bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory morbidity in very low birth weight infants through childhood and adolescence
Authors: Littner Yoav , Volinsky Chen , Kuint Jacob , Yekutiel Naama , Borenstein‐Levin Liron , Dinur Gil , Hochwald Ori , Kugelman Amir
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe the long‐term (up to 18 years of age) respiratory outcomes of children and adolescents born at very low birth weight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) in comparison with that of children born >1500 g.

Methods

An observational, longitudinal, retrospective study comparing VLBW infants with matched controls, registered at a large health maintenance organization in Israel. Pulmonary outcomes collected anonymously from the electronic medical files included respiratory illness diagnoses, purchased medications for respiratory problems, office visits with either a pediatric pulmonologist or cardiologist and composite respiratory morbidity combining all these parameters.

Results

Our study included 5793 VLBW infants and 11,590 matched controls born between 1998 and 2012. The majority (99%) of VLBW infants were premature (born < 37 weeks' gestation), while 93% of controls were born at term. The composite respiratory morbidity was significantly higher in VLBW infants compared with controls in all age groups (relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 1 year: 1.22 [1.19–1.26], <2 years: 1.30 [1.27–1.34], 2–6 years: 1.29 [1.27–1.32], 6–12 years: 1.53 [1.47–1.59], 12–18 years: 1.46 [1.35–1.56]; respectively). Both VLBW infants and controls demonstrated a steady decline in the composite respiratory morbidity with aging. In VLBW infants, lower gestational age was associated with higher respiratory morbidity only until 2 years of age and the morbidity declined in each gestational age group until adolescence.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed a strong association between VLBW and pulmonary morbidity. The higher prevalence of respiratory composite morbidity in VLBW infants persists over the years until adolescence. The respiratory morbidity is most evident in the first year of life and declines afterward.
Examination of Suitable Bandgap Grading of Cu(InGa)Se2 Bottom Absorber Layers for Tandem Cell Application
Authors: Jeong Changwook , Nagai Takehiko , Ishizuka Shogo , Tampo Hitoshi , Hajime Shibata , Kim Shinho , Kim Yangdo
Published: March 2021

A high‐efficiency tandem solar cell comprises of top and bottom solar cells. The bottom cell has a bandgap of ≈1.1 eV and is designed to absorb longer wavelengths of photons. A Cu(InGa)Se2 (CIGS) is one of the candidates for a bottom solar cell, but its bandgap is not constant and is graded with depth. This study discusses suitable bandgap grading of CIGS cells for bottom cell applications. Three CIGS devices with different bandgap gradings are prepared for bottom cell evaluation. One device has a single‐back‐graded bandgap type whereas the others have double‐graded bandgap types, which have been used for high‐efficiency CIGS devices. The three CIGS devices exhibit similar conversion efficiencies of ≈20% but different solar cell parameters, due to their different shapes of bandgap grading. For the bottom cell evaluations, current–voltage measurements are performed using 720 nm (≈1.72 eV) and 800 nm (≈1.55 eV) long‐pass filters. It is found that a CIGS device with a double‐graded bandgap is unsuitable and/or shows reduced performance with a decreased top cell bandgap. By contrast, CIGS devices with a single‐back‐graded bandgap can be adopted as a bottom cell under top cell bandgaps of both ≈1.55 and ≈1.72 eV.
Error Rates in Deterministic Ion Implantation for Qubit Arrays
Authors: Murdin B. N. , Cassidy Nathan , Cox David , Webb Roger , Curry Richard J.
Published: March 2021

The theoretical error rates in deterministic ion implantation when using an ion beam governed by a Poisson point process with a detector that counts the impacts are investigated. It is concluded that if the error rates are small, then for spots with nominally one implanted ion the probability of failure to implant the correct number is ≈ for a synchronous (i.e., pulsed) system or for an asynchronous (i.e., continuous beam) system, where is the probability that the detector misses an ion impact, and and are the number of ions (dark counts) per unit time and per pulse, respectively. ts is the system reaction time for an asynchronous system. This approximation allows easy identification of the greatest need for engineering effort. Some experimental efforts to measure these parameters and their uncertainties are examined.
High‐Performance and High‐Endurance HfO2‐Based Ferroelectric Field‐Effect Transistor Memory with a Spherical Recess Channel
Authors: Kim Taeho , Hwang Junghyeon , Kim Giuk , Jung Minhyun , Jeon Sanghun
Published: March 2021

Owing to their high scalability and superior complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility, HfO2‐based ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFETs) are proved to be promising candidates for emerging nonvolatile memory devices. However, the poor endurance of these FeFETs, which is attributed to the degradation of the interfacial dielectric layer, is a serious obstacle for commercialization. In FeFETs with a metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor gate stack, the strong electric field across the interfacial dielectric layer mainly induces charge injection/trapping and limits endurance to <106 cycles. Herein, optimum condition of switching polarization () of ferroelectric materials and a new structural approach to reduce the strength of the electric field across the interfacial dielectric layer and improve memory window (MW) and reliability properties are presented. Based on numerical simulation, it is found that an interfacial electric field increases with , and a metal–ferroelectric–metal–insulator–semiconductor FeFET with a 3D channel structure is effective to have high ratio of dielectric capacitance to ferroelectric capacitance, resulting in low electric field through the interfacial layer and large MW.
Active packaging based on cellulose trays coated with layered double hydroxide as nano‐carrier of parahydroxybenzoate: Application to fresh‐cut iceberg lettuce
Authors: Viscusi Gianluca , Bugatti Valeria , Gorrasi Giuliana
Published: March 2021

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) as nano‐carrier of parahydroxybenzoate (listed in EC Directive 10/2011) was coated on a biodegradable film of cellulose acetate, coupled with compostable cellulose cardboard and trays realized. The sustained release of parahydroxybenzoate ionically intercalated into the LDH resulted significantly slower than the parahydroxybenzoate free dispersed into the coating medium. Such active packaging showed significant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Lactobacillus sakei. It was more than one in all cases, ranging from 1.1 for E. coli to 2.6 for S. enterica Typhimurium. Overall migration tests in ethanol at 50% (v/v), as food simulant, showed that the prepared packaging is suitable for food contact, being the migrated amount below the limits imposed by the EU regulation. Fresh‐cut iceberg lettuce was packed into the prepared active packaging and in a control packaging with no active coating and stored in condition of thermal stress (i.e. 10°C). Organoleptic characteristics and the evolution up to 14 days of mesophilic lactic bacteria, total bacteria count, yeasts and moulds showed a significant inhibition of such strains from the active filler. Comparing the lettuce packed in control and active packaging, for mesophilic lactic bacteria, it was found a delta log of 0.24 (CFU), and for the total bacteria count, a delta log of 1.63 (CFU). The most significant effects were observed respect to yeasts and moulds and yeasts counts. For yeasts, it was observed a delta log of 2.32 (CFU), and for yeasts and moulds, a delta log of 2.5 (CFU). The prediction of the shelf life of the lettuce was done following the growth of E. coli up to 30 days through the Gompertz equation. It was found a prolongation of the shelf life from 11 to 16 days
The trouble with STEAM and why we use it anyway
Authors: Mejias Sam , Thompson Naomi , Sedas Raul Mishael , Rosin Mark , Soep Elisabeth , Peppler Kylie , Roche Joseph , Wong Jen , Hurley Mairéad , Bell Philip , Bevan Bronwyn
Published: March 2021

As an emerging field of theory, research, and practice, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) has received attention for its efforts to incorporate the arts into the rubric of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning. In particular, many informal educators have embraced it as an inclusive and authentic approach to engaging young people with STEM. Yet, as with many nascent fields, the conceptualization and usage of STEAM is somewhat ambivalent and weakly theorized. On the one hand, STEAM offers significant promise through its focus on multiple ways of knowing and new pathways to equitable learning. On the other hand, it is often deployed in theory, pedagogy, and practice in ambiguous or potentially problematic ways toward varying ends. This paper attempts to disentangle some of the key tensions and contradictions of the STEAM concept as currently operationalized in educational research, policy, and practice. We pay particular attention to the transformative learning potential supported by contexts where STEAM is conceptualized as both pedagogical and mutually instrumental. That is, neither STEM nor arts are privileged over the other, but both are equally in play. We link the possibilities suggested by this approach to emerging theories for understanding how designing for and surfacing epistemic practices linked to the relevant disciplines being integrated into STEAM programs may point the way toward resolving tensions in inter‐ and transdisciplinary learning approaches.
Elevated Glucosylsphingosine in Gaucher Disease induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Neurons Deregulates Lysosomal Compartment through Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
Authors: Srikanth Manasa P. , Jones Jace W. , Kane Maureen , Awad Ola , Park Tea Soon , Zambidis Elias T. , Feldman Ricardo A.
Published: March 2021

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in GBA1, the gene that encodes lysosomal β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase). Mild mutations in GBA1 cause type 1 non-neuronopathic GD, whereas severe mutations cause types 2 and 3 neuronopathic GD (nGD). GCase deficiency results in the accumulation of glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph). GlcSph is formed by deacylation of GlcCer by the lysosomal enzyme acid ceramidase. Brains from patients with nGD have high levels of GlcSph, a lipid believed to play an important role in nGD, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. To identify these mechanisms, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from nGD patients. We found that elevated levels of GlcSph activate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), interfering with lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, which were restored by incubation of nGD neurons with mTOR inhibitors. We also found that inhibition of acid ceramidase prevented both, mTOR hyperactivity and lysosomal dysfunction, suggesting that these alterations were caused by GlcSph accumulation in the mutant neurons. To directly determine whether GlcSph can cause mTOR hyperactivation, we incubated wild-type neurons with exogenous GlcSph. Remarkably, GlcSph treatment recapitulated the mTOR hyperactivation and lysosomal abnormalities in mutant neurons, which were prevented by coincubation of GlcSph with mTOR inhibitors. We conclude that elevated GlcSph activates an mTORC1-dependent pathogenic mechanism that is responsible for the lysosomal abnormalities of nGD neurons. We also identify acid ceramidase as essential to the pathogenesis of nGD, providing a new therapeutic target for treating GBA1-associated neurodegeneration.
Cellulose Acetate (CA) Membrane Tailored with Fe3O4@ZnO Core Shell Nanoparticles: Fabrication, Structural analysis and Its Adsorption Analysis
Authors: Sivasankari Selvam , Kalaivizhi Rajappan , Gowriboy Natesan
Published: March 2021

Cellulose acetate polymer membrane was fabricated with Fe3O4@ZnO core‐shell nanoparticles through phase inversion technique to enhance the hydrophilic &antifouling properties. The morphology, crystallinity, porosity and surface area of the core shell nanoparticles incorporated membrane were examined using X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR‐SEM), High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) /Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) studies. The contact angle measurement and wettability test prove the improvement of the hydrophilicity of the membrane with the addition of nanocomposite materials. Adsorption test were performed with the of model dyes such as Congo red (Anionic dye) and Malachite Green (Cationic dye) were investigated using Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. The adsorption percentage against Congo Red (CR) and for Malachite green (MG) were found to be 93 % and 70 % respectively. Kinetic studies exhibits the rate of the reaction, for CR dye it shows R2=0.9471 and R2=0.8609 for MG dye, which obeys the pseudo first order reaction. In addition, the adsorption isotherm model as Langmuir shows that KI values are 0.00338(L/mg) and 0.0486(L/mg) respectively. Desorption studies exhibits the maximum desorption of dye for Congo red is 89 % and 83 % for Malachite Green.In a recyclability process, membrane material adsorbs 90 % of Congo red dye and 63 % of Malachite green dye.
Synthesis of Indolizines by Dimerization of N‐Propargylated Pyrroles via Allene Intermediates
Authors: Kuzu Burak , Gül Sergen , Tan Meltem , Menges Nurettin , Balci Metin
Published: March 2021

Ten different N‐propargyl pyrrole derivatives having various substituents at the C‐2 position were synthesized. These derivatives were converted into indolizine derivatives by the [2+2] cycloaddition reaction of pyrrole N‐allene, forming in situ, by heating in PrOH in basic medium. The structures were characterized by NMR and X‐ray crystallography. The N‐propargylated derivatives smoothly underwent intermolecular cyclizations to produce indolizine derivatives in good yields. We proposed a radical mechanism for the dimerization. Reaction of an allene product with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a radical scavenger, did not give any dimerization product. This result supports the radical reaction.
Critical re‐evaluation of Limulidae uncovers limited Limulus diversity
Authors: Bicknell Russell D. C. , Błażejowski Błażej , Wings Oliver , Hitij Tomaž , Botton Mark L.
Published: March 2021

Horseshoe crabs are archetypal marine chelicerates with an exceptionally long fossil record. Due to the historical nature of the genus Limulus, which extends back to Linnaeus’ descriptions, many horseshoe crab fossils were traditionally placed in Limulus and the family Limulidae. Despite continued research into the accurate placement of species within Limulidae, a systematic outline of characteristics that define limulid genera, specifically using exclusively dorsal characteristics, does not yet exist. However, such an approach is essential as appendage data is rarely preserved in fossil horseshoe crabs. Here we present a systematic review of Limulidae with a focus on dorsal features, and illustrate all accepted limulid species across the 12 genera. Through this descriptive lens, we consider the validity of supposed Limulus species outlined in a recent xiphosurid review. We find evidence for only one fossil Limulus species: Limulus coffini. This revision therefore excludes Limulus from Jurassic‐aged deposits. We refer ‘Limulus’ darwini from the Upper Jurassic (Upper Tithonian) of Poland to Crenatolimulus darwini comb. nov. and ‘Limulus’ woodwardi from the Middle Jurassic (Aalenian) of England to Mesolimulus woodwardi comb. nov. This highlights that the Limulus evolutionary record is highly constrained and started as recently as the Late Cretaceous. The rare Limulus fossil record emphasizes the current need for conservation of extant species and the importance of thoroughly scrutinizing the morphology of fossil specimens to uncover all facets of the limited limulid evolutionary record.
CuS‐Carrageenan Composite Grown from the Gel/Liquid Interface
Authors: Zouheir Morad , Le Trung‐Anh , Torop Janno , Nikiforow Kostiantyn , Khatib Muhammad , Zohar Orr , Haick Hossam , Huynh Tan‐Phat
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to highlight novel CuS‐carrageenan nanocomposites grown from the interface between sulfide solutions (liquid phases) and Cu‐ι‐carrageenan gels. Several parameters including pH, copper and carrageenan concentration of the hydrogel that influence the growth of the nanocomposite have been examined. The most effective parameter is the initial pH of the liquid phase, hence, three growing samples at pH 7, 10 and 13 were selected for further studies and referred as LPH7, LPH10 and LPH13. Three CuS‐carrageenan nanocomposites obtained from the three pH conditions were purified and examined in detail using several characterization techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The structure, composition, properties as well as the growth mechanism of the nanocomposite have been studied. Additionally, the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite was exploited to be used as a sensor of relative humidity and temperature.
A comparative study on the efficiency of various cathodes in reducing hexavalent chromium at low voltage
Authors: K. Boopathiraja , A. Vignesh , S. Sathish , G. Keerthiga , S. Samdavid
Published: March 2021

Electroreduction of Cr (VI) ions in effluents to its less toxic Cr (III) ions is a simple and efficient water treatment technique. The present study aims at using graphite as an anode to reduce the metal ion pollution that occurs due to the dissolution of the metal anode in electrochemical reduction. Also, the efficiency of aluminum, stainless steel, and copper plates as cathodes in removing chromium (VI) ions in aqueous potassium dichromate solution is compared in the low potential range. The effect of cathode surface area and solution pH on chromium removal efficiency has been studied. Stainless steel and copper are shown to have similar to no change in removal efficiency and higher than aluminum. The maximum removal efficiency of approximately 72% is obtained with the copper cathode (5.5 cm × 1 cm) and 6 volts in acidic pH. For the same voltage, with an increase in surface area, removal efficiency decreases due to a decrease in current density. The experimental data are fitted best with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, indicating the potential flux limits the reduction rate in the lower range of current density. Thermodynamic studies concluded the feasibility, spontaneity, and endothermic nature of the electroreduction process.
Yang-Yang functions, monodromy and knot polynomials
Authors: Liu Peng , Ruan Wei-Dong
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We derive a structure of ℤ[t, t−1]-module bundle from a family of Yang-Yang functions. For the fundamental representation of the complex simple Lie algebra of classical type, we give explicit wall-crossing formula and prove that the monodromy representation of the ℤ[t, t−1]-module bundle is equivalent to the braid group representation induced by the universal R-matrices of Uh(g). We show that two transformations induced on the fiber by the symmetry breaking deformation and respectively the rotation of two complex parameters commute with each other.
Stress-energy tensor correlators from the world-sheet
Authors: Bertle Hanno , Dei Andrea , Gaberdiel Matthias R.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The large N limit of symmetric orbifold theories was recently argued to have an AdS/CFT dual world-sheet description in terms of an sl(2, ℝ) WZW model. In previous work the world-sheet state corresponding to the symmetric orbifold stress-energy tensor was identified. We calculate certain 2- and 3-point functions of the corresponding vertex operator on the world-sheet, and demonstrate that these amplitudes reproduce exactly what one expects from the dual symmetric orbifold perspective.
Generalized bases of finite groups
Authors: Sambale Benjamin
Published: March 2021

Motivated by recent results on the minimal base of a permutation group, we introduce a new local invariant attached to arbitrary finite groups. More precisely, a subset $$\Delta $$
Δ
of a finite group G is called a p-base (where p is a prime) if $$\langle \Delta \rangle $$

⟨
Δ
⟩

is a p-group and $$\mathrm {C}_G(\Delta )$$

C
G

(
Δ
)

is p-nilpotent. Building on results of Halasi–Maróti, we prove that p-solvable groups possess p-bases of size 3 for every prime p. For other prominent groups, we exhibit p-bases of size 2. In fact, we conjecture the existence of p-bases of size 2 for every finite group. Finally, the notion of p-bases is generalized to blocks and fusion systems.
Neuromechanical activation of triceps surae muscle remains altered at 3.5 years following open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture
Authors: Wenning Markus , Mauch Marlene , Heitner Albrecht , Lienhard Johannes , Ritzmann Ramona , Paul Jochen
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess whether the neuromuscular activation pattern following Achilles tendon rupture and repair may contributes to the observable functional deficits in this severe and increasingly frequent injury.

Methods

In this study, the neuromuscular activation using surface EMG of n = 52 patients was assessed during a battery of functional performance tasks to assess potential alterations of muscular activation and recruitment. We analyzed the injured leg vs. the contralateral healthy leg at a mean of 3.5 years following open surgical repair. The testing battery included isokinetic strength testing, bipedal and single-legged heel-rise testing as well as gait analysis.

Results

During isokinetic testing, we observed a higher activation integral for all triceps surae muscles of the injured side during active dorsiflexion, e.g., eccentric loading on the injured leg, while concentric plantarflexion showed no significant difference. Dynamic heel-rise testing showed a higher activation in concentric and eccentric loading for all posterior muscles on the injured side (not significant); while static heel-rise for 10 sec. revealed a significantly higher activation. Further analysis of frequency of fast Fourier-transformed EMG revealed a significantly higher median frequency in the injured leg. Gait analysis revealed a higher pre-activation of the tibialis anterior before ground contact, while medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles of the injured leg showed a significantly higher activation during push-off phase.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide evidence on the neuromuscular changes 3.5 years following open surgical Achilles tendon repair. These complex neuromuscular changes are manifested to produce the maximum force output whilst protecting the previously injured tendon. The observed alterations may be related to an increased recruitment of type II muscle fibers which could make the muscles prone to fatigue.

Level of evidence

III.
Considering multiple process observables to determine material model parameters for FE-cutting simulations
Authors: Hardt Marvin , Bergs Thomas
Published: March 2021

Analyzing the chip formation process by means of the finite element method (FEM) is an established procedure to understand the cutting process. For a realistic simulation, different input models are required, among which the material model is crucial. To determine the underlying material model parameters, inverse methods have found an increasing acceptance within the last decade. The calculated model parameters exhibit good validity within the domain of investigation, but suffer from their non-uniqueness. To overcome the drawback of the non-uniqueness, the literature suggests either to enlarge the domain of experimental investigations or to use more process observables as validation parameters. This paper presents a novel approach merging both suggestions: a fully automatized procedure in conjunction with the use of multiple process observables is utilized to investigate the non-uniqueness of material model parameters for the domain of cutting simulations. The underlying approach is two-fold: Firstly, the accuracy of the evaluated process observables from FE simulations is enhanced by establishing an automatized routine. Secondly, the number of process observables that are considered in the inverse approach is increased. For this purpose, the cutting force, cutting normal force, chip temperature, chip thickness, and chip radius are taken into account. It was shown that multiple parameter sets of the material model can result in almost identical simulation results in terms of the simulated process observables and the local material loads.
Integration of transcriptome analysis with pathophysiological endpoints to evaluate cigarette smoke toxicity in an in vitro human airway tissue model
Authors: Xiong Rui , Wu Yue , Wu Qiangen , Muskhelishvili Levan , Davis Kelly , Tripathi Priya , Chen Ying , Chen Tao , Bryant Matthew , Rosenfeldt Hans , Healy Sheila M. , Cao Xuefei
Published: March 2021

Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is a known risk factor in the pathogenesis of smoking-caused diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and lung cancer. To assess the effects of CS on the function and phenotype of airway epithelial cells, we developed a novel repeated treatment protocol and comprehensively evaluated the progression of key molecular, functional, and structural abnormalities induced by CS in a human in vitro air–liquid-interface (ALI) airway tissue model. Cultures were exposed to CS (diluted with 0.5 L/min, 1.0 L/min, and 4.0 L/min clean air) generated from smoking five 3R4F University of Kentucky reference cigarettes under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) machine smoking regimen, every other day for 4 weeks (3 days per week, 40 min/day). By integrating the transcriptomics-based approach with the in vitro pathophysiological measurements, we demonstrated CS-mediated effects on oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), ciliary function, expression and secretion of mucins, and squamous cell differentiation that are highly consistent with abnormalities observed in airways of smokers. Enrichment analysis on the transcriptomic profiles of the ALI cultures revealed key molecular pathways, such as xenobiotic metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses that were perturbed in response to CS exposure. These responses, in turn, may trigger aberrant tissue remodeling, eventually leading to the onset of respiratory diseases. Furthermore, changes of a panel of genes known to be disturbed in smokers with COPD were successfully reproduced in the ALI cultures exposed to CS. In summary, findings from this study suggest that such an integrative approach may be a useful tool for identifying genes and adverse cellular events caused by inhaled toxicants, like CS.
Long‐Term Trends and Predictors of Medical Resource Utilization and Medical Outcomes in Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kuo Yi‐Hung , Chiu Chong‐Chi , Tseng Li‐Ya , Wu Chien‐Hung , Chen Min Hui , Fang Yu‐Chao , Tseng Wei‐Chi , Chen Chun‐Hsiang , Yeh Shu‐Chuan Jennifer , Shi Hon‐Yi
Published: March 2021

Background

Few studies have comprehensively and systematically analyzed nationwide samples. This study purposed to explore temporal trends and predictors of medical resource utilization and medical outcomes in these patients to obtain data that can be used to improve healthcare policies and to support clinical and administrative decision‐making.

Methods

This study used nationwide population data contained in the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database of Taiwan. The 14,970 inguinal hernia repair patients were enrolled in this study (age range, 18–100 years) from 1997 to 2013 in Taiwan. After temporal trends analysis of demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics, predictors of postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes were evaluated through multiple linear regression analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of inguinal hernia repair per 100,000 population significantly decreased from 195.38 in 1997 to 39.66 in 2013 (p < 0.05). Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics were significantly associated with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes (p < 0.05). Of these characteristics, both surgeon volume and hospital volume had the strongest association.

Conclusions

The inguinal hernia repair prevalence rate gradually decreased during the study period. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics had strong associations with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes. Furthermore, hospital volume and surgeon volume had the strongest associations with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes. Additionally, providing the education needed to make the most advantageous medical decisions would be a great service not only to patients and their families, but also to the general population.
Lithium enhances exercise-induced glycogen breakdown and insulin-induced AKT activation to facilitate glucose uptake in rodent skeletal muscle
Authors: Jung Su-Ryun , Park Sol-Yi , Koh Jin-Ho , Kim Jong-Yeon
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lithium on glucose disposal in a high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) animal model along with low-volume exercise and low-dose insulin. Lithium decreased body weight, fasting plasma glucose, and insulin levels when to treat with low-volume exercise training; however, there were no adaptive responses like an increase in GLUT4 content and translocation factor levels. We discovered that lithium enhanced glucose uptake by acute low-volume exercise-induced glycogen breakdown, which was facilitated by the dephosphorylation of serine 473-AKT (Ser473-AKT) and serine 9-GSK3β. In streptozotocin-induced T1DM mice, Li/low-dose insulin facilitates glucose uptake through increase the level of exocyst complex component 7 (Exoc7) and Ser473-AKT. Thus, lithium enhances acute exercise-induced glycogen breakdown and insulin-induced AKT activation and could serve as a candidate therapeutic target to regulate glucose level of DM patients.
Sphingosine-kinase-1 expression is associated with improved overall survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Hanker L. C. , El-Balat A. , Drosos Z. , Kommoss S. , Karn T. , Holtrich U. , Gitas G. , Graeser-Mayer M. , Anglesio M. , Huntsman D. , Rody A. , Gevensleben H. , Hoellen F.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Sphingosine-kinase-1 (SPHK1) is a key enzyme of sphingolipid metabolism which is involved in ovarian cancer pathogenesis, progression and mechanisms of drug resistance. It is overexpressed in a variety of cancer subtypes. We investigated SPHK1 expression as a prognostic factor in epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

Methods

Expression analysis of SPHK1 was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from 1005 ovarian cancer patients with different histological subtypes using immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity of positive tumor cells was assessed semi-quantitatively, and results were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.

Results

In our ovarian cancer collective, high levels of SPHK1 expression correlated significantly with complete surgical tumor resection (p = 0.002) and lower FIGO stage (p = 0.04). Progression-free and overall survival were further significantly longer in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer and overexpression of SPHK1 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusion

Our data identify high levels of SPHK1 expression as a potential favorable prognostic marker in ovarian cancer patients.
Impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on number of patients and patterns of injuries at a level I trauma center
Authors: Nia Arastoo , Popp Domenik , Diendorfer Cornelia , Apprich Sebastian , Munteanu Alexandru , Hajdu Stefan , Widhalm Harald K.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) and its associated illness, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led to a global health crisis burdening frontline emergency departments, including orthopedic and trauma units. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the impact of the lockdown secondary to the pandemic on patient numbers and pattern of injuries at the department of traumatology of the Medical University of Vienna.

Methods

This retrospective, descriptive study identified all patients admitted and enrolled onto the trauma registry at a level I trauma center, between 15 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 (lockdown) and compared them to those between 15 March 2019 and 30 April 2019 (baseline). Variables collected included patient age, sex, reason for hospital admission, place of injury, death, injury severity score (ISS), as well as American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score.

Results

A total of 10,938 patient visits to the trauma emergency department were analyzed, 8353 presentations during the baseline period and 2585 during lockdown. Only 1869 acutely injured and 716 follow-up patients presented during lockdown, compared to 6178 and 2175, respectively, during baseline. Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown there were significant reductions in both workplace and traffic accidents, sports injuries, number of hospitalized patients, and overall visits to the trauma emergency department; however, the number of major traumas and hip fractures remained similar. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the frequency of injuries at home as well as hospital admissions due to attempted suicide.

Conclusion

Despite the reduction in total number of patients, trauma departments should continue to provide adequate service during lockdown considering that severe injuries showed no change. Conditions such as breakdown of social networks and limited access to mental health care and support might account for the significant rise in hospital admissions due to suicides. We recommend that more attention and effort should be made to prevent this excess of suicide deaths.
Long-term follow-up of a low profile, coated, press-fit cup: the trabeculae oriented pattern (T.O.P.) acetabular system
Authors: Mosconi L. , Cavagnaro L. , Zanirato A. , Quarto E. , Lontaro Baracchini M. , Formica M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) are rising worldwide, as the functional request of patients who undergo this procedure. The trabeculae oriented pattern (TOP) is a modern cup, which follows the philosophy of the tissue sparing surgery (TSS). Focusing on clinical and radiological results and complications, the authors aim to highlight the outcomes of the TOP at a long-term follow-up (FU).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was completed on THA performed with the TOP cup between 1997 and 2015. Five hundred and eighty-eight patients sustained surgery, for a total of 662 cup implanted. Four hundred and sixty patients (524 hips) were examined. Mean FU was 12 ± 4.9 years (range 5–22). Clinical (HHS, OHS and VAS) and radiological data were obtained. Every complication, reoperation or revision was recorded and analyzed.

Results

Clinical evaluation revealed a HHS of 87.1 ± 13.8 an OHS of 41.3 ± 5.4, and a VAS of 1.2 ± 1.1. Acetabular osteolysis was observed in 53 hips. Overall survival rate of the cup was 90.5% (50 revisions), the main causes of cup substitution being aseptic loosening (AL) of the cup combined with the stem (26), of the cup only (13 cases) and periprosthetic joint infection (7 cases).

Conclusion

TOP cup has demonstrated a good overall survivorship at a long-term FU, even compared with other coated cups, providing excellent clinical result with low rate of complications. Its association with a neck sparing stem permits a physiologic load transmission, reducing the stress shielding effect that could cause early implant mobilization.
Preliminary Studies on the Proppant Embedment in Baltic Basin Shale Rock
Authors: Masłowski Mateusz , Labus Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

Proppant embedment is a serious issue that reduces fracture width and conductivity. The paper presents the results of experiments on embedment phenomena on a shale rock from the region of the Baltic Basin, which is regarded as an unconventional gas deposit. A novel laboratory imaging procedure was implemented to the proppant embedment visualization. The tests were performed for conditions corresponding to the average reservoir conditions occurring in the studied deposit formation. The parameters characterizing damage of the surface of the fracture faces by the grains of proppant material, after the application of axial compressive stress to two shale core samples with proppant placed in between, are presented. The tests were carried out for rock samples pre-saturated with fracturing fluid. The obtained results of relatively low total effective penetration depth of proppant grains into the walls of the fracture (0.293 mm), and high effective width of fracture with proppant material after hydraulic fracturing (87.9%), indicate the proper selection of proppant and fracturing fluid for the properties of the rock and the reservoir conditions. The results of the experiments present a range of embedment parameters, that have not been widely described before. The test procedure presented in the article is a good method for assessing the vulnerability of a deposit rock to embedment phenomenon.
Was ist eine ökologische Schadensschwelle?
Authors: Steinmann Horst-Henning , de Mol Friederike , Kakau Joachim , Gerowitt Bärbel
Published: March 2021

Schwellenwerte im Pflanzenschutz sollen einen Anhaltspunkt geben, bei welcher Schaderregerdichte eine Bekämpfung mit Pflanzenschutzmitteln erfolgen soll bzw. wirtschaftlich sinnvoll ist. Für zahlreiche Ackerbaukulturen sind in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten Schwellenwerte erarbeitet bzw. festgesetzt worden. Wirtschaftliche Schadensschwellen, Bekämpfungsschwellen sowie Bekämpfungsrichtwerte sind Begriffe, die bei diesen Konzepten verwendet werden. Die Begriffe lassen sich per Definition unterscheiden, werden aber manchmal auch synonym verwendet. Seit dem Erscheinen und der Praxiseinführung des Schwellenkonzeptes wird es nicht nur von Unterstützung, sondern auch von Kritik begleitet. Eine Kritik lautet, dass sich ändernde Rahmenbedingungen die einmal festgesetzten Schwellen im Zeitverlauf unbrauchbar machen.

Bisher sind die Schwellenkonzepte auf die Ertragsverluste und die mit der Bekämpfung entstehenden direkten Kosten ausgerichtet. Der Fokus liegt damit auf der Betriebswirtschaft. Nebeneffekte der Pflanzenschutzanwendung auf Nicht-Zielorganismen, die Nahrungskette und andere Aspekte der Biodiversität werden nicht berücksichtigt. Auch dies ist Anlass zur Kritik am Schwellenkonzept, da aufgrund dieser Fokussierung der vielfältige Nutzen der Ökosystemleistungen nicht bepreist und nachteilige Auswirkungen des chemischen Pflanzenschutzes nicht bewertet werden.

Es ist bisher völlig unklar, wie eine solche, ökologische Sachverhalte berücksichtigende, Schadensschwelle herzuleiten ist und welche Daten dazu erforderlich sind. Weiterhin fehlt es an ersten Vorstellungen, welche Größenordnungen die Schwellen in einem solchen Konzept im Vergleich zu den bisher vorliegenden annehmen würden. Der Beitrag widmet sich daher konzeptionellen Überlegungen über Grundlagen so genannter ökologischer Schwellenkonzepte im Ackerbau und einer möglichen Herangehensweise an die Erarbeitung.

Es werden Szenarien diskutiert, die alternative Funktionstypen und Verläufe von Befalls-Verlust-Relationen unter Einbeziehung ökologischer Effekte abbilden. Weiterhin ist denkbar, bisher nicht berücksichtigte Effekte auf die Kostenfunktion zu addieren. Die Überlegungen münden in der These, dass derartige neu berechnete Schadensschwellen oberhalb der bisher verwendeten anzusiedeln sind, während die Anwendungspraxis zu Werten unterhalb der seit Jahrzehnten bekannten Schwellen tendiert. Handlungsbedarf wird aufgezeigt.
Quaternionic contact 4n + 3-manifolds and their 4n-quotients
Authors: Kamishima Yoshinobu
Published: March 2021

We study some types of qc-Einstein manifolds with zero qc-scalar curvature introduced by S. Ivanov and D. Vassilev. Secondly, we shall construct a family of quaternionic Hermitian metrics $$(g_a,\{J_\alpha \}_{\alpha =1}^3)$$

(

g
a

,

{

J
α

}

α
=
1

3

)

on the domain Y of the standard quaternion space $${\mathbb {H}}^n$$

H

n

one of which, say $$(g_a,J_1)$$

(

g
a

,

J
1

)

is a Bochner flat Kähler metric. To do so, we deform conformally the standard quaternionic contact structure on the domain X of the quaternionic Heisenberg Lie group$${{\mathcal {M}}}$$
M
to obtain quaternionic Hermitian metrics on the quotient Y of X by $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

.
Broadening the problem agenda of biological individuality: individual differences, uniqueness and temporality
Authors: Kaiser Marie I. , Trappes Rose
Published: March 2021

Biological individuality is a notoriously thorny topic for biologists and philosophers of biology. In this paper we argue that biological individuality presents multiple, interconnected questions for biologists and philosophers that together form a problem agenda. Using a case study of an interdisciplinary research group in ecology, behavioral and evolutionary biology, we claim that a debate on biological individuality that seeks to account for diverse practices in the biological sciences should be broadened to include and give prominence to questions about uniqueness and temporality. We show that broadening the problem agenda of biological individuality draws attention to underrecognized philosophical issues and discussions and thereby organizes and enriches the existing debate.
Temperature and discharge variations in natural mineral water springs due to climate variability: a case study in the Piedmont Alps (NW Italy)
Authors: Bastiancich Leone , Lasagna Manuela , Mancini Susanna , Falco Mauro , De Luca Domenico Antonio
Published: March 2021

In the context of global climate change, understanding the relationships between climate and groundwater is increasingly important. This study in the NW Alps represents the first regional-scale investigation of the groundwater feature variation in mountain aquifers due to climate variability. The analysis of groundwater temperature and discharge in 28 natural mineral water springs and meteorological parameters (rainfall and air temperature) permitted us to evaluate the annual behaviour and possible trends of these parameters during the period from 2001 to 2018. The air temperature showed a positive trend almost everywhere, with a rise of up to 0.03 °C/year. In contrast, only ten springs showed a positive trend for groundwater temperature, but with the smallest rates of increase. Moreover, despite the substantial stability of the rainfall amount, 50% of the analysed springs showed a trend (29 and 21% for positive and negative trends, respectively) with low discharge variations. Finally, cross-correlation analyses proved the close relationship between air and groundwater temperatures, with a time lag between 0 and 3 months, and between spring discharge and air temperature, with a time lag between 1 and 3 months. In particular, spring discharge is closely connected to snow melting in spring and subordinate to rainfall. These results highlight the existing correlations between spring discharge and various meteorological and topographic parameters in the studied mountain area and provide a preliminary framework of the impacts of climatic variability on the availability and temperature of the exploited water resources.
Influence of the anodization conditions and chemical treatment on the formation of alumina membranes with defined pore diameters
Authors: Dobosz Iwona
Published: March 2021

Porous anodic aluminum oxide membranes were fabricated via two-step anodization of aluminum in 0.3 M H2C2O4, 0.3 M H2SO4and 0.17 M H3PO4solutions. The parameters of the oxide film such as: pore diameter (Dp), interpore distance (Dc), porosity (P) and pore density (ρ) can be completely controlled by the operating conditions of the anodization. Additionally, the pore diameters and pore density can be controlled via a chemical treatment (pore opening/widening process). The effect of anodizing conditions such as the applied voltage, type of electrolyte and purity of the substrate on the rate of porous oxide growth are discussed. The obtained results were compared with the theoretical predictions and data that has been reported in the literature. The influence of the duration of chemical etching on the structural features of the oxide membranes was studied. On the based on qualitative and quantitative FFT analyzes and circularity maps, it was found that the nanostructures of anodized aluminum have the maximum order under certain specified conditions. The presence of alloying elements affects not only the rate of oxide growth but also the morphology of the anodic aluminum oxide. The rate of oxide growth depends on the electrolyte type and temperature. During chemical treatment of the oxide films pore diameter increases with the pore widening time and the highest pore widening was observed in phosphoric acid solution.
Unbiased estimation of the gradient of the log-likelihood in inverse problems
Authors: Jasra Ajay , Law Kody J. H. , Lu Deng
Published: March 2021

We consider the problem of estimating a parameter$$\theta \in \Theta \subseteq {\mathbb {R}}^{d_{\theta }}$$θ∈Θ⊆Rdθassociated with a Bayesian inverse problem. Typically one must resort to a numerical approximation of gradient of the log-likelihood and also adopt a discretization of the problem in space and/or time. We develop a new methodology to unbiasedly estimate the gradient of the log-likelihood with respect to the unknown parameter, i.e. the expectation of the estimate has no discretization bias. Such a property is not only useful for estimation in terms of the original stochastic model of interest, but can be used in stochastic gradient algorithms which benefit from unbiased estimates. Under appropriate assumptions, we prove that our estimator is not only unbiased but of finite variance. In addition, when implemented on a single processor, we show that the cost to achieve a given level of error is comparable to multilevel Monte Carlo methods, both practically and theoretically. However, the new algorithm is highly amenable to parallel computation.
SBT (Sense Before Transmit) Based LTE Licenced Assisted Access for 5 GHz Unlicensed Spectrum
Authors: Reddy S. Reddy Vamshidhar , Roy Sanjay Dhar
Published: March 2021

Utilization of unlicensed spectrum under licensed assisted access ensuring fair co-existence with Wi-Fi networks is a good solution to address immense usage of mobile data. Radio communication operation of LTE in unlicensed frequency band is referred as LTE-unlicensed (LTE-U) or LTE-licensed assisted access. In this paper, we consider a HGNW in which coverage area of Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi)’s Access Point is integrated within the LTE-U small base station’s cellular network coverage area. To overcome the disadvantages of existing LTE-U technics like carrier sense adaptive transmission and listen before talk, we proposed a new methodology i.e., sense before transmit in this paper by adopting a transmit power control mechanisms using reciprocity theorem based on the channel state information to assign the secondary carriers in the uplink as well as in the downlink directions in the unlicensed spectrum to carry the traffic. In our proposal, LTE-U users are allowed to use the unlicensed spectrum provided that the interference produced at Wi-Fi users due to LTE-U activities is remained below a certain threshold. We evaluated the performance of proposed network model in terms of outage probability and achievable throughputs.