bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Asymmetric O─O Radical Coupling Mechanism on Ru─O─Co for Enhanced Acidic Water Oxidation
Authors: Liang Jing , Gao Xutao , Xu Ke , Lu Jun , Liu Delong , Zhao Zhiwei , Tse Edmund C. M. , Peng Zhangquan , Zhang Wanbin , Liu Jinxuan
Published: July 2023

Heterogeneous oxides with multiple interfaces provide significant advantages in electrocatalytic activity and stability. However, controlling the local structure of these oxides is challenging. In this work, unique heterojunctions are demonstrated based on two oxide types, which are formed via pyrolysis of a ruthenocene metal–organic framework (Ru‐MOF) at specific temperatures. The resulted Ru‐MOF‐400 exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity, with an overpotential of 190 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.1 m HClO4, and a mass activity of 2557 A gRu−1, three orders of magnitude higher than commercial RuO2. The Ru─O─Co bond formed by the incorporation of Co into the rutile lattice of RuO2 inhibits the disolution of Ru. Operando electrochemical investigations and density functional theory results reveal that the Ru‐MOF‐400 undergo asymmetric dual‐active site oxide path mechanism during the acidic oxygen evolution reaction process, which is predominantly mediated by the asymmetric Ru─Co dual active site present at the interfaces between Co3O4 and CoRuOx.
Hierarchical Structuration in Protocellular System
Authors: Gao Rui , Yu Xinran , Kumar Bosukonda Veera Venkata Surya Pavan , Tian Liangfei
Published: July 2023

Spatial control is one of the ubiquitous features in biological systems and the key to the functional complexity of living cells. The strategies to achieve such precise spatial control in protocellular systems are crucial to constructing complex artificial living systems with functional collective behavior. Herein, the authors review recent advances in the spatial control within a single protocell or between different protocells and discuss how such hierarchical structured protocellular system can be used to understand complex living systems or to advance the development of functional microreactors with the programmable release of various biomacromolecular payloads, or smart protocell‐biological cell hybrid system.
Distance‐weighted discrimination for functional data
Authors: Sang Peijun
Published: July 2023

The main contribution of the paper is the development of a new margin‐based classifier called distance‐weighted discrimination (DWD) for functional data classification. The proposed classifier employs functional principal component analysis (FPCA) to reduce the dimensionality of the functional data and is free of the restrictive assumptions imposed by Bayes classifiers in terms of mean and covariance functions. Theoretical results show that the proposed classifier is Bayes risk consistent under mild assumptions. Simulation studies and real data examples demonstrate that the DWD classifier outperforms several conventional classifiers in terms of prediction accuracy. Overall, the paper provides a new approach for functional data classification with good empirical performance.
A comprehensive study of recent bioremediation approaches and techniques for a green and sustainable environment
Authors: Devi A. Sheela , Aravindhan M. S.
Published: July 2023

Aim and objective of this study focus on the bioremediation approaches and techniques for a clean and sustainable environment. Recently agriculture practices are facing enormous problems because of industry wastages are dumped into lakes and rivers etc. Farmers rely primarily on large‐scale chemical fertilizers to increase yields. To preserve and retain the nutrients in the soil and increase crop production modern bioremediation approaches and techniques may be incorporated. It explains the role of microorganisms and industrial waste treatment technology. The soil microbiome and biopesticides are alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. The contaminants of industrial wastes and their unpleasant effects are brief. The Recent types of bioremediation methods like microbial, genetically modified microbes, and phytobial technique are analyzed for mitigating the industrial wastages and enhanced bioremediation. Hence, this study elaborates various bioremediation approaches and techniques for a green and sustainable environment.
Short‐term wind power prediction based on stacked denoised auto‐encoder deep learning and multi‐level transfer learning
Authors: Peng Xiaosheng , Yang Zimin , Li Yinhuan , Wang Bo , Che Jianfeng
Published: July 2023

Wind power prediction (WPP) has an important impact on the security and reliability operations of the power grid. The major difficulty in power prediction of new, expanded, or reconstructed wind farms is the lack of operational data, which leads to insufficient training of the model and makes the prediction error of wind power become enormous. A short‐term WPP model based on stacked denoised auto‐encoder (SDAE) deep learning and multilevel transfer learning is proposed in this paper. First, the correlation coefficient between the samples of source wind farms and the target wind farm is calculated by using a network trained with the samples from the target wind farm. Second, the samples with high correlation coefficients in source wind farms are graded and migrated to the target wind farm to assist multilevel transfer learning. Finally, the samples from different grades are each used to train a layer of SDAE, and their weights and thresholds are migrated to the final network. The case study shows that the 24‐h‐day‐ahead normalized root‐mean‐square error (NRMSE) and 96‐h‐short‐term NRMSE obtained by the proposed method are 4.48% and 5.11% lower, respectively, compared with the model without transfer learning, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Elasticity solution for a hollow cylinder under axial end loads: Application to a blister of a stayed bridge
Authors: de Miranda Mario , de Miranda Marta , Falocchi Alessio , Ferrero Alberto , Marinini Luca
Published: July 2023

Starting from an applied problem related to the modeling of an element of a cable‐stayed bridge, we compute the elasticity solution for a hollow circular cylinder under axial end loads. We prove results of symmetry for the solution and we expand it in proper Fourier series; computing the Fourier coefficients in adapted power series, we provide the explicit solution. We consider an engineering case of study, applying the corresponding approximate formula and giving some estimates on the error committed with respect to the truncation of the series.
A direct detection view of the neutrino NSI landscape
Authors: Amaral Dorian , Cerdeño David , Cheek Andrew , Foldenauer Patrick
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In this article, we study the potential of direct detection experiments to explore the parameter space of general non-standard neutrino interactions (NSI) via solar neutrino scattering. Due to their sensitivity to neutrino-electron and neutrino-nucleus scattering, direct detection provides a complementary view of the NSI landscape to that of spallation sources and neutrino oscillation experiments. In particular, the large admixture of tau neutrinos in the solar flux makes direct detection experiments well-suited to probe the full flavour space of NSI. To study this, we develop a re-parametrisation of the NSI framework that explicitly includes a variable electron contribution and allows for a clear visualisation of the complementarity of the different experimental sources. Using this new parametrisation, we explore how previous bounds from spallation source and neutrino oscillation experiments are impacted. For the first time, we compute limits on NSI from the first results of the XENONnT and LUX-ZEPLIN experiments, and we obtain projections for future xenon-based experiments. These computations have been performed with our newly developed software package, SNuDD. Our results demonstrate the importance of using a more general NSI parametrisation and indicate that next generation direct detection experiments will become powerful probes of neutrino NSI.
Complete two-loop QCD amplitudes for tW production at hadron colliders
Authors: Chen Long-Bin , Dong Liang , Li Hai Tao , Li Zhao , Wang Jian , Wang Yefan
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We have calculated the complete two-loop QCD amplitudes for hadronic tW production by combining analytical and numerical techniques. The amplitudes have been first reduced to master integrals of eight planar and seven non-planar families, which can contain at most four massive propagators. Then a rational transformation of the master integrals is found to obtain a good basis so that the dimensional parameter decouples from the kinematic variables in the denominators of reduction coefficients. The master integrals are computed by solving their differential equations numerically. We find that the finite part of the two-loop squared amplitude is stable in the bulk of the phase space. After phase space integration and convolution with the parton distributions, it increases the LO cross section at the 13 TeV LHC by about 3%.
Disconnected 0-form and 2-group symmetries
Authors: Bhardwaj Lakshya , Gould Dewi S. W.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Quantum field theories can have both continuous and finite 0-form symmetries. We study global symmetry structures that arise when both kinds of 0-form symmetries are present. The global structure associated to continuous 0-form symmetries is described by a connected Lie group, which captures the possible backgrounds of the continuous 0-form symmetries the theory can be coupled to. Finite 0-form symmetries can act as outer-automorphisms of this connected Lie group. Consequently, possible background couplings to both continuous and finite 0-form symmetries are described by a disconnected Lie group, and we call the resulting symmetry structure a disconnected 0-form symmetry. Additionally, finite 0-form symmetries may act on the 1-form symmetry group. The 1-form symmetries and continuous 0-form symmetries may combine to form a 2-group, which when combined with finite 0-form symmetries leads to another type of 2-group, that we call a disconnected 2-group and the resulting symmetry structure a disconnected 2-group symmetry. Examples of arbitrarily complex disconnected 0-form and 2-group symmetries in any spacetime dimension are furnished by gauge theories: with 1-form symmetries arising from the center of the gauge group, continuous 0-form symmetries arising as flavor symmetries acting on matter content, and finite 0-form symmetries arising from outer-automorphisms of gauge and flavor Lie algebras.
A new combinatorial characterization of (quasi)-Hermitian surfaces
Authors: Napolitano Vito
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we present a combinatorial characterization of a quasi-Hermitian surface as a set $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
of points of $$\textrm{PG}(3,q)$$

PG
(
3
,
q
)

, $$q=p^{2h}$$

q
=

p

2
h

$$h\ge 1$$

h
≥
1

, p a prime number and $$q\ne 4$$

q
≠
4

, having the same size as the Hermitian surface and containing no plane, such that either a line is contained in $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
or intersects $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
in at most $$\sqrt{q}+1$$

q

+
1

points and every plane intersects $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
in at least $$q\sqrt{q}+1$$

q

q

+
1

points. Moreover, if there is no external line, the set $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
is a Hermitian surface.
Growth and Integrability of Some Birational Maps in Dimension Three
Authors: Graffeo Michele , Gubbiotti Giorgio
Published: July 2023

Motivated by the study of the Kahan–Hirota–Kimura discretisation of the Euler top, we characterise the growth and integrability properties of a collection of elements in the Cremona group of a complex projective 3-space using techniques from algebraic geometry. This collection consists of maps obtained by composing the standard Cremona transformation$${{\,\textrm{c}\,}}_3\in {{\,\textrm{Bir}\,}}(\mathbb {P}^3)$$c3∈Bir(P3)with projectivities that permute the fixed points of$${{\,\textrm{c}\,}}_3$$c3and the points over which$${{\,\textrm{c}\,}}_3$$c3performs a divisorial contraction. Specifically, we show that three behaviour are possible: (A) integrable with quadratic degree growth and two invariants, (B) periodic with two-periodic degree sequences and more than two invariants, and (C) non-integrable with submaximal degree growth and one invariant.
Second-grade elasticity of three-dimensional pantographic lattices: theory and numerical experiments
Authors: Giorgio Ivan , dell’Isola Francesco , Steigmann David J.
Published: July 2023

A continuum theory of pantographic lattices, based on second-grade elasticity, is presented. The proposed model is able to describe the mechanical behavior of a type of material structure made up of multiple layers of pantographic sheets connected with a third family of fibers. Thus, these materials are characterized by an orthogonal pattern of fibers that can bend, stretch and twist. Numerical experiments illustrate the predictive potential of the model when the material is subjected to different types of mechanical loads, including compression, torsion and two kinds of bending. Analyzing the material responses for these various tests makes it possible to reveal unusual deformation patterns characteristic of such “pantographic blocks.” Numerical simulations using the finite element method are intended to assist in designing an experimental program using 3D-printed specimens made of different materials.
Determination of anti-SARS-CoV-2 virustatic pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment using high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Bartels Indra , Jaeger Martin , Schmidt Torsten C.
Published: July 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the global population since 2019. The rapid development and approval of vaccines has brought relief. Yet, effective cures are still being researched. Even if the pandemic situation may end, SARS-CoV-2 will remain and, thus, continued application of the drugs will lead to emissions of the active ingredients into the aquatic environment, as with other anthropogenic micropollutants. However, a general method for trace analysis of antiviral drugs is still missing. To this purpose, favipiravir, remdesivir, its active metabolite GS-441524, molnupiravir and its active metabolite EIDD-1931 were selected as representative analytes. A method was developed based on solid phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry. Optimization comprised the choice of chromatographic columns, elution gradient, mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry parameters. Solid phase extraction proved suitable for increase in limits of detection and quantitation. amelioration of the limits of detection and quantitation. Matrix effects were investigated applying the optimized method to a wastewater sample with added virustatics. All five compounds could be separated with reversed phase chromatography, whereas EIDD-1931 profited from hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. The optimized method yielded limits of detection and quantification of 2.1·10-1, 6.9·10-1 µg·L-1 for favipiravir, 1.8·10-3, 5.5·10-3 µg·L-1 for remdesivir, 1.9·10-3, 7.6·10-3 µg·L-1 for GS-441524, 2.9·10-3, 8.7·10-3 µg·L-1 for molnupiravir, and 1.3·10-1, 3.8·10-1 µg·L-1 for EIDD 1931. The method was first applied to compound stability testing at pH 2.8 and 9.7. At pH 2.8, remdesivir, GS-441524 and molnupiravir proved stable, whereas about 14% of EIDD-1931 and favipiravir were degraded. All five antiviral compounds were almost completely decomposed at pH 9.7. The application of the method was further demonstrated for potential transformation product detection on favipiravir ozonation monitoring.

Graphical abstract
Risk Factors for Recurrence of Cholangitis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Comparison of Stents in Hepaticojejunostomy
Authors: Fukuoka Hirotaka , Toyama Hirochika , Mizumoto Takuya , Ishida Jun , Asari Sadaki , Goto Tadahiro , Nanno Yoshihide , Urade Takeshi , Fukushima Kenji , Gon Hidetoshi , Tsugawa Daisuke , Komatsu Shohei , Kuramitsu Kaori , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Kido Masahiro , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: July 2023

Background

Postoperative cholangitis is a common complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Frequent cholangitis impairs patients’ quality of life after pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, the risk factors for recurrence of cholangitis remain unclear. Hence, this retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrence of cholangitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2015 and 2019 in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. At least two episodes of cholangitis a year after pancreaticoduodenectomy were defined as ‘recurrence of cholangitis’ in the present study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

The recurrence of cholangitis occurred in 40 of 207 patients (19.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that internal stent (external, RR: 2.16, P = 0.026; none, RR: 4.76, P = 0.011), firm pancreas (RR: 2.61, P = 0.021), constipation (RR: 3.49, P = 0.008), and postoperative total bilirubin>1.7 mg/dL (RR: 2.94, P = 0.006) were risk factors of recurrence of cholangitis. Among patients with internal stents (n = 54), those with remnant stents beyond 5 months had more frequent recurrence of cholangitis (≥5 months, 75%; <5 months, 30%).

Conclusions

Internal stents, firm pancreas, constipation, and postoperative high bilirubin levels are risk factors for cholangitis recurrence after pancreaticoduodenectomy. In addition, the long‐term implantation of internal stents may trigger cholangitis recurrence.
Model incorporating multiple diffusion MRI features: development and validation of a radiomics-based model to predict adult-type diffuse gliomas grade
Authors: Wang Peng , Xie Shenghui , Wu Qiong , Weng Lixin , Hao Zhiyue , Yuan Pengxuan , Zhang Chi , Gao Weilin , Wang Shaoyu , Zhang Huapeng , Song Yang , He Jinlong , Gao Yang
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To develop and validate a radiomics-based model (ADGGIP) for predicting adult-type diffuse gliomas (ADG) grade by combining multiple diffusion modalities and clinical and imaging morphologic features.

Methods

In this prospective study, we recruited 103 participants diagnosed with ADG and collected their preoperative conventional MRI and multiple diffusion imaging (diffusion tensor imaging, diffusion kurtosis imaging, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, and mean apparent propagator diffusion-MRI) data in our hospital, as well as clinical information. Radiomic features of the diffusion images and clinical information and morphological data from the radiological reports were extracted, and multiple pipelines were used to construct the optimal model. Model validation was performed through a time-independent validation cohort. ROC curves were used to evaluate model performance. The clinical benefit was determined by decision curve analysis.

Results

From June 2018 to May 2021, 72 participants were recruited for the training cohort. Between June 2021 and February 2022, 31 participants were enrolled in the prospective validation cohort. In the training cohort (AUC 0.958), internal validation cohort (0.942), and prospective validation cohort (0.880), ADGGIP had good accuracy in predicting ADG grade. ADGGIP was also significantly better than the single-modality prediction model (AUC 0.860) and clinical imaging morphology model (0.841) (all p < .01) in the prospective validation cohort. When the threshold probability was greater than 5%, ADGGIP provided the greatest net benefit.

Conclusion

ADGGIP, which is based on advanced diffusion modalities, can predict the grade of ADG with high accuracy and robustness and can help improve clinical decision-making.

Clinical relevance statement

Integrated multi-modal predictive modeling is beneficial for early detection and treatment planning of adult-type diffuse gliomas, as well as for investigating the genuine clinical significance of biomarkers.

Key Points

• Integrated model exhibits the highest performance and stability.

• When the threshold is greater than 5%, the integrated model has the greatest net benefit.

• The advanced diffusion models do not demonstrate better performance than the simple technology.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy in non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy: a multi-center prospective study
Authors: Gillespie Conor S. , Hall Benjamin J. , George Alan M. , Hennigan Dawn , Sneade Christine , Cawker Stephanie , Silva Adikarige Haritha Dulanka , Vloeberghs Michael , Aquilina Kristian , Pettorini Benedetta
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Assess the effects of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) on motor function and quality of life in children with a Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level of IV or V (non-ambulatory).

Methods

This is a prospective, observational study in three tertiary neurosurgery units in England, UK, performing SDR on children aged 3–18 with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, and a GMFCS level of IV or V, between 2012 and 2019. The primary outcome measure was the change in the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) from baseline to 24 months after SDR, using a linear mixed effects model. Secondary outcomes included spasticity, bladder function, quality of life, and pain scores.

Results

Between 2012 and 2019, 144 children who satisfied these inclusion criteria underwent SDR. The mean age was 8.2 years. Fifty-two percent were female. Mean GMFM-66 score was available in 77 patients (53.5%) and in 39 patients (27.1%) at 24 months after SDR. The mean increase between baseline and 24 months post-SDR was 2.4 units (95% CI 1.7–3.1, p < 0.001, annual change 1.2 units). Of the 67 patients with a GMFM-66 measurement available, a documented increase in gross motor function was seen in 77.6% (n = 52). Of 101 patients with spasticity data available, mean Ashworth scale decreased after surgery (2.74 to 0.30). Of patients’ pain scores, 60.7% (n = 34) improved, and 96.4% (n = 56) of patients’ pain scores remained the same or improved. Bladder function improved in 30.9% of patients.

Conclusions

SDR improved gross motor function and reduced pain in most patients at 24 months after surgery, although the improvement is less pronounced than in children with GMFCS levels II and III. SDR should be considered in non-ambulant patients.
The influence of intraoperative auditory brainstem responses on vibroplasty coupling-quality and analysis of the impact of different fixation steps on the coupling
Authors: Dejaco Daniel , Riedl David , Gottfried Timo Maria , Santer Matthias , Runge Annette , Seebacher Josef , Zelger Philipp , Lia Bicego , Joachim Schmutzhard
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) is an established active-middle-ear-implant for patients with moderate-to-profound hearing-loss. This surgery is referred to as “Vibroplasty”. Sufficient transfer of the VSB’s floating-mass-transducers (FMT) energy to the inner ear is a crucial factor influencing the coupling-quality (CQ). However, assessing CQ is hamper by two issues: the method of CQ-assessment itself and the method of FMT-fixation during Vibroplasty.

Methods

This prospective study explored the influence of intraoperative auditory-brainstem-response (+ ABR) measurements and various fixation methods on postoperative CQ after Vibroplasty as compared to matched-patients after Vibroplasty without intraoperative ABR (-ABR). Propensity-score-matching was performed based on preoperative bone-conduction-pure-tone-average-3 (BC-PTA3) at 1-, 2- and 4 kHz. Primary outcome parameters were postoperative CQ-PTA3, intraoperative ABR threshold for various fixation methods and postoperative BC-PTA3.

Results

A total of 28 patients were included, of which 14 were + ABR. Preoperative BC-PTA3, sex, age, and number of previous surgeries did not differ significantly between groups (all p > 0.301). Mean postoperative CQ-PTA3 was significantly better for + ABR (1.8 vs. 12.3 dB-HL; p = 0.006). Mean intraoperative ABR threshold was superior for cartilage-counter-bearing and cartilage-housing compared to additional fixation with injectable-platelet-rich- fibrin (53 vs. 56 & 57 dB-HL, respectively; p = 0.04; η2 = 0.33). Mean postoperative BC-PTA3 did not significantly differ between patients (41.4 vs. 41.8 dB-HL; p = 0.77). A total of 7% of the patients required intraoperative readjustment of the FMT based on unsatisfactory intraoperative ABR threshold.

Conclusion

Intraoperative ABR measurement resulted in significantly better postoperative CQ. Cartilage-counter-bearing and cartilage-housing were observed to have superior CQ. A total of 7% of the patients could be spared revision-Vibroplasty due to intraoperative ABR measurement.
Relationship between working conditions and mental health of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers vs. natives in Europe: a systematic review
Authors: Herold Regina , Lieb Marietta , Borho Andrea , Voss Amanda , Unverzagt Susanne , Morawa Eva , Erim Yesim
Published: July 2023

Objective

Migrants and refugees/asylum seekers make up a significant proportion of the European workforce. They often suffer from poor working conditions, which might impact mental health. The main objective of this systematic review was to summarize and analyze existing research on working conditions of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers in European host countries and compare them to those of natives. Furthermore, the relationship between working conditions and mental health of migrants/refugees/asylum seekers and natives will be compared.

Methods

Three electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo and CINAHL) were systematically searched for eligible articles using quantitative study designs written in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish or Turkish and published from January 1, 2016 to October 27, 2022. Primary health outcomes were diagnosed psychiatric and psychological disorders, suicide (attempts), psychiatric and psychological symptoms, and perceived distress. Secondary health outcomes were more general concepts of mental health such as well-being, life satisfaction and quality of life. Screening, data extraction and the methodological quality assessment of primary studies by using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale were done independently by two reviewers. The results of the primary studies were summarized descriptively. Migrants and refugees/asylum seekers were compared with natives in terms of the association between working conditions and mental health.

Results

Migrants and refugees often face disadvantages at work concerning organizational (low-skilled work, overqualification, fixed-term contracts, shift work, lower reward levels) and social conditions (discrimination experiences) in contrast to natives. Most unfavorable working conditions are associated with worse mental health for migrants as well as for natives.

Conclusions

Even if the results are to be taken with caution, it is necessary to control and improve the working conditions of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers and adapt them to those of the native population to maintain their mental health and thus their labor force.
Optimizing diagnostic methods and stem cell transplantation outcomes in pediatric bone marrow failure: a 50-year single center experience
Authors: Vissers Lotte , van der Burg Mirjam , Lankester Arjan , Smiers Frans , Mohseny Alexander
Published: July 2023

Peripheral blood cytopenia, a frequent presenting symptom in pediatric patients, can be caused by bone marrow failure (BMF). Timely identification of patients with non-reversible BMF is of crucial importance to reduce the risks of invasive infections and bleeding complications. Most pediatric patients with severe persistent cytopenia, independent of the underlying cause, are offered allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as curative therapy. Here we report on our management guidelines and HSCT outcomes of pediatric BMF patients to pinpoint improvements and future challenges. We formulated recommendations based on this 50 years’ experience, which were implemented at our center in 2017. By analysis of the HSCT cohort of 2017–2023, the 5-year outcome data is presented and compared to historical outcome data. In addition, outcomes of patients transplanted for identified inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are compared to severe aplastic anemia (SAA) outcomes to underline the often multiorgan disease in IBMFS with implications for long-term survival. Survival of pediatric patients with irreversible BMF has improved tremendously. SAA patients transplanted after 2017 had a superior 5-year overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of 97% and 85% compared to 68% and 59% in the cohort transplanted before 2017 (p = 0.0011 and p = 0.017). A similar trend was seen for BMF, with an OS and EFS of 89% for those transplanted after 2017 compared to 62% and 59% (p > 0.05). This improvement is mainly related to better survival in the first months after HSCT. The long-term survival after HSCT is lower in IBMFS patients as compared to SAA patients due to secondary malignancies and multiorgan toxicity.

   Conclusion: Unbiased protocolized in-depth diagnostic strategies are crucial to increase the frequency of identifiable causes within the heterogeneous group of pediatric BMF. A comprehensive approach to identify the cause of BMF can prevent treatment delay and be useful to tailor treatment and follow-up protocols.

What is Known:• Irreversible BMF in pediatric patients can be caused by a wide spectrum of underlying diseases including (pre)malignant disease, IBMFS and AA. Identifying the exact underlying cause of BMF is crucial for tailored therapy, however often challenging and time-consuming.• Frontline allogeneic HSCT is offered to most pediatric patients with severe BMF as curative treatment.

What is New:• Protocolized unbiased diagnostics, short time to treatment (< 3 months) and maximal supportive care until curative treatment can prevent complications with a negative effect on survival such as infection and bleeding.• Personalized follow-up protocols for IBMFS patients are essential to prevent a second decline in survival due to long-term treatment toxicity and extra-hematological disease complications.
Computing a Minimum Subset Feedback Vertex Set on Chordal Graphs Parameterized by Leafage
Authors: Papadopoulos Charis , Tzimas Spyridon
Published: July 2023

Chordal graphs are characterized as the intersection graphs of subtrees in a tree and such a representation is known as the tree model. Restricting the characterization results in well-known subclasses of chordal graphs such as interval graphs or split graphs. A typical example of a problem that does not behave computationally the same in all subclasses of chordal graphs is the Subset Feedback Vertex Set (SFVS) problem: given a vertex-weighted graph $$G=(V,E)$$

G
=
(
V
,
E
)

and a set $$S\subseteq V$$

S
⊆
V

, we seek for a vertex set of minimum weight that intersects all cycles containing a vertex of S. SFVS is known to be polynomial-time solvable on interval graphs, whereas SFVS remains np-complete on split graphs and, consequently, on chordal graphs. Towards a better understanding of the complexity of SFVS on subclasses of chordal graphs, we exploit structural properties of a tree model in order to cope with the hardness of SFVS. Here we consider the leafage, which measures the minimum number of leaves in a tree model. We show that SFVS can be solved in polynomial time for every chordal graph with bounded leafage. In particular, given a chordal graph on n vertices with leafage $$\ell $$
ℓ
, we provide an algorithm for solving SFVS with running time $$n^{O(\ell )}$$

n

O
(
ℓ
)

, thus improving upon $$n^{O(\ell ^2)}$$

n

O
(

ℓ
2

)

, which is the running time of an approach that utilizes the previously known algorithm for graphs with bounded mim-width. We complement our result by showing that SFVS is w[1]-hard parameterized by $$\ell $$
ℓ
. Pushing further our positive result, it is natural to also consider the vertex leafage, which measures the minimum upper bound on the number of leaves of every subtree in a tree model. However, we show that it is unlikely to obtain a similar result, as we prove that SFVS remains np-complete on undirected path graphs, i.e., chordal graphs having vertex leafage at most two. Lastly, we provide a polynomial-time algorithm for solving SFVS on rooted path graphs, a proper subclass of undirected path graphs and graphs with mim-width one, which is faster than the approach of constructing a graph decomposition of mim-width one and applying the previously known algorithm for graphs with bounded mim-width.
Chevalier Jackson: father of endoscopic surgery, and champion of women in medicine, social justice, and public health
Authors: Eriksson Sven E. , Jobe Blair A. , Ayazi Shahin
Published: July 2023

Backgrounds

Chevalier Jackson (1865–1958) was a pioneering force in the medical world, whose extraordinary contributions to surgery and public health have left an indelible impact. He developed the endoscope and perfected the bronchoscope, and his mastery of these tools enabled him to transform the prognosis of foreign body aspiration from 98% mortality to 98% survival. He was also a passionate advocate of public health chairing the national committee on lye legislation, which culminated in the Caustic Poison Act, responsible for poison and antidote labels. Yet Jackson’s accomplishments were not limited to these. The aim of this manuscript was to shed light on Chevalier Jackson’s lesser-known contributions to surgical science and culture, and to celebrate and honor the life of this remarkable surgeon.

Methods

Digital and physical historical records from the National Library of Medicine, Smithsonian Institution, Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh PA, and Sunrise Mill Museum, Montgomery County PA were reviewed for Chevalier Jackson’s scientific, cultural, and social contributions to the field of surgery.

Results

Among his lesser-known contributions, Chevalier Jackson was the first to describe erosive esophagitis. He developed the first standardized tracheotomy procedure, still in use today. He was ahead of his time in many ways, pioneering a multidisciplinary approach to medicine, advocating for patient-centered care, and advancing the inclusion of women in the medical profession.

Conclusion

Chevalier Jackson’s legacy extends far beyond the tools and techniques he invented. He was a champion of social justice, a protector of patients, and an inspiration to medical professionals across the globe.
Effect of the use of platelet concentrates on new bone formation in alveolar ridge preservation: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Baca-González Laura , González-Serrano José , Torres Jesús , López-Pintor Rosa María
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To investigate the histomorphometric changes occurring in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) based on the use of different plasma concentrates (PCs) in randomized clinical trials (RCT). There is controversy whether the placement of PCs in ARP is effective in the formation of new bone.

Materials and methods

A systematic review search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database to answer the PICO question: In patients undergoing tooth extraction followed by ARP, do PCs alone in the post-extraction socket in comparison with spontaneous healing improve new vital bone formation percentage in histomorphometric analysis after more than 10 weeks? The risk of bias was assessed and a meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

Of 3809 results, 8 studies were considered suitable for inclusion. A total of 255 teeth were extracted in 250 patients. Regarding the PCs used, ARP was performed with platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in 120 sockets, and with pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) in 31 sockets and 104 sockets were controlled. PCs improved new bone formation in ARP with respect to the spontaneous healing group (SMD = 1.77, 95%C.I. = 1.47–2.06, p-value < 000.1). There were no differences between the different PCs (L-PRF and P-PRP).

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis support the efficacy of the use of PCs in new bone formation in ARP. With respect to the different types of PCs studied, no differences were observed.

Clinical relevance

When planning implant surgery after tooth extraction, treatment with PCs should be considered for ARP. Any PC increases new bone formation compared to spontaneous healing.
Supply chain disruptions would increase agricultural greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Foong Adrian , Pradhan Prajal , Frör Oliver
Published: July 2023

We investigate the impacts of a global crisis to trade systems such as the Russia-Ukraine war on agricultural emissions, using two emissions accounting approaches: (1) the production-based approach, which only accounts for domestic emissions, and (2) the trade-adjustment approach, which considers imports and exports when calculating emissions. We find that global emissions can substantially increase in the crisis scenario. The relative degree of change, however, varies between the two approaches. At the country level, the largest increases are found in several import-dependent countries. Reasons are likely two-fold: (1) high dependence of certain countries on food imports from Russia and Ukraine, and (2) higher emission intensities (i.e., amount of emissions per unit of product) of imported food items relative to emission intensities in Russia and Ukraine. Very few countries show lower emissions in the crisis scenario. Our results thus highlight the urgent need for countries to lower domestic agricultural emission intensities to avoid negative repercussions on their domestic emissions while increasing agricultural production. Concurrently, our findings underscore the benefits of an emissions accounting process that considers trade flows. By reforming food systems and adopting a trade-adjustment approach in emissions accounting, food systems can contribute towards effective climate mitigation as well as become more resilient to global shocks.
Age effects in Darwin’s finches: older males build more concealed nests in areas with more heterospecific singing neighbors
Authors: Huge Antonia C. , Adreani Nicolas M. , Colombelli-Négrel Diane , Akçay Çağlar , Common Lauren K. , Kleindorfer Sonia
Published: July 2023

Nesting success tends to increase with age in birds, in part because older birds select more concealed nest sites based on experience and/or an assessment of prevailing predation risk. In general, greater plant diversity is associated with more biodiversity and more vegetation cover. Here, we ask if older Darwin’s finch males nest in areas with greater vegetation cover and if these nest sites also have greater avian species diversity assessed using song. We compared patterns in Darwin’s Small Tree Finch (Camarhynchus parvulus) and Darwin’s Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) as males build the nest in both systems. We measured vegetation cover, nesting height, and con- vs. heterospecific songs per minute at 55 nests (22 C. parvulus, 33 G. fuliginosa). As expected, in both species, older males built nests in areas with more vegetation cover and these nests had less predation. A novel finding is that nests of older males also had more heterospecific singing neighbors. Future research could test whether older males outcompete younger males for access to preferred nest sites that are more concealed and sustain a greater local biodiversity. The findings also raise questions about the ontogenetic and fitness consequences of different acoustical experiences for developing nestlings inside the nest.
Modeling Gas Flows in Packed Beds with the Lattice Boltzmann Method: Validation Against Experiments
Authors: Neeraj Tanya , Velten Christin , Janiga Gabor , Zähringer Katharina , Namdar Reza , Varnik Fathollah , Thévenin Dominique , Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: July 2023

This study aims to validate the lattice Boltzmann method and assess its ability to accurately describe the behavior of gaseous flows in packed beds. To that end, simulations of a model packed bed reactor, corresponding to an experimental bench, are conducted, and the results are directly compared with experimental data obtained by particle image velocimetry measurements. It is found that the lattice Boltzmann solver exhibits very good agreement with experimental measurements. Then, the numerical solver is further used to analyze the effect of the number of packing layers on the flow structure and to determine the minimum bed height above which the changes in flow structure become insignificant. Finally, flow fluctuations in time are discussed. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the behavior of the gas flow in packed bed reactors, opening the door for further investigations involving additionally chemical reactions, as found in many practical applications.
Revisiting the Received Image of Machiavelli in Business Ethics Through a Close Reading of The Prince and Discourses
Authors: Maity Moutusy , Roy Nandita , Majumder Doyeeta , Chakravarty Prasanta
Published: July 2023

In business ethics literature, the figure of Machiavelli is often taken as a representation of that which is dark, sinister and negative—a source of inspiration for undesirable and unethical actions. In this research, we examine the evaluation of Niccolò Machiavelli’s thought in extant studies, and posit that Machiavelli’s works consist of ideas that may appear contradictory, which, coupled with historically contextualized close reading of his texts have more to offer. In this theoretical investigation, we construct new conceptual categories of a leader’s decision-making rubric and attempt to provide a structured framework that will allow us to specify the boundary conditions under which the apparent contrary views may be accommodated, by undertaking a close reading of Machiavelli’s texts. Our work contributes to business ethics literature in at least three ways. First, we present a holistic assessment of the research area that applies the tenets of Machiavelli’s writings to business ethics, management, and organizational studies, and delineate the dominant themes. We outline and substantiate the informal research networks, thought structures, and “invisible colleges” that form the intellectual framework of this research area through a bibliometric analysis and literature review. Second, we present a contextualized close reading of Machiavelli’s major treatises. Third, we reimagine the critical landscape of business ethics literature, specifically pertaining to Machiavelli’s oeuvre by shifting the single-minded focus from The Prince, by including The Discourses, which, as we show, has new and unprecedented implications for business ethics. In light of this, the parameters for ethical action by business leaders can be redrawn according to a Machiavellian schema. This marks a radical departure from the long-standing association between Machiavelli’s tenets and the absence of ethics, instead proposing a more positive and affirmative relationship between Machiavelli and business ethics. Specifically, while pointing out that the existing ethical frameworks foisted on Machiavelli’s texts do not do justice to the political philosopher’s worldview, which are complex insights into ideas of leadership, we urge researchers to incorporate the thoughts offered in this research in future investigations.
Is there a Green Dividend of National Redistribution?
Authors: Gürer Eren , Weichenrieder Alfons J.
Published: July 2023

CO2 emissions are disproportionately caused by more affluent consumers. In the political debate, this fact has triggered the demand for income redistribution and wealth taxes not only to reduce inequality but also to reduce CO2 emissions. This paper calculates the possible size of a green dividend, i.e., a reduction in total national CO2 emissions, of redistribution in 26 countries and concludes that, for most EU countries, it is negative if the redistribution is efficient, in the sense that it keeps average incomes constant. If the redistribution introduces inefficiencies that lead to total income losses, the negative green dividend, otherwise associated with additional redistribution, may be avoided.
Correction to: Optimizing Predictive Performance of Bayesian Forecasting for Vancomycin Concentration in Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Guo Tingjie , van Hest Reinier M. , Zwep Laura B. , Roggeveen Luca F. , Fleuren Lucas M. , Bosman Rob J. , van der Voort Peter H. J. , Girbes Armand R. J. , Mathot Ron A. A. , Elbers Paul W. G. , van Hasselt Johan G. C.
Published: July 2023

This article was updated to correct Figs. 1 and 4 as author corrections were overlooked during the production process.
Effects ﻿of esketamine on patient-reported outcomes in major depressive disorder with active suicidal ideation and intent: a pooled analysis of two randomized phase 3 trials (ASPIRE I and ASPIRE II)
Authors: Jamieson Carol , Canuso Carla M. , Ionescu Dawn F. , Lane Rosanne , Qiu Xin , Rozjabek Heather , Molero Patricio , Fu Dong-Jing
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To assess the effect of esketamine nasal spray on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with major depressive disorder having active suicidal ideation with intent (MDSI).

Methods

Patient-level data from two phase 3 studies (ASPIRE I; ASPIRE II) of esketamine + standard of care (SOC) in patients (aged 18–64 years) with MDSI, were pooled. PROs were evaluated from baseline through end of the double-blind treatment phase (day 25). Outcome assessments included: Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Quality of Life (QoL) in Depression Scale (QLDS), European QoL Group-5-Dimension-5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), and 9-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9). Changes in BHS and QLDS scores (baseline to day 25) were analyzed using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures (MMRM).

Results

Pooled data for esketamine + SOC (n = 226; mean age: 40.5 years, 59.3% females) and placebo + SOC (n = 225; mean age: 39.6 years, 62.2% females) were analyzed. Mean ± SD change from baseline to day 25, esketamine + SOC vs placebo + SOC (least-square mean difference [95% CI] based on MMRM): BHS total score, − 7.4 ± 6.7 vs − 6.8 ± 6.5 [− 1.0 (− 2.23, 0.21)]; QLDS score, − 14.4 ± 11.5 vs − 12.2 ± 10.8 [− 3.1 (− 5.21, − 1.02)]. Relative risk (95% CI) of reporting perceived problems (slight to extreme) in EQ-5D-5L dimensions (day 25) in esketamine + SOC vs placebo + SOC: mobility [0.78 (0.50, 1.20)], self-care [0.83 (0.55, 1.27)], usual activities [0.87 (0.72, 1.05)], pain/discomfort [0.85 (0.69, 1.04)], and anxiety/depression [0.90 (0.80, 1.00)]. Mean ± SD changes from baseline in esketamine + SOC vs placebo + SOC for health status index: 0.23 ± 0.21 vs 0.19 ± 0.22; and for EQ-Visual Analogue Scale: 24.0 ± 27.2 vs 19.3 ± 24.4. At day 25, mean ± SD in domains of TSQM-9 scores in esketamine + SOC vs placebo + SOC were: effectiveness, 67.2 ± 25.3 vs 56.2 ± 26.8; global satisfaction, 69.9 ± 25.2 vs 56.3 ± 27.8; and convenience, 74.0 ± 19.4 vs 75.4 ± 18.7.

Conclusion

These PRO data support the patient perspective of the effect associated with esketamine + SOC in improving health-related QoL in patients with MDSI.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ASPIRE I, NCT03039192 (Registration date: February 1, 2017); ASPIRE II, NCT03097133 (Registration date: March 31, 2017).