bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pros and cons of non‐sparking tools
Authors: Britton Laurence G. , Willey Ronald J.
Published: February 2022

An explosion occurred on December 23, 2021 at the ExxonMobil Baytown Complex, Baytown, TX., USA. Within a week, a lawsuit was filed claiming that a contractor “using a wrench essentially as a hammer, created a spark causing the flammable gas to ignite.” This event served as an incentive to remind readers of Process Safety Progress of situations where non‐sparking tools are required by Code for work in specific flammable environments, along with the pros and cons surrounding their more general use. The potential for metal impact sparks can be overlooked by inexperienced maintenance workers, contractors, engineers, and other personnel unaware of all the hazards of working in flammable atmospheres. The debate about whether a truly “non‐sparking” tool exists or whether a metal–metal impact spark is a significant ignition hazard, other than for easily ignitable gases and other special cases, is beyond the scope of this article. Instead, we provide a discussion of potential and recognized hazards with reference to applicable Codes and Regulations.
An analytical instrument for coding and assessing argumentative dialogues in science teaching contexts
Authors: Martins Marina , Macagno Fabrizio
Published: February 2022

Most of the tools developed in the area ofScience Educationaimed at analyzing either the product or the process of argumentation do not consider the following: (a) arguments are a part of dialogues, (b) dialogues present different objectives, (c) dialogues start from different assumptions, and (d) dialogues shape the roles and moves of interlocutors. This paper intends to address the analysis of argumentative exchanges within educational science dialogues considering several aspects of argumentation that have neglected to be investigated in the field of education, such as the relations among individual moves and the dialogues they are part of, and the influence of such moves on knowledge construction. Toward this purpose, a proposed tool is presented, which describes argumentative dialogues in science teaching contexts across the varied and interrelated dimensions. This tool, consisting of six analytical aspects, is applied to high school chemistry students' argumentative dialogues taking place during modeling activities. Data collection (involving audio and video recording plus observations made by the researchers) revealed the main affordances of this tool as follows: (a) favoring an understanding of the individual and collective students' intentions; (b) enabling the characterization of argumentative discourse beyond the moves of refuting, questioning and providing support; (c) enabling the identification of whether knowledge construction has occurred; and (d) the possibility of analyzing teaching situations across different contexts. Thus, the tool supports the descriptions and analyses of the scientific argumentation process and the associated knowledge construction by students.
Leaf‐Like CuCo2O4@CuCo2O4 Core‐Shell Nanowires as Binder‐Free Electrode for High‐Performance Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Ping , Yang Zhihui
Published: February 2022

A reasonable electrode structure is important to improve the performance of supercapacitors. In this work, Leaf‐like CuCo2O4@CuCo2O4 nanowires grown erectly on Ni foam substrate were prepared by two‐step hydrothermal method to form a mutually perpendicular core–shell nanostructure. The binder‐free CuCo2O4@CuCo2O4 nanowires were more likely to benefit from multidimensional synergistic effect and better conductivity, revealing a high specific capacitance of 5.86 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 and good cycle stability (90.2 % after 8000 cycles). In addition, the SC based on CuCo2O4@CuCo2O4 battery‐type electrodes exhibited good flexible properties. The environment friendly and low cost CuCo2O4@CuCo2O4//AC flexible SCs perform a high energy density of 0.35 mWh cm−2 at a power density of 8 mW cm−2. The results indicated that CuCo2O4@CuCo2O4 core‐shell materials have high application value, thus providing a new type of advanced electrode for flexible SCs.
A Nanostructured Mo2C‐rGO Heterostructure as a stable Anode with ultra‐high capacity for Lithium‐Ion Battery**
Authors: Kanade Sandeep C. , Ambalkar Anuradha A. , Sethi Yogesh A. , Thotiyl Musthafa Ottakam , Kale Bharat B. , Gambhire Anil B.
Published: February 2022

In the present work, we have demonstrated the synthesis of Molybdenum Carbide‐reduced graphene oxide (Mo2C‐rGO) heterostructure. Uniquely, the in‐situ formation of rGO using D‐glucose in the heterostructure and its battery performance has been discussed. The High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR‐TEM) study clearly shows the growth of Mo2C nanoparticles along with rGO confers a unique integrated layered heterostructure. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman study exhibits the formation of graphene oxide (GO) followed by multi‐layers of rGO along with hexagonal Mo2C. The electrochemical study of Mo2C‐rGO heterostructure demonstrates stable cycling performance and excellent rate capabilities. The heterostructure showed the initial capacity (1st discharge) around 632.23 mAh/g and specific capacity i. e., 537.91 mAh/g @ 0.5 A/g with 99–100 % columbic efficiency. The reversible capacities of 521.56 mAh/g, and 400.76 mAh/g were observed at current densities of 1 A/g and 2 A/g for 300 cycles, respectively, which justifies the stability of heterostructure. The cycled cell was investigated by using Electrochemical Imepedance Spectroscopy (EIS), ex‐situ XRD, and Field Emmision Scanning Electron microscopy (FESEM), which shows the negligible change in the ionic conductivity, structure, and morphology after 300 cycles. It shows the excellent stability of Mo2C‐rGO heterostructure.
Near‐Infrared II Nanoadjuvant‐Mediated Chemodynamic, Photodynamic, and Photothermal Therapy Combines Immunogenic Cell Death with PD‐L1 Blockade to Enhance Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Xiang Qinyanqiu , Yang Chao , Luo Yuanli , Liu Fan , Zheng Jun , Liu Weiwei , Ran Haitao , Sun Yang , Ren Jianli , Wang Zhigang
Published: February 2022

The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition in inducing death of cancer cells is affected by the immunosuppressive “cold” tumor microenvironment, which results in a poor response by the patient's antitumor immune system. However, the immunomodulatory effects of immunogenic cell death in response to irritation by heat energy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) can switch the tumor microenvironment from “cold” to “hot.” This study has developed a nanoadjuvant for immune therapy using iron tungsten oxide (FeWOx)‐based nanosheets with surface PEGylation (FeWOx‐PEG). This FeWOx‐PEG nanoadjuvant serves as a chemodynamic reagent via the Fenton reaction and acts as a photosensitizer for photodynamic and photothermal therapy under near‐infrared II laser irradiation; however, it could also be used to augment tumor‐infiltrating T‐cells and provoke a systemic antitumor immune response by combining the immunogenic cell death triggered by ROS and photothermal therapy with the immune checkpoint blockade. This research demonstrates that application of the FeWOx‐PEG nanoadjuvant under the guidance of magnetic resonance/computed tomography/photoacoustic imaging can eliminate the primary tumor and suppress the growth of distant tumors.
Anti‐bloater class restructuring: An exploratory study
Authors: Machado João Paulo L. , Paula‐Sobrinho Elder V. P. , Maia Marcelo A.
Published: February 2022

Proper software modularization still poses challenges to developers. One of the symptoms of inappropriate modularization is the large size of object‐oriented classes. In that case, a possible solution would be class restructuring with refactorings, such asExtract Class,Extract Super‐Class, orMove Method. However, class refactoring is challenging because of the possible side effects of improper changes. In this context, more effective decision support systems on which classes are worthwhile for restructuring to improve modularity are still lacking. This work focuses on exploring possible alternatives for supporting decision on class restructuring. A prospective study was performed on selected kinds of restructuring, aiming at determining what types of strategies are typically adopted to restructure bloated classes and which classes developers decided to restructure. Then, we proposed and evaluated a predictive model for indicating which classes to restructure, aiming at delivering a restructuring guide on those classes. Finally, we conducted a qualitative study to evaluate the perception of developers on such guides based on predictions for real software. The results have shown situations in which the proposed predictions could help the restructuring process but also elucidated possible improvements and limitations.
Thermal Characteristics, Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Thermal Degradation Reaction, and Hydrophobicity of Corn Starch Affected by Chemical and Physical Modifications
Authors: Rasouli Sajad , Raveshtian Amin , Fasihi Mohammad
Published: February 2022

In this work, glacial‐acetic (A) and citric (C) acids from organic acids “family with one and three functional groups, respectively", oleic acid (O) from the fatty acids family and sodium acetate (S) are used for esterification of corn starch in solution in the absence and the presence of 15%wt glycerin as a physical modifier. Discoloration test using CIELAB and as well as thermal gravimetric analysis shows that the glacial‐acetic acid leads to lower reduction in thermal characteristics of the modified starch. The variations of thermal properties start from T > 112 °C, T>136 °C, T>100 °C, and T> 124 °C for the modified starches with C, A, O, and S reagents, respectively, and the changes are constant beyond the amount of 4%wt reagent. The evaluations of kinetics and thermodynamics of thermal degradation reaction for the modified starches via a Coats–Redfern (CR) model prove that the acetic acid causes more activation energy for degradation compared to other reagents. Also, acetic acid‐modified starch demonstrates the highest hydrophobicity among other modified starches – even native starch – in the moisture sorption examination at 75% relative humidity (RH). The results illustrate that glycerin has the worst effect on the thermal and hydrophobicity properties of the modified starches.
Stimuli‐responsive nanoplatforms for antibacterial applications
Authors: Huang Yue , Zou Lingyun , Wang Jing , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: February 2022

The continuously increasing bacterial resistance has become a big threat to public health worldwide, which makes it urgent to develop innovative antibacterial strategies. Nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems are considered as promising strategies in combating bacterial infections which are expected to improve the therapeutic efficacy and minimize the side effects. Unfortunately, the conventional nanodrug delivery systems always suffer from practical dilemmas, including incomplete and slow drug release, insufficient accumulation in infected sites, and weak biofilm penetration ability. Stimuli‐responsive nanoplatforms are hence developed to overcome the disadvantages of conventional nanoparticles. In this review, we provide an extensive review of the recent progress of endogenous and exogenous stimuli‐responsive nanoplatforms in the antibacterial area, including planktonic bacteria, intracellular bacteria, and bacterial biofilms. Taking advantage of the specific infected microenvironment (pH, enzyme, redox, and toxin), the mechanisms and strategies of the design of endogenous stimuli‐responsive nanoplatforms are discussed, with an emphasis on how to improve the therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects. How to realize controlled drug delivery using exogenous stimuli‐responsive nanoplatforms especially light‐responsive nanoparticles for improved antibacterial effects is another topic of this review. We especially highlight photothermal‐triggered drug delivery systems by the combination of photothermal agents and thermo‐responsive materials.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Correction to: Migration and Environmental Change in Morocco
Authors: Van Praag Lore , Ou-Salah Loubna , Hut Elodie , Zickgraf Caroline
Published: February 2022

Correction to: L. Van Praag et al., Migration and Environmental Change in Morocco, IMISCOE Research Series,10.1007/978-3-030-61390-7
Defining, Rationalising and Measuring Digital Towns
Authors: Lynn Theo , Rosati Pierangelo , Conway Edel , Curran Declan , Fox Grace , O’Gorman Colm
Published: February 2022

Digital technologies are transforming all aspects of society. While so-called smart city technologies are widely cited as solutions for a wide range of socio-economic challenges, there is a relative paucity of research and discussion on the role and impact of ICTs in towns. The term ‘digital town’ concerns a physical place, the people who interact with that place, information and communication technologies, and the relationship between them. This chapter introduces key concepts and terms in digital society policy and literature. Based on a review of literature and digital town initiatives and projects, ten rationales for adopting digital technologies in towns are identified and discussed and a working definition of a digital town is proposed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of commonly cited frameworks and composite indices for measuring digital society and the digital economy and the need for a discrete measurement framework for digital towns is justified.
Digital Public Services
Authors: Lynn Theo , Rosati Pierangelo , Conway Edel , Curran Declan , Fox Grace , O’Gorman Colm
Published: February 2022

Digital public services refer to the provision of public services using digital technologies wherein the interaction with a public sector organisation is mediated by an IT system. Citizens are constantly demanding higher transparency, efficiency and responsiveness from public organisations. The increasing adoption of digital technologies constitutes a key element of governments’ response to such demands and has the potential to generate substantial benefits for the overall economy both at a local and national level. This chapter defines digital public services, discusses the existing challenges for the implementation of these services in the rural context, and summarises existing frameworks for assessing the adoption and use of e-Government, e-Health technologies, and open data.
The Digital Economy and Digital Business
Authors: Lynn Theo , Rosati Pierangelo , Conway Edel , Curran Declan , Fox Grace , O’Gorman Colm
Published: February 2022

It is well-established that the use of digital technologies can generate clear advantages for enterprises including cost savings, operational efficiency, IT resilience and scalability, easier access to new markets, and market effectiveness, amongst others. However, the adoption and use of digital technologies by rural businesses typically lags urban enterprises. This chapter introduces and defines the concept of the digital economy and digital business. It discusses the main benefits and challenges in the adoption and use of digital technologies by enterprises in general and by those in a rural context. The chapter concludes with a discussion of international frameworks and composite indices for measuring the adoption and use of digital technologies by businesses.
Digital Education
Authors: Lynn Theo , Rosati Pierangelo , Conway Edel , Curran Declan , Fox Grace , O’Gorman Colm
Published: February 2022

Education plays an essential role in transferring social norms and building human capital. There is widespread enthusiasm for the adoption and integration of digital technologies in education. This digitalisation of education has become a pillar of education policy worldwide, driven by growing optimism that such a policy approach can bestow a wide range of potential benefits to economies and society as a whole. Unfortunately, despite this optimism, digital inequalities remain in education—with these inequalities impacting the most vulnerable in society, including those who are socio-economically disadvantaged and/or residing in rural areas. Robust measurement of digital technologies in education is critical for informing policy and action, as well as for monitoring progress. This chapter defines digital education and discusses the rationales, benefits and challenges in integrating digital technologies in education. It concludes with an overview of existing international indicators for measuring digital technology in education.
Vector boson dark matter from trinification
Authors: Babu K. S. , Jana Sudip , Thapa Anil
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We show how trinification models based on the gauge group SU(3)C× SU(3)L× SU(3)R realized near the TeV scale can provide naturally a variety of dark matter (DM) candidates. These models contain a discrete T parity which may remain unbroken even after spontaneous symmetry breaking. The lightest T-odd particle, which could be a fermion, a scalar, or a gauge boson, can constitute the dark matter of the universe. This framework naturally admits a doublet-singlet fermionic DM, a singlet scalar DM, or a vector boson DM. Here we develop the vector boson DM scenario wherein the DM couples off-diagonally with the usual fermions and vector-like fermions present in the theory. We show consistency of this framework with dark matter relic abundance and direct detection limits as well as LHC constraints. We derive upper limits of 900 GeV on the vector gauge boson DM mass and 4.5 TeV on the vector-like quark masses. We also show the consistency of spontaneous gauge symmetry breaking down to Standard Model times an extra U(1) while preserving the T-parity.
Beyond second-moment approximation in fuzzy-field-theory-like matrix models
Authors: Šubjaková Mária , Tekel Juraj
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We investigate the phase structure of a special class of multi-trace hermitian matrix models, which are candidates for the description of scalar field theory on fuzzy spaces. We include up to the fourth moment of the eigenvalue distribution into the multi-trace part of the probability distribution, which stems from the kinetic term of the field theory action. We show that by considering different multi-trace behavior in the large moment and in the small moment regimes of the model, it is possible to obtain a matrix model, which describes the numerically observed phase structure of fuzzy field theories. Including the existence of uniform order phase, triple point, and an approximately straight transition line between the uniform and non-uniform order phases.
Spin gauge theory, duality and fermion pairing
Authors: Mukherjee Shantonu , Lahiri Amitabha
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We apply duality transformation to the Abelian Higgs model in 3+1 dimensions in the presence of electrons coupled to the gauge field. The Higgs field is in the symmetry broken phase, where flux strings can form. Dualization brings in an antisymmetric tensor potential Bμν, which couples to the electrons through a nonlocal interaction which can be interpreted as a coupling to the spin current. It also couples to the string worldsheet and gives rise to a string Higgs mechanism via the condensation of flux strings. In the phase where the Bμν field is massless, the nonlocal interaction implies a linearly rising attractive force between the electrons, which can be interpreted as the result of a pair of strings joining the electrons.
M2-doughnuts
Authors: Drukker Nadav , Trépanier Maxime
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We present a family of new M2-brane solutions in AdS7× S4 that calculate toroidal BPS surface operators in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 0) theory. These observables are conformally invariant and not subject to anomalies so we are able to evaluate their finite expectation values at leading order at large N. In the limit of a thin torus we find a cylinder, which is a natural surface generalization of both the circular and parallel lines Wilson loop. We study and comment on this limit in some detail.
Entanglement of magnon excitations in spin chains
Authors: Zhang Jiaju , Rajabpour M. A.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We calculate exactly the entanglement content of magnon excited states in the integrable spin-1/2 XXX and XXZ chains in the scaling limit. In particular, we show that as far as the number of excited magnons with respect to the size of the system is small one can decompose the entanglement content, in the scaling limit, to the sum of the entanglement of particular excited states of free fermionic or bosonic theories. In addition we conjecture that the entanglement content of the generic translational invariant free fermionic and bosonic Hamiltonians can be also classified, in the scaling limit, with respect to the entanglement content of the fermionic and bosonic chains with the number operator as the Hamiltonian in certain circumstances. Our results effectively classify the entanglement content of wide range of integrable spin chains in the scaling limit.
A Power-Efficient Multichannel Low-Pass Filter Based on the Cascaded Multiple Accumulate Finite Impulse Response (CMFIR) Structure for Digital Image Processing
Authors: Jain Vivek , Chakrabarti Prasun , Mitolo Massimo , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Jasinski Michal , Vinogradov Alexander , Bolshev Vadim
Published: February 2022

The author offers a power-efficient multichannel low-pass filter for digital image processing based on the cascade multiple accumulate finite impulse response (CMFIR) structure in this study. The CMFIR filter was created using the outputs of a linear time-invariant system (LTI), which was built using a cascaded integrator comb (CIC) and a MAC low-pass filter. The sample rate convertor based on CIC filters effectively conducts decimation or interpolation. The sample rate convertor with the CIC filter can only accommodate narrowband transmissions and so cannot be utilized for wideband signals. The MAC architecture-based sample rate convertor is a good solution for high-bandwidth signals, but it uses more resources like registers and flip-flops, which increases power consumption. Here, the CMFIR low-pass filter acts as an interpolator, introducing a sample to boost the image's resolution. CMFIR is a useful tool for addressing the issue of aliasing during sampling. In addition, the genetic algorithm was used to increase the filter's resource utilization and power consumption efficiency.
Clinical assessment of tibial torsion differences. Do we always need a computed tomography?
Authors: Hawi Humam , Kaireit Till Frederik , Krettek Christian , Liodakis Emmanouil
Published: February 2022

Background

Tibial torsional malalignment presents a well-known complication of intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft fractures.

Purpose

Objective of this study was to investigate the ability to clinically assess tibial torsion differences. Computed Tomography (CT) was used here as the gold standard. Further, intra- and inter-observer reliability of the clinical examination, and radiological measurements were calculated.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with torsion-difference CTs, obtained for various reasons, were asked to kneel on an examination couch with free hanging feet. All patients are positioned with 90° flexed knee and neutral ankle. A picture of the lower extremities was obtained from the back of the patient. Two blinded orthopedic surgeons were asked to look at the pictures and measure the tibial torsion with a digital goniometer, based on the axis of the femur in relation to the second ray of the foot. To determine the intra-observer variation, the torsional angles were calculated again after 4 weeks. To be able to compare values, two blinded radiologists calculated torsional differences based on computed tomography.

Results

All patients were able to be positioned for clinical assessment (n = 51). Clinical assessment of torsional difference revealed 4.55° ± 6.85 for the first, respectively, 4.55° ± 7.41 for the second investigator. The second measurement of the first investigator revealed a value of 4.57° ± 6.9. There was a good intra-observer agreement for clinical assessment (ICC 0.993, p < 0.001). Also, the inter-observer agreement showed a good inter-observer agreement (ICC 0.949, p < 0.001). Evaluation of radiological inter-observer assessment could also show a good inter-observer agreement (ICC 0.922, p < 0.001). The clinical method showed a good correlation to the CT method (0.839, p < 0.001). Additionally, the Bland–Altman plot was used to compare graphically both measurement techniques, which proved the agreement.

Conclusion

In summary, computed tomography-assisted measurement of tibial torsion and clinical assessment correlated significantly good. In addition to that, clinical measurement has a good intra- and inter-observer reliability. Clinical examination is a reliable and cost-effective tool to detect mal-torsion and should be part of the repertoire of every surgeon.
Bending and energy absorption performance of novel openwork wooden panels
Authors: Smardzewski Jerzy , Majnusz Magdalena , Murlak Karol
Published: February 2022

In many scientific studies, beams reinforced with synthetic fiber ribbons are modeled, wood composites and materials are designed, and structures made with hollow core boards are developed. However, no research was conducted on increasing the width of the flat wooden panels by modeling an openwork structure and obtaining them from solid panels of smaller width. The research aimed to determine the impact of wood species and inclination angle of the side walls on the stiffness, strength, and ability to absorb the energy of the new openwork panel made of curvilinear wooden slats. Three-point bending tests were performed numerically and verified experimentally. It has been shown that the stiffness of the openwork panels was lower compared to solid panels. No cracks in the glue line were observed. Walnut openwork panels demonstrated the best energy absorption capacity. Therefore, it is recommended that the openwork panels be made out of walnut and beech wood, rather than ash and oak. It is also more advantageous for the panel’s construction to use the 11° inclination angle of the side walls.
Experimental evidence that adult UV/yellow colouration functions as a signal in blue tit families — but only for parents
Authors: García-Campa Jorge , Müller Wendt , Morales Judith
Published: February 2022

In bi-parental species, reproduction is not only a crucial life-history stage where individuals must take fitness-related decisions, but these decisions also need to be adjusted to the behavioural strategies of other individuals. Hence, communication is required, which could be facilitated by informative signals. Yet, these signalling traits might have (co-)evolved in multiple contexts, as various family members usually meet and interact during reproduction. In this study, we experimentally explored for the first time whether a colourful plumage trait in adults acts as a signal that regulates multiple intra-family interactions in a bird species, the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). We expected that an experimental reduction of adults’ UV/yellow reflectance (i.e. a reduction of apparent individual quality) should affect the behavioural strategies of all family members. We found evidence for this at least in adults, since the partners of UV-blocked individuals (either males or females) increased their parental investment — perhaps to compensate for the apparent lower condition of their mates. As the UV-blocked adult did not change its provisioning behaviour, the partner presumably responded to the manipulated signal and not to a behavioural change. However, the offspring did not co-adjust their begging intensity to the experimental treatment. It is thus possible that they responded to overall parental care rather than the signal. These results suggest that UV/yellow colouration of adult blue tits may act as quality signal revealing the rearing capacity to mates.

Significance statement

How parents respond to signals of genetic or phenotypic quality of their mates has received significant attention. However, previous studies have primarily focused on the receiver’s response and have not always controlled for the signaller’s behaviour and its investment in reproduction. Our results provide the first experimental evidence that ultraviolet (UV)/yellow colouration acts as a signal of parental quality in the blue tit. Parents responded by increasing their effort when paired with UV-blocked (low-quality) mates, while controlling for the mate’s behaviour. We argue that the reduced expression of the signal triggered a compensatory response in the mate. Interestingly, both males and females responded similarly to changes in mate’s UV/yellow reflectance, suggesting similar rules over investment in response to this trait. However, nestlings, a potential (and often neglected) set of observers of parental signals, did not change their behaviour when raised by an UV-blocked (= low-quality) parent.
Treatment of Achalasia and Epiphrenic Diverticulum
Authors: Nadaleto Barbara F. , Herbella Fernando A. M. , Patti Marco G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Epiphrenic diverticulum (ED) is a pulsion pseudodiverticulum found in the distal 10 cm of the esophagus. Motility disorders are present in the majority of patients with ED explaining the pathophysiology of this rare disease. Achalasia is the most common underlying disorder. We present a review on the diagnosis and management of ED in the setting of achalasia.

Methods

Literature review.

Results

Symptoms are most related to the underlying motility disorder. The diagnostic workup should always include an upper digestive endoscopy and a barium esophagogram. Esophageal manometry identifies the motility disorder in most patients. Therapeutic options include laparoscopic, thoracoscopic and endoscopic procedures. While a myotomy must always be performed, diverticulectomy is not always necessary.

Conclusions

Epiphrenic diverticulum is a rare condition whose pathophysiology involves an underlying motility disorder—achalasia in most cases. Symptoms usually include dysphagia, regurgitation, heartburn, and respiratory complaints and correlate with the motility disorder rather than the diverticulum per se. Upper digestive endoscopy and barium esophagogram are needed for the diagnosis—manometry may add useful information but is not imperative for the treatment. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with a partial fundoplication is the procedure of choice, with satisfactory symptom relief and several advantages over the thoracic approach. Diverticulectomy may be performed in selected patients. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are novel techniques, effective and minimally invasive that can be an option for patients unfit for surgery.
The effect of small changes in rate of force development on muscle fascicle velocity and motor unit discharge behaviour
Authors: Aeles Jeroen , Bellett M. , Lichtwark G. A. , Cresswell A. G.
Published: February 2022

When rate of force development is increased, neural drive increases. There is presently no accepted explanation for this effect. We propose and experimentally test the theory that a small increase in rate of force development increases medial gastrocnemius fascicle shortening velocity, reducing the muscle’s force-generating capacity, leading to active motor units being recruited at lower forces and with increased discharge frequencies. Participants produced plantar flexion torques at three different rates of force development (slow: 2% MVC/s, medium: 10% MVC/s, fast: 20% MVC/s). Ultrasound imaging showed that increased rate of force development was related to higher fascicle shortening velocity (0.4 ± 0.2 mm/s, 2.0 ± 0.9 mm/s, 4.1 ± 1.9 mm/s in slow, medium, fast, respectively). In separate experiments, medial gastrocnemius motor unit recruitment thresholds and discharge frequencies were measured using fine-wire electromyography (EMG), together with surface EMG. Recruitment thresholds were lower in the fast (12.8 ± 9.2% MVC) and medium (14.5 ± 9.9% MVC) conditions compared to the slow (18.2 ± 8.9% MVC) condition. The initial discharge frequency was lower in the slow (5.8 ± 3.1 Hz) than the fast (6.7 ± 1.4 Hz), but not than the medium (6.4 ± 2.4 Hz) condition. The surface EMG was greater in the fast (mean RMS: 0.029 ± 0.017 mV) compared to the slow condition (0.019 ± 0.013 mV). We propose that the increase in muscle fascicle shortening velocity reduces the force-generating capacity of the muscle, therefore requiring greater neural drive to generate the same forces.
Biochemical compounds and stress markers in lettuce upon exposure to pathogenic Botrytis cinerea and fungicides inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Iwaniuk Piotr , Lozowicka Bozena
Published: February 2022

Main conclusion

Botrytis cinerea and fungicides interacted and influenced selected biochemical compounds. DPPH and glutathione are the first line of defence against biotic/abiotic stress. Plant metabolites are correlated with fungicides level during dissipation.

Botrytis cinerea is an etiological agent of gray mould in leafy vegetables and is combated by fungicides. Fluazinam and azoxystrobin are commonly used fungicides, which inhibit oxidative phosphorylation in fungi. In this study, lettuce was (i) inoculated with B. cinerea; (ii) sprayed with azoxystrobin or fluazinam; (iii) inoculated with B. cinerea and sprayed with fungicides. This investigation confirmed that B. cinerea and fungicides affected lettuce’s biochemistry and stress status. B. cinerea influenced the behaviour of fungicides reflected by shortened dissipation of azoxystrobin compared to non-inoculated plants, while prolonged degradation of fluazinam. Stress caused by B. cinerea combined with fungicides reduced level of chlorophylls (53.46%) and carotenoids (75.42%), whereas increased phenolic compounds (81%), ascorbate concentrations (32.4%), and catalase activity (116.1%). Abiotic stress caused by fungicides contributed most to the induction of carotenoids (107.68 µg g−1 on dissipation day 3−1). Diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and glutathione concentration peaked from the first hour of fungicides dissipation. For the first time correlation between the status of plant metabolites and fungicides during their dissipation was observed. These results indicate that non-enzymatic antioxidants could be the first-line compounds against stress factors, whereas ascorbate and antioxidant enzymes tend to mitigate stress only secondarily. The findings of this study help better understand plant biochemistry under biotic/abiotic stress conditions.
Dopamine supports idea originality: the role of spontaneous eye blink rate on divergent thinking
Authors: Agnoli Sergio , Mastria Serena , Zanon Marco , Corazza Giovanni Emanuele
Published: February 2022

The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in human creative behaviour. Specifically, striatal dopamine seems to be associated with specific dimensions of divergent thinking performance, especially with categorical diversity (flexibility) of ideas. In experimental contexts, spontaneous Eye Blink Rate (sEBR) has been used as a proxy for striatal dopamine, and an inverted U-shape relationship between sEBR and flexibility has been demonstrated, such that a medium sEBR level predicts highest flexibility levels. The present study aimed at carrying out further investigations about the relationship between sEBR and idea generation through divergent thinking, specifically focusing on the relationship between idea originality and dopamine level, since originality is a key element for creativity. We asked 80 participants, whose sEBR at rest was measured, to perform an Alternative Uses Task (AUT) to measure their divergent thinking performance. Results revealed that the relationship between sEBR and originality, as measured through subjective ratings of external raters, followed an inverted U-shape function with medium sEBR being associated with highest originality scores. Moreover, and most importantly, we demonstrated that sEBR predicted originality through the mediation of flexibility. Our results provide further insights on the possible role of dopamine on divergent thinking performance, demonstrating that an adequate dopamine level may facilitate the generation of original ideas through the exploration of diverse conceptual categories (higher flexibility).
Does sleep-disordered breathing add to impairments in academic performance and brain structure usually observed in children with overweight/obesity?
Authors: Torres-Lopez Lucia V. , Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Migueles Jairo H. , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Molina-Garcia Pablo , H. Hillman Charles , Catena Andres , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: February 2022

Approximately 4–11% of children suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and children with obesity are at increased risk. Both obesity and SDB have been separately associated with poorer brain health, yet whether SDB severity affects brain health in children with obesity remains unanswered. This study aimed to examine associations of SDB severity with academic performance and brain structure (i.e., total brain and gray and white matter volumes and gray matter volume in the hippocampus) in children with overweight/obesity. One hundred nine children aged 8–12 years with overweight/obesity were included. SDB severity and its subscales (i.e., snoring, daytime sleepiness, and inattention/hyperactivity) were evaluated via the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and academic performance was evaluated with the Woodcock-Muñoz standardized test and school grades. Brain structure was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. SDB severity was not associated with academic performance measured by the standardized test (all |β|> 0.160, P > 0.076), yet it was associated with the school grade point average (β = -0.226, P = 0.007) and natural and social science grades (β = -0.269, P = 0.024). Intention/hyperactivity seemed to drive these associations. No associations were found between SDB severity and the remaining school grades (all β < -0.188, P > 0.065) or brain volumes (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Our study shows that SDB severity was associated with lower school grades, yet it was not associated with the standardized measurement of academic performance or with brain volumes in children with overweight/obesity. SDB severity may add to academic problems in children beyond the effects contributed by overweight/obesity status alone.

What is Known:• Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may affect brain structure and academic performance in children.• Children with overweight/obesity are at higher risk for the development of SDB, yet the comorbid obesity-SDB relationship with brain health has not been investigated thus far.

What is New:• To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the associations of comorbid obesity-SDB severity with brain volumes and academic performance in children.• SDB symptoms may adversely affect academic performance at school in children with overweight/obesity, beyond the effects of weight status alone.
A finite time combinatorial algorithm for instantaneous dynamic equilibrium flows
Authors: Graf Lukas , Harks Tobias
Published: February 2022

Instantaneous dynamic equilibrium (IDE) is a standard game-theoretic concept in dynamic traffic assignment in which individual flow particles myopically select en route currently shortest paths towards their destination. We analyze IDE within the Vickrey bottleneck model, where current travel times along a path consist of the physical travel times plus the sum of waiting times in all the queues along a path. Although IDE have been studied for decades, several fundamental questions regarding equilibrium computation and complexity are not well understood. In particular, all existence results and computational methods are based on fixed-point theorems and numerical discretization schemes and no exact finite time algorithm for equilibrium computation is known to date. As our main result we show that a natural extension algorithm needs only finitely many phases to converge leading to the first finite time combinatorial algorithm computing an IDE. We complement this result by several hardness results showing that computing IDE with natural properties is NP-hard.
Response of endangered bird species to land-use changes in an agricultural landscape in Germany
Authors: Jungandreas Anne , Roilo Stephanie , Strauch Michael , Václavík Tomáš , Volk Martin , Cord Anna F.
Published: February 2022

Land-use intensification in agroecosystems has led to population declines in many taxonomic groups, especially farmland birds. Two contrasting conservation strategies have therefore been proposed: land sharing (the integration of biodiversity conservation in low-intensity agriculture) and land sparing (the spatial separation of high-yielding agriculture and areas for conservation). Despite the large academic interest in this field, only few studies have taken into account stakeholders’ perspectives of these strategies when assessing conservation implications. We modeled the effects of three land-use scenarios (a business-as-usual, a land-sharing, and a land-sparing scenario), developed together with regional stakeholders, on the habitat area of 13 regionally endangered bird species in the Middle Mulde River Basin (Saxony, Germany). We used random forest models based on environmental variables relating to land-use/cover, climate and soil characteristics, occurrence of linear landscape elements (hedges and tree rows), and distance to water and major roads. Responses to the three land-use scenarios were species-specific, but extensively managed permanent grassland and the density of forest edges were positively associated with the occurrence of most bird species. Overall, the land-sharing scenario provided the largest breeding habitat area: 76% of the species had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in breeding habitat, and none showed a significant decrease. Our findings confirm that balancing the different, often contrasting habitat requirements of multiple species is a key challenge in conservation and landscape management. Land sharing, which local stakeholders identified as the most desirable scenario, is a promising strategy for the conservation of endangered birds in agricultural landscapes like our study region.
Software-Automated Implant Detection for Intraoperative 3D Imaging—First Clinical Evaluation on 214 Data Sets
Authors: Beisemann Nils , Mandelka Eric , El Barbari Jan S. , Kreher Björn , Vetter Sven Y. , Grützner Paul Alfred , Franke Jochen
Published: February 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated a frequent occurrence of screw/K-wire malpositioning during surgical fracture treatment under 2D fluoroscopy and a correspondingly high revision rate as a result of using intraoperative 3D imaging. In order to facilitate and accelerate the diagnosis of implant malpositioning in 3D data sets, this study investigates two versions of an implant detection software for mobile 3D C-arms in terms of their detection performance based on comparison with manual evaluation. The 3D data sets of patients who had received surgical fracture treatment at five anatomical regions were extracted from the research database. First, manual evaluation of the data sets was performed, and the number of implanted implants was assessed. For 25 data sets, the time required by four investigators to adjust each implant was monitored. Subsequently, the evaluation was performed using both software versions based on the following detection parameters: true-positive-rate, false-negative-rate, false-detection-rate and positive predictive value. Furthermore, the causes of false positive and false negative detected implants depending on the anatomical region were investigated. Two hundred fourteen data sets with overall 1767 implants were included. The detection parameters were significantly improved (p<.001) from version 1 to version 2 of the implant detection software. Automatic evaluation required an average of 4.1±0.4 s while manual evaluation was completed in 136.15±72.9 s (p<.001), with a statistically significant difference between experienced and inexperienced users (p=.005). In summary, version 2 of the implant detection software achieved significantly better results. The time saved by using the software could contribute to optimizing the intraoperative workflow.
Enhanced desorption of fluoxetine from polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in gastric fluid and sea water
Authors: Wagstaff Antony , Petrie Bruce
Published: February 2022

There are concerns that microplastics act as a vector of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. Most studies have focussed on pharmaceutical adsorption and have not investigated desorption in the various matrices that microplastics enter. Therefore we studied the desorption of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics in river water, sea water, and simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. We found that most desorption occurred rapidly, within a few hours of exposure. Fluoxetine desorption fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm with r2 values ranging from 0.97 to 0.99. Desorption decreased in the following order: gastric fluid at 20 °C and 37 °C; sea water at 20 °C; intestinal fluid at 20 °C and 37 °C; then river water at 20 °C. The little difference in desorption in gastrointestinal fluids at 20 °C and 37 °C suggests a similar exposure risk to cold- and warm-blooded organisms following PET microplastic ingestion. Total desorption following sequential incubation 2 h in gastric fluid then 4 h in intestinal fluid to mimic gastrointestinal digestion was 37% at 20 °C and 41% at 37 °C. Interestingly, higher desorption of 18–23% occurred in sea water compared to river water, of 4–11%. Under a worst-case scenario, more than 44 mg kg−1 body weight d−1 or more than 52 mg kg−1 body weight d−1 of PET microplastics from river water or sea water, respectively, need to be consumed to exceed the mammalian acceptable daily intake for fluoxetine. Further studies are needed on microplastic ingestion and the bioavailability of adsorbed pharmaceuticals to a range of exposed aquatic organisms.
Attitudes towards urban howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in Paraguay
Authors: Alesci Marco , Smith Rebecca L. , Ayala Santacruz Jorge Damian , Camperio Ciani Andrea
Published: February 2022

Increasing urbanisation is encroaching into natural habitats and sometimes forcing wildlife into urban centres. Whether or not wildlife can thrive in an urban environment is dependent on many factors, one of which is how the species is perceived by local people. This study focuses on the city of Pilar in south-west Paraguay, which is home to a population of urban-dwelling black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya). Using semi-structured interviews, we assessed peoples’ attitudes towards the presence of howlers, whether they perceived the monkeys to cause problems in the city, what they believed were the biggest threats to the monkeys, and whether they felt that the presence of monkeys in the city was compatible with their way of life in the long term. Overall, we found that the majority of interviewees had positive attitudes towards the monkeys, believing that they brought benefits to the city and that they should be protected from potential risks in the urban environment. Our results provide the basis for collaborative, community-based development of management strategies for the long-term survival of these urban monkeys.