bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triad second renormalization group
Authors: Kadoh Daisuke , Oba Hideaki , Takeda Shinji
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We propose a second renormalization group (SRG) in the triad representation of tensor networks. The SRG method improves two parts of the triad tensor renormalization group, which are the decomposition of intermediate tensors and the preparation of isometries, taking the influence of environment tensors into account. Every fundamental tensor including environment tensor is given as a rank-3 tensor, and the computational cost of the proposed algorithm scales with $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(χ5) employing the randomized SVD where χ is the bond dimension of tensors. We test this method in the classical Ising model on the two dimensional square lattice, and find that numerical results are obtained in good accuracy for a fixed computational time.
Lepton flavor violating decays τ → Pl in the U(1)XSSM model
Authors: Wang Tong-Tong , Zhao Shu-Min , Dong Xing-Xing , Su Lu-Hao , Zhang Ze-Ning , Li Wei , Feng Tai-Fu
Published: April 2022

Abstract

U(1)XSSM is the extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) and its local gauge group is SU(3)C × SU(2)L × U(1)Y × U(1)X. To obtain this model, three singlet new Higgs superfields and right-handed neutrinos are added to MSSM. In the framework of U(1)XSSM, we study lepton flavor violating decays τ → Pl( P = π, η, η′; l = μ, e). According to the latest experimental data of τ → Pe and τ → Pμ, the influence of different sensitive parameters on the results is analyzed to make a reasonable prediction for future experiments. From the numerical analysis, the non-diagonal elements which correspond to the generations of the initial lepton and final lepton are main sensitive parameters and lepton flavor violation (LFV) sources. This work can provide a basis for finding the existence of new physics (NP).
Fully Localised Three-Dimensional Gravity-Capillary Solitary Waves on Water of Infinite Depth
Authors: Buffoni B. , Groves M. D. , Wahlén E.
Published: April 2022

Fully localised three-dimensional solitary waves are steady water waves which are evanescent in every horizontal direction. Existence theories for fully localised three-dimensional solitary waves on water of finite depth have recently been published, and in this paper we establish their existence on deep water. The governing equations are reduced to a perturbation of the two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which admits a family of localised solutions. Two of these solutions are symmetric in both horizontal directions and an application of a suitable variant of the implicit-function theorem shows that they persist under perturbations.
Low rate of substantial loss of reduction immediately after hardware removal following acromioclavicular joint stabilization using a suspensory fixation system
Authors: Rupp Marco-Christopher , Kadantsev Pavel M. , Siebenlist Sebastian , Hinz Maximilian , Feucht Matthias J. , Pogorzelski Jonas , Scheiderer Bastian , Imhoff Andreas B. , Muench Lukas N. , Berthold Daniel P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate immediate loss of reduction in patients undergoing hardware removal after arthroscopically assisted acromioclavicular (AC) joint stabilization using a high-tensile suture tape suspensory fixation system and to identify risk factors associated with immediate loss of reduction.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 36.4 ± 12.6 years (19–56), who underwent hardware removal 18.2 ± 15.0 months following arthroscopically assisted stabilization surgery using a suspensory fixation system for AC joint injury between 01/2012 and 01/2021 were enrolled in this retrospective monocentric study. The coracoclavicular distance (CCD) as well as the clavicular dislocation/acromial thickness (D/A) ratio were measured on anterior–posterior radiographs prior to hardware removal and immediately postoperatively by two independent raters. Loss of reduction, defined as 10% increase in the CCD, was deemed substantial if the CCD increased 6 mm compared to preoperatively. Constitutional and surgical characteristics were assessed in a subgroup analysis to detect risk factors associated with loss of reduction.

Results

Postoperatively, the CCD significantly increased from 12.6 ± 3.7 mm (4.8–19.0) to 14.5 ± 3.3 mm (8.7–20.6 mm) (p < 0.001) while the D/A ratio increased from 0.4 ± 0.3 (− 0.4–0.9) to 0.6 ± 0.3 (1.1–0.1) (p = 0.034) compared to preoperatively. In 10 cases (45%), loss of reduction was identified, while a substantial loss of reduction (> 6 mm) was only observed in one patient (4.5%). A shorter time interval between index stabilization surgery and hardware removal significantly corresponded to immediate loss of reduction (11.0 ± 5.6 vs. 30.0 ± 20.8 months; p = 0.007), as hardware removal within one year following index stabilization was significantly associated with immediate loss of reduction (p = 0.027; relative risk 3.4; odds ratio 11.67).

Conclusions

Substantial loss of reduction after hardware removal of a high-tensile suture tape suspensory fixation system was rare, indicating that the postoperative result of AC stabilization is not categorically at risk when performing this procedure. Even though radiological assessment of the patients showed a statistically significant immediate superior clavicular displacement after this rarely required procedure, with an increased incidence in the first year following stabilization, this may not negatively influence the results of ACJ stabilization in a clinically relevant way.

Level of evidence

IV.
Enzymatic synthesis of kraft lignin-acrylate copolymers using an alkaline tolerant laccase
Authors: Arefmanesh Maryam , Vuong Thu V. , Nikafshar Saeid , Wallmo Henrik , Nejad Mojgan , Master Emma R.
Published: April 2022

Softwood kraft lignin is a major bioresource relevant to the production of sustainable bio-based products. Continued challenges to lignin valorization, however, include poor solubility in organic solvents and in aqueous solutions at neutral pH. Herein, an alkaline tolerant laccase was used to graft acrylate functionalities onto softwood kraft lignin, which is expected to enhance the reactivity of lignin with isocyanate when producing bio-based polyurethanes. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to confirm successful grafting of the acrylate monomer onto lignin and verify the importance of including tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an initiator in the grafting reaction. Laccase-mediated grafting of softwood kraft lignin under alkaline conditions produced lignin products with approximately 30% higher hydroxyl value and higher reactivity toward isocyanate. The reported enzymatic and aqueous process presents an opportunity for the sustainable valorization of softwood kraft lignin.

Key points

• Softwood kraft lignin displayed high phenolic hydroxyl content, polydispersity index and average molecular weight

• Grafting hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) monomer onto kraft lignin by laccase was successful at 60 °C and alkaline conditions

• Lignin-HEA grafted copolymer showed an increase in total OH value and an increase in average molecular weight
Smartphone-based nystagmus diagnostics: development of an innovative app for the targeted detection of vertigo
Authors: van Bonn Sara M. , Behrendt Sophie P. , Pawar Bhushan L. , Schraven Sebastian P. , Mlynski Robert , Schuldt T.
Published: April 2022

Background

In medicine, the symptom of dizziness is one of the most common multidisciplinary causes of emergency medical presentation. Attending physicians are often faced with difficult decisions when evaluating patients with dizziness. A rapid differential diagnostic decision must be made during the initial examination. The goal of this study, was to develop a smartphone-based app that can diagnose and qualify nystagmus. The app should enable differentiation between acute emergencies such as strokes ("central vertigo") and vestibular disorders ("peripheral vertigo") using and recognizing or analyzing the accompanying symptom "nystagmus".

Materials and methods

This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery "Otto Körner", Rostock (Germany). The experimental study design consisted of two test runs and two control runs. In the two test runs, nystagmus was tracked and evaluated by caloric and optokinetic stimulation, respectively, through a custom-developed app. Sensitivity and correlation were calculated for the app's application performance and compared under different experimental conditions.

Results

The patient sample included twenty healthy participants with a mean age of 25.6 years (± 2.2 SD) who participated in the study. The overall sensitivity of detection of nystagmus averaged 82.14% in the optokinetic stimulation test trials. There is no correlation regarding specific subject data and sensitivity.

Conclusions

The results of our experimental validation study show that a smartphone-based nystagmus app is a useful tool for vertigo diagnosis. The results of our analyses show that it is possible to diagnose nystagmus and determine shape or direction with the app.
Multilevel, risk group-oriented strategies to decrease sickness absence in the public sector: evaluation of interventions in two regions in Sweden
Authors: Ståhl Christian , Gustavsson Isa Norvell , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H. , Akerstrom Magnus
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Sickness absence has been identified as needing to be addressed through multilevel interventions, but knowledge regarding optimal design and implementation of such interventions is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation and effects of a large-scale multilevel intervention in the public sector in Sweden.

Methods

The overall effect of the intervention was assessed using mixed-effect models. Sickness absence data (before, and 6 or 12 months after the intervention) for 90 intervention groups and 378 reference groups was retrieved from administrative personnel systems from the two participating regional councils. The implementation processes were evaluated using qualitative content analysis of qualitative interviews conducted at two timepoints.

Results

The results show that the vast majority of implemented measures were on an individual level and the integration of the intervention differed between the two regions. The reception and perception of the intervention activities seem to have been influenced by the implementation process, and how well the interventions were communicated and integrated, both regarding the integration of the different interventions and their integration into the discrete context and existing routines. No short-term overall effects on sickness absence were found.

Conclusions

The results point to the many challenges in implementing complex interventions, especially where organizational measures are involved—including adequate participation by, and communication between, the involved actors, as well as sufficient resources. The results indicate potential learning effects regarding the awareness of organizational factors in sick leave, after implementing and integrating multilevel strategies.
Simulation of crack propagation through voxel-based, heterogeneous structures based on eigenerosion and finite cells
Authors: Wingender Dennis , Balzani Daniel
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an algorithm for the efficient simulation of ductile crack propagation through heterogeneous structures, as e.g. metallic microstructures, which are given as voxel data. These kinds of simulations are required for e.g., the numerical investigation of wear mechanisms at small length scales, which is still a challenging task in engineering. The basic idea of the proposed algorithm is to combine the advantages of the Finite Cell Method allowing for a convenient integration of heterogeneous finite element problems with the eigenerosion approach to still enable the mesh-independent simulation of crack propagation. The major component is to switch from finite subcells to finite elements wherever the crack progresses, thereby automatically adaptively refining at the crack tip by managing the newly appearing nodes as hanging nodes. Technically relevant problems of crack propagation at the microscale are mostly linked with sub-critical crack growth where the crack moves fast and stepwise with subsequent load cycles. Therefore, inertia may become important which is why dynamics are taken into account by spreading the mass of the eroded elements to the nodes to avoid a loss in mass resulting from the erosion procedure. Furthermore, a certain treatment for the finite cell decomposition is considered in order to ensure efficiency and accuracy. The numerical framework as well as the voxel decomposition techniques are analyzed in detail in different three-dimensional numerical examples to show the performance of the proposed approach.
Failed regeneration and inflammation in schizophrenia: two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Falkai Peter , Schmitt Andrea
Published: April 2022

More than 100 years after its conceptual definition as ‘Dementia Praecox’ by Emil Kraepelin, which was changed to schizophrenia by Eugen Bleuler, this is still a serious and debilitating psychiatric illness. The neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia, introduced more than 30 years ago, states that schizophrenia is a consequence of failed neurodevelopmental processes leading to a dysfunctional neuronal network forming the basis for a psychosis proneness. Subsequently, significant research efforts were made to prove the neurodevelopmental or the neurodegenerative perspective. This review summarizes key arguments speaking for or against the two hypotheses leading to a concept with both aspects position side by side.
Disturbed state concept and non-isothermal shear strength model for unsaturated soils
Authors: Pham Tuan A. , Sutman Melis
Published: April 2022

Shear strength of unsaturated soils is an important engineering property that is required for addressing geotechnical problems, the prediction of which remains to be a challenging task for design engineers due to the complex interaction problem. This study presents a new shear strength equation based on the micromechanical model and the disturbed state concept for unsaturated soils. The original point of this study is considering the solid contact area ratio which was neglected in most of the existing equations. Using the proposed model, the non-linear relationship between the matric suction, saturation degree, and the shear strength of unsaturated soils are described. Validation of the shear strength model was verified against the experimental data and several current models on six different types of soils. The results indicate that the proposed model has a good performance in predicting the shear strength of unsaturated soils, and generally is better than other existing models. In response to varying climatic conditions, the analytical model was then extended to consider the effect of temperature on the shear strength of unsaturated soils. The comparison between predicted and measured results was carried out on compacted silt for three different temperatures. The results show that the proposed model is capable of accurately predicting changes in unsaturated shear strength as a function of temperature.
Projected impacts of climate change on tourism in the Canary Islands
Authors: Carrillo Judit , González Albano , Pérez Juan C. , Expósito Francisco J. , Díaz Juan P.
Published: April 2022

The Canary Islands are a leading tourist destination. Their strong economic dependence on this sector makes them vulnerable to climate change. The steep orography of the islands causes impact of climate change and their potential influence on tourism to be spatially heterogenous. To account for this variability, regional climate simulations were computed using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) numerical weather prediction model driven by the results of three CMIP5 global climate models as boundary conditions, using two different future greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for the projections. The simulations were performed at a spatial resolution of 3 km for three 30-year periods, recent past (1980–2009), mid-century (2030–2059), and end-century (2070–2099). For two widely used indices of tourist attractiveness (the Tourism Climate Index TCI and the Holiday Climate Index HCI), the coastal region of most islands currently has between 20 and 30 “excellent” and “ideal” days per month for tourism, with a decrease at higher elevations. Future leisure conditions are expected to improve at higher locations and during the autumn, winter and spring. In the RCP8.5 scenario, “excellent” days are projected to increase in winter at the end of the century. Nevertheless, in the southern areas, where most of the hotel infrastructure is located, the indices indicate significantly worsened conditions in summer, with only a few “excellent” days expected in some locations. Thermal comfort was identified as the most important factor determining the expected changes.
Correction to: The Karoubi envelope and weak idempotent completion of an extriangulated category
Authors: Msapato Dixy
Published: April 2022

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s10485-021-09664-8
The cultural dimension as a key value driver of the sustainable development at a strategic level: an integrated five-dimensional approach
Authors: Hristov Ivo , Chirico Antonio
Published: April 2022

One of the greatest challenges facing the contemporary research and academic world is to review the relationship between sustainable development and performance management system (PMS). More and more companies are embracing a strategic approach that includes sustainability issues into their corporate strategy. However, to date, sustainability and corporate strategy are still not adequately integrated in the organizations. Several criticisms are connected to its effectiveness and its practical implementation. In this context, in view of the numerous critical issues emerged in the literature, the aim of this paper is twofold: (1) to provide a clear view on the main sustainability dimensions considered relevant in the managerial practice, and (2) to identify a suitable approach to align the sustainability dimensions identified in the corporate strategy. To this end, we conducted a semi-structured interview with 70 middle and senior managers of Italian companies, specializing in sustainable development issues. Accordingly, the findings have revealed that to implement sustainable development strategy, organizations need to integrate five sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, economic, cultural and organizational) in the PMS execution. The results led to the identification of a cultural dimension as a key driver to support managers in implementing sustainability at a strategic level. The authors provided a sustainable framework oriented to emphasize the cultural change in the organizations as a first step of the sustainable development process.
An assessment of uncertainties in VS profiles obtained from microtremor observations in the phased 2018 COSMOS blind trials
Authors: Asten Michael W. , Yong Alan , Foti Sebastiano , Hayashi Koichi , Martin Antony J. , Stephenson William J. , Cassidy John F. , Coleman Jacie , Nigbor Robert , Castellaro Silvia , Chimoto Kosuke , Cornou Cécile , Cho Ikuo , Hayashida Takumi , Hobiger Manuel , Kuo Chun-Hsiang , Macau Albert , Mercerat E. Diego , Molnar Sheri , Pananont Passakorn , Pilz Marco , Poovarodom Nakhorn , Sáez Esteban , Wathelet Marc , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Yokoi Toshiaki , Zhao Don
Published: April 2022

Site response is a critical consideration when assessing earthquake hazards. Site characterization is key to understanding site effects as influenced by seismic site conditions of the local geology. Thus, a number of geophysical site characterization methods were developed to meet the demand for accurate and cost-effective results. As a consequence, a number of studies have been administered periodically as blind trials to evaluate the state-of-practice on-site characterization. We present results from the Consortium of Organizations for Strong Motion Observation Systems (COSMOS) blind trials, which used data recorded from surface-based microtremor array methods (MAM) at four sites where geomorphic conditions vary from deep alluvial basins to an alpine valley. Thirty-four invited analysts participated. Data were incrementally released to 17 available analysts who participated in all four phases: (1) two-station arrays, (2) sparse triangular arrays, (3) complex nested triangular or circular arrays, and (4) all available geological control site information including drill hole data. Another set of 17 analysts provided results from two sites and two phases only. Although data from one site consisted of recordings from three-component sensors, the other three sites consisted of data recorded only by vertical-component sensors. The sites cover a range of noise source distributions, ranging from one site with a highly directional microtremor wave field to others with omni-directional (azimuthally distributed) wave fields. We review results from different processing techniques (e.g., beam-forming, spatial autocorrelation, cross-correlation, or seismic interferometry) applied by the analysts and compare the effectiveness between the differing wave field distributions. We define the M index as a quality index based on estimates of the time-averaged shear-wave velocity of the upper 10 (VS10), 30 (VS30), 100 (VS100), and 300 (VS300) meters and show its usefulness in quantitative comparisons of VS profiles from multiple analysts. Our findings are expected to aid in building an evidence-based consensus on preferred cost-effective arrays and processing methodology for future studies of seismic site effects.
Zero N: Number features and ⊥
Authors: Martí Luisa
Published: April 2022

In this paper I demonstrate that there is an explanation of the number marking we see on nouns when they combine with the numeralzerowhich combines Martí’s (Semant. Pragmat., 2020a,10.3765/sp.13.3) account of the morphosyntax and semantics of the numeral-noun construction with Bylinina and Nouwen’s (Glossa 3(1):98, 2018) semantics forzeroand which does not need to appeal to any further principles (e.g., agreement).
China visits: a dataset of Chinese leaders’ foreign visits
Authors: Wang Yu , Stone Randall W.
Published: April 2022

Leader visits constitute an important signal in international relations. While studies of U.S. diplomacy can all use the same dataset from the Office of the Historian, IR scholars on China must make do with ad hoc datasets and often need to build their own from scratch. We contribute a novel dataset, ChinaVisits, to fill this glaring gap. Our dataset has three major advantages: (1) it covers the period from 1998 onwards so that it is widely applicable to different research agendas; (2) each recorded visit has rich auxiliary information, including its date and duration, and is accompanied by a document from official websites for verification, and the dataset in its entirety is evaluated against existing datasets; (3) it is publicly available and indexed annually with country codes and country names. To facilitate its use, we provide a detailed analysis of the patterns in leader visits.
Full functional-length urethral sphincter- and neurovascular bundle preservation improves long-term continence rates after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hoeh Benedikt , Hohenhorst Jan L. , Wenzel Mike , Humke Clara , Preisser Felix , Wittler Clarissa , Brand Marie , Köllermann Jens , Steuber Thomas , Graefen Markus , Tilki Derya , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Becker Andreas , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K. H. , Mandel Philipp
Published: April 2022

The objective of the study was to test the impact of implementing standard full functional-length urethral sphincter (FFLU) and neurovascular bundle preservation (NVBP) with intraoperative frozen section technique (IFT) on long-term urinary continence in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We relied on an institutional tertiary-care database to identify patients who underwent RARP between 01/2014 and 09/2019. Until 10/2017, FFLU was not performed and decision for NVBP was taken without IFT. From 11/2017, FFLU and IFT-guided NVBP was routinely performed in all patients undergoing RARP. Long-term continence (≥ 12 months) was defined as the usage of no or one safety- pad. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models tested the correlation between surgical approach (standard vs FFLU + NVBP) and long-term continence. Covariates consisted of age, body mass index, prostate volume and extraprostatic extension of tumor. The study cohort consisted of 142 patients, with equally sized groups for standard vs FFLU + NVBP RARP (68 vs 74 patients). Routine FFLU + NVBP implementation resulted in a long-term continence rate of 91%, compared to 63% in standard RARP (p < 0.001). Following FFLU + NVBP RARP, 5% needed 1–2, 4% 3–5 pads/24 h and no patient (0%) suffered severe long-term incontinence (> 5 pads/24 h). No significant differences in patient or tumor characteristics were recorded between both groups. In multivariable logistic regression models, FFLU + NVBP was a robust predictor for continence (Odds ratio [OR]: 7.62; 95% CI 2.51–27.36; p < 0.001). Implementation of FFLU and NVBP in patients undergoing RARP results in improved long-term continence rates of 91%.
Zusammenhang von selbstständigen Lockerungen und Resozialisierungszielen in der Sozialtherapeutischen Anstalt Hamburg
Authors: Stück Elisabeth , Briken Peer , Brunner Franziska
Published: April 2022

Vollzugsöffnende Maßnahmen sollen dazu dienen, die soziale Reintegration vorzubereiten. Sie können als Erprobungsraum dafür gelten, inwieweit sich intramural herausgearbeitete Risikofaktoren unter extramuralen Bedingungen äußern bzw. bereits verändert haben können. Dabei gehen Lockerungen mit einem reduzierten Rückfallrisiko und erhöhten Chancen auf dem Wohnungs- und Arbeitsmarkt einher. Diese Studie untersucht anhand von n = 139 bereits entlassenen männlichen Insassen der Sozialtherapeutischen Anstalt Hamburg (SothA-HH) Prädiktoren für den Erhalt und die Rücknahme selbstständiger Lockerungen. Zudem wird untersucht, wie Lockerungserhalt und -rücknahme mit den Resozialisierungszielen Wohnanschrift, Beschäftigungsverhältnis und Therapieerfolg zum Zeitpunkt der Entlassung zusammenhängen. Eine deutsche Staatsbürgerschaft und externale Schutzfaktoren (erhoben mit SAPROF [Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for violence risk]) sind mit dem Erhalt selbstständiger Lockerungen assoziiert, wohingegen mehr Risikofaktoren (erhoben mit R-Skala, HCR-20 [Historical Clinical Risk Management-20]) und überraschenderweise motivationale Schutzfaktoren (SAPROF) mit einer geringeren Wahrscheinlichkeit für selbstständige Lockerung zusammenhängen. Eine längere Haftstrafe und mehr Risikofaktoren (R-Skala, HCR-20) sind mit Lockerungsrücknahmen, zunehmendes Alter mit einer geringeren Wahrscheinlichkeit für Lockerungsrücknahmen assoziiert. Insassen, die selbstständige Lockerungen erhalten und aufrechterhalten, haben zum Zeitpunkt der Entlassung häufiger ein Beschäftigungsverhältnis und schlossen die Therapie erfolgreicher ab. Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund der gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen für Lockerungen und des Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Modells diskutiert.
Backbone NMR assignments of the extensive human and chicken TRPV4 N-terminal intrinsically disordered regions as important players in ion channel regulation
Authors: Goretzki Benedikt , Tebbe Frederike , Mitrovic Sarah-Ana , Hellmich Ute A.
Published: April 2022

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are important pharmacological targets due to their ability to act as sensory transducers on the organismic and cellular level, as polymodal signal integrators and because of their role in numerous diseases. However, a detailed molecular understanding of the structural dynamics of TRP channels and their integration into larger cellular signalling networks remains challenging, in part due to the systematic absence of highly dynamic regions pivotal for channel regulation from available structures. In human TRP vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a ubiquitously expressed homotetrameric cation channel involved in temperature, osmo- and mechano-sensation and in a multitude of (patho)physiological processes, the intrinsically disordered N-terminus encompasses 150 amino acids and thus represents > 17% of the entire channel sequence. Its deletion renders the channel significantly less excitable to agonists supporting a crucial role in TRPV4 activation and regulation. For a structural understanding and a comparison of its properties across species, we determined the NMR backbone assignments of the human and chicken TRPV4 N-terminal IDRs.
Reference equations for the six-minute walking distance in obese Chinese subjects more than 40 years old
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zou Yingying , Wang Zibin , Chen Xiaoshu , Pan Jingye , Yu Haizhu , Lin Cong , Zou He
Published: April 2022

Background

Studies have shown that the reference equations for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD), which were mainly derived from healthy, normal-weight people, are not suitable for individuals with obesity. The main purpose of this study was to establish reference equations for the 6MWD in obese Chinese subjects.

Methods

In our study, a total of 214 individuals with obesity performed the six-minute walking tests (6MWTs) according to the American thoracic society (ATS) guidelines, and the longer 6MWD was used for further analysis. The reference equations for the 6MWD were developed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The newly established equations for the 6MWD were compared to the existing prediction equations.

Results

The mean 6MWD for the cohort was 523 ± 56 m. We found that the reliability of two 6MWTs was good. Age and BMI were identified as independent factors, and explained 31% and 27% of the variance in the 6MWD for the male and female participants, respectively. Thus, the reference equations reported in the previous studies did not accurately predict the 6MWD in our subjects.

Conclusion

Our study was the first to describe the 6MWD in obese Chinese subjects and to propose new predictive equations. These established equations can improve the assessment of the health of obese Chinese patients whose exercise capacity is affected by the disease.

Level of evidence

III, Cohort study.
Cardiac Rehabilitation in Advanced aGE after PCI for acute coronary syndromes: predictors of exercise capacity improvement in the CR-AGE ACS study
Authors: Baldasseroni Samuele , Silverii Maria Vittoria , Pratesi Alessandra , Burgisser Costanza , Orso Francesco , Lucarelli Giulia , Turrin Giada , Ungar Andrea , Marchionni Niccolò , Fattirolli Francesco
Published: April 2022

Background

The positive effect of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on outcomes after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is established. Nevertheless, enrollment rates into CR programs remain low, although ACS carry a high risk of functional decline particularly in the elderly.

Aim

We aimed to determine if a multidisciplinary CR improves exercise capacity in an older population discharged after ACS systematically treated with PCI.

Methods

CR-AGE ACS is a prospective, single-center, cohort study. All patients aged 75+ years consecutively referred to Cardiac Rehabilitation outpatient Unit at Careggi University Hospital, were screened for eligibility. Moderate/severe cognitive impairment, disability in 2+ basic activities of daily living, musculoskeletal diseases, contraindication to Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test, and diseases with an expected survival < 6 months, were exclusion criteria. Participants attended a CR program, based on 5-day-per-week aerobic training sessions for 4 weeks.

Results

We enrolled 253 post-ACS patients with a mean age 80.6 ± 4.4 years. After CR, 136 (56.2%) 77 (31.3%) patients obtained, respectively, at least a moderate (∆+5%) or an optimal (∆+15%) increase in VO2peak. Baseline VO2peak (− 1 ml/kg/min: OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.09–1.28), the number of training sessions (+1 session: OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01–1.15), and mild-to-moderate baseline disability (yes vs. no: OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.01–0.57) were the predictors of VO2peak changes.

Conclusions

A CR program started early after discharge from ACS produces a significant increase in exercise capacity in very old patients with mild-to-moderate post-acute physical impairment. Baseline VO2peak, the number of training sessions, and the level of baseline disability are the independent predictors of improvement.
Implicit Bias and Epistemic Oppression in Confronting Racism
Authors: HOLROYD JULES , PUDDIFOOT KATHERINE
Published: April 2022

Motivating reforms to address discrimination and exclusion is important. But what epistemic practices characterize better or worse ways of doing this? Recently, the phenomena of implicit biases have played a large role in motivating reforms. We argue that this strategy risks perpetuating two kinds of epistemic oppression: the vindication dynamic and contributory injustice. We offer positive proposals for avoiding these forms of epistemic oppression when confronting racism.
Λ and the Limits of Effective Field Theory
Authors: Koberinski Adam , Smeenk Chris
Published: April 2022

The cosmological constant problem stems from treating quantum field theory and general relativity as an effective field theory (EFT). We argue that the problem is a reduction ad absurdum and that one should reject the assumption that general relativity can generically be treated as an EFT. This marks a failure of naturalness and provides an internal signal that EFT methods do not apply in all spacetime domains. We then take an external view, showing that the assumptions for using EFTs are violated in general relativistic domains where Λ is relevant. We highlight some ways forward that do not depend on naturalness.
SCALING THE 14C-EXCURSION SIGNAL IN MULTIPLE TREE-RING SERIES WITH DYNAMIC TIME WARPING
Authors: Panyushkina Irina , Livina Valerie , Molnár Mihály , Varga Tamas , Jull A J Timothy
Published: April 2022

A signal of rapid changes in 14C production is logged in annual series of 14C derived from tree rings, which can be associated with diverse effects of cosmic-ray fluxes, including solar burst and supernova events. These 14C signatures may vary in time and space. The intensity and structure of the 14C signal is multifaced, which complicates understanding of the forcing and attribution of the underlying astrophysical events. It was suggested that Δ14C in 1052/53 CE and 1054/55 CE signatures at a 4‰–6‰ range over two years could be caused by the Crab Nebula supernova (SN1054) or/and solar perturbation. The temporal incoherence of the signals in published 14C series is investigated with dynamic time warping (DTW), novel approach for matching time-behavioral patterns in multiple 14C datasets. DTW analysis of four 14C signatures from tree rings of California, Finland and England suggests that 14C spikes between 1052 CE and 1055 CE can be caused by a single event. The flickering fingerprint may result from cross-dating inconformity. Cross-checking of tree-ring records from distant locations is impossible sometimes due to large difference in environmental conditions limiting tree growth. The methodology helps to align the signals and can be applied to other 14C datasets.
Intellectual Property and National Economies
Authors: Vinsel Lee
Published: April 2022

While a few nations had intellectual property (IP) laws before 1800, many more created them in the nineteenth century, and even more than that waited until well into the twentieth century. When scholars examine different national and international IP regimes, they find not only controversy and apparently intractable debate about the laws’ merits but also seemingly irreducible variety. Two recent books—the edited volume Patent Cultures: Diversity and Harmonization in Historical Perspective put together by Graeme Gooday and Steven Wilf and Inventing Ideas: Patents, Prizes, and the Knowledge Economy by B. Zorina Khan—examine the global diversity of IP systems and their impacts on national economies.
The rise and fall of Pyramiden: The story of a town in a wider geopolitical and environmental context
Authors: Kavan Jan , Halašková Barbora
Published: April 2022

Climate change has become significantly pronounced in the Arctic over recent decades. In addition to these climate effects, the environment has experienced severe anthropogenic pressure connected to increased human activities, including the exploitation of natural resources and tourism. The opportunity to exploit some of the natural riches of Svalbard was promptly grasped by the Soviet Union well before the 1940s. In this paper, we present the story of Pyramiden, a mining settlement in central Svalbard. The Soviet town experienced its golden age in the 1970–1980s but fell into decline in the late 1990s which corresponds well with the overall economic and geopolitical situation of the Soviet Union. The impacts of past mining activities and related urban infrastructure development are illustrated with the use of historic aerial photographs. The most pronounced changes in the terrain configuration were connected to adjustments of the river network, construction of roads, water reservoirs, and obviously mining-related activities. The natural processes overwhelmed the city infrastructure rather quickly after the abandonment of the town in 1998, though some traces of human activities may persist for decades or centuries. Nowadays, Russia has been attempting to recover the settlement especially through support of tourism and research activities.
Food consumption, nutritional intakes and the role of milk formulas in nutrient adequacy among young children from birth to 2 years living in urban Algeria
Authors: Busnel Alice , Domet Marine , Ramchani Ben Othman Khaoula , Desclée De Maredsous Caroline , Ghomari-Boukhatem Hanane , Bouchenak Malika , Bouziane-Nedjadi Karim , Drouillet-Pinard Peggy
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Undernutrition, stunted growth and obesity remain a concern in Algeria. Currently, limited data are available on nutrient intakes among children. Our study aimed to describe food and nutrient intakes and the role of milk formulas among Algerian children.

Design:

Dietary intakes were collected using a 4-d interview-based survey for children aged 0–24 months, living in urban areas in Algeria in 2019.

Setting:

Food consumptions were described. For children aged 6–24 months, nutrient intakes and adequacy were estimated. Modelling was used to estimate the nutritional impact of substituting cow’s milk for age-appropriate infant formulas (IF).

Participants:

Totally, 446 children aged 0–24 months.

Results:

Before 6 months, 91·6 % of infants were breastfed. Breastmilk was also the main milk consumed between 6 and 12 months, whereas cow’s milk predominated after 12 months. In children aged 6–24 months, nutrient adequacy prevalence was above 75 % for the majority of nutrients. However, less than 30 % of the children had adequate intakes for total fats, Fe and vitamin D. Simulated substitution of cow’s milk for IF led to improved adequacy for proteins, Fe, and vitamins D and E.

Conclusions:

Our study showed that breast-feeding rates were high until 6 months, then declined with age. Consumed foods allowed Algerian children aged 6–24 months to meet most of their nutritional needs, but inadequate intakes were reported for some key nutrients. Our modelling suggested that milk formulas may help to improve nutrient adequacy among non-breastfed infants. Other dietary changes could also be further investigated to enable children to meet all nutritional recommendations.
Development and evaluating the biopotency of ready to eat liver meat balls in fighting anaemia and vitamin A deficiency, improving selected nutritional biochemical indicators and promoting the cognitive function among mildly anaemic Egyptian children aged 3–9 years
Authors: Bassouni Rania , Soliman Magda , Hussein Laila Abbas , Monir Zeinab , Abd El-Meged Ashraf A
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Ready to eat fried liver meat balls (LMB) were developed to fight anaemia and vitamin A deficiency and promote cognitive function.

Design:

Randomised controlled trial consisting of two arms: control group with no supplement and LMB group receiving LMB supplement three times a week for 90 d. Criteria of evaluations included dietary assessment, anthropometric measurements, laboratory investigations and cognitive function by Wechsler test.

Setting:

Kinder Garten and primary school in Urban Giza.

Participants:

Sixty boys and girls aging 3–9 years.

Results:

The LMB supplement contributed to significant increases in the intakes of high bioavailable Fe and vitamin A in the diets of all children. Initial overall prevalence of mild and moderate anaemia was 43 %, which disappeared completely from all children aging < 72 months and from 88 % of children ≥ 72 months after the 90 d dietary intervention with the LMB. Faecal systemic immune globulin A, urinary hydroxyproline index and urinary iodine excretion increased significantly (P< 0·05) only after the dietary intervention with the LMB supplement for 90 d. The standard scores of verbal and non-verbal cognitive function tests (Δ day 90–day 0) increased significantly (P< 0·05) among the LMB group compared with the respective changes observed among the control group. The increase in height-for-age Z score and blood Hb were good predictors for improvement in cognitive function.

Conclusion:

LMB supplement is effective sustainable nutritious biotherapeutic food in fighting hidden hunger and promoting the cognitive function.
A prospective cohort study of head circumference and its association with neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants and young children in rural Guatemala
Authors: Connery Amy K. , Lamb Molly M. , Colbert Alison M. , Bauer Desirée , Olson Daniel , Paniagua-Avila Alejandra , Calvimontes Mirella , Bolaños Guillermo Antonio , Sahly Hana M. El , Muñoz Flor M. , Asturias Edwin J.
Published: April 2022

Microcephaly, an anthropometric marker of reduced brain volume and predictor of developmental disability, is rare in high-income countries. Recent reports show the prevalence of microcephaly to be much higher in lower resource settings. We calculated the prevalence of microcephaly in infants and young children (n = 642; age range = 0.1–35.9 months), examined trends in occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) growth in the year after birth and evaluated the relationship between OFC and performance on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) in rural Guatemala. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age were performed: (1) a model comparing concurrent MSEL performance and OFC at all visits per child, (2) concurrent OFC and MSEL performance by age group, and (3) OFC at enrollment and MSEL at final visit by age group. Prevalence of microcephaly ranged from 10.1% to 25.0%. OFC z-score decreased for most infants throughout the first year after birth. A significant positive association between continuous OFC measurement and MSEL score suggested that children with smaller OFC may do worse on ND tests conducted both concurrently and ∼1 year later. Results were variable when analyzed by OFC cutoff scores and stratified by 6-month age groups. OFC should be considered for inclusion in developmental screening assessments at the individual and population level, especially when performance-based testing is not feasible.
Make nature's role visible to achieve the SDGs
Authors: Hole David G. , Collins Pamela , Tesfaw Anteneh , Barrera Lina , Mascia Michael B. , Turner Will R.
Published: April 2022

Non-technical summary

Implicit in the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Agenda is the notion that environmental sustainability is intertwined with, and underpins, the 17 Goals. Yet the language of the Goals, and their Targets and indicators is blind to the myriad ways in which nature supports people's health and wealth – which we argue represents a key impediment to progress. Using examples of nature–human wellbeing linkages, we assess the language of all 169 Targets to identify urgent research, policy, and action needed to spotlight and leverage nature's foundational role, to help enable truly sustainable development for all.

Technical summary

Nature's foundational role in helping achieve the SDGs is implicit rather than explicit in the language of SDGs Goals, Targets, and indicators. Drawing from the scientific literature describing how nature underpins human wellbeing, we carry out a systematic assessment of the language of all 169 Targets, categorizing which Targets aredependentupon nature for their achievement, couldharmnature if attained through business-as-usual actions, or may synergisticallybenefitnature through their attainment. We find that half are dependent upon nature for their achievement – yet for more than two-thirds of those nature's role goes unstated and risks being downplayed or ignored. Moreover, while achieving the overwhelming majority of the 169 Targets could potentially benefit nature, more than 60% are likely to deliver ‘mixed outcomes’ – benefitting or harming nature depending on how they're achieved. Furthermore, of the 241 official indicators <5% track nature's role in achieving the parent Target. Our analysis provides insights important for increasing effectiveness across the SDG agenda regarding where to invest, how to enhance synergies and limit unanticipated impacts, and how to measure success. It also suggests a path for integrating the ‘nature that people need’ to achieve the SDGs into the CBD's post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Social media summary

Harmonizing links between the SDGs and the CBD's post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is vital for promoting sustainable development
Remotely Sensed Carbonyl Sulfide Constrains Model Estimates of Amazon Primary Productivity
Authors: Stinecipher James R. , Cameron‐Smith Philip , Kuai Le , Glatthor Norbert , Höpfner Michael , Baker Ian , Beer Christian , Bowman Kevin , Lee Meemong , Miller Scot M. , Parazoo Nicholas , Campbell J. Elliott
Published: April 2022

Understanding the magnitude of tropical gross primary production (GPP) is critical for carbon cycle modeling and climate projections, but this quantity is poorly constrained at regional scales. Biospheric uptake of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) provides a promising approach to estimating regional GPP. Here, we simulate OCS concentrations driven by surface flux scenarios encompassing a wide range of GPP estimates for the Amazon basin. We compare the model output to satellite retrievals and find a regional GPP estimate of 2375 ± 914 g(C) m−2 yr−1, consistent with previous estimates, including the TRENDY model ensemble range of 1431–3812 g(C) m−2 yr−1.
Trace H2S Promotes Organic Aerosol Production and Organosulfur Compound Formation in Archean Analog Haze Photochemistry Experiments
Authors: Reed Nathan W. , Wing Boswell A. , Tolbert Margaret A. , Browne Eleanor C.
Published: April 2022

Organic haze and sulfur gases are ubiquitous in planetary atmospheres and were likely present in Earth's Archean atmosphere. Currently, there are few experiments investigating how H2S influences organic haze chemistry on Archean Earth. Here, we present results from laboratory haze‐analog experiments probing the role of H2S in the composition and total mass of aerosol produced from precursor mixtures of Archean‐like gas fluxes (e.g., pCO2 ∼3–50xPAL). We show that trace H2S enhances organic aerosol production at all carbon dioxide mixing ratios studied, and we observe both organic and inorganic sulfur aerosol products. Our finding challenges predictions that H2SO4 and S8 were the primary sulfur reservoirs in Earth's Archean atmosphere, and these results suggest that inorganic sulfur and organic haze chemistry are tightly coupled during the formation of organic hazes in the atmospheres of the Archean Earth and likely Archean‐like exoplanets.