bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the economics of storage for electricity: Current state and future market design prospects
Authors: Haas Reinhard , Kemfert Claudia , Auer Hans , Ajanovic Amela , Sayer Marlene , Hiesl Albert
Published: January 2022

Since the early beginnings of the electricity system, storage has been of high relevance for balancing supply and demand. Through expanded electricity production by variable renewable technologies such as wind and photovoltaics, the discussion about new options for storage technologies is emerging. In addition, the electricity markets were subject to remarkable alterations. Some developments which describe these changes are increasing electricity generation from variable renewables and the continuing decentralization. These developments have led, among other required transformations, to demands for additional capacities of storage technologies. However, their economics will play a crucial role in their effective market penetration in the following years. The core objective of this work is to conduct a review on the relevance of storage options for electricity and its costs, economics, welfare effects, and on issues of electricity market design. In addition, based on expected Technological Learning prospects for future economics are derived. The major result is that the perspectives of electricity storage systems from an economic viewpoint are highly dependent on the storage's operation time, the nature of the overall system, availability of other flexibility options, and sector coupling. All market‐based storage technologies have to prove their performance in the large electricity markets or if applied decentralized, the (battery) systems compete with the electricity prices at the final customers level when the battery costs are also taken into consideration. Yet, new storage capacities should only be added when it is clear that electricity generation from variable renewables will also be expanded in a way that excess generation is expected.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Economics > Green Economics and Financing

Energy and Power Systems > Energy Infrastructure

Emerging Technologies > Energy Storage
Increasing animal cognition research in zoos
Authors: Garcia‐Pelegrin Elias , Clark Fay , Miller Rachael
Published: January 2022

Animal cognition covers various mental processes including perception, learning, decision‐making and memory, and animal behavior is often used as a proxy for measuring cognition. Animal cognition/behavior research has multiple benefits; it provides fundamental knowledge of animal biology and evolution but can also have applied conservation and welfare applications. Zoos provide an excellent yet relatively untapped resource for animal cognition research, because they house a wide variety of species—many of which are under threat—and allow close observation and relatively high experimental control compared to the wild. Multi‐zoo collaboration leads to increased sample size and species representation, which in turn leads to more robust science. However, there are salient challenges associated with zoo‐based cognitive research, which are animal‐based (e.g., small sample sizes at single zoos, untrained/unhabituated subjects, side effects) and human‐based (e.g., time restrictions, safety concerns, and perceptions of animals interacting with unnatural technology or apparatus). We aim to increase the understanding and subsequent uptake of animal cognition research in zoos, by transparently outlining the main benefits and challenges. Importantly, we use our own research (1) a study on novelty responses in hornbills, and (2) a multi‐site collaboration called the “ManyBirds” Project to demonstrate how challenges may be overcome. These potential options include using “drop and go” apparatuses that require no training, close human contact or animal separation. This study is aimed at zoo animal care and research staff, as well as external researchers interested in zoo‐based studies.
The Unequal Impacts of COVID-19 on Student Learning
Authors: Azevedo João Pedro , Gutierrez Marcela , de Hoyos Rafael , Saavedra Jaime
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is not only leading to lower student learning levels, but likely resulting in a learning inequality catastrophe. In this chapter, we document the high-levels of learning inequality (within and between countries) that existed before the pandemic and disentangle the different mechanisms through which changes in inequality in learning may happen because of a shock like COVID-19, examining the role of school and family inputs. We show that historically, similar shocks in average learning levels disproportionally affect the most vulnerable students, and that emerging evidence from developed countries, as well as simulations, support the expected significant shifts in the learning distribution. Finally, we present a set of compensatory education policies that countries must urgently implement to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on learning inequality and promote equality of opportunities during and after the pandemic.
Competing endogenous RNA network mediated by circ_3205 in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells
Authors: Barbagallo Davide , Palermo Concetta Ilenia , Barbagallo Cristina , Battaglia Rosalia , Caponnetto Angela , Spina Vittoria , Ragusa Marco , Di Pietro Cinzia , Scalia Guido , Purrello Michele
Published: January 2022

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new member of the Betacoronaviridae family, responsible for the recent pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. To start exploring the molecular events that follow host cell infection, we queried VirusCircBase and identified a circular RNA (circRNA) predicted to be synthesized by SARS-CoV-2, circ_3205, which we used to probe: (i) a training cohort comprised of two pools of cells from three nasopharyngeal swabs of SARS-CoV-2 infected (positive) or uninfected (negative, UCs) individuals; (ii) a validation cohort made up of 12 positive and 3 negative samples. The expression of circRNAs, miRNAs and miRNA targets was assayed through real-time PCR. CircRNA–miRNA interactions were predicted by TarpMiR, Analysis of Common Targets for circular RNAs (ACT), and STarMir tools. Enrichment of the biological processes and the list of predicted miRNA targets were retrieved from DIANA miRPath v3.0. Our results showed that the predicted SARS-CoV-2 circ_3205 was expressed only in positive samples and its amount positively correlated with that of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) mRNA and the viral load (r values = 0.80952 and 0.84867, Spearman’s correlation test, respectively). Human (hsa) miR-298 was predicted to interact with circ_3205 by all three predictive tools. KCNMB4 and PRKCE were predicted as hsa-miR-298 targets. Interestingly, the function of both is correlated with blood coagulation and immune response. KCNMB4 and PRKCE mRNAs were upregulated in positive samples as compared to UCs (6 and 8.1-fold, p values = 0.049 and 0.02, Student’s t test, respectively) and their expression positively correlated with that of circ_3205 (r values = 0.6 and 0.25, Spearman’s correlation test, respectively). We propose that our results convincingly suggest that circ_3205 is a circRNA synthesized by SARS-CoV-2 upon host cell infection and that it may behave as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sponging hsa-miR-298 and contributing to the upregulation of KCNMB4 and PRKCE mRNAs.
Wahlfach Robotische Chirurgie – Faszination Lehre(n)?
Authors: Zeuschner Philip , Becker Philippe , Heinzelbecker Julia , Linxweiler Johannes , Siemer Stefan , Stöckle Michael , Saar Matthias
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Auch wenn sich roboterassistiertes Operieren zu einem verbreiteten Standardverfahren in einigen chirurgischen Fächern entwickelt hat, ist es im Lehrplan heutiger Medizinstudierender unterrepräsentiert.

Fragestellung

Wir berichten vom deutschlandweit ersten Wahlfach „Robotische Chirurgie“ für Studierende an einer urologischen Universitätsklinik.

Material und Methoden

In einer Kleingruppe mit zehn Studierenden wurden in sechs Treffen à 2 h theoretische Grundlagen und praktische Fertigkeiten in der robotischen Chirurgie vermittelt, inklusive einer Hospitation während einer urologischen roboterassistierten Operation. Der Zuwachs an Wissen (10 MCQ-Fragen) und Fähigkeiten (Übungen Camera 0, Clutch, Sea Spikes 1) an einem robotischen Simulationssystem wurde quantifiziert und die studentische Einschätzung evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Bei den 10 Teilnehmenden war ein signifikanter Wissenszuwachs messbar, am Ende wurden in derselben theoretischen Prüfung im Median 3,5 mehr korrekte Antworten gegeben (p = 0,011). In zwei von drei praktischen Übungen stieg die Gesamtpunktzahl signifikant an (Camera 0 und Sea Spikes 1, für beide p < 0,05), in der Übung „Clutch“ verbesserte sich nur die Bewegungsökonomie (p = 0,028). Das Modul wurde (sehr) gut bewertet und die Teilnehmenden konnten sich am Ende deutlich stärker vorstellen, später Urologe/in zu werden (p = 0,007).

Schlussfolgerungen

Bei einem Bedarf von studentischer Seite, mehr über roboterassistierte Operationen zu lernen, erscheint ein Wahlfach als geeignetes Format, um theoretische Grundlagen und praktische Fertigkeiten in der robotischen (urologischen) Chirurgie zu vermitteln. Zusätzlich hat es das Potenzial, auf das Fachgebiet Urologie aufmerksam zu machen und könnte potenziell neue Kolleginnen und Kollegen gewinnen.
Parameters associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse up to three months follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manzini Claudia , Morsinkhof Lisan M. , van der Vaart C. Huub , Withagen Mariëlla I. J. , Grob Anique T. M.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To clarify which parameters are associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at up to 3 months follow-up.

Methods

Embase, PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL library were searched in May 2020. Inclusion criteria were: (1) pessary fitting attempted in women with symptomatic POP; (2) pessary fitting success among the study outcomes with a maximal follow-up of 3 months; (3) baseline parameters compared between successful and unsuccessful group. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model.

Main results

Twenty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Parameters associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting were: age (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56–0.86); BMI (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.70); menopause (OR 0.65 95% CI 0.47–0.88); de novo stress urinary incontinence (OR 5.59, 95% CI 2.24–13.99); prior surgery, i.e. hysterectomy (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.48–2.40), POP surgery (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.34–3.38), pelvic surgery (OR 1.81, 05% CI 1.01–3.26) and incontinence surgery (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.08–3.25); Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 scores (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.22–3.02); solitary predominant posterior compartment POP (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08–2.35); total vaginal length (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32–0.97); wide introitus (OR 4.85, 95% CI 1.60–14.68); levator ani avulsion (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.35–4.53) and hiatal area on maximum Valsalva (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.27–2.80).

Conclusion

During counselling for pessary treatment a higher risk of failure due to the aforementioned parameters should be discussed and modifiable parameters should be addressed. More research is needed on the association between anatomical parameters and specific reasons for unsuccessful pessary fitting.
A Recipe for Success: Three Key Strategies Used by Aphids and Pseudomonas syringae to Colonize the Phyllosphere
Authors: Silva-Sanzana Christian , Gangas Maria Victoria , Zavala Diego , Blanco-Herrera Francisca
Published: January 2022

Aphids andPseudomonas syringaeare a permanent challenge for agriculture, causing severe losses to the crop industry worldwide. Despite the obvious phylogenetic distance between them, both have become predominant colonizers of the plant kingdom. In this study, we reviewed three key steps of spread and colonization that aphids andP. syringaehave mastered to successfully colonize the phyllosphere. These steps involve (i) plant-to-plant movement for locating new nutritional sources, (ii) disruption and modification of the apoplast to facilitate nutrient acquisition, and (iii) suppression of host defenses through effector proteins. In addition, we will provide insights about the direct interaction between aphids andP. syringaeand how this yet underrated phenomenon could bring new ecological implications for both organisms beyond their pathogenicity.
Comparative analysis of gut microbial composition and potential functions in captive forest and alpine musk deer
Authors: Jiang Feng , Song Pengfei , Wang Haijing , Zhang Jingjie , Liu Daoxin , Cai Zhenyuan , Gao Hongmei , Chi Xiangwen , Zhang Tongzuo
Published: January 2022

Gut microbiota forms a unique microecosystem and performs various irreplaceable metabolic functions for ruminants. The gut microbiota is important for host health and provides new insight into endangered species conservation. Forest musk deer (FMD) and alpine musk deer (AMD) are typical small ruminants, globally endangered due to excessive hunting and habitat loss. Although nearly 60 years of captive musk deer breeding has reduced the hunting pressure in the wild, fatal gastrointestinal diseases restrict the growth of captive populations. In this study, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing revealed the differences in gut microbiota between FMD and AMD based on 166 fecal samples. The alpha diversity was higher in FMD than in AMD, probably helping FMD adapt to different and wider habitats. The ß-diversity was higher between adult FMD and AMD than juveniles and in winter than late spring. The phylum Firmicutes and the genera Christensenellaceae R7 group, Ruminococcus, Prevotellaceae UCG-004, and Monoglobus were significantly higher in abundance in FMD than in AMD. However, the phylum Bacteroidetes and genera Bacteroides, UCG-005, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Alistipes were significantly higher in AMD than FMD. The expression of metabolic functions was higher in AMD than in FMD, a beneficial pattern for AMD to maintain higher energy and substance metabolism. Captive AMD may be at higher risk of intestinal diseases than FMD, with higher relative abundances of most opportunistic pathogens and the expression of disease-related functions. These results provide valuable data for breeding healthy captive musk deer and assessing their adaptability in the wild.

Key points

• Alpha diversity of gut microbiota was higher in FMD than that in AMD

• Expression of metabolic and disease-related functions was higher in AMD than in FMD
First completely robot-assisted retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff: a step-by-step technique
Authors: Sparwasser P. , Epple S. , Thomas A. , Dotzauer R. , Boehm K. , Brandt M. P. , Mager R. , Borgmann H. , Kamal M. M. , Kurosch M. , Höfner T. , Haferkamp A. , Tsaur I.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

While various surgical techniques have been reported for open and minimally invasive treatment of upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC), the procedure of robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (NU) with bladder cuff has never been reported using only retroperitoneum without entering abdominal cavity. We developed a novel port placement and technique allowing to perform robot-assisted NU by a unique retroperitoneal approach.

Methods

Between February and June 2021 patients with history of UTUC were treated by robot-assisted NU completely restricted to retroperitoneal space using a singular trocar placement and a two-step docking without relocation of the surgical robot. Patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes and short-term follow-up were prospectively analyzed.

Results

The analysis included five patients [median age: 73 years; BMI: 27.2 kg/m2; Charlson comorbidity index 5]. All five patients had UTUC with a mean tumor size of 3.02 cm (range 0.9–6.0). UTUC was localized to distal ureter in two and to kidney in three cases. No positive surgical margins were noted for all patients with UTUC [1 low-grade and 4 high-grade]. Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in three patients did not reveal positive nodes. No intraoperative adverse events exceeding EAUiaiC classification ≥ 2 were observed, while median EBL was 150 ml (IQR 100–250). No patient experienced postoperative complications exceeding Clavien–Dindo classification ≥ 3a. Median hospital stay was 5.4d without any 30-d readmission.

Conclusion

We demonstrate safety and feasibility of the first entire robot-assisted retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy (RRNU) with bladder cuff. This surgical technique is easily reproducible, while surgical outcomes are similar to other established techniques.
Can magnetic resonance imaging replace conventional computerized tomography for follow-up of patients with testicular cancer? A systematic review
Authors: Busch Jonas , Schmidt Stefanie , Albers Peter , Heinzelbecker Julia , Kliesch Sabine , Lackner Julia , Pfister David , Ruf Christian , Winter Christian , Zengerling Friedemann , Beyersdorff Dirk
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Follow-up protocols for patients with testicular cancer (TC) have significantly reduced the number of cross-sectional imaging studies to reduce radiation exposure. At present, it is unclear whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could replace conventional computerized tomography (CT) imaging. The objective of this study is to summarize the scientific evidence on this topic and to review guideline recommendations with regard to the use of MRI.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed searching Medline and Cochrane databases for prospective studies on patients with TC in the follow-up care (last search in February 2021). Additionally, guideline recommendations for TC were screened. Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies were performed and used for a descriptive presentation of results.

Results

A total of four studies including two ongoing trials were identified. Overall, the scientific evidence of prospective comparative studies is based on 102 patients. Data suggest that abdominal imaging with MRI can replace conventional CT for detection of lymph node metastasis of the retroperitoneum to spare radiation exposure and contrast media application. However, experienced radiologists are needed. Clinical guidelines are aware of the risk of diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy due to CT imaging and some have adapted their recommendations accordingly. Results of the two ongoing trials on 738 patients are expected soon to provide more reliable results on this topic.

Conclusions

There is growing evidence that abdominopelvic MRI imaging can replace CT imaging during follow-up of patients with TC in order to reduce radiation exposure and diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy.
UV-Schutz-Bündnis in Deutschland – Zweck und Ziele
Authors: Baldermann Cornelia ,   UV-Schutz-Bündnis, Berking Carola , Ulrich Claas , Breitbart Eckhard , Bunde Henriette , Volkmer Beate , Janßen Winfried , Baldermann Cornelia , Weiskopf Daniela , Grimm Frauke , Keller Birgit , Kakkassery Vinodh , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Stavermann Thomas , Schlette Sophia , Kessel Tanja-Maria , Berneburg Mark , Höger Peter , Fartasch Manigé , Strehl Claudine , Engelmayr Ernst , Mons Ute , Schadendorf Dirk , Helbig Ulrike , Heindl Ludwig M. , Laschewski Gudrun , Stockfleth Eggert , Greinert Rüdiger , Hübner Joachim , Katalinic Alexander , Mohr Peter , Pieper Birgit , Brose Martin , Panter Wolfgang , Schlager Helmut , Schäfermeyer Dirk
Published: January 2022

Trotz der ernsten gesundheitlichen Gefahren von UV-Strahlung ist bis heute der Schutz vor UV-Strahlung keine Selbstverständlichkeit. Die Einschätzung der Gesundheitsrisiken durch UV-Strahlung in der Bevölkerung ist zwar weitestgehend realistisch, scheint aber nicht zu einer veränderten Einschätzung des persönlichen Risikos und zu einem adäquaten UV-Schutz-Verhalten zu führen. Hierzu tragen nicht zuletzt die teils widersprüchlichen Aussagen und Empfehlungen bezüglich der positiven und negativen Gesundheitsfolgen – auch aus Wissenschaftskreisen – bei. Eine Harmonisierung sowie eine Bündelung der Aussagen und Aktivitäten einzelner Akteure im UV-Schutz zur Prävention UV-bedingter Erkrankungen verleiht den Schlüsselbotschaften das notwendige Gewicht, um UV-Schutz zu einer Selbstverständlichkeit in der Gesellschaft werden zu lassen. Zu diesem Zweck wurde das UV-Schutz-Bündnis vom Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS) initiiert. In diesem Beitrag wird über das UV-Schutz-Bündnis berichtet, es werden die Partner im Bündnis, die Ziele des UV-Schutz-Bündnisses, bisherige Arbeitsergebnisse des Bündnisses sowie Aktionen und Interventionen der Bündnispartner vorgestellt. Die Wirkung des UV-Schutz-Bündnisses nach außen wird beschrieben und ein Ausblick auf die weiteren Aufgaben gegeben, denen sich das Bündnis gegenübergestellt sieht.
Model Selection Strategies for Determining the Optimal Number of Overlapping Clusters in Additive Overlapping Partitional Clustering
Authors: Rossbroich Julian , Durieux Jeffrey , Wilderjans Tom F.
Published: January 2022

In various scientific fields, researchers make use of partitioning methods (e.g.,K-means) to disclose the structural mechanisms underlying object by variable data. In some instances, however, a grouping of objects into clusters that are allowed to overlap (i.e., assigning objects to multiple clusters) might lead to a better representation of the underlying clustering structure. To obtain an overlapping object clustering from object by variable data, Mirkin’s ADditive PROfile CLUStering (ADPROCLUS) model may be used. A major challenge when performing ADPROCLUS is to determine the optimal number of overlapping clusters underlying the data, which pertains to a model selection problem. Up to now, however, this problem has not been systematically investigated and almost no guidelines can be found in the literature regarding appropriate model selection strategies for ADPROCLUS. Therefore, in this paper, several existing model selection strategies forK-means (a.o., CHull, the Caliński-Harabasz, Krzanowski-Lai, Average Silhouette Width and Dunn Index and information-theoretic measures like AIC and BIC) and two cross-validation based strategies are tailored towards an ADPROCLUS context and are compared to each other in an extensive simulation study. The results demonstrate that CHull outperforms all other model selection strategies and this especially when the negative log-likelihood, which is associated with a minimal stochastic extension of ADPROCLUS, is used as (mis)fit measure. The analysis of a post hoc AIC-based model selection strategy revealed that better performance may be obtained when a different—more appropriate—definition of model complexity for ADPROCLUS is used.
The impact of atmospheric Rossby waves and cyclones on the Arctic sea ice variability
Authors: Hofsteenge Marte G. , Graversen Rune G. , Rydsaa Johanne H. , Rey Zoé
Published: January 2022

The Arctic sea-ice extent has strongly declined over recent decades. A large inter-annual variability is superimposed on this negative trend. Previous studies have emphasised a significant warming effect associated with latent energy transport into the Arctic region, in particular due to an enhanced greenhouse effect associated with the convergence of the humidity transport over the Arctic. The atmospheric energy transport into the Arctic is mostly accomplished by waves such as Rossby waves and cyclones. Here we present a systematic study of the effect on Arctic sea ice of these atmospheric wave types. Through a regression analysis we investigate the coupling between transport anomalies of both latent and dry-static energy and sea-ice anomalies. From the state-of-the-art ERA5 reanalysis product the latent and dry-static transport over the Arctic boundary (70$$^{\circ }$$

∘

N) is calculated. The transport is then split into transport by planetary and synoptic-scale waves using a Fourier decomposition. The results show that latent energy transport as compared to that of dry-static shows a much stronger potential to decrease sea ice concentration. However, taking into account that the variability of dry-static transport is of an order of magnitude larger than latent, the actual impact on the sea ice appears similar for the two components. In addition, the energy transport by planetary waves causes a strong decline of the sea ice concentration whereas the transport by synoptic-scale waves shows only little effect on the sea ice. The study emphasises the importance of the large-scale waves on the sea ice variability.
Less soft tissue release in total knee arthroplasty for anteromedial compared to posteromedial knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Matziolis Georg , Jacob Benjamin , Eijer Henk , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Jacob Nadja
Published: January 2022

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the aim of achieving a mechanically straight leg axis as well as symmetrical and equally wide gaps has become established as the gold standard in terms of surgical technique. In contrast to TKA unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is performed in anteromedial osteoarthritis (AMOA) and does not normally require releases. This raises the hypothesis whether the type of osteoarthritis (AMOA vs. posteromedial osteoarthritis (PMOA)) determines the requirement for soft tissue releases in TKA.

In this retrospective study, 114 patients with medial osteoarthritis of the knee who had been treated with a navigated total knee replacement were consecutively included. On the basis of the preoperative lateral radiographs, the patients were divided into two groups: AMOA and PMOA. The incidence and the extent of releases performed were recorded using the navigation records.

Patient-specific data (gender, age) did not differ between the groups (NS). Knees with AMOA presented an overall varus alignment of 5.3 ± 3.5°, knees with PMOA 8.0 ± 4.0° (p < 0.001). 30 cases (44%) had to be released in the AMOA group, compared with 33 cases (72%) in the PMOA group (p = 0.004). In the case of medial release, the extension gap increased 3.3 ± 2.4 mm in the AMOA compared to 5.3 ± 3.7 mm in the PMOA group (p = 0.006). The medial flexion gap was released 2.2 ± 2.6 mm in the AMOA and 2.9 ± 3.0 mm in the PMOA group (p = 0.008).

To achieve a neutral mechanical alignment, a release has to be performed due to asymmetry of the extension gap more often if PMOA is present than in AMOA. Surgeons should be prepared to perform more frequent and extensive medial releases in PMOA. Higher constrained implants should be available in case of unintended over release in PMOA.
Impact of lymphadenectomy on short- and long-term complications in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Proppe Louisa , Alkatout Ibrahim , Koch Ricarda , Baum Sascha , Kotanidis Christos , Rody Achim , Hanker Lars C. , Gitas Georgios
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Early endometrial cancer is primarily treated surgically via hysterectomy, adenectomy and, depending on tumor stage and subtype, lymphadenectomy. Systematic lymph node dissection is known to cause surgical complications. The aim of the present study was to investigate morbidity and mortality rates associated with lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery in a routine clinical setting.

Methods

We collected data from 232 patients who were operated for endometrial carcinoma between 2006 and 2018 at the University of Lubeck, Germany. Surgical complications were viewed in relation to surgical risk factors. Additionally, a questionnaire concerning long-term lymphatic complications and survival was completed. Survival was compared between patients who underwent lymphadenectomy (group I) and those who did not (group II).

Results

Patients in group I needed revision surgery significantly more often due to postoperative complications (such as lymphoceles) compared to those in group II (p = 0.01). The results indicate more serious complications in patients who underwent a systematic lymphadenectomy and in those with lymph node metastases. 15% of patients who underwent a systematic lymphadenectomy had lymph node metastases. Recurrences occurred in 12.5% of cases and were significantly more frequent in patients who had undergone a lymphadenectomy, even if the lymph nodes were negative (p = 0.02). A comparison of survival data during the follow-up period revealed no significant difference. The study highlighted the need for a better preoperative risk stratification and the avoidance of lymphadenectomy for surgical staging alone.
Postoperatives Schmerzerleben nach proximaler Femurfraktur bei Demenz
Authors: Wagner Jens Felix , Cuhls Henning , Mücke Martin , Conrad Rupert , Radbruch Lukas , Rolke Roman
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Die vorliegende Studie verfolgte das Ziel, das postoperative Schmerzerleben bei kognitivem Defizit unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der sensorischen oder affektiven Schmerzqualität zu erfassen.

Methodik

19 Patienten mit normaler Kognition bis hin zu kognitiven Auffälligkeiten im Screening-Fragebogen DemTect wurden bezüglich ihres postoperativen Schmerzerlebens nach proximaler Femurfraktur untersucht. Als Untersuchungsinstrumente kamen die numerische Ratingskala (NRS), der Kognitionsfragebogen DemTect, der Schmerzempfindungsfragebogen (SES) sowie eine quantitative sensorische Testung (QST) zum Einsatz.

Ergebnisse

Das Alter der Patienten lag im Mittel ± SD bei 83,8 ± 10,0 Jahren. Von 19 Patienten lagen bei 6 (31,6 %) normale kognitive Fähigkeiten vor, bei 4 Patienten (21,1 %) ergaben sich Hinweise auf leichte kognitive Einschränkungen, bei 9 Patienten (47,4 %) ergab sich der Verdacht auf Vorliegen einer Demenz. Die mittlere postoperative Schmerzintensität (NRS) betrug 4,0 (1,6). Die berichteten Schmerzintensitäten unterschieden sich bei vergleichbarer analgetischer Therapie nicht zwischen den drei Patientengruppen mit unterschiedlicher kognitiver Beeinträchtigung und den ersten drei postoperativen Behandlungstagen. Es zeigten sich zwischen den Gruppen keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede für die sensorischen oder affektiven Summenscores der Schmerzempfindungsskala.

Die QST-Parameter Tiefenschmerz (PPT), oberflächlicher mechanischer Schmerz nach Nadelreiz (MPT) sowie die oberflächliche Sensibilität für leichte Berührungsreize (MDT) zeigten eine signifikant gesteigerte Empfindlichkeit der operierten Seite. Für das Vibrationsempfinden (VDT) konnten keine Unterschiede zwischen operierter und gesunder Extremität nachgewiesen werden.

Diskussion

Das postoperative Schmerzerleben unterscheidet sich nicht zwischen Patienten mit normaler und deutlich eingeschränkter Kognition. Die quantitative sensorische Testung zeigte mechanische Hyperalgesien im operierten Areal. Die Studie weist auf die Wichtigkeit einer adäquaten postoperativen Schmerzversorgung auch bei Betroffenen mit Demenz hin.
Short-term prediction of wind power based on BiLSTM–CNN–WGAN-GP
Authors: Huang Ling , Li Linxia , Wei Xiaoyuan , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: January 2022

A short-term wind power prediction model based on BiLSTM–CNN–WGAN-GP (LCWGAN-GP) is proposed in this paper, aiming at the problems of instability and low prediction accuracy of short-term wind power prediction. Firstly, the original wind energy data are decomposed into subsequences of natural mode functions with different frequencies by using the variational mode decomposition (VMD) algorithm. The VMD algorithm relies on a decision support system for the decomposition of the data into natural mode functions. Once the decomposition is performed, the nonlinear and dynamic behavior are extracted from each natural mode function. Next, the BiLSTM network is chosen as the generation model of the generative adversarial network (WGAN-GP) to obtain the data distribution characteristics of wind power’s output. The convolutional neural network (CNN) is chosen as the discrimination model, and the semi-supervised regression layer is utilized to design the discrimination model to predict wind power. The minimum–maximum game is formed by the BiLSTM and CNN network models to improve the quality of sample generation and further improve the prediction accuracy. Finally, the actual data of a wind farm in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, China is taken as an example to prove that the proposed method has superior performance compared with other prediction algorithms.
Quantification and possible causes of declining groundwater resources in the Euro-Mediterranean region from 2003 to 2020
Authors: Xanke Julian , Liesch Tanja
Published: January 2022

Groundwater resources in Euro-Mediterranean countries provide a large part of the population’s water supply and are affected to varying degrees by anthropogenic use and climatic impacts. In many places, significant groundwater-level declines have already been observed, indicating an imbalance between natural groundwater recharge and groundwater abstraction. The extent of changes in groundwater storage (GWS) in the period 2003–2020 is quantified for the Euro-Mediterranean region using the latest data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE/GRACE-FO) satellite mission and recently reanalyzed ERA5-Land climate data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The results are set in relation to the prevailing climate, the regional hydrogeological setting, and annual groundwater recharge and abstractions on country level. Analysis of the mean annual trends over the study period shows significant decreases in GWS in many countries of Europe, Northern Africa and the entire Arabian Peninsula. Overall, there are significantly negative trends in about 70% of the study region. The mean of the trends across the Euro-Mediterranean region is –2.1 mm/year. The strongest negative trends in GWS per country are observed in Iraq and Syria (–8.8 and –6.0 mm/year, respectively), but also countries in central and eastern Europe are affected by depleting aquifers. The results are a clear indicator of the already medium-term groundwater stress in the Euro-Mediterranean region, which is expected to increase in the future, and demonstrate the need for adapted strategies for sustainable groundwater management on a transregional scale in the context of climate change and population growth.
Plant viruses and viroids in Japan
Authors: Fuji Shin-ichi , Mochizuki Tomofumi , Okuda Mitsuru , Tsuda Shinya , Kagiwada Satoshi , Sekine Ken-Taro , Ugaki Masashi , Natsuaki Keiko T. , Isogai Masamichi , Maoka Tetsuo , Takeshita Minoru , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Mise Kazuyuki , Sasaya Takahide , Kondo Hideki , Kubota Kenji , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Iwanami Toru , Ohshima Kazusato , Kobayashi Kappei , Hataya Tatsuji , Sano Teruo , Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: January 2022

An increasing number of plant viruses and viroids have been reported from all over the world due largely to metavirogenomics approaches with technological innovation. Herein, the official changes of virus taxonomy, including the establishment of megataxonomy and amendments of the codes of virus classification and nomenclature, recently made by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses were summarized. The continued efforts of the plant virology community of Japan to index all plant viruses and viroids occurring in Japan, which represent 407 viruses, including 303 virus species and 104 unclassified viruses, and 25 viroids, including 20 species and 5 unclassified viroids, as of October 2021, were also introduced. These viruses and viroids are collectively classified into 81 genera within 26 families of 3 kingdoms (Shotokuvirae, Orthornavirae, Pararnavirae) across 2 realms (Monodnaviria and Riboviria). This review also overviewed how Japan’s plant virus/viroid studies have contributed to advance virus/viroid taxonomy.
Joining High Thickness Materials by Sewing – first Modelling Steps of the Stitched Place
Authors: Kyosev Yordan , Kühn Tino
Published: January 2022

Many textile products are using materials with higher thickness like foams, spacer fabrics and nonwoven materials in order to provide comfortable softness of the contact surface to the body. Such materials are often joint to another external layer who have to provide optical and mechanical stability of the system, and are joined together into a 3-dimensional geometry. This paper analyses some steps of joining such materials by sewing. The forces in the sewing threads are analyzed analytically. A numerical model based on finite element method (FEM) is implemented in LS-Dyna and the process of compaction of the sewing line, based on the thread force is simulated. The thread force propagation is numerically analyzed in the time, at different friction coefficients and for different foam stiffness. All simulations demonstrate logical results and can be used as a fundament for more complex investigations and optimizations of such products.
How transition students relearn school mathematics to construct multiply quantified statements
Authors: Schüler-Meyer Alexander
Published: January 2022

Understanding the intricate quantifier relations in the formal definitions of both convergence and continuity is highly relevant for students to use these definitions for mathematical reasoning. However, there has been limited research about how students relearn previous school mathematics for understanding multiply quantified statements. This issue was investigated in a case study in a 5-week teaching unit, located in a year-long transition course, in which students were engaged in defining and proving sequence convergence and local continuity. The paper reports on four substantial changes in the ways students relearn school mathematics for constructing quantified statements: (1) endorse predicate as formal property by replacing metaphors of epsilon strips with narratives about the objects ε, Nε, and ∣an − a∣; (2) acknowledge that statements have truth values; (3) recognize that multiply quantified statements are deductively ordered and that the order of its quantifications is relevant; and (4) assemble multiply quantified statements from partial statements that can be investigated separately. These four changes highlight how school mathematics enables student to semantically and pragmatically parse multiply quantified statements and how syntactic considerations emerge from such semantic and pragmatic foundations. Future research should further investigate how to design learning activities that facilitate students’ syntactical engagement with quantified statements, for instance, in activities of using formal definitions of limits during proving.
The role of climate change perceptions and sociodemographics on reported mitigation efforts and performance among households in northeastern Mexico
Authors: González-Hernández D. Liliana , Aguirre-Gamboa Raúl A. , Meijles Erik W.
Published: January 2022

Managing and reducing the impacts of climate change depends on efficient actions from all societal scales. Yet, the household component is often missing from climate research, debate, and policies. This is problematic because households have been found to significantly contribute to of global greenhouse gas emissions and therefore have the potential to be part of a solution to climate change by mitigating climate change. This study seeks to understand which factors drive household-level mitigation actions. We conducted a household survey in Nuevo Leon, located in northeastern Mexico, to explore the extent to which climate change perceptions and the sociodemographic characteristics of households influence their reported mitigation performances and their perceived mitigation efforts. Results from linear regression analyses and generalized linear models revealed that sociodemographic characteristics are key drivers of the households’ perceived mitigation efforts and reported mitigation performances and. We also found that climate change perceptions drive a household’s efforts to mitigate climate change. These results could partly explain why despite the efforts households take to mitigate climate change, achieving an effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is challenging without further access to resources such as education and financial support. If governments intend to realize substantial reductions in future emission pathways, then household-level mitigation should be addressed with proper support.
Characterization of black slags obtained during smelting in the electric arc furnace from SIDERPERU following reduction
Authors: Cabrera-Tinoco H. A. , Valencia-Bedregal R. A. , Borja-Castro L. E. , Valerio-Cuadros M. I. , Dominguez A. G. Bustamante , Zhao Xiaoli , Zhang Youyun , Zheng Chengmu , Moreno N. O. , Zhang Deliang , Barnes C. H. W. , Valladares L. De Los Santos
Published: January 2022

The primary process in an electrical arc furnace (EAF) during industrial steelmaking results in tons of black slags which cause pollution to the environment. In this work, the iron oxides of black slags generated in the EAF from the SIDERPERU plant, Peru was reduced via the carbothermal reaction. The reduction of the black slag to α-Fe is demonstrated by X-ray diffraction, Mӧssbauer spectroscopy and magnetometry. However, phases with calcium and silicon persist in the sample after the carbothermal process. The thermodynamic calculations of the most probable reactions sequence were performed to understand the reduction process. The magnetometry measurements confirm the presence of ferromagnetic domains, supporting the success of the reduction of the black slag to α-Fe. The reduced black slags were recycled into a HRB335 steel rod by consolidation and extrusion processes and inspected by X-ray fluorescence.
Hough Transform for Detecting Space Curves in Digital 3D Models
Authors: Romanengo Chiara , Biasotti Silvia , Falcidieno Bianca
Published: January 2022

We present and analyse the Hough transform (HT) to recognise and approximate space curves in digital models, a problem that is not currently addressed by the standard HT. Our method works on meshes and point clouds and applies to models even incomplete or affected by noise, thus being suitable for the analysis of digital models deriving from 3D scans. In our approach we take advantage of a recent HT formulation for algebraic curves to define both parametric and implicit space curve representations. We also provide a comparative analysis of the HT-based method when dealing with both curve representations, discussing the computational performance and the approximation accuracy of both strategies.
A review on the p-type transparent Cu–Cr–O delafossite materials
Authors: Moreira Marco , Afonso Joao , Crepelliere Jonathan , Lenoble Damien , Lunca-Popa Petru
Published: January 2022

Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) constitute a class of materials that combine high electrical conductivity and optical transparency. These features led to the development of the transparent electronics applications, such as flat panel displays, “smart” windows or functional glasses. N-type TCOs dominate the applications market, and the lack of a suitable p-type counterpart limits the fabrication of a completely transparent active device, which might be considered as a technological breakthrough. Among the wide range of p-type candidates, delafossite CuCrO2 (and its out-of-stoichiometry derivatives) is a promising material to achieve the desired p-type TCO properties as, up to date, it is presenting the foremost trade-off between optical and electrical properties. The present paper covers the research work and the major achievements related to copper chromium delafossite. A comprehensive overview of fabrication methods and opto-electronic properties is presented. The source of doping and the charge carriers transport mechanism are also thoroughly discussed.

Graphical abstract
Metal Ions Bound to Prion Protein Affect its Interaction with Plasminogen Activation System
Authors: Borumand Maryam , Ellis Vincent
Published: January 2022

Prion diseases are a group of neurodegenerative diseases, which can progress rapidly. Previous data have demonstrated that prion protein (PrP) stimulates activation of plasminogen (Plg) by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). In this study, using spectroscopic method, we aimed to determine whether PrP’s role in activating Plg is influenced by metal binding. We also investigated the region in PrP involved in binding to tPA and Plg, and whether PrP in fibrillar form behaves the same way as PrP unbound to any metal ion i.e., apo-PrP. We investigated the effect of recombinant mouse PrP (residues 23-231) refolded with nickel, manganese, copper, and a variant devoid of any metal ions, on tPA-catalyzed Plg activation. Using mutant PrP (H95A, H110A), we also investigated whether histidine residues outside the octarepeat region in PrP, which is known to bind tPA and Plg, are also involved in their binding. We demonstrated that apo-PrP is most effective at stimulating Plg. PrP refolded with nickle or manganese behave similar to apo-PrP, and PrP refolded with copper is least effective. The mutant form of PrP did not stimulate Plg activation to the same degree as apo-PrP indicating that the histidine residues outside the octarepeat region are also involved in binding to tPA and Plg. Similarly, the fibrillar form of PrP was ineffective at stimulating Plg activation. Our data suggest that upon loss of copper specifically, a structural rearrangement of PrP occurs that exposes binding sites to Plg and tPA, enhancing the stimulation of Plg activation.
Higher-order breathers as quasi-rogue waves on a periodic background
Authors: Ashour Omar A. , Chin Siu A. , Nikolić Stanko N. , Belić Milivoj R.
Published: January 2022

We investigate higher-order breathers of the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation on a periodic elliptic background. We find that, beyond first order, any arbitrarily constructed breather on a disordered background generates a single-peaked solitary wave. However, on the periodic backgrounds, the so-called quasi-rogue waves are found more common. These are the quasiperiodic breathers that feature distorted side peaks. We construct such higher-order breathers out of constituent first-order breathers with commensurate periods (i.e., as higher-order harmonic waves). In addition to quasiperiodic, we also find fully periodic breathers, when their wavenumbers are harmonic multiples of the background and each other. But they are truly rare, requiring finely tuned parameters. Thus, on a periodic background, we arrive at the paradoxical conclusion that the higher-order quasi-rogue waves are rather common, while the truly periodic breathers are exceedingly rare.
Is more child-initiated always better? Exploring relations between child-initiated instruction and preschoolers’ school readiness
Authors: Vaisarova Julie , Reynolds Arthur J.
Published: January 2022

Although research suggests that the use of child-initiated vs. teacher-directed instructional practices in early childhood education has implications for learning and development, the precise nature of these effects remains unclear. Using data from the Midwest Child-Parent Center (CPC) Expansion Project, the present study examined the possibility that a blend of child- and teacher-directed practices best promotes school readiness among preschoolers experiencing high levels of sociodemographic risk and explored whether the optimal blend varies based on child characteristics. Sixty-two CPC preschool teachers reported their instructional practices throughout the year, using a newly developed questionnaire—the Classroom Activity Report (CAR). The average reported proportion of child-initiated instruction was examined in relation to students’ end-of-year performance on a routine school readiness assessment (N = 1289). Although there was no main effect of child-initiated instruction on school readiness, there was a significant interaction between instruction and student age. Four-year-olds’ school readiness generally improved as the proportion of child-initiated time increased, while 3-year-olds showed a U-shaped pattern. The present findings add to the evidence that child-initiated instruction might support preschoolers’ school readiness, although they also suggest this relation may not always be linear. They also point to the importance of examining instructional strategies in relation to student characteristics, in order to tailor strategies to the student population. The CAR has potential as a brief, practical measurement tool that can support program monitoring and professional development.