bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donor Recipient Chimeric Cells Induce Chimerism and Extend Survival of Vascularized Composite Allografts
Authors: Cwykiel Joanna , Jundzill Arkadiusz , Klimczak Aleksandra , Madajka-Niemeyer Maria , Siemionow Maria
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated the efficacy of donor recipient chimeric cell (DRCC) therapy created by fusion of donor and recipient derived bone marrow cells (BMC) in chimerism and tolerance induction in a rat vascularized composite allograft (VCA) model. Twenty-four VCA (groin flaps) from MHC-mismatched ACI (RT1a) donors were transplanted to Lewis (RT1l) recipients. Rats were randomly divided into (n = 6/group): Group 1—untreated controls, Groups 2—7-day immunosuppression controls, Group 3—DRCC, and Group 4—DRCC with 7-day anti-αβTCR monoclonal antibody and cyclosporine A protocol. DRCC created by polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion of ACI and Lewis BMC were cultured and transplanted (2–4 × 106) to VCA recipients via intraosseous delivery route. Flow cytometry assessed peripheral blood chimerism while fluorescent microscopy and PCR tested the presence of DRCC in the recipient’s blood, bone marrow (BM), and lymphoid organs at the study endpoint (VCA rejection). No complications were observed after DRCC intraosseous delivery. Group 4 presented the longest average VCA survival (79.3 ± 30.9 days) followed by Group 2 (53.3 ± 13.6 days), Group 3 (18 ± 7.5 days), and Group 1 (8.5 ± 1 days). The highest chimerism level was detected in Group 4 (57.9 ± 6.2%) at day 7 post-transplant. The chimerism declined at day 21 post-transplant and remained at 10% level during the entire follow-up period. Single dose of DRCC therapy induced long-term multilineage chimerism and extended VCA survival. DRCC introduces a novel concept of customized donor-recipient cell-based therapy supporting solid organ and VCA transplants.
A phase I study assessing the safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering activity of immunotherapeutics targeting PCSK9
Authors: Zeitlinger Markus , Bauer Martin , Reindl-Schwaighofer Roman , Stoekenbroek Robert M. , Lambert Gilles , Berger-Sieczkowski Evelyn , Lagler Heimo , Oesterreicher Zoe , Wulkersdorfer Beatrix , Lührs Petra , Galabova Gergana , Schwenke Carsten , Mader Robert M. , Medori Rossella , Landlinger Christine , Kutzelnigg Alexandra , Staffler Günther
Published: May 2021

Purpose

AT04A and AT06A are two AFFITOPE® peptide vaccine candidates being developed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia by inducing proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-specific antibodies. This study aimed to investigate safety, tolerability, antibody development, and reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) following four subcutaneous immunizations.

Methods

This phase I, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in a total of 72 healthy subjects with a mean fasting LDLc level at baseline of 117.1 mg/dL (range 77–196 mg/dL). Each cohort enrolled 24 subjects to receive three priming immunizations at weeks 0, 4, and 8 and to receive a single booster immunization at week 60 of either AT04A, AT06A, or placebo. In addition to safety (primary objective), the antigenic peptide- and PCSK9-specific antibody response and the impact on LDLc were evaluated over a period of 90 weeks.

Results

The most common systemic treatment-related adverse events (AEs) reported were fatigue, headache, and myalgia in 75% of subjects in the AT06A group and 58% and 46% of subjects in the placebo and AT04A groups, respectively. Injection site reactions (ISR) representing 63% of all treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), were transient and mostly of mild or moderate intensity and rarely severe (3%). Both active treatments triggered a robust, long-lasting antibody response towards the antigenic peptides used for immunization that optimally cross-reacted with the target epitope on PCSK9. In the AT04A group, a reduction in serum LDLc was observed with a mean peak reduction of 11.2% and 13.3% from baseline compared to placebo at week 20 and 70 respectively, and over the whole study period, the mean LDLc reduction for the AT04A group vs. placebo was −7.2% (95% CI [−10.4 to −3.9], P < 0.0001). In this group, PCSK9 target epitope titers above 50 were associated with clinically relevant LDLc reductions with an individual maximal decrease of 39%.

Conclusions

Although both AT04A and AT06 were safe and immunogenic, only AT04A demonstrated significant LDLc-lowering activity, justifying further development.

Trial registration

EudraCT: 2015-001719-11. ClinicalTrials.gov
Identifier: NCT02508896.
Studies of the seasonal prediction of heavy late spring rainfall over southeastern China
Authors: Zhang Shouwen , Wang Hui , Jiang Hua , Ma Wentao
Published: May 2021

The late spring rainfall may account for 15% of the annual total rainfall, which is crucial to early planting in southeastern China. A better understanding of the precipitation variations in the late spring and its predictability not only greatly increase our knowledge of related mechanisms, but it also benefits society and the economy. Four models participating in the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) were selected to study their abilities to forecast the late spring rainfall over southeastern China and the major sources of heavy rainfall from the perspective of the sea surface temperature (SST) field. We found that the models have better abilities to forecast the heavy rainfall over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River region (MLYZR) with only a 1-month lead time, but they failed for a 3-month lead time since the occurrence of the heavy rainfall was inconsistent with the observations. The observations indicate that the warm SST anomalies in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean are vital to the simultaneously heavy rainfall in the MLYZR in May, but an El Niño event is not a necessary condition for determining the heavy rainfall over the MLYZR. The heavy rainfall over the MLYZR in May is always accompanied by warming of the northeastern Indian Ocean and of the northeastern South China Sea (NSCS) from April to May in the models and observations, respectively. In the models, El Niño events may promote the warming processes over the northeastern Indian Ocean, which leads to heavy rainfall in the MLYZR. However, in the real world, El Niño events are not the main reason for the warming of the NSCS, and further research on the causes of this warming is still needed.
Machine learning classifier to identify clinical and radiological features relevant to disability progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tommasin Silvia , Cocozza Sirio , Taloni Alessandro , Giannì Costanza , Petsas Nikolaos , Pontillo Giuseppe , Petracca Maria , Ruggieri Serena , De Giglio Laura , Pozzilli Carlo , Brunetti Arturo , Pantano Patrizia
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of a data-driven approach, such as machine learning classification, in predicting disability progression in MS.

Methods

We analyzed structural brain images of 163 subjects diagnosed with MS acquired at two different sites. Participants were followed up for 2–6 years, with disability progression defined according to the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) increment at follow-up. T2-weighted lesion load (T2LL), thalamic and cerebellar gray matter (GM) volumes, fractional anisotropy of the normal appearing white matter were calculated at baseline and included in supervised machine learning classifiers. Age, sex, phenotype, EDSS at baseline, therapy and time to follow-up period were also included. Classes were labeled as stable or progressed disability. Participants were randomly chosen from both sites to build a sample including 50% patients showing disability progression and 50% patients being stable. One-thousand machine learning classifiers were applied to the resulting sample, and after testing for overfitting, classifier confusion matrix, relative metrics and feature importance were evaluated.

Results

At follow-up, 36% of participants showed disability progression. The classifier with the highest resulting metrics had accuracy of 0.79, area under the true positive versus false positive rates curve of 0.81, sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.71. T2LL, thalamic volume, disability at baseline and administered therapy were identified as important features in predicting disability progression. Classifiers built on radiological features had higher accuracy than those built on clinical features.

Conclusions

Disability progression in MS may be predicted via machine learning classifiers, mostly evaluating neuroradiological features.
Ligation of the middle hepatic vein to increase hypertrophy induction during the ALPPS procedure
Authors: Dondorf F. , Deeb A. Ali , Bauschke A. , Felgendreff P. , Tautenhahn H. M. , Ardelt M. , Settmacher U. , Rauchfuss F.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Here, we analyse the technical modification of the ALPPS procedure, ligating the middle hepatic vein during the first step of the operation to enhance remnant liver hypertrophy.

Methods

In 20 of 37 ALPPS procedures, the middle hepatic vein was ligated during the first step. Hypertrophy of the functional remnant liver volume was assessed in addition to postoperative courses.

Results

Volumetric analysis showed a significant volume increase, especially for patients with colorectal metastases. Pre-existing liver parenchyma damage (odds ratio = 0.717, p = 0.017) and preoperative chemotherapy were found to be significant predictors (odds ratio = 0.803, p = 0.045) of higher morbidity and mortality. In addition, a survival benefit for maintenance of middle hepatic vein was shown.

Conclusion

This technical modification of the ALPPS procedure can accentuate future liver remnant volume hypertrophy. The higher morbidity and mortality observed are most likely associated with pre-existing parenchymal damage within this group.
Irregular Tilings of Regular Polygons with Similar Triangles
Authors: Laczkovich Miklos
Published: May 2021

We say that a triangle T tiles a polygon A, if A can be dissected into finitely many nonoverlapping triangles similar to T. We show that if $$N>42$$

N
>
42

, then there are at most three nonsimilar triangles T such that the angles of T are rational multiples of $$\pi $$
π
and T tiles the regular N-gon. A tiling into similar triangles is called regular, if the pieces have two angles, $$\alpha $$
α
and $$\beta $$
β
, such that at each vertex of the tiling the number of angles $$\alpha $$
α
is the same as that of $$\beta $$
β
. Otherwise the tiling is irregular. It is known that for every regular polygon A there are infinitely many triangles that tile A regularly. We show that if $$N>10$$

N
>
10

, then a triangle T tiles the regular N-gon irregularly only if the angles of T are rational multiples of $$\pi $$
π
. Therefore, the number of triangles tiling the regular N-gon irregularly is at most three for every $$N>42$$

N
>
42

.
A Choosing Wisely top-5 list to support general practitioners in Austria
Authors: Glechner Anna , Rabady Susanne , Bachler Herbert , Dachs Christoph , Flamm Maria , Glehr Reinhold , Hoffmann Kathryn , Hoffmann-Dorninger Renate , Kamenski Gustav , Lutz Matthias , Poggenburg Stephanie , Tschiggerl Wilfried , Horvath Karl
Published: May 2021

From a pool of 147 reliable recommendations, ten experts from the Austrian Society of General Practice and Family Medicine selected 21 relevant recommendations as the basis for the Delphi process. In two Delphi rounds, eleven experts established a top‑5 list of recommendations designed for Austrian family practice to reduce medical overuse. Three of the chosen recommendations address the issue of antibiotic usage in patients with viral upper respiratory tract infections, in children with mild otitis media, and in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria. The other two “do not do” recommendations concern imaging studies for nonspecific low back pain and routine screening to detect prostate cancer. A subsequent survey identified the reasons for selecting these top‑5 recommendations: the frequency of the issue, potential harms, costs, and patients’ expectations. Experts hope the campaign will save time in educating patients and provide legal protection for omitting measures.
Vibration characteristics of piezoelectric functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite doubly-curved shells
Authors: Tham V. V. , Tran H. Q. , Tu T. M.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents an analytical solution for the free vibration behavior of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) doubly curved shallow shells with integrated piezoelectric layers. Here, the linear distribution of electric potential across the thickness of the piezoelectric layer and five different types of carbon nanotube (CNT) distributions through the thickness direction are considered. Based on the four-variable shear deformation refined shell theory, governing equations are obtained by applying Hamilton’s principle. Navier’s solution for the shell panels with the simply supported boundary condition at all four edges is derived. Several numerical examples validate the accuracy of the presented solution. New parametric studies regarding the effects of different material properties, shell geometric parameters, and electrical boundary conditions on the free vibration responses of the hybrid panels are investigated and discussed in detail.
Observations on recent mass mortality events of marine mussels in the Oosterschelde, the Netherlands
Authors: Capelle Jacob J. , Garcia Ainhoa Blanco , Kamermans Pauline , Engelsma Marc Y. , Jansen Henrice M.
Published: May 2021

Two mass mortality events (MMEs) of marine mussels that took place in the Oosterschelde, the Netherlands—the first in 2015/2016 and the second in 2019—both severely affected mussel production. The current study presents our observations on the onset and course of both MMEs and discusses probable putative causes. The two MMEs displayed a distinct course of events. The first event started in November 2015 with high mortality rates on culture plots, which remained elevated until the autumn of 2016. Approximately 40–50% of mussels from all age classes were lost on culture plots and 100% were lost from wild seed beds. The second event started in April–May 2019 and continued until the end of July, with mortality ranging from 20 to 100%, again from all age classes. Culture areas other than the Oosterschelde and other shellfish species were not affected. Histological and bacteriological screening produced no evidence for common pathogens or pollution as a primary mortality factor and there is no indication of abnormal environmental conditions preceding or during the events. We hypothesize that a cumulation of stressors results in weakening of the mussels and in elevated mortality rates. In 2019, this cumulation of stressors could be high spawning activities (an unusual high concentration of mussel larvae was found in April) that resulted in very low condition from April to June, a Phaeocystis bloom in April to May that prevented a quick recovery, and the development of granulocytomas that were found in up to 60 to 70% of live mussels as a consequence of cumulative stress. Although no (single) putative causes could be identified, this study contributes to the knowledge on MMEs in mussels and fits in a wider and disturbing trend on mortality events in shellfish.
Bird communities in a degraded forest biodiversity hotspot of East Africa
Authors: Mulwa Moses , Teucher Mike , Ulrich Werner , Habel Jan Christian
Published: May 2021

Tropical forests suffer severe habitat destruction. Thus, tropical forests frequently consist today of only a few small remnants that are often embedded within a matrix of agricultural fields and tree plantations. Forest specialist species have experienced severe population declines under these circumstances. We studied bird communities based on census plots set up in a near-natural forest block, as well as degraded forest patches, tree plantations, and agricultural fields, across the Taita Hills in southern Kenya. We classified each bird species according its ecology and behavior. We quantified the land cover and landscape configuration around each census plot. Typical forest species were mainly observed in the near-natural forest block, and to a lower extent in degraded forest patches. Plantations were almost devoid of birds. Bird communities of small forest fragments were more similar to that of agricultural land than the near-natural forest block. Most frugivorous, insectivorous and nectarivorous birds occurred in forest habitats, while granivorous bird species dominated the bird communities of agricultural land. The surrounding landscape had a marginal impact on bird species composition at local sites. Our study showed that the preservation of near-natural cloud forest, including small forest patches, is essential for the conservation of forest-dependent species, and that plantations do not serve as surrogate habitats.
On the Role of Bilateral Brain Hypofunction and Abnormal Lateralization of Cortical Information Flow as Neural Underpinnings of Conventional Metaphor Processing Impairment in Schizophrenia: An fMRI and EEG Study
Authors: Adamczyk Przemysław , Jáni Martin , Ligeza Tomasz S. , Płonka Olga , Błądziński Piotr , Wyczesany Miroslaw
Published: May 2021

Figurative language processing (e.g. metaphors) is commonly impaired in schizophrenia. In the present study, we investigated the neural activity and propagation of information within neural circuits related to the figurative speech, as a neural substrate of impaired conventional metaphor processing in schizophrenia. The study included 30 schizophrenia outpatients and 30 healthy controls, all of whom were assessed with a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) punchline-based metaphor comprehension task including literal (neutral), figurative (metaphorical) and nonsense (absurd) endings. The blood oxygenation level-dependent signal was recorded with 3T MRI scanner and direction and strength of cortical information flow in the time course of task processing was estimated with a 64-channel EEG input for directed transfer function. The presented results revealed that the behavioral manifestation of impaired figurative language in schizophrenia is related to the hypofunction in the bilateral fronto-temporo-parietal brain regions (fMRI) and various differences in effective connectivity in the fronto-temporo-parietal circuit (EEG). Schizophrenia outpatients showed an abnormal pattern of connectivity during metaphor processing which was related to bilateral (but more pronounced at the left hemisphere) hypoactivation of the brain. Moreover, we found reversed lateralization patterns, i.e. a rightward-shifted pattern during metaphor processing in schizophrenia compared to the control group. In conclusion, the presented findings revealed that the impairment of the conventional metaphor processing in schizophrenia is related to the bilateral brain hypofunction, which supports the evidence on reversed lateralization of the language neural network and the existence of compensatory recruitment of alternative neural circuits in schizophrenia.
Pathways and pitfalls in extreme event attribution
Authors: van Oldenborgh Geert Jan , van der Wiel Karin , Kew Sarah , Philip Sjoukje , Otto Friederike , Vautard Robert , King Andrew , Lott Fraser , Arrighi Julie , Singh Roop , van Aalst Maarten
Published: May 2021

The last few years have seen an explosion of interest in extreme event attribution, the science of estimating the influence of human activities or other factors on the probability and other characteristics of an observed extreme weather or climate event. This is driven by public interest, but also has practical applications in decision-making after the event and for raising awareness of current and future climate change impacts. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) collaboration has over the last 5 years developed a methodology to answer these questions in a scientifically rigorous way in the immediate wake of the event when the information is most in demand. This methodology has been developed in the practice of investigating the role of climate change in two dozen extreme events world-wide. In this paper, we highlight the lessons learned through this experience. The methodology itself is documented in a more extensive companion paper. It covers all steps in the attribution process: the event choice and definition, collecting and assessing observations and estimating probability and trends from these, climate model evaluation, estimating modelled hazard trends and their significance, synthesis of the attribution of the hazard, assessment of trends in vulnerability and exposure, and communication. Here, we discuss how each of these steps entails choices that may affect the results, the common problems that can occur and how robust conclusions can (or cannot) be derived from the analysis. Some of these developments also apply to other attribution methodologies and indeed to other problems in climate science.
Heat vulnerability and adaptive capacities: findings of a household survey in Ludwigsburg, BW, Germany
Authors: Laranjeira Kevin , Göttsche Franziska , Birkmann Joern , Garschagen Matthias
Published: May 2021

In 2019, record-setting temperatures in Europe adversely affected human health and wellbeing (WMO 2020) and cities—thus, people in urban areas suffered particularly under heat stress. However, not only heat stress but also the differential vulnerability of people exposed is key when defining adaptation priorities. Up to now, local data on vulnerability and particularly adaptive capacities is rather rare. Various aspects of human vulnerability to heat and capacities to adapt to heat stress in urban areas still have to be explored and assessed, for example in terms of the adaptation at home, during work or while commuting to work. The paper presents new findings of a household survey on how and where different groups experience heat stress and how they assess their susceptibility and capacities to cope and adapt. The findings are based on a survey conducted in the medium-sized city of Ludwigsburg, Germany. Findings show significant linkages and correlations between socio-economic factors and heat vulnerability and capacities to respond. The analysis gives special emphasis to relationships between willingness to implement adaptive measures to reduce heat stress risks and risk perception and adaptive capacities. Particularly, the analysis of future adaptation options and the ability and willingness of different households to implement these provides new insights on the differential capacities to adapt and the need for tailor-made transformation programs.
Mobility, ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation and sources of trace elements in the bottom sediments of the Rożnów reservoir
Authors: Szara-Bąk Magdalena , Baran Agnieszka , Klimkowicz-Pawlas Agnieszka , Tkaczewska Joanna , Wojtasik Barbara
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to use of geochemical, chemical, ecotoxicological and biological indicators for a comprehensive assessment of ecological risks related to the mobility, ecotoxicity and bioavailability of trace elements in the bottom sediment of the Rożnów reservoir. The study found three elements deserving attention in the sediments: cadmium, nickel and chromium. Cadmium proved to be the most mobile and bioavailable, although the total cadmium content and geochemical indicators did not reveal any risk to organisms. Geochemical indicators showed that the sediments are contaminated with nickel and chromium, but both elements had a low bioaccumulation factor. Fractional analysis also revealed relatively low mobility of Cr and Ni and a higher potential risk of bioavailability for nickel. Most of the tested sediment samples had low toxicity in relation to the tested organisms. For H. incongruens, 11% of the samples were non-toxic, 50% of the samples had low toxicity, and 39% of the samples were toxic. For A. fischeri, no toxicity was found in 7% of the samples, low toxicity in 76% of the samples and toxicity in 17% of the sediment samples. The As, Cd, Cu content in the F1 fraction correlated significantly positively with the content of these metals in mussel tissues. Both biotesting and chemical analysis can reveal a potential risk to aquatic organisms. For a real assessment of the ecological risks associated with trace elements, it is necessary to use bioindicators taken from the environment and exposed to trace elements in situ.
The effect of augmented reality versus traditional advertising: a comparison between neurophysiological and self-reported measures
Authors: Pozharliev Rumen , De Angelis Matteo , Rossi Dario
Published: May 2021

Despite the growing application of augmented reality in advertising, there is limited understanding about how customers respond to their interaction with the augmented reality advertising and how it differs from a standard paper-based advertising. Augmented reality ads are immersive, interactive, and lifelike, which means they may help companies create an emotional connection with their customers. The authors test if customers would respond in terms of emotional and affective intensity differently to augmented reality versus standard paper-based advertising. The results of two laboratory studies that consider physiological measures of arousal (galvanic skin response), self-reported measure of affect intensity and willingness to pay show that the higher willingness to pay for customers exposed to augmented reality as opposed to standard paper-based ads is driven by the physiological arousal, but not by the self-reported affect intensity and that processing fluency possibly underlies consumer’s enhanced emotional responses toward AR. These results suggest that replacing traditional advertisements with augmented reality advertisements enhances customer physiological responses and willingness to pay, with possible implications on customer segmentation and marketing communication.
E-bike user groups and substitution effects: evidence from longitudinal travel data in the Netherlands
Authors: de Haas Mathijs , Kroesen Maarten , Chorus Caspar , Hoogendoorn-Lanser Sascha , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the e-bike has become increasingly popular in many European countries. With higher speeds and less effort needed, the e-bike is a promising mode of transport to many, and it is considered a good alternative for certain car trips by policy-makers and planners. A major limitation of many studies that investigate such substitution effects of the e-bike, is their reliance on cross-sectional data which do not allow an assessment of within-person travel mode changes. As a consequence, there is currently no consensus about the e-bike’s potential to replace car trips. Furthermore, there has been little research focusing on heterogeneity among e-bike users. In this respect, it is likely that different groups exist that use the e-bike for different reasons (e.g. leisure vs commute travel), something which will also influence possible substitution patterns. This paper contributes to the literature in two ways: (1) it presents a statistical analysis to assess the extent to which e-bike trips are substituting trips by other travel modes based on longitudinal data; (2) it reveals different user groups among the e-bike population. A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model is estimated using five waves of data from the Netherlands Mobility Panel. Furthermore, a Latent Class Analysis is performed using data from the Dutch national travel survey. Results show that, when using longitudinal data, the substitution effects between e-bike and the competing travel modes of car and public transport are not as significant as reported in earlier research. In general, e-bike trips only significantly reduce conventional bicycle trips in the Netherlands, which can be regarded an unwanted effect from a policy-viewpoint. For commuting, the e-bike also substitutes car trips. Furthermore, results show that there are five different user groups with their own distinct behaviour patterns and socio-demographic characteristics. They also show that groups that use the e-bike primarily for commuting or education are growing at a much higher rate than groups that mainly use the e-bike for leisure and shopping purposes.
So Close, So Far. The Cultural Distance of Foreigners in Italy
Authors: De Santis Gustavo , Maltagliati Mauro , Petrucci Alessandra
Published: May 2021

The presence of foreigners in a host country is a contentious issue: opponents claim, among other things, that the cultural distance between them and natives is too large to permit integration. However, it is impossible to ascertain whether this is true in the absence of a clear, standardised system for measuring cultural distance (whether it be by nationality, length of stay, educational level, etc.). In this paper, we argue that a recently proposed method, called DBS or Distance Between Strata, fits this scope. We present the methodology under a new light, investigate several of its properties, and apply it to two Italian surveys of 2011–13. Results indicate, first, that no group is homogeneous: Italians, for instance, display a clear North to South gradient. Second, foreigners are not all equally culturally distant from Italian natives: the ranking of their cultural distances largely conforms to expectation. Finally, Italians with a foreign origin are, as expected, close to Italians tout court, which suggests that cultural convergence is taking place.
Separating the aa-index into Solar and Hale Cycle Related Components Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Takalo Jouni
Published: May 2021

We decompose the monthly aa-index of Cycles 10 to 23 using principal component analysis (PCA). We show that the first component (PC1) is related to the 11-year solar cycle, and accounts for 41.5% of the variance of the data. The second component (PC2) is related to 22-year Hale cycle, and explains 23.6% of the variance of the data. The PC1 time series of the aa-index for Cycles 10 – 23 has only one peak in its power spectrum at the period 10.95 years, which is the average solar cycle (SC) period for the interval SC10 – SC23. The PC2 time series of the same cycles has a clear peak at period 21.90 (Hale cycle) and a smaller peak at 3/4 of that period. We also study the principal components of the sunspot number (SSN) for Cycles 10 – 23, and compare the mutual behavior of the PC2 components of the aa-index and SSN PCA analyses. We note that they are in the same phase in all other cycles but Solar Cycles 15 and 20. The aa-index of Cycle 20 also differs from other even aa-index cycles in its shape, especially in anomalously high peaks during its descending phase. Even though there is a coherence in the PC2 time series phases of the aa-index and sunspot number, this effect is too small to be the origin of all the differences between the shape of even and odd aa cycles. We estimate that 30% of the shape of the PC2 component of the aa-index is due to the shape of the PC2 of the sunspot number and the rest to other recurrent events in the Sun and solar wind. The first maximum of the aa-index (typical to odd cycles), during sunspot maximum, has been shown to be related to coronal mass ejections (CME), while the second maximum (typical to even cycles) in the cycle descending phase, is probably related to high-speed streams (HSS). The last events increase the activity level such that the minimum between even and odd cycle pairs is always higher than the minimum between succeeding odd and even cycle pairs.
Time and Spatial Variability in Concentrations of Selected Pollutants in the New Bypass Rainwater Harvesting System
Authors: Zubala Tomasz , Patro Magdalena
Published: May 2021

The level of pollution and the variability of rainwater runoff quality collected in reservoirs next to the new Lublin bypass (south-eastern Poland) were assessed in this scientific paper. In the rainwater harvesting and treatment system, two types of reservoirs with different construction, size and presence of pre-treatment devices were used. Laboratory tests involved selected physical, oxygen, biogenic, salinity indicators, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Particularly large variability in concentrations included NO2-, TP, PO43-, K+ and Cl-. Parameters decreasing the water quality were mainly conductivity, BOD5, COD, NO2-, TP and Cl-. High concentrations of salt and phosphorus in collected rainwater require great care in final management (risk of salinization and eutrophication). In the second year of research, there was significant deterioration of water quality, which may result from different weather conditions and gradual accumulation of pollutants in new reservoirs. Not many significant differences were found in the quality of water collected in reservoirs with pre-treatment and without it. Loads of heavy metals and aromatic hydrocarbons in reservoirs were relatively small. However, these impurities have high durability and the ability to accumulate in the environment. Therefore, further studies should also take into account monitoring of bottom sediments and areas adjacent to the bypass.
Lohngerechtigkeit und Geschlechternormen: Erhalten Männer eine Heiratsprämie?
Authors: Jann Ben , Zimmermann Barbara , Diekmann Andreas
Published: May 2021

Der geschlechtsspezifische Lohnunterschied hat sich in der Schweiz ebenso wie in Deutschland in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten zwar leicht verringert, die Lücke ist aber immer noch beträchtlich und lässt sich nur zum Teil durch produktivitätsrelevante Faktoren erklären. Um zu untersuchen, ob sich ein entsprechender „gender wage gap“ auch darin wiederfindet, welche Löhne als gerecht angesehen werden, haben wir im Rahmen von Schweizer Bevölkerungsumfragen drei randomisierte Vignettenexperimente durchgeführt. Im Unterschied zu den meisten anderen Experimenten wurde den Befragten nur jeweils eine Vignette vorgelegt, um Einflüsse sozialer Wünschbarkeit zu vermindern. Das erste Experiment belegt eine geschlechtsspezifische Doppelmoral bei der Einkommensbewertung: Bei Männern wurde ein gegebenes Einkommen eher als zu gering beurteilt als bei Frauen. Der Befund konnte in einem zweiten Experiment mit ähnlichem Design jedoch nicht repliziert werden, wobei ein zentraler Unterschied zwischen den beiden Experimenten in dem in den Vignetten beschriebenen Haushaltskontext lag. In einem dritten Experiment haben wir deshalb den Einfluss der familiären Situation systematisch untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass nur bei verheirateten Personen ein Unterschied zwischen Frauen und Männern gemacht wird, nicht jedoch bei Singles. Im Einklang mit dem Stereotyp des männlichen Haupternährers zeigt sich ein ausgeprägter Effekt einer „Heiratsprämie“. Verheirateten Männern wird in der Wahrnehmung der Bevölkerung bei sonst gleichen Merkmalen ein höherer Lohn zugestanden als verheirateten Frauen.
Ulam stability of functional equations in 2-Banach spaces via the fixed point method
Authors: Ciepliński Krzysztof
Published: May 2021

Using the fixed point method, we prove the Ulam stability of two general functional equations in several variables in 2-Banach spaces. As corollaries from our main results, some outcomes on the stability of a few known equations being special cases of the considered ones will be presented. In particular, we extend several recent results on the Ulam stability of functional equations in 2-Banach spaces.
Applying symmetries of elasticities in matrix population models
Authors: Giaimo Stefano , Traulsen Arne
Published: May 2021

Elasticity analysis is a key tool in the analysis of matrix population models, which describe the dynamics of stage-structured populations in ecology and evolution. Elasticities of the dominant eigenvalue of a matrix model to matrix entries obey certain symmetries. Yet not all consequences of these symmetries are fully appreciated, as they are sometimes hidden in mathematical detail. Here, we propose a method to reason about these symmetries directly by visual inspection of the life cycle graph that corresponds to the matrix model. We present two applications of this method, one in ecology and one in evolution. First, we prove several conjectures about elasticities that were obtained from purely numerical results and that can support population managers in decision-making under scarce demographic information. Second, we show how to identify candidates for invariant trade-offs in evolutionary optimal life cycles. The method extends to the elasticity analysis of non-dominant eigenvalues, of the stochastic growth rate and, in next-generation matrices, of the basic reproduction number.
Comparing electrochemical analysis and particle induced X-ray emission measurements of Prussian Blue Analogue deposits
Authors: Joffre Scott D. , DeYoung Paul A. , Hampton Jennifer R.
Published: May 2021

Prussian Blue Analogues are of major interest for their use in alternative battery technologies due to their charge storing ability with a long life cycle. In this work the Prussian Blue Analogue nickel hexacyanoferrate (Ni-HCF) was produced using an all electrochemical method. Creating charge storing materials with electrochemical processes provides a new approach to the development of battery-like materials. These methods have not been commonly employed because the charge storing material yield is not directly known. The charge storage of the Ni-HCF was characterized with two different methods which provided a measure of the electrochemically active Fe present. These were then compared with the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method which measured the total amount of Fe present. By comparing the electrochemical measurement of active Fe to the total Fe as measured by PIXE, the percentage of material that is active in the charge storage was determined. This enables an independent calculation of the specific charge capacity of the material for comparison to other battery technologies.
Inventing a Prosthetic Bourgeoisie: Romania and the Aromanians, 1848–1906
Authors: Sorescu Andrei Dan
Published: May 2021

The present article focuses on the period between 1848 and 1906—between the politicized “discovery” of Balkan Aromanians as a kinfolk by Romanian nation-state builders and the aftermath of the community’s recognition by the Ottoman government. Examining how Romania imagined its own entanglement in the Macedonian Question, the article aims to raise the broader question of how a nation-state imagined the agency of kinfolk beyond its borders and, as part of a geographically distributed national division of labor, ascribed a specific task to one part of its ethnic body. In Romania’s case, this had a double thrust. One, Aromanians were imagined as the natural bourgeoisie of the southern Balkans, a people superior in their origins, culture, and mores to other ethnic groups—and a natural vanguard for Romania’s economic interests in the region. Two, they were imagined as a vanguard for catalyzing the internal development of a native merchant class in Romania proper, which was understood as a primary agent for economic and social progress but perceived to be problematically absent. Thus, this study hones in on the process of ascribing the status of a “prosthetic bourgeoisie” to the Aromanians, and its insistent discursive recurrence.
Is there any relationship between platelet indices and myocarditis in children?
Authors: Geçkalan Soysal Damla , Özdemir Rahmi
Published: May 2021

Background:

Platelet indices are used to evaluate platelet activation and function which change in inflammatory diseases. We hypothesise that platelet indices such as plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width may be more useful as prognostic indicators for myopericarditis in children.

Methods:

A total of 60 children were included in this study. Group 1 consists of children with myopericarditis, Group 2 is those with respiratory infections, and Group 3 consists of control group children of similar age and gender with the patient groups. Complete blood count parameters, C-reactive protein, and troponin values of the whole study group were recorded. Myopericarditis was diagnosed based on acute chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, heart failure signs, arrhythmia symptoms and ST/T wave change, low voltage, supraventricular tachycardia/ventricular tachycardia on ECG, or elevated troponin T/troponin I levels or functional abnormalities on echocardiography. A comparison of the platelet indices made during diagnosis and 2 weeks after treatment was done for the myopericarditis patients.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in platelet indicies values. However, the increase in platelets and plateletcrit values after the treatment of myopericarditis was statistically significant. This study pointed out that there was a negative correlation between platelet–plateletcrit values and the troponin I–C-reactive protein.

Conclusion:

We found that platelet count and plateletcrit values increased after treatment. This is important as it is the first study in children to investigate the possible role of platelet indications for myopericarditis in children.
Deutetrabenazine Reduces Severe Tardive Dyskinesia Movements in a 3-year Open-Label Extension Trial
Authors: Chaijale Nayla , Bona Joseph , Barkay Hadas , Wilhelm Amanda , Gordon Mark Forrest
Published: May 2021

Background

There are no established treatment guidelines for tardive dyskinesia (TD) based on movement severity. The 12-week ARM-TD and AIM-TD studies in TD patients with baseline Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) total score (items 1–7) ≥6 showed clinically significant improvements in AIMS score with deutetrabenazine versus placebo. Patients who completed these studies were eligible for the open-label extension (OLE) trial. This post-hoc analysis evaluated deutetrabenazine in TD patients with severe movements.

Methods

Subgroups were defined by upper quartile of baseline total AIMS score (local rating). Endpoints were: change and percent change from baseline in AIMS score, and percent of patients achieving ≥50% AIMS reduction from baseline.

Results

337 patients were analyzed. The upper quartile of baseline total AIMS score was 14. Subgroups were defined as >14 and ≤14 at baseline, respectively (n=64 vs 273); data are presented at Week 145 (n=40 vs 120). Mean treatment duration was 880.5 and 760.8 days. Mean±SE daily doses were 41.1±1.6mg and 38.9±1.0mg. Mean±SE change from baseline in AIMS score was –11.0±0.8 versus –5.1±0.3; percent change from baseline was –60.1%±3.6% versus –55.9%±3.0%. More patients with AIMS score >14 had ≥50% AIMS reduction (73% vs 65%). Less patients discontinued (38% vs 51%); reasons included withdrawal by subject (16% vs 25%), adverse event (3% vs 11%), and lost to follow-up (6% vs 7%). Withdrawal due to lack of efficacy was uncommon (5% vs 2%).

Conclusions

Patients with baseline total AIMS score >14 had clinically meaningful reductions in AIMS score, suggesting deutetrabenazine has long-term benefit in these patients.

Funding

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel
Weight Gain and Treatment Interruptions with Second-Generation Oral Antipsychotics: Analysis of Patients with Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Doane Michael J. , Bessonova Leona , Mortimer Kathleen , Cheng Harry , Donadio Gregory , Brecht Thomas , O’Sullivan Amy K. , Cummings Hannah , McDonnell David , Meyer Jonathan M.
Published: May 2021

Among patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar I disorder (BD-I) treated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), clinically-significant weight gain (CSWG) and treatment interruptions (TIs) are challenges that may result in morbidity/mortality.

CSWG and TIs were assessed among patients who initiated oral SGAs of moderate-to-high weight gain risk (no exposure to index SGAs/first-generation antipsychotics for =12 months) using medical records/claims (OM1 Data Cloud; January 2013-February 2020). Outcomes included CSWG (=7% increase in baseline weight) and TIs (switches [to SGAs of low weight gain risk/long-acting injectables] or discontinuations [no SGAs for >30 days]). Descriptive analyses included proportions of patients with CSWG and TIs, and median time to these outcomes.

Approximately three-quarters of patients were overweight/obese at baseline (SZ: N=8,174; BD-I: N=9,142). Within 3 months of SGA initiation, 12% of all patients experienced CSWG. For patients on treatment with index SGAs for >6 months (SZ: 29%; BD-I: 27%), 28% (SZ) and 30% (BD-I) experienced CSWG during follow-up. Median time to CSWG was 14 weeks. CSWG results were numerically similar among patients with SZ and BD-I.

Over 96% of patients had TIs during follow-up (median time of 12 [SZ] and 13 [BD-I] weeks). Among patients with CSWG and subsequent TIs and weight measurements, 74% did not return to baseline weight after interrupting treatment; the remainder returned to baseline weight with median times of 38 (SZ) and 39 (BD-I) weeks. Results suggest that most patients with CSWG do not return to baseline weight after stopping treatment with oral SGAs of moderate-to-high weight gain risk.

Funding. Alkermes, Inc.
Economic Burden of Dementia Related Psychosis Among Medicare Beneficiaries: A State-Transition Markov Analysis of Total Annual Direct Costs
Authors: Sangha Kinpritma , Rashid Nazia , Abler Victor , Rajagopalan Krithika
Published: May 2021

Study Objective

Dementia related psychosis (DRP), characterized by debilitating symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, is estimated to affect 2.4M people with dementia in the US. Patients with DRP may have twice the rate of dementia progression compared to patients with no DRP. Given that dementia disproportionally impacts the elderly, a comprehensive cost of-illness analysis may add to the current understanding of the overall economic burden of DRP prevalence. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost of DRP from a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) perspective.

Methods

A five state-transition Markov analysis, adapted from Green et al, was conducted to assess the annual direct DRP cost burden to CMS. Patients entering the model were allowed to transition between three at-home health-states (mild dementia plus psychosis, moderate dementia plus psychosis, severe dementia plus psychosis), one long-term care/nursing home (LTC/NH) stay, or death (absorbent health state) at any given time. Since the model accommodates tunnel health-states based on dementia, psychosis and functioning severity levels, patients stayed in the same health-state or transitioned to a more severe health-state or progressed to death (i.e., absorbent health-state) between each 30-day cycle. Prevalence, disease-severity, and state-transition probability estimates were derived from literature while direct costs of DRP were derived from a Medicare claims analysis. Costs were discounted at 3%. Model robustness was tested to check if results were sensitive to changes in inputs and assumptions.

Results

Of the estimated 61.5M Medicare beneficiaries, about 6.87M may suffer from dementia. In the base-case scenario, an estimated total of 2.2M prevalent DRP patients enter the model based on dementia severity into one of the 4 non-absorbent health-states: three at-home (10% mild, 60% moderate, and 10% severe) and one LTC-NH (10%). Total Medicare annual direct DRP costs are estimated to be approximately $119.98B ($113.96B-$125.96B) and about $54K PPPY (Per-Patient-Per-Year) costs (2019 USD). NH costs and patient volume at higher severity levels are significant cost drivers. Sensitivity analysis results show that the model is sensitive to disease severity and disease progression.

Conclusions

These results suggest that DRP imposes a significant direct cost burden despite its low prevalence. In this analysis, per-patient per year (PPPY) cost of DRP prevalence was estimated to be slightly higher than incident PPPY DRP costs. These differences may be attributed to the number of patients at higher severity levels and the time spent in a severe health state as well as cost of LTC/NH stays. Especially given the ageing population in the US, DRP could become an increasing public health concern. There is a significant need for education and awareness about DRP cost burden.

Funding

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.