bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dutch Infant Caregiving Assessment Scales: Psychometric properties in mothers with and without a severe psychiatric disorder
Authors: Choenni Vandhana , Kok Rianne , Verhulst Frank C. , van Lier Monique H. M. , Lambregtse‐van den Berg Mijke P.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Dutch adaptation of the Infant Caregiving Assessment Scales (INCAS). This standardized observation procedure is the first to assess both emotional and instrumental caregiving skills of mothers with a severe psychiatric disorder, during the postpartum period.

Methods

Mothers with and without a severe psychiatric disorder (N = 123) were observed at home at the infant age of 6 weeks during daily caregiving; changing a diaper, bathing, dressing, and feeding. Recordings of observations were coded independently by trained coders, blind for group membership. Subsequently, the component structure, internal consistency, interrater reliability, and concurrent validity of the INCAS were examined.

Results

Principal component analysis largely confirmed the two a priori defined caregiving domains. The internal consistencies of the emotional and instrumental domains were deemed excellent and good, respectively. The interrater reliability was substantial for the emotional domain and moderate for the instrumental domain. Furthermore, evidence for good concurrent validity of the emotional domain was found. Lastly, significant correlations were found between specific instrumental caregiving skills and maternal neuropsychological functioning.

Conclusion

Psychometric findings support the INCAS as a comprehensive and reliable instrument for standardized assessment of caregiving by mothers with a severe psychiatric disorder.
Social determinants of health and obesity: Findings from a national study of US adults
Authors: Javed Zulqarnain , Valero‐Elizondo Javier , Maqsood Muhammad Haisum , Mahajan Shiwani , Taha Mohamad B. , Patel Kershaw V. , Sharma Garima , Hagan Kobina , Blaha Michael J. , Blankstein Ron , Mossialos Elias , Virani Salim S. , Cainzos‐Achirica Miguel , Nasir Khurram
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study examined the association between social determinants of health (SDOH) burden and overweight/obesity in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States.

Methods

Data for 161,795 adults aged ≥18 years from the 2013 to 2017 National Health Interview Survey were used. A total of 38 SDOH were aggregated to create a cumulative SDOH score, which was divided into quartiles (Q1‐Q4) to denote levels of SDOH burden. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was examined across SDOH quartiles in the total population and by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between SDOH quartiles and overweight/obesity, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results

There was a graded increase in obesity prevalence with increasing SDOH burden. At nearly each quartile, overweight and obesity rates were higher for middle‐aged and non‐Hispanic Black adults compared with their counterparts; additional differences were observed by sex. In fully adjusted models, SDOH‐Q4 was associated with 15%, 50%, and 70% higher relative prevalence of overweight, obesity class 1 and 2, and obesity class 3, respectively, relative to SDOH‐Q1.

Conclusions

Cumulative social disadvantage, denoted by higher SDOH burden, was associated with increased odds of obesity, independent of clinical and demographic factors.
Does the gut microbiota contribute to the antiobesity effect of exercise? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Chen , Chen Xiang‐Ke , Tian Xiao Yu , Ma Alvin Chun‐Hang , Wong Stephen Heung‐Sang
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess gut microbiota modifications after exercise in humans and animal models with obesity or type 2 diabetes and their role in exercise‐induced weight loss.

Methods

A systematic search of six databases was conducted on July 31, 2021. The extracted data on body fat or body weight from human and animal studies were analyzed using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 28 studies were included, with all studies reporting exercise‐induced gut microbiota modifications; however, the modified taxa varied among studies. Proteobacteria was the only taxa reported to be altered by exercise in more than one human and one animal study. Taxa belonging to Firmicutes were the most responsive to exercise in humans and mice, whereas Proteobacteria taxa were the most responsive to exercise in rats. A meta‐analysis was conducted to examine the weight‐lowering effect of exercise based on data subgrouped by altered or unaltered α‐diversity or β‐diversity. The association between the weight‐lowering effect of exercise and altered β‐diversity was observed in humans with obesity but not in animals.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that gut microbiota modifications contribute to exercise‐induced weight loss in obesity; however, their precise contributions, especially those of taxon‐level variations, remain to be investigated.
Self‐organization's responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic in China
Authors: Zhao Ting , Xu Jialiang , Tian Yuan , Zhang Qiwei , Yuan Junao
Published: January 2022

Self‐organization was a key informal channel used to fight COVID‐19 in Wuhan when the local government and other formal organizations failed to respond in the very early stages of the pandemic. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of self‐organization during an emergency from both a demand‐driven and a social mission identity perspective. Using 14 cases, this study examines the lifecycles of self‐organization in alignment with the consistent changes in social demands. Volunteers' social mission identity and a flexible organizational structure have been identified as two major attributes of the outstanding performance of self‐organization. Moreover, self‐organization demonstrates a striking feature of noncontiguous service provision with the assistance of social media. This study extends the literature on the changing roles of governments and civil society to the emergency context.
Multifunctional liquid metal polymer composites
Authors: Guymon Gregory G. , Malakooti Mohammad H.
Published: January 2022

Liquid metal polymer composites are an emerging class of functional materials with potentially transformative impacts in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and human‐computer interactions. By employing different processing methods, room temperature liquid metal inclusions can be embedded in insulating polymers like elastomers to incorporate functional properties of metals while the matrix remains soft and stretchable. These solid–liquid composites offer an interesting, yet complex multifunctional material system. In this review, we present an exclusive overview of the synthesis methods, structural and functional properties, and applications of gallium‐based liquid metal polymer composites. Common methods to control the size of liquid metal inclusions and their interaction in polymers are discussed. Moreover, the effect of liquid metal microstructures on the overall properties of the composites is summarized. We also highlight the new trends in terms of material composition, printing process, and novel applications of liquid metal polymer composites in intelligent systems.
Recent progress in conductive self‐healing hydrogels for flexible sensors
Authors: Qin Tao , Liao Wenchao , Yu Li , Zhu Junhui , Wu Meng , Peng Qiongyao , Han Linbo , Zeng Hongbo
Published: January 2022

Flexible sensors have great potential in the application of wearable and implantable devices, and conductive hydrogels have been widely used in wearable sensing devices due to their biomimetic structure, biocompatibility, adjustable transparency and stimuli‐responsive electrical properties. Conventional conductive hydrogels are prone to be damaged in their application process and lack of long‐term reliability. Inspired by natural organisms such as mussels, introduction of self‐healing capabilities has been regarded as a promising approach to extend the service life of hydrogel sensing devices. This work reviews the synthesis methods and the associated self‐healing mechanisms of representative conductive self‐healing hydrogels. The sensing principles and structural design of conductive hydrogel sensors are also reviewed and their applications for in vivo/in vitro signal monitoring are introduced. The remaining challenges and perspectives in this field are discussed in order to direct the future research on the integration of self‐healing capabilities, good sensing properties and excellent mechanical performances into flexible sensors.
Hydrogel adhesives for generalized wound treatment: Design and applications
Authors: Li Meng , Pan Guoying , Zhang Hualei , Guo Baolin
Published: January 2022

Wound refers to the place where human body is injured and ruptured. So, wounds in a broad sense include not only skin wounds, but also damages of muscle, corneal, heart, and lung, etc. As “gold standard” of wound closure, suture and staple cause secondary damage to the tissue, and require professional skills and equipment, so noninvasive hydrogel adhesives have been developed as an alternative to close and treat different kinds of wounds. However, the existing reviews mainly discussed the research of hydrogel adhesives for skin wounds, and the focus is mostly on its types and adhesion mechanisms, but a review comprehensively discusses the design and application of hydrogel adhesives on generalized wounds for wound closure and wound healing and the unique needs of various wounds for hydrogel adhesives is still lacking. In this review, the types and adhesion mechanisms of hydrogel adhesives will be briefly described, then the research progress of hydrogel adhesives in wound treatment is reviewed in detail from two aspects: the comprehensive design principles and the unique requirements of different types of wounds. Overall, we expect that this review will provide guidance for the development of hydrogel adhesives as new avenues for generalized wound care and treatment.
Rho‐kinase inhibitors protect against neonatal hyperoxia‐induced airway hyperreactivity in a rat pup model: Role of prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Beqiraj‐Zeqiraj Qendresa , Thaçi Qëndrim , Sahiti Floran , Kovač Zdenko , Raffay Thomas M. , Sopi Ramadan B.
Published: January 2022

Background

Oxygen therapy in preterm neonates is associated with airway hyperreactivity. The role of Rho/Rho‐kinase smooth muscle signaling in hyperoxia‐induced airway hyperreactivity remains understudied. We hypothesized that inhibition of Rho‐kinase will attenuate airway hyperreactivity induced by neonatal hyperoxia.

Methods

Newborn rats were raised in hyperoxia (>95% O2) or ambient air (AA) for 7 days. Subgroups were injected with a Rho‐kinase inhibitor: Y‐27632 (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) or fasudil (10 mg·kg−1·day−1), or a FP receptor antagonist ‐ AS604872 (30 mg·kg−1·day−1). After exposures, tracheal cylinders were prepared for in vitro wire myography. Contraction to methacholine or PGF2α was measured in the presence or absence of tissue‐bath Y‐27632, fasudil, or AS604872. Lung PGF2α levels, Rho‐kinase protein level and Rho‐kinase 1 activity were measured by ELISA.

Results

Tracheal smooth muscle contraction was significantly greater in hyperoxic compared to AA groups. Both, Y‐27632 and fasudil significantly decreased contractility to MCh or PGF2α in hyperoxic groups versus hyperoxic controls (p < 0.001), but did not alter AA group responses. Inhibition of FP receptors attenuated responses to PGF2α. Hyperoxia significantly increased lung PGF2α compared to AA (p < 0.01), but Rho‐kinase inhibition did not influence PGF2α level. Rho‐kinase protein level (p < 0.001) and activity (p < 0.01), were increased by hyperoxia, but blockade of FP receptor reduced the Rho‐kinase 1 activity (p < 0.05) under hyperoxic condition.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an active role of Rho/Rho‐kinase signaling on hyperoxia‐induced airway hyperreactivity. These findings suggest that Rho‐kinase inhibitors might serve as an effective therapy for hyperoxia‐induced airway hyperreactivity.
Tadalafil for veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—pulmonary hypertension: A multicenter, placebo‐controlled randomized trial
Authors: Maron Bradley A. , Choudhary Gaurav , Goldstein Rebekah L. , Garshick Eric , Jankowich Matthew , Tucker Troo J. S. , LaCerda Kathleen A. , Hattler Brack , Dempsey Edward C. , Sadikot Ruxana T. , Shapiro Shelley , Rounds Sharon I. , Goldstein Ronald H.
Published: January 2022

Treating Veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated by pulmonary hypertension (COPD‐PH) using phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitor pharmacotherapy is common, but efficacy data are lacking. To address this further, patients with COPD‐PH from five Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals were randomized (1∶1) to receive placebo or oral tadalafil (40 mg/day) for 12 months. The primary endpoint was changed from baseline in 6‐min walk distance at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in pulmonary vascular resistance, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and symptom burden by the University of California San Diego shortness of breath questionnaire scale at 6 months. A total of 42 subjects (all male; 68 ± 7.6 years old) were randomized to placebo (N = 14) or tadalafil (N = 28). The group imbalance was related to under‐enrollment. Compared to placebo, no significant difference was observed in the tadalafil group for change from the primary endpoint or change in mean pulmonary artery pressure or pulmonary vascular resistance from baseline at 6 months. A clinically meaningful improvement was observed in the secondary endpoint of shortness of breath questionnaire score in the tadalafil versus placebo group at 6 months. There was no significant difference in major adverse events between treatment groups, and tadalafil was well tolerated overall. For Veterans with COPD‐PH enrolled in this study, once‐daily treatment with tadalafil did not improve 6‐min walk distance or cardiopulmonary hemodynamics although a decrease in shortness of breath was observed. Under‐enrollment and imbalanced randomization confound interpreting conclusions from this clinical trial and limit the generalization of our findings.
Dark‐State Induced Quantum Nonreciprocity
Authors: Nefedkin Nikita , Cotrufo Michele , Krasnok Alex , Alù Andrea
Published: January 2022

With the development of quantum technologies and their broad applications, the phenomenon of reciprocity breaking has been evolving from an effective tool in classical wave optics and electrodynamics to a promising instrument also for the field of quantum computing and quantum information processing. In this work, nonreciprocal wave phenomena that arise in atom‐like quantum systems are studied. Different approaches to isolation and nonreciprocity in quantum systems are reviewed, with a focus on a specific class of passive devices where nonreciprocity is induced by the system nonlinearity, without the need of an external bias. It is then discussed how to model these effects and what their underlying physics is, outlining how the existence of a slowly‐decaying subradiant state is critical to obtain large nonreciprocal responses. The susceptibility of these devices to changes in the environment is analyzed, together with the opportunities that come from including temporal modulations.
Robotic arm‐assisted posterior‐stabilised total knee arthroplasty reduces the amount of tibial bone resection thickness without increasing the rate of postoperative flexion contracture in varus knees in the short term: Comparison with image‐free navigated total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ishida Kazunari , Shibanuma Nao , Hayashi Shinya , Kurosaka Masahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Matsumoto Tomoyuki
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to compare the bone resection thickness, rate of minimal thickness insert usage, and postoperative range of motion (ROM) between robotic and navigated total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Fifty consecutive posterior‐stabilised (PS) robotic TKA and 50 case‐controlled PS navigated TKA were enroled. Bone resection thickness, rate of minimal thickness insert usage, and postoperative flexion contracture over 5° were statistically compared.

Results

The tibial bone resection thickness was significantly thinner in robotic TKA. The insert thickness was significantly lower, and the rate of minimal thickness insert usage was significantly higher in robotic TKA. The ROM at 3 months postoperatively and the rate of postoperative flexion contracture were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Robotic TKA can reduce the tibial bone resection thickness and increase the rate of minimal thickness insert usage without increasing postoperative flexion contracture as compared with navigated TKA.
Finite time observer‐based output feedback control of MEMS gyroscopes with input saturation
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Bin , Shi Peng
Published: January 2022

The finite time observer‐based output feedback control of MEMS gyroscopes with input saturation is addressed in this article. For the unmeasured speed signal, neural network (NN) learning‐based finite time observer is designed to observe the speed signal in finite time, where the adaptive NN is employed to approximate the nonlinear dynamics with system uncertainties. Considering the input saturation, an auxiliary system is introduced to design the anti‐saturation compensator, such that the actual controller can escape saturation with less time and faster convergence can be achieved. Then the anti‐saturation compensator further works together with output feedback controller to control the dynamics of MEMS gyroscopes. Simulation results are given to verify the faster speed observation and faster convergence of the proposed controller under input saturation.
Circular economy adoption challenges in medical waste management for sustainable development: An empirical study
Authors: Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Kinare Yatin P. , Pawar Miheer T. , Majumdar Abhijit , K.E.K. Vimal , Agrawal Rohit
Published: January 2022

In recent years, many countries are promoting circular economy (CE) practices in the manufacturing and service sectors. Medical waste management has traditionally relied upon a linear economy for many years and requires transformation to CE. The reason for transitioning towards CE can be attributed to various ecological and economic drawbacks of the linear economy. Excessive production and dumping of wastes are polluting our environment. Moreover, scarcity of raw materials and growing demand increases the price of goods, eventually affecting global markets. However, only a few studies deliberate the challenges while implementing CE in the medical waste industry. This paper presents the potential challenges for the implementation of CE in medical waste management. The challenges were determined by an extensive literature review. A set of 85 responses was collected from industry experts through a questionnaire survey. Using exploratory factor analysis, the challenges were clubbed into six groups. A fuzzy theory‐based decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory technique was used to prioritise and construct interrelationships among the main challenges. It is found that the most significant challenge is reprocessing difficulty, which is followed by a lack of transportation and infrastructure. This research covers the major challenges in adopting the CE across medical waste management and will benefit organisations in adopting CE practices for sustainable development. In addition, the limitations and future scope of the study are discussed. This study can further be improved by addressing the challenges while implementing the solutions mentioned in this study.
Arterial Labeling Ultrasound Subtraction Angiography (ALUSA) Based on Acoustic Phase‐Change Nanodroplets
Authors: An Jian , Zhang Jiabin , Dong Feihong , Yin Jingyi , Feng Feng , Guo Wenyu , Huang Shuo , Wang Di , Dang Jie , Zhang Jue , Cheng Heping
Published: January 2022

Biomedical imaging technology (like digital subtraction angiography (DSA)) based on contrast agents has been widely employed in the diagnosis of vascular‐related diseases. While the DSA achieves the high‐resolution observation of specified vessels and their downstream perfusion at the cost of invasive, radioactive operation and hepatorenal toxicity. To address those problems, this study develops arterial labeling ultrasound (US) subtraction angiography (ALUSA) based on a new perfluorobutane (PFB) nanodroplets with a lower vaporization threshold through spontaneous nucleation. The nanodroplets can be selectively vaporized to microbubbles, indicating a highly echogenic signal at B‐mode images only using a diagnostic transducer. By labeling a single blood vessel for nanodroplets vaporization and tracking its downstream blood perfusion in segmental renal arteries at a frame rate of 500 Hz. The results demonstrate the color‐coded super‐resolution ALUSA image, exhibiting the downstream arcuate and interlobular arteries of each segmental renal artery with a resolution of 36 µm in a rabbit kidney. Furthermore, ALUSA could offer the vascular structures, blood flow velocity, and direction of their primary supply vessels in the mouse breast tumor. ALUSA fills the gap of noninvasive labeling angiography in US and opens a broad vista in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor and vascular‐related diseases.
Recent Advances in Organic Phototransistors: Nonvolatile Memory, Artificial Synapses, and Photodetectors
Authors: Lin Yan-Cheng , Yang Wei-Chen , Chiang Yun-Chi , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: January 2022

Recent research interest in organic field‐effect transistor (FET) memory has shifted to the functionality of photoprogramming in terms of its potential uses in multibit data storage and light‐assisted encryption and its low‐energy consumption and broad response to various optical bands. Phototransistor memory can be modulated through both electrical stress and light illumination, allowing it to function as an orthogonal operation method without mutual interference. Herein, the basic design concepts, requirements, and architectures of phototransistor memory are introduced. Design architectures such as channel‐only, channel‐with‐photogate, photochromatic channel devices and floating gate, photoactive polymer, and organic molecule‐based electrets are systematically categorized. The operational mechanism and impact of effective combinations of channels and electrets are reviewed to provide a fundamental understanding of photoprogramming as well as its potential future developmental applications as nonvolatile memory. Furthermore, recent advances in phototransistors and their diverse applications, including nonvolatile memory, artificial synapses, and photodetectors, are summarized. Finally, the outlook for the future development of phototransistors is briefly discussed. A comprehensive picture of the recent progress in phototransistors is provided.
Mesocrystalline Ordering and Phase Transformation of Iron Oxide Biominerals in the Ultrahard Teeth of Cryptochiton stelleri
Authors: Wang Taifeng , Huang Wei , Pham Cong Huy , Murata Satoshi , Herrera Steven , Kirchhofer Nathan D. , Arkook Bassim , Stekovic Dejan , Itkis Mikhail E. , Goldman Nir , Zepeda-Ruiz Luis , Freychet Guillaume , Zhernenkov Mikhail , Nemoto Michiko , Arakaki Atsushi , Kisailus David
Published: January 2022

Biological organisms naturally synthesize complex, hierarchical, multifunctional materials through mineralization processes at ambient conditions and under physiological pH. One such example is the ultrahard and wear‐resistant radular teeth found in mollusks, which are used to scape against the rock to feed on algae. Herein, the biologically controlled structural development of the hard, outer magnetite‐containing shell of the chitin teeth is revealed. Specifically, the formation of a series of mesocrystalline iron oxide phases, templated by chitin‐binding proteins, is identified. The initial domains, consisting of ferrihydrite mesocrystals with a spherulite‐like morphology, undergo a solid‐state phase transformation to form magnetite while maintaining mesocrystallinity, likely via a shear‐induced solid‐state reaction, without any noticeable architectural changes. Subsequent growth via Ostwald ripening leads to nearly single‐crystalline rod‐like elements. In addition, an interpenetrating organic matrix is identified that, at early stages of tooth development, potentially contains iron‐binding proteins that guide the self‐assembly of the mesocrystalline mineral and influence the preferred orientation of the later‐formed magnetite nanorods, which ultimately determines the mechanical behavior of the mature chiton teeth.
Compression tests on large angle columns in high‐strength steel
Authors: Bezas Marios‐Zois , Demonceau Jean‐François , Vayas Ioannis , Jaspart Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2022

Nominated for Eurosteel 2021 Best Paper Award

The paper addresses the instability of large angle columns in high‐strength steel subjected to compression loads. It presents a number of compression tests on such columns with different eccentricities and slenderness and the resulting different buckling failure modes observed. The experimental campaign is intended to widen our understanding of the behaviour of high‐strength steel columns with large angle sections in compression and bending and so to complement previous experimental studies. The tests were accompanied by numerical analyses and calculations of the load carrying capacities based on current Eurocode 3 design recommendations. The numerical simulations were conducted using the FEM software FINELG, which takes into account the influence of geometrical and material non‐linearities. The numerical and analytical results are compared with the corresponding experimental ones. The experimental campaign and the numerical simulations were conducted as part of the ANGELHY project funded by the European Commission's Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS).
Digitization of the historical Herrenhausen Herbarium at Göttingen (GOET), with special focus on plants collected in Switzerland in 1820
Authors: Reiner‐Drehwald M. Elena , Hörandl Elvira , Appelhans Marc S.
Published: January 2022

Three generations of the Wendland family, Johann Christoph Wendland (1755–1828), Heinrich Ludolph Wendland (1792–1869) and Hermann Wendland (1825–1903), were outstanding court gardeners at the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen (Hanover, Germany). The “Wendlands” not only enriched the botanical diversity of the gardens through plants obtained in exchange, purchased or collected during their own journeys, but they also achieved a good scientific reputation by publications on diverse botanical themes including the description of new taxa. Moreover, there exists a herbarium of approximately 16,600 plant specimens related to these gardens, the Wendlands and their publications. Numerous papers dealing with the Wendlands and the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen have been published. The Herrenhausen Herbarium, however, also known as the Wendland Herbarium, which was donated to the University of Göttingen in 1969, was so far neither digitized nor revised. Here, we describe the history and the current digitization of this herbarium, which includes specimens collected between 1780 and 1857. It consists of three major parts: the Herrenhausen Herbarium arranged according to the Linnaean System (13,035 specimens), the palm collection (1069 specimens) and smaller collections (specimens collected by Hermann Wendland in Central America, collections of Carl Hoffmann from Costa Rica and a part of Jakob Friedrich Ehrhart's herbarium, who was a student of Linnaeus; approximately 2500 specimens). The systematic digitization of this historical herbarium as a whole revealed a seemingly unconventional arrangement of the specimens, which we explain here for the correct interpretation of collection data. Furthermore, and despite the meagre information on the herbarium labels, we were able to identify 260 specimens from a trip of Heinrich Ludolph Wendland to Switzerland in 1820. By comparing the specimen labels with entries in his diary and travel report, we were able to retrace detailed information on localities and dates, providing historical biodiversity information. Also, the historical identification of these specimens was revised. A list of collectors represented in the Herrenhausen Herbarium is provided, which includes famous names such as Linnaeus and his students Afzelius, Bergius, Ehrhart, Schreber, and Thunberg.
Documenting the flora of a diversity hotspot: Richard Thomas Lowe (1802–1874) and his botanical exploration of Madeira island
Authors: Mesquita Sandra , Carine Mark , Castel‐Branco Cristina , Menezes de Sequeira Miguel
Published: January 2022

Oceanic island floras often exhibit remarkable concentrations of endemic diversity, provide spectacular examples of rapid evolutionary radiations and harbour floras under significant threat due to anthropogenic pressures. They have attracted the interest of biologists for centuries, but their floras continue to yield new taxa and, at a global scale, the extent of their plant diversity remains imperfectly known. Both natural characteristics and historical factors have shaped the development of knowledge of island floras. In this paper, we investigate the approach of Richard Thomas Lowe (1802–1874), to documenting the flora of Madeira island in the North Atlantic. Lowe collected abundantly in Madeira between 1826 and 1873, resulting in several works on Madeira's flora, published from the 1830s. At a time when taxonomic research on island floras was often based on limited collections made during brief expeditions, Lowe's research on the flora, spanning almost half a century, was exceptional. In this study, 2579 herbarium specimens collected by Lowe were georeferenced and used to investigate temporal, spatial and taxonomic patterns in Lowe's collecting activities. We also examine the distribution of specimens by Lowe to other botanists. Some biases are evident in Lowe's collecting efforts, with steep slopes under‐sampled and coastal sites over‐sampled. These reflect constraints imposed by topography and transport links. These limitations aside, Lowe's work on the Madeiran flora was conducted in a systematic manner, resulting in a comprehensive study of the entire flora. His approach was distinctly modern: he gathered and studied all available information in herbaria and in the published and unpublished writings from earlier visitors; his initial fieldwork was conducted widely to gain knowledge of all habitats and their floras; later fieldwork focussed on less‐explored and most promising areas; duplicates were sent to other botanists, facilitating taxonomic exchanges on critical taxa; and his later fieldwork focussed on plant groups where taxonomic problems had been detected. As a result of Lowe's sustained and systematic approach, he is the single most prolific contributor to the study of Madeira's endemic flora. His approach is a model to documenting island floras still relevant today. Areas poorly sampled by Lowe were areas that were difficult to access, which also protected them from anthropic destructive activities and allowed them to serve as refuges for endemic flora. Those areas deserve particular attention in efforts to complete the survey of Madeira's plant diversity, using technological advancements such as drones to prospect areas that are otherwise still largely inaccessible.
The COlorectal NEoplasia Endoscopic Classification to Choose the Treatment classification for identification of large laterally spreading lesions lacking submucosal carcinomas: A prospective study of 663 lesions
Authors: Brule Clementine , Pioche Mathieu , Albouys Jeremie , Rivory Jerome , Geyl Sophie , Legros Romain , Rostain Florian , Dahan Martin , Lepetit Hugo , Sautereau Denis , Ponchon Thierry , Auditeau Emilie , Jacques Jeremie
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Optical diagnosis is necessary when selecting the resection modality for large superficial colorectal lesions. The COlorectal NEoplasia Endoscopic Classification to Choose the Treatment (CONECCT) encompasses overt (irregular pit or vascular pattern) and covert (macroscopic features) signs of carcinoma in an all‐in‐one classification using validated criteria. The CONECCT IIC subtype corresponds to adenomas with a high risk of superficial carcinoma that should be resected en bloc with free margins.

Methods

This prospective multicentre study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the CONECCT classification for predicting submucosal invasion in colorectal lesions >20 mm. Optical diagnosis before en bloc resection by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was compared with the final histological diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy for the CONECCT IIC subtype was compared with literature‐validated features of concern considered to be risk factors for submucosal invasion (non‐granular large spreading tumour [NG LST], macronodule >1 cm, SANO IIIA area, and Paris 0‐IIC area).

Results

Six hundred 63 lesions removed by ESD were assessed. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates were respectively 96%, 85%, and 81%. The CONECCT classification had a sensitivity (Se) of 100%, specificity (Sp) of 26.2%, positive predictive value of 11.6%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% for predicting at least submucosal adenocarcinoma. The sensitivity of CONECCT IIC (100%) to predict submucosal cancer was superior to all other criteria evaluated. COlorectal NEoplasia Endoscopic Classification to Choose the Treatment IIC lesions constituted 11.5% of all submucosal carcinomas.

Conclusion

The CONECCT classification, which combines covert and overt signs of carcinoma, identifies with very perfect sensitivity (Se 100%, NPV 100%) the 30% of low‐risk adenomas in large laterally spreading lesions treatable by piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection or ESD according to expertise without undertreatment. However, the low specificity of CONECCT leads to a large number of potentially not indicated ESDs for suspected high‐risk lesions.
Risk of infections and their role on subsequent mortality in biopsy‐proven alcohol‐related liver disease
Authors: Hagström Hannes , Thiele Maja , Simon Tracey G. , Sharma Rajani , Röckert Tjernberg Anna , Roelstraete Bjorn , Söderling Jonas , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

The risk for infection in alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) has rarely been investigated at a population level, nor if the underlying liver histopathology is associated with infection risk. We examined the rate of hospital‐based infections in a nationwide cohort of biopsy‐proven ALD, and the subsequent risk of death.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study in Sweden comparing 4028 individuals with an international classification of disease (ICD) code for ALD and a liver biopsy from 1969 to 2017 with 19,296 matched general population individuals. Swedish national registers were used to ascertain incident infections in secondary or tertiary care and subsequent mortality until 2019. We used Cox regression, adjusted for sex, age, education, country of birth, diabetes, and number of hospitalizations in the year preceding liver biopsy date, to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) in ALD and histopathological subgroups compared to reference individuals.

Results

Median age at ALD diagnosis was 59 years, 65% were men and 59% had cirrhosis at baseline. Infections were more common in patients with ALD (84 cases/1000 person‐years [PY]) compared to reference individuals (29/1000 PYs; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.06, 95% CI = 2.85–3.29). This excess risk corresponded to one additional infection per 18 ALD patients each year.

The rate of infections was particularly high in individuals with cirrhosis (aHR = 3.46) and in those with decompensation (aHR = 5.20). Restricting our data to those with an infection, ALD (aHR = 3.63, 95%CI = 3.36–3.93), and especially ALD cirrhosis (aHR = 4.31, 95%CI = 3.89–4.78) were linked to subsequent death.

Conclusions

Individuals with biopsy‐proven ALD have a three‐fold increased rate of infections compared with the general population. The risk of death after an infection is also considerably higher in individuals with ALD.
Ca2Ga4Ge6 and Ca3Ga4Ge6: Synthesis, Structure, and Electronic Properties
Authors: Hodge Kelsey L. , Davis H. Olivia , Koster Karl G. , Windl Wolfgang , Moore Curtis E. , Goldberger Joshua E.
Published: January 2022

During the search for transition metal‐free alkyne hydrogenation catalysts, two new ternary Ca−Ga−Ge phases, Ca2Ga4Ge6 (Cmc21, a=4.1600(10) Å, b=23.283(5) Å, c=10.789(3) Å) and Ca3Ga4Ge6 (C2/m, a=24.063(2) Å, b=4.1987(4) Å, c=10.9794(9) Å, β=91.409(4)°), were discovered. These compounds are isostructural to the previously established Yb2Ga4Ge6 and Yb3Ga4Ge6 analogues, and according to Zintl‐Klemm counting rules, consist of anionic [Ga4Ge6]4− and [Ga4Ge6]6− frameworks in which every Ga and Ge atom would have a formal octet with no Ga−Ga or Ga−Ge π‐bonding. These compounds are metallic, based on temperature dependent electrical resistivity and thermopower measurements for Ca3Ga4Ge6, along with density functional theory calculations for both phases. Unlike the highly active 13‐layer trigonal CaGaGe phase, these new compounds exhibit minimal activity in the semi/full alkyne hydrogenation of phenylacetylene, which is consistent with previous observations that the lack of a formal octet for framework atoms is essential for catalysis in these Zintl‐Klemm compounds.
Direct Higgs-top CP-phase measurement with $$ t\overline{t}h $$ at the 14 TeV LHC and 100 TeV FCC
Authors: Gonçalves Dorival , Kim Jeong Han , Kong Kyoungchul , Wu Yongcheng
Published: January 2022

Abstract

The study of the Higgs boson’s properties is a cornerstone of the LHC and future collider programs. In this paper, we examine the potential to directly probe the Higgs-top interaction strength and CP-structure in the $$ t\overline{t}h $$
t

t
¯

h
channel with the Higgs boson decaying to bottom-quark pairs and top-quarks in the di-leptonic mode. We adopt the BDRS algorithm to tag the boosted Higgs and exploit the M2-assisted reconstruction to compute observables sensitive to the CP-phase at the $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

rest frame, where the new physics sensitivity can be enhanced. Performing a side-band analysis at the LHC to control the continuum $$ t\overline{t}b\overline{b} $$
t

t
¯

b

b
¯

background, we find that the Higgs-top strength and CP-phase can be probed up to $$ {\delta}_{\kappa_t} $$

δ

κ
t

≲ 20% and |α| ≲ 36° at 95% CL, respectively. We also derive that a similar analysis at a 100 TeV future collider could further improve the precision to $$ {\delta}_{\kappa_t} $$

δ

κ
t

≲ 1% and |α| ≲ 1.5°, where the CP-odd observables play a crucial role, boosting the sensitivity on the CP-phase.
Off-shell extended graphic rule and the expansion of Berends-Giele currents in Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Wu Konglong , Du Yi-Jian
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Tree-level color-ordered Yang-Mills (YM) amplitudes can be decomposed in terms of (n − 2)! bi-scalar (BS) amplitudes, whose expansion coefficients form a basis of Bern-Carrasco-Johansson (BCJ) numerators. By the help of the recursive expansion of Einstein-Yang-Mills (EYM) amplitudes, the BCJ numerators are given by polynomial functions of Lorentz contractions which are conveniently described by graphic rule. In this work, we extend the expansion of YM amplitudes to off-shell level. We define different types of off-shell extended numerators that can be generated by graphs. By the use of these extended numerators, we propose a general decomposition formula of off-shell Berends-Giele currents in YM. This formula consists of three terms: (i). an effective current which is expanded as a combination of the Berends-Giele currents in BS theory (The expansion coefficients are one type of off-shell extended numerators) (ii). a term proportional to the total momentum of on-shell lines and (iii). a term expressed by the sum of lower point Berends-Giele currents in which some polarizations and momenta are replaced by vectors proportional to off-shell momenta appropriately. In the on-shell limit, the last two terms vanish while the decomposition of effective current precisely reproduces the decomposition of on-shell YM amplitudes with the expected coefficients (BCJ numerators in DDM basis). We further symmetrize these coefficients such that the Lie symmetries are satisfied. These symmetric BCJ numerators simultaneously satisfy the relabeling property of external lines and the algebraic properties (antisymmetry and Jacobi identity).
Mechanical failure of total hip arthroplasties and associated risk factors
Authors: Bäcker Henrik C. , Wu Chia H. , Kienzle Arne , Perka Carsten , Gwinner Clemens
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Mechanical failure of total hip arthroplasties is a rare but devastating complication. With increasing numbers in primary arthroplasty implantation, revision surgeries are indicated more often. Therefore, understanding the mechanism and the location of failure is essential in determining proper treatment. Aim of this study was to identify mechanical failures of all total hip arthroplasties performed in a major academic center as well as the associated risk factors such as BMI and sports.

Methods

A retrospective trial was conducted using our prospective arthroplasty database. Database was searched for all patients presenting with mechanical failures of total hip arthroplasty (THA) to the emergency department between 2011 and 2019. All medical charts and radiographs as well as surgical reports were analyzed to identify demographics, implant choice in addition to location of failure and subsequent treatment.

Results

In total, 13 patients suffering from mechanical total hip implant failure were found. The femoral neck (conus) was broken in four patients, the stem in five cases, one broken inlay, two cup failures and one conus dislocation. The mean BMI was 31.42 ± 5.29 kg/m2 including five patients who have obesity class II. In all cases, revision surgeries were indicated. No structural causes or underlying risk factors such as repeated physical load (i.e. in sports) were identified.

Conclusion

Implant failure does not seem to correlate with participation in sports or BMI. Catastrophic failure of implants is a technical challenge requiring special extraction instruments that can be difficult even for experienced surgeons. It should be noted that functional outcome is often worse for this group of patients after surgery than comparing against those revised for loosening.

Level of evidence.

III, Retrospective Trial.
An integrated model of school students’ academic achievement and life satisfaction. Linking soft skills, extracurricular activities, self-regulated learning, motivation, and emotions
Authors: Feraco Tommaso , Resnati Dario , Fregonese Davide , Spoto Andrea , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: January 2022

The role of soft skills at school is still debated, but they have emerged as important factors for students’ academic achievement and life satisfaction. This study focuses on the combined influence of soft skills (in terms of adaptability, curiosity, leadership, initiative, perseverance, and social awareness), extracurricular activities, achievement emotions, self-regulated learning, motivation, and cognitive abilities on academic achievement and life satisfaction. A sample of 603 students (5th to 12th graders) participated in the study. The results of a Bayesian path analysis based on meta-analytical priors show that soft skills were (i) directly positively associated with students’ achievement emotions, self-regulated learning, motivation, and life satisfaction and (ii) indirectly related with academic achievement through the mediation of self-regulated learning and motivation. On the other hand, only soft skills and achievement emotions were directly related to life satisfaction. Extracurricular activities showed a positive association with both soft skills and cognitive abilities. These results are the first to demonstrate the importance of soft skills and extracurricular activities when integrating all the above-mentioned factors in a model of students’ academic achievement and life satisfaction.
Unveiling unresolved stellar components from photometry
Authors: Messina Sergio , Monard Berto
Published: January 2022

Space-born missions designed to search for exo-planets are providing us with high-precision photometric time series very well suited to measure the rotation period of solar- and lower-mass stars. Considering the large number of stars monitored during the mission life, the possibility to inspect each periodogram is out of question and, therefore, each method to search for rotation periods applied either individually or in combination is designed to automatically select the best rotation period estimate. In the case of unresolved binary stars it is possible to measure the rotation period of both components, when these are both variable and have comparable magnitude. On the other hand, the detection of two different rotation periods from the same photometric timeseries can represents a tool to unveil the binary nature of the star. In this paper, we present the case of the star TWA 23, a member of the young TWA association, as just one example of numerous cases. These may occur when the star is an unresolved binary and the variability of the secondary component is present in the time series. However, the frequency of the primary and dominant power peak in the periodogram, originating from the primary component, needs to be pre-whitened to allow the frequency of the secondary component to be detected. Considering the possible presence of undiscovered close binaries in the input catalogs of various ongoing or future missions aimed at exoplanet search, it becomes advisable to follow routinely this filtering approach to prevent to miss relevant information on the true binary nature of stars.
Cyanobacteria species dominance and diversity in three Australian drinking water reservoirs
Authors: Rousso Benny Zuse , Bertone Edoardo , Stewart Rodney A. , Hughes Sara P. , Hobson Peter , Hamilton David P.
Published: January 2022

The objective of this study was to identify correlations between environmental variables and cyanobacterial diversity, succession and dominance in three Australian water supply reservoirs. We assessed up to 15 years of in-lake water quality monitoring data from Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Tingalpa (Queensland), and Lake Myponga (South Australia). Lakes Wivenhoe and Tingalpa, subject to a subtropical climate, had higher cyanobacterial richness than Lake Myponga in temperate South Australia. Richness in the subtropical lakes was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with total cyanobacteria biomass, and cyanobacteria biovolume > 0.03 mm3/l (Alert level 1; World Health Organization) was often composed of multiple cyanobacteria species. Peaks in total cyanobacteria biomass and diversity occurred in all three lakes from late spring to early autumn. Unicellular picocyanobacterial dominance was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with total nitrogen while dominance of colonial and filamentous species with larger cells (e.g. Microcystis spp., Raphidiopsis spp., Dolichospermum circinale) was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with total phosphorus. Among the species with larger cells, diazotrophic D. circinale often dominated when total nitrogen was at low concentrations. Our results support decision making for selecting cyanoHAB control strategies based on single- or multi-species dominance and reinforce that new monitoring technologies could support species-level assessments.