bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of Bulk Lifetime Degradation in Float‐Zone Silicon: Fast Activation and Annihilation of Grown‐In Defects and the Role of Hydrogen versus Light
Authors: Hiller Daniel , Markevich Vladimir P. , de Guzman Joyce Ann T. , König Dirk , Prucnal Slawomir , Bock Wolfgang , Julin Jaakko , Peaker Anthony R. , Macdonald Daniel , Grant Nicholas E. , Murphy John D.
Published: July 2020

Float‐zone (FZ) silicon often has grown‐in defects that are thermally activated in a broad temperature window (≈300–800 °C). These defects cause efficient electron‐hole pair recombination, which deteriorates the bulk minority carrier lifetime and thereby possible photovoltaic conversion efficiencies. Little is known so far about these defects which are possibly Si‐vacancy/nitrogen‐related (VxNy). Herein, it is shown that the defect activation takes place on sub‐second timescales, as does the destruction of the defects at higher temperatures. Complete defect annihilation, however, is not achieved until nitrogen impurities are effused from the wafer, as confirmed by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Hydrogenation experiments reveal the temporary and only partial passivation of recombination centers. In combination with deep‐level transient spectroscopy, at least two possible defect states are revealed, only one of which interacts with H. With the help of density functional theory V1N1‐centers, which induce Si dangling bonds (DBs), are proposed as one possible defect candidate. Such DBs can be passivated by H. The associated formation energy, as well as their sensitivity to light‐induced free carriers, is consistent with the experimental results. These results are anticipated to contribute to a deeper understanding of bulk‐Si defects, which are pivotal for the mitigation of solar cell degradation processes.
Implementation of Flexible Embedded Nanowire Electrodes in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kinner Lukas , Hermerschmidt Felix , Dimopoulos Theodoros , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: July 2020

The implementation of silver nanowires (NWs) as flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) in solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) still faces two major challenges: the high roughness of NW films and heat sensitivity of the most commonly used transparent substrate poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). A solution‐based, roll‐to‐roll, and sheet‐to‐sheet scalable process to create indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free FTEs is reported. This FTE is realized by spraying NWs on PET, without the necessity of postdeposition heat treatment. To overcome the roughness limitation, NW films are reverse transfer embedded on another PET substrate. As a result, the FTE shows a low roughness, as well as high mechanical, thermal, organic‐solvent, and plasma stability. This developed FTE shows comparable transmittance with ITO but lower sheet resistance and higher mechanical stability. The FTE is implemented in a solution‐processed OLED with PDY‐132 (Super Yellow) as the emissive layer. In contrast to many other works in this field, a ZnO‐nanoparticle electron‐injection layer is used on the NWs instead of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) or other organic hole injectors. The use of ZnO nanoparticles instead of organic layers yields many advantages in terms of process and device stability. The resulting devices show greater flexibility, conductivity, and luminance than PET/ITO reference devices, while having the same power efficacy.
Comparing Bayesian early stopping boundaries for phase II clinical trials
Authors: Jiang Liyun , Yan Fangrong , Thall Peter F. , Huang Xuelin
Published: July 2020

When designing phase II clinical trials, it is important to construct interim monitoring rules that achieve a balance between reliable early stopping for futility or safety and maintaining a high true positive probability (TPP), which is the probability of not stopping if the new treatment is truly safe and effective. We define and compare several methods for specifying early stopping boundaries as functions of interim sample size, rather than as fixed cut‐offs, using Bayesian posterior probabilities as decision criteria. We consider boundaries with constant, linear, or exponential shapes. For design optimization criteria, we use the TPP and mean number of patients enrolled in the trial. Simulations to evaluate and compare the designs' operating characteristics under a range of scenarios show that, while there is no uniformly optimal boundary, an appropriately calibrated exponential shape maintains high TPP while limiting the number of patients assigned to a treatment with an inferior response rate or an excessive toxicity rate.
Contribution to development of risk analysis methods by application of artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Stanojević Darko , Ćirović Velimir
Published: July 2020

During the life cycle of technical systems, precise and detail failure risk analysis gives suitable input elements for taking appropriate actions, which allows reducing of unwanted uncertainty and occurrences. Traditional method for risk analysis, which is applied for many years, especially in analysis of functionality of technical systems, is Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method. However, in many cases, this method shows weaknesses related to the inconsistency, which is a result of insecure subjectivity during the determination of values for parameters that gives Risk Priority Number (RPN), as well as other weaknesses. This paper shows contribution to the development of failure risk analysis based on FMEA method. Contribution of the development of risk analysis methods is given through modification of traditional FMEA method by integration of artificial intelligence techniques, in this case, by integration of fuzzy logic and by including a few principles based on special classification of recognized failures. Thus, it is minimized effect of methodological inconsistency and some of other identified weaknesses of traditional FMEA method. FMEA method is improved, which provides more precise failure risk evaluation and thus better prediction and minimizing of unwanted occurrences (failures of elements, subsystems, components, etc., of technical systems). It was proved by comparative analysis of applied traditional FMEA method as well as modified FMEA method, hereinafter called “intelligent” FMEA method (IFMEA) on system of tires for city busses.
Enhanced EWMA charts for monitoring the process coefficient of variation
Authors: Haq Abdul , Bibi Nazish , Chong Khoo Michael Boon
Published: July 2020

The coefficient of variation (CV) is an important quality characteristic when the process variance is a function of the process mean for a production process. In this paper, we develop an auxiliary information–based (AIB) estimator for estimating the squared CV, along with its approximated mean and variance. This estimator is then used to devise new one‐sided EWMA charts for monitoring the increases or decreases in the squared CV of a normal process, named the AIB‐EWMA CV charts. In addition, the sensitivities of these control charts are also enhanced with the fast initial response feature. The Monte Carlo simulation method is used to compute the run length characteristics of the proposed CV charts. Based on detailed run length comparisons, it is found that the proposed AIB‐EWMA CV charts are uniformly and substantially better than the existing EWMA CV charts when detecting different kinds of upward/downward shifts in the squared CV. The proposed charts are also applied to a real dataset to support the proposed theory.
The accuracy evaluation method of baseline estimation algorithms in energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrum analysis
Authors: Jia Luman , Gu Yi , Zhang Qingxian , Zhang Jian , Yan Xiaolan , Zhang Yifan , Wang Youjing , Ge Liangquan
Published: July 2020

In energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF), many baseline estimation algorithms have been proposed for the accurate characteristic peak area. However, the true value of the characteristic peak area of measured spectrum is unknown and cannot be used to evaluate the accuracy of the baseline estimation algorithms. In this article, an assessment method was proposed based on Monte Carlo simulation, which can obtain the characteristic peak area, and evaluate the accuracy of the baseline estimation algorithms directly. Meanwhile, the accuracy and practicality of four baseline estimation algorithms were evaluated by the assessment method, which include statistics‐sensitive nonlinear iterative peak‐clipping (SINP), fast Fourier transform (FFT), adaptive iteratively reweighted penalized least squares (AirPLS), and automated iterative moving averaging (AIMA). Comparing the relative error of the characteristic peak area, AirPLS gave the best performance for baseline estimation in EDXRF.
Früh beginnende Demenzen
Authors: Pawlowski Matthias , Johnen Andreas , Duning Thomas
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Aufgrund des demographischen Wandels sind Demenzen ein häufiger und dramatisch zunehmender Grund für ärztliche Vorstellungen. In etwa 8 % der Fälle treten sie bereits vor dem 65. Lebensjahr auf. Gerade bei jüngeren Patienten sind die psychosozialen und ökonomischen Folgen oft gravierend. Die Behandler stehen vor großen diagnostischen Herausforderungen. Eine rasche Diagnose ist für das Patientenmanagement von zentraler Bedeutung.

Ziel der Arbeit/Fragestellung

Dieser Übersichtsartikel stellt die Besonderheiten der Demenzen bei jüngeren Menschen sowie die wichtigsten zugrunde liegenden Krankheitsbilder vor und vermittelt ein strukturiertes klinisch-diagnostisches Vorgehen.

Methoden

Narrativer Review. Die Literatursuche wurde in PubMed durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Das differenzialdiagnostische Spektrum von Demenzen bei jüngeren Menschen vor dem 65. Lebensjahr ist sehr breit. Die häufigsten Ursachen stellen die Alzheimer-Krankheit mit typischen oder atypischen klinischen Präsentationen sowie die frontotemporale Lobärdegeneration dar. Je jünger das Erkrankungsalter, desto höher ist der Anteil an behandelbaren und potenziell reversiblen Ursachen eines demenziellen Syndroms.

Diskussion

Die Diagnostik primär neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen hat sich zunehmend verbessert, insbesondere unter Berücksichtigung einer stetig steigenden Zahl an klinischen, molekularen und bildgebenden Biomarkern. Dennoch muss die Diagnostik der Demenzen mit frühem Erkrankungsbeginn hypothesengeleitet erfolgen, d. h. nach einer präzisen klinisch-syndromalen Zuordnung der Symptome. So können unnötige und belastende Untersuchungen vermieden werden.
Ultrasonic excitation during press-fit joining of electrical contacts
Authors: Halm C. , Otto A. , Stark T. , Schaaf P.
Published: July 2020

Ultrasonic excitation of pins during a press-in process can reduce the press-in force. There are various theories describing the reason for the force reduction. In this paper, the printed circuit board (PCB) was excited to reduce the press-in force. The advantages of this process in comparison with the excitation of the pin are its suitability for already embedded pins. Another point is that several pins at the same time can be joined with the PCB. A new pin geometry was developed, and an appropriate aluminum-based alloy was chosen to show the effects of ultrasonic excitation. The influence of the amplitude of the ultrasound on the press-in force and the deformation of pin and plated through hole (PTH) were studied. With an excitation amplitude of 20 μm, the press-in force could be reduced by more than 80%. Furthermore, it is found that the force needed for plastic deformation and the friction are reduced by ultrasound. The higher the amplitude, the more deforms the PTH while the pin deforms less.
Improving solar radiation pressure modeling for GLONASS satellites
Authors: Duan Bingbing , Hugentobler Urs , Hofacker Max , Selmke Inga
Published: July 2020

The Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) satellites have a stretched body shape and take a specific attitude mode inside the eclipse. Based on previous studies, the new Empirical CODE orbit model (ECOM2) performs better than the classical ECOM model if a satellite has elongated shape or does not maintain yaw-steering mode, and the use of an a priori box-wing (BW) model improves the orbits significantly when employing the ECOM model. However, we find that the ECOM model performs better than the ECOM2 model for GLONASS satellites outside eclipse seasons, while it performs two times worse in eclipse seasons. The use of the conventional box-wing model results in very little improvement. By assessing the ECOM $$Y _{0}$$

Y
0

estimates, we conclude that there are potential radiators on the $$-x$$

-
x

surface of GLONASS satellites causing orbit perturbations also inside the eclipse. The higher-order Fourier terms of the ECOM2 model can compensate for such effects better than the ECOM model. Based on this finding, we first confirm that GLONASS-K satellites take a similar attitude mode as GLONASS-M satellites inside the eclipse. Then, we adjust optical parameters of GLONASS satellites as part of precise orbit determination (POD) considering the potential radiator and thermal radiation effects. Finally, the adjusted parameters are introduced into a new box-wing model and jointly used with the ECOM and ECOM2 model, respectively. Results show that the amplitude and the dependency of the empirical parameters on the $$\beta $$
β
angle are greatly reduced for both ECOM and ECOM2 models. Rather than the conventional box-wing model, the new box-wing model reduces the orbit misclosure between two consecutive arcs for both GLONASS-M and GLONASS-K satellites. In particular, the improvement in GLONASS-M satellites is more than 30% for the ECOM model during eclipse seasons. Further evaluation from 24-h predicted orbits demonstrates that the improvement during eclipse seasons is mainly in along- and cross-track directions. Finally, we validate GLONASS satellite orbits using Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) observations. The use of the new box-wing model reduces the spurious pattern of the SLR residuals as a function of $$\beta $$
β
and $$\Delta u$$

Δ
u

significantly, and the linear dependency of the SLR residuals on the elongation drops from as large as $$-0.760$$

-
0.760

  mm/deg to almost zero for both ECOM and ECOM2 models. In general, GLONASS-M satellites benefit more from the new a priori box-wing model and the BW+ECOM model results in the best SLR residuals, with an improvement of about 50% and 20%, respectively, for the mean and standard deviation (STD) values with respect to the orbit products without a priori model.
A structure-preserving discontinuous Galerkin scheme for the Fisher–KPP equation
Authors: Bonizzoni Francesca , Braukhoff Marcel , Jüngel Ansgar , Perugia Ilaria
Published: July 2020

An implicit Euler discontinuous Galerkin scheme for the Fisher–Kolmogorov–Petrovsky–Piscounov (Fisher–KPP) equation for population densities with no-flux boundary conditions is suggested and analyzed. Using an exponential variable transformation, the numerical scheme automatically preserves the positivity of the discrete solution. A discrete entropy inequality is derived, and the exponential time decay of the discrete density to the stable steady state in the$$L^1$$L1norm is proved if the initial entropy is smaller than the measure of the domain. The discrete solution is proved to converge in the$$L^2$$L2norm to the unique strong solution to the time-discrete Fisher–KPP equation as the mesh size tends to zero. Numerical experiments in one space dimension illustrate the theoretical results.
Das deutsche Klinikpartnerschaftsprogramm am Beispiel der Kooperation der Klinik für Augenheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Düsseldorf mit der Fundación Visión in Asunción (Paraguay)
Authors: Steindor F. A. , Borrelli M. , Duarte E. , Roth M. , Holtmann C. , Menzel-Severing J. , Duerksen R. , Geerling G.
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Seit 2014 besteht auf der Basis eines Memorandum of Understanding eine Partnerschaft zwischen der Universitätsaugenklinik Düsseldorf (UAK Düsseldorf) und der Fundación Visión (FV) in Asunción, die eine führende Rolle in der augenärztlichen Behandlung sowie der Prävention von Erblindung in Paraguay einnimmt. Seit 2016 existiert ein Programm zur Förderung internationaler Klinikpartnerschaften der Bundesregierung.

Material und Methoden

Die Klinikpartnerschaft Düsseldorf–Asunción wird nach schriftlichem Antrag im Jahr 2016 durch das Ministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit gefördert. Im Rahmen der Projektlaufzeit sollen mithilfe mehrerer Aktivitäten in einem definierten Zeitplan moderne, minimal-invasive Hornhauttransplantationstechniken, die eine schnellere postoperative Rehabilitation und weniger Nachsorge erfordern, in Paraguay etabliert werden. Zusätzlich sollen erste Prävalenzdaten von Augenerkrankungen erhoben und die Basis für moderne Hornhautbanktechniken geschaffen werden.

Ergebnisse

Zunächst erfolgte die Ausbildung eines paraguayischen Operateurs in der Durchführung von DMEK-Transplantationen in Deutschland. Zeitgleich wurden die instrumentellen Voraussetzungen für die Etablierung der DMEK-Technik in der FV geschaffen. Im September 2018 wurden unter Supervision eines erfahrenen OP-Teams aus Düsseldorf die ersten lamellären Hornhauttransplantationen durch das Team der FV erfolgreich in Paraguay durchgeführt. In der Folge wurden in Asunción auch die Verwendung einer Spenderhornhaut für je ein Transplantat für eine hintere und eine vordere lamelläre Keratoplastik (DMEK und DALK) umgesetzt. Im November 2019 erfolgte eine epidemiologische Datenerhebung zu Augenerkrankungen im Rahmen einer Feldkampagne der Fundación in einer ländlichen Region Paraguays. In deren Zug erlernte der datenerhebende Mitarbeiter der Universitätsaugenklinik Düsseldorf die Technik der manuellen Kleinschnittkataraktchirurgie. Im März 2019 wurde ein Mitarbeiter der FV in Düsseldorf in den Techniken der Hornhautgewebekultur und der Herstellung von Amnionmembrantransplantaten in der Lions-Hornhautbank NRW geschult.

Schlussfolgerung

Mithilfe einer geförderten Klinikpartnerschaft können moderne minimal-invasive Hornhauttransplantationstechnik erfolgreich in die Augenklinik eines Schwellenlandes transferiert und im Gegenzug chirurgische Fertigkeiten für in Ausbildung befindliche Operateure aus Deutschland vermittelt werden. Damit stellt eine effiziente Klinikpartnerschaft die Grundlage für einen wechselseitigen Austausch dar und ist keine reine Einbahnstraße.
Lifestyle and glycemic health 5 years postpartum in obese and non-obese high diabetes risk women
Authors: Huvinen Emilia , Engberg Elina , Meinilä Jelena , Tammelin Tuija , Kulmala Janne , Heinonen Kati , Bergman Paula , Stach-Lempinen Beata , Koivusalo Saila
Published: July 2020

Aim

Women with prior gestational diabetes (GDM) are at increased diabetes risk. This study aimed to assess whether lifestyle is associated with glycemic health of high-risk women 5 years postpartum, taking into account the pre-pregnancy BMI.

Methods

The RADIEL study enrolled before or in early pregnancy 720 women with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and/or prior GDM. The follow-up visit 5 years postpartum included questionnaires and measurements of anthropometrics, blood pressure, and physical activity (PA) as well as analyses of glucose metabolism, lipids, and inflammatory markers. We measured body composition (Inbody) and calculated a Healthy Food Intake Index (HFII) from Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ). ArmBand measured PA, sedentary time, and sleep. To take into account the diverse risk groups of GDM, we divided the women based on pre-pregnancy BMI over/under 30 kg/m2.

Results

Altogether 348 women attended the follow-up. The obese and non-obese women showed similar prevalence of glycemic abnormalities, 13% and 19% (p = 0.139). PA levels were higher among the non-obese women (p < 0.05), except for step count, and their HFII was higher compared to the obese women (p = 0.033). After adjusting for age, education, and GDM history, PA and HFII were associated with glycemic health only among obese women. When both lifestyle factors were in the same model, only PA remained significant. PA associated with other markers of metabolic health also among the non-obese women, excluding HbA1c.

Conclusion

Lifestyle 5 years postpartum was associated with better glycemic health only among the obese high-risk women. PA, however, is essential for the metabolic health of all high-risk women.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.clinicaltrials.com, NCT01698385.
AnisoDipFit: Simulation and Fitting of Pulsed EPR Dipolar Spectroscopy Data for Anisotropic Spin Centers
Authors: Abdullin Dinar
Published: July 2020

Pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance dipolar spectroscopy (PDS) allows to measure the distances between electron spin centers and, in favorable cases, their relative orientation. This data is frequently used in structural biology for studying biomolecular structures, following their conformational changes and localizing paramagnetic centers within them. In order to extract the inter-spin distances and the relative orientation of spin centers from the primary, time-domain PDS signals, a specialized data analysis is required. So far, the software to do such analysis was available only for isotropicS = 1/2 spin centers, such as nitroxide and trityl radicals, as well as for high-spin Gd3+and Mn2+ions. Here, a new data analysis program, called AnisoDipFit, was introduced for spin systems consisting of one isotropic and one anisotropicS = 1/2 spin centers. The program was successfully tested on the PDS data corresponding to the spin systems Cu2+/organic radical, low-spin Fe3+/organic radical, and high-spin Fe3+/organic radical. For all tested spin systems, AnisoDipFit allowed determining the inter-spin distance distribution with a sub-angstrom precision. In addition, the spatial orientation of the inter-spin vector with respect to theg-frame of the metal center was determined for the last two spin systems. Thus, this study expands the arsenal of the PDS data analysis programs and facilitates the PDS-based distance and angle measurements on the highly relevant class of metolloproteins.
Analysis of resorbable mesh implants in short-term human muscular fascia cultures: a pilot study
Authors: Trapani V. , Bagni G. , Piccoli M. , Roli I. , Di Patti F. , Arcangeli A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Alteration in fascial tissue collagen composition represents a key factor in hernia etiology and recurrence. Both resorbable and non-resorbable meshes for hernia repair are currently used in the surgical setting. However, no study has investigated so far the role of different implant materials on collagen deposition and tissue remodeling in human fascia. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel ex vivo model of human soft tissue repair mesh implant, and to test its suitability to investigate the effects of different materials on tissue remodeling and collagen composition.

Methods

Resorbable poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and non-resorbable polypropylene mesh implants were embedded in human abdominal fascia samples, mimicking common surgical procedures. Calcein-AM/Propidium Iodide vital staining was used to assess tissue vitality. Tissue morphology was evaluated using Mallory trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen type I and III expression was determined through immunostaining semi-quantification by color deconvolution. All analyses were performed after 54 days of culture.

Results

The established ex vivo model showed good viability at 54 days of culture, confirming both culture method feasibility and implants biocompatibility. Both mesh implants induced a disorganization of collagen fibers pattern. A statistically significantly higher collagen I/III ratio was detected in fascial tissue samples cultured with resorbable implants compared to either non-resorbable implants or meshes-free controls.

Conclusion

We developed a novel ex vivo model and provided evidence that resorbable polyhydroxybutyrate meshes display better biomechanical properties suitable for proper restoration in surgical hernia repair.
MYCO WELL D-ONE detection of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis in sexual health patients in Wales
Authors: Morris Daniel J. , Jones Lucy C. , Davies Rebecca L. , Sands Kirsty , Portal Edward , Spiller Owen B.
Published: July 2020

The genital mycoplasmas are a unique group of inherently antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted bacteria, often associated with non-gonococcal urethritis and bacterial vaginosis. The MYCO WELL D-ONE is a culture-based assay that aims to detect these organisms whilst concurrently screening them for antibiotic resistance. Urine and/or swabs from 856 informed and consented participants attending Welsh sexual health clinics were subjected to MYCO WELL D-ONE analysis, alongside qPCR and culture titration methodologies to determine sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy. Resistance was confirmed by CLSI-compliant susceptibility testing and genetic mechanisms determined. The MYCO WELL D-ONE displayed a sensitivity and specificity of 91.98% and 96.44% for the detection of Ureaplasma spp., with sensitivity and specificity values of 78.23% and 98.84% for Mycoplasma hominis, compared with qPCR. Swabs harboured significantly greater bacterial loads than urine samples for both Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis. Levofloxacin resistance rates, mediated by Ser83Leu mutation in ParC, for Ureaplasma spp. were 0.54%. Tetracycline resistance rates, mediated by tet(M), were 0.54% and 2% for Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis, respectively; sequence analysis of tet(M)-positive Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis strains isolated from a single individual confirmed separate resistance gene origins. The MYCO WELL D-ONE is a sensitive and specific assay for the detection of Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis in genitourinary medicine samples, facilitating the accurate detection of these organisms within low-technology environments. While good for antibiotic resistance screening, accurate confirmation by MIC determination or molecular methods are required, and more optimally performed on urine samples.
Responses of grasses to experimental submergence in summer: implications for the management of unseasonal flows in regulated rivers
Authors: Vivian Lyndsey M. , Greet Joe , Jones Christopher S.
Published: July 2020

River regulation has altered the seasonal timing of flows in many rivers worldwide, impacting the survival and growth of riparian plants. In south-eastern Australia, demand for irrigation water in summer often results in high river flows during a season that would naturally experience low flows. Although unseasonal high summer flows are thought to significantly impact waterways, their effects on vegetation are poorly quantified. We investigated the responses of five grass species commonly occurring in riparian zones to different durations of submergence in summer. We experimentally tested the response of three exotic and two native grasses to four submergence treatments (4 weeks, 8 weeks, 2-week pulses and no submergence), and two levels of shading (no shading and 80% light reduction), over 8 weeks in summer and early autumn. All submergence treatments, including the 2-week pulse, resulted in the death of all plants of three species (Bromus catharticus, Dactylis glomerata and Rytidosperma caespitosum). Lolium perenne exhibited moderate survival rates in the shorter-duration unshaded submergence treatments, while Poa labillardierei largely survived all treatments. Similar responses across species were observed for plant height and biomass, although height generally increased while biomass growth was reduced by shading. These results show that even 2-week periods of summer submergence can reduce growth and cause the death of some riparian grasses. Although some species may survive longer submergence durations, impacts on other aspects of fitness, and ongoing effects of repeated unseasonal submergence, remain uncertain. Our study highlights that the impacts of unseasonal flows require further investigation and careful management.
The Bright Side of Grit in Burnout-Prevention: Exploring Grit in the Context of Demands-Resources Model among Chinese High School Students
Authors: Teuber Ziwen , Nussbeck Fridtjof W. , Wild Elke
Published: July 2020

This study contributes to understanding students’ emotional responses to academic stressors by integrating grit into the well-established Job Demands-Resources Model and by examining the relationship between academic demands, grit (consistency of interests, perseverance of effort), burnout, engagement, academic achievement, depression, and life satisfaction in Chinese students. We conducted a self-report study with N = 1527 Chinese high school students (Mage = 16.38 years, SD = 1.04). The results of structural equation modeling showed that after controlling for gender, socio-economic status, and school types, demands positively related to burnout and negatively related to engagement. Both facets of grit negatively related to exhaustion, whereas only perseverance of effort positively related to engagement. Burnout positively related to depression and negatively related to life satisfaction, whereas engagement positively related to life satisfaction. However, neither burnout nor engagement was related to academic achievement. Our findings indicate that grit may be protective against school burnout.
Contextual Structured Reporting in Radiology: Implementation and Long-Term Evaluation in Improving the Communication of Critical Findings
Authors: Olthof Allard W. , Leusveld Anne L. M. , de Groot Jan Cees , Callenbach Petra M. C. , van Ooijen Peter M. A.
Published: July 2020

Structured reporting contributes to the completeness of radiology reports and improves quality. Both the content and the structure are essential for successful implementation of structured reporting. Contextual structured reporting is tailored to a specific scenario and can contain information retrieved from the context. Critical findings detected by imaging need urgent communication to the referring physician. According to guidelines, the occurrence of this communication should be documented in the radiology reports and should contain when, to whom and how was communicated. In free-text reporting, one or more of these required items might be omitted. We developed a contextual structured reporting template to ensure complete documentation of the communication of critical findings. The WHEN and HOW items were included automatically, and the insertion of the WHO-item was facilitated by the template. A pre- and post-implementation study demonstrated a substantial improvement in guideline adherence. The template usage improved in the long-term post-implementation study compared with the short-term results. The two most often occurring categories of critical findings are “infection / inflammation” and “oncology”, corresponding to the a large part of urgency level 2 (to be reported within 6 h) and level 3 (to be reported within 6 days), respectively. We conclude that contextual structured reporting is feasible for required elements in radiology reporting and for automated insertion of context-dependent data. Contextual structured reporting improves guideline adherence for communication of critical findings.
A technique of experiment aided virtual prototyping to obtain the best spindle speed during face milling of large-size structures
Authors: Kalinski Krzysztof J. , Galewski Marek A. , Mazur Michal R. , Morawska Natalia
Published: July 2020

The paper presents an original method concerning vibration suppression problem during milling of large-size and geometrically complicated workpieces with the use of novel way of selecting the spindle speed. This consists in repetitive simulations of the cutting process for subsequent values of the spindle speed, until the best vibration state of the workpiece is reached. An appropriate method of obtaining a computational model, called a modal approach, consists in identifying the parameters of the workpiece model created using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Thanks to the results of the identification of the modal subsystem obtained by the Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) method, it can be stated that the parameters obtained from the experiment and delivered from the computational model have been correctly determined and constitute reliable process data for the simulation tests. The Root Mean Square (RMS) values of time domain displacements are evaluated. The efficiency of the proposed approach is evidenced by chosen technique of mechatronic design, called Experiment Aided Virtual Prototyping (EAVP). The proposed method is verified on the basis of the results of the experimental research of the relevant milling process.
A Cross-cultural Perspective on Intrathecal Opioid Therapy Between German and Iranian Patients
Authors: Kleinmann Barbara , Firoozabadi Nayereh Khodashenas , Wolter Tilman
Published: July 2020

Patients often adhere to intrathecal opioid therapy (IOT) for many years, despite the lack of scientific evidence for its efficacy and the scarce knowledge about long-term effects. Moreover, there is no knowledge on how the efficacy of IOT is influenced by cultural factors. We assessed the long-term efficacy and frequency of side effects of IOT in two culturally different patient samples. A chart review was conducted of all patients with IOT, who had been treated in interdisciplinary pain centers in Freiburg and in Tehran in a 15-year span. Personal data, diagnosis, duration of pain disease, pump type in use, revision operations, and opioid doses were recorded. Patients completed a questionnaire containing pain scores, pain-related disability (PDI), anxiety, depression, and unwanted side effects. Fourteen Iranian and 36 German patients (32 m/18 f) were studied. Mean duration of IOT was 10.2 years. Pain levels prior to IOT were 7.64 (NRS) (range 4–10, SD 1.64), 3.86 (range 0–9, SD 2.32) directly after pump implantation, and 4.17 (range 0–10, SD 2.11) at time of follow-up. Iranian patients had significantly lower pain levels directly after implantation, depression scores, and pain-related disability. Frequent side effects were obstipation, sexual dysfunction, urinary retention, and fatigue. Most side effects were significantly less frequent in the Iranian sample. There were no severe complications or permanent neurological deficit. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of IOT also for long-term application. Differences in clinical efficacy are partially due to cultural factors. Side effects are frequent but not limiting patient satisfaction.
The Interactive Impact of Land Cover and DEM Resolution on the Accuracy of Computed Streamflow Using the SWAT Model
Authors: Al-Khafaji Mahmoud , Saeed Fouad H. , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: July 2020

Twenty daily time step–based SWAT simulation models for the Duhok, Adhaim and Dokan dam watersheds, in Iraq, were implemented using five land cover (LC) and digital elevation model (DEM) of different resolutions. The optimal LC and DEM for computing the most accurate streamflow for each watershed were specified. Results indicated that delineation of the flat watersheds is significantly affected by the DEM resolution and there was no evident trend on the computation of watersheds’ total areas, boundaries, number of subbasins and stream networks. Moreover, there is no significant trend between the increase in LC and DEM resolutions and accuracy of the computed streamflow. The most accurate streamflows for the Duhok, Adhaim and Dokan watersheds were computed using LC (DEM) of 30 m, 1000 m and 1000 m.
Ultrasound in augmented reality: a mixed-methods evaluation of head-mounted displays in image-guided interventions
Authors: Rüger Christoph , Feufel Markus A. , Moosburner Simon , Özbek Christopher , Pratschke Johann , Sauer Igor M.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Augmented reality (AR) and head-mounted displays (HMD) in medical practice are current research topics. A commonly proposed use case of AR-HMDs is to display data in image-guided interventions. Although technical feasibility has been thoroughly shown, effects of AR-HMDs on interventions are not yet well researched, hampering clinical applicability. Therefore, the goal of this study is to better understand the benefits and limitations of this technology in ultrasound-guided interventions.

Methods

We used an AR-HMD system (based on the first-generation Microsoft Hololens) which overlays live ultrasound images spatially correctly at the location of the ultrasound transducer. We chose ultrasound-guided needle placements as a representative task for image-guided interventions. To examine the effects of the AR-HMD, we used mixed methods and conducted two studies in a lab setting: (1) In a randomized crossover study, we asked participants to place needles into a training model and evaluated task duration and accuracy with the AR-HMD as compared to the standard procedure without visual overlay and (2) in a qualitative study, we analyzed the user experience with AR-HMD using think-aloud protocols during ultrasound examinations and semi-structured interviews after the task.

Results

Participants (n = 20) placed needles more accurately (mean error of 7.4 mm vs. 4.9 mm, p = 0.022) but not significantly faster (mean task duration of 74.4 s vs. 66.4 s, p = 0.211) with the AR-HMD. All participants in the qualitative study (n = 6) reported limitations of and unfamiliarity with the AR-HMD, yet all but one also clearly noted benefits and/or that they would like to test the technology in practice.

Conclusion

We present additional, though still preliminary, evidence that AR-HMDs provide benefits in image-guided procedures. Our data also contribute insights into potential causes underlying the benefits, such as improved spatial perception. Still, more comprehensive studies are needed to ascertain benefits for clinical applications and to clarify mechanisms underlying these benefits.
Tectonic control on slow-moving Andean landslides in the Colca Valley, Peru
Authors: Gaidzik Krzysztof , Żaba Jerzy , Ciesielczuk Justyna
Published: July 2020

The Colca Valley in the Central Andes is a region characterized by the occurrence of large slow-moving landslides and a high level of seismic activity. In this study, we aimed to determine passive and active tectonic control on the formation of selected five large landslides in the Colca Valley and to assess geohazard associated with these features. For that purpose, we performed a post-landslide field survey, applied remote sensing techniques, and obtained eyewitness accounts. Recently, the need to understand mass movement processes in this region is even higher due to the establishment of the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua Geopark (Colca and Andagua Volcanoes Geopark). Our results suggest that the studied landslides usually represent a complex failure mechanism, dominated by translational sliding or rotational displacements, commonly associated with the formation of horst-and-graben like structures. We found a spatial correlation between the distribution of landslides and inherited fault network. The head scarps appear to be limited by the WNW- to NW-striking faults, whereas the lateral extent of some of the reported features seems to be connected with the NNE-striking normal faults, common in both, the Mesozoic strata and the Pleistocene-Holocene deposits.
miRNA Regulation of T Cells in Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Scherm Martin G. , Daniel Carolin
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical contributors to immune homeostasis and their dysregulation can lead to the loss of immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes (T1D). Recent studies have highlighted microRNAs (miRNAs) as important regulators of the immune system, by fine-tuning relevant genes in various immune cell types. In this review article, we discuss recent insights into miRNA regulation of immune tolerance and activation. Specifically, we discuss how the dysregulation of miRNAs in T cells contributes to their aberrant function and the onset of islet autoimmunity, as well as their potential as targets of novel intervention strategies to interfere with autoimmune activation.

Recent Findings

Several studies have shown that the dysregulation of individual miRNAs in T cells can contribute to impaired immune tolerance, contributing to onset and progression of islet autoimmunity. Importantly, the targeting of these miRNAs, including miR-92a, miR-142-3p and miR-181a, resulted in relevant effects on downstream pathways, improved Treg function and reduced islet autoimmunity in murine models.

miRNAs are critical regulators of immune homeostasis and the dysregulation of individual miRNAs in T cells contributes to aberrant T cell function and autoimmunity. The specific targeting of individual miRNAs could improve Treg homeostasis and therefore limit overshooting T cell activation and islet autoimmunity.
Social Network Interventions for HIV Transmission Elimination
Authors: Pagkas-Bather Jade , Young Lindsay E. , Chen Yen-Tyng , Schneider John A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Network interventions for HIV prevention represent a potential area for growth in a globalizing world, where persons are more easily connected to one another through social media and networking applications. The basic tenets of network interventions such as (1) selection of a change agent, (2) segmentation, (3) induction, and (4) alteration represent myriad ways to structure network interventions for HIV prevention with the potential for large public health impact.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have employed the use of social networking websites such as Facebook to identify key persons to recruit others and disseminate information aimed at decreasing HIV transmission and improving safe sex practices among groups who are more vulnerable to HIV acquisition. Many of these interventions have successfully decreased HIV risk behaviors as well as decreased the spread of HIV among intervention cohorts.

Network interventions for HIV prevention provide more opportunities to reach populations who have not been reached through typical efforts employed in clinical and public health settings, though they are not currently widely employed by the public health community and other stakeholders.
RT-NET: real-time reconstruction of neural activity using high-density electroencephalography
Authors: Guarnieri Roberto , Zhao Mingqi , Taberna Gaia Amaranta , Ganzetti Marco , Swinnen Stephan P. , Mantini Dante
Published: July 2020

High-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) has been successfully used for large-scale investigations of neural activity in the healthy and diseased human brain. Because of their high computational demand, analyses of source-projected hdEEG data are typically performed offline. Here, we present a real-time noninvasive electrophysiology toolbox, RT-NET, which has been specifically developed for online reconstruction of neural activity using hdEEG. RT-NET relies on the Lab Streaming Layer for acquiring raw data from a large number of EEG amplifiers and for streaming the processed data to external applications. RT-NET estimates a spatial filter for artifact removal and source activity reconstruction using a calibration dataset. This spatial filter is then applied to the hdEEG data as they are acquired, thereby ensuring low latencies and computation times. Overall, our analyses show that RT-NET can estimate real-time neural activity with performance comparable to offline analysis methods. It may therefore enable the development of novel brain–computer interface applications such as source-based neurofeedback.
Necrotising Fasciitis of Head and Neck in Infants
Authors: Sahoo Anjan kumar , Singh Ishwar , Dhakal Sunita , Gopal Ashish
Published: July 2020

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing soft tissue infection having high risk of morbidity and mortality. Though it is a common condition encounter in surgical practice for adults, it’s incidence in children are very low. In children also abdomen is the most common site for NF. It’s involvement in head and neck is extremely rare. Here we discuss the clinical features and management of three cases of NFs in head and neck region of infants and also look for the etiology, clinical presentation and management for same.
Legacy Effects of Hydrologic Alteration in Playa Wetland Responses to Droughts
Authors: Russell Micah T. , Cartwright Jennifer M. , Collins Gail H. , Long Ryan A. , Eitel Jan H.
Published: July 2020

Wetland conservation increasingly must account for climate change and legacies of previous land-use practices. Playa wetlands provide critical wildlife habitat, but may be impacted by intensifying droughts and previous hydrologic modifications. To inform playa restoration planning, we asked: (1) what are the trends in playa inundation? (2) what are the factors influencing inundation? (3) how is playa inundation affected by increasingly severe drought? (4) do certain playas provide hydrologic refugia during droughts, and (5) if so, how are refugia patterns related to historical modifications? Using remotely sensed surface-water data, we evaluated a 30-year time series (1985–2015) of inundation for 153 playas of the Great Basin, USA. Inundation likelihood and duration increased with wetter weather conditions and were greater in modified playas. Inundation probability was projected to decrease from 22% under average conditions to 11% under extreme drought, with respective annual inundation decreasing from 1.7 to 0.9 months. Only 4% of playas were inundated for at least 2 months in each of the 5 driest years, suggesting their potential as drought refugia. Refugial playas were larger and more likely to have been modified, possibly because previous land managers selected refugial playas for modification. These inundation patterns can inform efforts to restore wetland functions and to conserve playa habitats as climate conditions change.
Living with floating vegetation invasions
Authors: Kleinschroth Fritz , Winton R. Scott , Calamita Elisa , Niggemann Fabian , Botter Martina , Wehrli Bernhard , Ghazoul Jaboury
Published: July 2020

Invasions of water bodies by floating vegetation, including water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), are a huge global problem for fisheries, hydropower generation, and transportation. We analyzed floating plant coverage on 20 reservoirs across the world’s tropics and subtropics, using > 30 year time-series of LANDSAT remote-sensing imagery. Despite decades of costly weed control, floating invasion severity is increasing. Floating plant coverage correlates with expanding urban land cover in catchments, implicating urban nutrient sources as plausible drivers. Floating vegetation invasions have undeniable societal costs, but also provide benefits. Water hyacinths efficiently absorb nutrients from eutrophic waters, mitigating nutrient pollution problems. When washed up on shores, plants may become compost, increasing soil fertility. The biomass is increasingly used as a renewable biofuel. We propose a more nuanced perspective on these invasions moving away from futile eradication attempts towards an ecosystem management strategy that minimizes negative impacts while integrating potential social and environmental benefits.