bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric respiratory hospitalizations in small for gestational age neonates born at term
Authors: Peles Galia , Paz‐Levy Dorit , Wainstock Tamar , Goldbart Aviv , Kluwgant Dvora , Sheiner Eyal
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study investigates the risk for long‐term respiratory hospitalizations of offspring born small for gestational age (SGA) at term.

Study design

A retrospective population‐based cohort analysis was performed to examine the risk of long‐term respiratory hospitalizations between SGA compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns. The analysis included all term singleton deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 at a single tertiary medical center. Fetuses with congenital malformations, multiple gestation, cases of perinatal mortality and large for gestational age (LGA) were excluded. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative morbidity incidence up to the age of 18 years, and a Cox hazards regression model was used to control for confounders.

Results

During the study period 216,671 deliveries met the inclusion criteria; of them 4.8% (n = 10,450) were diagnosed as SGA neonates. During the follow‐up period, the rate of hospitalization due to respiratory morbidity was significantly higher in the SGA group as compared to the AGA group (5.2% vs. 4.7%, OR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03−1.24, p = 0.011). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of respiratory morbidity in the SGA group (log‐rank p = 0.026). In the Cox hazards regression model, controlled for relevant clinical confounders, SGA was found to be an independent risk factor for long‐term pediatric respiratory morbidity (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.001−1.19, p = 0.049).

Conclusion

Being delivered SGA at term is an independent long‐term risk factor for pediatric respiratory hospitalization.
Incidence, predictors of success and outcome of LISA in very preterm infants
Authors: Balazs Gergely , Balajthy Andras , Riszter Magdolna , Kovacs Tamas , Szabo Tamas , Belteki Gusztav , Balla Gyorgy
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the success rate of less invasive surfactant administration (LISA), to identify early predictive factors for the outcome of LISA, and to compare neonatal outcomes between the LISA failure group and the group of infants who were successfully treated with LISA.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Patients

Infants born at less than 33 weeks of gestation (n = 158) and treated with LISA for respiratory distress syndrome.

Results

LISA was successful in 86 cases (54.4%); 72 preterm infants (45.6%) needed additional surfactant therapy and/or mechanical ventilation in the first 72 h (LISA failure). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, six independent predictors of LISA success were identified: core temperature at the time of admission (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.56), dose of poractant alfa (<200 mg/kg; adjusted OR: 0.254), elevated C‐reactive protein (>10 mg/L) at 24 h of life (adjusted OR: 0.28), highest respiratory severity score (RSS) during the first hour of life or at the time of LISA (adjusted OR: 0.463), maternal age (adjusted OR: 0.923), and birth weight (adjusted OR: 1.003). The receiver operating curve created by using the identified factors indicates good predictive power with an area under the curve of 0.85. LISA failure was associated with a substantially higher risk of complications.

Conclusion

LISA success can be predicted by variables available before the intervention. Failure of LISA is relatively frequent event in very preterm infants and is associated with adverse outcomes. Prevention of hypothermia during early stabilization and appropriate dosing of surfactant may increase LISA success rates and improve patient outcome.
Bronchiolitis phenotypes identified by latent class analysis may influence the occurrence of respiratory sequelae
Authors: Petrarca Laura , Nenna Raffaella , Di Mattia Greta , Frassanito Antonella , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A. , Rodriguez Martinez Carlos E. , Mancino Enrica , Arima Serena , Scagnolari Carolina , Pierangeli Alessandra , Midulla Fabio
Published: December 2021

Background

The heterogeneity of bronchiolitis may imply or reflect a different predisposition to respiratory sequelae.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate whether, among infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis, different clinical profiles extracted by latent class analysis (LCA) are associated with different risks of wheezing.

Methods

Over 15 consecutive epidemic seasons (2004–2019), we prospectively enrolled infants <1 year hospitalized for the first episode of bronchiolitis in a single tertiary hospital. A detailed clinical questionnaire was filled for each infant. LCA was applied to differentiate bronchiolitis phenotypes, and after hospital discharge, a phone interview was performed annually to record the presence of wheezing episodes. Adjusted multivariate regression analyses were run to investigate the risk of wheezing during 7 years follow‐up according to clinical phenotypes.

Results

LCA performed on 1312 infants resulted in a three‐class model. Profile 1 (65.5%): moderate bronchiolitis; Profile 2 (6.1%): severe bronchiolitis; and Profile 3(28.4%): bronchiolitis infants with high eosinophils blood count. At 1 year of follow up, about 50% of children presented wheezing in each profile. Compared to Profile 1, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of having wheezing episodes was significantly higher in Profile 2 at 2, 3, and 4 years of follow‐up. At 7 years, Profile 3 had an adjusted OR = 2.58, higher than Profile 2 (adjusted OR = 2.29).

Conclusions

LCA clearly identified a “moderate”, “severe,” and “high eosinophils blood count” bronchiolitis. During the first 4 years after bronchiolitis, the “severe” profile showed the higher risk of wheezing, but after 7 years this risk seems higher in the “high eosinophils blood count” group.
Studies on Effect of Nitrogen Rich Explosives on the Morphology, Thermal and Combustion Behaviour of B/KNO3 Composition
Authors: Rawal Sukeshni , Kakade Seema Dilip , Khanna Pawan Kumar
Published: December 2021

The study elucidates the influence of three nitrogen‐rich explosives viz., FOX‐7, FOX‐12, and RS‐RDX on the performance of B/KNO3/PEC igniter composition. The B/KNO3 pyrotechnic igniter compositions with 5, 10 & 15 parts of FOX‐7, FOX‐12, and RS‐RDX were successfully prepared. The compositions were evaluated in terms of surface morphology, heat output, sensitivities, flame temperature, pressure output, ignition delay, time to reach Pmax (BTPmax), and thermal analysis. The closed vessel firing data indicated higher Pmax value and lower BTPmax for FOX‐12 and FOX‐7 based composition. The addition of FOX‐12 and FOX‐7 also reduces the decomposition temperature of B/KNO3 composition without affecting friction and spark sensitivities. The composition having 15 parts RSRDX is the most insensitive to impact among all. Therefore, the addition of insensitive high explosives like RS‐RDX, FOX‐7and FOX‐12 is useful to improve the performance of the igniter composition to achieve low BTPmax and increased pressure output. Optimum performance is exhibited by RS‐RDX‐based compositions.
Octahedral Tilting and Modulation Structure in Perovskite‐Related Compound La1/3NbO3
Authors: Sakai Yusuke , Urushihara Daisuke , Asaka Toru , Fukuda Koichiro , Yang Zijian , Tanibata Naoto , Takeda Hayami , Nakayama Masanobu
Published: December 2021

The crystal structure of the A‐site‐deficient perovskite La1/3NbO3 is investigated using X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and computational methods. The NbO6 octahedral tilting is observed and confirmed to be in an a
−
b
0
c
0 manner in Glazer's notation. An incommensurate modulation structure in La1/3NbO3 is observed. Using scanning TEM (STEM) analyses and Monte Carlo simulations, the modulated structure is shown to originate from a striped arrangement of La and vacancies. The satellite reflections arising from the modulation structure are observed as a diffuse scatter in the electron diffraction patterns. By analyses with STEM and molecular dynamics calculations, it is concluded that the origin of diffuse scattering is the existence of nanoscale twin variants with different crystal orientations. The Nb ions in NbO6 octahedra represent an off‐center shift like a pseudo‐Jahn–Teller distortion. The shift of Nb ions is found to be cooperative with the concentration modulation of La ions.
Quantum‐chemical approaches in the study of fullerene and its derivatives by the example of the most typical cycloaddition reactions: A review
Authors: Sattarova Alina F. , Biglova Yulia N. , Mustafin Akhat G.
Published: December 2021

In the past two decades, quantum chemistry has become an indispensable tool for the reliable interpretation of experimental measurements of a wide range of molecular properties of fullerene and its derivatives. Among the modern quantum‐chemical methods of analysis, preference is given to the density functional theory. This review describes the computational studies that demonstrate rather comprehensively the prospects of quantum‐chemical calculations in many fields of the chemistry of fullerene and its derivatives, such as geometric parameters, stability of structures, molecular spectroscopic properties, electronic structures, the nature of bonds, thermochemistry, and simulation of the kinetics and mechanism of processes. The review focuses on the most typical cycloaddition reactions such as Diels–Alder, Prato and Bingel–Hirsch reactions. The general trends of scientific studies in this area are also discussed and a wide range of references is provided where the readers can find technical details of computational approaches that may be of interest for them.
Space‐and‐time‐synchronized simultaneous fully‐actuated vehicle tracking/formation using cascaded prescribed‐time control
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Ziyin , Zhang Xiaobing , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: December 2021

In this article, we present a space‐and‐time‐synchronized control method with application to the simultaneous tracking/formation of fully‐actuated vehicles. In the framework of polar coordinates, through correlating and decoupling the reference/actual kinematics between the self vehicle and target, time and space are separated, controlled independently. As such, the specified state can be achieved at the predetermined terminal time, meanwhile, the relative trajectory in space is independent of time. In addition, for the stabilization before the predesigned time, a cascaded prescribed‐time control theorem is provided as the preliminary of vehicle tracking control. The obtained results can be directly extended to the simultaneous tracking/formation of multiple vehicles. Finally, numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme.
Robust control for uncertain impulsive systems with input constraints and external disturbance
Authors: Lou Xuyang , Zhang Xin , Ye Qian
Published: December 2021

This paper is concerned with the problem of robustcontrol for uncertain impulsive systems with input constraints. The parametric uncertainties are assumed to be time‐varying and norm‐bounded. The input constraints under consideration are novel reverse polytopic constraints avoiding a set of specified input values. Via the designed state feedback switching control law, the input constraints can be satisfied. Moreover, by applying the Lyapunov function theory, sufficient conditions for robust stabilization andcontrol are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
A novel approach for visualization, monitoring, and control techniques for Scrum metric planning using the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Tekin Nesib , Yilmaz Murat , Clarke Paul
Published: December 2021

Although Scrum is one of the most preferred agile development frameworks that guide the development process, measuring sprint productivity is still challenging. In fact, it is hard to provide a continuous measurement during consecutive Scrum sprints, especially selecting the optimal metrics that fit better for real industrial applications. To bridge this gap, we conducted an industrial case study within the TÜBİTAK SAGE software development group to demonstrate the performance and applicability of a systematic selection process for fitting add‐on components using various scrum metrics tools. Next, we analyzed the combination of software developers' preferences of process metrics concerning their characteristics and their defense industry compatibility. Consequently, we assessed the metrics that might likely integrate into the Scrum development using the analytic hierarchy process. The results indicated that the Actionable Agile Add‐on scored the highest, followed by the Screenful Add‐on. Ultimately, this contemporary study presented a novel approach that has increased individuals' participation in metric planning, implementation, and monitoring, therefore moving towards more achievable software development goals.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Technology: From Materials, Structures, to Applications
Authors: Li Tao , Lee Pooi See
Published: December 2021

The piezoelectric energy harvesting is a promising, interesting and complex technology. Herein, the aim is to review the key groups of parameters that contribute to the performance of energy harvesting and to offer a guideline for the future development. For this purpose, a universal theoretical model is developed. According to the model, the parameters are divided into six groups. Each group is then discussed. First, a discussion on the piezoelectric materials status, advantages and disadvantages of ceramics, polymers, single crystals, composites, nanomaterials, and lead‐free materials are summarized. The orientation of materials is also discussed. Second, the structure designs, including off‐resonance, on‐resonance, and impact design were introduced. Third, typical sources of excitations and vibrations are given, including direct contact force, low vibration force, hydraulic, pneumatic power, and acoustic power. The fourth consideration is on the effect of frequency and speed is discussed, focusing on the high‐frequency and high‐speed conditions. This is followed by the effect of electrical load on the output power of an energy harvester was discussed. Last, the parameters of energy accumulation effect and methods are also introduced. Following the above discussion, some examples are provided to show the potential applications, including the areas of structural health monitoring, vibration engines, pavement road energy harvesting, wireless sensor nodes, and human gait power. Finally, at the end of the review, the future challenges are addressed.
Universal microscopic spectrum of the unquenched QCD Dirac operator at finite temperature
Authors: Akemann G. , Würfel T. R.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In the ε-regime of chiral perturbation theory the spectral correlations of the Euclidean QCD Dirac operator close to the origin can be computed using random matrix theory. To incorporate the effect of temperature, a random matrix ensemble has been proposed, where a constant, deterministic matrix is added to the Dirac operator. Its eigenvalue correlation functions can be written as the determinant of a kernel that depends on temperature. Due to recent progress in this specific class of random matrix ensembles, featuring a deterministic, additive shift, we can determine the limiting kernel and correlation functions in this class, which is the class of polynomial ensembles. We prove the equivalence between this new determinantal representation of the microscopic eigenvalue correlation functions and existing results in terms of determinants of different sizes, for an arbitrary number of quark flavours, with and without temperature, and extend them to non-zero topology. These results all agree and are thus universal when measured in units of the temperature dependent chiral condensate, as long as we stay below the chiral phase transition.
Unsupervised hadronic SUEP at the LHC
Authors: Barron Jared , Curtin David , Kasieczka Gregor , Plehn Tilman , Spourdalakis Aris
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Confining dark sectors with pseudo-conformal dynamics produce SUEPs, or Soft Unclustered Energy Patterns, at colliders: isotropic dark hadrons with soft and democratic energies. We target the experimental nightmare scenario, SUEPs in exotic Higgs decays, where all dark hadrons decay promptly to SM hadrons. First, we identify three promising observables: the charged particle multiplicity, the event ring isotropy, and the matrix of geometric distances between charged tracks. Their patterns can be exploited through a cut-and-count search, supervised machine learning, or an unsupervised autoencoder. We find that the HL-LHC will probe exotic Higgs branching ratios at the per-cent level, even without a detailed knowledge of the signal features. Our techniques can be applied to other SUEP searches, especially the unsupervised strategy, which is independent of overly specific model assumptions and the corresponding precision simulations.
Radiation Exposure During Diagnostic and Therapeutic Angiography of Carotid-cavernous Fistula
Authors: Opitz Marcel , Alatzides Georgios , Zensen Sebastian , Bos Denise , Wetter Axel , Guberina Nika , Darkwah Oppong Marvin , Wrede Karsten H. , Hagenacker Tim , Li Yan , Wanke Isabel , Forsting Michael , Deuschl Cornelius
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) during endovascular diagnostics and therapy of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF).

Methods

In a retrospective study design, DRLs, achievable dose (AD) and mean values were assessed for all patients with CCF undergoing diagnostic angiography (I) or embolization (II). All procedures were performed with the flat-panel angiography system Allura Xper (Philips Healthcare). Interventional procedures were differentiated according to the type of CCF and the type of procedure.

Results

In total, 86 neurointerventional procedures of 48 patients with CCF were executed between February 2010 and July 2021. The following DRLs, AD and mean values could be determined: (I) DRL 215 Gy ∙ cm2, AD 169 Gy ∙ cm2, mean 165 Gy ∙ cm2; (II) DRL 350 Gy ∙ cm2, AD 226 Gy ∙ cm2, mean 266 Gy ∙ cm2. Dose levels of embolization were significantly higher compared to diagnostic angiography (p < 0.001). No significant dose difference was observed with respect to the type of fistula or the embolization method.

Conclusion

This article reports on diagnostic and therapeutic DRLs in the management of CCF that could serve as a benchmark for the national radiation protection authorities. Differentiation by fistula type or embolization method does not seem to be useful.
The second-generation antipsychotic drug aripiprazole modulates the serotonergic system in pancreatic islets and induces beta cell dysfunction in female mice
Authors: Grajales Diana , Vázquez Patricia , Ruíz-Rosario Mónica , Tudurí Eva , Mirasierra Mercedes , Ferreira Vítor , Hitos Ana B. , Koller Dora , Zubiaur Pablo , Cigudosa Juan C. , Abad-Santos Francisco , Vallejo Mario , Quesada Iván , Tirosh Boaz , Leibowitz Gil , Valverde Ángela M.
Published: December 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drugs have been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of two different SGA drugs, olanzapine and aripiprazole, on metabolic state and islet function and plasticity.

Methods

We analysed the functional adaptation of beta cells in 12-week-old B6;129 female mice fed an olanzapine- or aripiprazole-supplemented diet (5.5–6.0 mg kg−1 day−1) for 6 months. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests, in vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and indirect calorimetry were performed at the end of the study. The effects of SGAs on beta cell plasticity and islet serotonin levels were assessed by transcriptomic analysis and immunofluorescence. Insulin secretion was assessed by static incubations and Ca2+ fluxes by imaging techniques.

Results

Treatment of female mice with olanzapine or aripiprazole for 6 months induced weight gain (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), glucose intolerance (p<0.01) and impaired insulin secretion (p<0.05) vs mice fed a control chow diet. Aripiprazole, but not olanzapine, induced serotonin production in beta cells vs controls, likely by increasing tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) expression, and inhibited Ca2+ flux. Of note, aripiprazole increased beta cell size (p<0.05) and mass (p<0.01) vs mice fed a control chow diet, along with activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/S6 signalling, without preventing beta cell dysfunction.

Conclusions/interpretation

Both SGAs induced weight gain and beta cell dysfunction, leading to glucose intolerance; however, aripiprazole had a more potent effect in terms of metabolic alterations, which was likely a result of its ability to modulate the serotonergic system. The deleterious metabolic effects of SGAs on islet function should be considered while treating patients as these drugs may increase the risk for development of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Graphical abstract
Toward cost-efficient tolerancing of 3D-printed parts: a novel methodology for the development of tolerance-cost models for fused layer modeling
Authors: Roth Martin , Schaechtl Paul , Giesert Andreas , Schleich Benjamin , Wartzack Sandro
Published: December 2021

Tolerance allocation methods significantly contribute to the qualification of Additive Manufacturing (AM) for (small-)series production ensuring high performance and efficiency. However, their usage prerequisites the availability of quantitative, reliable information on the impact of the assigned tolerances on the resulting manufacturing costs. The given article proposes a novel methodology for the systematic development of tolerance-cost curves for a cost-efficient tolerancing of 3D-printed parts. The proposed structured workflow aims at serving as a general guideline for both researchers and practitioners, while the exemplarily chosen perspective from Fused Layer Modeling (FLM) illustrates its adaption to a specific AM technology. The indirect, non-apparent interrelations between tolerances and resulting costs are modelled with the aid of an activity-based cost model, whereas the individual costs elements are mapped as function of the values for the machine-specific process parameters for AM, e.g., layer height or printing speed, which are required to achieve the assigned design tolerances. The total procedure covers all relevant steps, viz. the identification and quantification of the single cost items, the design of benchmark artifacts, adapted to given manufacturing and measuring techniques, the empirical determination of data on cost and geometrical accuracy by design of experiments and tolerance-cost curves. Its exemplary application to an academic use case shows its general applicability and benefits, but also its current limitations.
Mouse innate-like B-1 lymphocytes promote inhaled particle-induced in vitro granuloma formation and inflammation in conjunction with macrophages
Authors: Hiéronimus Léa , Demazy Raïssa , Christiaens Laura , Uwambayinema Francine , Geuens Jean-François , Yacoub Youssof , Huaux François
Published: December 2021

The current paradigm for explaining lung granulomatous diseases induced by inhaled particles is mainly based on macrophages. This mechanism is now challenging because B lymphocytes also infiltrate injured tissue, and the deficiency in B lymphocytes is associated with limited lung granulomas in silica-treated mice. Here, we investigated how B lymphocytes respond to micro- and nanoparticles by combining in vivo and in vitro mouse models. We first demonstrated that innate-like B-1 lymphocytes (not conventional B-2 lymphocytes or plasma cells) specifically accumulated during granuloma formation in mice instilled with crystalline silica (DQ12, 2.5 mg/mouse) and carbon nanotubes (CNT Mitsui, 0.2 mg/mouse). In comparison to macrophages, peritoneal B-1 lymphocytes purified from naïve mice were resistant to the pyroptotic activity of reactive particles (up to 1 mg/mL) but clustered to establish in vitro cell/particle aggregates. Mouse B-1 lymphocytes (not B-2 lymphocytes) in coculture with macrophages and CNT (0.1 µg/mL) organized three-dimensional spheroid structures in Matrigel and stimulated the release of TIMP-1. Furthermore, purified B-1 lymphocytes are sensitive to nanosilica toxicity through radical generation in culture. Nanosilica-exposed B-1 lymphocytes released proinflammatory cytokines and alarmins. In conclusion, our data indicate that in addition to macrophages, B-1 lymphocytes participate in micrometric particle-induced granuloma formation and display inflammatory functions in response to nanoparticles.
Trace analysis of emerging and regulated mycotoxins in infant stool by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Krausová Magdaléna , Ayeni Kolawole I. , Wisgrill Lukas , Ezekiel Chibundu N. , Braun Dominik , Warth Benedikt
Published: December 2021

Infants are sensitive to negative effects caused by food contaminants such as mycotoxins. To date, analytical methods assessing mycotoxin mixture exposure in infant stool are absent. Herein, we present a novel multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS assay capable of detecting 30+ analytes including the regulated mycotoxin classes (aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, zearalenone, citrinin), emerging Alternaria and Fusarium toxins, and several key metabolites. Sample preparation consisted of a ‘dilute, filter, and shoot’ approach. The method was in-house validated and demonstrated that 25 analytes fulfilled all required criteria despite the high diversity of chemical structures included. Extraction recoveries for most of the analytes were in the range of 65–114% with standard deviations below 30% and limits of detection between 0.03 and 11.3 ng/g dry weight. To prove the methods’ applicability, 22 human stool samples from premature Austrian infants (n = 12) and 12-month-old Nigerian infants (n = 10) were analyzed. The majority of the Nigerian samples were contaminated with alternariol monomethyl ether (8/10) and fumonisin B1 (8/10), while fumonisin B2 and citrinin were quantified in some samples. No mycotoxins were detected in any of the Austrian samples. The method can be used for sensitive human biomonitoring (HBM) purposes and to support exposure and, potentially, risk assessment of mycotoxins. Moreover, it allows for investigating potential associations between toxicant exposure and the infants’ developing gut microbiome.

Graphical abstract
Associations between MRI T1 mapping, liver stiffness, quantitative MRCP, and laboratory biomarkers in children and young adults with autoimmune liver disease
Authors: Mahalingam Neeraja , Trout Andrew T. , Gandhi Deep B. , Sahay Rashmi D. , Singh Ruchi , Miethke Alexander G. , Dillman Jonathan R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Define relationships between quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics and clinical/laboratory data in a pediatric and young adult cohort with autoimmune liver disease (AILD).

Materials and methods

This prospective, cross-sectional study was institutional review board-approved. Patients enrolled in an institutional AILD registry were divided into groups: (1) autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) or (2) primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)/autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC). Participants underwent serum liver biochemistry testing and research MRI examinations, including 3D magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and iron-corrected T1 mapping (cT1). MRCP + and LiverMultiScan (Perspectum Ltd., Oxford, UK) were used to post-process 3D MRCP and cT1 data. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess relationships.

Results

58 patients, 35 male, median age 16 years were included; 30 in the AIH group, 28 in the PSC/ASC group. After statistical adjustments for patient age, sex, presence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specific diagnosis (PSC/ASC vs. AIH), and time from diagnosis to MRI examination, left hepatic bile duct maximum diameter was a statistically significant predictor of whole liver mean cT1, cT1 interquartile range (IQR), and MRE liver stiffness (p = 0.01–0.04). Seven laboratory values were significant predictors of whole liver cT1 IQR (p < 0.0001–0.04). Eight laboratory values and right hepatic bile duct median and maximum diameter were significant predictors of liver stiffness (p < 0.0001–0.03).

Conclusions

Bile duct diameters and multiple laboratory biomarkers of liver disease are independent predictors of liver stiffness and cT1 IQR in pediatric patients with AILD.
Minimizing setups and waste when printing labels of consumer goods
Authors: Meyr Herbert , Kiel Mirko
Published: December 2021

A real-world planning problem of a printing company is presented where different sorts of a consumer goods’ label are printed on a roll of paper with sufficient length. The printer utilizes a printing plate to always print several labels of same size and shape (but possibly different imprint) in parallel on adjacent lanes of the paper. It can be decided which sort is printed on which (lane of a) plate and how long the printer runs using a single plate. A sort can be assigned to several lanes of the same plate, but not to several plates. Designing a plate and installing it on the printer incurs fixed setup costs. If more labels are produced than actually needed, each surplus label is assumed to be “scrap”. Since demand for the different sorts may be heterogeneous and since the number of sorts is usually much higher than the number of lanes, the problem is to build “printing blocks”, i.e., to decide how many and which plates to design and how long to run the printer with a certain plate so that customer demand is satisfied with minimum costs for setups and scrap. This industrial application is modeled as an extension of a so-called job splitting problem which is solved exactly and by various decomposition heuristics, partly basing on dynamic programming. Numerical tests compare both approaches with further straightforward heuristics and demonstrate the benefits of decomposition and dynamic programming for large problem instances.
Comparison of elevation-dependent warming and its drivers in the tropical and subtropical Andes
Authors: Toledo Osmar , Palazzi Elisa , Cely Toro Iván Mauricio , Mortarini Luca
Published: December 2021

Mountain regions have been recognized to be more sensitive to climate and environmental changes, and in particular to global warming. Several studies report on elevation-dependent warming (EDW), i.e., when warming rates are different in different altitude ranges, particularly focusing on the enhancement of warming rates with elevation. The Andean chain proved to be a relevant climate change hot-spot with positive temperature trends and a widespread glacier retreat over the recent decades. To assess and to better understand elevation dependent warming in this mountain region and to identify its possible dependence on latitude, the Andean Cordillera was split into five domains, three pertaining to the tropical zone and two pertaining to the Subtropics. Further, for each area the eastern and western faces of the mountain range were separately analyzed. An ensemble of regional climate model (RCM) simulations participating in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX), consisting of one RCM nested into eight different global climate models from the CMIP5 ensemble was considered in this study. EDW was assessed by calculating the temperature difference between the end of the century (2071–2100) and the period 1976–2005 and relating it to the elevation. Future projections refer to the RCP 8.5 high-emission scenario. Possible differences in EDW mechanisms were identified using correlation analyses between temperature changes and all the variables identified as possible EDW drivers. For the maximum temperatures, a positive EDW signal (i.e. enhancement of warming rates with elevation) was identified in each side of both the tropical and subtropical Andes and in all seasons. For the minimum temperatures, on the contrary, while a positive EDW was identified in the Subtropics (particularly evident in the western side of the chain), the Tropics are characterized by a negative EDW throughout the year. Therefore, the tropical boundary marks a transition between discordant EDW behaviours in the minimum temperature. In the Tropics and particularly in the inner Tropics, different EDW drivers were identified for the minimum temperature, whose changes are mostly associated with changes in downward longwave radiation, and for the maximum temperature, whose changes are mainly driven by changes in downward shortwave radiation. This might explain the opposite EDW signal found in the tropical Andes during daytime and nighttime. Changes in albedo are an ubiquitous driver for positive EDW in the Subtropics, for both the minimum and the maximum temperature. Changes in longwave radiation and humidity are also EDW drivers in the Subtropics but with different relevance throughout the seasons and during daytime and nighttime. Also, the western and eastern sides of the Cordillera might be influenced by different EDW drivers.
Pflegende Angehörige in der hausärztlichen Praxis – Hausärztliche Sichtweisen und Lösungsansätze
Authors: Marx Yvonne , Frese Thomas , Bauer Alexander
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund

Frühes Erkennen gesundheitlicher Belastungen pflegender Angehöriger sowie die Koordination adäquater Maßnahmen obliegen zumeist dem Hausarzt. Dessen individuelle Perspektiven und Ansätze zu Identifizierung und Unterstützung pflegender Angehöriger wurden bisher kaum untersucht.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Studie untersucht daher subjektive Sichtweisen von Hausärzten im Hinblick auf Identifikation und Betreuung pflegender Angehöriger in der hausärztlichen Praxis. Mithilfe der Ergebnisse sollen Erleichterungsbedarfe und Bedingungen für eine Implementierung eines Instruments zur Identifikation in der Praxis identifiziert werden.

Material und Methoden

Zur Beantwortung der Fragestellung wurden 12 leitfadengestützte Experteninterviews mit niedergelassenen Hausärzten aus Sachsen-Anhalt durchgeführt. Für die Auswertung der Interviews wurde das Verfahren der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring angewendet.

Ergebnisse

Die Auseinandersetzung mit subjektiven Sichtweisen bestätigt die grundlegende zentrale Stellung von Hausärzten bezüglich der Betreuung pflegender Angehöriger. Sie zeigt aber auch Ansatzpunkte mit Potenzial zu Verbesserung bzw. Erleichterung der Versorgung pflegender Angehöriger: Zeitliche Probleme und mangelnde Kommunikation erschweren die Betreuung. Ambulante Pflegedienste und regionale (Beratungs‑)Angebote sind vorhanden; eine systematische Zusammenarbeit und Koordination fehlt.

Diskussion

Ein Screeninginstrument für pflegende Angehörige (Identifikation, Messen der empfundenen Belastung) stellt eine sinnvolle Intervention dar. Die besonderen Anforderungen und Eigenschaften von Interventionen in der allgemeinmedizinischen Praxis müssen systematisch erforscht werden und die Häusliche Pflege-Skala entsprechend angepasst und implementiert werden. Die Zusammenarbeit aller Akteure nimmt zukünftig eine zentrale Stellung ein.
Sub-arc mantle enrichment in the Sunda rear-arc inferred from HFSE systematics in high-K lavas from Java
Authors: Kirchenbaur M. , Schuth S. , Barth A. R. , Luguet A. , König S. , Idrus A. , Garbe-Schönberg D. , Münker C.
Published: December 2021

Many terrestrial silicate reservoirs display a characteristic depletion in Nb, which has been explained in some studies by the presence of reservoirs on Earth with superchondritic Nb/Ta. As one classical example, K-rich lavas from the Sunda rear-arc, Indonesia, have been invoked to tap such a high-Nb/Ta reservoir. To elucidate the petrogenetic processes active beneath the Java rear-arc and the causes for the superchondritic Nb/Ta in some of these lavas, we studied samples from the somewhat enigmatic Javanese rear-arc volcano Muria, which allow conclusions regarding the across-arc variations in volcanic output, source mineralogy and subduction components. We additionally report some data for an along-arc sequence of lavas from the Indonesian part of the Sunda arc, extending from Krakatoa in the west to the islands of Bali and Lombok in the east. We present major and trace element concentrations, Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb isotope compositions, and high-field-strength element (HFSE: Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, W) concentrations obtained via isotope dilution and MC-ICP-MS analyses. The geochemical data are complemented by melting models covering different source compositions with slab melts formed at variable P–T conditions. The radiogenic isotope compositions of the frontal arc lavas in combination with their trace element systematics confirm previously established regional variations of subduction components along the arc. Melting models show a clear contribution of a sediment-derived component to the HFSE budget of the frontal arc lavas, particularly affecting Zr–Hf and W. In contrast, the K-rich rear-arc lavas tap more hybrid and enriched mantle sources. The HFSE budget of the rear-arc lavas is in particular characterized by superchondritic Nb/Ta (up to 25) that are attributed to deep melting involving overprint by slab melts formed from an enriched garnet–rutile-bearing eclogitic residue. Sub-arc slab melting was potentially triggered along a slab tear beneath the Sunda arc, which is the result of the forced subduction of an oceanic basement relief ~ 8 Myr ago as confirmed by geophysical studies. The purported age of the slab tear coincides with a paucity in arc volcanism, widespread thrusting of the Javanese basement crust as well as the short-lived nature of the K-rich rear-arc volcanism at that time.
The relations between personality, components of executive functions, and intelligence in children and young adults
Authors: Johann Verena E. , Karbach Julia
Published: December 2021

Previous studies in adults showed heterogeneous results regarding the associations of personality with intelligence and executive functions (EF). In children, there is a lack of studies investigating the relations between personality and EF. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the relations between the Big Five personality traits, EF, and intelligence in a sample of children (Experiment 1) and young adults (Experiment 2). A total of 155 children (Experiment 1, mean age = 9.54 years) and 91 young adults (Experiment 2, mean age = 23.49 years) participated in the two studies. In both studies, participants performed tasks measuring working memory (WM), inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and fluid intelligence and completed a personality questionnaire. In Experiment 1, we found a negative relation between neuroticism and intelligence. In Experiment 2, we found a positive relation between conscientiousness and intelligence and a positive relation between conscientiousness and cognitive flexibility. Our results suggest a complex interplay between personality factors, EF, and intelligence both in children as well as in young adults.
Single-cell transcriptomic landscapes of a rare human laryngeal chondrosarcoma
Authors: Lin Chen , Shen Zhisen , Li Yanguo , Gu Shanshan , Lu Yaqin , Deng Hongxia , Ye Dong , Ding Qi
Published: December 2021

Propose

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare non-epithelial malignant tumor. At present, the cell type composition and molecular mechanism of laryngeal chondrosarcoma have not been systematically studied.

Methods

This study focused on the histopathological and imaging features of a rare primary laryngeal chondrosarcoma in a 74-year-old male. The tumor and its paracancerous cartilage tissue were single-cell sequenced and analyzed and a total of 5455 single cells were obtained. Immunohistochemical levels were also verified.

Results

In total five cell types were identified, including chondrocytes, myeloid cells, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells. We carried out further subgroup analysis, focusing on the classification and differentiation of chondrocytes, functional enrichment analysis, and cellular communication analysis of all cell types, and explored the tumor microenvironment (TME) of laryngeal chondrosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed the SLAMF9 gene was specifically expressed in non-immune cells of chondrosarcoma, but was barely expressed in the normal cartilage tissues adjacent to chondrosarcomas.

Conclusion

This single-cell sequencing approach provides clues for deciphering the potential mechanisms of tumor heterogeneity and TME composition in laryngeal chondrosarcoma, and represents an important step towards the treatment of laryngeal chondrosarcoma.
Randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of the symptom management after radiotherapy (SMaRT) group intervention to ameliorate lower urinary tract symptoms in men treated for prostate cancer
Authors: Faithfull Sara , Cockle-Hearne Jane , Lemanska Agnieszka , Otter Sophie , Skene Simon S.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of the symptom management after radiotherapy (SMaRT) group intervention to improve urinary symptoms in men with prostate cancer.

Methods

The randomised controlled trial (RCT) recruited men from one radiotherapy centre in the UK after curative radiotherapy or brachytherapy and with moderate to severe urinary symptoms defined as scores ≥ 8 on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Sixty-three men were randomised either; to SMaRT, a 10-week symptom-management intervention including group support, education, pelvic floor muscle exercises, or a care-as-usual group. The primary outcome was the IPSS at 6 months from baseline assessment. Secondary outcomes were IPSS at 3 months, and International Continence Society Male Short Form (ICS), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life prostate scale (EORTC QLQ-PR25), EORTC QLQ-30 and Self-Efficacy for Symptom Control Inventory (SESCI) at 3 and 6 months from baseline. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the effect of the intervention.

Results

SMaRT group intervention did not improve urinary symptoms as measured by IPSS at 6-months. The adjusted difference was − 2.5 [95%CI − 5.0 to 0.0], p = 0.054. Significant differences were detected at 3 months in ICS voiding symptoms (− 1.1 [− 2.0 to − 0.2], p = 0.017), ICS urinary incontinence (− 1.0 [− 1.8 to − 0.1], p = 0.029) and SESCI managing symptoms domain (13.5 [2.5 to 24.4], p = 0.017). No differences were observed at 6 months.

Conclusions

SMaRT group intervention provided short-term benefit in urinary voiding and continence and helped men manage symptoms but was not effective long term.
Bi-objective facility location under uncertainty with an application in last-mile disaster relief
Authors: Nazemi Najmesadat , Parragh Sophie N. , Gutjahr Walter J.
Published: December 2021

Multiple and usually conflicting objectives subject to data uncertainty are main features in many real-world problems. Consequently, in practice, decision-makers need to understand the trade-off between the objectives, considering different levels of uncertainty in order to choose a suitable solution. In this paper, we consider a two-stage bi-objective single source capacitated model as a base formulation for designing a last-mile network in disaster relief where one of the objectives is subject to demand uncertainty. We analyze scenario-based two-stage risk-neutral stochastic programming, adaptive (two-stage) robust optimization, and a two-stage risk-averse stochastic approach using conditional value-at-risk (CVaR). To cope with the bi-objective nature of the problem, we embed these concepts into two criterion space search frameworks, the $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-constraint method and the balanced box method, to determine the Pareto frontier. Additionally, a matheuristic technique is developed to obtain high-quality approximations of the Pareto frontier for large-size instances. In an extensive computational experiment, we evaluate and compare the performance of the applied approaches based on real-world data from a Thies drought case, Senegal.
Reliability and effective use of electronic trap monitoring systems based on cellular networks
Authors: Martin Anthony R.
Published: December 2021

The deployment of cage traps rather than kill traps can greatly reduce non-target mortality in an invasive species control/eradication operation, but their use is normally constrained by the need for them to be checked frequently on animal welfare grounds. This paper examines the reliability of electronic monitoring devices that use cellular (mobile phone) networks to alert the operator when a trap door closes, and also discusses the management network that is needed to convert an alarm into a timely trap visit without fail. The two monitoring systems tested were 100% reliable in notifying the operator when a trap door closed, and their use reduced the burden of trap visits by 98% compared to the standard protocol of daily checks. As such, these systems can be of great value to campaigns operating large numbers of traps, especially when capture rates are low.
Research Integrity and Hidden Value Conflicts
Authors: Helgesson Gert , Bülow William
Published: December 2021

Research integrity is a well-established term used to talk and write about ethical issues in research. Part of its success might be its broad applicability. In this paper, we suggest that this might also be its Achilles heel, since it has the potential to conceal important value conflicts. We identify three broad domains upon which research integrity is applied in the literature: (1) the researcher (or research group), (2) research, and (3) research-related institutions and systems. Integrity in relation to researchers concerns character, although it remains to specify precisely what character traits are the desirable ones in this context and what values researchers should endorse. Integrity in relation to research concerns correct and sufficient description of the research process, data, results, and overall ‘research record’. Hence, it concerns the quality of research. However, whether or not this notion of research integrity covers all ethical aspects of research depends on whether one endorses a wider or a narrower interpretation of the ‘research process’. Integrity in relation to research-related institutions and systems leaves open whether they should be understood as agents in their own right or merely as means to research integrity. Besides the potential lack of clarity that our analysis reveals, we point to how this variety in uses might lead to concealment of value conflicts and propose an open discussion of central values.
Visual Servoing of Unknown Objects for Family Service Robots
Authors: Xin Jing , Dong Caixia , Zhang Youmin , Yao Yumeng , Gong Ailing
Published: December 2021

Aiming at satisfying the increasing demand of family service robots for housework, this paper proposes a robot visual servoing scheme based on the randomized trees to complete the visual servoing task of unknown objects in natural scenes. Here, “unknown” means that there is no prior information on object models, such as template or database of the object. Firstly, an object to be manipulated is randomly selected by user prior to the visual servoing task execution. Then, the raw image information about the object can be obtained and used to train a randomized tree classifier online. Secondly, the current image features can be computed using the well-trained classifier. Finally, the visual controller can be designed according to the error of image feature, which is defined as the difference between the desired image features and current image features. Five visual positioning of unknown objects experiments, including 2D rigid object and 3D non-rigid object, are conducted on a MOTOMAN-SV3X six degree-of-freedom (DOF) manipulator robot. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can effectively position an unknown object in complex natural scenes, such as occlusion and illumination changes. Furthermore, the developed robot visual servoing scheme has an excellent positioning accuracy within 0.05 mm positioning error.