bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hip arthroplasty for unstable femoral trochanteric fractures using the direct anterior approach
Authors: Baba Tomonori , Banno Sammy , Watari Taiji , Shirogane Yuichi , Tanabe Hiroki , Ishii Seiya , Homma Yasuhiro , Kaneko Kazuo , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: October 2022

Background: This study aims to investigate the clinical outcome of unstable femoral trochanteric fractures treated by hip arthroplasty through direct anterior approach (DAA).
Methods: The subjects were patients with unstable femoral trochanteric fractures who were independently ambulatory before injury. Twenty-two patients who underwent hip replacement between 2019 and 2021 (arthroplasty group), and 22 patients treated by osteosynthesis between 2016 and 2018 (osteosynthesis group) were compared.
Results: Regarding complications, reoperation, dislocation, or infection did not occur, but over telescoping of the lag screw larger than 10 mm was noted in 4 patients (18.2%) in the osteosynthesis group. No significant difference was noted in the mean Barthel Index score on admission, but it was significantly different at discharge (arthroplasty group: 71.4±17.3, osteosynthesis group: 48.0±23.1, P<0.01). One year after surgery, walking ability before injury was maintained at 71.4% in the arthroplasty group and 36.4% in the osteosynthesis group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Hip arthroplasty through DAA did not cause postoperative dislocation. For unstable trochanteric fractures, patients who underwent hip arthroplasty through DAA had a higher Barthel index at discharge and a higher maintenance rate of walking ability at 1 year after surgery than those who underwent osteosynthesis. Hip arthroplasty through DAA is effective for the treatment of unstable femoral trochanteric fractures considering functional recovery of the hip joint.
Do early-life extreme weather experiences of CEOs
affect corporate climate strategies?
Authors: Szymczak Wiebke , Wagner Simone Andrea , Busch Timo
Published: October 2022

While the drastic physical impacts of climate change and related extreme weather events (EWEs) are increasingly apparent, little is known about long-term behavioral consequences of climate change-related experiences. In this study, we investigate whether extreme weather events experienced by CEOs during their early lives induce a systematic shift towards more climate-friendly professional decisions. Our sample covers decisions of 447 U.S. born Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) between 1991 and 2018. The results of our study reveal a significant positive effect of early-life EWE experiences on sustainability-related and climate-related corporate policies during a CEO's tenure. These findings are robust to different proxies and model specifications. Our results provide evidence that extreme weather experiences have long-lasting effects on climate-related attitudes and thereby moderate the willingness to act with respect to climate change.
Virtual Reality Enables Rapid and Multi-Faceted Retinal Function Screening
Authors: Labkovich Margarita , Warburton Andrew , Cheng Christopher , Okome Oluwafeyikemi , Navarro Vicente , Serafini Randal , Valliani Aly , Reddy Harsha , Chelnis James
Published: October 2022

Background: Given global population growth and aging, it is imperative to prioritize early eye disease detection and treatment. However, the current eye specialist workforce capacity is not bridging the growing gap, making it important to consider alternative solutions for increasing eye screening capabilities. This study compared virtual reality (VR) vision screening exams that help evaluate retinal health, such as 24-2 perimetry, Ishihara color blindness, and Amsler grid tests, against their in-clinic counterparts.

Methods: 86 subjects were recruited from Mount Sinai’s ophthalmology clinic for a head-to-head comparison trial that was internally controlled across healthy controls and eyes with glaucoma and retinal disease.

Results:
Perimetry results from Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (HVFA) and VR suprathreshold testing demonstrated a good sensitivity both overall (80% OD, 84% OS) and across control (86% OD, 89% OS), glaucoma (69% OD, 78% OS), and retinal disease (76% OD, 80% OS) groups. A Garway-Heath anatomical map showed an overall 70-80% agreement. Ishihara plate tests did not show a significant difference between the two testing modalities (p = 0.12; Mann-Whitney U test), which remained true across groups. Amsler grid testing differences were also non-significant (p = 0.81; Mann-Whitney U test), including each subgroup. Patient time required to complete VR exams was significantly improved (p<0.0001; Wilcoxon) compared to the gold standard tests.

Conclusions: All VR tests showed high sensitivity and percent agreement compared to in-office standards, indicating a promising potential for VR technologies in visual function screening for early identification of prevalent diseases such as glaucoma and retinal conditions.
Genomic association using principal components of morphometric traits in horses: identification of genes related to bone growth
Authors: Bastos Marisa Silva , Diaz Iara del Pilar Solar , Alves Jackeline Santos , de Oliveira Louise Sarmento Martins , de Oliveira Chiara Albano de Araújo , de Godói Fernanda Nascimento , deCamargo Gregório Miguel Ferreira , Costa Raphael Bermal
Published: October 2022

The measurement of morphometric traits in horses is important for determining breed qualification and is one of the main selection criteria in the species. The development of an index (HPC) that consists of principal components weighted by additive genetic values allows to explore the most relevant relationships using a reduced number of variables that explain the greatest amount of variation in the data. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using HPC are a relatively new approach that permits to identify regions related to a set of traits. The aim of this study was to perform GWAS using HPC for 15 linear measurements as the explanatory variable in order to identify associated genomic regions and to elucidate the biological mechanisms linked to this index in Campolina horses. For GWAS, weighted single-step GBLUP was applied to HPC. The eight genomic windows that explained the highest proportion of additive genetic variance were identified. The sum of the additive variance explained by the eight windows was 95.89%. Genes involved in bone and cartilage development were identified (SPRY2, COL9A2, MIR30C, HEYL, BMP8B, LTBP1, FAM98A, and CRIM1). They represent potential positional candidates for the HPC of the linear measurements evaluated. The HPC is an efficient alternative to reduce the 15 usually measured traits in Campolina horses. Moreover, candidate genes inserted in region that explained high additive variance of the HPC were identified and might be fine-mapped for searching putative mutation/markers.
Relationship between evacuation after the Great East Japan Earthquake and new-onset hyperuricemia: A 7-year prospective longitudinal study of the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Honda Kazuya , Okazaki Kanako , Tanaka Kenichi , Kobari Eri , Kazama Sakumi , Hashimoto Shigeatsu , Ohira Tetsuya , Sakai Akira , Yasumura Seiji , Maeda Masaharu , Yabe Hirooki , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Takahashi Atsushi , Harigane Mayumi , Nakano Hironori , Hayashi Fumikazu , Nagao Masanori , Shimabukuro Michio , Ohto Hitoshi , Kamiya Kenji , Kazama Junichiro J
Published: October 2022

The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in Japan on March 11, 2011, with a nuclear accident occurring at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant afterward. The disaster constrained many evacuees to change their lifestyles. However, the effect of evacuation on the new-onset of hyperuricemia have not been sufficiently elucidated. We aimed to assess the association between evacuation and new-onset hyperuricemia after the earthquake based on the Fukushima Health Management Survey from a lifestyle and socio-psychological perspective. A longitudinal study examined data collected from 18,140 residents (6,961 men and 11,179 women) with non-hyperuricemia who underwent both the Comprehensive Health Check and the Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey between 2011 and 2017. Using a Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis, we estimated associations between new-onset hyperuricemia and lifestyle- and disaster-related factors, including evacuation. We defined hyperuricemia as uric acid levels > 7.0 mg/dL for men and > 6.0 mg/dL for women. A total of 2,996 participants (1,608 men, 23.1%, 1,388 women, 12.4%) newly developed hyperuricemia during a median follow-up of 4.3 years. This study observed significant associations between evacuation and onset of hyperuricemia in women (adjusted hazard ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.32, p = 0.007), but not in men (adjusted hazard ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.24, p = 0.067). Evacuation after a natural disaster is an independent risk factor for the new-onset of hyperuricemia in women.
Clinical response to three different doses of epidural morphine analgesia in frail older adults undergoing lower abdominal cancer surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Shawqi Muhammad , Mohamed Sahar Abdel-Baky , A Essam Sharkawy , Hetta Diab
Published: October 2022

Background: Epidural morphine is considered one of the potent drugs that used for post operative analgesia; however, side effects of its usage are dose-related and exaggerated in the elderly.
Methods: 88 elderly patients undergoing lower abdominal cancer surgery were divided into four equal groups received either, placebo (group Morphine 0, N = 22), or 1.5 mg epidural morphine (Morphine 1.5, N = 22), or 3 mg epidural morphine (Morphine 3, N = 22), or 4.5 mg epidural morphine (Morphine 4.5, N = 22) immediately preoperatively, 24 hours and 48 hours postoperatively. Cumulative intravenous PCA morphine consumption, VAS pain scores, modified Ramsay Sedation Score, nausea, vomiting, and pruritis were evaluated.
Results: The mean cumulative IV PCA morphine consumption (mg) in the first postoperative 72 hours was significantly decreased in all interventional groups, Morphine 1.5 mg, Morphine 3 mg and morphine 4.5 mg, compared to Morphine 0, P < 0.001 (Bonferroni corrected). However, non-significant reduction was observed between 3 mg epidural morphine group Vs. 4.5 mg group as P value = 0.191 (Bonferroni corrected). 0 mg Vs. 1.5 mg; 38.136 (4.8037) Vs. 27.182 (5.6115), 0 mg Vs. 3 mg; 38.136 (4.8037) Vs. 9.182 (3.5273), 0 mg Vs. 4.5 mg; 38.136 (4.8037) Vs. 6.273 (3.3407), 1.5 mg Vs. 3mg; 27.182 (5.6115) Vs. 9.182 (3.5273), 1.5 mg Vs. 4.5 mg; 27.182 (5.6115) Vs. 6.273 (3.3407), 3 mg Vs 4.5 mg; 9.182 (3.5273) Vs. 6.273 (3.3407).
The VAS score of pain intensity during cough in the first postoperative 72 hours was significantly decreased in 3 mg and 4.5 mg treatment groups compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between 0 mg group Vs. 1.5 mg group or between 3 mg group Vs. 4.5 mg group.
Patients in epidural morphine 4.5 mg group showed an increased level of sedation compared to all other groups. Nausea score was similar across both control and treatment groups. Vomiting and pruritis scores were similar across all the treatment groups but significantly higher than the placebo group.
Conclusion: Epidural morphine at a dose of 3 mg, for older adults undergoing lower abdominal cancer surgery, is the balanced optimal dose considering its analgesic efficacy and side effects.
Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov with ID number NCT0431687, Registered 20 March 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04316871
Effect of premature infant oral motor intervention(PIOMI) combined with music therapy on feeding progression of premature infants: a randomized control trial
Authors: Shokri Elmira , Zarifian Talieh , Soleimani Farin , Knoll Brenda Lessen , Mosayebi Ziba , Noroozi Mahdi , GhasrHamidi Kiana
Published: October 2022

Background: To explore the clinical effect of premature infant oral motor intervention(PIOMI) combined with music therapy on feeding progression of premature infants.
Method: Premature infants with post-menstrual ages between 26-30 weeks were included in the study. 52 participants were random divided into the intervention and control groups. All infants received PIOMI, and the intervention group had additional music therapy. The participants of the two groups were compared based on weight gain, feeding progression, Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Scale (POFRAS), milk volume and length of hospitalization.
Result: Intervention group reached independent oral feeding earlier, length of hospitalization was shorter, and POFRAS score was higher. There was no difference in weight gain between groups.
Conclusion: PIOMI combined with music therapy can improve feeding progression of premature infants by 8 days and reduce length of stay by 6 days.
Muscle Architecture of Leg Muscles: Functional and Clinical Significance
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Lalwani Rekha , Khan Manal M , Athavale Sunita Arvind
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Architectural properties of the muscles are the prime predictors of functional attributes and force-generating capacity of the muscles. This data is vital for musculoskeletal modelling and selecting the appropriate muscle-tendon units for tendon transfers.
Cadaveric data for architectural properties is the gold standard and primary input for musculoskeletal modelling. There is a paucity of these datasets, especially in the leg muscles.
Methods
Sixty muscles of the anterior & lateral compartments from twelve formalin-fixed lower limbs were studied for gross architecture including the peculiar fibre arrangements and architectural properties of muscles. Muscle weight, Muscle length, Fibre length, Pennation angle & Sarcomere length were measured. Normalised fibre length, Fibre length to muscle length ratio (FL/ML Ratio), and the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) were calculated from the obtained data.
Results
Muscles displayed a combination of architectural strategies and were partly fusiform and partly pennate. The tibialis anterior and peroneus longus were the heaviest muscles in their respective compartments and showed more extensive origin from the nearby deep facial sheets.
Long fibre length and less pennation angle were seen in muscles of the extensor compartment. Muscle power was highest in the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus and least in the Extensor hallucis longus.
Conclusions
Arching of the foot and eversion are peculiar to humans and recent in evolution. Due to the functional demand of maintaining the medial longitudinal arch and eversion, the Tibialis Anterior and Peroneus Longus have more muscle weight, and longer PCSA and hence are more powerful.
Extensor compartment muscles were architecturally more suited for excursions because of the long fibre length and less pennation angle.
This study contributes baseline normative data for musculoskeletal modelling platforms and simulation tools- an emerging area in biomechanics and tendon transfers.
Defining the Mixing Zone and Dilution at Lifting Drainage Water Joints Using CORMIX Model
Authors: Agrama Asmaa , El-Gamal Tallat
Published: October 2022

Background: Limited water resources with the gradual increase of water demand led to higher dependence on non-conventional water resources. The increasing pollutants in the drainage water restricted the reuse of this resource, and to maintain the quality of the fresh water, rigid laws are currently applied for mixing the drainage water with the fresh water. Such rigid laws led to hanging up the operation of many lifting stations that coasted big investment and which was lifting more than 2.0 BCM/day to the irrigation network. Mathematical models offer more flexible alternative for maintaining the water quality of the fresh water through defining the mixing zone between lifted drainage water and the receiving ambient. Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) model is a mathematical simulation model, which provides the quantitative predictions for pollutants dilution. The model has three modules depending on outfall characteristics (CORMIX1, 2 and 3). CORMIX3 for surface discharge was used in this study. The model was applied to define the mixing zone between the lifted drainage water from Mehalet Rough pumping station and the fresh water in Mit Yazid canal. Two water quality (WQ) parameters were assessed; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total dissolved solids (TDS).
Results: The simulation results verified that the two investigated parameters met WQ standards for the Egyptian law 48/1982 at a distance of 448.36 meter and 4.46 meter respectively. As the first municipal station is 3.2 km downstream the pumping station, the lifted drainage water could be accepted regardless its low quality according to these parameters.
Conclusions: The results illustrated the importance of using such model to define the suitable location for using the fresh water after mixing with point sources, and for an efficient implementation of integrated water management.
Seven Epileptic Seizure Type Classification in Pre-Ictal, Ictal and Inter-Ictal Stages Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Dutta Kusumika Krori , Manohar Premila , K Indira , Naaz Falalk , Lakhminarayanan Meenakshi , Rajagopalan Shwethaa
Published: October 2022

Background
Based on the symptoms experienced during the episode and the Electroencephalograph (EEG) recording made during the inter-ictal phase, the doctor makes the epileptic seizure type diagnosis. The fundamental issue, however, is that patients frequently struggle to explain their symptoms in the absence of an observer and identify traces in inter-ictal EEG patterns.
Aims
This study examines electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from epileptic seizures in order to diagnose seizures in pre-ictal, ictal, and inter-ictal stages and to categorize them into seven groups.
Methods
For the investigation, a licensed dataset from Temple University Hospital was used. Seven different seizure types are pre-processed from the seizure corpus and divided into pre-ictal, ictal, and inter-ictal stages. K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Random Forest, and other machine and deep learning techniques were used to perform the multi-class categorization.
Result
With 20 channels and an 80 − 20 train-test ratio, multiclass classification of seven different types of epileptic seizures was accomplished. For the pre-ictal, ictal, and inter-ictal stages, weighted KNN achieved accuracy levels of 94.7%, 94.7%, 69.0% during training and 94.46%, 94.46%, and 71.11% during testing.
Conclusion
Seven epileptic seizure type classification using machine learning techniques carried out with MATLAB software and weighted KNN shows better accuracy comparatively.
Early evolutionary branching across spatial domains predisposes to clonal replacement under chemotherapy in neuroblastoma
Authors: Gisselsson David , Karlsson Jenny , Yasui Hiroaki , Manas Adriana , Andersson Natalie , Hansson Karin , Aaltonen Kristina , Jansson Caroline , Durand Geoffroy , Yang Minjun , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Paulsson Kajsa , Spierings Diana , Foijer Floris , Valind Anders , Bexell Daniel
Published: October 2022

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most lethal childhood cancers due its propensity to treatment resistance. By spatial mapping of subclone geographies before and after chemotherapy across 89 tumor regions from 12 NBs, we find that densely packed territories of closely related subclones present at diagnosis are replaced under effective treatment by islands of distantly related survivor subclones, originating from a different most recent ancestor compared to lineages dominating before treatment. Conversely, in tumors that progressed under treatment, ancestors of subclones dominating later in disease are present already at diagnosis. Chemotherapy treated xenografts and cell culture models replicates these two contrasting scenarios and shows branching evolution to be a constant feature of proliferating NB cells. Phylogenies based on whole genome sequencing of 505 individual NB cells indicate that a rich repertoire of parallel subclones, emerges already with the first oncogenic mutations and lays the foundation for clonal replacement under treatment.
The synthesis and use of α-cellulose and cationic cellulose from Boehmeria nivea as bio-flocculants in flocculation of kaolin suspension
Authors: Fauzani Dinda , Notodarmojo Suprihanto , Handajani Marisa , Helmy Qomarudin , Kardiansyah Teddy
Published: October 2022

The synthesis and modification of α-cellulose from Boehmeria nivea into a cationic bioflocculant was performed. In the first stage of research, α-cellulose was isolated from the bast fiber of Boehmeria nivea. Second, the modification of α-cellulose into cationic cellulose was carried out by reaction using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC). α-cellulose and cationic cellulose were tested as bioflocculants for their flocculation ability with synthetic water samples using 5 g/L of kaolin suspension with turbidity as the test parameter. Data analysis was performed by statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test. Studies showed that the use of α-cellulose as a bioflocculant in the coagulation-flocculation process with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) as a coagulant statistically increased the efficiency of turbidity removal, up to 99.17%, whereas the direct flocculation process, i.e., without the use of coagulant, had a turbidity removal efficiency of 98.91% with 60 minutes of sedimentation time. The use of cationic cellulose showed promising results as a bioflocculant in the direct flocculation process compared to PAC, with a shorter sedimentation time.
Novel lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Competing Endogenous RNA Triple Networks Associated Programmed Cell Death in atherosclerosis
Authors: Fan Jilin , Zhu Tingting , Tian Xiaoling , Liu Sijia , Zhang Shiliang
Published: October 2022

Objective: Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of most cardiovascular diseases, numerous studies have shown that programmed cell death and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network play an important role in cardiovascular diseases. However, the crosstalk between the ceRNA network associated with programmed cell death and AS remains unclear. This article aims to explore the role of programmed cell death-related ceRNA network in the pathophysiological process of AS, in order to provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AS.:
Methods: Firstly, the GSE97210 and GSE28858 datasets were screened from the GEO database, and the differentially expressed lncRNA, mRNA and miRNA were screened, and then the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed in Cytoscape 3.7.2 software based on ceRNA theory. Second, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of mRNA in the ceRNA network was performed. Finally, the mRNAs in the ceRNA network were intersected with genes related to autophagy, pyroptosis and ferroptosis to construct a ceRNA network related to programmed cell death:
Results: According to the results of bioinformatics analysis, a total of 1208 DElncRNAs, 4723 DEmRNAs and 139 DEmiRNAs were obtained. A ceRNA network consisting of 64 lncRNAs, 8 miRNAs and 167 mRNAs was constructed. The mRNAs in the CeRNA network are mainly enriched in biological functions such as positive regulation of transcription and migration, protein binding, GTPase activity, and signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway. Validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, 7 lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory pathways for pyroptosis and 23 lncRNA-mediated regulatory pathways for ferroptosis and autophagy were constructed.:
Conclusion: This study screened and identified the lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles specifically expressed in AS tissues based on bioinformatics analysis, and constructed a ceRNA network related to programmed cell death, which is helpful for us to understand that programmed cell death leads to AS The mechanism of action, while providing new insights into programmed cell death in AS.:
Outcomes of fatty liver disease with and without metabolic comorbidities and risk factors for mortality
Authors: Ogasawara Yuri , Kogiso Tomomi , Horiuchi Kentaro , Taniai Makiko , Tokushige Katsutoshi
Published: October 2022

Aims
Patients with fatty liver disease (FLD) frequently have metabolic risk factors; however, the clinical course of metabolic-associated FLD (MAFLD) in Asians is unclear. We compared the clinical courses of MAFLD and nonalcoholic FLD (NAFLD).
Methods
Asian FLD patients (n = 987) from 1991–2021 (biopsy-proven in 939, 497 males) were enrolled. The patients were divided into non-MAFLD/NAFLD (non-M/N, n = 92), both M/N (n = 785), and M/non-N (n = 90) groups. The clinical features, complications, and survival rates were compared among the three groups. Mortality risk factors were subjected to Cox regression analysis.
Results
1) Non-M/N patients were significantly younger (non-M/N, M/N, and M/non-N 50, 53, and 57 years, respectively), more frequently male (54.3, 52.6, and 37.8%), and had a low body mass index (BMI, 23.1, 27.1, and 26.7 kg/m2) and FIB-4 index (1.20, 1.46, and 2.10). Hypopituitarism (5.4%) and hypothyroidism (7.6%) were significantly observed in the non-M/N group. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 0.0, 4.2, and 3.3% of the cases, and extrahepatic malignancies in 6.8, 8.4, and 4.7% of the cases, respectively, with no significant differences. The cardiovascular event rate was significantly higher in the M/non-N group (1, 37, and 11 cases, p < 0.01). Survival rates were not significantly different among the three groups. 2) The risk factors for mortality were age and BMI in the non-M/N group; age, HCC, alanine transaminase, and FIB-4 in the M/N group; and FIB-4 in the M/non-N group.
Conclusions
Although there was no significant difference in survival rates among the three groups of FLD, it should be considered that there would be different risk factors for mortality among the groups.
Two Steps Forwards, One Step Back? Party Competition, Cooperative Federalism, and Transport Policy Reforms in Germany
Authors: Souris Antonios , Stecker Christian , Jungjohann Arne
Published: October 2022

Background
As part of the Verkehrswende, the extensive transition towards sustainable transport and mobility in Germany, the federal government proposed the reform of two key ordinances to implement provisions at the expense of car drivers and, at the same time, in favor of cycling and walking. Due to cooperative federalism, the Bundesrat as the de facto second chamber had to adopt the reform. In the legislative process, the reform ultimately failed in its original scope. Using it as a particularly instructive case study, we show how and why party competition and cooperative federalism hamper comprehensive transport policy reforms in Germany.
Results
Based on our process-tracing approach, we find that political parties make use of their power in the Bundesrat to influence legislative procedures in accordance with their agenda. Moreover, the political majority constellations in the Bundesrat hinder major transportation reforms and allow for only incremental steps based on the lowest common denominator among decision-makers.
Conclusions
The case study provides novel empirical evidence for a ‘traditional’ critique of cooperative federalism in Germany, namely that it is prone to blockades and hence political standstill if partisan encroach on federal decision-making. Transport policy has become re-politicized in German party competition. Compromises on the lowest common denominator thwart major reforms and allow for only incremental change.
A Hybrid CUDA, OpenMP, and MPI parallel TCA-based Domain Adaptation for Classification of Very High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Garea Alberto Suarez , Heras Dora Blanco , Pedreira Francisco Arguello , Demir Begüm
Published: October 2022

Domain Adaptation (DA) is a technique that aims at extracting information from a labeled remote sensing image to allow classifying a different image obtained by the same sensor but at a different geographical location. This is a very complex problem from the computational point of view, specially due to the very high-resolution multispectral images. TCANet is a deep learning neural network for DA classification problems that has been proven as very accurate for solving it. TCANet consists of several stages based on the application of convolutional filters obtained through Transfer Component Analysis (TCA) computed over the input images. It does not require training, in contrast to the usual CNN-based networks. In this paper, a hybrid parallel TCA-based domain adaptation technique for solving the classification of very high-resolution multispectral images is presented. It is designed for efficient execution on a multi-node computer by using message passing interface (MPI), exploiting the available Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), and making efficient use of each multicore node by using Open Multiprocessing (OpenMP). As a result, an accurate DA technique from the point of view of classification and with high speedup values over the sequential version is obtained, increasing the applicability of the technique to real problems.
Study on strength characteristics and failure mechanism of hard rock containing cracks with different dip angles
Authors: jia baoxin , liu fengpu , chen guodong
Published: October 2022

To further study the strength characteristics and failure mechanism of hard rock containing open prefabricated cracks, uniaxial compression tests of green sandstone containing open prefabricated cracks of different inclination angles were carried out. The results show that the peak strength of the unclosed prefabricated cracked green sandstone is lower than that of the intact green sandstone, and the peak strength increases and then decreases with increasing β, with the highest strength at β = 75 and the lowest strength at β = 0.The characteristics of acoustic emission (AE) signals are roughly divided into two stages a stable period and an active period. When 0 ≤ β ≤ 30, the proportion of the active period is large; when 45 ≤ β ≤ 90, the proportion of the active period is small. When β increases from 0 to 90, the failure modes mainly include four types, which are slab crack failure caused by tensile stress, type I tensile failure caused by type II shear stress, shear failure along the shear slip surface and splitting failure caused by tensile stress. When β = 0, 15,a small-scale strain burst occurs, and the ejected fragments are of medium size and in the shape of 'plate'. When β = 30,45, the ejection of local small fragments occurs. When β = 60, 75, a high-strength strain burst dominated by large fragments occurs. When β = 90, the rock is mostly stripped on the surface without obvious rockburst.
Outpatient management of acute uncomplicated appendicitis after laparoscopic appendectomy – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lopez Jordi Elvira , Mallafré Ricard Sales , Zegarra Erlinda Padilla , Luna Luis Carrillo , Serafini Joan Ferreres , Tully Roisin , Ikuga Robert Memba , Martin Rosa Jorba
Published: October 2022

Objective: To confirm the safety and efficacy of outpatient management of laparoscopic appendectomy, with an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, in adult patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Summary Background Data: Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy is feasible and secure in selected patients in observational studies. The benefits include reduced length of stay (LOS) and post-operative complications. This is the first Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of outpatient management following ERAS protocol.
Methods: Patients admitted from the emergency department with acute appendicitis randomized into one of two groups. Standard care within the hospital (HG) or the outpatient group (OG). An ERAS protocol was followed for both groups. Patients in the HG were admitted to the surgical ward. Patients in the OG were referred to the day-surgery unit. The primary endpoint was length of stay.
Results: Ninety-seven patients were included, 49 in the OG and 48 in the HG. LOS was significantly shorter in the OG (mean 8.82h) than the HG (mean 43.53h), p<0.001. There was no difference in readmission rates (p = 0.320), we observed only one readmission in the OG. No further emergency consultations or complications were observed. The cost saving was $516.52/patient as a result of the intervention.
Conclusion: Outpatient management of appendectomy is safe and feasible procedure in selected patients. This approach could become the standard of care for patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, showing fewer complications, lower LOS and cost. Trial registration: Clinical Trial ID: NCT05401188 Keywords: Appendicitis, Acute Appendicitis, uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis, outpatient management, laparoscopic appendectomy, ERAS protocol
Warm and harsh parenting, self-kindness and self-judgment, adolescent well-being: An examination of developmental differences
Authors: Ren Yizhen , Bu He , Huang Liuyue , Wang Shaofan , Zhang Ying , Zeng Di , Shan Hao , Chi Xinli
Published: October 2022

Objectives
This study aimed to examine the associations between warm and harsh parenting and adolescent well-being and the mediating effects of self-kindness and self-judgment in the relationships. Moreover, this study investigated different developmental across three adolescence stages (early, middle, and late).
Methods
Totally 14776 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 13.53 ± 2.08, 52.3% males) participated in this study. All adolescents rated the levels of warm parenting and harsh parenting, self-kindness and self-judgment, and well-being.
Results
Both warm and harsh parenting were related to adolescent well-being through the mediating effects of self-kindness and self-judgment. But warm parenting exerted a more substantial impact on adolescent well-being. Self-kindness demonstrated a more robust mediating effect compared to self-judgment in the relationships. Moreover, harsh parenting in late adolescence had a weaker impact on adolescent well-being than those in early and middle adolescence. Warm parenting had a more significant impact on adolescent well-being in early adolescence than in middle and late adolescence.
Conclusions
Overall, warm parenting had a more substantial effect on adolescent well-being than harsh parenting. The findings also highlighted the crucial mediating effect of self-kindness in the relationships between parenting and adolescent well-being. Moreover, this study also indicated the importance of warm parenting in early adolescence.
Analysis of clinical factors in olaparib-related anemia using adverse drug event reporting databases
Authors: Shiraishi Chihiro , Hirai Toshinori , Ogura Toru , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Anemia is one of the dose-limiting toxicities of olaparib. The global phase Ⅲ trial confirmed that anemia occurrence in Japanese was relatively high. The factors related to anemia in different nationalities remain unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the factors of olaparib-related anemia in real-world settings using an adverse event reporting system database.
Methods: We used data from FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) and Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database (JADER) between 2018 and 2021. FAERS reports from Japan were collected to conduct subgroup analyses, which was defined as FAERS-Japan. The endpoint was the occurrence of olaparib-related anemia. Disproportionality analysis was conducted to calculate reporting odds ratio (ROR), with a confidence interval of 95%. Adjusted ROR (aROR) was calculated to control for gender differences.
Results: In FAERS and JADER, the daily olaparib dose per body weight (DPBW) ≥12 mg/kg was detected to be a positive signal for anemia occurrence (aROR; FAERS, 4.483 [3.009–6.680], p<0.001, FAERS-Japan, 1.834 [1.091–3.063], p=0.009, and JADER, 1.628 [1.039–2.551], p=0.034). Furthermore, FAERS reports confirmed that females with body weight <50kg, reports from Japan, concomitant use of drugs suppressing vitamin B12, and previous platinum treatment history were positive signals of olaparib-related anemia. FAERS-Japan also showed that body weight <50kg and previous platinum treatment history were positive signals for the anemia occurrence.
Conclusion: High DPBW poses a significant risk of anemia. The co-administration of drugs suppressing vitamin B12 and previous platinum treatment history are also important information to evaluate the risk of olaparib-related anemia.
Convective Drying of Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa Michx. Elliot)) cv. ‘Viking’
Authors: Suslu Ahmet , Kulcu Recep , Dincer Cuneyt , Yavuzlar Eda Elif , Ertekin Can , Unal Nafiye
Published: October 2022

The effects of drying air temperatures (50, 60, 70 and 80°C) and velocities (0.5, 0.8, 1.2 m.s− 1) used for the convective drying of chokeberry on fruit quality were quantified. The drying air temperature rise shortened the drying time from 2660 min at 50 oC to 185 min at 80 oC. Drying time was 220 min at the drying air velocity of 1.2 m.s− 1. An increase in the temperature from 50 to 80°C and the air velocity from 0.5 m·s− 1 to 1.2 m·s− 1 enhanced fruit color quality index. All the drying treatments enriched the biochemical fruit content. 70°C and the air velocity between 0.5 m.s− 1 and 1.2 m.s− 1 achieved the highest antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin content and total phenolic content.
The relevance of fish in the summer diet of the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) at Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula and Stranger Point, South Shetland Islands
Authors: Descalzo Mariana , Daneri Gustavo A. , Harrington Ana , Negrete Javier , Negri Agustina , Corbalán Aldo , Barrera-Oro Esteban
Published: October 2022

The fish incidence, particularly notothenioids and myctophids, in the diet of non-breeding male Arctocephalus gazella in the western Antarctic Peninsula (AP) region is scarcely known. We made a comparative diet analysis on 158 faecal samples collected in summer 2005 at Hope Bay (HB), AP and at Stranger Point (SP), South Shetland Islands (SSI). The occurrence of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba and fish as prey was similar at HB, whereas krill was predominant at SP. For each fish species identified based on the otoliths found, their relative importance in the diet was evaluated using the IRI index. Notothenioid fish prevailed at HB: Pleuragramma.antarctica was the most important prey followed by Chaenodraco wilsoni. Contrarily, myctophids predominated at SP: Gymnoscopelus nicholsiand Electrona antarctica were the dominant prey. Both benthopelagic and pelagic fish species were represented at HB, while the latter were more important at SP; we suggest that seals from SP are foraging in pelagic strata, while at HB their habitat includes benthic and pelagic environments. Demersal nototheniid species were scarcely represented and only at HB, which might be related to a preference of fur seals on the more abundant pelagic prey there. At SP, the absence of demersal nototheniid otoliths in the faeces could be linked to the historical finfish fisheries that took place in the SSI area. On fish species consumption, there was a higher diversity at SP in comparison with HB but a low overlap between these sites. Our findings are compared with studies from localities of the AP and the Scotia Arc.
Hydroxychloroquine ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: jiang jingyue , Wang Di , Wang Shu , Ye Ziping , Mao Xiaqiong , Zhao XiaoJing , Zhang Hongjie
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims: Polarization of macrophages to the M1 or M2 phenotype is critical for the development and occurrence of inflammation and disease. An increased proportion of M1-type macrophages has been observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Macrophage-targeted hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) nanotherapeutics are highly effective treatments for autoimmune diseases. HCQ has been widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases because of its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We investigated the potential effect of HCQ on dextran sulphate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis as well as the underlying potential mechanism.
Methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, DSS, or DSS + HCQ. The mRNA expressions of cytokines in M1 macrophages were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. The proportion of F4/80+CD86+ (M1) macrophages was measured by flow cytometry. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated and stimulated with LPS/IFN-γ to induce M1 macrophages. The levels of NF-κB p65, phospho-p65, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in the macrophages were detected by western blotting.
Results: HCQ ameliorates DSS-induced colitis as evidenced by improved colon shortening, reduced disease activity index (DAI), and decreased histopathological scores. Furthermore, HCQ decreased the expressions of M1-related cytokines and significantly decreased the percentage of F4/80+CD86+ (M1) subsets in colonic lamina propria cells in DSS-induced colitis mice. Moreover, HCQ significantly repressed M1 polarisation. HCQ can decrease the phosphorylation of NF-κB and the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in M1 macrophages. Blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway downregulated NLRP3 inflammasomes, and reduced the number of F4/80+CD86+ M1 macrophages.
Conclusions: HCQ attenuated colonic inflammation by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through the NF-κB/ NLRP3signaling pathway.
Correlation of the salivary cortisol levels in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and healthy women: A pilot study.
Authors: Koukoubanis Konstantinos , Stefanaki Katerina , Kalampalikis Andreas , Michala Lina
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the aberrations of cortisol secretion, measured by salivary cortisol in women with FHA.
Methods The study, an observational study, was performed in a gynecological outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Greece, between July 2019 and March 2021. The study included 12 (twelve) patients with diagnosed FHA and 12 (twelve) women of comparative demographics, with a normal menstrual cycle who were used as controls.
Results: 24 women were included in the study. Women with FHA had significantly higher levels of morning salivary cortisol (21.81 ± 5.63 nmol/l vs 12.76 ± 3.64 nmol/l; P <0.0001) when compared to normal controls. Measurements in the afternoon and midnight were not significantly different. There was a negative correlation between morning salivary cortisol levels and ΒΜΙ (rho: -0.53, p = 0.009), while there was a positive correlation between morning salivary cortisol levels and disordered eating habits (rho: 0.53, p = 0.00) and a positive correlation between morning salivary cortisol levels and reported stress levels (rho: 0.47, p = 0.02).
Conclusion: Cortisol levels were raised in women with FHA, suggesting increased stress levels. This was particularly obvious the measurement of salivary cortisol levels could be a promising research tool and be used as a potential biomarker of recovery of menses. In addition, it could be used as a tool for the management of the disease and follow-up of patients suffering from functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Further studies should be conducted to indicate and clarify the specific salivary cortisol levels associated with the occurrence of the disease or recovery of menses.
Quantification of the ecophysiological advantages of mycorrhiza-maize symbiosis: A promising approach for sustainable food production systems
Authors: Jahan Mohsen , Nassiri-Mahallati Mehdi
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Plant-Soil – “Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)” system dynamics are driven by complex arrays of simultaneous cause-effect relationships. Understanding this complexity requires high sophisticated analytical tools and methods such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). There has been no practical solution to determine plant-fungus coexistence efficacy. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find a multidisciplinary method to determine the contribution of AMF in coexistence with maize plant.
Methods
Confirmatory factor analysis divided the variables into two groups. On the ecophysiological basis, SEM was employed to above- and belowground relationships in corn-mycorrhizae fields. A SEM model was formulated including the path for cause-effect processes of capture and utilization of resources. The model was satisfactorily calibrated and validated.
Results
Applying multiple regression revealed that variables including leaf area index, stem diameter, dry matter, SPAD readings, plant height, canopy temperature have had the most causal effect to forming corn yield under field condition of inoculation by AMF. RMSEA = 0.14 and normalized chi-square = 1.97 indicated the model competence. The direct advantages of AMF symbiosis make an increase of 35 percent in resources capture (radiation and from the soil) by association.
Conclusions
These results could be used to manage crop producing systems according to ecological guidelines and environmentally sound operations. We recommend SEM as a crop-soil-AMF system quantifying tool for analyzing treatment effects also for complex arrays of management objectives. The method can employ to determine the efficacy of crop-AMF coexistence which in turn reveal related advantageous may resulted in widespread applying AMF in agroecosystems.
Increasing phosphorus fertilizer value of recycled iron phosphates in strong P-fixing soils by prolonged flooding and organic matter addition
Authors: Saracanlao Rochelle Joie , Ryckel Hannah , Everaert Maarten , Verbeeck Mieke , Smolders Erik
Published: October 2022

Iron (Fe) minerals are commonly used to remove phosphorus (P) from waste streams, producing P-loaded Fe(III) oxides or Fe(II)P minerals (e.g. vivianite). These minerals may be used as fertilizers to enhance P circularity if solubilized in soil. Here, we tested the P fertilizer value of recycled iron phosphates (FePs) in a pot trial and in an incubation experiment, hypothesizing that P release from FePs is possible under Fe(III) reducing conditions. First, a pot trial was set up with rice (Oryza sativa) in all combinations of soil flooding or not, three P-deficient soils (acid, neutral, calcareous) and six FePs (three Fe(III) and three Fe(II)phosphates) referenced to triple superphosphate (TSP) or zero amendments. Shoot P uptake responded to TSP applications in all treatments but only marginally to FePs. The redox potential did not decrease below 200 mV by flooding for a brief period during the pot trial. A longer incubation experiment (60 days) was performed which included a treatment of glutamate addition to stimulate reductive conditions and P availability was assessed with CaCl2 extraction of soils. Glutamate addition and/or longer incubation lowered soil redox potential to <-100 mV. On the longer term, Fe(III) minerals released P and adequate P was reached in the calcareous soil and in the neutral soil amended with Fe(III)P-sludge. It can be concluded that prolonged soil flooding and organic matter (OM) addition can enhance the P fertilizer efficiency of FePs. Additional treatments showed that application of FeP in powder form may enhance P availability.