHealth adaption in healthcare systems need to be overcome.

Graphic abstract

Mobile health solutions for atrial fibrillation detection and management: a systematic review.
Undermining during cutaneous wound closure for wounds less than 3 cm in diameter: a randomized split wound comparative effectiveness trial
Authors: Joo Jayne , Pourang Aunna , Tchanque-Fossuo Catherine N. , Armstrong April W. , Tartar Danielle M. , King Thomas H. , Sivamani Raja K. , Eisen Daniel B.
Published: September 2021

Undermining is thought to improve wound outcomes; however, randomized controlled data regarding its efficacy are lacking in humans. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to determine whether undermining low to moderate tension wounds improves scar cosmesis compared to wound closure without undermining. Fifty-four patients, 18 years or older, undergoing primary linear closure of a cutaneous defect with predicted postoperative closure length of ≥ 3 cm on any anatomic site were screened. Four patients were excluded, 50 patients were enrolled, and 48 patients were seen in follow-up. Wounds were divided in half and one side was randomized to receive either no undermining or 2 cm of undermining. The other side received the unselected intervention. Three months, patients and 2 masked observers evaluated each scar using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). A total of 50 patients [mean (SD) age, 67.6 (11.5) years; 31 (64.6%) male; 48 (100%) white] were enrolled in the study. The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS observer component scores was 12.0 (6.05) for the undermined side and 11.1 (4.68) for the non-undermined side (P = .60). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean (SD) sum of the patient component for the POSAS score between the undermined side [15.9 (9.07)] and the non-undermined side [13.33 (6.20)] at 3 months. For wounds under low to moderate perceived tension, no statistically significant differences in scar outcome or total complications were noted between undermined wound halves and non-undermined halves.

Trail Registry: Clinical trials.gov Identifier NCT02289859. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02289859.
What matters in making demand-based decisions: Time alone or difficulty too?
Authors: Janczyk Markus , Feghhi Iman , Rosenbaum David A.
Published: September 2021

Which task is easier, doing arithmetic problems of specified form for some specified duration, or carrying a bucket of specified weight over some specified distance? If it is possible to choose between the “more cognitive” task and the “more physical” task, how are the difficulty levels of the tasks compared? We conducted two experiments in which participants chose the easier of two tasks, one that involved solving addition or multiplication problems (Experiment 1) or addition problems with different numbers of addends (Experiment 2) for varying amounts of time (in both experiments), and one that involved carrying a bucket of different weights over a fixed distance (in both experiments). We found that the probability of choosing to do the bucket task was higher when the bucket was empty than when it was weighted, and increased when the cognitive task was harder and its duration grew. We could account for the choice probabilities by mapping the independent variables onto one abstract variable, Φ. The functional identity of Φ remains to be determined. It could be interpreted as an inferred effort variable, subjective duration, or an abstract, amodal common code for difficulty.
The importance of prenol lipids in mitigating salt stress in the leaves of Tilia × euchlora trees
Authors: Baczewska-Dąbrowska Aneta H. , Dmuchowski Wojciech , Gozdowski Dariusz , Gworek Barbara , Jozwiak Adam , Swiezewska Ewa , Dąbrowski Piotr , Suwara Irena
Published: September 2021

Key message

Plants use multiple mechanisms to deal with salt stress. Salt stress increases the content of polyprenols inTilia’s leaves, which may mitigate stress.

De-icing salt has been used on streets and pavements in most northern countries since the 1960s. Salt stress limits all vital functions of trees. Tilia × euchlora is planted in many cities given its unique decorative qualities. The aim of this study was to determine the tree strategy to mitigate salt stress due to the synthesis of polyprenols in leaves. Many years of observations have demonstrated that trees of the same species growing in the same street conditions may have extremely different health statuses. The study consisted of two experiments: a field experiment with urban street trees growing in saline soils and a controlled pot experiment with young trees exposed to increasing doses of salt. The differences between the young trees from the pot experiment and older trees from the field experiment were expressed in their ability to synthesize polyprenols. In urban conditions, the tree leaves with less damage contained significantly more polyprenols than did those with more damage. The salt stress mitigation strategy may be related to the ability to synthesize polyprenols. This ability can be acquired through adaptation by older trees. The mechanism involves limiting the transport of Cl− and Na+ to leaves. In the pot experiment, the young trees did not exhibit this ability.
Die Angst vor dem Sinnverlust nach der Diagnose Demenz. Eine Rekonstruktion unter Bezug auf Susan Wolf
Authors: Hiekel Susanne
Published: September 2021

Verbunden mit dem drohenden Verlust von kognitiven Kapazitäten und der Veränderung der eigenen Persönlichkeit, ist zu vermuten, dass bei Demenzerkrankungen ein Sinnverlust vom Erkrankten befürchtet wird. Es ist Aufgabe dieses Papers aufzuklären, was es mit einer solch meist diffus empfundenen Angst auf sich hat. Dazu wird ein Deutungsangebot gemacht, das auf die Sinnkonzeption Susan Wolfs zurückgreift. Es wird gezeigt, dass es möglich ist, bis zu einem gewissen Grad der Demenz ein sinnvolles Leben zu führen – ein Leben, bei dem subjektiv Anziehendes und rational (bzw. objektiv) Wertvolles zusammengreifen müssen. Dies ist möglich, weil ein Mensch mit Demenz noch über entsprechende Fähigkeiten der Wertschätzung verfügt und eine Hilfsbedürftigkeit der Befähigung zu einem sinnvollen Leben nicht widerspricht. Bei einer sehr schweren Beeinträchtigung der kognitiven Kapazitäten wird es hingegen nicht mehr möglich sein, ein solches Leben zu leben; die solcherart erkrankte Person wird dies aber auch nicht mehr vermissen. Wenn das, was man mit der Demenzerkrankung zu verlieren befürchtet, durch das Sinnverständnis Wolfs getroffen ist, dann sollte man diese Überlegungen bei der Beurteilung einer empfundenen Angst berücksichtigen.
Oscillatory Behavior of Second-Order Neutral Differential Equations
Authors: Ruggieri Marianna , Santra Shyam Sundar , Scapellato Andrea
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we study oscillatory properties of neutral differential equations. Moreover, we discuss some examples that show the effectiveness and the feasibility of the main results.
Is there a variance in complication types associated with ALIF approaches? A systematic review
Authors: Feeley Aoife , Feeley Iain , Clesham Kevin , Butler Joseph
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a well-established alternative to posterior-based interbody fusion techniques, with approach variations, such as retroperitoneal, transperitoneal, open, and laparoscopic well described. Variable rates of complications for each approach have been enumerated in the literature. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the comparative rates of complications across approach type.

Methods

A systematic review of search databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and OVID Medline was made to identify studies related to complication-associated ALIF. PRISMA guidelines were utilised for this review. Meta-analysis was used to compare intraoperative and postoperative complications with ALIF for each approach.

Results

A total of 4575 studies were identified, with 5728 patients across 31 studies included for review following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated the transperitoneal approach resulted in higher rates of retrograde ejaculation (RE) (p < 0.001; CI = 0.05–0.21) and overall rates of complications (p = 0.05; CI = 0.00–0.23). Rates of RE were higher at the L5/S1 intervertebral level. Rates of vessel injury were not significantly higher in either approach method (p = 0.89; CI =  − 0.04–0.07). Rates of visceral injury did not appear to be related to approach method. Laparoscopic approaches resulted in shorter inpatient stays (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite the transperitoneal approach being comparatively underpowered, its use appears to result in a significantly higher rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications, although confounders including use of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and spinal level should be considered. Laparoscopic approaches resulted in shorter hospital stays; however, its steep learning curve and longer operative time have deterred surgeons from its widespread adaptation.