bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testicular microlithiasis in paediatric patients with Klinefelter syndrome from infancy till adolescence: early start of degenerative process in the testes—preliminary results
Authors: Januś Dominika , Wójcik Małgorzata , Starzyk Jerzy B.
Published: October 2022

To present the results of testicular ultrasonography supported by clinical and hormonal aspects in paediatric patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Prospective analysis of medical files of 20 patients diagnosed with KS between 2016 and 2022. Assessed data included analysis of causes of referral, ultrasound, and clinical characterisation with hormonal evaluation of serum FSH, LH, testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone. Non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) was diagnosed in 65% of cases (13/20) by the geneticist (including 7 cases prenatally), in 25% (5/20) by the endocrinologist and in 10% (2/20) by the hematologist. Ultrasound assessment revealed bilateral testicular microlithiasis (TM) in all patients. The youngest KS patient with TM was 3 months old. TM patterns have not changed during follow-ups of up to 6 years in any of the patients. In all KS patients markedly reduced echogenicity and in pubertal KS patients, also irregular echostructure of the testes was observed. The hormonal patterns observed in the study group were typical for those already described in KS. Sertoli and Leydig cell function was intact in prepubertal patients and deteriorated after the start of puberty.

Conclusion: Although the degenerative process in the testicular tissue starts very early in the testes in KS and is reflected in morphological changes seen in ultrasonography, Sertoli and Leydig cell hormonal function is normal in prepubertal KS patients.

What is Known:• So far, normal Leydig and Sertoli cell function was observed in infants and prepubertal KS patients.

What is New:• The morphological changes in the testes in KS may already be seen in early infancy.
Benefits of supportive strategies for carers of people with high-grade glioma: a systematic review
Authors: Jones Diana , Pinkham Mark B. , Wallen Matthew P. , Hart Nicolas H. , Joseph Ria , Strodl Esben , Ownsworth Tamara , Beesley Vanessa , Crichton Megan , Chan Raymond J.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To systematically review and examine current evidence for the carer-reported benefits of supportive care strategies for carers of adults with high-grade glioma (HGG).

Methods

Four databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO) were searched for articles published between January 2005 and April 2022 that assessed strategies for addressing the supportive care needs of carers of adults with HGG (WHO grade 3–4). Study selection and critical appraisal were conducted independently by three authors (DJ/MC, 2021; DJ/RJ 2022). Data extraction was conducted by one author (DJ) and checked by a second author (RJ). Results were synthesised narratively.

Results

Twenty-one studies involving 1377 caregivers were included, targeting the carer directly (n = 10), the patient-carer dyad (n = 3), or focused on people with HGG + / − their carers (n = 8). A paucity of high-quality evidence exists for effective and comprehensive support directly addressing outcomes for carers of adults with HGG. Strategies that demonstrated some benefits included those that built carer knowledge or provided emotional support, delivered by health professionals or through peer support. Supportive and early palliative care programmes have potential to reduce unmet carer needs while providing ongoing carer support.

Conclusion

Strategies incorporating an educational component, emotional support, and a regular needs assessment with corresponding tailored support are most valued by carers. Future practice development research should adopt a value-based approach and exceed evaluation of efficacy outcomes to incorporate evaluation of the experience of patients, carers, and staff, as well as costs.
Intrinsic subtypes in Ethiopian breast cancer patient
Authors: Desalegn Zelalem , Yohannes Meron , Porsch Martin , Stückrath Kathrin , Anberber Endale , Santos Pablo , Bauer Marcus , Addissie Adamu , Bekuretsion Yonas , Assefa Mathewos , Worku Yasin , Taylor Lesley , Abebe Tamrat , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Vetter Martina
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The recent development of multi-gene assays for gene expression profiling has contributed significantly to the understanding of the clinically and biologically heterogeneous breast cancer (BC) disease. PAM50 is one of these assays used to stratify BC patients and individualize treatment. The present study was conducted to characterize PAM50-based intrinsic subtypes among Ethiopian BC patients.

Patients and methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were collected from 334 BC patients who attended five different Ethiopian health facilities. All samples were assessed using the PAM50 algorithm for intrinsic subtyping.

Results

The tumor samples were classified into PAM50 intrinsic subtypes as follows: 104 samples (31.1%) were luminal A, 91 samples (27.2%) were luminal B, 62 samples (18.6%) were HER2-enriched and 77 samples (23.1%) were basal-like. The intrinsic subtypes were found to be associated with clinical and histopathological parameters such as steroid hormone receptor status, HER2 status, Ki-67 proliferation index and tumor differentiation, but not with age, tumor size or histological type. An immunohistochemistry-based classification of tumors (IHC groups) was found to correlate with intrinsic subtypes.

Conclusion

The distribution of the intrinsic subtypes confirms previous immunohistochemistry-based studies from Ethiopia showing potentially endocrine-sensitive tumors in more than half of the patients. Health workers in primary or secondary level health care facilities can be trained to offer endocrine therapy to improve breast cancer care. Additionally, the findings indicate that PAM50-based classification offers a robust method for the molecular classification of tumors in the Ethiopian context.
Disease threshold-based fungicide applications: potential of multi-disease resistance in winter wheat cultivars in Germany
Authors: Klocke Bettina , Sommerfeldt Nicole , Wagner Christina , Schwarz Jürgen , Baumecker Michael , Ellmer Frank , Jacobi Andreas , Matschiner Katja , Petersen Jan , Wehling Peter , Sellmann Jörg , Rajmis Sandra , Kehlenbeck Hella
Published: October 2022

The presence of foliar pathogens often leads to yield losses in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the most important crop in Germany. In this study the efficacy of different host resistance levels of eight wheat cultivars and three fungicide strategies on fungal disease control was studied in terms of yield and net return in field trials at five sites over three crop years. Fungicide treatments included a situation-related strategy in which cultivars were treated individually based on disease control thresholds, a practice-related strategy in which all cultivars were treated after disease thresholds had been exceeded in one cultivar, and an untreated control. Disease severity and incidence differed between cultivars and were reduced by fungicide treatments compared to the untreated control. On average over all locations and years, the Fungicide Treatment Frequency Index (TFI) of all cultivars treated with the situation-related strategy was significantly lower than those treated with the practice-related strategy, except the highly susceptible cultivar JB Asano. A reduction of the TFI by up to 82% was possible in the situation-related strategy. Despite slightly increased yields in the practice-related strategy compared to the situation-related strategy, these could not compensate for the higher fungicide costs in most cases and led to lower net returns. The cultivars with multi-disease resistance showed clear advantages. Their potential benefits are not only demonstrated by the attainment of high yields, but also in fungicide savings without reducing net returns, provided that their disease resistance characteristics are taken into account.
Simple numerical solutions to the Einstein constraints on various three-manifolds
Authors: Zhang Fan , Lindblom Lee
Published: October 2022

Numerical solutions to the Einstein constraint equations are constructed on a selection of compact orientable three-dimensional manifolds with non-trivial topologies. A simple constant mean curvature solution and a somewhat more complicated non-constant mean curvature solution are computed on example manifolds from three of the eight Thursten geometrization classes. The constant mean curvature solutions found here are also solutions to the Yamabe problem that transforms a geometry into one with constant scalar curvature.
Alleviation of drought and salt stress in vegetables: crop responses and mitigation strategies
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Fasih , Huda Samsul , Yong Miingtiem , Li Lihua , Li Li , Chen Zhong-Hua , Ahmed Talaat
Published: October 2022

In recent decades, the demand for vegetables has increased significantly due to the blooming global population. Climate change has affected vegetable production by increasing the frequencies and severity of abiotic and biotic stresses. Among the abiotic stresses, drought and salinity are the major issues that possess severe threats on vegetable production. Many vegetables (e.g., carrot, tomato, okra, pea, eggplant, lettuce, potato) are usually sensitive to drought and salt stress. The defence mechanisms of plants against salt and drought stress have been extensively studied in model plant species and field crops. Better understanding of the mechanisms of susceptibility of vegetables to drought and salt stresses will help towards the development of more tolerant genotypes as a long-term strategy against these stresses. However, the intensity of the challenges also warrants more immediate approaches to mitigate these stresses and enhance vegetable production in the short term. Therefore, this review enlightens the updated knowledge of responses (physiological and molecular) against drought and salinity in vegetables and potentially effective strategies to enhance production. Moreover, we summarized different technologies such as seed priming, genetic transformation, biostimulants, nanotechnology, and cultural practices adopted to enhance vegetable production under drought and salinity stress. We propose that approaches of conventional breeding, genetic engineering, and crop management should be combined to generate drought and salt resistance cultivars and adopt smart cultivation practices for sustainable vegetable production in a changing climate.
Association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and incident atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sfairopoulos Dimitrios , Liu Tong , Zhang Nan , Tse Gary , Bazoukis George , Letsas Konstantinos , Goudis Christos , Milionis Haralampos , Vrettos Apostolos , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis
Published: October 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We investigated the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on the incidence of AF and/or AFL in HFrEF patients. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched until March 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled patients with HFrEF. A total of six RCTs with 9467 patients were included (N = 4731 in the SGLT2i arms; N = 4736 in the placebo arms). Compared to placebo, SGLT2i treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF [relative risk (RR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval CI 0.44–0.86; P = 0.005] and AF/AFL (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.87; P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis showed that empagliflozin use resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of AF (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34–0.89; P = 0.01) and AF/AFL (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32–0.77; P = 0.002). By contrast, dapagliflozin use was not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43–1.11; P = 0.12) or AF/AFL (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.53–1.27; P = 0.38). Additionally, a “shorter” duration (< 1.5 years) of treatment with SGLT2i remained associated with a reduction in the risk of AF (< 1.5 years; RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.91; P = 0.02) and AF/AFL (< 1.5 years; RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.80; P = 0.003). In conclusion, SGLT2i therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF and AF/AFL in patients with HFrEF. These results reinforce the value of using SGLT2i in this setting.
Right ventriculography improves the accuracy of leadless pacemaker implantation in right ventricular mid-septum
Authors: Li Yaodong , Xing Qiang , Xiaokereti Jiasuoer , Chen Cheng , Zhang Jianghua , Zhou Xianhui , Lu Yanmei , Tuerhong Zukela , Tang Baopeng
Published: October 2022

Background

Implanting leadless pacemakers in the right ventricular (RV) apex is prone to causing pericardial tamponade and myocardial perforation.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and safety of right ventriculography-guided implantation of Micra™ leadless pacemaker (Micra™, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in the RV mid-septum.

Methods

One hundred eight consecutive patients who underwent Micra™ implantation intended in the mid-septum were enrolled and randomized (3:1) into the radiography group (n = 81) with assistance of right ventriculography to illustrate the RV septum and the non-radiography group (n = 27). All subjects underwent a postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan to determine the Micra™ location. The Micra™ location assessed by CT image was compared between the two groups to confirm the accuracy of the intended pacing site. The duration of the procedure, X-ray radiation dose, and time were also compared between the two groups.

Results

Reconstructed CT 3-D cardiac images found the Micra™ location in the intended mid-septum in 13 patients (48.1%, 13/27) in the non-radiography group and 76 patients (93.8%, 76/81) in the radiography group (P < 0.0001 between two groups). There was no significant difference in procedure interval between the two groups while the X-ray radiation dose (564.86 ± 112.44 vs. 825.85 ± 156.12 mGy, P < 0.0001), X-ray exposure time (7.79 ± 1.43 vs. 12.03 ± 2.86 min, P < 0.0001), and the number of fluoroscopy re-positioning (2.79 ± 1.03 vs. 6.41 ± 1.82, P < 0.0001) were significantly less in the radiography group than in the non-radiography group. No implantation-related complications were observed in both groups.

Conclusion

Right ventriculography increases the accuracy of Micra™ implantation in the mid-septum and reduces X-ray exposure.

Trial registration

The trial registration number (ChiCTR2100051374) and date (09/22/2021).
The k0-INRIM software version 2.0: presentation and an analysis vademecum
Authors: Di Luzio Marco , D’Agostino Giancarlo
Published: October 2022

The k0-INRIM software was developed at INRIM to perform k0-standardization Neutron Activation Analysis and evaluate combined uncertainty through application of the spreadsheet method. However, the presence of some limitation made its use, as a tool for routine NAA, impractical. With the aim to participate to the 2021 IAEA k0-NAA software intercomparison to evaluate the effect on mass fraction results due to software used, the k0-INRIM was sizably updated in order to meet the agreed functionality requirements to take part to the exercise. In this work, the version 2.0 of the software is presented and a point-by-point example analysis is displayed. The software version here described is available for download together with the corresponding updated user’s manual.
Similarities in steering control between cars and motorcycles: application to a low-complexity riding simulator
Authors: Bartolozzi Mirco , Berzi Lorenzo , Meli Enrico , Savino Giovanni
Published: October 2022

Motorcycle simulators are employed for rider training, studying human–machine interaction, and developing assistance systems. However, existing simulators are either too simple and, therefore, unsuitable or significantly complex, with higher hardware costs and familiarisation times. This study aimed to use a tuned single-track car model as the basis of a motorcycle simulator, leading to considerable software simplification while preserving its fidelity. In particular, the approach defined a conversion between motorcycle steering torque and car steering angle. It modified the parameters of the latter to reproduce the response of various motorcycle models in quasi-static and transient conditions for different speeds and radii of curvature. A robust manoeuvrability index was chosen. For the car, it was possible to calculate it from its parameters analytically. Next, the car yaw inertia was tuned to obtain a motorcycle-like steering response. Finally, the calibrated car model was implemented into a low-complexity motorcycle simulator for objective validation. It was verified that an understeering single-track model with high yaw inertia has amplitude and phase responses analogous to a motorcycle. The experimental results of the simulator test confirmed these findings for a diverse set of manoeuvres, validating the method. This straightforward approach allows the development of low-complexity simulators with good steering fidelity, using an objective procedure to reproduce the behaviour of a chosen motorcycle class. In addition, the low computational cost of the model makes it a potential candidate for use in assistance systems.
Screening saikosaponin d (SSd)-producing endophytic fungi from Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd
Authors: Cheng Yupeng , Liu Guangjie , Li Zhongmeng , Zhou Yongqiang , Gao Ning
Published: October 2022

Saikosaponin d (SSd) is an important bioactive compound of traditional Chinese medicinal plant Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. and exhibits many effects, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory. Since endophytic fungi possess the natural capacity to produce the similar secondary metabolite to that of their host plants, they are promising as alternative sources of plant bioactive natural products. In this study, in order to search for SSd-producing strains, endophytes were isolated from B. scorzonerifolium and were authenticated by the ITS sequence and the translation elongation factor-1alpha gene (TEF-1α) sequence analysis. The profile of metabolites present in the crude exacts was carried out by ultra performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) analysis. The results showed that two strains, CHS2 and CHS3 from B. scorzonerifolium could produce SSd by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis, and the amount of SSd produced by strain CHS2 and CHS3 were about 2.17 and 2.40 µg/mL, respectively. CHS2 and CHS3 showed a close phylogenetic relationship to Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium acuminatum, respectively. According to our concern, no endophytic fungi capable of producing SSd from B. scorzonerifolium have been found before. Our clear intention was to isolate and identify these endophytic fungi that produce important active secondary metabolites, and then study the strains that produce this compound on a large scale through fermentation or even genetic study, to provide a feasible and more convenient way for the production of SSd.
Dehydrozingerone promotes healing of diabetic foot ulcers: a molecular insight
Authors: Begum Farmiza , Manandhar Suman , Kumar Gautam , Keni Raghuvir , Sankhe Runali , Gurram Prasada Chowdari , Beegum Fathima , Teja Meka Sai , Nandakumar Krishnadas , Shenoy Rekha R.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

One of the most common problems of diabetes are diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). According to National Institute for Health, initial management of DFUs can decrease the complication of limb amputations and can improve the patient’s quality of life. DFU treatment can be optimized with the help of multidisciplinary approach. Based on many studies, control of glucose levels in blood, antioxidant activity, reduction in cytokine levels, re-epithelialization, collagen formation, migration of fibroblasts are major phases involved in managing DFU. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ), has been known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound healing properties.

Methodology

Three months high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin-induced type-II diabetic foot ulcer model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of dehydrozingerone. DHZ was given orally to rats for 15 days post wounding. TNF-α, IL-1β and antioxidant parameters like lipid peroxidation, glutathione reductase were estimated. Immunoblotting was done to investigate the effect of DHZ on the expression of ERK, JNK, HSP-27, P38, SIRT-1, NFκB, SMA, VEGF and MMP-9 in skin tissue. Histopathology was performed for analyzing DHZ effect on migration of fibroblasts, formation of epithelium, granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis and collagen formation.

Results

DHZ decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β and increased glutathione levels in wound tissue. Western blotting results suggested that DHZ activated ERK1/2/JNK/p38 signaling, increased expression of HSP-27, SIRT-1, VEGF, SMA thus facilitating the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, angiogenesis and decreased inflammation. Masson Trichrome & histopathology showed an increase in collagen, epithelial and granulation tissue formation.

Conclusion

DHZ significantly accelerates the healing of diabetic foot ulcers in high fat diet fed plus low dose streptozotocin induced type-II diabetic Wistar rats.

Graphical abstract
CD44 and CD221 directed magnetic cubosomes for the targeted delivery of helenalin to rhabdomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Mun Hakmin , Chaban Yuriy , Tabish Tanveer A. , Thorat Nanasaheb , Cowieson Nathan , Owen C. David , Townley Helen E.
Published: October 2022

Confining chemotherapy to tumour sites by means of active targeting nanoparticles (NPs) may increase the treatment effectuality while reducing potential side effects. Cubosomes are one of the next-generation drug delivery nanocarriers by virtue of their biocompatibility and bioadhesion, sizeable payload encapsulation and high thermostability. Herein, an active tumour targeting system towards rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells was evaluated. Cubosomes were loaded with helenalin (a secondary metabolite from Arnica plants), which we have previously shown to induce apoptosis in RMS cells. The functionalization of the cubosomes was accomplished to enable binding to membrane receptors and translocation under a magnetic field. RMS cells overexpress CD44 and CD221 on their membrane surface and, therefore, hyaluronic acid (HA, a ligand for CD44) and antibodies (Abs) against CD221 were coupled to cubosomes via electrostatic attraction and the thiol-Michael reaction, respectively. Magnetization of the cubic phase NPs was achieved by embedding superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONPs) into the cubic matrix. Single-function and multi-function cubosomes had Im3m cubic phase structures with well-organized lattice patterns. Conjugation with 2% HA or anti-CD221 half Abs and/or 1% SPIONPs showed significantly higher uptake into RMS cells compared to unfunctionalized cubosomes. CD44 and CD221 directed magnetic (triple-function) cubosomes were capable of internalizing into RMS cells in an energy-independent mechanism. Helenalin-laden triple functionalized cubosomes showed limited impact on the viability of control fibroblast cells, while they induced a high degree cytotoxicity against RMS cells. Profound tumour cell death was observed in both two-dimensional (2D) culture and three-dimensional (3D) tumour spheroids.
Some considerations on the role of joint spacing in rock slope stability analyses using a 3D discrete element approach
Authors: Pérez-Rey Ignacio , Muñiz-Menéndez Mauro , Moreno-Robles Javier
Published: October 2022

Stability assessment of potential wedge failures in rock slopes is usually carried out based on stereographic projection techniques and limit equilibrium analyses. Nevertheless, this methodology presents several limitations (i.e., lack of information on joint mechanical properties, oversimplification of the structure, etc.) that could lead to poorly accurate conclusions. In line with this idea, the main objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of joint spacing in the estimation of the factor of safety of rock slopes affected by potential wedge failures. For this purpose, a 3D numerical distinct element code (3DEC) was selected to carry out a substantial number of simulations in which the factor of safety of two types of slopes, affected by different discontinuity sets, was studied by using the shear strength reduction (SSR) method. Different values of joint spacing, cohesion, and friction angles were considered, combined with two angles of the slope face under study. A discrete fracture network (DFN) model was also implemented, with the aim of benchmarking results with those obtained from the original models. The joint spacing has been found to relevantly affect the values of the factor of safety of the slope, which showed variations of up to 40% in comparison with those obtained from limit equilibrium methods. This work provides an insight to a more realistic interpretation of rock slope analyses against wedge failures, particularly to better estimations of the factor of safety.
A descriptive human visual cognitive strategy using graph neural network for facial expression recognition
Authors: Liu Shuai , Huang Shichen , Fu Weina , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei
Published: October 2022

In the period of rapid development on the new information technologies, computer vision has become the most common application of artificial intelligence, which is represented by deep learning in the current society. As the most direct and effective application of computer vision, facial expression recognition (FER) has become a hot topic and used in many studies and domains. However, the existing FER methods focus on deep learning to generate increasingly complex attention structures, so they are unable to consider the connotative relationship between different parts of facial expressions. Moreover, the human expression recognition method based on complex deep learning network has serious interpretability issues. Therefore, in this paper, a novel Graph Neural Network (GNN) model is proposed to consider the systematic process of FER in human visual perception. Firstly, a region division mechanism is proposed, which divides the face region into six parts to unify the selection of key facial features. On this basis, in order to better consider the connotative relationship between different parts of facial expression, a human visual cognition strategy is proposed, which uses the divided six regions to learn facial expression features, and evenly selects the key features with high reliability as graph nodes. In combination with the human regional cooperative recognition process, the connotative relationship (such as relative position and similar structure) between graph nodes is extracted, so as to construct the GNN model. Finally, the effect of FER is obtained by the modeled GNN model. The experimental results compared with other related algorithms show that the model not only has stronger characterization and generalization ability, but also has better robustness compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Road pricing and spatial distribution of traffic flow in radial-arc network
Authors: Miyagawa Masashi
Published: October 2022

This paper discusses the effect of road pricing on the spatial distribution of traffic flow. The traffic flow density is derived for a circular city with a radial-arc network. The traffic flow density describes the amount of traffic as a function of position and allows us to identify the location of potential congestion areas. The analytical expression for the traffic flow density demonstrates how the size of the toll area and the toll level affect the spatial distribution of traffic flow. As the size of the toll area increases, the decrease in traffic flow inside the toll area becomes smaller. As the toll level increases, the increase in traffic flow at the boundary of the toll area becomes greater. The effect of the travel cost on the spatial distribution of traffic flow is also examined. These findings can be used to determine the size of the toll area and the toll level required to achieve a certain level of traffic congestion.
Deep Neural Network Solution for Finite State Mean Field Game with Error Estimation
Authors: Luo Jialiang , Zheng Harry
Published: October 2022

We discuss the numerical solution to a class of continuous time finite state mean field games. We apply the deep neural network (DNN) approach to solving the fully coupled forward and backward ordinary differential equation system that characterizes the equilibrium value function and probability measure of the finite state mean field game. We prove that the error between the true solution and the approximate solution is linear to the square root of DNN loss function. We give an example of applying the DNN method to solve the optimal market making problem with terminal rank-based trading volume reward.
Case report. Forse macrohematurie uit urostoma: een potentieel levensbedreigende situatie!
Authors: Tilli Sander F. , Lock Tycho M. T. W. , Dik Pieter , de Jongh Rik
Published: October 2022

Samenvatting

De arterio-ureterale fistel (AUF) is een zeldzame aandoening met een relatief hoge mortaliteit, die meestal voorkomt na uitgebreide pelviene oncologische chirurgie in combinatie met bestraling en chronische ureterale stenting. Jaarlijks worden in Nederland ongeveer vier AUF’s gediagnosticeerd, mogelijk ligt de frequentie zelfs hoger. De pathofysiologie van een AUF berust hoofdzakelijk op chronische inflammatie, fibrose, slechte vascularisatie en uiteindelijk druknecrose. Lokalisatie van een AUF is voornamelijk ter hoogte van de overkruising van de ureter met de arteria iliaca communis. AUF presenteert zich vaak in een acute setting met massaal bloedverlies. Een angiografie is het meest sensitieve diagnosticum en de behandeling van voorkeur betreft een endovasculaire interventie.
Phenylacetylglutamine as a novel biomarker of type 2 diabetes with distal symmetric polyneuropathy by metabolomics
Authors: Xu J. , Cai M. , Wang Z. , Chen Q. , Han X. , Tian J. , Jin S. , Yan Z. , Li Y. , Lu B. , Lu H.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a disease involving the nervous system caused by metabolic disorder, while the metabolic spectrum and key metabolites remain poorly defined.

Methods

Plasma samples of 30 healthy controls, 30 T2DM patients, and 60 DSPN patients were subjected to nontargeted metabolomics. Potential biomarkers of DSPN were screened based on univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, ROC curve analysis, and logistic regression. Finally, another 22 patients with T2DM who developed DSPN after follow-up were selected for validation of the new biomarker based on target metabolomics.

Results

Compared with the control group and the T2DM group, 6 metabolites showed differences in the DSPN group (P < 0.05; FDR < 0.1; VIP > 1) and a rising step trend was observed. Among them, phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) and sorbitol displayed an excellent discriminatory ability and associated with disease severity. The verification results demonstrated that when T2DM progressed to DSPN, the phenylacetylglutamine content increased significantly (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The discovered and verified endogenous metabolite PAG may be a novel potential biomarker of DSPN and involved in the disease pathogenesis.
Relationship between hyponatremia at hospital admission and cardiopulmonary profile at follow-up in patients with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection
Authors: Malandrino D. , Berni A. , Fibbi B. , Borellini B. , Cozzi D. , Norello D. , Fattirolli F. , Lavorini F. , Olivotto I. , Fumagalli C. , Zocchi C. , Tassetti L. , Gozzi L. , Marchionni N. , Maggi M. , Peri A. ,   the AOU Careggi COVID-19 Follow-up Study Group, Spinicci Michele , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Gori Leonardo , Bernacchi Guja , Ciambellotti Lorenzo , Vellere Iacopo , Vannini Matteo , Montali Sara , Tonarelli Francesco , Camartini Viola , Turrin Giada , Testa Giuseppe Dario , Virciglio Simona , Gardellini Enrico , Corsi Carolina , Tofalos Sofia Espinoza , Marcucci Rossella , Rasero Laura , Giovannoni Lorenzo , Livi Luca , Silverii Maria Vittoria
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Hyponatremia occurs in about 30% of patients with pneumonia, including those with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. Hyponatremia predicts a worse outcome in several pathologic conditions and in COVID-19 has been associated with a higher risk of non-invasive ventilation, ICU transfer and death. The main objective of this study was to determine whether early hyponatremia is also a predictor of long-term sequelae at follow-up.

Methods

In this observational study, we collected 6-month follow-up data from 189 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients previously admitted to a University Hospital. About 25% of the patients (n = 47) had hyponatremia at the time of hospital admission.

Results

Serum [Na+] was significantly increased in the whole group of 189 patients at 6 months, compared to the value at hospital admission (141.4 ± 2.2 vs 137 ± 3.5 mEq/L, p < 0.001). In addition, IL-6 levels decreased and the PaO2/FiO2 increased. Accordingly, pulmonary involvement, evaluated at the chest X-ray by the RALE score, decreased. However, in patients with hyponatremia at hospital admission, higher levels of LDH, fibrinogen, troponin T and NT-ProBNP were detected at follow-up, compared to patients with normonatremia at admission. In addition, hyponatremia at admission was associated with worse echocardiography parameters related to right ventricular function, together with a higher RALE score.

Conclusion

These results suggest that early hyponatremia in COVID-19 patients is associated with the presence of laboratory and imaging parameters indicating a greater pulmonary and right-sided heart involvement at follow-up.
Evaluation of the Bond Stress Transfer Mechanism in CFSTs
Authors: Somma Giuliana , Vit Michele
Published: October 2022

This paper studies the non-linear distribution of bond–slip behavior in the steel concrete interface of a Concrete Filled Steel Tube (CFST). Specifically, it concerns the regions of geometric discontinuity occurring in composite beams of CFST column-frame connection points. The study was conducted through an analytical model that represented the bond stress transfer mechanism within these areas. The resulting deductions were drawn up on the basis of the elasticity theory and the non-linear bond–slip relationship between the steel jacket and the confined concrete. This paper highlights how the model proposed here was able to obtain, not only the closed-form analytical expression of the transferring length involved in the bond stress transfer mechanism in CFSTs but also the expressions of concrete and steel jacket stresses and strains. In addition, the procedure also obtained the bond stress and slip trend in the above-mentioned length for rectangular and circular concrete filled steel tubes. The use of this model also resulted in an analytical expression for the calculation of the ultimate load in CFSTs. In this paper, the ultimate load predictions were compared with the experimental results obtained from 97 tests carried out on circular concrete filled tubes (CCFTs) and 35 tests on rectangular concrete filled tubes (RCFTs). The predictions drawn up with this model have been found to be the most accurate and uniform in comparison with those obtained from models proposed by other authors and Eurocode. With reference to the experimental-to-analytical load value ratio, the AVG and COV values obtained from the model proposed here are 0.86 and 0.42, and 1.06 and 0.57 for CCFT and RCFT analyses, respectively.
Fundamentalist formations in Germany? ultramontanist catholicism and national socialism
Authors: Schlamelcher Jens
Published: October 2022

Central Europe is often seen as the “exceptional case” in the sociology of religion with a high degree of secularization, traditional religions in a process of decline, and fundamentalist movements small in numbers. However, this may not have always been the case. This article elaborates the analytical advantages to conceive late 19th century Catholicism and early 20th century National Socialism as two distinctive fundamentalist formations in Germany. Seen in this light, in between 1850 and 1945, fundamentalist movements were able to attract large strata of the population in Germany. This article includes four parts. First, I outline what I mean by the term “fundamentalism”. Second, I will describe 19th century German Catholicism, and thirdly, early 20th century National Socialism as a fundamentalist movement. In the conclusion I will discuss if their labelling as fundamentalist formations may be justified.
Assortment planning and pricing for configurable product under sequential choice process
Authors: Wang Yana , Chen Zhen-Song , Wang Xian-Jia
Published: October 2022

The current paper considers a retailer selling a vertically differentiated configurable product (e.g., a mobile phone), which is a combination of a required component (e.g., CPU) and an optional component (e.g., headphone). Each component consists of several quality-differentiated variants from which customers can choose. Customers differ in their valuation for quality, and each customer independently chooses the variant that maximizes his utility. First, the scenario where a customer’s purchase decision depends on the prices and assortments of both the required and optional components is examined. The results indicate that the assortment and price optimization problem for configurable products can be separated into each component category’s assortment and price decisions. Furthermore, the optimal assortment of each component category does not depend on the distribution of customer valuations. It is comprised of the variants that are on the lowest convex envelope curve of the quality-cost graph of that category. An efficient algorithm is proposed to identify the retailer’s optimal decisions. Then, we examine the case where a customer evaluates an optional variant only if he decides to purchase a required variant. The results suggest that: (i) there exist some relationships between the optimal decisions in the base choice model and that in the sequential choice model; (ii) overlooking the sequential choice behavior may result in broader assortment,  suboptimal prices, and profit loss.
Fleet deployment and speed optimization of container ships considering bunker fuel consumption heterogeneity
Authors: Gu Yuyun , Wang Yadong , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2022

The bunker fuel consumption cost takes up the largest percentage of the total operating cost of a container ship. How to control bunker fuel consumption is one of the important problems to be solved by the shipping companies. Especially nowadays, shipping companies have to reduce emissions to meet the regulations of the international maritime organization (IMO) and local governments. Bunker consumption is impacted by the sailing speed of ships, which also influences the round-trip time and the number of ships deploying on the specific routes. In addition, the ships deployed in the same route may have different consumption rates due to different construction techniques, waring out, etc. This paper considers two situations where bunker consumption functions are the same and different on different legs of the shipping route and establishes two mixed integer nonlinear programming models to adjust the fleet deployment with heterogenous ships and optimize ship sailing speed while maintaining the weekly service frequency to reduce the total operating cost which consists of bunker consumption cost and ship operation cost. Then two tailored exact algorithms are developed to obtain the global optimal solutions for the two models. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to verify the validity of the two models.
Travel route planning of core scenic spots based on best-worst method and genetic algorithm: a case study
Authors: Tu Yan , Zhao Ying , Liu Liyi , Nie Ling
Published: October 2022

Travel has become the most popular way to relieve stress at present. Choosing suitable travel cities and scenic spots among the many alternatives and planning travel routes are the two most troublesome problems for people. For the first question, this paper uses the multi-criteria decision-making method—best-worst method (BWM) to build a priority model of core scenic spots to help people filter out the cities and core scenic spots with the highest travel value from a large number of tourist attractions. For the second question, this paper uses the genetic algorithm to plan the travel route of core scenic spots, so as to reduce the cost of tourists in the travel process and improve the travel happiness as much as possible. Subsequently, a case about the selection of core scenic spots and travel route planning in Hubei Province of China was presented. Among them, 6 cities (i.e. 24 core scenic spots) with the highest travel priority were selected by the score of BWM. Then, the genetic algorithm was programmed by MATLAB to obtain the optimal travel routes of these 24 core scenic spots, with a total distance of 1355.72 km. This paper will promote the practical application of BWM and genetic algorithm.
Some interactive uncertain linguistic aggregation operators based on Shapley function and their application
Authors: Zhang ShaoLin , Meng FanYong , Li Xia
Published: October 2022

In this paper, two uncertain linguistic aggregation operators named the induced uncertain linguistic hybrid Shapley arithmetical averaging (IULHSAA) operator and the induced uncertain linguistic hybrid Shapley geometric mean (IULHSGM) operator are defined. These operators do not only globally consider the importance of the elements and their ordered positions but overall reflect the correlations between them, respectively. Furthermore, to reduce the complexity of solving a fuzzy measure, the induced uncertain linguistic hybrid 2-additive Shapley arithmetical averaging (IULHASAA) operator and the induced uncertain linguistic hybrid 2-additive Shapley geometric mean (IULHASGM) operator are defined. Moreover, if the weight information of experts and attributes is incompletely known, models for the optimal fuzzy measures are established. Meanwhile, an approach to multi-attribute group decision making under uncertain linguistic environment is developed, which considers the correlative characteristics between experts as well as between attributes. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the developed procedure.
Drawing a line: Digital transnational repression against political exiles and host state sovereignty
Authors: Michaelsen Marcus , Thumfart Johannes
Published: October 2022

Authoritarian regimes increasingly resort to surveillance and malware attacks to extend their coercive reach into the territory of other states and silence dissidents abroad. Recent scholarship has examined the methods of digital transnational repression and their detrimental effects on the fundamental rights and security of targeted individuals. However, the broader normative and security dimensions of these practices remain underexplored, especially with regard to the states hosting the affected exiles. Addressing this gap, our article investigates digital transnational repression as a potential violation of host state sovereignty. Mobilising emerging research on digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, we argue that digital repression can violate host state sovereignty in that it constitutes extraterritorial enforcement jurisdiction; interferes with open debate and national self-determination; impedes the host state's adherence to fundamental norms of international humanitarian law; and undermines host state authority, domestic sovereignty, and integrative capacities. We outline possible pathways to counter digital transnational repression, focusing notably on distributed cyber deterrence, punitive measures like sanctions, and norms and regulations restricting the global proliferation of offensive cyber capabilities. Building on a post-territorial notion of sovereignty that centres on the effects of state actions in and beyond cyberspace, our article contributes to reflections on a human-centric approach to cybersecurity.
The Comparative Politics of Cabinet Reshuffles
Authors: Helms Ludger , Vercesi Michelangelo
Published: October 2022

This special collection is devoted to cabinet reshuffles, which are understood as personnel-related changes within the lifetime of a cabinet. Scholars agree that cabinet reshuffles matter in many respects. To begin, they may shape intra-governmental relations, by either intensifying or helping solve cabinet conflicts. Further, they are important instruments for party leaders to promote or demote party representatives, with far-reaching possible consequences for the party and beyond. Last but not least, reshuffles may be used to increase governmental efficiency and often trigger policy change. The ever-increasing personalization of politics has fuelled the public interest in any ministerial personnel-related issues, and turned cabinet reshuffles into events of undisputed political and scholarly relevance. Despite the apparent importance and ubiquity of reshuffles, the international literature displays at least two major flaws: first, a lack of systematic comparison across countries and regimes and second, a strong notional and empirical bias towards Westminster democracies. This collection seeks to overcome these weaknesses and their limiting effects on the knowledge and understanding of key aspects of executive politics and executive–legislative relations. With that aim, it gathers novel comparative research on the different types, causes and effects of cabinet reshuffles in a variety of democratic and authoritarian systems. The theoretical approaches and empirical findings of the six articles featured mark a major contribution to the scholarship on political executives and executive elites in the contemporary world. This introductory piece offers a succinct historical overview of cabinet reshuffles in different contexts, and the study thereof.
Numerical simulations of swirling electrovortex flows in cylinders
Authors: Bénard S. , Herreman W. , Guermond J.L. , Nore C.
Published: October 2022

We study swirling electrovortex flows in a cylinder filled with GaInSn metal using axisymmetric and large-scale three-dimensional numerical simulations. In our set-up electrical currents enter and exit the cell symmetrically through wires and the result is a von Kármán-like flow. Three inductionless and an inductive flow regimes are identified. Scaling laws for the magnitude of the velocity in each of these regimes are obtained both numerically and explained theoretically. We study how the aspect ratio of the cell affects the flow and how symmetrically wired cells are different from asymmetrical wired cells. We vary the radius of the connecting wires and propose a simple model that captures how the flow's intensity varies with the wire radius.