bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is there a benefit of ICD treatment in patients with persistent severely reduced systolic left ventricular function after TAVI?
Authors: Nies Richard J. , Frerker Christian , Adam Matti , Kuhn Elmar , Mauri Victor , Nettersheim Felix S. , Braumann Simon , Wahlers Thorsten , Baldus Stephan , Schmidt Tobias
Published: March 2021

Background

In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction, prediction of postprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement is challenging. Decision-making and timing for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) treatment are difficult and benefit is still unclear in this patient population.

Objective

Aims of the study were to analyse long-term overall mortality in TAVI-patients with a preprocedural LVEF ≤ 35% regarding LVEF improvement and effect of ICD therapy.

Methods and results

Retrospective analysis of a high-risk TAVI-population suffering from severe AS and heart failure with a LVEF ≤ 35%. Out of 1485 TAVI-patients treated at this center between January 2013 and April 2018, 120 patients revealed a preprocedural LVEF ≤ 35% and had sufficient follow-up. 36.7% (44/120) of the patients suffered from persistent reduced LVEF without a postprocedural increase above 35% within 1 year after TAVI or before death, respectively. Overall mortality was neither significantly reduced by LVEF recovery above 35% (p = 0.31) nor by additional ICD treatment in patients with persistent LVEF ≤ 35% (p = 0.33).

Conclusion

In high-risk TAVI-patients suffering from heart failure with LVEF ≤ 35%, LVEF improvement to more than 35% did not reduce overall mortality. Patients with postprocedural persistent LVEF reduction did not seem to benefit from ICD treatment. Effects of LVEF improvement and ICD treatment on mortality are masked by the competing risk of death from relevant comorbidities.

Graphic abstract
Age-related changes in visual encoding strategy preferences during a spatial memory task
Authors: Segen Vladislava , Avraamides Marios N. , Slattery Timothy J. , Wiener Jan M.
Published: March 2021

Ageing is associated with declines in spatial memory, however, the source of these deficits remains unclear. Here we used eye-tracking to investigate age-related differences in spatial encoding strategies and the cognitive processes underlying the age-related deficits in spatial memory tasks. To do so we asked young and older participants to encode the locations of objects in a virtual room shown as a picture on a computer screen. The availability and utility of room-based landmarks were manipulated by removing landmarks, presenting identical landmarks rendering them uninformative, or by presenting unique landmarks that could be used to encode object locations. In the test phase, participants viewed a second picture of the same room taken from the same (0°) or a different perspective (30°) and judged whether the objects occupied the same or different locations in the room. We found that the introduction of a perspective shift and swapping of objects between encoding and testing impaired performance in both age groups. Furthermore, our results revealed that although older adults performed the task as well as younger participants, they relied on different visual encoding strategies to solve the task. Specifically, gaze analysis revealed that older adults showed a greater preference towards a more categorical encoding strategy in which they formed relationships between objects and landmarks.
Acute kidney injury in children hospitalized for community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Pezzella Vincenza , Guarino Stefano , Di Sessa Anna , Baldascino Maria , Polito Cesare , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Nunziata Felice
Published: March 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) enhances the risk of later chronic kidney disease. Significant prevalence of AKI is reported in adults with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). We investigated prevalence of and prognostic factors for AKI in children hospitalized for CAP.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical and biochemical data of 186 children (48.4% male; mean age 2.6±2.4 years) hospitalized for X-ray-confirmed CAP. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. We considered as basal serum creatinine the value estimated with Hoste (age) equation assuming basal eGFR were median age-based eGFR normative values for children ≤ 2 years of age and eGFR= 120 mL/min/1.73m2 for children > 2 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore associations with AKI.

Results

AKI was found in 38/186 (20.4%) patients. No patient required hemodialysis nor reached AKI stage 3, 5 (2.7%) reached AKI stage 2, and 33 (17.7%) AKI stage 1. Mean length of stay was 6.0±1.7, 6.9±2.3, and 12.2±1.5 days, for patients without AKI, stage 1 AKI, and stage 2 AKI (p < 0.001), respectively. Duration of symptoms before hospitalization (OR 1.2; 95%CI 1.09–1.43; p = 0.001), severe pneumonia (OR 11.9; 95%CI 4.3–33.3; p < 0.001), and serum C-reactive protein levels (OR 1.1; 95%CI 1.04–1.23; p = 0.004) were independent AKI predictors.

Conclusions

About 1/5 of children hospitalized for CAP present a generally mild AKI with a longer stay for those with more severe AKI. Attention should be paid to kidney health of children with CAP especially in presence of higher duration of symptoms before hospitalization, severe pneumonia and higher serum CRP levels.

Graphical Abstract
COVID-19: experiences of lockdown and support needs in children and young adults with kidney conditions
Authors: Tse Yincent , Darlington Anne-Sophie E. , Tyerman Kay , Wallace Dean , Pankhurst Tanya , Chantziara Sofia , Culliford David , Recio-Saucedo Alejandra , Nagra Arvind
Published: March 2021

Background

During the initial COVID-19 pandemic, young United Kingdom (UK) kidney patients underwent lockdown and those with increased vulnerabilities socially isolated or ‘shielded’ at home. The experiences, information needs, decision-making and support needs of children and young adult (CYA) patients or their parents during this period is not well known.

Methods

A UK-wide online survey co-produced with patients was conducted in May 2020 amongst CYA aged 12–30, or parents of children aged < 18 years with any long-term kidney condition. Participants answered qualitative open text alongside quantitative closed questions. Thematic content analysis using a three-stage coding process was conducted.

Results

One-hundred and eighteen CYA (median age 21) and 197 parents of children (median age 10) responded. Predominant concerns from CYA were heightened vigilance about viral (68%) and kidney symptoms (77%) and detrimental impact on education or work opportunities (70%). Parents feared the virus more than CYA (71% vs. 40%), and had concerns that their child would catch the virus from them (64%) and would have an adverse impact on other children at home (65%). CYA thematic analysis revealed strong belief of becoming seriously ill if they contracted COVID-19; lost educational opportunities, socialisation and career development; and frustration with the public for not following social distancing rules. Positive outcomes included improved family relationships and community cohesion. Only a minority (14–21% CYA and 20–31% parents, merged questions) desired more support. Subgroup analysis identified greater negative psychological impact in the shielded group.

Conclusions

This survey demonstrates substantial concern and need for accurate tailored advice for CYA based on individualised risks to improve shared decision making.

Graphical abstract
Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene epigenetic modifications in gestational diabetes: new insights and possible pathophysiological connections
Authors: Franzago Marica , Fraticelli Federica , Marchioni Michele , Di Nicola Marta , Di Sebastiano Francesca , Liberati Marco , Stuppia Liborio , Vitacolonna Ester
Published: March 2021

Aims

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can lead to short- and long-term complications for the child. Epigenetic alterations could contribute to explaining the metabolic disturbances associated with foetal programming. Although the role of theFTOgene remains unclear, it affects metabolic phenotypes probably mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess whether placental DNA epigenetic modifications atFTOpromoter-associated cysteine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) sites are correlated with GDM. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association between the placentalFTODNA methylation and the maternal metabolic traits in women with and without GDM.

Methods

Socio-demographic characteristics, clinical parameters at the third trimester of pregnancy, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity were assessed in 33 GDM women and 27 controls. Clinical information about the newborns was registered at birth. TheFTOrs9939609 (T > A) was genotyped.

Results

No association betweenFTODNA methylation and GDM was found. DNA methylation on the maternal side at the CpG1 was associated with maternal smoking in GDM (p = 0.034), and DNA methylation at the CpG3 was correlated with smoking or former smoking in controls (p = 0.023). A higher level of TGs was correlated with higher foetal placental DNA methylation at the CpG2 (p = 0.036) in GDM. An inverse association between HDL-C and maternal placental DNA methylation at the CpG3 in controls (p = 0.045) was found. An association betweenFTOrs9939609 and neonatal birthweight (p = 0.033) was detected.

Conclusions

In the awareness that the obesity pathophysiology is complex, the study adds a piece to this intricate mosaic.
Carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in relation to cerebral small vessel disease in neurologically asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Inkeri Jussi , Tynjälä Anniina , Forsblom Carol , Liebkind Ron , Tatlisumak Turgut , Thorn Lena M. , Groop Per-Henrik , Shams Sara , Putaala Jukka , Martola Juha , Gordin Daniel ,   FinnDiane Study Group
Published: March 2021

Aims

To determine if arterial functional and structural changes are associated with underlying cerebral small vessel disease in neurologically asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We enrolled 186 individuals (47.8% men; median age 40.0, IQR 33.0—45.0 years) with type 1 diabetes (median diabetes duration of 21.6, IQR 18.2—30.3 years), and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, as part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study. All individuals underwent a biochemical work-up, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound of the common carotid arteries and arterial tonometry. Arterial structural and functional parameters were assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity and augmentation index.

Results

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were present in 23.7% and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in 16.7% of individuals with type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes and CMBs had higher median (IQR) CIMT 583 (525 – 663) μm than those without 556 (502 – 607) μm, p = 0.016). Higher CIMT was associated with the presence of CMBs (p = 0.046) independent of age, eGFR, ApoB, systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, history of retinal photocoagulation and HbA1c. Arterial stiffness and CIMT were increased in individuals with type 1 diabetes and WMHs compared to those without; however, these results were not independent of cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

Structural, but not functional, arterial changes are associated with underlying CMBs in asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis
Authors: Gallieni Maurizio , De Salvo Cristina , Lunati Maria Elena , Rossi Antonio , D’Addio Francesca , Pastore Ida , Sabiu Gianmarco , Miglio Roberta , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Fiorina Paolo
Published: March 2021

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in high-income countries. The strict control of glycemic oscillations is the principal therapeutic target, but this could be hard to achieve in uremic patients due to their unpredictable insulin sensitivity. Currently, the evaluation of the glycemic profile relies on serum markers (glycated hemoglobin HbA1c, glycated albumin, and fructosamine), capillary glucose blood control (self-monitoring of blood glucose), and interstitial glucose control (continue glucose monitoring). We conducted a systematic review of published articles on continue glucose monitoring in hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes, which included 12 major articles.
Four studies found significant fluctuations in glucose levels during hemodialysis sessions. All studies reported a higher mean amplitude of glucose variations on the hemodialysis day. Three studies agreed that continue glucose monitoring is better than glycated hemoglobin in detecting these abnormalities. Moreover, continue glucose monitoring was more accurate and perceived as easier to use by patients and their caregivers. In patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis, glucose levels show different variation patterns than the patients on hemodialysis without diabetes. Considering manageability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, continue glucose monitoring could be the ideal diagnostic tool for the patient with diabetes on hemodialysis.
Investigating oxygen transport efficiencies in precision-cut liver slice-based organ-on-a-chip devices
Authors: Christensen Martin G. , Cawthorne Chris , Dyer Charlotte E. , Greenman John , Pamme Nicole
Published: March 2021

Microfluidic ‘organ-on-a-chip’ devices hold great potential for better mimicking the continuous flow microenvironment experienced by tissue and cells in vivo, thereby ensuring realistic transport of nutrients and elimination of waste products. However, the mass transport of oxygen, which arguably is the most critical nutrient due to its inherently low solubility in water, is rarely assessed. To this aim, the suitability of various precision-cut liver slice (PCLS) microfluidic devices for the defined maintenance of oxygen mass transport were evaluated using COMSOL simulations, leading to the development of a novel, optimised design to provide defined in vivo oxygenation conditions within an organ-on-a-chip system. Simulations found that the proposed device was capable of maintaining 43% of the tissue slice volume within the physiological range of the liver against 18% for the best performing literature device. The optimal device architecture derived from the modelling was then fabricated and its operation confirmed with an LDH assay. These simulation results form the basis for a greater understanding of not just the challenges involved in designing organ-on-a-chip devices, but also highlight issues that would arise from the incorporation of additional organs, as research progresses towards complete human-on-a-chip model systems.
Monoculture and mixture-planting of non-native Douglas fir alters species composition, but promotes the diversity of ground beetles in a temperate forest system
Authors: Kriegel Peter , Matevski Dragan , Schuldt Andreas
Published: March 2021

Planting non-native tree species, like Douglas fir in temperate European forest systems, is encouraged to mitigate effects of climate change. However, Douglas fir monocultures often revealed negative effects on forest biota, while effects of mixtures with native tree species on forest ecosystems are less well understood. We investigated effects of three tree species (Douglas fir, Norway spruce, native European beech), on ground beetles in temperate forests of Germany. Beetles were sampled in monocultures of each tree species and broadleaf-conifer mixtures with pitfall traps, and environmental variables were assessed around each trap. We used linear mixed models in a two-step procedure to disentangle effects of environment and tree species identity on ground beetle abundance, species richness, functional diversity and species assemblage structure. Contradictory to our expectations, ground beetle abundance and functional diversity was highest in pure Douglas fir stands, while tree mixtures showed intermediate values between pure coniferous and pure beech stands. The main drivers of these patterns were only partially dependent on tree species identity, which highlights the importance of structural features in forest stands. However, our study revealed distinct shifts in assemblage structure between pure beech and pure Douglas fir stands, which were only partially eased through mixture planting. Our findings suggest that effects of planting non-native trees on associated biodiversity can be actively modified by promoting beneficial forest structures. Nevertheless, integrating non-native tree species, even in mixtures with native trees, will invariably alter assemblage structures of associated biota, which can compromise conservation efforts targeted at typical species composition.
Protective measures for patients with advanced cancer during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic: Quo vadis?
Authors: Ivanyi P. , Park-Simon T. , Christiansen H. , Gutzmer R. , Vogel A. , Heuser M. , Golpon H. , Hillemanns P. , Haier J.
Published: March 2021

Cancer patients represent a vulnerable cohort during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. Oncological societies have generated a plethora of recommendations, but precise instructions about routine oncological procedures remain scarce. Here, we report on local COVID-19 protection measures established in an interdisciplinary approach at a tertiary care center during the first wave of the pandemia in Germany. Following these measures, no additional morbidity or mortality during oncological procedures was observed, and no nosocomial infections were registered. However, Validation of our measures is outstanding and regional SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was low. However, specific oncological measures might be important to ensure optimal oncological results, especially for advanced cancer stages during this and future pandemia. In the future, communication about these measures might be crucial to a cancer patient´s assigned network to reduce the danger of excess mortality within the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Imbalance of Impulse Control and Sensation Seeking and Adolescent Risk: An Intra-individual Developmental Test of the Dual Systems and Maturational Imbalance Models
Authors: Meeus Wim , Vollebergh Wilma , Branje Susan , Crocetti Elisabetta , Ormel Johan , van de Schoot Rens , Crone Eveline A. , Becht Andrik
Published: March 2021

Heterogeneity in development of imbalance between impulse control and sensation seeking has not been studied until now. The present study scrutinized this heterogeneity and the link between imbalance and adolescent risk. Seven-wave data of 7,558 youth (50.71% males; age range from 12/13 until 24/25) were used. Three developmental trajectories were identified. The first trajectory, “sensation seeking to balanced sensation seeking”, included participants with a higher level of sensation seeking than impulse control across all ages. The second trajectory, “moderate dominant control”, included participants showing moderate and increasing impulse control relative to sensation seeking across all ages. The third trajectory, “strong late dominant control”, included participants showing the highest level of impulse control which was about as strong as sensation seeking from early to middle adolescence and became substantially stronger from late adolescence to early adulthood. Although the systematic increase of impulse control in all subgroups is in line with both models, neither of these combined trajectories of control and sensation seeking was predicted by the Dual Systems Model or the Maturational Imbalance Model. Consistent with both models the “sensation seeking to balanced sensation seeking” trajectory showed the highest level of substance use. It can be concluded that, even though both theories adequately predict the link between imbalance and risk, neither the Dual Systems Model nor the Maturational Imbalance Model correctly predict the heterogeneity in development of imbalance between impulse control and sensation seeking.
Two novel microRNAs and their association with absolute blood pressure parameters in an urban South African community
Authors: Matshazi Don M. , Weale Cecil J. , Erasmus Rajiv T. , Kengne Andre P. , Davids Saarah F. G. , Raghubeer Shanel , Davison Glenda M. , Matsha Tandi E.
Published: March 2021

MicroRNAs are important in development of disease, and description of novel microRNAs adds to the pool of microRNAs that can be targeted for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in disease. Herein, we aimed to describe novel microRNAs in a normotensive and hypertensive African population and relate their expression to blood pressure parameters and hypertension status. Previous work using next-generation sequencing showed differential expression of two novel microRNAs in the blood of normotensives and hypertensives. Herein, we have investigated these novel microRNAs by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in a cohort of 881 participants in this study. The relationship between the novel microRNAs and systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as mean arterial pressure was also investigated. Age and sex-adjusted Spearman’s correlations were used to assess the relationship between microRNAs and cardiovascular risk profile variables whilst multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association of microRNAs with screen-detected and known hypertension. The novel microRNAs (miR-novel-chr1_36178 and miR-novel-chr15_18383) were significantly dysregulated by hypertension status. The expression of miR-novel-chr1_36178 differed according to sex, correlated with mean arterial pressure and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at higher levels of expression and was associated with screen-detected hypertension. The association of miR-novel-chr1_36178 expression with mean arterial pressure and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as its dysregulation according to hypertension status suggests its possible utility as a biomarker target for hypertension diagnosis and/or therapeutics. Furthermore, its association with screen detected hypertension and dose-response relationship with blood pressure suggests it may be used to identify and monitor individuals at risk of hypertension.
On the convergence of Krylov methods with low-rank truncations
Authors: Palitta Davide , Kürschner Patrick
Published: March 2021

Low-rank Krylov methods are one of the few options available in the literature to address the numerical solution of large-scale general linear matrix equations. These routines amount to well-known Krylov schemes that have been equipped with a couple of low-rank truncations to maintain a feasible storage demand in the overall solution procedure. However, such truncations may affect the convergence properties of the adopted Krylov method. In this paper we show how the truncation steps have to be performed in order to maintain the convergence of the Krylov routine. Several numerical experiments validate our theoretical findings.
Correction to: Deriving an overall appearance domain score by applying bifactor IRT analysis to the BODY‑Q appearance scales
Authors: Geerards Daan , van den Berg Lisa , Pusic Andrea L. , Hoogbergen Maarten M. , Klassen Anne F. , van der Hulst René R. W. J. , Sidey‑Gibbons Chris J.
Published: March 2021

In the original publication Table 1 has been removed as the authors did not obtain permission to reproduce the BODY-Q scale. A revised Table 1 is provided in this correction.
Current treatment options and challenges in patients with Type 1 diabetes: Pharmacological, technical advances and future perspectives
Authors: Boscari Federico , Avogaro Angelo
Published: March 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus imposes a significant burden of complications and mortality, despite important advances in treatment: subjects affected by this disease have also a worse quality of life-related to disease management. To overcome these challenges, different new approaches have been proposed, such as new insulin formulations or innovative devices. The introduction of insulin pumps allows a more physiological insulin administration with a reduction of HbA1c level and hypoglycemic risk. New continuous glucose monitoring systems with better accuracy have allowed, not only better glucose control, but also the improvement of the quality of life. Integration of these devices with control algorithms brought to the creation of the first artificial pancreas, able to independently gain metabolic control without the risk of hypo- and hyperglycemic crisis. This approach has revolutionized the management of diabetes both in terms of quality of life and glucose control. However, complete independence from exogenous insulin will be obtained only by biological approaches that foresee the replacement of functional beta cells obtained from stem cells: this will be a major challenge but the biggest hope for the subjects with type 1 diabetes. In this review, we will outline the current scenario of innovative diabetes management both from a technological and biological point of view, and we will also forecast some cutting-edge approaches to reduce the challenges that hamper the definitive cure of diabetes.
Sensing Feeling Alive: Attentiveness to Movements in/with Embodied Teaching
Authors: Hoveid Marit Honerød
Published: March 2021

This is an explorative work on teaching. The understanding of teaching that I use in my work is that teaching is action, it happens in the present – here and now. So, while teaching refers to shorter timespans, education in this understanding refers to timespans that are of a longer duration, meaning education is communication between generations (Hoveid and Hoveid 2019). The notion of teaching I explore draw from experiences, for my own part between nature, dog and human. These are experiences of sensing where one flows through and interconnects with others, so that boundaries are difficult to discern, and hence boundaries are not the point, but rather how sensing bodies and ‘movements between’ create experiences that are constitutive of who we become both as dog and human, in/with nature. Here I am not referring this to learning, as is usual in the equation “teaching and learning”. This does not mean learning is irrelevant, but rather that it is such an encompassing concept I cannot deal with it satisfactorily in this article. Also, I go beyond what is commonly understood as learning, in terms of making a change in someone’s cognitive or emotional structures. This article explores the kind of experiences our sensing body furnish us with and how these transfer to memory, in the here and now bodies sense, and how this creates memories. I argue this is especially important to recognize in teaching, but seldom addressed. I suggest we pay more attention to these experiences of sensing and how it becomes part of individual and collective memories. To me this is a vital and integral part in all teaching, in the present.
Criminal Law and Republican Liberty: Philip Pettit’s Account
Authors: Horder Jeremy
Published: March 2021

Philip Pettit has made central to modern republican theory a distinctive account of freedom—republican freedom. On this account, I am not free solely because I can make choices without interference. I am truly free, only if that non-interference does not itself depend on another’s forbearance (what Pettit calls ‘formal’ freedom). Pettit believes that the principal justification for the traditional focus of the criminal law is that it constitutes a bulwark against domination. I will, in part, be considering the merits of this claim. Is the importance of the orthodox realm of the criminal law solely or mainly explained by the wish to protect people from domination? In short, the answer is that it is not. Across the board, the criminal law rightly protects us equally from threats to what Pettit calls ‘effective,’ as opposed to formal, republican freedom. I will develop my critique of Pettit’s account of criminal law, in part to raise questions about the role of ‘domination’ in political theory, and about whether it poses a significant challenge to liberal accounts of criminal law.
Linking static and dynamic mechanical properties for metamorphic rocks from Austria including their anisotropic effect
Authors: Gegenhuber Nina , Krueger Melanie
Published: March 2021

The derivation of geomechanical properties from petrophysical/geophysical data is not only of great importance in the oil industry but also in mining, geothermal projects and tunnelling, for reduction of costs and to improve security. For the oil industry and geothermal sector, it is mainly important for drilling rate and the stability of the borehole and, as a result, the economic factor. A key issue is that geomechanical properties, which can support a better planning of a project, cannot be measured in the borehole or on the surface directly. In this study, the focus is put on anisotropic effects on the correlation between static and dynamic properties, which is neglected in most studies but important because values can vary extremely. Therefore, measurements in the geotechnical laboratory of compressional and shear wave velocity during uniaxial compression strength test were taken. Additionally, typical properties like bulk and grain density as well as porosity were determined too. Different samples (carbonate–silica schist, marble and phyllite) from the "Zentrum am Berg"-research tunnelling centre at the "Erzberg" in Austria were used. Shown are correlations between uniaxial compression strength and compressional wave velocity as well as for static and dynamic Young’s modulus including their anisotropic effect. The results are promising and provide an opportunity for further applications on log data.
Adherence to hydroxyurea, health-related quality of life domains and attitudes towards a smartphone app among Irish adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Fogarty Helen , Gaul Alan , Syed Saifullah , Aleksejenko Natalija , Geoghegan Rosena , Conroy Helena , Crampton Edel , Ngwenya Noel , Tuohy Emma , McMahon Corrina
Published: March 2021

Introduction

SCD patients experience declines in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) domains compared with healthy controls. Despite evidence supporting the benefits of hydroxyurea, medication non-adherence remains problematic, especially in adolescents and young adults (AYA). Adherence barriers include forgetfulness and lack of knowledge. Recently, increased interest in technology-based strategies to improve medication adherence has emerged. No data currently exists on hydroxyurea adherence, HRQOL or perceptions of technology-based tools in the Irish SCD population.

Methods

In order to interrogate these domains among Irish AYA SCD patients we administered an anonymous survey at two tertiary referral centres in Dublin, Ireland, in July 2019.

Results

Sixty-three patients participated; 63% female and 37% male, with a median and mean age of 17 and 19 years, respectively. Average monthly adherence was 76% using a visual analogue scale. Recall barriers were present in 62% while 26% omit hydroxyurea for reasons other than forgetting. Reviewing HRQOL; only 36.5% felt always physically able to engage in recreational activities, while 51% experienced disruption to school/college/work due to pain. Eighty-one percent reported that anxiety about health interferes with their lives and non-adherence correlated with worse HRQOL outcomes. Interest in a smartphone app was expressed by the majority, with daily medication reminders being the most popular feature. Sharing adherence data with doctors and discussion forums were less appealing.

Conclusions

Representing over 10% of the Irish SCD population, our survey provides novel and valuable insights into medication adherence and HRQOL domains. Preferred app features may inform future technology-based interventions to improve medication adherence in SCD and other chronic health conditions.
Anwendungen des Web Scraping in der amtlichen Statistik
Authors: Kühnemann Heidi
Published: March 2021

Im World Wide Web (kurz „Web“) sind große Datenmengen verfügbar, die auch die amtliche Statistik für sich nutzbar machen kann. Die Extraktion dieser Daten durch Web Scraping bietet vielfältige Potenziale, beispielsweise die Kosten für die Datenerhebung reduzieren, Befragte entlasten, die Qualität amtlicher Daten verbessern oder stichprobenrelevante Einheiten in Befragungen identifizieren. Am Beispiel der Preis‑, Tourismus‑, Arbeitsmarkt- und Unternehmensstatistik wird in diesem Beitrag aufgezeigt, wie die amtliche Statistik in Deutschland bereits Web Scraping nutzt. Viele der hier aufgeführten Anwendungen befinden sich noch in einem frühen Entwicklungsstadium. In anderen nationalen Statistikämtern werden Daten aus dem Web zum Teil bereits in einem größeren Ausmaß für experimentelle Statistiken und im Produktivbetrieb genutzt. Dies ist unter anderem auf eine teils unzureichende rechtliche Grundlage von Web Scraping in der amtlichen Statistik in Deutschland, auf eine für die Methode nicht adäquate IT-Infrastruktur sowie auf einen Mangel an Mitarbeitenden mit den notwendigen Qualifikationen zurückzuführen.
Communication Patterns of Indonesian Diaspora Women in Their Mixed Culture Families
Authors: Indriani Sri Seti , Mulyana Deddy
Published: March 2021

This research underlines the communication patterns of Indonesian diaspora women in their mixed culture families and how they use these patterns in Australia. There are some differences in interpreting meanings because of the differences in language and culture. Thus, researchers are interested in examining communication patterns experienced by these diaspora women who live in Australia. The research was conducted through a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques used were in-depth interviews with 13 Indonesian women who had been living in Australia for more than 5 years and observation and documentation studies. The study showed that the communication patterns of Indonesian diaspora women living within their mixed culture families consist mainly of verbal communication classified into five categories: (1) pure English, (2) mixed language, (3) unstructured grammar English, (4) compliments and appreciation, and (5) obscene words or swearing.
Economic Crisis, Lived Experiences and Temporal Reasoning Among Polish Migrants in Iceland
Authors: Pawlak Marek
Published: March 2021

The article focuses on the relationship between the lived experiences of economic crisis and its lingering effects on Polish migrants’ understandings of the current matters in Iceland. It shows that even though the economic collapse in 2008 was experienced differently, it has also induced different emotions and became a significant point of reference for Polish migrant community in Iceland. Interestingly, long after Iceland’s economic recovery, the crisis continues to inform migrants’ ways of negotiating the present and unfolds the intricate relationship between past experiences and future orientations. Thus, by drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, the article introduces an affective approach to the consequences of the crisis and problematises migrants’ temporal reasoning, which leads to the emerging states of alertness and anticipation of another crisis. In doing so, it shows the ways in which the past happenings affect the present matters and impinged migrants’ understandings of the future.
Immigrants’ Religious Transmission in Southern Europe: Reaction or Assimilation? Evidence from Italy
Authors: Molteni Francesco , Dimitriadis Iraklis
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, scholars have been increasingly interested in analysing immigrants’ religiosity in Europe. In this article, we provide evidence about how the patterns of religious transmission are shaped by religious characteristics of both the origin and receiving contexts. We do so by focusing on Italy, which is both an almost homogeneously Catholic country and a fairly recent immigration destination, and by analysing three different dimensions of religiosity: service attendance, prayer and importance of religion. By relying on the “Social conditions and integration of foreign citizens” survey (ISTAT, 2011–2012), we fill an important theoretical and geographical gap by analysing differences in religiosity between parents and children. We claim that immigrant groups who share many characteristics with the natives tend to assimilate by adopting the same patterns of transmission (for example, Romanians in Italy). In contrast, immigrants who come from very different religious contexts, such as the Muslim Moroccan group, strongly react to this diversity by emphasising the transmission of their own religiosity. If, instead, immigrants come from a very secular country, such as Albania, they also tend to replicate this feature in the receiving countries, thus progressively weakening their religiosity and also their denominational differences. Overall, it is the interplay between origin and destination context which matters the most in shaping the patterns of religious transmission.
Effect of simulated tennis steps and slides on tread element friction and wear
Authors: Hale John , Lewis Roger , Carré Matt J.
Published: March 2021

In hard court tennis, players change direction by either stepping or sliding. The shoe–surface friction during these movements is crucial to player performance. Too little friction when stepping may result in a slip. Too much friction when attempting to slide could cause the player to move only a short distance, or to fail to slide. To understand the influence of tread design on shoe–surface friction in tennis, experiments were performed on individual shoe tread elements that replicated the tribological conditions typically experienced during hard court step and slide movements. Tread element orientation had no effect on the static friction in step movements, but longer tread elements (in the sliding direction) had 9% lower dynamic friction during slide movements (p < 0.001). The friction between tennis shoe tread and hard court tennis surfaces is also shown to be influenced by the tread’s sliding history, and the wearing pattern that forms on the surface of the rubber.
The Funtana Morimenta Ichnosite (Sardinia, Italy): a Potential Geotourist Attraction
Authors: Zoboli Daniel , Pillola Gian Luigi
Published: March 2021

The late Middle Pleistocene ichnosite of Funtana Morimenta (Gonnesa, Italy) provides a relevant scientific and didactic interest. In this site, tracks of megacerine deer and dwarf mammoths of the Ice Age are well-preserved and visible in situ. The geosite has also historic importance, and it has been mentioned since the beginning of the nineteenth century for the sedimentological features and its palaeontological content. For these reasons, the Funtana Morimenta ichnosite would represent an efficient tool for developing educational goals, such as teaching activities or field trips. Unfortunately, in the last years, it has shown significant deterioration because its sedimentological features (poorly cemented aeolian sandstone) made it susceptible to weathering. For this site to be available for future generations, great attention should be posed to its safeguard and avoid the permanent disappearance of what is currently a full-fledged natural and scientific resource. The conservation actions herein proposed will provide several benefits: they are meant to (i) valorize the aeolian deposits and the visible ichnofossils; (ii) show visitors, tourists, or students the geo-palaeontological richness of the territory; (iii) encourage tourists to explore the other numerous geosites spread in the island of Sardinia; and (iv) allow private entrepreneurs or local public administrations to develop economic opportunities.
Biofeedback: e-health prediction based on evolving fuzzy neural network and wearable technologies
Authors: Malcangi Mario , Nano Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Recent advances in wearable microelectronics and new neural networks paradigms, capable to evolve and learn online such as the Evolving Fuzzy Neural Network (EFuNN), enable the deploy of biofeedback-based applications. The missed physiologic response could be recovered by measuring uninvasively the vital signs such as the heart rate, the bio impedance, the body temperature, the motion activity, the blood pressure, the blood oxygenation and the respiration rate. Then, the prediction could be performed applying the evolving ANN paradigms. The simulation of a wearable biofeedback system has been executed applying the Evolving Fuzzy Neural Network (EFuNN) paradigm for prediction. An highly integrated wearable microelectronic device for uninvasively vital signs measurement has been deployed. Simulation results demonstrate that biofeedback control model could be an effective reference design that enables short and long-term e-health prediction. The biofeedback framework was been then defined.
Correction to: Customisable assistive plans as dynamic composition of services with normed-QoS
Authors: Di Napoli Claudia , Ribino Patrizia , Serino Luca
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12652-021-02978-4
Optimization of hydrolysis conditions for xylans and straw hydrolysates by HPLC analysis
Authors: Beckendorff Alexander , Lamp Anne , Kaltschmitt Martin
Published: March 2021

Oligosaccharide analysis is commonly done by acid hydrolysis and following HPLC analysis. A major problem is the incomplete hydrolysis of oligosaccharides and disaccharides and the increasing formation of volatile furfural from pentose monomers and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from hexose monomers. This paper optimizes the conditions of hydrolysis approaches and proposes a method for oligosaccharide quantification. The optimal condition for hydrolysis of model xylan from corn cob was found to be for 100 °C hydrolysis temperature, 120 min hydrolysis time, and 2 wt% sulfuric acid concentration. Under these conditions, the total free and bound xylose yield was 77.4% and hemicellulose conversion 87.4% respectively; no degradation products were found. The optimal conditions for hydrolysis of model xylan from beech wood were found to be for 120 °C hydrolysis temperature, 120 min hydrolysis time, and 2 wt% sulfuric acid concentration. Under these conditions, the total free and bound xylose yield was 65.1% and hemicellulose conversion 70.5% respectively; no degradation products were found. For pentosan hydrolysate, conditions were further optimized (110 °C, 60 min, 2 wt% H2SO4). Standard addition of xylan from the corn cob for hydrolysation showed similar conversion rates (< 2% deviation); no matrix effects were detected.
Tribological performance of various metal-doped carbon dots as water-based lubricant additives and their potential application as additives of poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Zhu Xuejun , Li Yufeng
Published: March 2021

Advances in nano-lubricant additives are vital to the pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainable development. Carbon dots (CDs) have been widely investigated in the domain of lubricant additives owing to their extraordinary tribological properties, in particular, their friction-reducing and anti-wear properties. Metal-doped CDs are a new type of CDs, and their friction-reducing and anti-wear properties are attracting increasing attention. Therefore, a series of CDs doped with various divalent metal ions have been successfully synthesized via one-pot pyrolysis. The tribological properties of the synthesized CDs as water-based lubricant additives are in the following order: Zn-CDs > Cu-CDs ≫ Mg-CDs > Fe-CDs > U-CDs. Specifically, adding 1.0 wt% of Zn-CDs into water-based lubricant results in 62.5% friction and 81.8% wear reduction. Meanwhile, the load-carrying capacity of the water-based lubricant increases from 120 N to at least 500 N. Zn-CDs as an additive have long service life. Additionally, anion-tuned Zn-CDs fabricated via anion exchange exhibit promise as lubricant additives for poly(ethylene glycol). Based on the results of wear scar surface analyses, it is discovered that tribochemical films, primarily composed of iron oxides, nitrides, metal carbonates, zinc oxides, zinc carbonates, organic compounds, and embedded carbon cores, formed on the rubbing surfaces with a thickness of approximately 270 nm when Zn-CDs are used as additives. This film combined with the “ball-bearing” and third-particle effects of Zn-CDs contributed to excellent lubrication performance.
Structure, tribological properties, and the growth mechanism of in-situ generated TiC in titanium cermet
Authors: Sun Xiaolei , Luo Yong , Wang Junyang , Wang Qingliang , Qiao Jianghao , Beadling Andrew , Bryant Michael , Jin Zhongmin
Published: March 2021

Titanium cermet combining metallic toughness with ceramic wear resistance has been proven to be a potential candidate for implanted joint material. In this work, titanium cermet was synthesized by means of the elevated temperature solid carburizing technology. The Ti13Nb13Zr alloy surface was found to be converted into TiC ceramic layer combined with a carbon strengthened diffusion zone underneath. The overall thickness of the carburized region grew to about 100 µm after 120 min carburization at 1,500 K. In order to clarify the growth behaviors of TiC ceramic layer, a growth mechanism is proposed. At the beginning of carburizing process, carbonaceous gas decomposed from carburizer due to high temperature and then converted to free atomic carbons through reduction reaction. Then, in-situ generated TiC ceramic layer possessing certain thickness formed on the surface, meanwhile, the inner carbon diffusion zone also grew inwards due to physical diffusion of carbon, and finally forming a gradient carbon distribution. In addition, the tribological behaviors of the new materials were evaluated through reciprocating ball-on-plate sliding wear tests in bovine calf serum. Although there was an increase in friction coefficient, the wear rate decreased by 59.6% due to the formation of the wear-resistant TiC ceramic layer. The wear mechanisms evolved from severe abrasive wear for bare Ti13Nb13Zr alloy to mild adhesive wear for titanium cermet.
Correction to: Interface Engineering of CoS/CoO@N‑Doped Graphene Nanocomposite for High‑Performance Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Tian Yuhui , Xu Li , Li Meng , Yuan Ding , Liu Xianhu , Qian Junchao , Dou Yuhai , Qiu Jingxia , Zhang Shanqing
Published: March 2021

In the original publication, the label text.
See clearly on rainy days: Hybrid multiscale loss guided multi-feature fusion network for single image rain removal
Authors: Fu Huiyuan , Zhang Yu , Ma Huadong
Published: March 2021

The quality of photos is highly susceptible to severe weather such as heavy rain; it can also degrade the performance of various visual tasks like object detection. Rain removal is a challenging problem because rain streaks have different appearances even in one image. Regions where rain accumulates appear foggy or misty, while rain streaks can be clearly seen in areas where rain is less heavy. We propose removing various rain effects in pictures using a hybrid multiscale loss guided multiple feature fusion de-raining network (MSGMFFNet). Specially, to deal with rain streaks, our method generates a rain streak attention map, while preprocessing uses gamma correction and contrast enhancement to enhanced images to address the problem of rain accumulation. Using these tools, the model can restore a result with abundant details. Furthermore, a hybrid multiscale loss combining L1 loss and edge loss is used to guide the training process to pay attention to edge and content information. Comprehensive experiments conducted on both synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.