bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black Bears Select Large Woody Structures for Dens in Southeast Alaska
Authors: Porter Boyd , Gregovich David P. , Crupi Anthony P. , Pendleton Grey W. , Bethune Stephen W.
Published: July 2021

Timber interests target coastal temperate rainforests, and within them stands composed of large trees potentially selected by American black bears (Ursus americanus) for denning. We identified the location of 75 black bear dens (used ≥14 days) in an intensively logged area on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA. We ground‐visited a subset (n = 43) of these sites to measure the diameter of living trees and woody structures used by black bears for denning. We contrasted dens with random trees available in the study area in a series of models to characterize black bear den selection. All but 1 of 43 ground‐visited dens were located within woody structures, and all but 2 of these structures were >1 m diameter at breast height (dbh). We built resource selection functions (RSFs) to investigate black bear den selection across a range of spatial scales, though estimated selection was generally scale invariant. Black bears strongly selected large‐diameter woody structures (dead or alive) as dens at the home‐range scale, with the estimated relative strength of selection (RSS) for a 2‐m‐diameter tree approximately 166 times that of a 1‐m‐diameter tree. The estimated RSS of logged forest was unexpectedly greater (2.75 times) than that of the remaining commercially valuable old‐growth forest. Selection for den structures within stumps in previously logged stands suggests features of the woody structure may be of greater importance to black bears selecting dens than attributes of the surrounding forest. There was no observed correlation between bear den selection and second‐growth age, indicating that stumps may persist as suitable dens well after logging. Because denning is an important part of their life history and the denning structures used by black bears on Prince of Wales Island will eventually decay, retaining habitat value for bears in areas intensively managed for timber harvest requires strategies to recruit very large, old trees throughout the landscape. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of Radio‐Collars are not Contingent on Socioecological Conditions in Degus
Authors: Ebensperger Luis A. , Quirici Verónica , Bunster Valentina , León Cecilia , Ramírez‐Estrada Juan , Hayes Loren D.
Published: July 2021

Species‐specific research on free‐ranging mammals reveals a diversity of effects of radio‐collars on behavior, body condition, and fitness. Although these studies indicate rather limited direct effects, radio‐collars may cause effects influenced by socio‐ecological conditions. Using a 7‐year study on a natural population of group‐living degus (Octodon degus), we tested the hypothesis that ecological (food availability, burrow density) and social (group size, group male‐to‐female ratio) conditions modulate effects of radio‐collars on body condition (e.g., body mass, ecto‐ and endoparasite loads, fecal cortisol metabolites) and direct fitness (litter size, adult survival). We determined the effect of radio‐collar use on degus by contrasting the presence or absence of radio‐collars, quantifying the effects of the number of days carrying a radio‐collar, and the relative mass of radio‐collars worn by degus in central Chile between 2009 and 2015. Radio‐collar use was not associated with direct effects on litter size, adult survival, or with body mass and fecal cortisol metabolites but was linked to low ecto‐ and endoparasite loads. These seemingly positive effects may reflect decreased mobility, or a research bias for radio‐collaring larger, healthier individuals. There was no evidence that ecological and social conditions modulated radio‐collar effects on degu body condition and direct fitness. These findings are consistent with evidence from other mammal studies that reported no appreciable detrimental direct or indirect effects of radio‐collars. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Organizational knowledge management in the context of supply chain 4.0: A systematic literature review and conceptual model proposal
Authors: Sartori Jeanfrank Teodoro Dantas , Frederico Guilherme Francisco , de Fátima Nunes Silva Helena
Published: July 2021

Organizational Knowledge Management (OKM) has a great potential to contribute to companies and nations. The highest complexity of its application may be found in the scope of the Supply Chain (SC), due to being composed of numerous interrelated organizations, often with quite different characteristics. In addition, the current context of the fourth Industrial Revolution, also called Industry 4.0 (I4.0) that, when occurring within SC, gave birth to what has been called Supply Chain 4.0 (SC4.0), the context in which even more complex challenges to KM could be expected. Since scientific investigations at the intersection of these themes (KM and SC4.0) are still scarce, this research conducts a systematic literature review and a content analysis, both aiming to consolidate the related state‐of‐the‐art of scientific development, capable of sustaining further advances in the field to tackle its new and challenging aspects. It complements and expands previous literature reviews in terms of its focus on SC4.0. In addition, it proposes, grounded in the results achieved, a conceptual model for KM in the context of SC4.0. It was identified that I4.0 brought important changes to the management of supply chains of the Industry 4.0 era and KM within it, although human factor – mainly behavior and relationships – remain a central aspect despite the increased adoption of a broad range of new technologies. Factors that enhance or limit KM in SC4.0 were also discussed and summarized, as well as the main relationships between them. In addition, gaps, limitations, and opportunities for future research are presented.
Temporal Bone Osteoradionecrosis: An 18‐year, Single‐Institution Experience
Authors: Lovin Benjamin D. , Hernandez Mike , Elms Hunter , Choi Jonathan S. , Lindquist Nathan R. , Moreno Amy C. , Nader Marc‐Elie , Gidley Paul W.
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To report the largest single‐institution review of temporal bone osteoradionecrosis (TBORN), and characterize the disease's natural history, prognostic factors, management, and outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Retrospective review was conducted to identify patients with TBORN. Pertinent data were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Multivariable analyses were conducted to explore associations between these characteristics and time to TBORN diagnosis and risk of developing diffuse disease.

Results

TBORN was identified in 145 temporal bones from 128 patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 62 years, and mean time to diagnosis after radiotherapy was 10 years. Age greater than 50 years was associated with earlier diagnosis. According to the Ramsden criteria, 76% of TBs had localized and 24% had diffuse disease at initial diagnosis; 37% had diffuse disease at last follow‐up. On multivariable analysis, diabetes, three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D‐CRT), and periauricular skin malignancy were significant risk factors for developing diffuse disease. Localized disease was successfully managed with conservative measures, whereas surgery was often necessary for diffuse disease. When TBORN spread outside the mastoid or infratemporal fossa, conservative measures were always unsuccessful.

Conclusions

TBORN occurs earlier in older patients. While diffuse disease is less common than localized disease, it occurs more frequently in patients with diabetes, history of 3D‐CRT, and periauricular skin malignancies. Conservative management is appropriate for localized disease, while surgery is often necessary for diffuse disease. The prognostic factors identified helped propose a TBORN staging system and treatment guidelines which may improve patient risk stratification and disease management.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2578–2585, 2021
Association of Severe Tongue Edema With Prone Positioning in Patients Intubated for COVID‐19
Authors: Walsh Amanda , Peesay Tejasvi , Newark Annemarie , Shearer Sarah , Parsa Keon , Pierce Matthew , Gao William Z.
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Prone positioning is frequently used in patients intubated for COVID‐19‐related lung injury to improve oxygenation. At our institution, we observed severe tongue edema develop in some of these patients. Hence, we sought to determine the incidence of tongue edema in this cohort and whether prone positioning was a risk factor associated with this complication.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A single‐system retrospective cohort study of patients intubated for respiratory failure secondary to COVID‐19 who subsequently developed clinically notable tongue edema from March 13 to July 5, 2020.

Results

260 patients were intubated for COVID‐19‐related respiratory failure during the study period. 158 patients (60.8%) underwent at least one episode of proning. Twelve patients in total (4.6%) developed clinically significant tongue edema. Eleven of the twelve patients (91.7%) who developed tongue edema underwent proning prior to the development of edema. Prone positioning was associated with an increased incidence of tongue edema (odds ratio [OR] 7.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–59.46, P = .027). In all proned patients who developed edema, this complication was noted during proning or shortly after supination (range, 0–4 days). Tongue edema was primarily managed with conservative measures; one patient required tracheostomy for definitive management.

Conclusions

Tongue edema appears to develop in a subset of patients with COVID‐19 who are intubated. It appears to be associated with prone positioning but is likely multifactorial in nature. Further investigation into its incidence and pathophysiology is warranted.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:287–289, 2022
Comparison of the corrosion behavior of copper tubes in formic acid and acetic acid environment
Authors: Liu Xiao , Li Haihong , Zhao Xiangjin , Chen Yan , Wang Songwei
Published: July 2021

Carboxylic acids with different carbon chains have different corrosion behaviors on copper tubes. In this paper, corrosion behavior and corrosion mechanisms of copper tubes in formic acid (HCOOH) and acetic acid (CH3COOH) were analyzed by vapor corrosion tests, electrochemical tests, contact angle examination, optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The corrosion process of copper tubes in the HCOOH environment is more complex than in the CH3COOH environment and HCOOH is easy to cause “ant nest” corrosion on copper tubes. The corrosion rate is faster and the surface of the copper tube is more easily corroded in the CH3COOH environment due to the formation of unstable and loose corrosion products, Cu(OH)(CH3COO)2·2H2O. The results of the contact angle examination showed that the contact angles of HCOOH and CH3COOH on copper tube surface were 25° and 9°, respectively, which means that CH3COOH is more likely to be absorbed by the surface of the copper tube evenly. Differences in the wettability of these two carboxylic acids with copper tubes are the main reason for the different corrosion phenomena. The corrosion mechanisms of copper tubes in carboxylic acid are also discussed.
Predicting local failure of brain metastases after stereotactic radiosurgery with radiomics on planning MR images and dose maps
Authors: Wang Hesheng , Xue Jinyu , Qu Tanxia , Bernstein Kenneth , Chen Ting , Barbee David , Silverman Joshua S. , Kondziolka Douglas
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become an important modality in the treatment of brain metastases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of radiomic features from planning magnetic resonance (MR) images and dose maps to predict local failure after SRS for brain metastases.

Materials/Methods

Twenty‐eight patients who received Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery for brain metastases were retrospectively reviewed in this IRB‐approved study. 179 irradiated tumors included 42 that locally failed within one‐year follow‐up. Using SRS tumor volumes, radiomic features were calculated on T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced MR images acquired for treatment planning and planned dose maps. 125 radiomic features regarding tumor shape, dose distribution, MR intensities and textures were extracted for each tumor. Logistic regression with automatic feature selection was built to predict tumor progression from local control after SRS. Feature selection and model evaluation using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed in a nested cross validation (CV) scheme. The associations between selected radiomic features and treatment outcomes were statistically assessed by univariate analysis.

Results

The logistic model with feature selection achieved ROC AUC of 0.82 ± 0.09 on 5‐fold CV, providing 83% sensitivity and 70% specificity for predicting local failure. A total of 10 radiomic features including 1 shape feature, 6 MR images and 3 dose distribution features were selected. These features were significantly associated with treatment outcomes (p < 0.05). The model was validated on independent holdout data with an AUC of 0.78.

Conclusions

Radiomic features from planning MR images and dose maps provided prognostic information in SRS for brain metastases. A model built on the radiomic features shows promise for early prediction of tumor local failure after treatment, potentially aiding in personalized care for brain metastases.
Failure of Phenotypic Markers to Accurately Identify Black Bass Species and Associated Hybrids in the Mobile River Basin, Alabama
Authors: Lewis Matthew R. , Silliman Katherine E. , Beck Benjamin , Sammons Steven M. , Peatman Eric J.
Published: July 2021

Hybridization among the black basses Micropterus spp. occurs due to weak postzygotic reproductive barriers and anthropogenic factors, such as habitat alteration. Introduction of previously allopatric species can also result in hybrid swarms and, in some cases, extirpation of native species. Introgressive hybridization is a major conservation concern for the more range-restricted black basses, which underscores the need for accurate identification of hybrids that often have cryptic phenotypes. To that end, we collected 1,723 fish from four river systems in the Mobile River basin, Alabama, to compare phenotypic identification in the field based on morphology with genotype determined from single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis using diagnostic markers for black basses. Results indicated that phenotypic identification among these cryptic hybrids was only 11% accurate. Only 4% of the fish collected were identified as hybrids in the field, whereas genotype analysis classified 22% of the fish as hybrids. The majority of those misidentified in the field were hybrids between Alabama Bass M. henshalli and Redeye Bass M. coosae or between those species and another black bass species. Hybrid individuals composed 5–38% of the total number of fish collected from the four river systems, but 28–68% were misidentified in each river system. These results underscore the need for genetic tools to augment classic field surveys of the black basses, as cryptic hybridization may lead to errant management decisions based on inaccurate species distribution assessments.
Toward a Treatment Sequencing Strategy: A Systematic Review of Treatment Regimens in Advanced Gastric Cancer/Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Catenacci Daniel V. , Chao Joseph , Muro Kei , Al-Batran Salah Eddin , Klempner Samuel J. , Wainberg Zev A. , Shah Manish A. , Rha Sun Young , Ohtsu Atsushi , Liepa Astra M. , Knoderer Holly , Chatterjee Anindya , Van Cutsem Eric
Published: July 2021

Background

Platinum and fluoropyrimidine combinations typically comprise first-line (1L) therapy in advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEA), although controversy exists regarding the use of 5doublet versus triplet cytotoxic regimens. Historically, second-line (2L) and third-line or later (3L+) therapy has been fragmented. Recent trials have increased the need for optimal treatment sequencing in advanced G/GEA.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed manuscripts of randomized clinical trials examining 1L, 2L, and 3L+ therapy for advanced G/GEA published from 2009 through November 19, 2019. When available, overall survival, progression-free survival, time to progression, overall response rate, and toxicity were extracted from each and compared descriptively.

Results

In 1L therapy, chemotherapy triplets demonstrated variable efficacy improvements with invariable increased toxicity compared with platinum/fluoropyrimidine doublets. Currently, the only published report of positive outcomes using biologics in 1L describes adding trastuzumab in HER2-overexpressing advanced G/GEA. In 2L, doublet chemotherapy regimens are not uniformly more efficacious than single-agent taxanes or irinotecan, and ramucirumab has demonstrated improved outcomes both as monotherapy and in combination.

Conclusion

For advanced G/GEA, review of trial results from 2009–2019 support 1L therapy with platinum and fluoropyrimidine and sequencing with taxanes or irinotecan in combination with biologics as effective 2L options. Escalating to a triplet may add some efficacy at the expense of added toxicity.

Implications for Practice

The rapidly changing treatment landscape for advanced gastric cancer includes increasing options for refractory disease. With multiple first-line platinum-based regimens, identification of those with the best benefit-to-risk ratio may provide guidance on treatment sequencing strategies. This article presents findings from the published literature of randomized controlled trials that included a first-line platinum/fluoropyrimidine combination and, for second-line trials, patients with platinum/fluoropyrimidine-refractory disease. This guiding summary could be a tool for clinicians to identify the optimal first-line regimen(s) followed by a strategy for subsequent regimens.
Greater art classification does not necessarily predict better liking: Evidence from graffiti and other visual arts
Authors: Szubielska Magdalena , Ho Robbie
Published: July 2021

We tested the relationship between art classification and liking of the graffiti murals among naive viewers (N = 60 college students). Graffiti murals were classified as art to a lesser extent than both abstract and representational paintings. Surprisingly, graffiti murals were only liked less than representational but not abstract paintings. Thus, art classification might not necessarily predict liking.
Rezūm for retention—retrospective review of water vaporization therapy in the management of urinary retention in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Bassily Daniel , Wong Vincent , Phillips John L , Fraiman Mitchell , Bauer Ross , Dixon Christopher M , Wong Nathan C
Published: July 2021

Objective

Rezūm vapor ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that uses injections of sterile water vapor directly into the prostate for tissue ablation. Although Rezūm is currently indicated for use in men with prostate sizes ≥30 and ≤80 ml, it is unclear how effective Rezūm is for men in urinary retention. We sought to determine whether Rezūm is effective in the treatment of catheter‐dependent urinary retention secondary to BPH.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on consecutive patients who presented for urinary retention and subsequently treated with Rezūm. We evaluated procedural details and examined variables pre‐ and post‐Rezūm (at 6 months) including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality of life (IPSS–QOL), maximum flow (Qmax), post void residual volume (PVR), prostate specific antigen, rate of retention, and use of alpha blockers and 5‐alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI).

Results

Of the 49 patients included in this study, median age of was 73 years, median prostate volume was 73cc (Interquartile range [IQR]: 50, 103) and a median lobe was present in 80% of patients. All patients were in urinary retention before treatment with a median PVR of 900 ml (IQR: 566, 1146). Following Rezum, IPSS (17 pre‐Rezūm, 4 post‐Rezūm) and IPSS–QOL (4 pre‐Rezūm, 1 post‐Rezūm) both improved at 6 months (p < 0.01). Qmax increased from 3 to 6 ml/s (p = 0.03) and PVR decreased from 900 to 78 ml (p < 0.01). Only 17/38 patients taking alpha‐blockers and 7/15 patients on 5ARIs continued therapy at 6 months following Rezūm (p < 0.01). Of the 49 patients treated, 10 (20.4%) remained in catheter dependent urinary retention following the procedure, and 6 remained in retention at 6 months (12.2%) even after further surgical therapies for BPH (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Rezūm is a safe and effective therapy for treating catheter dependent urinary retention in patients with BPH, including those with median lobes. As a minimally invasive therapy, it is a promising option in patient, particularly those who are not suitable for prolonged anesthesia.
Thermal Sensitivity of Microwave Pseudomorphic High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistor Performance: Pre and Post Multilayer Technology
Authors: Alim Mohammad A. , Naima Jannatul , Rezazadeh Ali A.
Published: July 2021

Herein, the temperature dependence of direct current (DC) and scattering parameters of GaAs pseudomorphic high‐electron‐mobility transistors (pHEMTs) before and after back‐end‐of‐line process (multilayer technology) by evaluating corresponding equivalent‐circuit models is reported on. The change of the relative sensitivity of the microwave performance with ambient temperature is evaluated using scattering parameter measurements and the corresponding equivalent‐circuit models. The devices studied are two pHEMTs with the same 200 μm gate width but manufactured using pre‐ and post‐multilayer technology. The investigation is conducted under both cooled and heated conditions, through temperature variations from −25 to 125 °C. Although the thermal impact highly depends on the selected operating condition, the bias point is chosen to allow for a fair comparison between the transistor fabricated before and after multilayer technologies to the maximum. Similar patterns of thermal sensitivities are observed for the pre and post multilayer‐manufactured devices but in the case of the multilayer device, the temperature effect is more pronounced.
Tropical cyclone life cycle in a three‐dimensional numerical simulation
Authors: Smith Roger K. , Kilroy Gerard , Montgomery M. T.
Published: July 2021

An idealized, three‐dimensional, numerical simulation of tropical cyclone evolution in a quiescent environment on an f‐plane is used to explore aspects of the cyclone's life cycle in the context of the rotating‐convection paradigm. In the 20‐day simulation, the vortex undergoes a life cycle including a gestation period culminating in genesis, a rapid intensification phase, a mature phase, a transient decay and re‐intensification phase, a second mature phase and a rapid decay phase. During much of the life cycle, the flow evolution is highly asymmetric, although important aspects of it can be understood within an azimuthally averaged framework, central to which are a boundary‐layer control mechanism and a new ventilation diagnostic. The boundary‐layer control mechanism provides an explanation for the gradual expansion of the inner core of the vortex. The ventilation diagnostic characterizes the ability of deep convection within a given radius to evacuate the mass of air ascending out of the boundary layer within that radius. The transient decay and re‐intensification phase is not associated with an eyewall replacement cycle, but rather with a hitherto undescribed process in which the eyewall becomes fragmented as a rainband complex forms beyond it. This process is interpreted as an interplay between the boundary layer and ventilation. The final rapid decay of the vortex results from the ever increasing difficulty of deep convection to ventilate the air exiting the boundary layer. Any unventilated air flows radially outwards in the lower troposphere and leads to spin‐down because of the approximate conservation of mean absolute angular momentum. If found in real cyclones, such transience or final decay might be erroneously attributed to ambient vertical wind shear. The results support the hypothesis that, even in a quiescent environment, isolated tropical cyclone vortices are intrinsically transient and never reach a globally steady state.
Benralizumab use in chronic eosinophilic pneumonia with eosinophilic bronchiolitis and chronic airway infection
Authors: Takano Tomotsugu , Inutsuka Yuh , Nakamura Satoshi , Ando Nobuhisa , Komori Masashi
Published: July 2021

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a rare disorder characterized by marked accumulation of eosinophils in lung tissues and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Patients with CEP usually respond well to corticosteroids. However, more than half of these patients relapse while tapering and/or after discontinuing corticosteroids. Long‐term adverse effects of corticosteroids can be serious. We report a case of comorbid CEP, severe bronchial asthma, eosinophilic bronchiolitis, and chronic airway infection. Corticosteroid treatment induced remission of the CEP, but recurrent exacerbation of the chronic airway infection occurred. Thus, she was treated with benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the alpha‐chain of interleukin‐5 receptor. After the initiation of benralizumab, the steroid was stopped successfully and her CEP, asthma, and airway infection remained well controlled. Micronodular nodules on high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) reflecting bronchiolitis were also improved with benralizumab treatment. Benralizumab may be a treatment option for patients not tolerating steroids.
Blood loss and transfusion risk in robotic‐assisted knee arthroplasty: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Khan Hasaan , Dhillon Kieran , Mahapatra Piyush , Popat Ravi , Zakieh Omar , Kim Woo Jae , Nathwani Dinesh
Published: July 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare total blood loss and the risk of receiving a blood transfusion in robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) against conventional jig‐based techniques.

Methods

Robotic TKA (n = 50) and UKA (n = 50) patients were matched to contemporary controls for TKA (n = 50) and UKA (n = 50) and retrospectively analysed.

Results

Robotic TKA patients experienced 23.7% less blood loss compared to conventional TKA patients (911.0 ml vs 1193.7 ml, p < 0.01), and were associated with an 83% relative risk reduction of receiving a transfusion (2% of patients vs 12%, p = 0.02). Robotic UKA patients did not demonstrate less blood loss compared to corresponding controls (821.7 ml vs 854.7 ml, p = 0.69). Both UKA groups received no transfusions.

Conclusions

Robotic surgical systems in TKA reduces blood loss and lowers the risk of requiring a blood transfusion. In UKA, robotic‐assisted arthroplasty did not reduce blood loss compared to conventional arthroplasty.
Neurosurgical performance between experts and trainees: Evidence from drilling task
Authors: Chainey Jonathan , O'Kelly Cian J. , Kim Michael J. , Zheng Bin
Published: July 2021

Background

Lumbar laminectomy is a common neurosurgery that requires precise manipulation of power drills. We examined the fine movement controls of novice neurosurgeons in drilling tasks and compared its accuracy to expert surgeons' performance.

Methods

Four experts and three novice neurosurgeons performed a lumbar laminectomy on a three‐dimensional printed spine model. Scene video and surgeons' eye movements were recorded. Independent samplet‐Tests were conducted on the number of jump, total fixation durations, pre‐jump fixation durations, post‐jump fixation durations and jump distances over novice and expert surgeons.

Results

No statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of total fixations and pre‐jump fixation durations. However, novices had more jumping events, greater jump distances and longer post‐jump fixation durations when compared to expert neurosurgeons.

Conclusion

Differences in movement accuracy and eye measures were found between expert and novice neurosurgeons during a simulated microscopic lumbar laminectomy. A more comprehensive understanding of surgeon's fine movement control mechanism and eye–hand coordination in microsurgery is essential for us before building an enhanced training protocol for surgical residents in neurosurgery.
Experimental investigation of CHS T/Y‐joints fabricated from high‐strength steel
Authors: Kim Seon‐Hu , Lee Cheol‐Ho
Published: July 2021

In this study, an experimental program on welded hollow section joints fabricated from high‐strength steel is presented. The experimental program tested a total of six T or Y cold‐formed circular hollow section (CHS) joints under brace axial compression. One mild steel with a nominal yield stress of 355 MPa and two high‐strength steels with nominal yield stresses of 460 and 650 MPa were included. The test results and existing test database were used to evaluate the relevant design provisions for high‐strength steel joints. The material factor – used in the current standards to reduce the design resistance of high‐strength steel tubular joints – was found to be adequate for CHS T/Y‐joints with steel grades up to 700 MPa. The chord stress effect resulting from a particular test setup needs to be considered when evaluating the experimental joint strength. The experimental load‐indentation relationships were analysed to appraise the behaviour of high‐strength steel CHS T/Y‐joints from the perspectives of ductility and serviceability. The ductility of high‐strength steel T/Y‐joints is slightly lower than that of mild steel joints. T/Y‐joints show relatively lower ductility and serviceability performance compared to CHS X‐joint counterparts that comprise identical members. Local strain distributions in tested T/Y‐joints of different steel grades were analysed to identify the location and intensity of strain concentration. The possibility of fracture failure near the weld seam of the cold‐formed chord member is discussed.
Polymer‐based EMI shielding composites with 3D conductive networks: A mini‐review
Authors: Wang Lei , Ma Zhonglei , Zhang Yali , Chen Lixin , Cao Dapeng , Gu Junwei
Published: July 2021

High‐frequency electromagnetic waves and electronic products can bring great convenience to people's life, but lead to a series of electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems, such as great potential dangers to the normal operation of electronic components and human safety. Therefore, the research of EMI shielding materials has attracted extensive attention by the scholars. Among them, polymer‐based EMI shielding materials with light weight, high specific strength, and stable properties have become the current mainstream. The construction of 3D conductive networks has proved to be an effective method for the preparation of polymer‐based EMI shielding materials with excellent shielding effectiveness (SE). In this paper, the shielding mechanism of polymer‐based EMI shielding materials with 3D conductive networks is briefly introduced, with emphasis on the preparation methods and latest research progress of polymer‐based EMI shielding materials with different 3D conductive networks. The key scientific and technical problems to be solved in the field of polymer‐based EMI shielding materials are also put forward. Finally, the development trend and application prospects of polymer‐based EMI shielding materials are prospected.
Impact of thyroid disorders on the incidence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Germany
Authors: Labenz Christian , Kostev Karel , Armandi Angelo , Galle Peter R. , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Studies investigating a potential association between hypothyroidism and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) showed conflicting results and large‐scale population‐based data from Germany on this topic are currently missing.

Objective

It was the aim of this analysis to investigate the impact of thyroid gland disorders on the prevalence of NAFLD in Germany.

Methods

In this case‐control study, using the German disease Analyzer database (IQVIA), NAFLD patients were matched to patients without NAFLD by age, sex, index year, treating physician, diabetes mellitus type II, and obesity. The main outcome of the study was an association between thyroid gland disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis) and incident NAFLD and was evaluated using logistic regression analyses.

Results

57,483 patients with NAFLD were matched to 57,483 patients without liver disease. Mean age of the cohort was 60.3 years (±14.1) and 52.3% were men. In regression analyses, hypothyroidism (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10 ‐ 1.24, p < 0.001) as well as autoimmune thyroiditis (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.35–1.73, p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of NAFLD. In contrast, hyperthyroidism was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.94, p < 0.001). The effect of hypothyroidism on the prevalence of NAFLD remained significant across men (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15–1.48) as well as women (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.21).

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism seems to be a risk factor for incident NAFLD.
Effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata on ram fresh semen under normal and oxidative stress conditions
Authors: Mohammadi Tayebeh , Soltani Leila
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate protective effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata on viability, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA integrity of ram fresh semen under normal and oxidative stress (OS) conditions. Antioxidant activities of different concentrations of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata extracts were evaluated with DPPH assay. Semen samples were taken from three fertile adult rams. After diluting semen with Tris‐base extender, different concentrations of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata (30, 300, and 3000 μg/ml) extracts were used under normal and induced OS conditions. The group not receiving any supplements was considered as control group. A total of 50 μM hydrogen peroxide was used to induce OS. MTT solution was added to each of treatment groups which were kept in an incubator at 37°C for 2 h. After incubation, readings were obtained by ELISA reader. DNA integrity and LPO were determined with acridine orange (AO) staining and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay. Higher concentrations of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata extracts preserved viability and DNA integrity while reducing MDA concentrations compared to other treatment groups. Also, under induced OS, higher concentrations of both extracts reduced detrimental effects of H2O2. In conclusion, it seems that addition of Terminalia chebula and Thymbra spicata extracts can reduce induced OS in spermatozoa.
Nano‐metal oxide fillers in thermo‐responsive polycaprolactone‐based polymer nanocomposites smart materials: Impact on thermo‐mechanical, and shape memory properties
Authors: Gopinath Sithara , Adarsh Nayarassery N , Radhakrishnan Nair Pankajakshan , Mathew Suresh
Published: July 2021

The present study introduces the properties of three thermo‐responsive shape memory polymer nanocomposites (SMPCs), viz. SMPC–NiO (SMP with nickel oxide), SMPC‐Fe2O3 (SMP with iron oxide), and SMPC‐Fe2NiO4 (SMP with iron nickel oxide) along with the neat SMP blend. Styrene‐Butadiene rubber and poly ε‐caprolactone (PCL) polymer are the vital part, which forms the backbone of polymer‐elastomer blend matrix. This study helps to understand the effect and influence of these metal oxide nanofillers' integrated blend on their different inbuilt properties. The tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis studies confirmed that SMPC‐Fe2NiO4 holds a large elastic modulus value and very rigid compared to other SMPCs. Thermal decomposition studies using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and TG‐gas chromatography and mass spectrometry results show that the nanocomposites undergoes a two‐stage decomposition process. The shape memory test reveals that the time taken for temporary shape recovery is high for SMPC‐Fe2NiO4 because of its rigid nature and low for SMPC‐Fe2O3. The results revealed that, from this exploratory study, the integration of metal oxide nanopowder fillers, especially Fe2O3 with neat SMP, showed better properties.
Outdoors and Nature in Pedagogical Practices and in Cultural Historical Theory
Authors: Grindheim Liv Torunn , Sørensen Hanne Værum , Rekers Angela
Published: July 2021

Despite the increasing awareness of the outdoors as a beneficial site for young children’s education, the status of outdoor activities varies in and within different cultures. Aiming to broaden and challenge presupposed understandings of education and care in the outdoors, we consider the empirical findings from all the chapters in this volume in order to identify a range of conditions for cultural formation in outdoor practices both within and between different cultures. Building on Mariane Hedegaard’s approach to cultural historical theory and Ødegaard and Krüger’s approach to cultural formation, our analysis is performed by identifying conflicts and alignments between the values and motive orientations of the individual and those interpreted from the contextual conditions and demands of institutions and society, particularly in relation to the perception of nature. In doing so, we depict how culture and nature are interrelated from a socio-cultural perspective, and argue that perceptions of nature shaped by institutions and society play a significant role creating conditions for cultural formation. The opportunity for play, learning and cultural formation in nature appears rich within all the represented cultural spaces described in this volume, although whether these opportunities are supported consistently within wider mainstream culture is regarded as an area of tension in some chapters. Based upon our analysis, we suggest that both pedagogical practices and cultural historical theory need to take the outdoors and nature into consideration when emphasising pedagogical practices for children’s play, learning and cultural formation.
Curious Curiosity – Reflections on How Early Childhood Lecturers Perceive Children’s Curiosity
Authors: Heggen Marianne Presthus , Lynngård Anne Myklebust
Published: July 2021

Curiosity and wonder are considered fundamental for children’s development. However, no precise definition of curiosity exists, and there is little research on the nature of curiosity. There is also a lack of knowledge and ideas about how pedagogy can sustain and stimulate curiosity. Drawing upon empirical material from semi-structured interviews with seven Early Childhood Teacher Education (ECTE) lecturers from the disciplines of mathematics, arts, literature, drama, pedagogy, science and physical education about their view of children’s curiosity, the authors aim to explore the lecturers’ understanding of children’s curiosity and how this understanding varies between disciplines. Children enact their curiosity in a cultural-historical context. The cultural-historical tradition of outdoor play is a part of the institution’s practices influencing the children, while the children may use curiosity to influence the content of these practices. Although the lecturers are from different disciplines, their understanding of curiosity were consistent, particularly with regards to their focus on bodily expressions of curiosity. Expanding the concept of curiosity, we suggest the term bodily curiosity to recognise and operationalise a sensory, active and embodied search for answers. Similarly, we suggest the term bodily wonder about a kind of embodied philosophising.
Princesses (Don’t) Run in the Mud: Tracing the Child’s Perspective in Parental Perceptions of Cultural Formation Through Outdoor Activities in Norwegian ECEs
Authors: Sadownik Alicja R.
Published: July 2021

By examining Polish parents’ perceptions of outdoor activities in Norwegian Early Childhood Education (ECE), this chapter discusses how focusing on the child’s perspective can change and challenge parental gender-related value positions, thereby changing perceptions of the cultural formation taking place through outdoor activities. The empirical data on the basis of which this question is answered are comprised of group interviews with 30 Polish migrant parents (18 mothers and 12 fathers) whose children were in Norwegian ECEs. The applied theoretical toolkit of a cultural historical wholeness approach (Hedegaard M, Mind Cult Act 19:127–138, 2012) enables the description of (parental) experiences of cultural formation through outdoor activities as anchored in the value positions established within and across involved societies. It also allows us to grasp those moments when the focus on the child’s perspective in outdoor activities challenges parental value positions and cultural traditions of heteronormativity. The concluding remarks point to the importance of enhancing both the child’s perspective and the specific plane of interpersonal interactions in ECE collaborations with parents and caregivers.
Utilisation and Design of Kindergarten Outdoor Space and the Outdoor Activities: A Case Study of Kindergartens in Bergen, Norway and Anji in China
Authors: Meng Wanqiu , He Min
Published: July 2021

Compared with Norwegian kindergartens that emphasize how outdoor activity benefits young children’s integrated development, Chinese kindergartens reluctantly encourage children to go outside for long time. A county named Anji in South China’s Zhejiang province has started to change this approach to outdoor play. Kindergartens there provide outdoor equipment to support children’s outdoor activities for longer periods of time. This approach is called Anji Play and has been recommended by Chinese Ministry of Education for all of the country. It has also attracted ECE experts overseas. In this chapter, we describe and analyse children’s outdoor play in an Anji setting and in a Norwegian kindergarten from the perspective of the utilisation and design of kindergarten outdoor space. The study takes an ethnographic approach. We collected photo observations, anecdotal recording and interviews from one kindergarten in Bergen, Norway and one in Anji, China. The observation results focusing on outdoor play in the two kindergartens were discussed with kindergarten teachers, principals, professors and college students from China and Norway. Our aim was to interpret the core concepts, goals and concerns of Norwegian and Anji play from multiple perspectives to understand children’s cultural formation in the two cultural contexts. We found the cultural values and traditions influence how outdoor play is performed and there are clear links between culture and children’s cultural formation.
‘All of the Wild’: Cultural Formation in Wales Through Outdoor Play at Forest School
Authors: Rekers Angela , Waters-Davies Jane
Published: July 2021

This chapter takes the specific context of outdoor play in the Foundation Phase in Wales to explore how children’s activity and participation is mediated through the socio-material affordances of muddy puddles at forest school. The research was underpinned by the cultural-historical tradition of making visible the sociocultural practices and individual participation which shape the child’s experience within an educational setting. The discussion in this chapter is centred upon the following questions: During forest school sessions for pupils aged 4–5 years, what conflicts may be surfaced as classroom teaching staff aim to meet Welsh Government expectations for both outdoor play and self-regulatory skills development? How do these conflicts shape the child’s experience of participating in outdoor play? The analysis draws upon data gathered during 8 months of fieldwork; audio-visually-recorded observations and video-stimulated interviews with classroom teachers and forest school leaders are used to consider an episode of conflict during play in a muddy puddle. We explore, from child and adult perspectives, the institutional values of the Foundation Phase, demands for reception year practice and subsequent expectations about children’s participation, highlighting the mediating messages being given about ‘how to be’ and what competencies are valued in the activity setting of mud play.
Deep Learning-Supported Cytoarchitectonic Mapping of the Human Lateral Geniculate Body in the BigBrain
Authors: Brandstetter Andrea , Bolakhrif Najoua , Schiffer Christian , Dickscheid Timo , Mohlberg Hartmut , Amunts Katrin
Published: July 2021

The human lateral geniculate body (LGB) with its six sickle shaped layers (lam) represents the principal thalamic relay nucleus for the visual system. Cytoarchitectonic analysis serves as the groundtruth for multimodal approaches and studies exploring its function. This technique, however, requires experienced knowledge about human neuroanatomy and is costly in terms of time. Here we mapped the six layers of the LGB manually in serial, histological sections of the BigBrain, a high-resolution model of the human brain, whereby their extent was manually labeled in every 30th section in both hemispheres. These maps were then used to train a deep learning algorithm in order to predict the borders on sections in-between these sections. These delineations needed to be performed in 1 µm scans of the tissue sections, for which no exact cross-section alignment is available. Due to the size and number of analyzed sections, this requires to employ high-performance computing. Based on the serial section delineations, high-resolution 3D reconstruction was performed at 20 µm isotropic resolution of the BigBrain model. The 3D reconstruction shows the shape of the human LGB and its sublayers for the first time at cellular precision. It represents a use case to study other complex structures, to visualize their shape and relationship to neighboring structures. Finally, our results could provide reference data of the LGB for modeling and simulation to investigate the dynamics of signal transduction in the visual system.
Modular Supercomputing for Neuroscience
Authors: Suarez Estela , Kunkel Susanne , Küsters Anne , Plesser Hans Ekkehard , Lippert Thomas
Published: July 2021

The precise simulation of the human brain requires coupling different models in order to cover the different physiological and functional aspects of this extremely complex organ. Each of this brain models is implemented following specific mathematical and programming approaches, potentially leading to diverging computational behaviour and requirements. Such situation is the typical use case that can benefit from the Modular Supercomputing Architecture (MSA), which organizes heterogeneous computing resources at system level. This architecture and its corresponding software environment enable to run each part of an application or a workflow on the best suited hardware.

This paper presents the MSA concept covering current hardware and software implementations, and describes how the neuroscientific workflow resulting of coupling the codes NEST and Arbor is being prepared to exploit the MSA.