bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into the Growth of Lolium perenne L. and Soil Properties Following Soil Amendment with Phosphorus-Saturated Bauxite Residue
Authors: Cusack Patricia B. , Healy Mark G. , Callery Oisín , Di Carlo Elisa , Ujaczki Éva , Courtney Ronan
Published: April 2022

Reuse options for bauxite residue include treatment of phosphorus (P)-enriched wastewaters where the P-saturated media offers fertiliser potential. However, few studies have assessed the impact on soil properties. Two types of spent P-saturated bauxite residue were applied to soil and compared to conventional superphosphate fertiliser as well as a control soil. Soil physico-chemical properties, worm Eisenia fetida L. choice tests, and Lolium perenne L. growth and elemental uptake were examined. Comparable biomass and plant content for L. perenne in the P-saturated bauxite residue treatments and those receiving superphosphate, indicated no phytotoxic effects. E. fetida L. showed a significant preference for the control soil (58 %± 2.1%) over the amended soils, indicating some form of salt stress. Overall, P-saturated bauxite residue was comparable to the superphosphate fertiliser in terms of the plant performance and soil properties, indicating the potential recycling of P from wastewaters using bauxite residue as a low-cost adsorbent.
Process limits in high-performance peel grinding of hardened steel components with coarse CBN grinding wheels
Authors: Denkena Berend , Kroedel Alexander , Wilckens Michael
Published: April 2022

Recent developments in the production processes for cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive grains have led to commercially available grain sizes larger than lg > 300 µm. These superabrasive grains allow higher material removal rates during grinding of hardened steel components. Currently, these components are pre-machined by turning processes before being hardened and eventually finished by grinding. However, the turning process can be substituted by grinding with coarse CBN-grains since higher depths of cut are achievable when machining hardened components. This paper investigates the process behaviour of vitrified and electroplated grinding wheels with large grain sizes during the machining of hardened steel components. Process forces, wear behaviour and workpiece surface roughness are investigated for three different grain sizes, and the process limits of both bond types are examined. The investigations show that vitrified tools do not fully suit the demands for peel grinding process with high material removal rates since wear by bond breakage occurs. The electroplated tools on the other hand are capable of very high material removal rates. Their wear behaviour is characterized by clogging of the chip space if the process limit is reached. Even so, both tools outperform a standard hard-turning process in terms of process time by 74% and 94% respectively. This process time reduction in combination with the possibility to use the same (machine) tool to machine both soft and hard sections of a workpiece adds flexibility to current process chains.
Two-dimensional CT measurements enable assessment of body composition on head and neck CT
Authors: Zopfs David , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Kottlors Jonathan , Reimer Robert P. , Lennartz Simon , Kloeckner Roman , Schlaak Max , Theurich Sebastian , Kabbasch Christoph , Schlamann Marc , Große Hokamp Nils
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether simple 2D measurements in axial slices of head and neck CT examinations correlate with generally established measurements of body composition in abdominal CT at the height of the third lumbar vertebra and thus allow for an estimation of muscle and fat masses.

Methods

One hundred twenty-two patients who underwent concurrent CT of the head and neck and the abdomen between July 2016 and July 2020 were retrospectively included. For a subset of 30 patients, additional bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was available. Areas of paraspinal muscles at the height of the third (C3) and fifth cervical vertebrae (C5) as well as the total cross-sectional area at the height of C3 and at the submandibular level were correlated with the results of abdominal measurements and BIA. Furthermore, intra- and interreader variabilities of all measurements were assessed.

Results

Regarding adipose tissue, good correlations were found between the total cross-sectional area of the patient’s body at the submandibular level and at the height of C3 between both abdominal measurements and BIA results (r = 0.8–0.92; all p < 0.001). Regarding muscle, the total paraspinal muscle area at the height of C3 and C5 showed strong correlations with abdominal measurements and moderate to strong correlations with BIA results (r = 0.44–0.80; all p < 0.001), with the muscle area on C5 yielding slightly higher correlations.

Conclusions

Body composition information can be obtained with comparable reliability from head and neck CT using simple biplanar measurements as from abdominal CT.

Key Points

• The total paraspinal muscle area at the height of C3 and C5 correlates strongly with abdominal muscle mass.

• The total cross-sectional area at the submandibular level and at the height of C3 shows good correlations with abdominal fat mass.

• The described measurements facilitate a rapid, opportunistic assessment of relevant body composition parameters.
Morphology of the acromioclavicular-joint score (MAC)
Authors: Farkhondeh Fal Milad , Junker Marius , Mader Konrad , Frosch Karl Heinz , Kircher Jörn
Published: April 2022

Introduction

To date there is no generally accepted specific definition or classification of acromioclavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to analyze morphological parameters using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to develop a scoring system as a basis for decision making to perform an AC-joint resection.

Materials and methods

In a retrospective-monocentric matched pair study, healthy and affected subjects were investigated using T2 MRI scans in the transverse plane. There were two groups, group 1 (n = 151) included healthy asymptomatic adults with no history of trauma. In group 2, we included n = 99 patients with symptomatic AC joints, who underwent arthroscopic AC-joint resection. The central and posterior joint space width and the AC angle were measured. Morphological changes such as cartilage degeneration, cysts and bone edema were noted. Malalignment of the joint was defined as: posterior joint space width < 2 mm in conjunction with an AC angle > 12°. A scoring system consisting of the measured morphologic factors was developed.

Results

Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients showed significant differences in all measured items. We observed a significant difference in the MAC score for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (mean 10.4 vs. 20.6, p = 0.0001). The ROC (receiver operator characteristic) analysis showed an excellent AUC of 0.899 (p = 0.001). The sensitivity of the MAC score was 0.81 and the specificity 0.86. The MAC score shows a significant moderate correlation with age (r = 0.358; p = 0.001). The correlation of age and the development of symptoms was only weak (r = 0.22, p = 0.001). Symptomatic patients showed significantly more frequent malalignment compared to asymptomatic patients (p = 0.001), but the positive predictive value that a patient with malalignment is also symptomatic is only 55%.

Conclusion

Patients with symptomatic AC joints showed a typical pattern of morphological changes on axial MRI scans with early posterior contact of the joint surfaces, reduction of joint space and malalignment as the basis for the development of a scoring system. The MAC score shows excellent test characteristics, and therefore, proved to be both an appropriate guidance for clinical practice as well as an excellent tool for comparative studies and is superior to the assessment of malalignment alone.

Level of evidence

Level IV, retrospective diagnostic study.
Fertilization and neonatal outcomes after early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a retrospective analysis of 16,769 patients
Authors: Zeng Jun , Yao Zhongyuan , Zhang Yeqing , Tian Fen , Liao Tingting , Wu Lingqian , Li Yanping
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term insemination and early-rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an approach that rescued oocytes with unclear second polar body 6 h after initial insemination by ICSI (early R-ICSI) to avoid total or near-total fertilization failure in conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in 16,769 patients (short-term IVF, n = 12,094; ICSI, n = 3452; early R-ICSI, n = 1223) who received IVF/ICSI treatment in our hospital from January 2009 to October 2018. Fertilization and clinical outcomes were compared among those three groups.

Results

When considering the R-ICSI embryos in the early R-ICSI group independently, the rates of fertilization and day-3 cleaved embryos in 2PN oocytes were comparable, the rates of fertilization (2PN) and high-quality embryos were lower, whereas the multi-PN fertilization rate (3.27%) was significantly higher than the ICSI group (1.26%). The difference of clinical pregnancy rate between the part of transferred R-ICSI embryos (40.81%) and the ICSI group (44.73%) remained nonsignificant. Furthermore, the rate of congenital birth defects in the early R-ICSI group (0.99%) was not significantly different from those in the short-term IVF (0.76%) and ICSI groups (1.07%).

Conclusion

Despite the multi-PN fertilization rate, our study highlights early R-ICSI as a safe and effective alternative in assisted reproduction to decrease complete IVF fertilization failure and reduce ICSI utilization. Additional large amount and long-term follow-up studies are needed to further validate the use of early R-ICSI.
Astroglial and oligodendroglial markers in the cuprizone animal model for de- and remyelination
Authors: Castillo-Rodriguez Maria de los Angeles , Gingele Stefan , Schröder Lara-Jasmin , Möllenkamp Thiemo , Stangel Martin , Skripuletz Thomas , Gudi Viktoria
Published: April 2022

Myelin loss with consecutive axon degeneration and impaired remyelination are the underlying causes of progressive disease in patients with multiple sclerosis. Astrocytes are suggested to play a major role in these processes. The unmasking of distinct astrocyte identities in health and disease would help to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms in which astrocytes are involved. However, the number of specific astrocyte markers is limited. Therefore, we performed immunohistochemical studies and analyzed various markers including GFAP, vimentin, S100B, ALDH1L1, and LCN2 during de- and remyelination using the toxic murine cuprizone animal model. Applying this animal model, we were able to confirm overlapping expression of vimentin and GFAP and highlighted the potential of ALDH1L1 as a pan-astrocytic marker, in agreement with previous data. Only a small population of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the corpus callosum highly up-regulated LCN2 at the peak of demyelination and S100B expression was found in a subset of oligodendroglia as well, thus S100B turned out to have a limited use as a particular astroglial marker. Additionally, numerous GFAP-positive astrocytes in the lateral corpus callosum did not express S100B, further strengthening findings of heterogeneity in the astrocytic population. In conclusion, our results acknowledged that GFAP, vimentin, LCN2, and ALDH1L1 serve as reliable marker to identify activated astrocytes during cuprizone-induced de- and remyelination. Moreover, there were clear regional and temporal differences in protein and mRNA expression levels and patterns of the studied markers, generally between gray and white matter structures.
Reconstructing topography and extent of injury to the superior mesenteric artery plexus in right colectomy with extended D3 mesenterectomy: a composite multimodal 3-dimensional analysis
Authors: Luzon Javier A. , Thorsen Yngve , Nogueira Liebert P. , Andersen Solveig N. , Edwin Bjørn , Haugen Håvard J. , Ignjatovic Dejan , Stimec Bojan V.
Published: April 2022

Background

Superior mesenteric artery plexus (SMAP) injury is reported to cause postoperative intractable diarrhea after pancreatic/colonic surgery with extended lymphadenectomy. This study aims to describe the SMAP microanatomy and extent of injury after right colectomy with extended D3 mesenterectomy for cancer.

Methods

Three groups (I) anatomical dissection, (II) postmortem histology, and (III) surgical specimen histology were included. Nerve count and area were compared between groups II and III and paravascular sheath thickness between groups I and II. 3D models were generated through 3D histology, nanoCT scanning, and finally through 3D printing.

Results

A total of 21 specimens were included as follows: Group (I): 5 (3 females, 80–93 years), the SMAP is a complex mesh surrounding the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), branching out, following peripheral arteries and intertwining between them, (II): 7 (5 females, 71–86 years), nerve count: 53 ± 12.42 (38–68), and area: 1.84 ± 0.50 mm2 (1.16–2.29), and (III): 9 (5 females, 55–69 years), nerve count: 31.6 ± 6.74 (range 23–43), and area: 0.889 ± 0.45 mm2 (range 0.479–1.668). SMAP transection injury is 59% of nerve count and 48% of nerve area at middle colic artery origin level. The median values of paravascular sheath thickness decreased caudally from 2.05 to 1.04 mm (anatomical dissection) and from 2.65 to 1.17 mm (postmortem histology). 3D histology models present nerve fibers exclusively within the paravascular sheath, and lymph nodes were observed only outside. NanoCT-derived models reveal oblique nerve fiber trajectories with inclinations between 35° and 55°. Two 3D-printed models of the SMAP were also achieved in a 1:2 scale.

Conclusion

SMAP surrounds the SMA and branches within the paravascular sheath, while bowel lymph nodes and vessels lie outside. Extent of SMAP injury on histological slides (transection only) was 48% nerve area and 59% nerve count. The 35°–55° inclination range of SMAP nerves possibly imply an even larger injury when plexus excision is performed (lymphadenectomy). Reasons for later improvement of bowel function in these patients can lie in the interarterial nerve fibers between SMA branches.
An extension of a theorem of Bers and Finn on the removability of isolated singularities to the Euler–Lagrange equations related to general linear growth problems
Authors: Bildhauer Michael , Fuchs Martin
Published: April 2022

A famous theorem of Bers and Finn states that isolated singularities of solutions to the non-parametric minimal surface equation are removable. We show that this result remains valid, if the area functional is replaced by a general functional of linear growth depending on the modulus of the gradient.
Strukturwandel im Rheinischen Revier: Eine Analyse der technologischen Diversifizierungspotenziale
Authors: Breul Moritz
Published: April 2022

Der Ausstieg aus der Braunkohleverstromung führt zum Wegfall eines bedeutenden wirtschaftlichen Sektors in den drei deutschen Braunkohlerevieren. Zur Bewältigung des Strukturwandels stellt der Bund umfassende Finanzhilfen u. a. zur Diversifizierung der Wirtschaftsstruktur zur Verfügung. Aber welche Bereiche bieten sich zur Diversifizierung der Reviere an? Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, eine Methode vorzustellen, die es RegionalplanerInnen und WirtschaftsfördererInnen erlaubt, basierend auf regionsspezifischen Stärken Diversifizierungspotenziale zu identifizieren und somit regionsspezifische Transformationsstrategien zu entwickeln. Basierend auf theoretischen und methodischen Ansätzen der evolutionären Wirtschaftsgeographie deckt dieser Beitrag mittels einer Patentanalyse technologische Diversifizierungspotenziale des Rheinischen Reviers auf. Neben den empirischen Einblicken zum Rheinischen Revier, bietet der vorliegende Artikel eine Handlungsanweisung zur Identifizierung von Diversifizierungspotenzialen in anderen Revieren oder anderen Regionen im Allgemeinen.
Resolving the Drivers of Algal Nutrient Limitation from Boreal to Arctic Lakes and Streams
Authors: Myrstener Maria , Fork Megan L. , Bergström Ann-Kristin , Puts Isolde Callisto , Hauptmann Demian , Isles Peter D. F. , Burrows Ryan M. , Sponseller Ryan A.
Published: April 2022

Nutrient inputs to northern freshwaters are changing, potentially altering aquatic ecosystem functioning through effects on primary producers. Yet, while primary producer growth is sensitive to nutrient supply, it is also constrained by a suite of other factors, including light and temperature, which may play varying roles across stream and lake habitats. Here, we use bioassay results from 89 lakes and streams spanning northern boreal to Arctic Sweden to test for differences in nutrient limitation status of algal biomass along gradients in colored dissolved organic carbon (DOC), water temperature, and nutrient concentrations, and to ask whether there are distinct patterns and drivers between habitats. Single nitrogen (N) limitation or primary N-limitation with secondary phosphorus (P) limitation of algal biomass was the most common condition for streams and lakes. Average response to N-addition was a doubling in biomass; however, the degree of limitation was modulated by the distinct physical and chemical conditions in lakes versus streams and across boreal to Arctic regions. Overall, algal responses to N-addition were strongest at sites with low background concentrations of dissolved inorganic N. Low temperatures constrained biomass responses to added nutrients in lakes but had weaker effects on responses in streams. Further, DOC mediated the response of algal biomass to nutrient addition differently among lakes and streams. Stream responses were dampened at higher DOC, whereas lake responses to nutrient addition increased from low to moderate DOC but were depressed at high DOC. Our results suggest that future changes in nutrient availability, particularly N, will exert strong effects on the trophic state of northern freshwaters. However, we highlight important differences in the physical and chemical factors that shape algal responses to nutrient availability in different parts of aquatic networks, which will ultimately affect the integrated response of northern aquatic systems to ongoing environmental changes.
On the role of data, statistics and decisions in a pandemic
Authors: Jahn Beate , Friedrich Sarah , Behnke Joachim , Engel Joachim , Garczarek Ursula , Münnich Ralf , Pauly Markus , Wilhelm Adalbert , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Zwick Markus , Siebert Uwe , Friede Tim
Published: April 2022

A pandemic poses particular challenges to decision-making because of the need to continuously adapt decisions to rapidly changing evidence and available data. For example, which countermeasures are appropriate at a particular stage of the pandemic? How can the severity of the pandemic be measured? What is the effect of vaccination in the population and which groups should be vaccinated first? The process of decision-making starts with data collection and modeling and continues to the dissemination of results and the subsequent decisions taken. The goal of this paper is to give an overview of this process and to provide recommendations for the different steps from a statistical perspective. In particular, we discuss a range of modeling techniques including mathematical, statistical and decision-analytic models along with their applications in the COVID-19 context. With this overview, we aim to foster the understanding of the goals of these modeling approaches and the specific data requirements that are essential for the interpretation of results and for successful interdisciplinary collaborations. A special focus is on the role played by data in these different models, and we incorporate into the discussion the importance of statistical literacy and of effective dissemination and communication of findings.
Are subjective cognitive complaints associated with executive functions and mental health of older adults?
Authors: Fastame Maria Chiara
Published: April 2022

Subjective cognitive complaints are used to detect detrimental age-related variations in cognitive efficiency before cognitive decline occurs in late adulthood. Despite this, there is controversial evidence on the relationship between the aforementioned metacognitive measure and the actual cognitive efficiency of older individuals. Instead, subjective cognitive complaints seem to be related to perceived mental health. This study aimed to investigate the nature of the relationships between subjective cognitive failures, mental health, and executive functioning. An additional goal was to examine whether there were significant differences in perceived mental health and executive functions efficiency by comparing older people who exhibited fewer subjective cognitive complaints with a group who reported more cognitive complaints. Eighty-nine community-dwellers (Mage = 78.6 years, SD = 6.5 years; age range = 66–95 years), 42 males and 47 females, were recruited and completed a battery of tools assessing cognitive failures, depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, optimism, global cognitive functioning, vocabulary, and several executive functions. Significant relationships were only found between self-reported cognitive failures, depressive symptoms, optimism, and psychological well-being. Moreover, participants who reported more cognitive failures also exhibited less optimism and psychological well-being and showed more depressive symptoms than older respondents who exhibited fewer cognitive complaints. Finally, no differences in the measures of executive functioning were found between groups exhibiting low vs. high levels of subjective cognitive complaints. In conclusion, the concurrent objective assessment of cognitive functioning and self-reported evaluation of cognitive processes and mental health of older people should be encouraged, to detect possible threats to their well-being.
Data-driven de-smearing of DSC signals
Authors: Sommer Andreas , Hohenauer Wolfgang , Barz Tilman
Published: April 2022

In heat flux differential scanning calorimetry, a pair of identical crucibles, one empty as reference and the other filled with the sample, is heated in a furnace with a prescribed rate. The (empty) reference crucible heats faster, resulting in a temperature difference that is detected by thermocouples. Slow heating of the furnace results in weak and noisy signals; higher heating rates induce strong signals but lead to smearing if applied to materials undergoing a phase transition: The recorded peak signal is shifted toward higher temperatures. To determine the peak, the onset/endset temperatures, and the phase transition enthalpy, multiple heating rates are used to find a trade-off between noise and smearing. When plotting the melting peaks over temperature and heating rate, the visual similarity to the time evolution of a probability density under drift and diffusion catches the eye. Such a density evolution can be described by the Fokker–Planck equations. In this analogon, the de-smeared signal corresponds to the initial distribution. We propose a data-driven de-smearing approach, based on an extrapolation to a (hypothetical) zero heating rate signal. This zero rate signal is low-dimensionally parameterized and its parameters together with the drift and diffusion of the Fokker–Planck equation are fitted against the calorimetric measurements. The method is successfully tested on heat capacity data of a technical-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using mid-range heating rates. The data are strongly affected by smearing, and the proposed de-smearing method $${FPEX}_{0}$$

FPEX

0

delivers reliable estimates of characteristic shape parameters of the phase transition peak effectively overcoming the problem of a deteriorating signal-to-noise ratio for heating rates approaching zero.
Quantum Byzantine Agreement for Any Number of Dishonest Parties
Authors: Cholvi Vicent
Published: April 2022

Reaching agreement in the presence of arbitrary faults is a fundamental problem in distributed computation, which has been shown to be unsolvable if one-third of the processes can fail, unless signed messages are used. In this paper, we propose a solution to a variation of the original BA problem, called Detectable Byzantine Agreement (DBA), that does not need to use signed messages. The proposed algorithm uses what we call Q-correlated lists, which are generated by a quantum source device. Once each process has one of these lists, they use them to reach the agreement in a classical manner. Although, in general, the agreement is reached by using $$m+1$$

m
+
1

rounds (where m is the number of processes that can fail), if less than one-third of the processes fail it only needs one round to reach the agreement.
The Exosphere as a Boundary: Origin and Evolution of Airless Bodies in the Inner Solar System and Beyond Including Planets with Silicate Atmospheres
Authors: Lammer Helmut , Scherf Manuel , Ito Yuichi , Mura Alessandro , Vorburger Audrey , Guenther Eike , Wurz Peter , Erkaev Nikolai V. , Odert Petra
Published: April 2022

In this review we discuss all the relevant solar/stellar radiation and plasma parameters and processes that act together in the formation and modification of atmospheres and exospheres that consist of surface-related minerals. Magma ocean degassed silicate atmospheres or thin gaseous envelopes from planetary building blocks, airless bodies in the inner Solar System, and close-in magmatic rocky exoplanets such as CoRot-7b, HD 219134 b and 55 Cnc e are addressed. The depletion and fractionation of elements from planetary embryos, which act as the building blocks for proto-planets are also discussed. In this context the formation processes of the Moon and Mercury are briefly reviewed. The Lunar surface modification since its origin by micrometeoroids, plasma sputtering, plasma impingement as well as chemical surface alteration and the search of particles from the early Earth’s atmosphere that were collected by the Moon on its surface are also discussed. Finally, we address important questions on what can be learned from the study of Mercury’s environment and its solar wind interaction by MESSENGER and BepiColombo in comparison with the expected observations at exo-Mercurys by future space-observatories such as the JWST or ARIEL and ground-based telescopes and instruments like SPHERE and ESPRESSO on the VLT, and vice versa.
Techno-economic assessment of the innovative ejectors plant technology for sediment management in harbours
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Guzzini Alessandro , Saccani Cesare
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to show the monitoring results of an innovative technology, the ejectors plant, tested in the MARINAPLAN PLUS LIFE project framework for sustainable sediment management in harbours.

Materials and methods

A monitoring plan has been designed to evaluate the technical, economic and environmental impact of the ejectors plant demonstrator for 15 months, located in Cervia (Italy). In particular, the demonstrator’s effectiveness and efficiency have been assessed to determine the yearly operation and maintenance costs.

Results and discussion

The techno-economic analysis shows promising results in terms of efficacy and efficiency of the ejectors plant. The ejectors plant guaranteed navigability for the whole period of operation with a yearly cost reduction compared with traditional dredging.

Conclusions

The innovative technology promoted by the MARINAPLAN PLUS LIFE project is a promising solution to manage sedimentation in harbours through a cost-effective and a low environmental impact technology. The monitoring actions validated the technology fully and demonstrated its efficacy and sustainability, highlighting the further improvements needed.
Ghost Brides and Crime Networks in Rural China
Authors: Lo T. Wing
Published: April 2022

The custom of ghost marriages has been passed down since the ancient times in China. Adults who died before marriage could not be buried with their ancestors. Their families did not want to leave bodies outside, as they believed that the spirits would become lonely. Instead, they wished to find husbands or wives for their dead relatives to continue the family tree. The custom has spawned a large ghost bride market, resulting in the trading of female corpses. This industry and its profits have driven criminals to kidnap and murder women, raid tombs and morgues, steal and traffic corpses. The study demonstrates that while in the folklore the stigma of being unmarried should apply to both men and women, the corpses trafficked are mainly women and in poorer provinces. While ghost marriages create a market of supply and demand in booming rural China, the market also indicates income and gender inequality behind the crime.
Comparative Public Policy Analysis: Shortcomings, Pitfalls, and Avenues for the Future
Authors: Wenzelburger Georg , Jensen Carsten
Published: April 2022

Comparative public policy is a blooming research area. It also suffers from some curious blind spots. In this paper we discuss four of these: (1) the obsession with covariance, which means that important phenomena are ignored; (2) the lack of agency, which leads to underwhelming explanatory models; (3) the unclear universe of cases, which means the inferential value of theories and the empirical results are unclear; and (4) the focus on outputs, even though most theories contain strong assumptions about the political process leading to certain outputs. Following this discussion, we then outline how a closer integration of policy process theories may be fruitful for future research.
Exploring the adoption and expression of subcultural identities among gay, bisexual, and queer-identifying men in Australia
Authors: Franklin Jake D. , Lyons Anthony , Bourne Adam
Published: April 2022

Gay, bisexual, and queer-identifying (GBQ) communities tend to comprise various subcultural identity groups based around shared practices and intersectional identities, but little research has sought to qualitatively understand how these identities are situated within communities and enacted in everyday life. Further understanding subcultural identities is important as they reflect the diversity of GBQ men and potential health risks/differences between groups of men that may otherwise not be considered. This study aimed to advance understanding of GBQ subcultural identities in Australia by investigating how GBQ men come to adopt and express subcultural identities, such as ‘Bear’, ‘Twink’, or ‘Daddy’. Fifteen gay, bisexual, and queer-identifying men living in Australia who identified with one or more GBQ subcultures participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews between September and November 2019. An inductive thematic analysis with semantic coding and a realist framework was used to assess patterns of meaning within the data. Two higher level themes emerged relating to discovering identity and evolving practices of identification, with sub-themes related to self-guided exploration, identification by others, and contextual changes in expressing identity. These findings highlight that adopting subcultural identities involved elements of exploring language and discourse and embracing or resisting identification. The ways in which subcultural identities were integrated and expressed appeared to evolve over time and shift within different contexts, including emphasising or suppressing aspects of identity. This knowledge expands understanding of GBQ subcultural identities and help inform culturally-sensitive considerations for health promotion, policy, and research that engages GBQ men.
Parenting dimensions/styles and emotion dysregulation in childhood and adolescence: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Goagoses Naska , Bolz Tijs , Eilts Jule , Schipper Neele , Schütz Jessica , Rademacher Annika , Vesterling Christina , Koglin Ute
Published: April 2022

Emotion dysregulation is a transdiagnostic factor in the development of various mental and behavioral disorders, thus requiring ample evidence for prevention and intervention approaches. The aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the association between parenting dimensions/styles and emotion dysregulation in childhood and adolescence. Following the PRISMA guidelines, the review was registered (PROSPERO CRD42021251672) and search terms were entered in Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed in May 2021. Articles needed to report on empirical studies that examined the association between parenting dimensions/styles and emotion dysregulation in children/adolescents with primary data, and be published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, articles were excluded based on certain designs and focus on special populations. The narrative synthesis includes 30 articles, and of which 27 are included in the meta-analysis. An NHLBI tool with 14 items (e.g., validity) was utilized for assessing the quality of the included studies. General trends indicate that positive parenting (e.g., warmth, supportiveness) is negatively associated with emotion dysregulation, whilst negative parenting (e.g., psychological control, authoritarian) is positively associated. The meta-analysis reveals an overall small yet significant effect, however, the heterogeneity of the studies is moderate to high. A funnel plot demonstrated no evidence of publication bias. Limitations include the varying conceptualizations of emotion dysregulation, as well as a lacking focus on specific types of emotion. Although more research is needed, addressing factors such as culture, gender, and age, the review provides first indications of the significance of parenting dimensions/styles for emotion dysregulation.
Decision making in treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis: a survey study in Dutch heart centres
Authors: van Beek-Peeters J. J. A. M. , van den Ende Z. , Faes M. C. , de Vos A. J. B. M. , van Geldorp M. W. A. , Van den Branden B. J. L. , van der Meer B. J. M. , Minkman M. M. N.
Published: April 2022

Aim

To provide insight into the basic characteristics of decision making in the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (SSAS) in Dutch heart centres with specific emphasis on the evaluation of frailty, cognition, nutritional status and physical functioning/functionality in (instrumental) activities of daily living [(I)ADL].

Methods

A questionnaire was used that is based on the European and American guidelines for SSAS treatment. The survey was administered to physicians and non-physicians in Dutch heart centres involved in the decision-making pathway for SSAS treatment.

Results

All 16 Dutch heart centres participated. Before a patient case is discussed by the heart team, heart centres rarely request data from the referring hospital regarding patients’ functionality (n = 5), frailty scores (n = 0) and geriatric consultation (n = 1) as a standard procedure. Most heart centres ‘often to always’ do their own screening for frailty (n = 10), cognition/mood (n = 9), nutritional status (n = 10) and physical functioning/functionality in (I)ADL (n = 10). During heart team meetings data are ‘sometimes to regularly’ available regarding frailty (n = 5), cognition/mood (n = 11), nutritional status (n = 8) and physical functioning/functionality in (I)ADL (n = 10). After assessment in the outpatient clinic patient cases are re-discussed ‘sometimes to regularly’ in heart team meetings (n = 10).

Conclusions

Dutch heart centres make an effort to evaluate frailty, cognition, nutritional status and physical functioning/functionality in (I)ADL for decision making regarding SSAS treatment. However, these patient data are not routinely requested from the referring hospital and are not always available for heart team meetings. Incorporation of these important data in a structured manner early in the decision-making process may provide additional useful information for decision making in the heart team meeting.
Adsorption of Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles in the Inorganic Fraction of Volcanic Soils
Authors: Gacitua Manuel , Pavez Lynda , Escudey Mauricio , Antilén Mónica
Published: April 2022

Zerovalent (ZVI) iron has been used in environmental remediation, but the environmental fate of its nanoparticles (NZVI) is hard to find. The present study aimed to characterise the adsorption processes of commercial ZVI in the inorganic fraction of volcanic soils, contributing to the knowledge of the adsorption process on the whole soil. Volcanic soil samples were obtained by calcination method and characterised. A nano-ZVI stable suspension is prepared and characterised to know its size-particle distribution. Adsorption points (kinetical and isothermal) were obtained by adapting the procedure for homogeneous analyte adsorption. Kinetical, solute transport and isothermal adsorption and desorption models were adjusted to obtain more conclusive information about the process. Analysis of the results revealed that adsorption is a fast process. The inorganic fraction of an Andisol presented pH-dependant surface charge, requiring highly consistent control of the working pH to obtain proper adsorption points. Isothermal adsorption indicates that a combination of physical and chemical mechanisms contributes to the NZVI adsorption process. Desorption studies suggested chemisorption on specific surface-active sites of adsorbents, with the inorganic fraction of soil irreversibly retaining most of the NZVI particles. NZVI become irreversibly adsorbed over the inorganic fraction of soils, extending particle reactivity through time, affecting the stability of organic matter and microbial communities. In turn, this increases the possibility for plant uptake. Nevertheless, there is a low risk for the transport of NZVI through soil profiles or co-transport of other components that becomes adsorbed over iron, lowering the risk of aquifer pollution.
Effect of Chamomile Vaginal Gel on the Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bosak Zahra , Iravani Mina , Moghimipour Eskandar , Haghighizadeh Mohammad hosein , Jelodarian Parivash
Published: April 2022

Background

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common complaint among postmenopausal women, which is largely because of the genitourinary syndrome in these women (GSM).

Aim

Considering the phytoestrogenic effects of chamomile, the present study was primarily aimed to investigate the effect of chamomile vaginal gel on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. The side effects of these drugs were evaluated as a secondary outcome of the study.

Methods

This randomized double-blind clinical trial and placebo-controlled study was conducted on postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤26.55). To this aim, 96 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 32 each) including women receiving (i) chamomile vaginal gel 5%, (ii) conjugated estrogen vaginal cream, and (iii) placebo vaginal gel, for 12 weeks (ie, every night in the first 2 weeks, and 2 nights per week in the next 10 weeks, each night 1 g was used). The sexual function was measured using female sexual function index (FSFI) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed by chi-square, one-way ANOVA, descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and paired t test using SPSS software version 22. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Outcomes

The main study outcome measure was evaluate the effects of vaginal administration of chamomile gel in comparison with conjugated estrogen cream and placebo gel on postmenopausal FSD using the FSFI.

Results

The findings showed that chamomile vaginal gel in compared to placebo vaginal gel caused a significant improvement in all six sexual function domains and the total FSFI score (effect size = +2.9 [95% CI, +2.1 to +3.6], P < .001). Also, there was no significant difference between the chamomile vaginal gel and conjugated estrogen vaginal cream groups in terms of the total score and all sub-domains of sexual function with the exception of orgasm (effect size = +0.13 [95% CI, −0.36 to +0.63], P = .02) and sexual satisfaction (effect size = 0 [95% CI, −0.49 to +0.49], P = .04). Two women in the chamomile group and one in the placebo group experienced a burning sensation (P = .345).

Clinical Implications

This treatment can be considered as a treatment option for postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction who have contraindications to the use of hormone therapy.

Strengths & Limitations

This study is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of chamomile vaginal gel on sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, in this study, treatment duration was 12 weeks and no follow up was performed beyond this time

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, the use of vaginal chamomile gel improved sexual function in postmenopausal women.
Much Like Us
Authors: Sachser Norbert
Published: April 2022

What really differentiates us from our relatives in the animal world? And what can they teach us about ourselves? Taking these questions as his starting point, Norbert Sachser presents fascinating insights into the inner lives of animals, revealing what we now know about their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. By turns surprising, humourous and thought-provoking, Much Like Us invites us on a journey around the animal kingdom, explaining along the way how dogs demonstrate empathy, why chimpanzees wage war and how crows and ravens craft tools to catch food. Sachser brings the science to life with examples and anecdotes drawn from his own research, illuminating the vast strides in understanding that have been made over the last 30 years. He ultimately invites us to challenge our own preconceptions – the closer we look, the more we see the humanity in our fellow creatures.
Systematic review of preterm birth multi-omic biomarker studies
Authors: Gupta Juhi K. , Alfirevic Ana
Published: April 2022

Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the leading causes of deaths in infants under the age of five. Known risk factors of PTB include genetic factors, lifestyle choices or infection. Identification of omic biomarkers associated with PTB could aid clinical management of women at high risk of early labour and thereby reduce neonatal morbidity. This systematic literature review aimed to identify and summarise maternal omic and multi-omic (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolites) biomarker studies of PTB. Original research articles were retrieved from three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct, using specified search terms for each omic discipline. PTB studies investigating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics or metabolomics biomarkers prior to onset of labour were included. Data were collected and reviewed independently. Pathway analyses were completed on the biomarkers from non-targeted omic studies using Reactome pathway analysis tool. A total of 149 omic studies were identified; most of the literature investigated proteomic biomarkers. Pathway analysis identified several cellular processes associated with the omic biomarkers reported in the literature. Study heterogeneity was observed across the research articles, including the use of different gestation cut-offs to define PTB. Infection/inflammatory biomarkers were identified across majority of papers using a range of targeted and non-targeted approaches.
Bounded dissipation predicts finite asymptotic state of near-wall turbulence
Authors: Klewicki J.C.
Published: April 2022

Enormous efforts have been devoted to the prediction and control of turbulent wall flows. A primary consideration here is the Reynolds number scaling problem in which non-dimensional representations are sought that render the normalized variables of interest unchanged for varying Reynolds number. Relative to this objective and in contrast to the mean velocity, there remains a considerable lack of clarity associated with the apparent failure of inner normalization (i.e. using the friction velocity and kinematic viscosity) when applied to the statistical profiles of fluctuating quantities in the near-wall region. In their present work Chen & Sreenivasan (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 933, 2022, A20) generalize their earlier effort, Chen & Sreenivasan (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 908, 2021, R3), and present a rational framework for characterizing and describing the evolution of turbulence quantities that either attain a near-wall peak or have non-zero wall values. Their analysis enjoys considerable empirical support. Physically, the asymptotic boundedness of the inner-normalized dissipation is used to reason that there is a limiting state of near-wall turbulence at asymptotically large Reynolds numbers. The law of bounded dissipation arguments put forth by Chen and Sreenivasan prescribe the recovery of inner scaling and suggest new possibilities regarding the physics of how wall turbulence matures to its asymptotic state.
Sense and sensibility: How CEOs construct meaning through symbols in organizational change
Authors: Wang Yu , Lv David Diwei , Wong Christina W. Y.
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the rational and emotional functions of symbols in organizational change and how collective sensemaking and acceptance of organizational changes are facilitated by the emotional functioning of executive symbolism. Evidence from archived data, news reports, reviews, and case studies are used to support our theoretical analysis. Our opinion is that the CEO can incorporate symbols into not only the rational calculation process to convey the benefits and losses of organizational changes but also the emotional identification process to create new emotional connections and reduce the resistance of the members to organizational changes. We describe why and when the implementation of symbolism will gain the acceptance of members toward organizational change and explain the scenarios that apply for the two functions.
Temporal variability in snow accumulation and density at Summit Camp, Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Howat Ian M.
Published: April 2022

A 3-year record of weekly snow water equivalent (SWE) accumulation at Summit Camp, central Greenland ice sheet, obtained by direct sampling, is presented. While the overall SWE accumulation of 24.2 cm w.e. a−1 matches long-term ice core estimates, variability increases at shorter timescales. Half of the annual SWE accumulation occurs during a few large events, with the average accumulation rate decreasing 35% between the first and second halves of the record coinciding with exceptional anticyclonic conditions in the spring and summer of 2019. No seasonality in accumulation is detected. Rather, local accumulation rates appear to be significantly impacted by wind redistribution that obscures temporal patterns in snowfall. Surface snow density is consistent, on average, with previously measured values but does not correlate with near surface temperature or wind speed. Two surface mass balance reanalysis models significantly underestimate accumulation rates at Summit Camp. This is concerning because such models are often used to estimate ice-sheet mass loss.
‘Parma dreamin’’: Malerba's Il serpente
Authors: Francese Joseph
Published: April 2022

In Il serpente, Luigi Malerba's first novel, the writer moves from the objectifying perspective, working-class protagonists, and themes of neorealism to a subjective realism that sets aside the direct dialogue of his first book (La scoperta dell'alfabeto, a collection of brief narratives) in favor of the exterior monologue. The narrating voice of Il serpente feels compelled to relive the guilt, shame, and humiliation of his youth. He prevaricates habitually because he is anxious as to how he appears, primarily to himself: he is caught between the need to express himself and the fear of being punished for having done so. The changes in narrative strategy, along with the psychological plausibility of the narrative and Malerba's analysis of Italy's ‘grey zone’, populated by those who did not actively participate in the civil war following the fall of Fascism, make Il serpente worthy of our close attention.