bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D 31P MRSI of the human brain at 9.4 Tesla: Optimization and quantitative analysis of metabolic images
Authors: Ruhm Loreen , Dorst Johanna , Avdievitch Nikolai , Wright Andrew Martin , Henning Anke
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To present 31P whole brain MRSI with a high spatial resolution to probe quantitative tissue analysis of 31P MRSI at an ultrahigh field strength of 9.4 Tesla.

Methods

The study protocol included a 31P MRSI measurement with an effective resolution of 2.47 mL. For SNR optimization, the nuclear Overhauser enhancement at 9.4 Tesla was investigated. A sensitivity correction was achieved by applying a low rank approximation of the γ‐adenosine triphosphate signal. Group analysis and regression on individual volunteers were performed to investigate quantitative concentration differences between different tissue types.

Results

Differences in gray and white matter tissue 31P concentrations could be investigated for 12 different 31P resonances. In addition, the first highly resolved quantitative MRSI images measured at B0 = 9.4 Tesla of 31P detectable metabolites with high SNR could be presented.

Conclusion

With an ultrahigh field strength B0 = 9.4 Tesla, 31P MRSI moves further toward quantitative metabolic imaging, and subtle differences in concentrations between different tissue types can be detected.
High contrast cartilaginous endplate imaging using a 3D adiabatic inversion‐recovery‐prepared fat‐saturated ultrashort echo time (3D IR‐FS‐UTE) sequence
Authors: Lombardi Alecio F. , Wei Zhao , Wong Jonathan , Carl Michael , Lee Roland R. , Wallace Mark , Masuda Koichi , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang , Ma Ya‐Jun
Published: July 2021

Ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences can image tissues with transverse T 2/T 2* relaxations too short to be efficiently observed on routine clinical MRI sequences, such as the vertebral body cartilaginous endplate (CEP). Here, we describe a 3D adiabatic inversion‐recovery‐prepared fat‐saturated ultrashort echo time (3D IR‐FS‐UTE) sequence to highlight the CEP of vertebral bodies in comparison to the intervertebral disc (IVD) and bone marrow fat (BF) at 3 T. The IR‐FS‐UTE sequence used a 3D UTE sequence combined with an adiabatic IR preparation pulse centered in the middle of the water and fat peaks, while a fat saturation module was used to suppress the signal from fat. A slab‐selective half pulse was used for signal excitation, and a 3D center‐out cones trajectory was used for more efficient data sampling. The 3D IR‐FS‐UTE sequence was applied to an ex vivo human spine sample, as well as the spines of six healthy volunteers and of three patients with back pain. Bright continuous lines representing signal from CEP were found in healthy IVDs. The measured contrast‐to‐noise ratio was 18.5 ± 4.9 between the CEP and BF, and 20.3 ± 4.15 between the CEP and IVD for the six volunteers. Abnormal IVDs showed CEP discontinuity or irregularity in the sample and patient studies. In conclusion, the proposed 3D IR‐FS‐UTE sequence is feasible for imaging the vertebral body's CEP in vivo with high contrast.
Analysis of a momentum conservative mixed‐FEM for the stationary Navier–Stokes problem
Authors: Camaño Jessika , García Carlos , Oyarzúa Ricardo
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose and analyze a new momentum conservative mixed finite element method for the Navier–Stokes problem posed in nonstandard Banach spaces. Our approach is based on the introduction of a pseudostress tensor relating the velocity gradient with the convective term, leading to a mixed formulation where the aforementioned pseudostress tensor and the velocity are the main unknowns of the system. Then the associated Galerkin scheme can be defined by employing Raviart–Thomas elements of degree for the pseudostress tensor and discontinuous piece–wise polynomial elements of degree for the velocity. With this choice of spaces, the equilibrium equation is exactly satisfied if the external force belongs to the velocity discrete space, thus the method conserves momentum, which constitutes one of the main feature of our approach. For both, the continuous and discrete problems, the Banach–Nečas–Babuška and Banach's fixed‐point theorems are employed to prove unique solvability. We also provide the convergence analysis and particularly prove that the error decay with optimal rate of convergence. Further variables of interest, such as the fluid pressure, the fluid vorticity and the fluid velocity gradient, can be easily approximated as a simple postprocess of the finite element solutions with the same rate of convergence. Finally, several numerical results illustrating the performance of the method are provided.
Operator splitting for the fractional Korteweg‐de Vries equation
Authors: Dutta Rajib , Sarkar Tanmay
Published: July 2021

Our aim is to analyze operator splitting for the fractional Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) equation, , , where is a non‐local operator with . Under the appropriate regularity of the initial data, we demonstrate the convergence of approximate solutions obtained by the Godunov and Strang splitting. Obtaining the Lie commutator bound, we show that for the Godunov splitting, first order convergence in is obtained for the initial data in and in case of the Strang splitting, second order convergence in is obtained by estimating the Lie double commutator for initial data in . The obtained rates are expected in comparison with the KdV case.
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth: A case report with review of the literature
Authors: Kim Yusoon , Yagihara Kazuhiro , Yagishita Hisao , Ishii Junichi , Kanda Hiroaki , Ishikawa Ayataka
Published: July 2021

We present the case of a 66‐year‐old man with basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) of the floor of the mouth, which is extremely rare. The patient underwent wide resection of the tumor with partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection. The immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimen showed the p16 positivity, and the examination for human papillomavirus was performed. The patient was followed up for 2 years without any evidence of disease. To address the pathophysiological features of oral BSCC, we reviewed the literature and revealed that the number of early stage cases and the survival rate were higher than in previous reports.
Silent cries behind closed doors: An online empirical assessment of fear of COVID‐19, situational depression, and quality of life among Pakistani citizens
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Umair , Raza Saqlain , Ashraf Asfa , Mehmood Waqas , Patwary Ataul Karim
Published: July 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of fear of COVID‐19 and situational depression on the quality of life (QOL) of Pakistani citizens. An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted on Pakistani citizens via the snowball sampling technique. A total of 377 respondents (256 males and 121 females) participated in this study from August to October 2020. Adapted scales were validated using confirmatory factor analysis, and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) was applied to the data to test the hypothesised model. The study's findings showed a negative relationship between fear of COVID‐19 and QOL. Likewise, a reciprocal relationship was found between situational depression and quality of life. The results indicate that fear of COVID‐19 and situational depression during the pandemic have affected the lives of Pakistani citizens. The findings are particularly relevant for improving the QOL by limiting the information received from media and social networks. There is a need to control these mediums and promote community‐based interventions to provide accurate knowledge regarding COVID‐19. Fear of COVID‐19 and situational depression may be reduced in this way. Based on the current findings, psychotherapy and counselling programmes must be planned to minimise the adverse effects of fear of COVID‐19 and depression on the QOL of citizens due to the ongoing progression of the pandemic.
Synthesis of poly(styrene‐co‐allylamine)‐b‐poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) graft copolymers via “grafting from” atom transfer radical polymerization and their self‐assembly in aqueous media
Authors: Azadbakht Maryam , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi , Esmizadeh Elnaz , Vahidifar Ali
Published: July 2021

In this work, we report a new synthetic scheme for synthesis of graft copolymers. At first, poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) copolymers with different molecular weights were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Then, lithium aluminum hydride was used as reducing catalyst of nitrile groups to obtain poly(styrene‐co‐allylamine) copolymers. Amine groups of poly(styrene‐co‐allylamine) copolymers were reacted to 2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropionyl bromide (BiBB) to yield poly(styrene‐co‐N‐allyl‐2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropanamide) (poly(styrene‐co‐NABMPA)) as macroinitiator for “grafting from” ATRP. Then, ATRP of 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was performed to graft PDMAEMA side chains. Finally, self‐assembly behavior of synthesized graft copolymers was investigated in aqueous media with different pH values and morphology of obtained supramolecular structures was studied. Synthesized copolymers were well‐characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. Also, morphology of self‐assembled structures was studied by FE‐SEM images whereas dynamic light scattering was utilized to measure particle size and particle size distribution. Results showed that morphology of self‐assembled supramolecular structures depended on molecular weight of backbone and pH value of media. By changing the self‐assembly conditions, different morphologies including spherical, Janus, and interconnected Janus were obtained.
A practical guide to quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring of thin polymer films
Authors: Easley Alexandra D. , Ma Ting , Eneh Chikaodinaka I. , Yun Junyeong , Thakur Ratul M. , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: July 2021

Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D) monitoring is a powerful tool used to sensitively examine the real‐time responses of polymer films to external responses. For example, the technique is commonly used to monitor film growth, material adsorption, thin film swelling, and ion exchange. With its rapidly expanding use, this review is intended to introduce new users to the basic principles of QCM‐D, along with practical challenges and remedies specific to polymer thin films. For both new and experienced users, specific case studies are highlighted including layer‐by‐layer assembly, electrochemical QCM‐D, swelling, sensing, and biological application. Last, the review recommends future directions for research and areas of growth.
COVID‐19 infection and psychotropics
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: July 2021

Between 20% and 70% of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) have psychiatric symptoms, such as agitation, anxiety, and delirium, necessitating the need for pharmacological treatment. With antipsychotics commonly used to manage behavioral symptoms, there is a high potential for drug‐drug interaction with many medications used to treat COVID‐19. Investigators recently conducted a systematic evidence‐based review of interactions between these drugs in patients with COVID‐19.
Event‐triggered composite anti‐disturbance dissipative control for nonlinear systems with multiple noises and quantized inputs via nonlinear disturbance observer
Authors: Wang Hong‐Du , Liu Yan , Karkoub Mansour , Li Ming , Yuan Lin , Quan Zhao‐Yu
Published: July 2021

In this article, the design problem of an event‐triggered composite anti‐disturbance dissipative control (ECADC) based on nonlinear disturbance observer (NLDO) is considered for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems. These systems comprise quantized inputs and multiple noises including nonlinear disturbances and multiplicative noises. First, a NLDO‐based control scheme is constructed to estimate and then compensate the noise modeled by the nonlinear exosystem. Then, an event‐triggered scheme and a quantized input technique are adopted to alleviate the channel transmission pressure. Subsequently, by combining dissipative control theory, an ECADC design method is developed such that the closed‐loop system is dissipative in the presence of multiple noises. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is validated through numerical simulations.
Adjusted logistic propensity weighting methods for population inference using nonprobabilityvolunteer‐basedepidemiologic cohorts
Authors: Wang Lingxiao , Valliant Richard , Li Yan
Published: July 2021

Many epidemiologic studies forgo probability sampling and turn to nonprobability volunteer‐based samples because of cost, response burden, and invasiveness of biological samples. However, finite population (FP) inference is difficult to make from the nonprobability sample due to the lack of population representativeness. Aiming for making inferences at the population level using nonprobability samples, various inverse propensity score weighting methods have been studied with the propensity defined by the participation rate of population units in the nonprobability sample. In this article, we propose an adjusted logistic propensity weighting (ALP) method to estimate the participation rates for nonprobability sample units. The proposed ALP method is easy to implement by ready‐to‐use software while producing approximately unbiased estimators for population quantities regardless of the nonprobability sample rate. The efficiency of the ALP estimator can be further improved by scaling the survey sample weights in propensity estimation. Taylor linearization variance estimators are proposed for ALP estimators of FP means that account for all sources of variability. The proposed ALP methods are evaluated numerically via simulation studies and empirically using the naïve unweighted National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III sample, while taking the 1997 National Health Interview Survey as the reference, to estimate the 15‐year mortality rates.
A comparison of confidence distribution approaches for rare event meta‐analysis
Authors: Zabriskie Brinley N. , Corcoran Chris , Senchaudhuri Pralay
Published: July 2021

Meta‐analysis of rare event data has recently received increasing attention due to the challenging issues rare events pose to traditional meta‐analytic methods. One specific way to combine information and analyze rare event meta‐analysis data utilizes confidence distributions (CDs). While several CD methods exist, no comparisons have been made to determine which method is best suited for homogeneous or heterogeneous meta‐analyses with rare events. In this article, we review several CD methods: Fisher's classicP‐value combination method, one that combinesP‐value functions, another that combines confidence intervals, and one that combines confidence log‐likelihood functions. We compare these CD approaches, and we propose and compare variations of these methods to determine which method produces reliable results for homogeneous or heterogeneous rare event meta‐analyses. We find that for homogeneous rare event data, most CD methods perform very well. On the other hand, for heterogeneous rare event data, there is a clear split in performance between some CD methods, with some performing very poorly and others performing reasonably well.
The initial impact of COVID‐19 on Australasian sonographers part 3: Sonographer professional, personal, and social wellbeing
Authors: Childs Jessie , Osborne Brooke , Lamb Kathryn , Maranna Sandhya , Esterman Adrian
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The wellbeing of front‐line healthcare workers can be impacted during a pandemic. This paper reports the initial impact on the wellbeing of COVID‐19 on Australasian sonographers.

Methods

An online qualitative and quantitative survey was conducted between March and June 2020 to explore the wellbeing of Australasian sonographers in the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Whilst most sonographers felt supported at work (300/379), those working in public hospitals felt more so than those in private practice. Sonographers in private practice felt more as though their job was at risk and were more likely to consider an alternate source of income. Sonographers felt they were working on the front line and many felt anxious about themselves (74%) or family (78%) contracting COVID‐19 due to their employment. Forty‐one percent of sonographers felt more isolated than normal, with younger age groups (18‐34 years) feeling less like they had enough hobbies or selfcare activities to get them through. Twelve percent of sonographers reported never, or rarely, coping with the juggle of work and home life.

Conclusion

The initial impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the wellbeing of sonographers is evident. Longitudinal data will enable wellbeing to be tracked over time.
Empirical Bayesian analysis through the lens of a particular class of constrained Bayesian hierarchical models
Authors: Bradley Jonathan R , Zong Qingying
Published: July 2021

Empirical Bayesian analysis is a well‐known approach that incorporates an estimator into a Bayesian analysis. In this article, we offer another approach, which has several useful properties. Our solution is based on the framework introduced by Yekutieli (2012) to account for the variability introduced by selecting parameters. Specifically, we assume that the unknown parameter is contained within a ball centered at an estimator, and the radius is given by a prior distribution. We refer to our method as the auxiliary parameter constrained Bayesian hierarchical model (C‐BHM). This general framework is particularly exciting as traditional empirical Bayesian analysis and parametric Bayesian analysis can be written as special cases. Hence, this C‐BHM represents a unifying framework within the area of Bayesian statistics. Several technical results are provided. Furthermore, we show analytically that one can outperform both empirical and fully Bayesian analysis through the Bayes factor. We illustrate the C‐BHM to extend the Fay–Herriot model, which is often used in the survey sampling setting. To demonstrate the usefulness of our method we provide simulations and an illustration to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau's Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program.
Parameters analysis and design of transverse connection strengthening prestressed concrete T‐girder bridge
Authors: Chen Chen , Yang Caiqian , Pan Yong , Zhang Honglei , De Backer Hans
Published: July 2021

Transverse connection strengthening prestressed concrete T‐girder bridge is an effective method to enhance the integrality of the T‐girder bridge. In a previous work, a new kind of diaphragm transverse connections (DTCs) has been proposed and its validity has been proved. Aiming to study the influential parameters for the strengthening effect, finite element analysis is carried out based on a 30 m prestressed concrete T‐girder bridge in this study. The considered influential parameters are T‐girder spacing, T‐girder height, brace thickness, and installation location of the DTCs. The deflections and load distribution factors of the prestressed concrete T‐girder bridge are calculated to evaluate the impact of each parameter on the strengthening effect. Furthermore, the influence of brace thickness and T‐girder height on axial forces of the DTCs and connection force is studied. The results show that the strengthening effect with DTCs installed at midspan is the best option. With T‐girder height increasing, the deflections of the T‐girder reduce and the maximum load distribution factor increases. Besides, increasing the brace thickness of DTCs or decreasing the T‐girder spacing improves the strengthening effect. By comparing the axial force with the buckling critical force, it shows that the stability of the braces is adequate. Finally, design recommendations are given for the 30 m prestressed concrete T‐girder bridge strengthening.
Verifiable Autonomy and Responsible Robotics
Authors: Dennis Louise , Fisher Michael
Published: July 2021

The move towards greater autonomy presents challenges for software engineering. As we may be delegating greater responsibility to software systems and as these autonomous systems can make their own decisions and take their own actions, a step change in the way the systems are developed and verified is needed. This step involves moving from just considering what the system does, but also why it chooses to do it (since decision-making may be delegated). In this chapter, we provide an overview of our programme of work in this area: utilising hybrid agent architectures, exposing and verifying the reasons for decisions, and applying this to assessing a range of properties of autonomous systems.
The swampland at large number of space-time dimensions
Authors: Bonnefoy Quentin , Ciambelli Luca , Lüst Dieter , Lüst Severin
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We discuss some aspects of swampland constraints — especially the swamp-land distance conjecture — in a large number of space-time dimensions D. We analyze Kaluza-Klein (KK) states at large D and find that some KK spectra possess an interesting dependence on D. On the basis of these observations we propose a new large dimension conjecture. We apply it to KK states of compactifications to anti-de Sitter backgrounds where it predicts an upper bound on the dimension of space-time as a function of its characteristic radius. We also apply our conjecture to black hole spacetimes, whose entropies have a D-dependence very similar to that of the KK spectrum.
An alternative approach to study irrotational periodic gravity water waves
Authors: Basu Biswajit , Martin Calin I.
Published: July 2021

We are concerned here with an analysis of the nonlinear irrotational gravity water wave problem with a free surface over a water flow bounded below by a flat bed. We employ a new formulation involving an expression (called flow force) which contains pressure terms, thus having the potential to handle intricate surface dynamic boundary conditions. The proposed formulation neither requires the graph assumption of the free surface nor does require the absence of stagnation points. By way of this alternative approach we prove the existence of a local curve of solutions to the water wave problem with fixed flow force and more relaxed assumptions.
Exact and inexact decompositions of trade price indices
Authors: Benedictow Andreas , Boug Pål
Published: July 2021

A reasonable concept for the true trade price index in situations where low-price countries capture market shares from high-price countries is the average price paid by importers for the same quality of good or service from all exporting countries. However, decompositions of trade price indices are usuallyinexactin the sense that the average price used as the underlying aggregator formula isnotexactly reproduced. In this paper, we compare analytically exact and inexact decompositions of trade price indices, paying particular attention to the bias in aggregate inflation occurring from applying the first-order Taylor series approximation and not the quadratic approximation lemma to a geometric average price. Our calculations, using the Norwegian clothing industry as an illustration, reveal that the bias in aggregate inflation over the sample period of 1997–2016 is quite substantial and as much as 0.6 percentage point in some years. We therefore conclude that the quadratic approximation lemma should be used in practice to exactly reproduce the underlying aggregator formula.
Parental Post‐operative Telephone Follow‐Up After Paediatric Day Case Surgery
Authors: Williams Omolara Modupe , Faboya Omolara Morounkeji , Omisanjo Olufunmilade Akinfolarin
Published: July 2021

Background

Paediatric day case surgeries (DCSs) are associated with minimal complications therefore the post‐operative follow‐up visit usually serves to calm anxious parents and is replaceable with a phone call. This study examines the safety and reliability of post‐operative telephone assessment by caregivers and its acceptability to them.

Methods

Parents of DCS patients over a 9‐month period were recruited for telephone follow‐up on third post‐operative day for wound assessment. The remote reports were compared with the finding during the in‐person visit on fourth post‐operative day to determine the reliability of parents’ observation. The parents’ acceptance of telephone follow‐up was also studied.

Results

The parents of 112 children who had groin surgeries (84%), repair of umbilical hernias (4.5%) and excision of soft tissue masses (11.6%) were recruited. The M:F ratio was 10.2:1. The median age at surgery was 64 months (IQR 43.0–96.8) and median waiting time for surgery was 11.5 months (IQR 3.0–28.8). Most caregivers were mothers (83%) and had a minimum of secondary education (86.6%).

The telephone and clinic assessments were matched in 98 of 101 assessed patients. Telephone follow‐up would have sufficed for 104 (92.9%) patients and correctly identified those who needed clinic visits. Majority of parents found telephone follow‐up acceptable in lieu of clinic visit but some preferred to be given a phone number to initiate the call if necessary.

Conclusion

Telephone call is safe, feasible and acceptable for follow‐up after paediatric DCS. A guided parents’ assessment of the wound is reliable for determining those who need hospital visit.
Tetrahedra of varying density and their applications
Authors: Bukenberger Dennis R. , Lensch Hendrik P. A.
Published: July 2021

We propose concepts to utilize basic mathematical principles for computing the exact mass properties of objects with varying densities. For objects given as 3D triangle meshes, the method is analytically accurate and at the same time faster than any established approximation method. Our concept is based on tetrahedra as underlying primitives, which allows for the object’s actual mesh surface to be incorporated in the computation. The density within a tetrahedron is allowed to vary linearly, i.e., arbitrary density fields can be approximated by specifying the density at all vertices of a tetrahedral mesh. Involved integrals are formulated in closed form and can be evaluated by simple, easily parallelized, vector-matrix multiplications. The ability to compute exact masses and centroids for objects of varying density enables novel or more exact solutions to several interesting problems: besides the accurate analysis of objects under given density fields, this includes the synthesis of parameterized density functions for the make-it-stand challenge or manufacturing of objects with controlled rotational inertia. In addition, based on the tetrahedralization of Voronoi cells we introduce a precise method to solve$$L_{2|\infty }$$L2|∞Lloyd relaxations by exact integration of the Chebyshev norm. In the context of additive manufacturing research, objects of varying density are a prominent topic. However, current state-of-the-art algorithms are still based on voxelizations, which produce rather crude approximations of masses and mass centers of 3D objects. Many existing frameworks will benefit by replacing approximations with fast and exact calculations.

Graphic abstract
Correction to: Age differences in diffusion model parameters: a meta-analysis
Authors: Theisen Maximilian , Lerche Veronika , von Krause Mischa , Voss Andreas
Published: July 2021

Original article has been updated.
Autoimmune Neurogenic Dysphagia
Authors: Stathopoulos Panos , Dalakas Marinos C.
Published: July 2021

Autoimmune neurogenic dysphagia refers to manifestation of dysphagia due to autoimmune diseases affecting muscle, neuromuscular junction, nerves, roots, brainstem, or cortex. Dysphagia is either part of the evolving clinical symptomatology of an underlying neurological autoimmunity or occurs as a sole manifestation, acutely or insidiously. This opinion article reviews the autoimmune neurological causes of dysphagia, highlights clinical clues and laboratory testing that facilitate early diagnosis, especially when dysphagia is the presenting symptom, and outlines the most effective immunotherapeutic approaches. Dysphagia is common in inflammatory myopathies, most prominently in inclusion body myositis, and is frequent in myasthenia gravis, occurring early in bulbar-onset disease or during the course of progressive, generalized disease. Acute-onset dysphagia is often seen in Guillain–Barre syndrome variants and slowly progressive dysphagia in paraneoplastic neuropathies highlighted by the presence of specific autoantibodies. The most common causes of CNS autoimmune dysphagia are demyelinating and inflammatory lesions in the brainstem, occurring in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Less common, but often overlooked, is dysphagia in stiff-person syndrome especially in conjunction with cerebellar ataxia and high anti-GAD autoantibodies, and in gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes associated with autoantibodies against the ganglionic acetyl-choline receptor. In the setting of many neurological autoimmunities, acute-onset or progressive dysphagia is a potentially treatable condition, requiring increased awareness for prompt diagnosis and early immunotherapy initiation.
A finite element method for modeling surface growth and resorption of deformable solids
Authors: Bergel Guy L. , Papadopoulos Panayiotis
Published: July 2021

This work explores a continuum-mechanical model for a body simultaneously undergoing finite deformation and surface growth/resorption. This is accomplished by defining the kinematics as well as the set of material points that constitute the domain of a physical body at a given time in terms of an evolving reference configuration. The implications of spatial and temporal discretization are discussed, and an extension of the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element method is proposed to enforce the resulting balance laws on the grown/resorbed body in two spatial dimensions. Representative numerical examples are presented to highlight the predictive capabilities of the model and the numerical properties of the proposed solution method.
Association of temporomandibular disorder-related pain with severe headaches—a Bayesian view
Authors: Ashraf Javed , Närhi Matti , Suominen Anna Liisa , Saxlin Tuomas
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Association of temporomandibular disorders (TMD)-related pain with severe headaches (migraine and tension-type headaches [TTH]) was studied over a follow-up period of 11 years.

Materials and methods

The data used was from two nationally representative health surveys in Finland—the Health 2000 Survey (baseline) and the Health 2011 Survey (follow-up) (Bioresource Research Impact Factor [BRIF] 8901)—conducted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The primary dataset of the current study included a subset of the population undergoing a clinical oral examination, including TMD examination, at baseline, and answering the questions related to severe headaches, both at baseline and at follow-up (n = 530). From the primary dataset, two datasets were created to study the onset of migraine (dataset 1) and TTH (dataset 2) separately. Dataset 1 included participants healthy of migraine, but not other headaches, at baseline (n = 345), and dataset 2 participants healthy of TTH and other headaches, except migraine, at baseline (n = 464). Bayesian logistic regression models with weakly informative priors were utilized to assess the association of muscle-related TMD pain (mTMD) at baseline and temporomandibular joint-related TMD pain (jTMD) at baseline with the presence of migraine and TTH at follow-up.

Results

Neither of the baseline TMD-related pain variables were associated with the presence of migraine at follow-up (posterior effect estimates-0.12, 95% credible interval [CI] -0.49–0.24, and 0.11, 95% CI -0.38–0.59, for mTMD and jTMD, respectively), whereas mTMD at baseline (posterior effect estimate 0.36, 95% CI 0.02–0.69), but not jTMD at baseline (posterior effect estimate -0.32, 95% CI -0.94–0.25), was associated with the presence of TTH at follow-up. Bayesian sensitivity analyses revealed that the estimates of the regression models were stable, demonstrating sufficient validity and consistency of the estimates.

Conclusion

These results indicate that diverse mechanisms may exist behind the associations of TMD-related painful conditions with different types of severe headaches.

Clinical relevance

TMD-related pain is a frequent comorbidity of severe primary headaches. Therapy of severe primary headaches may thus benefit significantly with the incorporation of a multi-disciplinary clinical team.
Mechanical properties of rotary swaged steel components
Authors: Charni Dhia , Ortmann-Ishkina Svetlana , Herrmann Marius , Schenck Christian , Epp Jérémy
Published: July 2021

The radial infeed rotary swaging is widely used as a diameter reduction forming process of axisymmetric workpieces, improving the mechanical properties with excellent near net shape forming. In the present study, rotary swaging experiments with different parameter setups were performed on steel tubes and bars under different material states and several resulting property modifications were investigated such as stress-strain curve, hardness, fatigue strength and surface residual stresses. The results show a significant work hardening induced by the rotary swaging process and an improvement in the static and dynamic mechanical properties was observed. Furthermore, the hardness distribution was homogenous in the cross section of the rotary swaged workpieces. Moreover, depending on the process conditions, different residual stresses distribution were generated along the surface.
Defensive spray by a semiaquatic osmylid larva (Insecta: Neuroptera) for both aquatic and terrestrial predators
Authors: Iwanami Tsukuru , Yu Pei , Hayashi Fumio
Published: July 2021

Chemical secretions are an effective means by which insects can deter potential enemies. Several terrestrial insects spray these liquids directionally toward enemies, but little is known about spraying behavior in aquatic and semiaquatic insects. The larvae of Osmylus hyalinatus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae) are semiaquatic, inhabiting the edges of small streams and ponds where they encounter multiple enemies on land and in water. The larvae of this osmylid sprayed a hyaline liquid from the anal opening if disturbed in either air and water, although the spray appeared slightly viscous in water. The liquid was stored in the posterior half of the hindgut and sprayed directionally toward an artificial stimulus. Spraying allowed the larvae to escape biting by ants, and to repel them in 90% of encounters. Spraying caused the regurgitation of 71% and 60% of all larvae swallowed by terrestrial frogs and aquatic newts, respectively. Aquatic fishfly larvae released 30% of captured larvae due to spraying. Most of the larvae that repelled ants or were regurgitated by amphibians survived, but those released by fishfly larvae were killed by heavy biting with the mandibles. This is the first report of effective liquid spraying by insects in water, and also within the order Neuroptera.
Analysis of geographic centrality and genetic diversity in the declining grasshopper species Bryodemella tuberculata (Orthoptera: Oedipodinae)
Authors: Dey Lara-Sophie , Simões Marianna V. P. , Hawlitschek Oliver , Sergeev Michael G. , Xu Sheng‐Quan , Lkhagvasuren Davaa , Husemann Martin
Published: July 2021

Human-induced ecological and climatic changes have led to the decline and even local extinction of many formerly widely distributed temperate and cold-adapted species. Determining the exact causes of this decline remains difficult. Bryodemella tuberculata was a widely distributed orthopteran species before the mid-19th century. Since then, many European populations have suffered drastic declines and are now considered extinct or critically endangered. We used ecological niche modelling based on a large dataset of extant and extinct occurrence data to investigate whether poor climatic suitability in the periphery of its global range was a possible cause of the local extinction of the European populations of B. tuberculata. We also used population genetics based on the COI marker to estimate and compare the genetic diversity of extant populations. We found that Europe still provides highly suitable habitats close to the climatic optimum, contradicting the assumption of climate change as major driver of this decline. Instead, changes in land-cover and other anthropogenic modifications of the habitats at the local scale seem to be the major reasons for local extinctions. Genetic analysis suggests Central Asia as center of diversity with a stable population size, whereas the effective sizes of the remaining European populations are decreasing. We found European genetic lineages nested within Central Asian lineages, suggesting a Central Asian source distribution area. Our results suggest that the declining European populations represent relics of a formerly wider distribution, which was fragmented by changes in land-use. These relics are now threatened by limited connectivity and small effective population sizes. Specific conservation actions, such as the restoration of former or potential new habitats, and translocation of individuals from extant populations to these restored sites may help slow, stall, or even revert the extinction process.
Serum zinc and dietary intake of zinc in relation to risk of different breast cancer subgroups and serum levels as a marker of intake: a prospective nested case-control study
Authors: Bengtsson Ylva , Sandsveden Malte , Borgquist Signe , Manjer Jonas
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Zinc has been suggested to be protective against breast cancer, but the evidence remains inconclusive. One reason for inconsistent findings in previous studies may be that zinc only influences the risk of developing certain subtypes of breast cancer. Our study is the first study assessing zinc levels in relation to the risk of different breast cancer subgroups, defined by their tumor characteristics. In addition, we analyze serum zinc as a marker of dietary intake.

Methods

The Malmö Diet and Cancer Study is a population-based cohort study that took place 1991–1996 in Malmö, Sweden. Until end of follow-up, 31 December 2013, 1186 incident cases were identified and matched to an equal number of controls. Odds ratios (ORs) for breast cancer, and having a certain tumor characteristic, were estimated in quartiles of baseline serum zinc and zinc intake and adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

No associations were found between zinc, measured in serum or diet pre-diagnostically, and breast cancer risk. The adjusted OR for breast cancer in serum zinc Q4 compared to Q1 was 1.09 (0.85–1.41) and in zinc intake Q4 versus Q1 was 0.97 (0.77–1.23). Moreover, there were no clear associations between zinc and any breast cancer characteristics. The kappa value, 0.025 (P = 0.022), showed poor agreement between serum zinc and zinc intake.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that there is no clear association between zinc and overall breast cancer risk or risk of different breast cancer subgroups. Finally, our results suggest that serum zinc is a poor marker of zinc intake.
Frugal Innovation Hijacked: The Co-optive Power of Co-creation
Authors: Tesfaye Linda Annala , Fougère Martin
Published: July 2021

In this paper we investigate how different discourses on frugal innovation are articulated, and how the dynamics between these different discourses have led to a certain dominant understanding of frugal innovation today. We analyse the dynamic interactions between three discourses on frugal innovation: (1) innovations for the poor, (2) grassroots innovations by the poor, and more recently (3) co-creating frugal innovations with the poor. We argue that this latter discourse is articulated as a hegemonic project as it is designed to accommodate demands from both business and poor communities. We draw on Laclau and Mouffe’s concepts of ‘chain of difference’, ‘empty signifier’ and ‘floating signifier’ to explain the advent of the hegemonic discourse on co-creating innovations with the poor. We show how a floating signifier with radical potential, frugal innovation, has been hijacked and co-opted in a hegemonic project that has leveraged powerful ambiguous signifiers, with co-creation acting as an empty signifier. To clarify what is problematic in this hegemonic intervention, we expose how contemporary frugal innovation discourse contributes to a project of governing and exploiting rather than helping the poor, in ways that benefit formal economic actors while further worsening global inequalities.
A comprehensive investigation of the Galilean moon, Io, by tracing mass and energy flows
Authors: Thomas N.
Published: July 2021

Io is the most volcanically-active object in the solar system. The moon ejects a tonne per second of sulphur-rich gases that fill the vast magnetosphere of Jupiter and drives million-amp electrical currents that excite strong auroral emissions. We present the case for including a detailed study of Io within Voyage 2050 either as a standalone mission or as a contribution to a NASA New Frontiers mission, possibly within a Solar System theme centred around current evolutionary or dynamical processes. A comprehensive investigation will provide answers to many outstanding questions and will simultaneously provide information on processes that have formed the landscapes of several other objects in the past. A mission investigating Io will also study processes that have shaped the Earth, Moon, terrestrial planets, outer planet moons, and potentially extrasolar planets. The aim would be simple – tracing the mass and energy flows in the Io-Jupiter system.
Presentism and times as propositions
Authors: Banfi Luca , Deasy Daniel
Published: July 2021

SomePresentists—according to whomeverything is present—identify instants of time with propositions of a certain kind. However, the view that times are propositions seems to be at odds with Presentism: if there are times then there arepasttimes, and therefore things that are past; but how could there be things that are past if everything is present? In this paper, we describe the Presentist view that times are propositions (Sect. 2); we set out the argument that Presentism is incompatible with the view that times are propositions (Sect. 3); and then we describe three possible responses to that argument on behalf of Presentists who identify times with propositions (Sect. 4). We argue that each of these responses comes with significant costs. Finally, we describe a fourth possible response—according to which times are irreducibly higher-order entities—which appears to avoid the costs of the other three (Sect. 5). We also describe and respond to two objections to the higher-order strategy (Sect. 6).
Risk factors of uterine contraction after ureteroscopy in pregnant women with renal colic
Authors: Li Chunjing , Guo Liwen , Luo Mi , Guo Mingjuan , Li Jierong , Zhang Shilin , Liu Guoqing
Published: July 2021

Background

Ureteroscopy is widely applied in pregnant women with renal colic, but such patients are easy to experience uterine contraction after surgery. There are many factors which may affect uterine contraction, this study aims to explore the risk factors of uterine contraction triggered by ureteroscopy in pregnant women with renal colic.

Methods

One hundred and one pregnant women were retrospectively analyzed, the patients were hospitalized because of severe renal colic. All patients received ureteroscopy during which double J catheters were inserted into ureters for drainage. Patients received other medical treatments individually according to their condition and uterine contractions were detected by EHG within 12 h after operation. Patients were classified as group A (uterine contraction) and group B (no uterine contraction) according to the presence or absence of continuously regular uterine contraction. Clinical characteristics were collected for further analysis, including history of childbirth, anesthesia method, application of phloroglucinol or not, operation time, Oxygen inhalation or not, pain relief or not after surgery, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurred or not. A binary logistic regression analysis model was established to explore whether such clinical characteristics were relevant to uterine contraction after ureteroscopy.

Results

Continuously regular uterine contraction presented in 46 pregnant women within 12 h after ureteroscopy, making the incidence of uterine contraction as high as 45.54%. The presence of uterine contraction was related to the following factors(P < 0.05): history of childbirth (primipara versus multipara)(OR 6.593, 95% CI 2.231–19.490), operation time (each quarter additional) (OR 2.385, 95% CI 1.342–4.238), application of phloroglucinol (yes versus not) (OR 6.959, 95% CI 1.416–34.194), pain relief after surgery(yes versus not)(OR 6.707, 95% CI 1.978–22.738), SIRS occurred after surgery (yes versus not) (OR 0.099, 95% CI 0.014–0.713).

Conclusion

Continuously regular uterine contraction is easy to occur within 12 h after ureteroscopy in pregnant women. SIRS occurred after surgery is a risk factor for uterine contraction; on the contrary, no history of childbirth, shorter operation time, application of phloroglucinol, pain relief after surgery are protective factors.
Phytoremediation Potential of Native Herbaceous Plant Species Growing on a Paradigmatic Brownfield Site
Authors: Matanzas N. , Afif E. , Díaz T. E. , Gallego J. R.
Published: July 2021

Phytomanagement techniques using native species allow the recovery of contaminated soils at low cost and circumvent the ecological risks associated with the use of non-native species. In this context, a paradigmatic brownfield megasite highly contaminated by As and Pb was sampled in order to analyze soil–plant interactions and identify plant species with phytoremediation potential. A survey was first carried out in a 20-ha area to obtain an inventory of species growing spontaneously throughout the site. We then performed another survey in the most polluted sub-area (1 ha) within the site. Pseudototal concentrations of contaminants in the soil, aerial parts of the plants, and roots were measured by ICP-MS. A detailed habitat classification was done, and a specific index of coverage was applied by means of a 1-year quadrat study in various sampling stations. Results converged in the selection of six herbaceous species (Dysphania botrys, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus hispidus, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Medicago lupulina). All of these plants are fast-growing, thereby making them suitable for use in phytostabilization strategies. Furthermore, they are all easy to grow and propagate and are generally self-sustaining. All six plants showed accumulation factors below 1, thus revealing them as pseudomethallophytes and excluders. However, L. hispidus and M. lupulina showed translocation capacity and are considered worthy of further study.
Achtsamkeit in der Schule (AISCHU) – Evaluation der Weiterbildung für Lehrkräfte zur Stressreduktion
Authors: Kraft Jana , Kaltwasser Vera , Kohls Niko
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Positive Effekte von achtsamkeitsbasierten Programmen im Kontext Schule wurden bereits vielfältig belegt. Das in dieser Studie evaluierte Konzept Achtsamkeit in der Schule (AISCHU) richtet sich an Lehrkräfte und SchülerInnen und soll deren Stresswahrnehmung und Selbstregulationsfähigkeit schulen. Im Fokus dieser explorativen Studie steht erstmals der präventive Nutzen der AISCHU-Weiterbildung für Lehrkräfte und deren psychische Gesundheit.

Methodik

Etablierte Messinstrumente bezüglich Stresserleben (PSQ), Burn-out-Gefährdung („Tedium measure“ (TM)), Wohlbefinden (WHO-5) und Achtsamkeit (FFA, MAAS) wurden im Prä-Post-Vergleich eingesetzt. Die Daten beziehen sich auf 36 Lehrkräfte unterschiedlicher Schulformen.

Ergebnisse

Es ergaben sich hinsichtlich aller untersuchten Messgrößen signifikante Verbesserungen mit z. T. großen Effektstärken.

Schlussfolgerung

In dieser explorativen Pilotstudie zu AISCHU für Lehrkräfte konnten erstmals vielversprechende Hinweise auf die Wirksamkeit im Sinne von Stressreduzierung, Burn-out-Risikominimierung sowie Verbesserung der Lebensqualität bei belasteten LehrerInnen beobachtet werden.