bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remotely Temporal Scheduled Macrophage Phenotypic Transition Enables Optimized Immunomodulatory Bone Regeneration
Authors: Huang Donghua , Xu Kaicheng , Huang Xin , Lin Nong , Ye Yuxiao , Lin Suya , Zhang Jiamin , Shao Jiaqi , Chen Songfeng , Shi Mingmin , Zhou Xingzhi , Lin Peng , Xue Yucheng , Yu Chengcheng , Yu Xiaohua , Ye Zhaoming , Cheng Kui
Published: August 2022

Precise timing of macrophage polarization plays a pivotal role in immunomodulation of tissue regeneration, yet most studies mainly focus on M2 macrophages for their anti‐inflammatory and regenerative effects while the essential proinflammatory role of the M1 phenotype on the early inflammation stage is largely underestimated. Herein, a superparamagnetic hydrogel capable of timely controlling macrophage polarization is constructed by grafting superparamagnetic nanoparticles on collagen nanofibers. The magnetic responsive hydrogel network enables efficient polarization of encapsulated macrophage to the M2 phenotype through the podosome/Rho/ROCK mechanical pathway in response to static magnetic field (MF) as needed. Taking advantage of remote accessibility of magnetic field together with the superparamagnetic hydrogels, a temporal engineered M1 to M2 transition course preserving the essential role of M1 at the early stage of tissue healing, as well as enhancing the prohealing effect of M2 at the middle/late stages is established via delayed MF switch. Such precise timing of macrophage polarization matching the regenerative process of injured tissue eventually leads to optimized immunomodulatory bone healing in vivo. Overall, this study offers a remotely time‐scheduled approach for macrophage polarization, which enables precise manipulation of inflammation progression during tissue healing.
Photodynamic and Its Concomitant Ion‐Interference Synergistic Therapies Based on Functional Hierarchically Mesoporous MOFs
Authors: He Miao , Li Ke , Yang Jian , Wang Qinghua , Gu Jinlou
Published: August 2022

Although ion‐interference therapy (IIT) has become an intriguing option for cancer treatment, the generation of interference ions on‐demand remains a challenge. Herein, a nanoplatform based on hierarchically mesoporous metal–organic frameworks (HMMOFs) is adopted to integrate black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) and meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP) to realize controllable phosphate anions (PAs) production in a specific cancerous region for IIT. The uniform large mesopores of HMMOFs could guarantee the selective screening and immobilization of ultra‐small and monodispersed BPQDs. The TCPP in microporous domains of HMMOFs could effectively produce 1O2, which not only serves as photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), but also switches on the release of PAs from BPQDs in the adjacent mesoporous domains to trigger the concomitant synergetic IIT. The elaborated nanoplatform (BP@HMUiO‐66‐TCPP) presents good biocompatibility, biodegradability as well as enhanced synergetic therapeutic effects. In murine models treated with BP@HMUiO‐66‐TCPP, the tumor inhibition rate is as high as ≈98.24% as compared to that of the control group after 14 days treatment. Moreover, the tumor volumes in the synergetic group are only 19.6% of those in the PDT alone treated group. Such a concept of exogenous photo‐controlled synergistic therapeutics might be extended to a broad range of IIT for an improved antitumor efficacy.
Private record linkage with linkage maps
Authors: Patel Shreya , Dewri Rinku
Published: August 2022

Private record linkage is an actively pursued research area to facilitate the linkage of database records under the constraints of regulations that do not allow linkage agents to learn sensitive identities of record owners. Recent works have shown that linkage using commutative ciphers, which were discarded earlier for efficiency concerns, can be made feasible by leveraging precomputations, data parallelism, and probabilistic key reuse approaches. In this work, we propose further optimizations that can be performed to improve the runtime efficiency of such an approach. We transition from modular exponentiation ciphers to elliptic curve operations to improve precomputation time, eliminate memory intensive comparisons of encrypted values, and introduce data structures to detect negative comparisons. We benchmark the proposed approach using real world demographics data, and provide an extensive study of the parametric aspects of the approach. We also supplement our execution time results with an assessment of the residual privacy risk left by the approach. The approach can perform a linkage of two datasets with 105 records each in 20 minutes in a commodity laptop. This is achieved by eliminating the need to compare more than 70% of the record pairs. By design, the linkage accuracy is also retained at the same level as a nonprivate record linkage procedure.
Performance and modeling studies of rotating biological contactor for treatment of vegetable oil wastewater
Authors: Radha Kuravappullam Vedaiyan
Published: August 2022

This study focuses on a lab‐scale rotating biological contactor (RBC) treating vegetable oil wastewater with high BOD and COD. The fabricated RBC was checked for efficiency in degrading polluted wastewater under different operating conditions. The maximum removal efficiencies for BOD and COD were 95.75% and 89%, respectively. This high removal percentage was obtained with 30% submergence of 10 discs rotating at 8 rpm. For the first time, bio‐kinetic models were applied to the experimental results for vegetable oil wastewater. The best fit was obtained with the modified Stover‐Kincannon and Grau model. The saturation constant (Ks) values were 1.872 and 3.024 g/L/d for BOD and COD, respectively, for the modified Stover‐Kincannon and Grau model. For the Grau second‐order model, the saturation constant was 1.416 and 3.744 g/L/d for BOD and COD, respectively. The predicted effluent BOD and COD values of the modified Stover–Kincannon model fitted almost exactly with the experimental values. This clearly predicts that this model can be best used to predict effluent BOD and COD concentration in a Rotating Biological contactor treating vegetable oil wastewater. The kinetic parameters determined in this study can be used to improve the design and operation of continuous mode RBC systems.
The anti‐Trypanosoma activities of medicinal plants: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Nekoei Shahin , Khamesipour Faham , Habtemariam Solomon , de Souza Wanderley , Mohammadi Pour Pardis , Hosseini Seyed Reza
Published: August 2022

Background

The existing drug treatments for trypanosomiases are limited and suffer from shortcomings due to their toxicity and the emergence of resistant parasites. Developing anti‐trypanosomal compounds based on natural products is a promising way of fighting trypanosomiases.

Objectives

This study aims to identify through scientific review a large variety of medicinal plants (anti‐trypanosomal) used worldwide and scientifically shown to display anti‐trypanosomal effects.

Methods

To collect data, the anti‐trypanosomal activities of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America, North America, Europe and Oceania medicinal plants have been checked by considering the published paper.

Results

Based on collected data, 77 natural molecules were reported in the literature. Of which 59 were from the African region, 11 from Asia, 3 from Europe and 4 from Latin America. These active components belong to alkaloids, triterpenoids, lactone, quinoids, flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, steroids, lipids, oxygenated heterocycles, benzenoids, proteins, coumarins, phenylpropanoids and peptides. We also specified the prosperous plants with unique anti‐trypanosomal activities.

Conclusions

However, there is a need for further studies on the ability of the isolated compounds to ameliorate the trypanosome‐induced pathological alterations and also the elucidation of their modes of actions and activities against other trypanosome species.
Blood–brain barrier permeability to enrofloxacin in Pengze crucian carp (Carassius auratus var. Pengze)
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Runping , Huang Jianzhen , Zhang Haixin , Wang Long , Zhong Zhiwei , Ruan Jiming , Liu Huazhong
Published: August 2022

Background

Enrofloxacin (ENR) is a kind of quinolone antibiotic that is most widely used antimicrobials in veterinary practice, and possesses both a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and adverse effects towards plants and animals.

Objectives

This study was conducted to explore the permeability of blood–brain barrier (BBB) to ENR and brain injury based on crucian carp orally administrated with high dose of ENR.

Methods

Juvenile Pengze crucian carp were treated with half lethal dose (LD50) or safe dose (SD50) of ENR. BBB permeability was determined by evaluating ENR contents detected by HPLC and evens blue contents estimated by confocal laser scanning microscope. Brain damage was evaluated by measuring protein and mRNA contents of related molecules with western blotting and qPCR.

Results

Data indicated that ENR destroyed BBB structure of crucian carp and enhanced permeability of the biological barrier, resulting in more ENR crossed BBB and induced brain damage of crucian carp.

Conclusions

This data indicated that ENR can induce brain damage of crucian carp through destroying BBB structure and enhancing permeability.
Attributes of funding flows and quality of maternal health services in a mixed provider payment system: A cross‐sectional survey of 108 healthcare providers in Indonesia
Authors: Stein Dorit Talia , Rakhmadi Mukhammad F. , Dutta Arin , Ugaz Jorge I.
Published: August 2022

Strategic purchasing of health services requires developing a coherent set of incentives across financing sources. In many countries, including Indonesia, healthcare providers engage with multiple financing sources. It is not well known how multiple funding flows in these mixed provider payment systems may interact at the facility level to influence provider behavior, quality of care, and ultimately health outcomes. Our study explored the association between facility capacity to provide high‐quality maternal and newborn care at delivery and various attributes of facility funding, including funding flexibility, sufficiency of funds to cover direct costs, predictability of funds in timing and amount, and facility autonomy to make management decisions (decision space). We used survey data collected from primary and secondary maternal healthcare providers (n = 108) across eight provinces in Indonesia. We constructed a technical quality index that measures facility capacity to provide high‐quality delivery care and several financing measures that summarize provider perceptions of flexibility, sufficiency, predictability of fund flows, and provider decision space. We found a statistically significant association between the decision space index score and the technical quality index score among hospitals and public primary care providers. One additional point on the decision space index was associated with an additional 0.15 (p = 0.021; 95% confidence interval: 0.024–0.275) on the quality index score after controlling for provider characteristics and geographic location. Our findings suggest that increasing facility autonomy to make management decisions may be one avenue for improving facility capacity to provide high‐quality care in systems where providers deal with multiple fund flows with varying attributes. Design of strategic purchasing reforms must consider the full context in which providers operate to streamline incentives and ensure providers have the capacity to respond to those incentives appropriately.
[Ag(μ‐en)][ReO4]: An Intermediate during Preparation of the Ethylene Epoxidation Catalyst
Authors: Badea Désirée , Karpov Andrey , Jansen Martin , Bruns Jörn
Published: August 2022

Preparation of a catalyst for the ethylene oxide production requires impregnation of a porous corundum support with an aqueous silver ethylene diamine oxalate complex solution, to which among others NH4[ReO4] is added. Here we report on [Ag(μ‐en)][ReO4] that precipitates from such a mixture. Single crystal structure analysis has revealed a striking similarity of the [Ag(μ‐en)]+ entity with the same complex cation encountered in

[Ag(μ‐en)]2(C2O4)×2H2O. Silver is coordinated end‐on to the nitrogen atoms of the en ligands. The [ReO4]− anions are not bonded to the silver cations, but instead involved in N−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds to the ethylene diamine molecules. The first step of thermal degradation occurs at approximately the same temperature for both, the main component precipitate [Ag(μ‐en)]2(C2O4)×2H2O and [Ag(μ‐en)][ReO4], warranting proximity of the rhenium promoter and the elemental silver deposit. At 300 °C, the temperature at which the catalyst for EO synthesis is commonly calcined, the decomposition product of plain [Ag(μ‐en)][ReO4] under synthetic air is Ag[ReO4], in full analogy to industrial manufacturing process for selected Re‐promoted EO catalyst formulations.
Impact of female contraception for population management on behavior and social interactions in a captive troop of Guinea baboons (Papio papio)
Authors: Taberer Tabitha R. , Mead Jasmine , Hartley Matthew , Harvey Naomi D.
Published: August 2022

As part of a population management strategy for a troop of Guinea baboons (Papio papio) at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, adult females were given a Suprelorin contraceptive implant. There was no information on the effect of contraception on behavior in this species, so behavioral data were collected before and after implant placement to determine any impact on the troops’ welfare. Social interactions, affiliative, agonistic, and self‐directed displacement behaviors (SDBs) in all adults were monitored via focal sampling. Preimplant data were collected in August/September 2019 before Suprelorin placement on November 2019, and postimplant data were collected in August/September 2020, allowing for comparison while controlling for seasonal differences in behavior. We found a significant reduction of SDBs after intervention, suggesting that contraception has a positive impact on group welfare, as SDBs are key behavioral indicators of stress and anxiety in nonhuman primates. Additionally, the rate of substate change per hour (i.e., the number of times the baboon changed their behavior), duration of sentry behavior, and the frequency of agonistic bouts were significantly lower postimplant, further suggesting improvements in welfare. There were also no significant decreases in the duration of positive social interactions, such as allogrooming and play. The results show that Suprelorin did not have a detrimental impact on the behavior of adults in the troop and may have even improved welfare. The use of Suprelorin in females could be considered as an effective population management strategy for primates existing in similar social systems.
Secular Time: Origin Story and Operationalization
Authors: Fisher-Høyrem Stefan
Published: August 2022

The chapter begins by presenting a new origin story of secular time. This concept was developed in recognizable form in thirteenth-century scholastic angelological debates, where the terms saeculum or aevum came to denote an abstract and isochronic time independent of motion. Angels were cast as immutable mobiles, immaterial creatures moving through the created world without deterioration, and secular time was conceptualized in response to this imagined possibility of creatures ‘moving while at rest’. The second section of the chapter shows how Actor-Network Theory offers useful insights into how socio-technological networks centred on creating and sustaining immutable mobiles—to the degree that they are successful in this—thereby also mediate secular time. This provides the basis for the case studies presented in the following three chapters.
Selbstbezeichnungen und ihre Bedeutungsnuancen
Authors: Becci Irene , Dandarova Robert Zhargalma
Published: August 2022

Vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Veränderungen der globalen sozio-religiösen Landschaften, die die Bedeutungen und kulturellen Aneignungen des Begriffs der Spiritualität verändern (Fedele und Knibbe 2013), wird in diesem Artikel näher untersucht, welche Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen «spirituell» und «religiös» tatsächlich auszumachen sind. Mit der Analyse der Antworten von Personen, die in der Querschnittsbefragung MOSAiCH (2009 und 2018) zu den Werten und Einstellungen der Schweizer Bevölkerung zu einer Vielzahl von gesellschaftlichen Themen angeben, ob sie sich zu einer Religion bekennen oder nicht, oder ob sie sich als eine spirituelle Person betrachten oder nicht, folgen die Autorinnen dem Anspruch, eine soziostrukturelle Perspektive in die Religionswissenschaft zu bringen. Die kontextuelle soziale Dimension der Unterscheidungen zwischen diesen Identifikationen wird in struktureller Hinsicht hinterfragt, wobei insbesondere ein demografisches Profil der Gruppen erstellt wird. Die Autorinnen kommen zu dem Schluss, dass es notwendig ist, die Verwendung der aktuellen Kategorie «Spiritualität» in ihrem tatsächlichen sozialen und sprachlichen Kontext zu verorten und einzubetten.
Fork on the Road
Authors: Chevez Agustin
Published: August 2022

The chapters that follow are about the many trails I have covered and the paths I’ve started to lay to get closer to where the signposts point. I invite you to come along.
The Trails and Territories of Adversity
Authors: Chevez Agustin
Published: August 2022

I find Signpost 4 particularly intriguing. It tells us that adversities are worth keeping, even introduced, in the workplace to promote innovation. This signpost points in the opposite direction from the way in which design deals with adversity and David summarised this well: "this better version of the world has a lot to do with removing the bad, including adversity." That is why even if adversity is as good at delivering wisdom and innovation, design might be as hardwired to avoid it as the rest of us.
No Pain, No Gain
Authors: Chevez Agustin
Published: August 2022

Having a rule or prescribed manner in which distance should be covered is a common feature among most pilgrimages. Rarely are these intended to improve the comfort or welfare of the pilgrim, in most cases, it’s quite the opposite. For example, a Tibetan pilgrimage requires pilgrims to perform body-length prostrations along a rocky path for 50 km – suffering is a necessary part of the journey [9]. Whereas most of us hope to be saved from pain, others hope to be saved through pain [10].
My Two Rules
Authors: Chevez Agustin
Published: August 2022

A pilgrimage needs boundaries, and I defined mine before I took my first step. Rule One was simple and straightforward, I had to be alone. I walked by myself and avoided contact with family or friends so that I could evolve my ideas without the influence of others. For safety reasons, I sent daily text messages to let people know where I was and that I was ok, but that was all I allowed myself.
The Idea
Authors: Chevez Agustin
Published: August 2022

As important as it was to be prepared, I still needed to work on the reason why I needed to be prepared. I needed an idea to incubate. Choosing the right idea was critical, I didn’t want to finish the walk only to discover that my mind had figuratively walked in the wrong direction, even if my sore legs made it quite clear they had taken me to Sydney.
Explicit Solutions to the 3D Incompressible Euler Equations in Lagrangian Formulation
Authors: Saleva Tomi , Tuomela Jukka
Published: August 2022

We introduce many families of explicit solutions to the three dimensional incompressible Euler equations for nonviscous fluid flows using the Lagrangian framework. Almost no exact Lagrangian solutions exist in the literature prior to this study. We search for solutions where the time component and the spatial component are separated, applying the same ideas we used previously in the two dimensional case. We show a general method to derive separate constraint equations for the spatial component and the time component. Using this provides us with a plenty of solution sets exhibiting several different types of fluid behaviour, but since they are computationally heavy to analyze, we have to restrict deeper analysis to the most interesting cases only. It is also possible and perhaps even probable that there exist more solutions of the separation of variables type beyond what we have found.
DEGRO practical guideline for central nervous system radiation necrosis part 2: treatment
Authors: Bernhardt Denise , König Laila , Grosu Anca-L. , Rieken Stefan , Krieg Sandro M. , Wick Wolfgang , Wiestler Benedikt , Schmidt-Graf Friederike , Sahm Felix , Gempt Jens , Meyer Bernhard , Krause Bernd J. , Petersen Cordula , Fietkau Rainer , Thomas Michael , Giordano Frank , Wittig-Sauerwein Andrea , Debus Jürgen , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Hau Peter , Steinbach Joachim , Combs Stephanie E. ,   Expert Panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO)
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The Working Group for Neurooncology of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO; AG NRO) in cooperation with members of the Neurooncological Working Group of the German Cancer Society (DKG-NOA) aimed to define a practical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of radiation-induced necrosis (RN) of the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods

Panel members of the DEGRO working group invited experts, participated in a series of conferences, supplemented their clinical experience, performed a literature review, and formulated recommendations for medical treatment of RN, including bevacizumab, in clinical routine.

Conclusion

Diagnosis and treatment of RN requires multidisciplinary structures of care and defined processes. Diagnosis has to be made on an interdisciplinary level with the joint knowledge of a neuroradiologist, radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon, neuropathologist, and neurooncologist. If the diagnosis of blood–brain barrier disruptions (BBD) or RN is likely, treatment should be initiated depending on the symptoms, location, and dynamic of the lesion. Multiple treatment options are available (such as observation, surgery, steroids, and bevacizumab) and the optimal approach should be discussed in an interdisciplinary setting. In this practice guideline, we offer detailed treatment strategies for various scenarios.
DEGRO practical guideline for central nervous system radiation necrosis part 1: classification and a multistep approach for diagnosis
Authors: Bernhardt Denise , König Laila , Grosu Anca , Wiestler Benedikt , Rieken Stefan , Wick Wolfgang , Gempt Jens , Krieg Sandro M. , Schmidt-Graf Friederike , Sahm Felix , Meyer Bernhard , Krause Bernd J. , Petersen Cordula , Fietkau Rainer , Thomas Michael , Giordano Frank , Wittig-Sauerwein Andrea , Debus Jürgen , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Hau Peter , Steinbach Joachim , Combs Stephanie E. ,   Expert Panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO)
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The Working Group for Neuro-Oncology of the German Society for Radiation Oncology in cooperation with members of the Neuro-Oncology Working Group of the German Cancer Society aimed to define a practical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of radiation-induced necrosis (RN) of the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods

Panel members of the DEGRO working group invited experts, participated in a series of conferences, supplemented their clinical experience, performed a literature review, and formulated recommendations for medical treatment of RN including bevacizumab in clinical routine.

Conclusion

Diagnosis and treatment of RN requires multidisciplinary structures of care and defined processes. Diagnosis has to be made on an interdisciplinary level with the joint knowledge of a neuroradiologist, radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon, neuropathologist, and neuro-oncologist. A multistep approach as an opportunity to review as many characteristics as possible to improve diagnostic confidence is recommended. Additional information about radiotherapy (RT) techniques is crucial for the diagnosis of RN. Misdiagnosis of untreated and progressive RN can lead to severe neurological deficits. In this practice guideline, we propose a detailed nomenclature of treatment-related changes and a multistep approach for their diagnosis.
The German version of the Nottingham Clavicle Score is a reliable and valid patient-reported outcome measure to evaluate patients with clavicle and acromioclavicular pathologies
Authors: Scheidt Sebastian , Zapatka Jakob , Freytag Richard Julius , Pohlentz Malin Sarah , Paci Matteo , Kabir Koroush , Burger Christof , Cucchi Davide
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) is a patient-reported outcome measure developed to evaluate treatment results of clavicle, acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint pathologies. Valid, reliable and user-friendly translations of outcome measure instruments are needed to allow comparisons of international results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to translate and adapt the NCS into German and evaluate the psychometric properties of the German version.

Methods

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the NCS were completed using a ‘translation–back translation” method and the final version was administered to 105 German-speaking patients. The psychometric properties of this version (NCS-G) were evaluated in terms of feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change.

Results

No major differences occurred between the NCS translations into German and back into English, and no content- or linguistic-related difficulties were reported. The Cronbach’s alpha for the NCS-G was 0.885, showing optimal internal consistency. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.907 (95% CI 0.844–0.945), with a standard error of measurement of 5.59 points and a minimal detectable change of 15.50 points. The NCS-G showed moderate to strong correlation with all other investigated scales (Spearman correlation coefficient: qDASH: ρ =  – 0.751; OSS: ρ = 0.728; Imatani Score: ρ = 0.646; CMS: ρ = 0.621; VAS: ρ =  – 0.709). Good sensitivity to change was confirmed by an effect size of 1.17 (95% CI 0.89–1.47) and a standardized response mean of 1.23 (95% CI 0.98–1.45).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that NCS-G is reliable, valid, reproducible and well accepted by patients, showing analogous psychometric properties to the original English version.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Calibrating error variance and scaling global covariance function of geoid gradients for optimal determinations of gravity anomaly and gravity gradient from altimetry
Authors: Yu Daocheng , Hwang Cheinway
Published: August 2022

With the advancements of satellite altimeter technology and data volume, the accuracy and spatial resolution of altimeter-derived marine gravity fields have been steadily improved. Ideally, a best marine gravity field from multi-altimeter missions is one that combines all data by optimally calibrating their relative weights. To this end, we use the minimum norm quadratic unbiased estimator theory to calibrate error variances of geoid gradients (GGs) from the Cryosat-2 mission and the Jason-1/2 geodetic missions and then use a scaling factor to modify the global covariance functions into local covariance functions. The calibrated error variances and the scaling factors are used in the least-squares collocation to estimate the gridded north and east components of GGs, which are used to compute gravity anomaly and vertical gravity gradient (VGG) by the methods of inverse Vening-Meinesz (IVM) and numerical differentiations. The assessment of the altimeter-derived gravity anomalies in the northern part of the South China Sea using the shipborne gravity data shows an average gravity accuracy improvement of 9.5% by calibrated and scaled covariances of GGs compared to the initial variances. The method for VGG computations is confirmed by examining the extinct ridges in the Gulf of Mexico.
Dynamics of diffusion on monoplex and multiplex networks: a message-passing approach
Authors: Kobayashi Teruyoshi , Onaga Tomokatsu
Published: August 2022

New ideas and technologies adopted by a small number of individuals occasionally spread globally through a complex web of social ties. Here, we present a simple and general approximation method, namely, a message-passing approach, that allows us to describe the diffusion processes on (sparse) random networks in an almost exact manner. We consider two classes of binary-action games where the best pure strategies for individual players are characterized as variants of the threshold rule. We verify that the dynamics of diffusion observed on synthetic networks are accurately replicated by the message-passing equation, whose fixed point corresponds to a Nash equilibrium, while the conventional mean-field method tends to overestimate the size and frequency of diffusion. Generalized cascade conditions under which a global diffusion can occur are also provided. We extend the framework to analyze multiplex networks in which social interactions take place in multiple layers.
A blow-up result for a Nakao-type weakly coupled system with nonlinearities of derivative-type
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro , Takamura Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we consider a weakly coupled system of a wave and damped Klein–Gordon equation with nonlinearities of derivative type. We prove a blow-up result for the Cauchy problem associated with this system for nonnegative and compactly supported data by means of an iteration argument.
A type of oscillatory integral operator and its applications
Authors: Gao Chuanwei , Li Jingyue , Wang Liang
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we consider $$L^p$$

L
p

- estimate for a class of oscillatory integral operators satisfying the Carleson–Sjölin conditions with further convex and straight assumptions. As applications, the multiplier problem related to a general class of hypersurfaces with nonvanishing Gaussian curvature, local smoothing estimates for the fractional Schrödinger equation and the sharp resolvent estimates outside of the uniform boundedness range are discussed.
Trabecular metal monoblock versus modular tibial trays in total knee arthroplasty: meta-analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Abulhail Safa , Hameed Shamsi , Abousamhadaneh Maamoun , Al Haneedi Ghalib , Al Ateeq Aldosari Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Total knee arthroplasty is one of the significantly evolving procedures with different knee designs available in the market. The continued development of these prosthesis resulted in improvement of the implant survivorship and patient satisfaction. This study is an RCT-based meta-analysis aimed to compare two designs of total knee replacement: the conventional modular and the monoblock trabecular metal tibial trays.

Methods

This meta-analysis was performed by a literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines. A detailed search of the English literature was done using the PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Only randomized control trials were included in the analysis after ensuring homogeneity. RevMan V.5.0.18.33 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Extracted outcome measures were Knee Society score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, survivorship, complication rate, and radiostereographic analysis.

Results

Seven randomized control trials with 635 patients were eligible for our analysis after they met our inclusion criteria. Three hundred twelve patients received monoblock tibias, and the other 323 patients received modular tibial trays during their total knee arthroplasty surgeries. There were statistically significant superiority of the modular knees in the functional Knee Society and WOMAC scores at five years (P = 0.003 and 0.05, respectively). The modular design was also more stable on RSA at two years (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Modular and monoblock tibial trays are comparable knee designs with comparable survivorship and complication rates. However, the modular knees had better mid-term functional outcome and are more stable on radiostereographic analysis.
Moisture source identification for precipitation associated with tropical cyclone development over the Indian Ocean: a Lagrangian approach
Authors: Pérez-Alarcón Albenis , Fernández-Alvarez José C. , Sorí Rogert , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis
Published: August 2022

In this study, we investigated the moisture sources for precipitation through a Lagrangian approach during the genesis, intensification, and dissipation phases of all tropical cyclones (TCs) that occurred over the two hemispheric sub-basins of the Indian Ocean (IO) from 1980 to 2018. In the North IO (NIO), TCs formed and reached their maximum intensity on both sides of the Indian Peninsula, to the east in the Bay of Bengal (BoB), and to the west in the Arabian Sea (AS). The oceanic areas where TCs occurred were their main moisture sources for precipitation associated with TCs. Additionally, for TCs over the BoB, continental sources from the Ganges River basin and the South China Sea also played a notable role; for TCs over the AS, the Somali Low-Level jet (along the African coast in a northerly direction) also acted as an essential moisture transport. In the South IO (SIO), the western, central, and eastern basins were identified as the preferred areas for the genesis and development of TCs. During TC activity, the central IO and the Wharton and Perth basins mostly supplied atmospheric moisture. The Mascarene High circulation was the main moisture transport mechanism for the precipitation of TCs formed in the SIO basin. In both basins, during their intensification process, TCs gained more moisture (even more intensely when reaching the hurricane category) than during the genesis or dissipation stages. Additionally, the modulation during monsoonal seasons of the moisture contribution to the TCs was more noticeable over the NIO basin than for the SIO. Overall, the moisture uptake for precipitation from the sources for TCs occurred slightly faster in the NIO basin than in the SIO basin.
Acid sphingomyelinase deactivation post-ischemia promotes brain angiogenesis and remodeling by small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Mohamud Yusuf Ayan , Hagemann Nina , Zhang Xiaoni , Zafar Maria , Hussner Tanja , Bromkamp Carolin , Martiny Carlotta , Tertel Tobias , Börger Verena , Schumacher Fabian , Solari Fiorella A. , Hasenberg Mike , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Kleuser Burkhard , Sickmann Albert , Gunzer Matthias , Giebel Bernd , Kolesnick Richard , Gulbins Erich , Hermann Dirk M.
Published: August 2022

Antidepressants have been reported to enhance stroke recovery independent of the presence of depressive symptoms. They have recently been proposed to exert their mood-stabilizing actions by inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide. Their restorative action post-ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) still had to be defined. Mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion or cerebral microvascular endothelial cells exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation were treated with vehicle or with the chemically and pharmacologically distinct antidepressants amitriptyline, fluoxetine or desipramine. Brain ASM activity significantly increased post-I/R, in line with elevated ceramide levels in microvessels. ASM inhibition by amitriptyline reduced ceramide levels, and increased microvascular length and branching point density in wildtype, but not sphingomyelinase phosphodiesterase-1 ([Smpd1]−/−) (i.e., ASM-deficient) mice, as assessed by 3D light sheet microscopy. In cell culture, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and desipramine increased endothelial tube formation, migration, VEGFR2 abundance and VEGF release. This effect was abolished by Smpd1 knockdown. Mechanistically, the promotion of angiogenesis by ASM inhibitors was mediated by small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released from endothelial cells, which exhibited enhanced uptake in target cells. Proteomic analysis of sEVs revealed that ASM deactivation differentially regulated proteins implicated in protein export, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix interaction. In vivo, the increased angiogenesis was accompanied by a profound brain remodeling response with increased blood–brain barrier integrity, reduced leukocyte infiltrates and increased neuronal survival. Antidepressive drugs potently boost angiogenesis in an ASM-dependent way. The release of sEVs by ASM inhibitors disclosed an elegant target, via which brain remodeling post-I/R can be amplified.
Nociceptive pain in adult patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy type 3: a cross-sectional clinical study
Authors: Sagerer Elena , Wirner Corinna , Schoser Benedikt , Wenninger Stephan
Published: August 2022

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the SMN gene, leading to progressive muscular weakness, atrophy and so far neglected musculoskeletal pain. This study is the first to characterize nociceptive pain in patients living with SMA type 3 by assessing whether muscle pain is associated with alterations in muscle strength, function, stiffness, frequency, decrement, relaxation, or creep.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional pilot study on 20 SMA3 patients. We evaluated motor function and muscle strength (dynamometry, quick motor function test and 6-min-walk test), nociceptive pain (pressure algometer evaluating muscular pressure pain threshold (PPT)) and non-invasive measurement of muscle stiffness, frequency, decrement, relaxation, or creep (myotonometry with the MyotonPro®). For statistical analysis, we used t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and linear regression.

Results

Significantly more women than men reported musculoskeletal pain (p = 0.003). A lower score in dynamometry was associated with lower scores in PPT in all extremities reflecting a higher sensitivity of these muscles to pressure. We did not find significant correlations between the PPT values and the MyotonPro values in the corresponding muscles. Assessments of PPT before and after the 6-min walk test did not show clinical meaningful changes. Besides nociceptive pain, fatigue was prevalent in 50% and pain in 55% of the patients.

Conclusions

Muscle pain in SMA3 is associated with muscular weakness in the arms and legs, but not with changes in muscular stiffness, frequency, decrement, relaxation, or creep. This shows that muscle pain in SMA3 is mainly caused by changes in the dysbalanced musculoskeletal system due to muscle weakness.
Multiscale fluorescence imaging of living samples
Authors: Wu Yicong , Shroff Hari
Published: August 2022

Fluorescence microscopy is a highly effective tool for interrogating biological structure and function, particularly when imaging across multiple spatiotemporal scales. Here we survey recent innovations and applications in the relatively understudied area of multiscale fluorescence imaging of living samples. We discuss fundamental challenges in live multiscale imaging and describe successful examples that highlight the power of this approach. We attempt to synthesize general strategies from these test cases, aiming to help accelerate progress in this exciting area.
Viruses, parkinsonism and Parkinson’s disease: the past, present and future
Authors: Leta Valentina , Urso Daniele , Batzu Lucia , Lau Yue Hui , Mathew Donna , Boura Iro , Raeder Vanessa , Falup-Pecurariu Cristian , van Wamelen Daniel , Ray Chaudhuri K.
Published: August 2022

Parkinsonism secondary to viral infections is not an uncommon occurrence and has been brought under the spotlight with the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A variety of viruses have been described with a potential of inducing or contributing to the occurrence of parkinsonism and Parkinson’s disease (PD), although the relationship between the two remains a matter of debate originating with the description of encephalitis lethargica in the aftermath of the Spanish flu in 1918. While some viral infections have been linked to an increased risk for the development of PD, others seem to have a causal link with the occurrence of parkinsonism. Here, we review the currently available evidence on viral-induced parkinsonism with a focus on potential pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical features. We also review the evidence on viral infections as a risk factor for developing PD and the link between SARS-CoV-2 and parkinsonism, which might have important implications for future research and treatments.
Herausforderung Transitionspsychiatrie im Rahmen der Erwachsenenpsychiatrie
Authors: Höflich Anna , Schrank Beate , Aigner Martin
Published: August 2022

Die Transitionspsychiatrie ist ein relativ neues Feld innerhalb der Psychiatrie, das sich auf Menschen zwischen dem 14. und 25. Lebensjahr fokussiert. Sie versteht sich als Schnittstelle zwischen der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und der Erwachsenenpsychiatrie, als „Missing Link“ im Übergang zum Erwachsenenleben. In der aktuellen Versorgungslandschaft wird die Gruppe der 14- bis 18-Jährigen von der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie behandelt, ab dem 18. Lebensjahr erfolgt die Behandlung in Abteilungen für Psychiatrie. Dieser abrupte Übergang wird der psychischen Entwicklung der Patient*innen nicht immer gerecht. Es ist also zunehmend wichtig, den Entwicklungsgedanken in dieser Transitionszeit in den Bereich der Erwachsenenpsychiatrie auszudehnen und neue Versorgungsstrukturen für diese Gruppe von Patient*innen zu ermöglichen. Am Universitätsklinikum Tulln wurde dazu ein interdisziplinäres Forschungszentrum für Transitionspsychiatrie eingerichtet, um adäquate Strukturen zur Versorgung dieser Altersgruppe zu entwickeln. In einer ersten Qualitätssicherung wurden die Problembereiche von 30 Patient*innen (19 Frauen) der Zielgruppe analysiert, welche routinemäßig an einer psychiatrischen Abteilung behandelt wurden. Wichtig ist es, für diese Gruppe eine gute Synchronisation von Therapie und laufender Entwicklung zu erreichen. Entsprechende Strukturen nach internationalem Vorbild sollen zukünftig eine umfassende und an die zahlreichen Entwicklungsaufgaben angepasste Versorgung dieser Gruppe ermöglichen.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accredited conformity assessment bodies: insights from a multinational study
Authors: Koch Claudia , Asna Ashari Parsa , Mirtsch Mona , Blind Knut , Castka Pavel
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, were also affected by the associated disruptions. Their role in this crisis is highly relevant, as CABs are essential pillars of the quality infrastructure: their activities ensure that products and services meet requirements as defined in standards and regulations, thereby contributing to their safety and reliability. The question arises of how CABs and their operations were affected by the pandemic and how they responded. To this end, we present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand. Overall, CABs reported, on average, a reduction in demand for their services during the pandemic, facing restrictions in all countries. In addition, the pandemic had an overall negative impact on the CABs’ investment and innovation activities. However, investments in digital infrastructure were increased as a countermeasure, with CABs reporting a higher need for digitalization. The paper highlights and discusses results from in-depth analyses relevant to policymakers and industry alike.
Identifying, reducing, and communicating uncertainty in community science: a focus on alien species
Authors: Probert Anna F. , Wegmann Daniel , Volery Lara , Adriaens Tim , Bakiu Rigers , Bertolino Sandro , Essl Franz , Gervasini Eugenio , Groom Quentin , Latombe Guillaume , Marisavljevic Dragana , Mumford John , Pergl Jan , Preda Cristina , Roy Helen E. , Scalera Riccardo , Teixeira Heliana , Tricarico Elena , Vanderhoeven Sonia , Bacher Sven
Published: August 2022

Community science (also often referred to as citizen science) provides a unique opportunity to address questions beyond the scope of other research methods whilst simultaneously engaging communities in the scientific process. This leads to broad educational benefits, empowers people, and can increase public awareness of societally relevant issues such as the biodiversity crisis. As such, community science has become a favourable framework for researching alien species where data on the presence, absence, abundance, phenology, and impact of species is important in informing management decisions. However, uncertainties arising at different stages can limit the interpretation of data and lead to projects failing to achieve their intended outcomes. Focusing on alien species centered community science projects, we identified key research questions and the relevant uncertainties that arise during the process of developing the study design, for example, when collecting the data and during the statistical analyses. Additionally, we assessed uncertainties from a linguistic perspective, and how the communication stages among project coordinators, participants and other stakeholders can alter the way in which information may be interpreted. We discuss existing methods for reducing uncertainty and suggest further solutions to improve data reliability. Further, we make suggestions to reduce the uncertainties that emerge at each project step and provide guidance and recommendations that can be readily applied in practice. Reducing uncertainties is essential and necessary to strengthen the scientific and community outcomes of community science, which is of particular importance to ensure the success of projects aimed at detecting novel alien species and monitoring their dynamics across space and time.
Use of Predictive Analytics within Learning Analytics Dashboards: A Review of Case Studies
Authors: Ramaswami Gomathy , Susnjak Teo , Mathrani Anuradha , Umer Rahila
Published: August 2022

Learning analytics dashboards (LADs) provide educators and students with a comprehensive snapshot of the learning domain. Visualizations showcasing student learning behavioral patterns can help students gain greater self-awareness of their learning progression, and at the same time assist educators in identifying those students who may be facing learning difficulties. While LADs have gained popularity, existing LADs are still far behind when it comes to employing predictive analytics into their designs. Our systematic literature review has revealed limitations in the utilization of predictive analytics tools among existing LADs. We find that studies leveraging predictive analytics only go as far as identifying the at-risk students and do not employ model interpretation or explainability capabilities. This limits the ability of LADs to offer data-driven prescriptive advice to students that can offer them guidance on appropriate learning adjustments. Further, published studies have mostly described LADs that are still at prototype stages; hence, robust evaluations of how LADs affect student outcomes have not yet been conducted. The evaluations until now are limited to LAD functionalities and usability rather than their effectiveness as a pedagogical treatment. We conclude by making recommendations for the design of advanced dashboards that more fully take advantage of machine learning technologies, while using suitable visualizations to project only relevant information. Finally, we stress the importance of developing dashboards that are ultimately evaluated for their effectiveness.