bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering of electrocatalyst/electrolyte interface for ambient ammonia synthesis
Authors: Du Lei , Xing Lixin , Zhang Gaixia , Liu Xianhu , Rawach Diane , Sun Shuhui
Published: March 2021

Ammonia is not only an important platform chemical for industrial and agricultural use but is also a novel energy‐carrying molecule. The electrochemical reduction method for ambient ammonia synthesis is emerging as a promising strategy for the replacement of the current Haber–Bosch ammonia synthesis method, which consumes a large amount of energy and natural gas (hydrogen resource) while releasing substantial greenhouse gases (eg, carbon dioxide). The challenges in electrochemical ammonia synthesis, also known as nitrogen reduction reaction, primarily include the cleavage of extremely stable N≡N bonds and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction in routine aqueous media, which significantly leads to a low production rate and Faradaic efficiency. The rational design and engineering of the electrocatalyst/electrolyte interface are crucial to address these challenges. Herein, recent achievements for catalyst/electrolyte interface engineering are reviewed to provide insights into enhancing the production rate and Faradaic efficiency. Perspectives on future research and development of the electrochemical ammonia synthesis from theory to practice will be provided.
Experimental and numerical study of unbonded post‐tensioned precast concrete connections with controllable post‐decompression stiffness
Authors: Huang Linjie , Zhou Zhen , Clayton Patricia M.
Published: March 2021

A new unbonded post‐tensioned precast concrete (PTPC) frame with controllable post‐decompression stiffness (CPDS), achieved by employing novel variable friction energy dissipaters (VFEDs), is proposed in this paper. A steel corbel (SC) is used in the CPDS‐PTPC connection to enhance the shear capacity. The VFED incorporates grooved steel plates and a combination of Bellville washers to provide variable energy dissipation and load‐resisting capacity to achieve target structural performance at different seismic intensity levels. A series of cyclic tests of a full‐scale beam‐to‐column specimen were carried out with different design parameters to investigate the hysteretic behavior of the proposed CPDS‐PTPC connection. The specimen was subjected to cyclic loading up to 9.0% drift to observe different levels of structural damage. Finally, a numerical model is proposed and validated with experimental data, and parametric analyses were performed by varying geometric properties of the VFEDs in the model. Both experimental and numerical analyses confirm the unique capabilities of the proposed CPDS‐PTPC connections to achieve tunable seismic behavior, especially in controlling post‐decompression stiffness while also providing desirable ductile damage at very large seismic demands. The post‐decompression stiffness and load‐carrying capacity are mainly controlled by the stiffness of post‐tensioned (PT) elements and configuration of VFEDs.
Accumulation of heavy metals and bacteriological contaminations in carrots and okra irrigated with tertiary wastewater
Authors: Letshwenyo Moatlhodi Wise
Published: March 2021

The present study investigates the accumulation of heavy metals (mg L−1) and bacteriological contaminations (log10 coliform forming units (CFU) 100 mL−1) in Daucus carota subsp. Sativus (carrot) and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) irrigated with tertiary effluent. Chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) concentrations in the leaves of carrots were higher than the concentrations in the roots. Arsenic (As), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zin (Zn) had higher concentrations in the roots than in leaves. Arsenic, chromium, lead, and zinc bioaccumulation factors in the roots were 6.4 ± 1.20, 1.8 ± 0.25, 1.23 ± 0.07, and 2.16 ± 0.76, respectively. The highest bioaccumulation factors were 1.03 ± 0.05 and 2.38 ± 1.40 for chromium and zinc, respectively, in the okra fruit. The health risk indices in adults and children were 1.4E−01 and 2.0E−01, respectively, for consuming carrots and 5.2E−02 and 7.9E−02, respectively, for okra consumption by adults and children. Average log10 counts of the bacteriological contaminations in irrigation water were 1.3, 1.6, and 1.4 log10 CFU 100 mL−1 for E. coli, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms, respectively. The corresponding counts in the edible inner carrot flesh were 0.78 log10, 0.95, and 0 log10 CFU 100 m L−1, respectively. Monitoring of both irrigation water and vegetables should be conducted regularly.
Gauge invariance, polar coordinates and inflation
Authors: Akil Ali , Tong Xi
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We point out the necessity of resolving the apparent gauge dependence in the quantum corrections of cosmological observables for Higgs-like inflation models. We highlight the fact that this gauge dependence is due to the use of an asymmetric background current which is specific to a choice of coordinate system in the scalar manifold. Favoring simplicity over complexity, we further propose a practical shortcut to gauge-independent inflationary observables by using effective potential obtained from a polar-like background current choice. We demonstrate this shortcut for several explicit examples and present a gauge-independent prediction of inflationary observables in the Abelian Higgs model. Furthermore, with Nielsen’s gauge dependence identities, we show that for any theory to all orders, a gauge-invariant current term gives a gauge-independent effective potential and thus gauge-invariant inflationary observables.
Topological defects and SUSY RG flow
Authors: Brunner I. , Mayer I. , Schmidt-Colinet C.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We study the effect of bulk perturbations of N=(2) superconformal minimal models on topological defects. In particular, symmetries and more general topological defects which survive the flow to the IR are identified. Our method is to consider the topological subsector and make use of the Landau-Ginzburg formulation to describe RG flows and topological defects in terms of matrix factorizations.
Rotons in anyon superfluids
Authors: Du Yi-Hsien , Mehta Umang , Son Dam Thanh
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We consider the problem of calculating the excitation spectrum of a gas of nonrelativistic anyons. When the anyons have statistics close to fermionic and the statistical angle has the form θ = π(1 −$$ \frac{1}{k} $$

1
k

) where k is a large integer, the problem can be solved by employing the method of bosonization, which maps the problem to that of an infinite number of bosonic excitations coupled to a U(1) Chern-Simons gauge field. The spectrum consists of a Goldstone boson branch and a large number of massive branches, each having roton minima and maxima. The dispersion curves asymptote to the Landau levels at large momentum.
The complement system in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Armento Angela , Ueffing Marius , Clark Simon J.
Published: March 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and progressive degenerative disease of the retina, which culminates in blindness and affects mainly the elderly population. AMD pathogenesis and pathophysiology are incredibly complex due to the structural and cellular complexity of the retina, and the variety of risk factors and molecular mechanisms that contribute to disease onset and progression. AMD is driven by a combination of genetic predisposition, natural ageing changes and lifestyle factors, such as smoking or nutritional intake. The mechanism by which these risk factors interact and converge towards AMD are not fully understood and therefore drug discovery is challenging, where no therapeutic attempt has been fully effective thus far. Genetic and molecular studies have identified the complement system as an important player in AMD. Indeed, many of the genetic risk variants cluster in genes of the alternative pathway of the complement system and complement activation products are elevated in AMD patients. Nevertheless, attempts in treating AMD via complement regulators have not yet been successful, suggesting a level of complexity that could not be predicted only from a genetic point of view. In this review, we will explore the role of complement system in AMD development and in the main molecular and cellular features of AMD, including complement activation itself, inflammation, ECM stability, energy metabolism and oxidative stress.
Tandem communication improves ant foraging success in a highly competitive tropical habitat
Authors: Glaser S. M. , Feitosa R. M. , Koch A. , Goß N. , do Nascimento F. S. , Grüter C.
Published: March 2021

Tropical ants experience intense intra- and interspecific competition for food sources, which influences their activity pattern and foraging strategies. Even though different ant species can coexist through spatial and temporal niche partitioning, direct competition for food cannot be avoided. Recruitment communication is assumed to help colonies to monopolize and exploit food sources successfully, but this has rarely been tested under field conditions. We studied if recruitment communication helps colonies of the Neotropical antPachycondyla harpaxto be more successful in a highly competitive tropical environment. Additionally, we explored if temporal and spatial niche differentiation helps focal colonies to avoid competition.Pachycondyla harpaxcompeted with dozens of ant species for food. Mass-recruiting competitors were often successful in displacingP. harpaxfrom food baits. However, when foragers ofP. harpaxwere able to recruit nestmates they had a 4-times higher probability to keep access to the food baits. Colonies were unlikely to be displaced during our observations after a few ants arrived at the food source. Competition was more intense after sunset, but a disproportionate increase in activity after sunset allowed focal colonies to exploit food sources more successfully after sunset. Our results support the hypothesis that recruitment communication helps colonies to monopolize food sources by helping them to establish a critical mass of nestmates at large resources. This indicates that even species with a small colony size and a slow recruitment method, such as tandem running, benefit from recruitment communication in a competitive environment.
Efficacy and safety of PEGylated exenatide injection (PB-119) in treatment-naive type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a Phase II randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ji Linong , Du Ying , Xu Min , Zhou Xiangjun , Mo Zhaohui , Ma Jianhua , Li Jiarui , Li Yufeng , Lin Jingna , Wang Yanjun , Yang Jing , Song Weihong , Jin Hui , Pang Shuguang , Liu Hui , Li Ping , Liu Jie , Yao Minxiu , Li Wenhui , Jiang Xiaohong , Shen Feixia , Geng Houfa , Zhou Haifeng , Ran Jianmin , Lei Minxiang , Du Yinghong , Ye Shandong , Guan Qingbo , Lv Wenshan , Tan Huiwen , Chen Tao , Yang Jinkui , Qin Guijun , Li Shiyun , Chen Lei
Published: March 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) such as exenatide are used as monotherapy and add-on therapy for maintaining glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The current study investigated the safety and efficacy of once-weekly PB-119, a PEGylated exenatide injection, in treatment-naive patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this Phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, we randomly assigned treatment-naive Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous placebo or one of three subcutaneous doses of PB-119 (75, 150, and 200 μg) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 12, and other endpoints were fasting plasma glucose, 2 h postprandial glucose (PPG), and proportion of patients with HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (<7.0%) and ≤48 mmol/mol (≤6.5%) at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug.

Results

We randomly assigned 251 patients to one of the four treatment groups (n = 62 in placebo and 63 each in PB-119 75 μg, 150 μg and 200 μg groups). At the end of 12 weeks, mean differences in HbA1c in the treatment groups were −7.76 mmol/mol (95% CI −9.23, −4.63, p < 0.001) (−0.72%, 95% CI −1.01, −0.43), −12.89 mmol/mol (95% CI −16.05, −9.72, p < 0.001) (−1.18%, 95% CI −1.47, −0.89) and −11.14 mmol/mol (95% CI −14.19, −7.97, p <0 .001) (−1.02%, 95% CI −1.30, −0.73) in the 75 μg, 150 μg and 200 μg PB-119 groups, respectively, compared with that in the placebo group after adjusting for baseline HbA1c. Similar results were also observed for other efficacy endpoints across different time points. There was no incidence of treatment-emergent serious adverse event, severe hypoglycaemia or death.

Conclusions/interpretation

All tested PB-119 doses had superior efficacy compared with placebo and were safe and well tolerated over 12 weeks in treatment-naive Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03520972

Funding

The study was funded by National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project for Significant New Drugs Development and PegBio.

Graphical abstract
Poisson-geometric Analogues of Kitaev Models
Authors: Spies Alexander
Published: March 2021

We define Poisson-geometric analogues of Kitaev’s lattice models. They are obtained from a Kitaev model on an embedded graph $$\Gamma $$
Γ
by replacing its Hopf algebraic data with Poisson data for a Poisson-Lie group G. Each edge is assigned a copy of the Heisenberg double $${\mathcal {H}}(G)$$

H
(
G
)

. Each vertex (face) of $$\Gamma $$
Γ
defines a Poisson action of G (of $$G^*$$

G
∗

) on the product of these Heisenberg doubles. The actions for a vertex and adjacent face form a Poisson action of the double Poisson-Lie group D(G). We define Poisson counterparts of vertex and face operators and relate them via the Poisson bracket to the vector fields generating the actions of D(G). We construct an isomorphism of Poisson D(G)-spaces between this Poisson-geometrical Kitaev model and Fock and Rosly’s Poisson structure for the graph $$\Gamma $$
Γ
and the Poisson-Lie group D(G). This decouples the latter and represents it as a product of Heisenberg doubles. It also relates the Poisson-geometrical Kitaev model to the symplectic structure on the moduli space of flat D(G)-bundles on an oriented surface with boundary constructed from $$\Gamma $$
Γ
.
The cypsela (achene) of Echinacea purpurea as a diffusion unit of a community of microorganisms
Authors: Cardinale Massimiliano , Viola Marian , Miceli Elisangela , Faddetta Teresa , Puglia Anna Maria , Maggini Valentina , Tani Corrado , Firenzuoli Fabio , Schiff Silvia , Bogani Patrizia , Fani Renato , Papini Alessio
Published: March 2021

Echinacea purpureais a plant cultivated worldwide for its pharmaceutical properties, mainly related to the stimulation of the immune system in the treatment of respiratory infections. The cypselas (fruits) ofE. purpureawere examined in order to investigate the presence, localization and potential function(s) of endophytic microorganisms. Electron and confocal microscopy observations showed that three different components of microorganisms were associated to cypselas ofE. purpurea: (i) one endocellular bacterial component in the cotyledons, enclosed within the host membrane; (ii) another more generic bacterial component adhering to the external side of the perianth; and (iii) a fungal component inside the porous layer of the perianth, the woody and porous modified residual of the flower, in the form of numerous hyphae able to cross the wall between adjacent cells. Isolated bacteria were affiliated to the generaPaenibacillus,Pantoea, andSanguibacter. Plate tests showed a general resistance to six different antibiotics and also to an antimicrobial-producingRheinheimerasp. test strain. Finally, microbiome-deprivedE. purpureaseeds showed a reduced ability to germinate, suggesting an active role of the microbiome in the plant vitality. Our results suggest that the endophytic bacterial community ofE. purpurea, previously found in roots and stem/leaves, might be already carried at the seed stage, hosted by the cotyledons. A further microbial fungal component is transported together with the seed in the perianth of the cypsela, whose remarkable structure may be considered as an adaptation for fungal transportation, and could influence the capability of the seed to germinate in the soil.

Key Points

•The fruit of Echinacea purpurea contains fungi not causing any damage to the plant.

•The seed cotyledons contain endocellular bacteria.

•Seed/fruit deprived of the microbiome showed a reduced ability to germinate.
18F FDG PET/MRI with hepatocyte-specific contrast agent for M staging of rectal cancer: a primary economic evaluation
Authors: Gassert Felix G. , Rübenthaler Johannes , Cyran Clemens C. , Rink Johann S. , Schwarze Vincent , Luitjens Johanna , Gassert Florian T. , Makowski Marcus R. , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Tamandl Dietmar , Froelich Matthias F.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Rectal cancer is one of the most frequent causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the world. Correct identification of the TNM state in primary staging of rectal cancer has critical implications on patient management. Initial evaluations revealed a high sensitivity and specificity for whole-body PET/MRI in the detection of metastases allowing for metastasis-directed therapy regimens. Nevertheless, its cost-effectiveness compared with that of standard-of-care imaging (SCI) using pelvic MRI + chest and abdominopelvic CT is yet to be investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of whole-body 18F FDG PET/MRI as an alternative imaging method to standard diagnostic workup for initial staging of rectal cancer.

Methods

For estimation of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and lifetime costs of diagnostic modalities, a decision model including whole-body 18F FDG PET/MRI with a hepatocyte-specific contrast agent and pelvic MRI + chest and abdominopelvic CT was created based on Markov simulations. For obtaining model input parameters, review of recent literature was performed. Willingness to pay (WTP) was set to $100,000/QALY. Deterministic sensitivity analysis of diagnostic parameters and costs was applied, and probabilistic sensitivity was determined using Monte Carlo modeling.

Results

In the base-case scenario, the strategy whole-body 18F FDG PET/MRI resulted in total costs of $52,186 whereas total costs of SCI were at $51,672. Whole-body 18F FDG PET/MRI resulted in an expected effectiveness of 3.542 QALYs versus 3.535 QALYs for SCI. This resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $70,291 per QALY for PET/MRI. Thus, from an economic point of view, whole-body 18F FDG PET/MRI was identified as an adequate diagnostic alternative to SCI with high robustness of results to variation of input parameters.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the analysis, use of whole-body 18F FDG PET/MRI was identified as a feasible diagnostic strategy for initial staging of rectal cancer from a cost-effectiveness perspective.
The increasing potential of nuclear medicine imaging for the evaluation and reduction of normal tissue toxicity from radiation treatments
Authors: Mohan V. , Bruin N. M. , van de Kamer J. B. , Sonke J.-J. , Vogel Wouter V.
Published: March 2021

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment modality for a variety of cancers. Despite several advances in delivery techniques, its main drawback remains the deposition of dose in normal tissues which can result in toxicity. Common practices of evaluating toxicity, using questionnaires and grading systems, provide little underlying information beyond subjective scores, and this can limit further optimization of treatment strategies. Nuclear medicine imaging techniques can be utilised to directly measure regional baseline function and function loss from internal/external radiation therapy within normal tissues in an in vivo setting with high spatial resolution. This can be correlated with dose delivered by radiotherapy techniques to establish objective dose-effect relationships, and can also be used in the treatment planning step to spare normal tissues more efficiently. Toxicity in radionuclide therapy typically occurs due to undesired off-target uptake in normal tissues. Molecular imaging using diagnostic analogues of therapeutic radionuclides can be used to test various interventional protective strategies that can potentially reduce this normal tissue uptake without compromising tumour uptake. We provide an overview of the existing literature on these applications of nuclear medicine imaging in diverse normal tissue types utilising various tracers, and discuss its future potential.
Correction to: CD73 expression defines immune, molecular, and clinicopathological subgroups of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rocha Pedro , Salazar Ruth , Zhang Jiexin , Ledesma Debora , Solorzano Jose L. , Mino Barbara , Villalobos Pamela , Dejima Hitoshi , Douse Dzifa Y. , Diao Lixia , Mitchell Kyle Gregory , Le Xiuning , Zhang Jianjun , Weissferdt Annikka , Parra-Cuentas Edwin , Cascone Tina , Rice David C. , Sepesi Boris , Kalhor Neda , Moran Cesar , Vaporciyan Ara , Heymach John , Gibbons Don L. , Lee J. Jack , Kadara Humam , Wistuba Ignacio , Behrens Carmen , Solis Luisa Maren
Published: March 2021

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.
Pathophysiology of reflux oesophagitis: role of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and Farnesoid X receptor
Authors: Nortunen Minna , Väkiparta Nina , Porvari Katja , Saarnio Juha , Karttunen Tuomo J , Huhta Heikki
Published: March 2021

The pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not fully understood. It involves the activation of mucosal immune-mediated and inflammatory responses. Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and TLR4 are pattern-recognition receptors of the innate immune system; they recognize microbial and endogenous ligands. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid receptor that regulates the inflammatory response. We aimed to evaluate TLR2, TLR4 and FXR expression patterns in GERD. We re-evaluated 84 oesophageal biopsy samples according to the global severity (GS) score, including 26 cases with histologically normal oesophagus, 28 with histologically mild oesophagitis and 30 with severe oesophagitis. We used immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to assess the expression patterns of TLR2, TLR4 and FXR in oesophageal squamous cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that nuclear and cytoplasmic TLR2 was expressed predominantly in the basal layer of normal oesophageal epithelium. In oesophagitis, TLR2 expression increased throughout the epithelium, and the superficial expression was significantly more intensive compared to normal epithelium, p <0.01. Nuclear and cytoplasmic TLR4 was expressed throughout the thickness of squamous epithelium, with no change in oesophagitis. FXR was expressed in the nuclei of squamous cells, and the intensity of the expression increased significantly in oesophagitis (p <0.05). FXR expression correlated with basal TLR2. In situ hybridization confirmed the immunohistochemical expression patterns of TLR2 and TLR4. In GERD, TLR2, but not TLR4, expression was upregulated which indicates that innate immunity is activated according to a specific pattern in GERD. FXR expression was increased in GERD and might have a regulatory connection to TLR2.
Late Neogene evolution of the Peruvian margin and its ecosystems: a synthesis from the Sacaco record
Authors: Ochoa Diana , Salas-Gismondi Rodolfo , DeVries Thomas J. , Baby Patrice , de Muizon Christian , Altamirano Alí , Barbosa-Espitia Angel , Foster David A. , Quispe Kelly , Cardich Jorge , Gutiérrez Dimitri , Perez Alexander , Valqui Juan , Urbina Mario , Carré Matthieu
Published: March 2021

The highly productive waters of the Humboldt Current System (HCS) host a particular temperate ecosystem within the tropics, whose history is still largely unknown. The Pisco Formation, deposited during Mio-Pliocene times in the Peruvian continental margin has yielded an outstanding collection of coastal-marine fossils, providing an opportunity to understand the genesis of the HCS ecosystem. We present a comprehensive review, completed with new results, that integrates geological and paleontological data from the last 10 My, especially focusing on the southern East Pisco Basin (Sacaco area). We discuss the depositional settings of the Pisco Formation and integrate new U/Pb radiometric ages into the chronostratigraphic framework of the Sacaco sub-basin. The last preserved Pisco sediments at Sacaco were deposited ~ 4.5 Ma, while the overlying Caracoles Formation accumulated from ~ 2.7 Ma onwards. We identified a Pliocene angular unconformity encompassing 1.7 My between these formations, associated with a regional phase of uplift. Local and regional paleoenvironmental indicators suggest that shallow settings influenced by the offshore upwelling of ventilated and warm waters prevailed until the early Pliocene. We present an extensive synthesis of the late Miocene–Pleistocene vertebrate fossil record, which allows for an ecological characterization of the coastal-marine communities, an assessment of biodiversity trends, and changes in coastal-marine lineages in relation to modern HCS faunas. Our synthesis shows that: (i) typical endemic coastal Pisco vertebrates persisted up to ~ 4.5 Ma, (ii) first modern HCS toothed cetaceans appear at ~ 7–6 Ma, coinciding with a decline in genus diversity, and (iii) a vertebrate community closer to the current HCS was only reached after 2.7 Ma. The genesis of the Peruvian coastal ecosystem seems to be driven by a combination of stepwise transformations of the coastal geomorphology related to local tectonic pulses and by a global cooling trend leading to the modern oceanic circulation system.
Development of a model to predict the probability of incurring a complication during spine surgery
Authors: Zehnder Pascal , Held Ulrike , Pigott Tim , Luca Andrea , Loibl Markus , Reitmeir Raluca , Fekete Tamás , Haschtmann Daniel , Mannion Anne F.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Predictive models in spine surgery are of use in shared decision-making. This study sought to develop multivariable models to predict the probability of general and surgical perioperative complications of spinal surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods

Data came from EUROSPINE's Spine Tango Registry (1.2012–12.2017). Separate prediction models were built for surgical and general complications. Potential predictors included age, gender, previous spine surgery, additional pathology, BMI, smoking status, morbidity, prophylaxis, technology used, and the modified Mirza invasiveness index score. Complete case multiple logistic regression was used. Discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Plots were used to assess the calibration of the models.

Results

Overall, 23′714/68′111 patients (54.6%) were available for complete case analysis: 763 (3.2%) had a general complication, with ASA score being strongly predictive (ASA-2 OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.20–2.12; ASA-3 OR 2.98, 95% CI 2.19–4.07; ASA-4 OR 5.62, 95% CI 3.04–10.41), while 2534 (10.7%) had a surgical complication, with previous surgery at the same level being an important predictor (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.71–2.12). Respectively, model AUCs were 0.74 (95% CI, 0.72–0.76) and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.62–0.65), and calibration was good up to predicted probabilities of 0.30 and 0.25, respectively.

Conclusion

We developed two models to predict complications associated with spinal surgery. Surgical complications were predicted with less discriminative ability than general complications. Reoperation at the same level was strongly predictive of surgical complications and a higher ASA score, of general complications. A web-based prediction tool was developed at https://sst.webauthor.com/go/fx/run.cfm?fx=SSTCalculator.
A 3DEC Numerical Analysis of the Interaction Between an Uneven Rock Surface and Shotcrete Lining
Authors: Zhang Ping , Nordlund Ering
Published: March 2021

Rock tunnels excavated using drilling and blasting technique in jointed rock masses often have a very uneven and rough excavation surface. Experience from previous studies shows that the unevenness of a rock surface has a large impact on the support effect of shotcrete lining. However, clear conclusions regarding the effect of 2D and 3D uneven surfaces were not obtained due to limited studies in the literature. The numerical analyses reported in this paper were made to investigate the influence of the surface unevenness of a circular tunnel opening on the support effect of shotcrete using a 3D numerical code (3DEC). The models were first calibrated with the help of observations and measured data obtained from physical model tests. The influential factors were investigated further in this numerical study after calibration had been achieved. The numerical analyses show that, in general, the unevenness of a tunnel surface produces negative support effects due to stress concentrations in recesses (compressive) and at apexes (tensile) after excavation. However, shotcrete sprayed on a doubly waved uneven surface has better support effect compared to shotcrete sprayed on a simply waved tunnel surface. The development of shear strength (specifically frictional strength) on the uneven interface between the shotcrete and the rock contributes to this effect, in the condition where bonding of the shotcrete does not work effectively. The interface is a crucial element when the interaction between the rock and shotcrete is to be simulated. When an entire tunnel surface is covered by shotcrete with high modulus, more failures will occur in the shotcrete especially when rock surface is uneven. Based on the numerical model cases examined, some recommendations on how to incorporate tunnel surface conditions (2D or 3D unevenness) in the design of a shotcrete lining are given.
Changes in clinical parameters following adjunctive local sodium hypochlorite gel in minimally invasive nonsurgical therapy (MINST) of periodontal pockets: a 6-month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Iorio-Siciliano Vincenzo , Ramaglia Luca , Isola Gaetano , Blasi Andrea , Salvi Giovanni E. , Sculean Anton
Published: March 2021

Background

The mechanical disruption and removal of the subgingival biofilm represent the most important step in the treatment of periodontitis. However, in deep periodontal pockets, mechanical removal of the subgingival biofilm is difficult and frequently incomplete. Preliminary findings indicate that the use of amino acid buffered sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel may chemically destroy the bacterial biofilm and facilitate its mechanical removal.

Objectives

To clinically evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive nonsurgical therapy (MINST) of periodontal pockets with or without local application of an amino acid buffered sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) gel.

Materials and methods

Forty untreated patients diagnosed with severe/advanced periodontitis (i.e. stage III/IV) with a slow/moderate rate of progression (i.e. grade A/B) were randomly allocated in two treatment groups. In the test group, the periodontal pockets were treated by means of MINST and NaOCl gel application, while in the control group, treatment consisted of MINST alone. Full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS), full-mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), probing depths (PD), clinical attachment levels (CAL) and gingival recessions (GR) were assessed at baseline and at 6 months following therapy. The primary outcome variable was PD reduction at sites with PD ≥ 5 mm at baseline.

Results

At 6 months, statistically significant differences between the two groups were found (p = 0.001) in terms of PD and CAL change. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of GR (p = 0.81). The number of sites with PD ≥ 5 mm and BOP (+) decreased statistically significantly (p = 0.001), i.e. from 85.3 to 2.2% in the test group and from 81.6 to 7.3% in the control group, respectively. Statistically significant differences between test and control groups were recorded at 6 months (p = 0.001). MINST + NaOCl compared to MINST alone decreased statistically significantly (p = 0.001) the probability of residual PDs ≥ 5 mm with BOP− (14.5% vs 18.3%) and BOP+ (2.2% vs. 7.2%).

Conclusions

Within their limits, the present results indicate that (a) the use of MINST may represent a clinically valuable approach for nonsurgical therapy and (b) the application of NaOCl gel in conjunction with MINST may additionally improve the clinical outcomes compared to the use of MINST alone.

Clinical relevance

In patients with untreated periodontitis, treatment of deep pockets by means of MINST in conjunction with a NaOCl gel may represent a valuable approach to additionally improve the clinical outcomes obtained with MINST alone
The cost-effectiveness of treatments for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Sampaio Filipa , Feldman Inna , Lavelle Tara A. , Skokauskas Norbert
Published: March 2021

Economic evaluations can help decision makers identify what services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders provide best value-for-money. The aim of this paper is to review the best available economic evidence to support decision making for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. We conducted a systematic review of economic evaluations of ADHD and ASD interventions including studies published 2010–2020, identified through Econlit, Medline, PsychINFO, and ERIC databases. Only full economic evaluations comparing two or more options, considering both costs and consequences were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist. We identified ten studies of moderate-to-good quality on the cost-effectiveness of treatments for ADHD and two studies of good quality of interventions for ASD. The majority of ADHD studies evaluated pharmacotherapy (n = 8), and two investigated the economic value of psychosocial/behavioral interventions. Both economic evaluations for ASD investigated early and communication interventions. Included studies support the cost-effectiveness of behavioral parenting interventions for younger children with ADHD. Among pharmacotherapies for ADHD, different combinations of stimulant/non-stimulant medications for children were cost-effective at willingness-to-pay thresholds reported in the original papers. Early intervention for children with suspected ASD was cost-effective, but communication-focused therapy for preschool children with ASD was not. Prioritizing more studies in this area would allow decision makers to promote cost-effective and clinically effective interventions for this target group.
Using a new video rating tool to crowd-source analysis of behavioural reaction to stimuli
Authors: Root-Gutteridge Holly , Brown Louise P. , Forman Jemma , Korzeniowska Anna T. , Simner Julia , Reby David
Published: March 2021

Quantifying the intensity of animals’ reaction to stimuli is notoriously difficult as classic unidimensional measures of responses such as latency or duration of looking can fail to capture the overall strength of behavioural responses. More holistic rating can be useful but have the inherent risks of subjective bias and lack of repeatability. Here, we explored whether crowdsourcing could be used to efficiently and reliably overcome these potential flaws. A total of 396 participants watched online videos of dogs reacting to auditory stimuli and provided 23,248 ratings of the strength of the dogs’ responses from zero (default) to 100 using an online survey form. We found that raters achieved very high inter-rater reliability across multiple datasets (although their responses were affected by their sex, age, and attitude towards animals) and that as few as 10 raters could be used to achieve a reliable result. A linear mixed model applied to PCA components of behaviours discovered that the dogs’ facial expressions and head orientation influenced the strength of behaviour ratings the most. Further linear mixed models showed that that strength of behaviour ratings was moderately correlated to the duration of dogs’ reactions but not to dogs’ reaction latency (from the stimulus onset). This suggests that observers’ ratings captured consistent dimensions of animals’ responses that are not fully represented by more classic unidimensional metrics. Finally, we report that overall participants strongly enjoyed the experience. Thus, we suggest that using crowdsourcing can offer a useful, repeatable tool to assess behavioural intensity in experimental or observational studies where unidimensional coding may miss nuance, or where coding multiple dimensions may be too time-consuming.
The performance of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) on two versions of the object choice task
Authors: Clark Hannah , Leavens David A.
Published: March 2021

Object choice task (OCT) studies are widely used to assess the phylogenetic and ontogenetic distribution of the understanding of communicative cues, with this understanding serving as a proxy for the discernment of communicative intentions. Recent reviews have found systematic procedural and methodological differences in studies which compare performances across species on the OCT. One such difference concerns the spatial configuration of the test set-up, specifically the distances between the two containers (inter-object distance) and the subject–experimenter distance. Here, we tested dogs on two versions of the task: a central version in which the containers were in the subjects’ direct line of vision, and a peripheral version in which the position of the containers was distal to the subject. Half of the subjects were tested with a barrier in the testing environment (as nonhuman primates are tested) and the other half without. We found that dogs tested with a barrier performed significantly better in the central version and were more likely to fail to make a choice in the peripheral version. Dogs tested without a barrier showed comparable performance on the two versions. We thus failed to find support for the distraction hypothesis in dogs. We discuss potential explanations for this, highlighting how methodological differences in the presentation of the OCT can influence outcomes in studies using this paradigm.
A primal-dual interior-point algorithm for nonsymmetric exponential-cone optimization
Authors: Dahl Joachim , Andersen Erling D.
Published: March 2021

A new primal-dual interior-point algorithm applicable to nonsymmetric conic optimization is proposed. It is a generalization of the famous algorithm suggested by Nesterov and Todd for the symmetric conic case, and uses primal-dual scalings for nonsymmetric cones proposed by Tunçel. We specialize Tunçel’s primal-dual scalings for the important case of 3 dimensional exponential-cones, resulting in a practical algorithm with good numerical performance, on level with standard symmetric cone (e.g., quadratic cone) algorithms. A significant contribution of the paper is a novel higher-order search direction, similar in spirit to a Mehrotra corrector for symmetric cone algorithms. To a large extent, the efficiency of our proposed algorithm can be attributed to this new corrector.
Intensification of Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Reactions Without Efficiency Losses: The Importance of Surface Catalysis
Authors: Bloh Jonathan Z.
Published: March 2021

Advances in LED and photoreactor technology have brought semiconductor photocatalysis to the verge of feasibility of industrial application for the synthesis of value-added chemicals. However, the often observed efficiency losses under intensified illumination conditions still present a great challenge. This perspective discusses the origin of these efficiency losses and what needs to be done to prevent or counteract it and pave the way for efficient, intensified heterogeneous photocatalytic processes. The role of surface catalysis is particularly highlighted as one of the rate-limiting steps.

Graphic Abstract
Rediscovering the Relative Deprivation and Crime Debate: Tracking its Fortunes from Left Realism to the Precariat
Authors: Webber Craig
Published: March 2021

This article revisits the concept of relative deprivation and asks whether it is still useful for criminology. The article traces the way relative deprivation has been used in the past to understand crime and how it has connections to other, more recent, additions to debates on social justice. I argue that relative deprivation has disappeared even in the place that it had become the key explanation for crime—left realism. In so doing, I explore the resurrection of left realism in criminology—what I refer to as “post-millennial left realism”—first, by those who were associated with it originally, and then with Hall and Winlow’s (2015, 2017) shift in emphasis to what they term “ultra-realism.” I maintain that relative deprivation is still a powerful concept for bridging several related areas that should still be central to the concerns of criminology—in part, because it is still a major concern in popular social science and social psychology. Why has it disappeared in criminology? I present an argument that suggests that the absence of certain research methods, such as ethnographic and qualitative or small-scale survey methods, has impoverished our understanding of the lived reality of people experiencing the social transformations of a networked, precarious society. The massive polarization and disruption in politics and social discourse, as well as the worldwide economic, public health, and social transformations (ranging from the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter protests to the COVID-19 global pandemic) have demonstrated the continued relevance and analytical power that relative deprivation, in its elaborated form, brings to questions of crime and justice.
Poverty and economic decision making: a review of scarcity theory
Authors: de Bruijn Ernst-Jan , Antonides Gerrit
Published: March 2021

Poverty is associated with a wide range of counterproductive economic behaviors. Scarcity theory proposes that poverty itself induces a scarcity mindset, which subsequently forces the poor into suboptimal decisions and behaviors. The purpose of our work is to provide an integrated, up-to-date, critical review of this theory. To this end, we reviewed the empirical evidence for three fundamental propositions: (1) Poverty leads to attentional focus and neglect causing overborrowing, (2) poverty induces trade-off thinking resulting in more consistent consumption decisions, and (3) poverty reduces mental bandwidth and subsequently increases time discounting and risk aversion. Our findings indicate that the current literature predominantly confirms the first and second proposition, although methodological issues prevent a firm conclusion. Evidence for the third proposition was not conclusive. Additionally, we evaluated the overall status of scarcity theory. Although the theory provides an original, coherent, and parsimonious explanation for the relationship between financial scarcity and economic decision making, the theory does not fully accord with the data and lacks some precision. We conclude that both theoretical and empirical work are needed to build a stronger theory.
Rubber Wear and the Role of Transfer Films on Rubber Friction on Hard Rough Substrates
Authors: Tiwari A. , Miyashita N. , Persson B. N. J.
Published: March 2021

We study the influence of rubber transfer films on the sliding friction between rectangular rubber blocks and a concrete surface. We present experimental results for the friction coefficient for a rubber compound sliding on a concrete surface contaminated by another rubber compound, for two different pairs (A, B) and (C, D) of rubber compounds. For the same rubber compounds, we present theory results which illustrate the relative importance of the viscoelastic and adhesive contribution to the sliding friction. We correlate the calculated rubber friction with the nature of the observed transfer films (or wear processes).

Graphical Abstract
Potato Yield and Yield Components as Affected by Positive Selection During Several Generations of Seed Multiplication in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Priegnitz Uta , Lommen Willemien J. M. , van der Vlugt René A. A. , Struik Paul C.
Published: March 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important crop in Uganda but production is low. There is not a well-functioning official seed system and farmers use potato tubers from a previous harvest as seed. This study investigated how effectively the seed technology positive selection enhanced yield and underlying crop characteristics across multiple seasons, compared to the farmers’ selection method. Positive selection is selecting healthy plants during crop growth for harvesting seed potato tubers to be planted in the next season. Farmers’ selection involves selection of seed tubers from the bulk of the ware potato harvest. Positive selection was compared to farmers’ seed selection for up to three seasons in three field trials in different locations in southwestern Uganda using seed lots from different origins. Across all experiments, seasons and seed lots, yields were higher under positive selection than under farmers’ selection. The average yield increase resulting from positive selection was 12%, but yield increases were variable, ranging from − 5.7% to + 36.9%, and in the individual experiments often not significant. These yield increases were due to higher yields per plant, and mostly higher weights per tuber, whereas the numbers of tubers per plant were not significantly different. Experimentation and yield assessment were hampered by a varying number of plants that could not be harvested because plants had to be rogued from the experimental plots because of bacterial wilt (more frequent under farmers’ selection than under positive selection), plants disappeared from the experimental field and sometimes plants did not emerge. Nevertheless, adoption of positive selection should be encouraged due to a higher production and less virus infection of seed tubers in positive selected plants, resulting in a lower degeneration rate of potato seed tubers.
The Effect of Chemical Treatments on the Tuber Dormancy of Hungarian Potato Cultivars
Authors: Esztergályos Ádám , Polgár Zsolt
Published: March 2021

The length of tuber dormancy of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important property of cultivars, which significantly determines the duration of storage period, the storage conditions, the economy of storage and the earliest time of planting. Potato cultivars can largely differ in the duration of dormancy period. Under temperate climatic conditions, longer dormancy is more advantageous. However, in case of multiple planting within one calendar year or in case of specific needs, it can be necessary to artificially break the dormancy of tubers. In this study, we investigated the effect of chemical treatments on the tuber dormancy of three Hungarian potato cultivars (Balatoni rózsa, Démon, Botond) having different dormancy periods. The experiment was conducted in three consecutive years (growing periods). Treatments were performed using gibberellic acid, benzyl-adenine and Rindite in different concentrations and combinations. Results showed that the treatments largely influenced the length of tuber dormancy. Rindite and its combination with gibberellic acid treatments largely and significantly reduced the dormancy period for all the cultivars in all growing season, with an average 65% reduction (1906 to 669 °C). Treatments had the greatest impact on the cultivar Balatoni rózsa, with an average 33% reduction of dormancy, while they had the least impact on the cultivar Démon, with an average 25% reduction. We did not observe significant relationship between cultivar maturity type and the reduction of tuber dormancy. We found that the weather conditions of growing period influence the duration of dormancy and the efficiency of chemical treatments.