bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of a surgical robotic arm to the connected operating room via ISO IEEE 11073 SDC
Authors: Wickel Noah , Vossel Manuel , Yilmaz Okan , Radermacher Klaus , Janß Armin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Since 2019, intraoperative networking with ISO IEEE 11073 SDC has, for the first time, enabled standardized multi-vendor data exchange between medical devices. For seamless plug-and-play integration of devices without previous configuration, further specifications for device profiles (“device specializations”) on top of the existing core standards must be developed. These generic interfaces are then incorporated into the standardization process.

Methods

An existing classification scheme of robotic assistance functions is being adopted and used as a baseline to derive functional requirements for a universal interface for modular robot arms. Additionally, the robot system requires machine-machine interfaces (MMI) to a surgical navigation system and a surgical planning software in order to carry out its function. Further technical requirements are derived from these MMI. The functional and technical requirements motivate the design of an SDC-compatible device profile. The device profile is then assessed for feasibility.

Results

We present a new modeling of a device profile for surgical robotic arms intended for neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. The modeling in SDC succeeds for the most part. However, some details of the proposed model cannot yet be realized within the framework of the existing SDC standards. Some aspects can already be realized, but could be better supported in the future by the nomenclature system. These improvements are being presented as well.

Conclusion

The proposed device profile presents a first step toward a uniform technical description model for modular surgical robot systems. The current SDC core standards lack some functionality to fully support the proposed device profile. These could be defined in future work and then included in standardization efforts.
Craving and Control
Authors: Tadros Victor
Published: May 2023

Pre-reflectively, many addicts seem either not responsible, or less responsible, for their addictive conduct, at least if they lack responsibility for their addiction. Moore believes roughly the following. Addicts lack responsibility, when they do, because addicts are unable to control their conduct. They are unable when certain modal conditions are satisfied. Moore offers different modal conditions in different places. This view can be contrasted with another – that addicts lack responsibility when they do because they act on desires that are not well integrated into their motivations. Moore doubts the significance of integration for responsibility. I argue that addicts lack responsibility when, and because, first, addictive craving is not integrated into personhood in a way that directly grounds responsibility; and second, addicts lack the ability to control their addictive conduct to the extent needed for (full) responsibility. I explain how and why modal accounts of self-control need to be refined beyond ways Moore suggests to appropriately test the ability to control oneself, whether or not they are fundamental in explaining responsibility.
Effect of preparation method for radioactive iodine therapy on serum electrolytes
Authors: Takata Noriko , Miyagawa Masao , Okada Tomohisa , Kawaguchi Naoto , Fujimoto Yutaka , Kouchi Yoshihiro , Tsuruoka Shintaro , Uwatsu Kotaro , Kido Teruhito
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) in preparation for radioactive iodine therapy (RIT) may lead to hyponatremia and hyperkalemia because hypothyroidism reduces the glomerular filtration rate. Using recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) may avoid these changes; however, these two preparation methods have not been compared in the literature. The purpose of this study was to reveal whether THW and rhTSH as preparation methods for RIT affect serum electrolytes differently. We also evaluated clinical factors influencing the onset of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia during RIT.

Materials and methods

From April 2005 to December 2020, we analyzed 278 patients with thyroid cancer who received RIT. The patients were classified into two groups based on the preparation method, and renal function and serum electrolytes were compared between the groups. We also evaluated clinical factors that may affect overt hyponatremia (serum sodium level < 134 mmol/L) and hyperkalemia (serum potassium level ≥ 5.0 mmol/L).

Results

Serum sodium and chloride levels in the THW group were significantly lower than those in the rhTSH group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). In contrast, the serum potassium level in the THW group was significantly higher than that in the rhTSH group (p = 0.008). As for clinical factors that may influence hyponatremia, age and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly associated with serum sodium level in the univariate analysis (p = 0.033 and p = 0.006, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, only age was significantly associated with serum sodium level (p = 0.030). Regarding hyperkalemia, distant metastases, the preparation method and eGFR were significantly associated with the serum potassium level in the univariate analysis (p = 0.005, p = 0.005 and p = 0.001, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, only eGFR was significantly associated with hyperkalemia (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

THW and rhTSH affect serum sodium and potassium levels differently. Renal function may be risk factors for hyperkalemia, whereas older age may be a risk factor for hyponatremia.
Der Wohlfahrtsstaat als politische Quelle sozialer Solidarität. Eine institutionentheoretische Perspektive
Authors: Börner Stefanie
Published: May 2023

Der Artikel untersucht den Wohlfahrtsstaat als politische Quelle von Solidarität und fragt nach den Solidarisierungspotentialen von Sozialpolitik. Können derart abstrakte, staatlich organisierte und über Beitrags- und Steuerzahlungen formalisierte Unterstützungsbeziehungen in einer Gesellschaft überhaupt Solidarität hervorbringen und wenn ja, welche Mechanismen sind dafür verantwortlich? Die Analyse beruht auf der Annahme, dass soziale Solidarität in hochgradig differenzierten Gesellschaften auf politische Steuerungsleistungen angewiesen ist, und betrachtet Sozialpolitik als eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für die Entstehung von Solidarität unter Fremden. In der Tradition der klassischen Soziologie wird Solidarität hier als dynamisches und elastisches Konzept gedacht (Abschn. 2). Daran anknüpfend untersucht der Beitrag die Solidarisierungspotentiale moderner Wohlfahrtspolitik aus institutionalistischer Perspektive. Abschn. 3 stellt die zentralen institutionentheoretischen Annahmen vor und arbeitet drei solidaritätsrelevante Wirkmechanismen heraus: die Kompassfunktion (normative Ebene), die Stabilisierungsfunktion (interpersonelle Ebene) und die Scharnierfunktion (organisationale Ebene). Aus institutionentheoretischer Sicht strukturieren sozialpolitische Institutionen in ihrem dynamischen Zusammenspiel aus Leitideen, Institutionen und Organisationen das Bewusstsein und Verhalten und prägen mittel- und langfristig deren individuelle Präferenzen und Einstellungen (bspw. in Bezug auf Umverteilungspräferenzen oder Gerechtigkeitsvorstellungen). Entsprechend stellt der Wohlfahrtsstaat einen wesentlichen Produktions- und Reproduktionsfaktor von Werten, Handlungspraktiken und horizontalen wie vertikalen gesellschaftlichen Beziehungen dar. Das Theoriemodell wird anschließend anhand der Sozialgeschichte und Funktionsweise des deutschen Sozialstaates beispielhaft angewendet, obgleich nicht in einem hypothesentestenden, sondern empirisch plausibilisierenden Sinn unter Zuhilfenahme der soziologischen und sozialhistorischen Wohlfahrtsstaatsforschung. Die Analyse erlaubt es, ambivalente bis krisenhafte Sozialstaatsdeutungen und widersprüchliche gesamtgesellschaftliche Zeitdiagnosen wie Polarisierung vs. neue Solidaritäten besser einordnen und aufeinander beziehen zu können.
Horseradish peroxidase delignification of fermented rooibos modifies biomass structural and chemical properties and improves holocellulolytic enzyme cocktail efficacy
Authors: Mohotloane Mamosela Marriam , Alexander Orbett , Pletschke Brett Ivan , Mafa Mpho Stephen
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the study was to pretreat fermented rooibos biomass with partially purified horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for lignin removal and to convert delignified biomass to soluble sugars through saccharification with a formulated holocellulolytic enzyme cocktail (HEC). HRP enzyme was extracted from the horseradish root tissue and was partially purified by membrane filters and characterised biochemically. HRP enzyme was used to pretreat the fermented rooibos biomass to remove lignin before hydrolysing it with the HEC. Our findings indicated that HRP is versatile because it displayed activity on guaiacol, 8-aminoquinoline, and decolourised methylene blue dye. HRP had a pH optimum of 4.5 and displayed a mesophilic temperature range. The kinetics studies indicated that HRP displayed a higher affinity towards guaiacol (Km= 0.082 mg/mL) followed by 8-aminoquinoline (Km= 0.221 mg/mL). However, the catalytic efficiency revealed that the enzyme hydrolysed guaiacol (63436.48 s− 1. mg/mL) and 8-aminoquinoline (59189.81 s− 1. mg/mL) efficiently. HRP pretreatment of rooibos biomass significantly removed lignin content and increased pores on the surface as visualised with SEM. FTIR validated the SEM results by showing reductions at 3324.81, 1615.16 and 1018.75 cm− 1, corresponding to crystalline cellulose, lignin and holocellulose regions, respectively. HRP pretreated biomass had the lowest crystallinity index of 11.2% compared to 20% of the control. HRP delignified rooibos biomass was hydrolysed effectively by the HEC, which released about 10% yield of soluble sugars compared to 6% of control. We conclude that HRP pretreatment significantly modified the structural and chemical properties of the biomass, making it more accessible to hydrolytic enzymes.
Implications for management of wireworms: insect pest suppressiveness of soils with plant functional diversity
Authors: Hokkanen Heikki M. T. , Menzler-Hokkanen Ingeborg
Published: May 2023

Plant species diversity in agricultural systems has been shown to provide multiple ecological and agronomic benefits. How it affects the soil microbial communities, especially the guild of entomopathogens capable of controlling insect pests, has not been studied. We used the set-up of the “Experimentation in Ecosystem Research”, at Jena, Germany, to study the role of plant species diversity in facilitating insect pest suppressiveness in soils via entomopathogens such as insect-killing fungi (EPF) and nematodes (EPN). The aim was to gain insights for improving the natural control of wireworms and other pests by supporting the levels of pest antagonistic organisms in the soil. Soils were sampled from plots with a fixed number (from zero to 16) of plant species from different functional groups. Samples were baited with mealworm Tenebrio molitor larvae and the mortality (k-factor) was determined. A supplementary study was conducted to relate the findings to a soil pest, wireworm (Agriotes sp.), using potting soil and a high and low dose of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Field-collected wireworms were subjected additionally to a maximum challenge test, using a Metarhizium strain naturally occurring in the soil from which the wireworm larvae were collected. Our results showed that the increase in the number of plant species at the growing site can significantly increase the killing power (k-factor) of the soil. Plots with legumes had significantly higher k-values than plots without. EPF occurred significantly more often in plots with legumes than in plots without. Wireworms survived entomopathogen treatments where all mealworms died, but developed mycosis in the maximum challenge test. These findings need to be incorporated into cropping system design as a component in maximizing ecosystem services via ecostacking.
Winthropping as an Investigative Tool in Clandestine Grave Discovery and Psychological Profiling
Authors: Keatley David , O’Donnell Chris
Published: May 2023

Missing persons cases are some of the hardest investigations to solve. The lack of forensic evidence impedes an investigation and critical time can be lost attempting to find the person or body. Recently, researchers have attempted to develop new approaches to help police in these types of investigations. The current paper continues research into Winthropping as a means of assisting police investigations when searching for clandestine, hidden graves and missing persons. A novel approach, using geocachers, to help inform Winthropping processes is outlined, and support gained through a survey of geocachers. The findings are then applied to a series of real-world homicides, including several serial killers. Analyses of gravesite locations in serial killer cases matched many of the features and properties outlined by geocachers. The results also indicate the potential of using Keatley and colleagues’ Winthropping as a psychological profiling as well as geographical profiling technique. Support was provided through the case of a murdered child who was later dumped. Recommendations for further research and application are provided.
Comparative Study of Different Types of Pancreatic Head Resection for Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Kelemen D. , Deák R. , Ferencz S. , Farkas N. , Vereczkei A.
Published: May 2023

For the surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis with inflammatory head enlargement, several types of resections are available, like the Beger, Frey, Berne, and Whipple procedures. The present work gives a comparison of these techniques and new recommendations about the pancreatojejunal and the biliary anastomosis. Two hundred thirty pancreatic head resections were performed during the last 30 years. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were analyzed, respectively. A questionnaire was used to investigate the late results. The statistical analysis proved that the Berne and the Frey procedure were the most advantageous regarding the length of the operation, the need for transfusion, the postoperative intensive care unit, and total hospital stay. The early morbidity rate was significantly better after the Frey, than after the Whipple procedure. There were no differences between the operations, concerning the reoperation and mortality rates. Patients’ quality of life was acceptable, despite the continuous alcohol and nicotine abuse in most of them. Due to the better early outcomes, both the Frey and the Berne operations are preferable; however, the latter one is technically the simplest and the shortest intervention. During both procedures, a modification of the pancreatojejunal anastomosis and, in case of a cholestasis, an extrapancreatic biliodigestive anastomosis are recommended, due to the advantageous experiences.
Combustion characteristics of a supersonic combustor model for a JAXA flight experiment
Authors: Takahashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Kan , Tomioka Sadatake
Published: May 2023

JAXA is conducting a flight-ground test comparison program to clarify the “facility effect” on hypersonic aerodynamics and combustion phenomena and to develop a CFD tool for predicting flight data from ground test data. The aim is a flight experiment to obtain data on aerodynamic heating and supersonic combustion under actual flight conditions and to validate the CFD tool using flight data and the corresponding ground test data. This study aimed at determining a flow-path geometry and a fuel injector configuration for a supersonic combustor suitable for clarifying the influence of the different test flow compositions between flight and ground test conditions on combustion. The candidate configurations proposed by the CFD study were evaluated by direct-connect combustion tests using ethylene fuel. The results showed that a combustor flow was symmetric when the fuel equivalence ratio was low and asymmetric when the equivalence ratio and the pressure in the combustor were high. Because an asymmetric flow is unsuitable for validating CFD based on steady RANS, the total equivalence ratio was limited to 0.44. The combustor model uses two-stage fuel injectors and cavity flame holders to combust ethylene fuel. The depth of the cavity flame holder had little influence on combustion. However, the number of injection holes for the injector located downstream of the cavity affected the combustor pressure. The combustor flow-path design was finalized based on the combustion test results. In addition, an ethylene fuel ignition method using pilot hydrogen injection, adopted for the flight experiment, was also demonstrated successfully.
Should physical symmetries guide metaphysics? Two reasons why they should maybe not
Authors: López Cristian
Published: May 2023

Symmetry-based inferences have permeated many discussions in philosophy of physics and metaphysics of science. It is claimed that symmetries in our physical theories would allow us to draw metaphysical conclusions about the world, a view that I call ‘symmetry inferentialism’. This paper is critical to this view. I claim that (a) it assumes a philosophically questionable characterization of the relevant validity domain of physical symmetries, and (b) it overlooks a distinction between two opposing ways through which relevant physical symmetries become established. My conclusion is that symmetry inferentialism loses persuasive force when these two points are taken into consideration.
Sleep-wakeup scheduling algorithm for lifespan maximization of directional sensor networks: a discrete cuckoo search optimization algorithm
Authors: Mortazavi Mir Gholamreza , Hosseini Shirvani Mirsaeid , Dana Arash , Fathy Mahmood
Published: May 2023

Directional sensor networks (DSNs) are ad-hoc networks which are utilized in different industrial applications. Their usual engagements are to monitor and to perform the coverage of all specific targets in the observing fields permanently. These kinds of networks include numerous configurable directional sensors in which they can be utilized in one of the possible directions along with the one of their adjustable ranges. Although the energy harvesting methodology is being applied for these battery-hungry applications, the battery management and network lifetime maximization are still prominent challenges. In this paper, the network lifetime extension is formulated to a discrete optimization problem which is a famous non-deterministic polynomial time hardness (NP-Hard) problem. To solve this combinatorial problem, a discrete cuckoo search algorithm (D-CSA) is designed and is called in several rounds. A cover is a sub set of configured sensors capable of monitoring all targets in the observing field. In each round, the most efficient cover is constituted along with its activation time. In the determined activation time, the sensors in the cover are scheduled in wakeup mode whereas others are set in sleep mode to save energy. Despite other meta-heuristic algorithms, this proposed algorithm utilizes the novel defined discrete walking around procedures that makes to reach a good balance between exploration and exploitation in this complex search space. The proposed algorithm has been tested in different scenarios to be evaluated. The simulation results in the variety circumstances prove the superiority of the proposed algorithm is about 20.29%, 19.55%, 14.40%, 14.51%, 7.70% and 8.03% in term of average lifespan improvement against H-MNLAR, Hm-LifMax-BC, GA, ACOSC, H-GATS, and HDPSO algorithms, respectively. The results also show the high potential scalability of the proposed algorithm.
Interaktionsbezogene Stressoren und Ressourcen – Entwicklung einer Taxonomie zur menschengerechten Gestaltung von Interaktionsarbeit
Authors: Wehrmann Jonas
Published: May 2023

Auch wenn sich bereits verschiedene Studien mit den besonderen Anforderungen von Interaktionsarbeit auseinandersetzen, wurden diese kaum aus einer integrierten Stressoren- und Ressourcenperspektive betrachtet (Bednarek 2014). So konzentriert sich die bisherige Forschung vor allem darauf, KundInnen in ihrer Rolle als Stressor zu untersuchen.

Ziel des Beitrags ist es, interaktionsbezogene Stressoren und Ressourcen zu identifizieren, zu systematisieren und diese hinsichtlich ihrer Relevanz für eine menschengerechte Arbeitsgestaltung von Interaktionsarbeit zu reflektieren. So wird das Forschungsfeld zunächst mittels einer systematischen Literaturanalyse erschlossen und anschließend eine explorativ‐qualitative Studie durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass interaktionsbezogene Stressoren vor allem aus unhöflichem oder aggressivem Kundenverhalten, hohen Kundenansprüchen sowie traumatischen Erfahrungen resultieren. Interaktionsbezogene Ressourcen beziehen sich auf die Interaktion mit freundlichen KundInnen, die Dienstleistende bei ihrer Arbeit unterstützen und dazu beitragen, dass diese ihre Tätigkeit als sinnstiftend erleben. Konkrete Gestaltungsfaktoren schließen u. a. eine ausreichende Zeit- und Personalbemessung sowie interaktionsdienliche Arbeitsmittel ein.

Praktische Relevanz: Die Studie schafft mit der Entwicklung einer branchen- und berufsübergreifenden Taxonomie einen konzeptionellen Rahmen, um Interaktionsarbeit gezielter menschengerecht gestalten zu können. Hierbei werden vier Themenfelder mit konkreten Gestaltungsfaktoren für interaktive Tätigkeiten aufgezeigt.
Energy and materials recovery from post-recycling wastes: WTE
Authors: Themelis Nickolas J.
Published: May 2023

One of the most misunderstood technologies in some parts of the world and widely adopted technologies in others is the recovery of energy and materials by the controlled combustion of post-recycling wastes. This technology is commonly called waste-to-energy, or simply WTE. After all possible efforts for recycling or composting wastes, there remains a large post-recycling fraction that is either landfilled or used as fuel in WTE power plants that also recover metals and minerals. Several nations, e.g., Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, have succeeded in phasing out landfilling by processing all theãir post-recycling municipal solid wastes (MSW) in WTE power plants. This paper reviews the evolution and importance of WTE in the twenty-first century, with special focus on the world’s largest economies: the EU, US, and China.

Graphical abstract
Effects of post-mining forest restoration and alternative land uses on ground-dwelling arthropods in Ghana
Authors: Damptey Frederick Gyasi , Djoudi El Aziz , Birkhofer Klaus
Published: May 2023

In an Afrotropical region experiencing massive deforestation, restoration approaches should provide sustainable solutions for recovering biodiversity. Arthropods are a sensitive taxonomic group for habitat alteration by deforestation and can be good indicators for restoration studies. Ground-dwelling arthropods provide important ecosystem functions, such as predation or organic matter decomposition, thereby contributing to ecosystem functionality. The consequences of post-mining management on arthropods in the Afrotropical region remain understudied. We carried out a comprehensive sampling of ground-dwelling arthropods in the dry and wet seasons across four land-use types in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. We then analysed whether the specific tree communities, vegetation structure and seasonal differences affected arthropod communities in the restored post-mining forest compared to the dominant alternative land-use type (agroforestry plantation), a natural reference (natural forest) or an unmanaged former mining area (gravel mine). In total, 43,364 arthropods were sampled and assigned to 78 taxonomic groups representing 14 order/sub-order, 28 beetle families, 25 spider families, 5 hunting guilds of spiders and 6 trophic groups of beetles. Overall, Araneae, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Orthoptera all had higher activity densities in the wet season. The vegetation structure of the three land-use types with trees supported a greater overall activity density of arthropods and a more diverse functional composition compared to the unmanaged gravel site. Pronounced variation between the dry and wet seasons further influenced the taxonomic and functional composition. The active forest restoration of this post-mining area is a promising approach to drive arthropod communities towards a comparable state observed in the natural forest.
MicroRNA-210-3p Regulates Endometriotic Lesion Development by Targeting IGFBP3 in Baboons and Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Kai Kentaro , Joshi Niraj R. , Burns Gregory W. , Hrbek Samantha M. , Vegter Erin L. , Ochoa-Bernal Maria Ariadna , Song Yong , Moldovan Genna E. , Sempere Lorenzo F. , Miyadahira Eduardo H. , Serafini Paulo C. , Fazleabas Asgerally T.
Published: May 2023

MicroRNAs (miRs) play an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis; however, the role of miR-210 in endometriosis remains unclear. This study explores the role of miR-210 and its targets, IGFBP3 and COL8A1, in ectopic lesion growth and development. Matched eutopic (EuE) and ectopic (EcE) endometrial samples were obtained for analysis from baboons and women with endometriosis. Immortalized human ectopic endometriotic epithelial cells (12Z cells) were utilized for functional assays. Endometriosis was experimentally induced in female baboons (n = 5). Human matched endometrial and endometriotic tissues were obtained from women (n = 9, 18–45 years old) with regular menstrual cycles. Quantitative reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was performed for in vivo characterization of miR-210, IGFBP3, and COL8A1. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis were performed for cell-specific localization. Immortalized endometriotic epithelial cell lines (12Z) were utilized for in vitro functional assays. MiR-210 expression was decreased in EcE, while IGFBP3 and COL8A1 expression was increased in EcE. MiR-210 was expressed in the glandular epithelium of EuE but attenuated in those of EcE. IGFBP3 and COL8A1 were expressed in the glandular epithelium of EuE and were increased compared to EcE. MiR-210 overexpression in 12Z cells suppressed IGFBP3 expression and attenuated cell proliferation and migration. MiR-210 repression and subsequent unopposed IGFBP3 expression may contribute to endometriotic lesion development by increasing cell proliferation and migration.
Thermal Error Modeling of Numerical Control Machine Based on Beetle Antennae Search Back-propagation Neural Networks
Authors: Bao Li , Xu Yulong , Zhou Qiang , Gao Peng , Guo Xiaoxia , Liu Ziqi , Jiang Hui
Published: May 2023

Thermal errors are one key impact factor on the processing accuracy of numerical control machine. This study targeted at a certain vertical processing center presents a new algorithm for predictive modeling of thermal errors in numerical control machine. This algorithm is founded on back-propagation neural networks (BPNNs) and adopts beetle antennae search (BAS) to find the best weights and thresholds of BPNNs. It avoids the local minimization due to local extremums faced by traditional BPNNs. The intermingling rate and arithmetic computation efficiency of neural network algorithms are further improved. Then, a BAS-BP thermal error prediction model is built with the machine temperature changes and thermal errors as the input data. Compared with conventional BPNNs, the BPNN after particle swarm optimization suggests the convergence rate of BAS-BP is improved by 85%, the leftover mistakes between the genuine information and the anticipated information are under 1 um, and the overall prediction precision is above 90%. Thus, the new model has high precision, high anti-disturbance ability and strong robustness.
Guidance on interim analysis methods in clinical trials
Authors: Ciolino Jody D. , Kaizer Alexander M. , Bonner Lauren Balmert
Published: May 2023

Interim analyses in clinical trials can take on a multitude of forms. They are often used to guide Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommendations to study teams regarding recruitment targets for large, later-phase clinical trials. As collaborative biostatisticians working and teaching in multiple fields of research and across a broad array of trial phases, we note the large heterogeneity and confusion surrounding interim analyses in clinical trials. Thus, in this paper, we aim to provide a general overview and guidance on interim analyses for a nonstatistical audience. We explain each of the following types of interim analyses: efficacy, futility, safety, and sample size re-estimation, and we provide the reader with reasoning, examples, and implications for each. We emphasize that while the types of interim analyses employed may differ depending on the nature of the study, we would always recommend prespecification of the interim analytic plan to the extent possible with risk mitigation and trial integrity remaining a priority. Finally, we posit that interim analyses should be used as tools to help the DSMB make informed decisions in the context of the overarching study. They should generally not be deemed binding, and they should not be reviewed in isolation.
Incidence and risk factors for clinically confirmed secondary bacterial infections in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Park Hiromichi S. , McCracken Caitlin M. , Lininger Noah , Varley Cara D. , Sikka Monica K. , Evans Christopher , Villamagna Angela Holly , Makadia Jina T. , McGregor Jessina C.
Published: May 2023

Objective:

The true incidence and risk factors for secondary bacterial infections in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains poorly understood. Knowledge of risk factors for secondary infections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is necessary to optimally guide selective use of empiric antimicrobial therapy.

Design:

Single-center retrospective cohort study of symptomatic inpatients admitted for COVID-19 from April 15, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

Setting:

Academic quaternary-care referral center in Portland, Oregon.

Patients:

The study included patients who were 18 years or older with a positive severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR test up to 10 days prior to admission.

Methods:

Secondary infections were identified based on clinical, radiographic, and microbiologic data. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for secondary infection. We also assessed mortality, length of stay, and empiric antibiotics among those with and without secondary infections.

Results:

We identified 118 patients for inclusion; 31 (26.3%) had either culture-proven or possible secondary infections among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Mortality was higher among patients with secondary infections (35.5%) compared to those without secondary infection (4.6%). Empiric antibiotic use on admission was high in both the secondary and no secondary infection groups at 71.0% and 48.3%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The incidence of secondary bacterial infection was moderate among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. However, a higher proportion of patients received empiric antibiotics regardless of an identifiable secondary infection. Transfer from an outside hospital, baseline immunosuppressant use, and corticosteroid treatment were independent risk factors for secondary infection. Additional studies are needed to validate risk factors and best guide antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
On the clustering of low-aspect-ratio oblate spheroids settling in ambient fluid
Authors: Moriche Manuel , Hettmann Daniel , García-Villalba Manuel , Uhlmann Markus
Published: May 2023

We have performed particle-resolved direct numerical simulations of many heavy non-spherical particles settling under gravity in the dilute regime. The particles are oblate spheroids of aspect ratio

$1.5$

and density ratio

$1.5$

. Two Galileo numbers are considered, namely

$111$

and

$152$

, for which a single oblate spheroid follows a steady vertical and a steady oblique path, respectively. In both cases, a strongly inhomogeneous spatial distribution of the disperse phase in the form of columnar clusters is observed, with a significantly enhanced average settling velocity as a consequence. Thus, in contrast to previous results for spheres, the qualitative difference in the single-particle regime does not result in a qualitatively different behaviour of the many-particle cases. In addition, we have carried out an analysis of pairwise interactions of particles in the well-known drafting–kissing–tumbling set-up, for oblate spheroids of aspect ratio

$1.5$

and for spheres. We have varied systematically the relative initial position between the particle pair and we have considered free-to-rotate particles and rotationally locked ones. We have found that the region of attraction for both particle shapes, with and without rotation, is very similar. However, significant differences occur during the drafting and tumbling phases. In particular, free-to-rotate spheres present longer drafting phases and separate quickly after the collision. Spheroids remain close to each other for longer times after the collision, and free-to-rotate ones experience two or more collision events. Therefore, we have observed a shape-induced increase in the interaction time which might explain the increased tendency to cluster of the many-particle cases.
A sustainable approach to plastic waste management in the Global South
Authors: Karadimas Dimitrios , Garner Emilye , Seay Jeffrey
Published: May 2023

Although the awareness of the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution has recently increased, few steps have been taken to confront its consequences. These consequences are often most severe in the Global South where countries often lack proper waste management infrastructure. Unless the market value of plastic waste increases, it will simply be discarded, eventually making its way to the environment. It has been established that polyolefin plastic can be converted to a sulfur-free fuel oil by pyrolysis, suitable for use in diesel engines or as a clean cooking fuel. However, carrying out this chemistry in the Global South is challenging. Any process intended for use in the Global South must be safe, robust, efficient, simple to operate, low cost, and most importantly profitable for the operator. When the average daily wage in sub-Saharan Africa is less than 3 USD, an income provided from plastic waste fuel can be significant. The research presented herein focuses on the optimization of a plastic-to-fuel processor that can be built using the principles of appropriate technology. The results of this optimization and profitability assessment will be described. This research has been conducted in collaboration with the NGOs Empowered Solutions for Environmental Sustainability and UpCycle Africa.
Nonexistence of anti-symmetric solutions for fractional Hardy–Hénon system
Authors: Hu Jiaqi , Du Zhuoran
Published: May 2023

We study anti-symmetric solutions about the hyperplane $\{x_n=0\}$ for the following fractional Hardy–Hénon system:
\[ \left\{\begin{array}{@{}ll} (-\Delta)^{s_1}u(x)=|x|^\alpha v^p(x), & x\in\mathbb{R}_+^n, \\ (-\Delta)^{s_2}v(x)=|x|^\beta u^q(x), & x\in\mathbb{R}_+^n, \\ u(x)\geq 0, & v(x)\geq 0,\ x\in\mathbb{R}_+^n, \end{array}\right. \]where $0< s_1,s_2<1$, $n>2\max \{s_1,s_2\}$. Nonexistence of anti-symmetric solutions are obtained in some appropriate domains of $(p,q)$ under some corresponding assumptions of $\alpha,\beta$ via the methods of moving spheres and moving planes. Particularly, for the case $s_1=s_2$, one of our results shows that one domain of $(p,q)$, where nonexistence of anti-symmetric solutions with appropriate decay conditions at infinity hold true, locates at above the fractional Sobolev's hyperbola under appropriate condition of $\alpha, \beta$.
The usability of daytime and night-time heart rate dynamics as digital biomarkers of depression severity
Authors: Siddi S. , Bailon R. , Giné-Vázquez I. , Matcham F. , Lamers F. , Kontaxis S. , Laporta E. , Garcia E. , Lombardini F. , Annas P. , Hotopf M. , Penninx B. W. J. H. , Ivan A. , White K. M. , Difrancesco S. , Locatelli P. , Aguiló J. , Peñarrubia-Maria M. T. , Narayan V. A. , Folarin A. , Leightley D. , Cummins N. , Vairavan S. , Ranjan Y. , Rintala A. , de Girolamo G. , Simblett S. K. , Wykes T. ,   PAB members, Myin-Germeys I. , Dobson R. , Haro J. M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Alterations in heart rate (HR) may provide new information about physiological signatures of depression severity. This 2-year study in individuals with a history of recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) explored the intra-individual variations in HR parameters and their relationship with depression severity.

Methods

Data from 510 participants (Number of observations of the HR parameters = 6666) were collected from three centres in the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK, as a part of the remote assessment of disease and relapse-MDD study. We analysed the relationship between depression severity, assessed every 2 weeks with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8, with HR parameters in the week before the assessment, such as HR features during all day, resting periods during the day and at night, and activity periods during the day evaluated with a wrist-worn Fitbit device. Linear mixed models were used with random intercepts for participants and countries. Covariates included in the models were age, sex, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption, antidepressant use and co-morbidities with other medical health conditions.

Results

Decreases in HR variation during resting periods during the day were related with an increased severity of depression both in univariate and multivariate analyses. Mean HR during resting at night was higher in participants with more severe depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that alterations in resting HR during all day and night are associated with depression severity. These findings may provide an early warning of worsening depression symptoms which could allow clinicians to take responsive treatment measures promptly.
Universal geometric graphs
Authors: Frati Fabrizio , Hoffmann Michael , Tóth Csaba D.
Published: May 2023

We extend the notion of universal graphs to a geometric setting. A geometric graph is universal for a class
$\mathcal H$
of planar graphs if it contains an embedding, that is, a crossing-free drawing, of every graph in
$\mathcal H$
. Our main result is that there exists a geometric graph with
$n$
vertices and
$O\!\left(n \log n\right)$
edges that is universal for
$n$
-vertex forests; this generalises a well-known result by Chung and Graham, which states that there exists an (abstract) graph with
$n$
vertices and
$O\!\left(n \log n\right)$
edges that contains every
$n$
-vertex forest as a subgraph. The upper bound of
$O\!\left(n \log n\right)$
edges cannot be improved, even if more than
$n$
vertices are allowed. We also prove that every
$n$
-vertex convex geometric graph that is universal for
$n$
-vertex outerplanar graphs has a near-quadratic number of edges, namely
$\Omega _h(n^{2-1/h})$
, for every positive integer
$h$
; this almost matches the trivial
$O(n^2)$
upper bound given by the
$n$
-vertex complete convex geometric graph. Finally, we prove that there exists an
$n$
-vertex convex geometric graph with
$n$
vertices and
$O\!\left(n \log n\right)$
edges that is universal for
$n$
-vertex caterpillars.
DUAL ARGUMENT, DOUBLE TRUTH: ON THE CONTINUED IMPORTANCE OF THE STATE IN NEOLIBERAL THOUGHT
Authors: Innset Ola
Published: May 2023

It has been established that the neoliberal creed arising in the interwar and early postwar years, despite its strong rejection of economic planning, also entailed a rejection of laissez-faire liberalism. This article argues that recent attempts at construing early neoliberalism as thus being a more nuanced or moderate creed than later iterations are nonetheless flawed. The “dual argument” of early neoliberalism indicated a new approach to market liberalism in which the state was not seen as the market’s opposite but rather its precondition. This important move is obscured by the language of moderation and nuance. In place of “the radicalization thesis,” the second part of the article considers Philip Mirowski’s concept of a “double-truth doctrine” and argues that an appreciation of the state for social and economic governance is a common feature of different neoliberalisms, which nonetheless differ in their preferred policy suggestions for the use of state power.
High temperature increases 2,4-D metabolism in resistant Amaranthus palmeri
Authors: Rudell Eduardo C. , Aarthy Thiagarayaselvam , Shyam Chandrima , Borgato Ednaldo A. , Kaur Simerjeet , Jugulam Mithila
Published: May 2023

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) is a troublesome weed in several cropping systems in the United States. The evolution of resistance to multiple herbicides is a challenge for the management of this weed. Recently, we reported metabolic resistance to 2,4-D possibly mediated by cytochrome P450 (P450) activity in a six-way-resistant A. palmeri population (KCTR). Plant growth temperature can influence the herbicide efficacy and level of resistance. The effect of temperature on 2,4-D resistance in A. palmeri is unknown. In the present research, we investigated the response of KCTR and a known susceptible (MSS) A. palmeri response to 2,4-D grown under low-temperature (LT, 24/14 C, day/night [d/n]) or high-temperature (HT, 34/24 C, d/n) regimes. When MSS and KCTR plants were 8- to 10-cm tall, they were treated with 0, 140, 280, 560 (field recommended dose), 1,120, and 2,240 g ai ha−1 of 2,4-D. Further, 8- to 10-cm-tall MSS and KCTR plants grown at LT and HT were also treated with [14C]2,4-D to assess the metabolism of 2,4-D at LT and HT. The results of dose–response experiments suggest that KCTR A. palmeri exhibits 23 times more resistance to 2,4-D at HT than MSS. Nonetheless, at LT, the resistance to 2,4-D in KCTR was only 2-fold higher than in MSS. Importantly, there was enhanced metabolism of 2,4-D in both KCTR and MSS A. palmeri at HT compared with LT. Further, treatment with the P450 inhibitor malathion, followed by 2,4-D increased the susceptibility of KCTR at HT. Overall, rapid metabolism of 2,4-D increased KCTR resistance to 2,4-D at HT compared with LT. Therefore, the application of 2,4-D when temperatures are cooler can improve control of 2,4-D–resistant A. palmeri.
An Unusually Warm Upper‐Crust in the Late Paleozoic North China Continental Arc: Implications for the Thermal Modification of the Giant Bayan Obo REE Deposit
Authors: Zhang Shuan‐Hong , Zhou Mei‐Fu , Zhao Yue , Zhang Qi‐Qi , Hu Guo‐Hui , Kong Ling‐Hao , Wang Sen , Pei Jun‐Ling , Miggins Daniel P.
Published: May 2023

The genesis and timing of formation of the giant Bayan Obo deposit, the world's largest rare earth element (REE) deposit in the western part of the late Paleozoic northern North China continental arc (NCA), are highly controversial due to complex mineral assemblages and reported ages of mineralization. We conducted new zircon U‐Pb and40Ar/39Ar dating of metamorphic and igneous Neoarchean to Permian mid‐to upper‐crustal rocks exhumed along a north−south corridor across the western NCA and its retroarc foreland. The results show that the mid‐ to upper‐crust of the western part of the NCA has been strongly affected by thermal modifications during arc construction in the late Paleozoic, while the retroarc foreland remained thermally stable. Our results first reveal an unusually warm upper‐crust around Bayan Obo during the late Paleozoic with high geothermal gradients of 50.0 ± 8.3 to 88.3 ± 8.3°C/km and strong thermal modification of the upper‐crust during arc construction. This unusually warm upper‐crust and high geothermal gradients resulted in intensive thermal perturbations and recrystallization of REE‐bearing minerals in the Bayan Obo deposit, as well as formation of high‐grade REE ores and complete or partial resetting (U‐)Th‐Pb isotopic systems of REE minerals. Our identification of the unusually warm upper‐crust and high geothermal gradients in the western part of the NCA provides important constraints on genesis, timing and thermal modification of the giant Bayan Obo deposit, as well as other REE deposits with complex isotopic ages.
Global Formaldehyde Products From the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) Nadir Mappers on Suomi NPP and NOAA‐20
Authors: Nowlan Caroline R. , González Abad Gonzalo , Kwon Hyeong‐Ahn , Ayazpour Zolal , Chan Miller Christopher , Chance Kelly , Chong Heesung , Liu Xiong , O’Sullivan Ewan , Wang Huiqun , Zhu Lei , De Smedt Isabelle , Jaross Glen , Seftor Colin , Sun Kang
Published: May 2023

We describe new publicly available, multi‐year formaldehyde (HCHO) data records from the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) nadir mapper (NM) instruments on the Suomi NPP and NOAA‐20 satellites. The OMPS‐NM instruments measure backscattered UV light over the globe once per day, with spatial resolutions close to nadir of 50 × 50 km2 (OMPS/Suomi‐NPP) and 17 × 17 km2 or 12 × 17 km2 (OMPS/NOAA‐20). After a preliminary instrument line shape and wavelength calibration using on‐orbit observations, we use the backscatter measurements in a direct spectral fit of radiances, in combination with a nadir reference spectrum collected over a clean area, to determine slant columns of HCHO. The slant columns are converted to vertical columns using air mass factors (AMFs) derived through scene‐by‐scene radiative transfer calculations. Finally, a correction is applied to account for background HCHO in the reference spectrum, as well as any remaining high‐latitude biases. We investigate the consistency of the OMPS products from Suomi NPP and NOAA‐20 using long‐term monthly means over 12 geographic regions, and also compare the products with publicly available TROPOMI HCHO observations. OMPS/Suomi‐NPP and OMPS/NOAA‐20 monthly mean HCHO vertical columns are highly consistent (r = 0.98), with low proportional (2%) and offset (2 × 1014 molecules cm−2) biases. OMPS HCHO monthly means are also well‐correlated with those from TROPOMI (r = 0.92), although they are consistently 10% ± 16% larger in polluted regions (columns >8 × 1015 molecules cm−2). These differences result primarily from differences in AMFs.
Projected Changes in the Pattern of Spatially Compounding Drought and Pluvial Events Over Eastern China Under a Warming Climate
Authors: Chen Huijiao , Wang Shuo , Zhu Jinxin , Wang Dagang
Published: May 2023

The simultaneous occurrence of droughts and floods in neighboring regions amplifies the threats posed by droughts and floods individually. Nonetheless, few studies have been conducted to investigate the simultaneous occurrence of drought and flood events. Here we explore the spatiotemporal characteristics and the shift pattern of droughts and pluvials over Eastern China from a three‐dimensional perspective, using the self‐calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index and the Climate Research Unit data set as well as four regional climate model simulations. We find that Eastern China experienced droughts and pluvials simultaneously in different locations during boreal summer, and it is projected to simultaneously experience more frequent and more intense droughts and pluvials under a warming climate. Specifically, we investigate the pattern of more pluvials in Southeast China and more droughts in Northeast China for the historical period of 1975–2004. This pattern dynamically evolves under climate warming: the pluvial‐dominated regime shifts from Southeast to Northeast China, while the drought‐dominated regime shifts from Northeast to Southeast China. The weakening strength of the western Pacific subtropical high and a northward displacement of the monsoon rain belt may both contribute to the pattern of more pluvials in Northeast China and more droughts in Southeast China. These findings provide insights into the development of adaptation strategies and emergency response plans for enhancing society's resilience to the spatial co‐occurrence of dry and wet extremes.