bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomic relations of the median nerve to the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle: safety issues and implications for medial approaches to the elbow joint
Authors: Cucchi Davide , Luceri Francesco , Menon Alessandra , Müller Lars Peter , Kabir Koroush , Randelli Pietro Simone , Arrigoni Paolo , Wegmann Kilian
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Preventing nerve injury is critical in elbow surgery. Distal extension of medial approaches, required for coronoid fracture fixation and graft-replacement, may endanger the median nerve. This study aims to describe an easily identifiable and reproducible anatomical landmark to localize the median nerve distal to the joint line and to delineate how its relative position changes with elbow flexion and forearm rotation.

Materials and methods

The median nerve and the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle were identified in eleven fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens after dissection over an extended medial approach. The elbow was brought first in full extension and then in 90° flexion, and the shortest distance between the two structures was measured while rotating the forearm in full pronation, neutral position and full supination.

Results

The distance between the median nerve and the brachialis insertion was highest with the elbow flexed and the forearm in neutral position. All distances measured in flexion were larger than those in extension, and all distances measured from the most proximal point of the brachialis insertion were larger than those from the most distal point. Distances in pronation and in supination were smaller than to those in neutral forearm position.

Conclusions

The ulnar insertion of the brachialis is a reliable landmark to localize and protect the median nerve at the level of the coronoid base. Elbow flexion and neutral forearm position increase significantly the safety margins between the two structures; this information suggests some modifications to the previously described medial elbow approaches.

Level of evidence

Basic Science Study.
Is it all about the feeling? Affective and (meta-)cognitive mechanisms underlying the truth effect
Authors: Stump Annika , Rummel Jan , Voss Andreas
Published: January 2021

People are more likely to judge repeatedly perceived statements as true. A decisive explanation for this so-called truth effect is that the repeated information can be processed more fluently than new information and that this fluency experience renders the information more familiar and trustworthy. Little is known, however, regarding whether and how affective states and dispositional cognitive preferences influence the truth effect. To this end, we conducted two experiments in which we manipulated (a) processing fluency via repetition, (b) the time interval (10 min vs. 1 week) between repetitions, and (c) short-term affective states using the presentation of emotional faces (Experiment 1) or the presence of an irrelevant source for changes in affective states (Experiment 2). Additionally, we assessed the dispositional variables need for cognitive closure (NCC), preference for deliberation (PD) and preference for intuition (PI). Results of Experiment 1 showed that the truth effect was significantly reduced for statements that were followed by a negative prime, although this was the case only for the longer repetition lag. Furthermore, higher NCC and lower PD scores were associated with an increased truth effect. Results of Experiment 2 replicated the moderating role of NCC and further showed that participants, who were provided with an alternative source for changes in their affective states, showed a reduced truth effect. Together, the findings suggest that (a) fluency-related changes in affective states may be (co-)responsible for the truth effect, (b) the truth effect is decreased when the repetition interval is long rather than short, and (c) the truth effect is increased for individuals with a higher need for cognitive closure. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Supported progressive resistance exercise training to counter the adverse side effects of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ashton Ruth E. , Aning Jonathan J. , Tew Garry A. , Robson Wendy A , Saxton John M
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the effects of a supported home-based progressive resistance exercise training (RET) programme on indices of cardiovascular health, muscular strength and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients after treatment with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

This study was a single-site, two-arm randomised controlled trial, with 40 participants randomised to either the intervention or control group over a 10-month period. In addition to receiving usual care, the intervention group completed three weekly RET sessions using resistance bands for 6 months. Participants performed 3 sets of 12–15 repetitions for each exercise, targeting each major muscle group. The control group received usual care only. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was the primary outcome and assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included body weight, body fat, aerobic fitness, strength and blood-borne biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic risk.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups in FMD at 3 or 6 months. However, there were improvements in aerobic exercise capacity (P < 0.01) and upper- (P < 0.01) and lower-limb (P = 0.01) strength in favour of the RET group at 6 months, accompanied by greater weight loss (P = 0.04) and a reduction in body fat (P = 0.02). Improvements in HRQoL were evident in the RET group at 3 and 6 months via the PCa-specific component of the FACT-P questionnaire (both P < 0.01). Five adverse events and one serious adverse event were reported throughout the trial duration.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that home-based RET is an effective and safe mode of exercise that elicits beneficial effects on aerobic exercise capacity, muscular strength and HR-QoL in men who have undergone RARP.

Trial registration

ISRCTN10490647.
Factors associated with non-attendance in the Irish national diabetic retinopathy screening programme (INDEAR study report no. 2)
Authors: Kelly Stephen R. , Loiselle Allison R. , Pandey Rajiv , Combes Andrew , Murphy Colette , Kavanagh Helen , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Mooney Therese , Kearney Patricia , Crabb David P. , Keegan David J.
Published: January 2021

Aims

We aimed to determine the patient and screening-level factors that are associated with non-attendance in the Irish National Diabetic Retinal screening programme (Diabetic RetinaScreen). To accomplish this, we modelled a selection of predictors derived from the historical screening records of patients with diabetes.

Methods

In this cohort study, appointment data from the national diabetic retinopathy screening programme (RetinaScreen) were extracted and augmented using publicly available meteorological and geospatial data. A total of 653,969 appointments from 158,655 patients were included for analysis. Mixed-effects models (univariable and multivariable) were used to estimate the influence of several variables on non-attendance to screening appointments.

Results

All variables considered for analysis were statistically significant. Variables of note, with meaningful effect, were age (OR: 1.23 per decade away from 70; 95% CI: [1.22–1.24]), type 2 diabetes (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: [1.06–1.14]) and socio-economic deprivation (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: [1.09–1.16]). A majority (52%) of missed appointments were from patients who had missed three or more appointments.

Conclusions

This study is the first to outline factors that are associated with non-attendance within the Irish national diabetic retinopathy screening service. In particular, when corrected for age and other factors, patients with type 2 diabetes had higher rates of non-attendance. Additionally, this is the first study of any diabetic screening programme to demonstrate that weather may influence attendance. This research provides unique insight to guide the implementation of an optimal and cost-effective intervention strategy to improve attendance.
Clinical management and outcome of adult patients with extracorporeal life support device–associated intracerebral hemorrhage—a neurocritical perspective and grading
Authors: Prinz Vincent , Manekeller Lisa , Menk Mario , Hecht Nils , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Vajkoczy Peter , Finger Tobias
Published: January 2021

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating complication in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to respiratory or cardiac issues. Neurosurgical evaluation and management of such cases has only insufficiently been studied. We conducted a retrospective, cohort study of adult patients treated with ECMO between January 2007 and January 2017 in a tertiary healthcare center. Demographics, clinical data, coagulation status, ICH characteristics, and treatment modalities were analyzed. The primary outcome parameter was defined as mortality caused by ICH during ECMO. 525 patients with ECMO therapy were eligible for analysis. An overall incidence for any type of intracranial bleeding of 12.3% was found. Small hemorrhages accounted for 6.4% and acute subdural and epidural hematoma for 1.2%. Twenty-four (4.6%) patients developed ICH, and 11 patients (46%) died due to the ICH. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with larger ICH volumes (86.8 ± 34.8 ml vs 9.9 ± 20.3 ml, p < 0.001), intraventricular hemorrhage (83% vs 8%, p = 0.01), and a fluid level inside the ICH (75% vs 31%, p = 0.04). All patients were classified according to the bleeding pattern on the initial CT scan into 3 types. Patients with type 1 bleeding were statistically more likely to die (p < 0.001). In 15 out of 24 patients (63%), correction of the coagulation status was possible within 12 h after ICH onset. Seven out of 9 patients (78%) without early coagulation correction died compared to 2 out of 15 patients (13%), in whom early coagulation correction was successful (p = 0.01). This is the first study evaluating the course and management of patients experiencing an ICH under ECMO therapy and establishing an ICH classification based on the bleeding patterns. Early correction of the coagulation is of paramount importance in the treatment of these patients.
Detection of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, in continental sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kwadha Charles A. , Okwaro Louis A. , Kleman Isabella , Rehermann Guillermo , Revadi Santosh , Ndlela Shepard , Khamis Fathiya M. , Nderitu Peterson W. , Kasina Muo , George Momanyi K. , Kithusi Grace G. , Mohamed Samira A. , Lattorff H. Michael G. , Becher Paul G.
Published: January 2021

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is an insect pest of soft-skinned fruit, native to Eastern Asia. Since 2008, a world-wide dispersal of D. suzukii is seen, characterized by the establishment of the pest in many Asian, American and European countries. While the potential for invasion of continental Africa by D. suzukii has been predicted, its presence has only been shown for Morocco in Northern Africa. Knowledge about a possible establishment in other parts of the continent is needed as a basis for pest management. In 2019, we carried out a first survey in three counties in Kenya to monitor for the presence of D. suzukii using traps baited with a blend of apple cider vinegar and red wine. A total of 389 D. suzukii flies were captured in a fruit farm at Nakuru county, with more female flies being trapped than males. We confirmed the morphological identification of D. suzukii using DNA barcoding. In 2020, we performed a follow-up survey at 14 locations in six counties to delimit the distribution of D. suzukii in the main berry growing zones in Kenya. The survey indicated that so far D. suzukii is restricted to Nakuru county where it was initially detected. This is the first study to provide empirical evidence of D. suzukii in continental sub-Saharan Africa, confirming that the pest is expanding its geographic range intercontinentally. Given the high dispersal potential of D. suzukii, a concerted effort to develop management strategies is a necessity for containment of the pest.
Oak regeneration at the arid boundary of the temperate deciduous forest biome: insights from a seeding and watering experiment
Authors: Erdős László , Szitár Katalin , Öllerer Kinga , Ónodi Gábor , Kertész Miklós , Török Péter , Baráth Kornél , Tölgyesi Csaba , Bátori Zoltán , Somay László , Orbán Ildikó , Kröel-Dulay György
Published: January 2021

Previous studies found that pedunculate oak, one of the most widespread and abundant species in European deciduous forests, regenerates in open habitats and forest edges, but not in closed forest interiors. However, these observations usually come from the core areas of the biome, and much less is known about such processes at its arid boundary, where limiting factors may be different. In a full factorial field experiment, we tested the effects of different habitats (grassland, forest edge, forest interior) and increased growing season precipitation on the early regeneration of pedunculate oak in a forest-steppe ecosystem in Central Hungary, at the arid boundary of temperate deciduous forests. In the grassland habitat, seedling emergence was very low, and no seedlings survived by the fourth year. In contrast, seedling emergence was high and similar at forest edges and forest interiors, and was not affected by water addition. Most seedlings survived until the fourth year, with no difference between forest edge and forest interior habitats in numbers, and only minor or transient differences in size. The lack of oak regeneration in the grassland differs from previous reports on successful oak regeneration in open habitats, and may be related to a shift from light limitation to other limiting factors, such as moisture or microclimatic extremes, when moving away from the core of the deciduous forest biome towards its arid boundary. The similar number and performance of seedlings in forest edges and forest interiors may also be related to the decreasing importance of light limitation.
Recruitment of International Students Through a Synthesis of English as a Second Language Instruction, Social Justice, and Service Learning
Authors: Akiba Daisuke
Published: January 2021

Universities across the U.S. have increasingly emphasized internationalization, leading to rising numbers of international students attending U.S. institutions of higher education. However, these students tend to gravitate toward larger research-intensive universities with many other institutions seeing no increase in international student enrollments. Little is known concerning how to attract international students to regional institutions lacking name recognition. To address the above and promote internationalization through increasing the presence of students from abroad, an academic department at a regional public U.S. college used needs analysis to develop a pilot program for Japanese university students (N = 13). The program involved a synthesis of English as a Second Language instruction, social justice as a content area, and service learning, in a two-week credit-bearing summer session course. A post-participation survey revealed highly positive reactions, particularly in terms of working with local community members, and broad agreement that the program had been life-altering. The implications for international student program development at regional institutions are discussed.
Structural textile pattern recognition and processing based on hypergraphs
Authors: Ngo Vuong M. , Helmer Sven , Le-Khac Nhien-An , Kechadi M-Tahar
Published: January 2021

The humanities, like many other areas of society, are currently undergoing major changes in the wake of digital transformation. However, in order to make collection of digitised material in this area easily accessible, we often still lack adequate search functionality. For instance, digital archives for textiles offer keyword search, which is fairly well understood, and arrange their content following a certain taxonomy, but search functionality at the level of thread structure is still missing. To facilitate the clustering and search, we introduce an approach for recognising similar weaving patterns based on their structures for textile archives. We first represent textile structures using hypergraphs and extract multisets of k-neighbourhoods describing weaving patterns from these graphs. Then, the resulting multisets are clustered using various distance measures and various clustering algorithms (K-Means for simplicity and hierarchical agglomerative algorithms for precision). We evaluate the different variants of our approach experimentally, showing that this can be implemented efficiently (meaning it has linear complexity), and demonstrate its quality to query and cluster datasets containing large textile samples. As, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first practical approach for explicitly modelling complex and irregular weaving patterns usable for retrieval, we aim at establishing a solid baseline.
Examining Longitudinal Relations Between Mothers’ and Fathers’ Parenting Stress, Parenting Behaviors, and Adolescents’ Behavior Problems
Authors: de Maat Donna A. , Jansen Pauline W. , Prinzie Peter , Keizer Renske , Franken Ingmar H. A. , Lucassen Nicole
Published: January 2021

Parenting stress of mothers has frequently been linked to negative child outcomes. According to Abidin’s stress model, this relationship may be explained by dysfunctional parenting behaviors. In this study, we scrutinized the effects of both mothers and fathers in the pathway from parenting stress through parenting behaviors to subsequent adolescent behavior problems. We expected the association between parenting stress and adolescent behavior problems to be partially mediated by maternal and paternal parenting behaviors. Further, we expected crossover effects, i.e., that parenting stress of one parent was related to the parenting behavior of the other parent. We applied a 3-wave longitudinal design using data from 441 adolescents (52% girls) and their parents (419 fathers; 436 mothers). Parents reported on parenting stress (adolescent age range = 10.9–16.3 years). Adolescents reported on perceived parental overreactivity and warmth (age range = 12.9–18.3) and their own internalizing and externalizing problems (age range = 15.9–21.3). Despite cross-sectional significant associations between parenting stress, parenting behavior, and adolescent behavior problems, we found no evidence of longitudinal linkages. One exception was maternal parenting stress, which positively predicted later adolescent externalizing problems. Consequently, the mediating role of parenting behaviors was not supported. We found no crossover effects in the pathway from parenting stress to parenting behaviors. The discrepancies between our longitudinal and cross-sectional findings raise questions about the actual impact that parents have on their children’s outcome. Though, targeting mothers’ parenting stress may help to reduce adolescent externalizing problems and its ramifications at least to some extent.
Non-invasive electrical cardiometry cardiac output monitoring during prehospital helicopter emergency medical care: a feasibility study
Authors: Slagt Cornelis , Servaas Sjoerd , Ketelaars Rein , van Geffen Geert-Jan , Tacken Marijn Cornelia Theresia , Verrips Corien Alexandra , Baggen Lonneke Ankie Marcel , Scheffer Gert Jan , van Eijk Lucas Theodorus
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Introducing advanced hemodynamic monitoring might be beneficial during Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) care. However, it should not increase the on-scene-time, it should be easy to use and should be non-invasive. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of non-invasive cardiac output measurements by electrical cardiometry (EC) and the quality of the EC signal during pre-hospital care provided by our HEMS.

Methods

A convenience sample of fifty patients who required HEMS assistance were included in this study. Problems with respect to connecting the patient, entering patient characteristics and measuring were inventoried. Quality of EC signal of the measurements was assessed during prehospital helicopter care. We recorded the number of measurements with a signal quality indicator (SQI) ≥ 80 and the number of patients having at least 1 measurement with a SQI ≥ 80. Furthermore, the SQI value distribution of the measurements within each patient was analysed.

Results

In the experience of the attending HEMS caregivers application of the device was easy and did not result in increased duration of on-scene time. Patch adhesion was reported as a concern due to clammy skin in 22% of all cases. 684 measurements were recorded during HEMS care. In 47 (94%) patients at least 1 measurement with an SQI ≥ 80 was registered. Of all recorded measurements 5.8% had an SQI < 40, 11.4% had an SQI 40–59, 14.9% had a SQI between 60 and 79 and 67.8% had SQI ≥ 80.

Conclusion

Cardiac output measurements are feasible during prehospital HEMS care with good quality of the EC signal. Monitoring was easy to use and quick to install. In our view it is an promising candidate for the prehospital setting. Further research is needed to determine its clinical value during clinical decision making.
Exogenous shocks and citizens’ satisfaction with governmental policies: can empirical evidence from the 2008 financial crisis help us understand better the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Venetoklis Takis
Published: January 2021

I examine to what extend the financial crisis of 2008 affected levels of individual satisfaction with governments in general and three policy areas in particular; the economy, health services and education. I use data from the European Social Survey (9 rounds, 2002-2018, 14 countries, approx.195000 observations). Running Interrupted Time Series regressions I find that, on aggregate, there was a decrease of satisfaction with the government and the economy immediately after the crisis, but an increase for health and educational services. Longer term, satisfaction gradually increased for all the four indicators examined. In separate regressions for each country, a consistent pattern of behavior emerges. Where the short-term effect on satisfaction was negative, the long-term effect was positive, and vice versa. The switch, from short-term negative to long-term positive effect, could be attributed to the successful efforts of governments to correct the immediate adverse effects of the crisis. On the contrary, some individuals seeing the problems other countries faced, applauded their own government’s short term performance in handling the crisis. With the passing of time however, they gradually became more critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to implement policies reviving the economy and improving services in health and the education sectors, amongst others. Results of this study may be used when measuring and evaluating the effects of the current pandemic.
Distinguishing regeneration from degradation in coral ecosystems: the role of value
Authors: Jones Elis
Published: January 2021

In this paper I argue that the value attributed to coral reefs drives the characterisation of evidence for their regeneration or degradation. I observe that regeneration and degradation depend on an understanding of what an ecosystem looks like when undegraded (a baseline), and that many mutually exclusive baselines can be given for any single case. Consequently, facts about ecological processes are insufficient to usefully and non-arbitrarily characterise changes to ecosystems. By examining how baselines and the value of reefs interact in coral and algal reef examples, I argue that considering the value of an ecosystem is a necessity when describing processes like regeneration and degradation. This connectsvalueas studied in socio-ecological and economic research withvaluesas discussed in the philosophy of science literature. It also explains why such a broad range of processes may be considered regenerative, including those which introduce significant novelty, as well as pointing towards ways to mediate related debates, such as those surrounding novel and ‘pristine’ ecosystems.
Performance-aware programming for intraoperative intensity-based image registration on graphics processing units
Authors: Leong Martin C. W. , Lee Kit-Hang , Kwan Bowen P. Y. , Ng Yui-Lun , Liu Zhiyu , Navab Nassir , Luk Wayne , Kwok Ka-Wai
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Intensity-based image registration has been proven essential in many applications accredited to its unparalleled ability to resolve image misalignments. However, long registration time for image realignment prohibits its use in intra-operative navigation systems. There has been much work on accelerating the registration process by improving the algorithm’s robustness, but the innate computation required by the registration algorithm has been unresolved.

Methods

Intensity-based registration methods involve operations with high arithmetic load and memory access demand, which supposes to be reduced by graphics processing units (GPUs). Although GPUs are widespread and affordable, there is a lack of open-source GPU implementations optimized for non-rigid image registration. This paper demonstrates performance-aware programming techniques, which involves systematic exploitation of GPU features, by implementing the diffeomorphic log-demons algorithm.

Results

By resolving the pinpointed computation bottlenecks on GPU, our implementation of diffeomorphic log-demons on Nvidia GTX Titan X GPU has achieved ~ 95 times speed-up compared to the CPU and registered a 1.3-M voxel image in 286 ms. Even for large 37-M voxel images, our implementation is able to register in 8.56 s, which attained ~ 258 times speed-up. Our solution involves effective employment of GPU computation units, memory, and data bandwidth to resolve computation bottlenecks.

Conclusion

The computation bottlenecks in diffeomorphic log-demons are pinpointed, analyzed, and resolved using various GPU performance-aware programming techniques. The proposed fast computation on basic image operations not only enhances the computation of diffeomorphic log-demons, but is also potentially extended to speed up many other intensity-based approaches. Our implementation is open-source on GitHub at https://bit.ly/2PYZxQz.
MINARO HD: control and evaluation of a handheld, highly dynamic surgical robot
Authors: Vossel Manuel , Müller Meiko , Niesche Annegret , Theisgen Lukas , Radermacher Klaus , de la Fuente Matías
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Current surgical robotic systems are either large serial arms, resulting in higher risks due to their high inertia and no inherent limitations of the working space, or they are bone-mounted, adding substantial additional task steps to the surgical workflow.
The robot presented in this paper has a handy and lightweight design and can be easily held by the surgeon. No rigid fixation to the bone or a cart is necessary. A high-speed tracking camera together with a fast control system ensures the accurate positioning of a burring tool.

Methods

The capabilities of the robotic system to dynamically compensate for unintended motion, either of the robot itself or the patient, was evaluated. Therefore, the step response was analyzed as well as the capability to follow a moving target.

Results

The step response show that the robot can compensate for undesired motions up to 12 Hz in any direction. While following a moving target, a maximum positioning error of 0.5 mm can be obtained with a target motion of up to 18 mm/s.

Conclusion

The requirements regarding dynamic motion compensation, accuracy, and machining speed of unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, for which the robot was optimized, are achieved with the presented robotic system. In particular, the step response results show that the robot is able to compensate for human tremor.
Examining the Spatial Variability of Geosite Assessment and Its Relevance in Geosite Management
Authors: Pál Márton , Albert Gáspár
Published: January 2021

Assessment is the initial step for experts on geoheritage and geotourism when designating geosites in a certain area. During this process, geologically interesting outcrops, formations and places are examined with the use of different criteria to see if they are suitable for geoconservation and geotourism purposes. A quantitative assessment method—Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM)—was applied in the study area, which is part of the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark in Hungary. M-GAM uses a weight factor (importance) that expresses the opinion of geotourists about 27 infrastructural, tourism and scientific indicators. This factor was examined by questionnaires at nine geosites in the area. At each site, we determined a unique importance value, which shows significant difference from site-to-site and reflects the opinions of visitors about the geosite. The M-GAM method is originally aimed at applying a common weight on each of the 27 criteria during the assessment of selected sites. While this approach is valid, we demonstrated that the method can be extended because the weights spatially vary and can be used to draw conclusions on geosite management. Practically, the evaluation of the factors obtained in this way offers an individual development plan for every site. The current state of improvement direction, the level of communication and the interpretability of the geo-objects can also be determined. In this way, we can get a more realistic development strategy for the geosites.
Sustainable development and enhancement of cracking processes using metallic composites
Authors: Olaremu Abimbola G. , Adedoyin Williams R. , Ore Odunayo T. , Adeola Adedapo O.
Published: January 2021

Metallic composites represent a vital class of materials that has gained increased attention in crude oil processing as well as the production of biofuel from other sources in recent times. Several catalytic materials have been reported in the literature for catalytic cracking, particularly, of crude oil. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging methods/technologies such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), metal–matrix composites (MMCs), and catalytic support materials, to bridge information gaps toward sustainable advancement in catalysis for petrochemical processes. There is an increase in industrial and environmental concern emanating from the sulphur levels of oils, hence the need to develop more efficient catalysts in the hydrotreatment (HDS and HDN) processes, and combating the challenge of catalyst poisoning and deactivation; in a bid to improving the overall quality of oils and sustainable use of catalyst. Structural improvement, high thermal stability, enhanced cracking potential, and environmental sustainability represent the various benefits accrued to the use of metallic composites as opposed to conventional catalysts employed in catalytic cracking processes.
Different induction of biogenic amine accumulation during cold acclimation in Triticeae genotypes with varying freezing tolerance
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Ahsan , Mednyánszky Zsuzsa , Simon-Sarkadi Livia , Kocsy Gábor
Published: January 2021

The appropriate timing of the accumulation of biogenic amines is very important during cold acclimation due to their direct protective role and their involvement in the signaling processes. The time course of changes in the amount of six of them was compared during a 3-week acclimation period in a freezing tolerant and a sensitive genotype of rye, barley and wheat. In general, a greater and faster cold-induced increase in biogenic amine content was observed in the tolerant genotypes of the three species compared to the sensitive ones. This change was very quick in the case of putrescine, spermidine and cadaverine reaching a maximum after three days in the freezing-tolerant rye genotype. There was a continuous increase in the spermine and tyramine contents during the whole acclimation period in the tolerant wheat genotype while nearly constant levels were detected in the sensitive one. The amount of these two amines exhibited a positive correlation with the level of freezing tolerance in each of the five sampling points. Based on the correlations, a coordinated adjustment of the level of the six studied biogenic amines occurred during the acclimation period which could contribute to the efficient adaptation to cold. In addition, the earlier induction of the biogenic amine accumulation in the freezing tolerant genotypes may contribute to their better cold acclimation.
Pandemic Disease in the Medieval World
Authors: Symes Carol
Published: January 2021

This ground-breaking book brings together scholars from the humanities and social and physical sciences to address the question of how recent work in the genetics, zoology, and epidemiology of plague's causative organism (Yersinia pestis) can allow a rethinking of the Black Death pandemic and its larger historical significance.
Basic Income on the Agenda
Authors: van der Veen Robbert-Jan , Groot Loek
Published: January 2021

Persisting unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, labour market flexibility, job insecurity and higher wage inequality, changing patterns of work and family life are among the factors that exert pressure on welfare states in Europe. This book explores the potential of an unconditional basic income, without means test or work requirement, to meet the challenges posed by the new social question, compared to policies of subsidized insertion in work. It also assesses the political chances of basic income in various European countries. These themes are highly relevant to policy-makers in the field of labour markets and social security, economists, political philosophers, and a social science audience in general.
Trends and Transport Variability of the Circulation in the Subpolar Eastern North Atlantic
Authors: Nowitzki Hannah , Rhein Monika , Roessler Achim , Kieke Dagmar , Mertens Christian
Published: January 2021

The North Atlantic Current is the major pathway for warm and saline water from the subtropics into the subpolar North Atlantic. Its main branch crosses 47°/48°N in the western North Atlantic basin and further north the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) before entering the eastern subpolar basin where it partly feeds the subpolar gyre. To quantify the meridional exchange of water between the subtropical and subpolar regime in the interior eastern North Atlantic, long‐term (1993–2017) transport time series were calculated by combining data from inverted echo sounders taken in 2016–2017 with the dynamic topography from satellite altimetry. The data reveal an additional more direct pathway from the south across 47°/48°N with a mean northward transport of 9.1 Sv ± 0.8 Sv contributing about 22% to the total inflow of 41.4 Sv into the eastern subpolar basin. The transport time series of this pathway is significantly anticorrelated to the zonal transport across the MAR (R = −0.7), damping the interannual variability of the total transport into the subpolar eastern North Atlantic. Moreover, for the meridional transport in the interior eastern basin, a positive trend of 2.0 Sv ± 1.5 Sv per decade is found, partly balancing the negative decadal trend of −6.0 Sv ± 5.7 Sv observed in the interior western basin.
Satellite Observations of the Tropical Terrestrial Carbon Balance and Interactions With the Water Cycle During the 21st Century
Authors: Worden John , Saatchi Sassan , Keller Michael , Bloom A. Anthony , Liu Junjie , Parazoo Nicholas , Fisher Joshua B. , Bowman Kevin , Reager John T. , Fahy Kristen , Schimel David , Fu Rong , Worden Sarah , Yin Yi , Gentine Pierre , Konings Alexandra G. , Quetin Gregory R. , Williams Mathew , Worden Helen , Shi Mingjie , Barkhordarian Armineh
Published: January 2021

A constellation of satellites is now in orbit providing information about terrestrial carbon and water storage and fluxes. These combined observations show that the tropical biosphere has changed significantly in the last 2 decades from the combined effects of climate variability and land use. Large areas of forest have been cleared in both wet and dry forests, increasing the source of carbon to the atmosphere. Concomitantly, tropical fire emissions have declined, at least until 2016, from changes in land‐use practices and rainfall, increasing the net carbon sink. Measurements of carbon stocks and fluxes from disturbance and recovery and of vegetation photosynthesis show significant regional variability of net biosphere exchange and gross primary productivity across the tropics and are tied to seasonal and interannual changes in water fluxes and storage. Comparison of satellite based estimates of evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, and the deuterium content of water vapor with patterns of total water storage and rainfall demonstrate the presence of vegetation‐atmosphere interactions and feedback mechanisms across tropical forests. However, these observations of stocks, fluxes and inferred interactions between them do not point unambiguously to either positive or negative feedbacks in carbon and water exchanges. These ambiguities highlight the need for assimilation of these new measurements with Earth System models for a consistent assessment of process interactions, along with focused field campaigns that integrate ground, aircraft and satellite measurements, to quantify the controlling carbon and water processes and their feedback mechanisms.
The Catcher in the Ice
Authors: den Hond Bas
Published: January 2021

There are three ways to extract gases from an ice core. The cleanest one, sublimation, is getting easier.
Tree Rings Reveal How Ancient Forests Were Managed
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: January 2021

By analyzing thousands of oak timbers dating from the 4th to 21st centuries, scientists have pinpointed the advent of a forest management practice.
Hard-templated metal–organic frameworks for advanced applications
Authors: Doustkhah Esmail , Hassandoost Ramin , Khataee Alireza , Luque Rafael , Assadi M. Hussein N.
Published: January 2021

Template-directing strategies for synthesising metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have brought about new frontiers in materials chemistry due to the possibility of applying control over crystal growth, morphology and secondarily generated pores.
Ultrathin ZIF-8 wrapping on Au-dotted Ag-nanowires for highly selective SERS-based CO2 gas detection
Authors: Huang Kun , Gong Shanshan , Zhang Lina , Zhang Hui , Li Shikuo , Ye Guisheng , Huang Fangzhi
Published: January 2021

A novel CO2 sensor based on SERS with excellent selectivity and rapidity was prepared by coating ultrathin ZIF-8 on Au-dotted Ag-nanowires.
Integration of aprotic CO2 reduction to oxalate at a Pb catalyst into a GDE flow cell configuration
Authors: König Maximilian , Lin Shih-Hsuan , Vaes Jan , Pant Deepak , Klemm Elias
Published: January 2021

We report the application of gas diffusion electrodes and catalyst deactivation processes in aprotic CO2 reduction flow cells.
A multifunctional Fenton nanoagent for microenvironment-selective anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory therapy
Authors: Li Yuqing , Xiu Weijun , Yang Kaili , Wen Qirui , Yuwen Lihui , Luo Zichao , Liu Xiaogang , Yang Dongliang , Xie Xiaoji , Wang Lianhui
Published: January 2021

FePS3 nanosheets with pH-responsive self-enhanced Fenton activity and ROS scavenging properties, are first explored to realize microenvironment-selective anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory therapy for bacterial biofilm infections.
Novel multifunctional nano-hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-based molecules with high cell permeability: molecular design and application for diagnosis and treatment of tumors
Authors: Wei Gang , Zhang Kezhen , Gu Yuanlong , Guang Shanyi , Feng Jihong , Xu Hongyao
Published: January 2021

Octathiol POSS was used to connect PEG-400, hexene, folic acid, fluorescein, and thioguanine using a simple and efficient photo-initiated one-pot method to prepare multifunctional molecules, which have targeted imaging and therapeutic functions.
Study on the selective hydrogenation of isophorone
Authors: Xu Lei , Sun Shaoyin , Zhang Xing , Gao Haofei , Wang Wei
Published: January 2021

The selective hydrogenation of isophorone to TMCH can be influenced by the tetrahydrofuran solvent. The conversion of isophorone is 100%, and the yield of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone is 98.1% under RANEY® Ni and THF.
Anisotropic microparticles for differential drug release in nerve block anesthesia
Authors: B. S Shivakumar , Gopalakrishnan-Prema Vignesh , Raju Gayathri , Mathew Sumi E. , Katiyar Neeraj , Menon Deepthy , Shankarappa Sahadev A.
Published: January 2021

Stretch-induced anisotropy in bupivacaine-loaded PLGA micro particles (BMPs) induced stronger nerve blocks compared to spherical particles.
Study of aerodynamic focusing lens stacks (ALS) for long focal length aerosol-assisted focused chemical vapor deposition (AAFCVD)
Authors: Lu Han Lun , Li Lei , Liang Xi Hui , Wang Jun Jun , Liu Ning Yang , Chen Zhi Tao
Published: January 2021

A new generation system so called AAFCVD printing system has been developed. It is a mask-free printing system with longer focal length and compatibility for AACVD.
Quantifying genome DNA during whole-genome amplification via quantitative real-time multiple displacement amplification
Authors: Tu Jing , Qiao Yi , Luo Yuhan , Long Naiyun , Lu Zuhong
Published: January 2021

Monitoring multiple displacement amplification by fluorescence signals.
Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction of hydroxy-sanshool compounds from the hydrodistillation residue of two Sichuan peppers: optimization, quantification and pungent taste contribution evaluation
Authors: Chi Yuanlong , Deng Yanglong , Pu Shenghui , Ren Yao , Zhao Zhifeng , He Qiang
Published: January 2021

Hydroxy-sanshool compounds were extracted from the hydrodistillation residue of Z. bungeanum Maxim. pericarp and Z. armatum DC. pericarp by using ethanol–water extraction and extractions assisted with (i) enzymes, (ii) ultrasound, and (iii) enzymes and ultrasound.
Biobased foams for thermal insulation: material selection, processing, modelling, and performance
Authors: Mort Rebecca , Vorst Keith , Curtzwiler Greg , Jiang Shan
Published: January 2021

This review outlines the progress in biobased foams with a focus on low thermal conductivity. It introduces materials selection and processing, compares performance, examines modelling of physical properties, and discusses challenges in applying models to real systems.
Preparation of fluorine-free superhydrophobic and wear-resistant cotton fabric with a UV curing reaction for self-cleaning and oil/water separation
Authors: Luo Yaofa , Wang Shuang , Fu Xihan , Du Xiaosheng , Wang Haibo , Cheng Xu , Du Zongliang
Published: January 2021

A durable superhydrophobic, self-cleaning cotton fabric based on UV curing was prepared and used in the field of oil/water separation.
An Amberlite IRA-400 Cl− ion-exchange resin modified with Prosopis juliflora seeds as an efficient Pb2+ adsorbent: adsorption, kinetics, thermodynamics, and computational modeling studies by density functional theory
Authors: Anbazhagan Sivaprakasam , Thiruvengadam Venugopal , Sukeri Anandhakumar
Published: January 2021

We have demonstrated a high Pb2+ removal efficiency (73.45%) from wastewater using a Prosopis juliflora-seed-modified Amberlite IRA-400 Cl− ion-exchange resin (SMA resin).
Correction: Design and fabrication of a microfluidic chip to detect tumor markers
Authors: Sun Cuimin , You Hui , Gao Nailong , Chang Jianguo , Gao Qingxue , Xie Yang , Xie Yao , Xu Ronald X.
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Design and fabrication of a microfluidic chip to detect tumor markers’ by Cuimin Sun et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 39779–39785, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA06693A.
Controlling the lithium proton exchange of LLZO to enable reproducible processing and performance optimization
Authors: Rosen Melanie , Ye Ruijie , Mann Markus , Lobe Sandra , Finsterbusch Martin , Guillon Olivier , Fattakhova-Rohlfing Dina
Published: January 2021

A new, mechanistic understanding of the lithium proton exchange in LLZO enables reproducible processing and performance optimization for tape-cast components.
A bio-inspired self-recoverable polyampholyte hydrogel with low temperature sensing
Authors: Li Xinyao , Kong Lingshu , Gao Guanghui
Published: January 2021

An anti-freezing, self-recovery sensor enabled by a polyampholyte hydrogel demonstrated stable performance in a complex temperature environment and exhibited a wide range of applications in physiological signal monitoring and electronic skin.
Abnormal thermally enhanced upconversion luminescence of lanthanide-doped phosphors: proposed mechanisms and potential applications
Authors: Zhou Youhui , Cheng Yao , Huang Qiugui , Xu Ju , Lin Hang , Wang Yuansheng
Published: January 2021

Recent progress on the abnormal thermally enhanced upconversion luminescence, in terms of phenomena, various mechanisms and potential applications, is reviewed.
Mobility shift-based electrophoresis coupled with fluorescent detection enables real-time enzyme analysis of carbohydrate sulfatase activity
Authors: Byrne Dominic P. , London James A. , Eyers Patrick A. , Yates Edwin A. , Cartmell Alan
Published: January 2021

Sulfated carbohydrate metabolism is a fundamental process, which occurs in all domains of life. Carbohydrate sulfatases are enzymes that remove sulfate groups from carbohydrates and are essential to the depolymerisation of complex polysaccharides. Despite their biological importance, carbohydrate sulfatases are poorly studied and challenges remain in accurately assessing the enzymatic activity, specificity and kinetic parameters. Most notably, the separation of desulfated products from sulfated substrates is currently a time-consuming process. In this paper, we describe the development of rapid capillary electrophoresis coupled to substrate fluorescence detection as a high-throughput and facile means of analysing carbohydrate sulfatase activity. The approach has utility for the determination of both kinetic and inhibition parameters and is based on existing microfluidic technology coupled to a new synthetic fluorescent 6S-GlcNAc carbohydrate substrate. Furthermore, we compare this technique, in terms of both time and resources, to high-performance anion exchange chromatography and NMR-based methods, which are the two current ‘gold standards’ for enzymatic carbohydrate sulfation analysis. Our study clearly demonstrates the advantages of mobility shift assays for the quantification of near real-time carbohydrate desulfation by purified sulfatases, and will support the search for small molecule inhibitors of these disease-associated enzymes.
Research progress of ghrelin on cardiovascular disease
Authors: Yuan Ming-Jie , Li Wei , Zhong Peng
Published: January 2021

Ghrelin, a 28-aminoacid peptide, was isolated from the human and rat stomach and identified in 1999 as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue-receptor (GHS-R). In addition to stimulating appetite and regulating energy balance, ghrelin and its receptor GHS-R1a have a direct effect on the cardiovascular system. In recent years, it has been shown that ghrelin exerts cardioprotective effects, including the modulation of sympathetic activity and hypertension, enhancement of the vascular activity and angiogenesis, inhibition of arrhythmias, reduction in heart failure and inhibition of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The cardiovascular protective effect of ghrelin may be associated with anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, inhibited sympathetic nerve activation, regulated autophagy, and endothelial dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ghrelin on the cardiovascular system have not been fully elucidated, and no specific therapeutic agent has been established. It is important to further explore the pharmacological potential of ghrelin pathway modulation for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.