bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible and Ultrahigh Through‐Plane Thermally‐Conductive Polyethylene/Boron Nitride Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Zhang Ri‐Chao , Huang Zirui , Zhong Meiling , Ji Dehui , Lu Ai , Zhang Quanchao , Lin Yuanfei , Joseph Paul , Zhang Jiali , Sun Dan
Published: November 2021

Polymers with relatively higher thermal conductivity are in great demand for many advanced functional applications that often require thermally conductive as well as flexible materials. However, enhancing the thermal conductivity of polymers, while maintaining their mechanical properties, is still a formidable challenge. Here it is reported on the successful fabrication of polyethylene (PE)/boron nitride nanoplate (BNNP) nanocomposite films, with excellent flexibility and ultrahigh through‐plane thermal conductivity, by a uniaxially hot‐stretching process. Results from this study show that the nanocomposite films with ϕv = 6.7 vol% BNNPs, under low stretching ratio (Λ = 5), exhibit a through‐plane thermal conductivity of ≈14.54 W m−1 K−1, about 44.4 times higher than the corresponding bulk value for PE (0.32 W m−1 K−1), while also having improved the Young's modulus of elasticity. The theoretical analysis also shows that such a dramatic enhancement can be attributed to the formation of a 3D continuous network structure within the nanocomposite films. Thus, these flexible films offer possibilities as passive heat exchange matrices in various advanced applications that often require the materials with higher flexibility, lighter weight, easy/scalable processing attributes, and with a higher thermal conductivity.
MCDM applications in logistics performance evaluation: A literature review
Authors: Chejarla Kalyana C. , Vaidya Omkarprasad S. , Kumar Sushil
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a literature review of performance evaluation of logistics, and the use of multi‐criteria decision‐making methods (MCDM) in this area. For this purpose, we covered more than 120 research articles published from 2010 to 2019. The study identifies popular research methodologies, commonly used MCDM methods and 13 research themes that are likely to continue into the coming decade. The study highlights future research opportunities in each of the identified trends. The review comprehensively covers the descriptive and analytical papers providing a 360‐degree view of the developments in the area.
Test sensitivity for infection versus infectiousness of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Gans Joshua S.
Published: November 2021

The most commonly used test for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 is a PCR test that is able to detect very low viral loads and inform on treatment decisions. Medical research has confirmed that many individuals might be infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 but not infectious. Knowing whether an individual is infectious is the critical piece of information for a decision to isolate an individual or not. This paper examines the value of different tests from an information‐theoretic approach and shows that applying treatment‐based approval standards for tests for infection will lower the value of those tests and likely causes decisions based on them to have too many false positives (i.e., individuals isolated who are not infectious). The conclusion is that test scoring be tailored to the decision being made.
Re‐Analysis of the STEADY‐PD II Trial—Evidence for Slowing the Progression of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Surmeier D. James , Nguyen Jack T. , Lancki Nicola , Venuto Charles S. , Oakes David , Simuni Tanya , Wyse Richard K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Recent examination of the STEADY‐PD III isradipine clinical trial data concluded that early‐stage Parkinson's disease (PD) participants who had longer exposure to isradipine had a significant delay in their need for symptomatic medication, as well as a lower medication burden at the end of the trial. These findings suggest that greater exposure to isradipine might slow disease progression.

Objectives

To test this hypothesis, the data from the STEADY‐PD II isradipine clinical trial, in which an extended‐release (ER) formulation of the drug was used, was re‐examined.

Methods

The re‐analysis of the STEADY‐PD II data was restricted to participants assigned placebo or tolerable isradipine treatment (10 mg isradipine/day or less). The effect of isradipine treatment was assessed by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) at the end of the 52‐week trial, rather than by last observation carried forward at the beginning of symptomatic therapy.

Results

Participant cohorts were well‐matched for baseline disability, initial disease progression, and time to initiation of symptomatic therapy. Participants given 10 mg/day ER isradipine had significantly smaller total and part 3 UPDRS scores at the end of the trial than did the placebo cohort. Post hoc adjustment for symptomatic therapy diminished the statistical significance of these differences. In those participants not taking a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, the progression in UPDRS scores also was significantly reduced.

Conclusions

These results are consistent with the recent secondary analysis of the STEADY‐PD III clinical trial—suggesting that clinically attainable brain exposure to isradipine may slow early‐stage PD progression. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Effectiveness of nurse‐led counselling and education on self‐efficacy of patients with acute coronary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bagheri Hossein , Shakeri Sara , Nazari Ali‐Mohammad , Goli Shahrbanoo , Khajeh Mahboobeh , Mardani Abbas , Vlaisavljevic Zeljko
Published: November 2021

Aim

Adherence to lifestyle recommendations, medical regimens and cardiac rehabilitation is poor among patients with acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nurse‐led counselling and education using a person‐centred care approach on short‐term cardiac self‐efficacy in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Design

A parallel, two‐armed, randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients who were hospitalized with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome were selected and randomly assigned into intervention (n = 60) or control (n = 60) groups. In the intervention group, in addition to routine care, the nurse‐led counselling and education programme included two face‐to‐face sessions, two telephone counselling and education sessions, using the person‐centred care approach. Participants in the control group received only routine care. Data were collected using the cardiac self‐efficacy scale before the intervention and 1 month after discharge.

Results

After the intervention, we found that cardiac self‐efficacy, including the perceived self‐efficacy to control symptoms and maintain function, was statistically significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group.
Graphene oxide/chitosan nano‐coating with ultrafast fire‐alarm response and flame‐retardant property
Authors: Yang Fangzhou , Yuan Bihe , Wang Yong , Chen Xianfeng , Wang Liancong , Zhang Hongming
Published: November 2021

Using layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly technology, an intelligent nano‐coating was constructed on melamine foam (MF) by electrostatic interactions between chitosan (CS) molecules and graphene oxide (GO) nano‐sheets. According to the principle that GO is quickly reduced to reduced GO under high temperature, a fast fire‐warning network can be constructed. Due to the protective effect of nano‐coating constructed on MF, the thermal stability and flame retardancy of melamine composite foams are improved. As the nano‐coating self‐assembly layer increases to 20, its flame‐response time is only 3 s, and the continuous alarm time is as high as 1280 s. These indicate that the prepared GO‐CS composite foam possesses excellent flame retardancy and super‐fast fire response. This study provides a novel idea for the application of bio‐based nano‐coating in the fire early response and warning.
A comprehensive review on performance and machinability of plant fiber polymer composites
Authors: Mohit Hemath , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart , Gorbatyuk Sergey , Manimaran P. , Alka Kumari C. , Khan Anish , Doddamani Mrityunjay
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the revolutionary utilization of plant fibers in polymer laminates significantly influenced environmental effects. Presently, there is progression attention in advancing bio‐based materials by acquiring plant fibers from lignocellulosic components for different applications like non‐structural, structural laminates, automobile components, ballistics, flooring, household utensils, and aerospace parts. These bio‐based, eco‐friendly components have been recognized as next‐generation contestants for higher‐efficacy, sustainable, cheap, environmentally friendly, and lightweight composites. Different kinds of synthetic and natural biopolymers and bio‐based nanoparticles have been applied to produce sustainable materials. Bio‐based polymer composites manifest unique characteristics of both eco‐reinforcement and sustainable resin. This review comprehensively communicates the general characteristics and principles of nanoparticles, polymers, and their respective composites. In addition to the machining characteristics, challenges and future perspectives of the polymer composites have also been reviewed.
Development of thermo‐regulating fabrics with enhanced heat dissipation via graphene‐modified n‐octadecane microcapsules
Authors: Sezer Hicyilmaz Ayse , Teke Sengul , Islek Cin Zeynep , Celik Bedeloglu Ayse
Published: November 2021

Phase change materials (PCMs) are of great importance in thermal regulation applications, but low thermal conductivity is the most critical disadvantage of these materials. Especially in the textile field, while there are many studies on the production of PCM‐coated fabrics, studies on improving heat dissipation are quite limited. Therefore, in this study, first, n‐octadecane was encapsulated with melamine formaldehyde shell modified with graphene as a thermal conductivity enhancer, and then, synthesized PCM microcapsules were coated on polyester fabrics. Chemical, morphological, thermal properties, as well as phase change behavior of microcapsules and coated fabrics were analyzed. The thermal conductivity of the PCM microcapsule‐coated PET fabrics was increased by 31% with the addition of very low amount of graphene (0.1%).
Discovery of antimicrobial agent targeting tryptophan synthase
Authors: Bosken Yuliana K. , Ai Rizi , Hilario Eduardo , Ghosh Rittik K. , Dunn Michael F. , Kan Shih‐Hsin , Niks Dimitri , Zhou Huanbin , Ma Wenbo , Mueller Leonard J. , Fan Li , Chang Chia‐En A.
Published: November 2021

Antibiotic resistance is a continually growing challenge in the treatment of various bacterial infections worldwide. New drugs and new drug targets are necessary to curb the threat of infectious diseases caused by multidrug‐resistant pathogens. The tryptophan biosynthesis pathway is essential for bacterial growth but is absent in higher animals and humans. Drugs that can inhibit the bacterial biosynthesis of tryptophan offer a new class of antibiotics. In this work, we combined a structure‐based strategy using in silico docking screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify compounds targeting the α subunit of tryptophan synthase with experimental methods involving the whole‐cell minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, solution state NMR, and crystallography to confirm the inhibition of L‐tryptophan biosynthesis. Screening 1,800 compounds from the National Cancer Institute Diversity Set I against α subunit revealed 28 compounds for experimental validation; four of the 28 hit compounds showed promising activity in MIC testing. We performed solution state NMR experiments to demonstrate that a one successful inhibitor, 3‐amino‐3‐imino‐2‐phenyldiazenylpropanamide (Compound 1) binds to the α subunit. We also report a crystal structure of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium tryptophan synthase in complex with Compound 1 which revealed a binding site at the αβ interface of the dimeric enzyme. MD simulations were carried out to examine two binding sites for the compound. Our results show that this small molecule inhibitor could be a promising lead for future drug development.
Effect of Melissa officinalis on systolic and diastolic blood pressures in essential hypertension: A double‐blind crossover clinical trial
Authors: Shekarriz Zahra , Shorofi Seyed Afshin , Nabati Maryam , Shabankhani Bizhan , Yousefi Seyde Sedighe
Published: November 2021

For a long time, Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis) has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of M. officinalis on systolic and diastolic blood pressures in hypertensive patients. We conducted a double‐blind, controlled, randomized crossover clinical trial on 49 patients who received either M. officinalis capsules (400 mg/d; n = 23) or the placebo (n = 26) three times per day for a 4‐week period. After a 2‐week washout period, the M. officinalis group received placebo and the other group received M. officinalis for another 4‐week period. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured once at baseline and then every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. The statistical analysis of the obtained data revealed that the chronology of the consumption of M. officinalis and placebo had no effect on the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in these two studied groups. Moreover, it was found that systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased after the consumption of M. officinalis, compared to placebo. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures in group A at the beginning of the study were 152.30 ± 5.312 mmHg and 95.52 ± 1.988 mmHg, respectively, and, after the first phase (drug use), reached 129.88 ± 9.009 mmHg and 80.13 ± 5.488 mmHg, respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures in group B at the beginning of the study was 152.26 ± 5.640 mmHg and 94.44 ± 2.607 mmHg, respectively, and after the second phase (drug use), reached 131.77 ± 8.091 mmHg and 81.46 ± 7.426 mmHg, (p = .005), respectively. Also, no significant side effects were observed during the study. According to the results, M. officinalis can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the patients with essential hypertension.
The use of npx$np_{x}$‐type attribute charts to monitor the variance
Authors: Silva Leandro Alves da , Ho Linda Lee , Quinino Roberto Costa
Published: November 2021

First, the ‐type attribute control charts have been proposed to monitor the process mean. The main contribution of this paper is to show the good performances of the “pure ” (shortly ) and “improved ” (shortly ) attribute charts to monitor the variance. The results confirmed that they are also good alternatives to control chart. To have an equal performance (in terms of speed to detect abnormal cases), the sample size needed for these charts is slightly higher than those practiced for an control chart. This is an advantage since an attribute inspection is faster and cheaper as no measurements on the examined units are taken (mainly if we are dealing with destructive experiments). A numerical example illustrates our proposal.
Potential energy surface of the thiophene pentamer and non‐covalent interactions
Authors: Malloum Alhadji , Conradie Jeanet
Published: November 2021

Theoretical understanding of thiophene clusters is very important for molecular understanding of thiophene as solvent and for determining the thermodynamics properties of the solvent. However, no investigations on thiophene clusters have been reported previously in the literature. We have performed in this work an ab initio computational study to understand the interactions taking place in thiophene clusters using the thiophene pentamer. We started by generating possible structures using classical molecular dynamics followed by full optimization at the ab initio MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory. Relative energies and temperature‐dependent isomer distribution of the investigated structures have been reported. Finally, we have performed a quantum theory of atoms in molecule (QTAIM) analysis to identify all non‐covalent bondings that are responsible for the stability of the structures of the thiophene pentamer. The results show that six different types of non‐covalent interactions could be found in thiophene pentamer depending on the structure.
Robust practical output regulation of rational nonlinear systems via numerical approximations to the regulator equations
Authors: Castro Rafael S. , Flores Jeferson V. , Salton Aurélio. T.
Published: November 2021

This article presents a systematic framework able to synthesize error‐ and state‐feedback internal model controllers for the robust practical output regulation of rational nonlinear plants subject to linear exosystems. In order to approximate the system zero‐error steady‐state condition, we consider the use of polynomial mappings with respect to a set of relaxed regulator equations. This methodology allows the implementation of simplified internal models, which is useful to reduce the controller order and also to deal with cases where an exact internal model immersion is unknown. By using a differential‐algebraic representation, our method can be systematically applied to any plant with rational dynamics, including those that cannot be expressed by triangular forms, such as illustrated in the examples. The closed‐loop stabilization problem is carried out in the form of convex optimization problems subject to linear matrix inequality conditions, allowing us to provide rigorous guarantees such as the ultimate boundedness of the output error norm and the exponential convergence of the system trajectories within a minimum decay‐rate.
9,10‐Phenanthrenedione‐Catalyzed, Visible‐Light‐Promoted Radical Intramolecular Cyclization of N‐Biarylglycine Esters: One‐Pot synthesis of Phenanthridine‐6‐Carboxylates
Authors: Natarajan Palani , Chuskit Deachen , Priya  , Manjeet
Published: November 2021

A visible‐light photoredox cyclization of a series of N‐biarylglycine esters to phenanthridine‐6‐carboxylates using 9,10‐phenanthrenedione (PQ) as a catalyst, white LEDs (7 W) as irradiation source and oxygen from air as a terminal oxidant is described. Also, for the reaction, a feasible mechanism is proposed. The N‐biarylglycine esters are converted into radical intermediates by the action of an excited‐state catalyst (PQ*), which are subsequently subjected to intramolecular cyclization followed by dehydrogenation reactions in one‐pot to afford desired products in high yield. Use of inexpensive catalyst, short reaction time and in situ generation of N‐biarylglycine esters are some of the important advantages of present methodology while compared to rose bengal‐photocatalysted protocol already reported by us.
Ultrafast Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Self‐Supported NiFe‐Layered Double Hydroxide as Large‐Current–Density Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalyst
Authors: Li Xiaoge , Liu Cong , Fang Zhitang , Xu Lin , Lu Chunliang , Hou Wenhua
Published: November 2021

Water splitting is a promising sustainable technology to produce high purity hydrogen, but its commercial application remains a giant challenge due to the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, a time‐ and energy‐saving approach to directly grow NiFe‐layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) nanosheets on nickel foam under ambient temperature and pressure is reported. These NiFe‐LDH nanosheets are vertically rooted in nickel foam and interdigitated together to form a highly porous array, leading to numerous exposed active sites, reduced resistance of charge/mass transportation and enhanced mechanical stability. As self‐supported electrocatalyst, the representative sample (NF@NiFe‐LDH‐1.5‐4) shows an excellent large‐current–density catalytic activity for OER in alkaline electrolyte, requiring low overpotentials of 190 and 220 mV to reach the current densities of 100 and 657 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 38.1 mV dec−1. In addition, NF@NiFe‐LDH‐1.5‐4 as an overall water splitting electrocatalyst can stably achieve a large current density of 200 mA cm−2 over 300 h at a low cell voltage of 1.83 V, meeting the requirement of industrial hydrogen production. This exceedingly simple and ultrafast synthesis of low‐cost and highly active large‐current–density OER electrocatalysts can propel the commercialization of hydrogen producing technology via water splitting.
Did the affordable care act increase the availability of employer‐sponsored health insurance?
Authors: Lennon Conor
Published: November 2021

The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) included two provisions, the Employer Shared Responsibility Provision (the “employer mandate”) and the Small Business Health Options Program (“SHOP”), aimed at increasing the availability of employer‐sponsored health insurance (ESI) among workers at small firms. To examine whether these provisions led to greater ESI availability, I use 2011–2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data in a difference‐in‐difference framework that compares changes in ESI availability among workers at small and large firms before and after the ACA's provisions come into effect. My estimates show that there is a 3.5 percentage point increase in ESI availability among workers at smaller firms after 2013. When focusing on workers most likely to be affected by the employer mandate, I find a larger 5.2 percentage point increase in ESI availability, amounting to a 39% decline in the proportion who do not have ESI available. However, I find no evidence that greater ESI availability led to increases in ESI coverage rates. Instead, descriptive estimates suggest that gains in health insurance coverage after 2013 consist of significant increases in the number of working adults who report having Medicaid coverage, including among workers who are offered ESI. I use MEPS data for my analysis because, along with employment, firm size, and health insurance details, MEPS also provides health status and healthcare access/utilization information. Looking at changes in these health measures, I find only limited evidence to suggest that the ACA's provisions improved access to care or measures of health status for workers.
Automatic identification and segmentation of slice of minimal hiatal dimensions in transperineal ultrasound volumes
Authors: van den Noort F. , Manzini C. , van der Vaart C. H. , van Limbeek M. A. J. , Slump C. H. , Grob A. T. M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To develop and validate a tool for automatic selection of the slice of minimal hiatal dimensions (SMHD) and segmentation of the urogenital hiatus (UH) in transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) volumes.

Methods

Manual selection of the SMHD and segmentation of the UH was performed in TPUS volumes of 116 women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). These data were used to train two deep‐learning algorithms. The first algorithm was trained to provide an estimation of the position of the SMHD. Based on this estimation, a slice was selected and fed into the second algorithm, which performed automatic segmentation of the UH. From this segmentation, measurements of the UH area (UHA), anteroposterior diameter (APD) and coronal diameter (CD) were computed automatically. The mean absolute distance between manually and automatically selected SMHD, the overlap (dice similarity index (DSI)) between manual and automatic UH segmentation and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between manual and automatic UH measurements were assessed on a test set of 30 TPUS volumes.

Results

The mean absolute distance between manually and automatically selected SMHD was 0.20 cm. All DSI values between manual and automatic UH segmentations were above 0.85. The ICC values between manual and automatic UH measurements were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.87–0.97) for UHA, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.78–0.97) for APD and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.66–0.91) for CD, demonstrating excellent agreement.

Conclusions

Our deep‐learning algorithms allowed reliable automatic selection of the SMHD and UH segmentation in TPUS volumes of women with symptomatic POP. These algorithms can be implemented in the software of TPUS machines, thus reducing clinical analysis time and simplifying the examination of TPUS data for research and clinical purposes. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Introduction
Authors: Kremer Monique , Went Robert , Engbersen Godfried
Published: November 2021

The central question of this book is how the automation, flexibilization and intensification of labour are affecting the quality of our working lives. Good work for everyone who can and wants to work, we argue, is of urgent concern for governments, public institutions, businesses and organizations representing workers and employers. Good work is important for both individuals and for overall prosperity – for the economy to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by new technologies, and for society so that everyone can participate.
Control Over Income
Authors: Kremer Monique , Went Robert , Engbersen Godfried
Published: November 2021

The Netherlands does not top international tables when it comes to the quality of work. Compared to many other countries, the Netherlands has low unemployment, which remained the case in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and the recent Covid-19 crisis. While jobs exists, they are increasingly insecure. This chapter delves into the workings of the Dutch flexible labour market. How have new technologies and flexible contracts affected income security? Have identifiable groups of workers been affected differently? Security of employment – a person’s general employability or chance of having a job – is relatively high. Statistics Netherlands reports that many jobs have been created in recent decades, and that the Dutch have never worked so much as now. The quantity of work does not seem to be a problem.
Everyone into Work
Authors: Kremer Monique , Went Robert , Engbersen Godfried
Published: November 2021

Despite successive Dutch governments emphasizing “jobs, jobs, jobs”, thousands of people who want to work have no jobs at all, never mind good jobs. Are new technologies, flexible contracts and the intensification of work helping or hindering vulnerable groups to stay in work - in good work in particular? This chaper seeks to answer these questions while analysing what is already being done to provide good work for all. Is the changing labour market opening new opportunities? We address the automation, flexibilization and intensification of work and discuss the need for active labour market policies.
The Development of the Questionnaire
Authors: Hadler Markus , Klösch Beate , Schwarzinger Stephan , Schweighart Markus , Wardana Rebecca , Bird David Neil
Published: November 2021

This chapter presents the development of the survey in the underlying study in this book, a description of our sample, and the results of the validation efforts. Our survey includes variations of existing scales which have been used to measure climate-relevant behaviors within the areas of housing, mobility, diet, and consumption. We go beyond these existing questions, however, as we also include various new items and analyze the validity of existing and new questions. Based on our findings we recommend a set of questions for different significant areas of emissions, for example, asking about the distance traveled by car in the previous year, the number of short-haul and long-haul flights, and a question about the frequency of the consumption of particularly energy-intensive foods.
Estimating and Explaining the Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Hadler Markus , Klösch Beate , Schwarzinger Stephan , Schweighart Markus , Wardana Rebecca , Bird David Neil
Published: November 2021

This chapter starts with an overview of the current national emission figures for Austria. Subsequently, the emissions of our respondents are presented in detail and contrasted with the number of national emissions. Since one goal of the study was to improve survey research in measuring environmentally significant behavior, questions are selected which allow a valid estimation of the total emissions caused by a person. We propose a set of five variables which capture around 77% of an individual’s total emissions. Furthermore, we are able to confirm that socio-demographic variables such as age, income, and residential area have a significant impact on an individual’s emission consumption.
Policy Options of Over-Pumping Control in the NCP
Authors: Kinzelbach Wolfgang , Wang Haijing , Li Yu , Wang Lu , Li Ning
Published: November 2021

Starting in the 1990s, China has been issuing regulations and policy rules related to groundwater management and pumping control on both national and provincial levels. These policies include the requirement of permits for well drilling, a well spacing policy, pumping quota management, water resources fee collection, setting of irrigation water prices, a water rights system, water markets, and more.
Decision Support for Local Water Authorities in Guantao
Authors: Kinzelbach Wolfgang , Wang Haijing , Li Yu , Wang Lu , Li Ning
Published: November 2021

Policy selection and implementation rely on monitoring data and technical decision support tools. Monitoring data of Guantao County include groundwater levels at 55 observation wells, pumping rates of 7600 wells, surface water flows, precipitation, and land use in monthly time steps.
A three Higgs doublet model with symmetry-suppressed flavour changing neutral currents
Authors: Das Dipankar , Ferreira P. M. , Morais António P. , Padilla-Gay Ian , Pasechnik Roman , Rodrigues J. Pedro
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We construct a three-Higgs doublet model with a flavour non-universal U(1) × ℤ2symmetry. That symmetry induces suppressed flavour-changing interactions mediated by neutral scalars. New scalars with masses below the TeV scale can still successfully negotiate the constraints arising from flavour data. Such a model can thus encourage direct searches for extra Higgs bosons in the future collider experiments, and includes a non-trivial flavour structure.
The marriage of chemokines and galectins as functional heterodimers
Authors: von Hundelshausen Philipp , Wichapong Kanin , Gabius Hans-Joachim , Mayo Kevin H.
Published: November 2021

Trafficking of leukocytes and their local activity profile are of pivotal importance for many (patho)physiological processes. Fittingly, microenvironments are complex by nature, with multiple mediators originating from diverse cell types and playing roles in an intimately regulated manner. To dissect aspects of this complexity, effectors are initially identified and structurally characterized, thus prompting familial classification and establishing foci of research activity. In this regard, chemokines present themselves as role models to illustrate the diversification and fine-tuning of inflammatory processes. This in turn discloses the interplay among chemokines, their cell receptors and cognate glycosaminoglycans, as well as their capacity to engage in new molecular interactions that form hetero-oligomers between themselves and other classes of effector molecules. The growing realization of versatility of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins that bind to glycans and proteins and their presence at sites of inflammation led to testing the hypothesis that chemokines and galectins can interact with each other by protein–protein interactions. In this review, we present some background on chemokines and galectins, as well as experimental validation of this chemokine–galectin heterodimer concept exemplified with CXCL12 and galectin-3 as proof-of-principle, as well as sketch out some emerging perspectives in this arena.
Revision rate is higher in patients with periprosthetic femur fractures following revision arthroplasty in comparison with ORIF following our algorithm: a two-center 1 analysis of 129 patients
Authors: Pflüger Patrick , Bolierakis Eftychios , Wurm Markus , Horst Klemens , Hildebrand Frank , Biberthaler Peter
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Effective therapy of periprosthetic femur fractures of the hip (PPF) are challenging due to patients’ frailty and complexity of fracture patterns. The aim of this cohort study was to analyze the radiological and functional outcome following PPF.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter study in the period 2009–2019 of patients with PPF at two level I trauma centers in Germany was performed. PPF were classified according to the Vancouver classification system. Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, type of surgery, complications, and reoperation rate were obtained from patient records. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Harris-Hip Score (mHHS), general health using the EQ-5D, and radiological outcome by Beals & Tower (B&T) criteria.

Results

A total of 129 patients with a mean age of 79 years (range 43–102) were included. 70% of all patients were female and 68% of the patients had an ASA score ≥ 3. 20 patients suffered from a Vancouver A, 90 from a Vancouver B and 19 from a Vancouver C fracture. 14% of the patients died within the first 2 years after surgery. The reoperation rate after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (n = 60) was 8% and after revision arthroplasty (RA) (n = 47) 30% (OR 3.4, 95% CI [1.21–10.2]). Mean mHHS (n = 32) was 53 ± 19.4 and EQ-VAS was 50 ± 24.6. According to B&T criteria, 82% of patients treated with ORIF (n = 17) and 62% after RA (n = 13) showed an excellent outcome.

Conclusion

Patients with a PPF of the hip are elderly and at increased operative risk. In cases with a stable prosthesis, ORIF provides good radiological outcome with low reoperation rates. In case of RA, the risk for revision surgery is higher.
Temporal Baseline of Essesntial and Non-essential Elements Recorded in Baleen of Western Arctic Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
Authors: Shore Samantha L. , Giarikos Dimitrios G. , Duffy Lawrence K. , Edwards Mickie R. , Hirons Amy C.
Published: November 2021

This study established the first baseline of changing elemental concentrations in bowhead whale baleen over time (1958–1999). From previously published stable isotope data, year, season (summer or winter), and location (Beaufort or Bering/Chukchi seas) were attributed to each sample. Thirteen elements (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) in baleen from nine subsistence-harvested bowhead whales (n = 138) were detected. Al, Cu, and Fe were the highest concentrations while Cd and V were among the lowest. Our data supports absorption as the main route of exposure to environmental elements rather than biomagnification due to bowhead whales’ low trophic position. A linear mixed-effects model confirmed most elements’ concentrations increased with time, while location and sex were insignificant explanatory factors. These temporal fluctuations were most likely a product of environmental changes due to a warming climate and human activities.
Long working hours and risk of cardiovascular outcomes and diabetes type II: five-year follow-up of the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)
Authors: K Rossnagel , S Jankowiak , F Liebers , A Schulz , P Wild , N Arnold , A Seidler , J Hegewald , K Romero Starke , S Letzel , M Riechmann-Wolf , M Nübling , M Beut-el , N Pfeiffer , K Lackner , T Münzel , A Poplawski , U Latza
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine if there was an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes and an increase in arterial stiffness in participants who reported working 41–54 h per week and more than 55 h compared to those who worked 40 h or less over a time interval of 5 years.

Methods

In a subsample of the population-based prospective Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) study, we examined working participants younger than 65 years at baseline (n = 7241) and after 5 years. To test the association of working time at baseline and incident cardiovascular events and diabetes type II, we estimated hazard ratios (HR) using competing risks models. For a change in the arterial stiffness index (SI) based on assessment using a Pulse Trace PCA2 device, we used multivariate linear regression models.

Results

The SI increased in those working more than 55 h per week (beta coefficiant = 0.32 m/s (95% CI 0.07–0.58) compared to those working 40 h and less after adjustment for sex, age and SES. Due to small numbers there was no significant association of working hours and clinically manifest cardiovascular events and diabetes type II in the 5-year follow-up time.

Conclusions

Further studies are needed to confirm the results on working hours and arterial stiffness. Analyses of the 10-year follow-up with more events may clarify the results for incident cardiovascular events and metabolic outcomes.
Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease in children: a brief overview
Authors: Dowsett Thomas , Oni Louise
Published: November 2021

Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (Anti-GBM), previously known as Goodpasture syndrome, is an extremely rare cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) in children. It is associated with acute pulmonary haemorrhage and it has a poor prognosis. It is classified as an autoimmune, small-vessel vasculitis caused by autoantibody formation against the alpha-3 chain in type IV collagen found in the glomerular basement membrane. Evidence of anti-GBM antibodies in serum or histologically are required for diagnosis. Treatment in children is based on very limited adult data and often involves the use of acute apheresis to rapidly remove circulating factors coupled with intensive immunosuppression such as cyclophosphamide and intravenous corticosteroids. There is also an emerging role for the use of biologic agents such as B cell depletion. The evidence base in children with anti-GBM disease is extremely limited. Multi-centre international collaboration is required to provide insight into this disease, better describe its prognosis and work towards improving outcomes. This review article summarises the key features of this disease in children, highlights treatment options and considers areas of unmet need.
Towards compatibility of EUnetHTA JCA methodology and German HTA: a systematic comparison and recommendations from an industry perspective
Authors: Kisser Agnes , Knieriemen Joschua , Fasan Annette , Eberle Karolin , Hogger Sara , Werner Sebastian , Taube Tina , Rasch Andrej
Published: November 2021

Objective

The transferability of the EU joint clinical assessment (JCA) reports for pharmaceuticals for the German benefit assessment was evaluated by systematically comparing EU JCA and German clinical assessments (CA) based on established assessment elements for HTA and assessing the potential impact of differences on Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, G-BA) ability to derive the therapeutic added value.

Methods

Identification of all pharmaceuticals undergoing both, EU JCA and German CA between January 2016–June 2020. Qualitative review and data extraction from the assessments, assessment of methodological differences using a hierarchical model. Recommendations for harmonisation were developed and consented with pharmaceutical industry stakeholders.

Results

Differences with potentially major impact: (1) View on differing treatment algorithms and definition of corresponding subpopulations/respective comparators. (2) Clinical relevance of surrogate/intermediate endpoints. Inclusion of different/surrogate morbidity endpoints resulting in different relative effectiveness conclusions. (3) Tolerance of study interventions not used according to marketing authorisation. (4) Different operationalisation and/or weighting of individual safety endpoints leading to differing relative safety conclusions. Differences with potentially minor impact: (1) Disagreement in risk of bias assessment for overall survival and its robustness against study limitations. (2) Use of patient-reported outcome symptom scales as measurements for health-related quality of life instruments.

Conclusion

While many synergies between EU JCA and German CA exist, we identified several aspects in HTA methodology that would benefit of harmonisation and ensure the transferability of future EU JCA to the German HTA process without duplicated evaluation requirements. For those, a set of recommendations was developed.
Causes with material continuity
Authors: Ross Lauren N.
Published: November 2021

Recent philosophical work on causation has focused on distinctions across types of causal relationships. This paper argues for another distinction that has yet to receive attention in this work. This distinction has to do with whether causal relationships have “material continuity,” which refers to the reliable movement of material from cause to effect. This paper provides an analysis of material continuity and argues that causal relationships with this feature (1) are associated with a unique explanatory perspective, (2) are studied with distinct causal investigative methods, and (3) provide different types of causal control over their effects.
Helicity and spin conservation in linearized gravity
Authors: Aghapour Sajad , Andersson Lars , Bhattacharyya Reebhu
Published: November 2021

The duality-symmetric, Maxwell-like, formulation of linearized gravity introduced by Barnett (New J Phys 16, 2014) is used to generalize the conservation laws for helicity, the spin part of angular momentum, and spin-flux, to the case of linearized gravity. These conservation laws have been shown to follow from the conservation property of the helicity array, an analog of Lipkin’s zilch tensor. The analog of the helicity array for linearized gravity is constructed and is shown to be conserved.
Flexible multibody impact simulations based on the isogeometric analysis approach
Authors: Rückwald Tobias , Held Alexander , Seifried Robert
Published: November 2021

Usually detailed impact simulations are based on isoparametric finite element models. For the inclusion in multibody dynamics simulation, e.g., in the framework of the floating frame of reference, a previous model reduction is necessary. A precise representation of the geometry is essential for modeling the dynamics of the impact. However, isoparametric finite elements involve the discretization of the geometry. This work tests isogeometric analysis (IGA) models as an alternative approach in the context of impact simulations in flexible multibody systems. Therefore, the adaption of the flexible multibody system procedure to include IGA models is detailed. The use of nonuniform rational basis splines (NURBS) allows the exact representation of the geometry. The degrees of freedom of the flexible body are afterwards reduced to save computation time in the multibody simulation. To capture precise deformations and stresses in the area of contact as well as elastodynamic effects, a large number of global shape functions is required. As test examples, the impact of an elastic sphere on a rigid surface and the impact of a long elastic rod are simulated and compared to reference solutions.
Institutional complexity traps in policy integration processes: a long-term perspective on Swiss flood risk management
Authors: Bolognesi Thomas , Metz Florence , Nahrath Stéphane
Published: November 2021

Complexity is inherent to the policy processes and to more and more domains such as environment or social policy. Complexity produces unexpected and counterintuitive effects, in particular, the phenomenon of policy regimes falling short of expectations while made by refined policies. This paper addresses this phenomenon by investigating the process of policy integration and its nonlinearities in the long run. We consider that the increase in the number of policies unexpectedly impacts the policy coherence within a policy regime. We argue that, depending on the degree of policy interactions, this impact varies in direction and intensity over time, which explains nonlinearities in integration. The impact turns negative when the regime is made of numerous policies, which favors non-coordinated policy interactions. Finally, the negative impact prevents further integration as stated by the Institutional Complexity Trap hypothesis and explains the contemporary paradoxical phenomenon of ineffective policy regimes made of refined policies. Empirically, we draw on a relational analysis of policies in the Swiss flood risk policy regime from 1848 to 2017. We study the co-evolution of the number of policies and of their de facto interlinkages, i.e., the co-regulations of a common issue. Findings support that the Institutional Complexity Trap is a structural and long-term dynamic punctuated by periods of policy learning and policy selection. We identify three main phases in the evolution of the regime: the start (1848–1874), the development (1874–1991), and the Institutional Complexity Trap (since 1991).
Spelling in Finnish: the case of the double consonant
Authors: Marinus Eva , Torppa Minna , Hautala Jarkko , Aro Mikko
Published: November 2021

Because of its regularity, it is relatively easy to learn to read and spell in Finnish. However, a specific hurdle in spelling acquisition seems to be the doubling of consonant letters. In this study on consonant letter doubling spelling in Finnish children (91 Grade 1 and 191 Grade 2 children), we asked two questions. First, are items with double consonant letters (e.g., “kissa” [ˈkisːɑ] ‘cat’) indeed harder to spell than single consonant items (e.g., “kisa” [ˈkisɑ] ‘contest’)? Second, is consonant doubling harder for stop consonants (e.g., “takki” [ˈtɑkːi] ‘coat’) than for continuant consonants (e.g., “kissa” [ˈkisːɑ] ‘cat’)? We found that Finnish children made more errors on items with double consonant letters than on items with single consonant letters and that this effect was larger for stop than for continuant consonant letters. Exploratory analyses showed that these effects were stronger for younger and poorer spellers. Post hoc analyses of the errors made on double consonant items showed that the children predominantly made nonlexical errors (> 90%). When they did make a lexical error, these errors typically did not map on the type of errors that would be expected from a corpus analysis of the higher-frequency orthographic neighbors. Overall, lexical influences on spelling of Finnish children seem to be minimal and unpredictable. We discuss two potential reasons why it is more difficult to spell items with double consonant letters than with single consonant letters and suggest how these could be investigated in future research.
New application of open source data and Rock Engineering System for debris flow susceptibility analysis
Authors: Bonetto Sabrina , Mosca Pietro , Vagnon Federico , Vianello Davide
Published: November 2021

This research describes a quantitative, rapid, and low-cost methodology for debris flow susceptibility evaluation at the basin scale using open-access data and geodatabases. The proposed approach can aid decision makers in land management and territorial planning, by first screening for areas with a higher debris flow susceptibility. Five environmental predisposing factors, namely, bedrock lithology, fracture network, quaternary deposits, slope inclination, and hydrographic network, were selected as independent parameters and their mutual interactions were described and quantified using the Rock Engineering System (RES) methodology. For each parameter, specific indexes were proposed, aiming to provide a final synthetic and representative index of debris flow susceptibility at the basin scale. The methodology was tested in four basins located in the Upper Susa Valley (NW Italian Alps) where debris flow events are the predominant natural hazard. The proposed matrix can represent a useful standardized tool, universally applicable, since it is independent of type and characteristic of the basin.