bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chebyshev center as an alternative to the analytic center in the feasibility pump
Authors: Baena Daniel , Castro Jordi
Published: June 2023

As a heuristic for obtaining feasible points of mixed integer linear problems, the feasibility pump (FP) generates two sequences of points: one of feasible solutions for the relaxed linear problem; and another of integer points obtained by rounding the linear solutions. In a previous work, the present authors proposed a variant of FP, named analytic center FP, which obtains integer solutions by rounding points in the segment between the linear solution and the analytic center of the polyhedron of the relaxed problem. This work introduces a new FP variant that replaces the analytic center with the Chebyshev center. Two of the benefits of using the Chebyshev center are: (i) it requires the solution of a linear optimization problem (unlike the analytic center, which involves a convex nonlinear optimization problem for its exact solution); and (ii) it is invariant to redundant constraints (unlike the analytic center, which may not be well centered within the polyhedron for problems with highly rank-deficient matrices). The computational results obtained with a set of more than 200 MIPLIB2003 and MIPLIB2010 instances show that the Chebyshev center FP is competitive and can serve as an alternative to other FP variants.
Herausforderungen beim Verfassen von Texten in der Sekundarstufe – Eine differenzielle Untersuchung nach Migrationshintergrund und Familiensprachen
Authors: Müller N. , Busse V.
Published: June 2023

Während die empirische Bildungsforschung literale Kompetenzen wie Lesen und Orthographie an weiterführenden Schulen recht umfassend in den Blick nimmt, gibt es vergleichsweise wenige Studien, die Texttiefenmerkmale untersuchen. Unser Beitrag analysiert instruktionale und argumentative Texte einer Stichprobe von Lernenden (N = 208) in Jahrgang 9 an nichtgymnasialen Schulformen und nimmt dabei differentielle Analysen nach Migrationshintergrund und Familiensprachen vor. Texttiefenmerkmale werden dabei mittels eines analytischen Diagnoseinstruments ausgewertet, das nach Struktur und Kohärenz unterscheidet. Ergänzend wird die Textqualität durch einen holistischen Vergleich der Texte (Comparative Judgement mit der Software Comproved®) bestimmt, zudem wurde die Textlänge erfasst. Hohe Korrelationen zwischen der analytischen Auswertung, dem holistischen Rating und der Textlänge bei insgesamt 415 Texten weisen darauf hin, dass Struktur und Kohärenz wichtige Aspekte der Textqualität sind. Die analytische Auswertung offenbart, dass im Bereich der Struktur fast alle Lernenden und im Bereich der Kohärenz etwa ein Drittel der Lernenden weniger als die Hälfte des theoretischen Maximums erreichen. Leistungsunterschiede zeigen sich nicht nur in den Bereichen Struktur und Kohärenz, sondern auch in der Auswertung der holistischen Textqualität sowie der Textlänge, zuungunsten von Lernenden mit Migrationshintergrund sowie insbesondere von Lernenden, die in der Familie ausschließlich andere Sprachen als Deutsch sprechen. Die Ergebnisse legen damit nahe, dass viele Lernende an nichtgymnasialen Schulformen besserer Unterstützung im Bereich der Texttiefenmerkmale bedürfen. Unser Diagnoseinstrument könnte im Sinne eines Assessment for Learning dabei helfen, auch schwächere Schreibende bei der Gestaltung von Struktur und Kohärenz zu unterstützen.
Educational integration by the third generation? Placement and academic achievement of students with immigrant background in Germany
Authors: Hunkler Christian , Schotte Kristin
Published: June 2023

Studies show that minority students who were born abroad or whose parents were born abroad are less successful in school than their majority peers. However, little is known on whether these disadvantages persist for the grandchildren of immigrants, i.e., the third generation. Assimilation theories come to different predictions for third-generation students’ educational integration. We investigate third-generation students’ placement in different school types and their reading and mathematics achievements in Germany. Using data on ninth graders (N = 14,958) collected in the National Educational Panel Study enabled us to precisely identify third-generation students and to distinguish students by their ancestors’ countries of birth. Our results reveal that most third-generation students did not differ in their educational success from their majority peers, while first-generation and some groups of second-generation students, on average, were less successful in school. Overall, our findings are in line with classical and new assimilation theories and suggest that educational integration is mostly “completed” by the third generation in Germany. For some groups, however, we do not observe the major trends predicted by classical and new assimilation theories but patterns suggesting processes expected in segmented assimilation theory.
Endoscopic Diagnosis and Response Evaluation in Patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Sorge Andrea , Masclee Gwen M. C. , Bredenoord Albert J.
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to provide practical guidance for clinicians to support the optimal use of endoscopy in both the diagnosis and the evaluation of treatment response in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Recent findings

The systematic and high-quality assessment and grading of EoE endoscopic features improves EoE detection. Fibrotic complications of EoE that negatively impact patients’ symptoms and quality of life can be detected and treated through endoscopy. The correlation between endoscopic features of EoE and histological activity remains challenging. However, assessment of endoscopic activity is fast and reliable in the evaluation of treatment response and, therefore, is supported by current guidelines. New modalities such as FLIP panometry and molecular markers for diagnosis and monitoring of EoE are promising, but whether they may replace endoscopy in guiding treatment of EoE needs to be ascertained.

Endoscopy plays a central role in EoE management, both in routine practice and in clinical trials. Endoscopy is pivotal in EoE diagnosis and response evaluation since it allows the direct assessment of endoscopic disease activity and, indirectly, the histological evaluation. Consequently, together with clinical and histological evaluation, endoscopy is rapidly becoming essential in monitoring the effectiveness of therapy in patients with EoE.
Particle flow simulation of Brazilian splitting failure characteristics of layered shale
Authors: Sun Feng , Huang Wei , Zhao Bingbing , Xue Shifeng , Zhou Bo
Published: June 2023

Shale reservoir is the research hotspot in the development of unconventional oil and gas resources. The properties of bedding plane have an important influence on the mechanical behavior of shale. According to the fracture characteristics of layered shale under Brazilian splitting load, the effects of bedding angle, bond strength ratio and natural fractures on the tensile strength and fracture pattern of layered shale in Brazilian splitting test were studied by particle flow code. The evolution mechanism of meso–macro fracture of shale is analyzed by combining the dynamic change process of particle mesoscopic force chain and crack. The results show that three types of fracture patterns are observed: splitting tensile failure of shale matrix, splitting tensile failure along bedding plane and tensile–shear composite failure along shale matrix and bedding plane. Mesoscopic cracks initiate at the top and bottom loading points of the disk. After the peak load, mesoscopic cracks propagate through and appear dense force chains until macroscopic failure occurs. The bond strength ratio of bedding plane affects the failure pattern and peak strength of the specimen. With the increase in bedding angle, the tensile strength decreases gradually. Considering the influence of natural fractures, the tensile strength of shale is lower, and the crack propagation is more complex. The research model and results provide theoretical basis for the mechanical properties evaluation and fracture pattern analysis of shale.
Fifteen research needs for understanding climate change impacts on ecosystems and society in the Norwegian High North
Authors: Kebir Zina , Chambers Catherine , Frainier André , Hausner Vera , Lennert Ann Eileen , Lento Jennifer , Poste Amanda , Ravolainen Virve , Renner Angelika H. H. , Thomas David N. , Waylen Kerry
Published: June 2023

There is an urgent need to understand and address the risks associated with a warming climate for ecosystems and societies in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. There are major gaps in our understanding of the complex effects of climate change—including extreme events, cascading impacts across ecosystems, and the underlying socioecological dynamics and feedbacks—all of which need collaborative efforts to be resolved. Here, we present results where climate scientists, ecologists, social scientists, and practitioners were asked to identify the most urgent research needs for understanding climate change impacts and to identify the actions for reducing future risks in catchment areas in the Norwegian High North, a region that encompasses both Arctic and sub-Arctic climates in northern Norway. From a list of 77 questions, our panel of 19 scientists and practitioners identified 15 research needs that should be urgently addressed. We particularly urge researchers to investigate cross-ecosystem impacts and the socioecological feedbacks that could amplify or reduce risks for society.
In vitro–in vivo assessments of apocynin-hybrid nanoparticle-based gel as an effective nanophytomedicine for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Aman Reham Mokhtar , Zaghloul Randa Ahmed , Elsaed Wael M. , Hashim Irhan Ibrahim Abu
Published: June 2023

Apocynin (APO), a well-known bioactive plant-based phenolic phytochemical with renowned anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological activities, has recently emerged as a specific nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor. As far as we know, no information has been issued yet regarding its topical application as a nanostructured-based delivery system. Herein, APO-loaded Compritol® 888 ATO (lipid)/chitosan (polymer) hybrid nanoparticles (APO-loaded CPT/CS hybrid NPs) were successfully developed, characterized, and optimized, adopting a fully randomized design (32) with two independent active parameters (IAPs), namely, CPT amount (XA) and Pluronic® F-68 (PF-68) concentration (XB), at three levels. Further in vitro–ex vivo investigation of the optimized formulation was performed before its incorporation into a gel base matrix to prolong its residence time with consequent therapeutic efficacy enhancement. Subsequently, scrupulous ex vivo–in vivo evaluations of APO-hybrid NPs-based gel (containing the optimized formulation) to scout out its momentous activity as a topical nanostructured system for beneficial remedy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were performed. Imperatively, the results support an anticipated effectual therapeutic activity of the APO-hybrid NPs-based gel formulation against Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis (CFA-induced RA) in rats. In conclusion, APO-hybrid NPs-based gel could be considered a promising topical nanostructured system to break new ground for phytopharmaceutical medical involvement in inflammatory-dependent ailments.

Graphical Abstract
Investigation of adsorption kinetics and isothermal thermodynamics for optimizing methylene blue adsorption onto a modified clay with cellulose using the response surface approach
Authors: Hamidi Abderrazak , Atia Djamal , Rebiai Abdelkrim , Reghioua Abdallah , Zobeidi Ammar , Messaoudi Mohammad , Seghir Bachir Ben , Pohl Pawel , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: June 2023

In this study, the clay was interwoven with cellulose to change its structure. The product clay/cellulose was used to assess the efficacy of the methylene blue (MB) dye removal from aqueous solutions (CC25). The response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design were used to optimize the influence of crucial parameters (cellulose load, adsorbent dosage, solution pH, temperature, and contact duration) (RSM-BBD). The greatest removal effectiveness was 98.76% for a cellulose loading of 25.0% and the following working conditions, i.e., adsorbent dosage of 0.06 g/L, pH 7, temperature of 45 °C, and contact length of 20 min. At the time, the maximum adsorption capacity was 254.8 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order adsorption model, according to the adsorption kinetics research, was used to describe the process. The MB adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous, according to computed thermodynamic functions. The developed composite material, according to our results, has a very high capacity for the color absorption and removal.
Effects of combined cannabidiol (CBD) and hops (Humulus lupulus) terpene extract treatment on RAW 264.7 macrophage viability and inflammatory markers
Authors: Dammann Inga , Keil Claudia , Hardewig Iris , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta , Biernacki Michał , Haase Hajo
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the potential of cannabidiol (CBD), one major cannabinoid of the plant Cannabis sativa, alone and in combination with a terpene-enriched extract from Humulus lupulus (“Hops 1”), on the LPS-response of RAW 264.7 macrophages as an established in vitro model of inflammation. With the present study, we could support earlier findings of the anti-inflammatory potential of CBD, which showed a dose-dependent [0–5 µM] reduction in nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) released by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, we observed an additive anti-inflammatory effect after combined CBD [5 µM] and hops extract [40 µg/mL] treatment. The combination of CBD and Hops 1 showed effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells superior to the single substance treatments and akin to the control hydrocortisone. Furthermore, cellular CBD uptake increased dose-dependently in the presence of terpenes from Hops 1 extract. The anti-inflammatory effect of CBD and its cellular uptake positively correlated with terpene concentration, as indicated by comparison with a hemp extract containing both CBD and terpenes. These findings may contribute to the postulations for the so-called “entourage effect” between cannabinoids and terpenes and support the potential of CBD combined with phytomolecules from a non-cannabinoid source, such as hops, for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Real world evaluation of kidney failure risk equations in predicting progression from chronic kidney disease to kidney failure in an Australian cohort
Authors: Jahan Sadia , Hale Janine , Malacova Eva , Hurst Cameron , Kark Adrian , Mallett Andrew
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease progression to kidney failure is diverse, and progression may be different according to genetic aspects and settings of care. We aimed to describe kidney failure risk equation prognostic accuracy in an Australian population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken in a public hospital community-based chronic kidney disease service in Brisbane, Australia, which included a cohort of 406 adult patients with chronic kidney disease Stages 3–4 followed up over 5 years (1/1/13–1/1/18). Risk of progression to kidney failure at baseline using Kidney Failure Risk Equation models with three (eGFR/age/sex), four (add urinary-ACR) and eight variables (add serum-albumin/phosphate/bicarbonate/calcium) at 5 and 2 years were compared to actual patient outcomes.

Results

Of 406 patients followed up over 5 years, 71 (17.5%) developed kidney failure, while 112 died before reaching kidney failure. The overall mean difference between observed and predicted risk was 0.51% (p = 0.659), 0.93% (p = 0.602), and − 0.03% (p = 0.967) for the three-, four- and eight-variable models, respectively. There was small improvement in the receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve from three-variable to four-variable models: 0.888 (95%CI = 0.819–0.957) versus 0.916 (95%CI = 0.847–0.985). The eight-variable model showed marginal receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve improvement: 0.916 (95%CI = 0.847–0.985) versus 0.922 (95%CI = 0.853–0.991). The results were similar in predicting 2 year risk of kidney failure.

Conclusions

The kidney failure risk equation accurately predicted progression to kidney failure in an Australian chronic kidney disease population. Younger age, male sex, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher albuminuria, diabetes mellitus, tobacco smoking and non-Caucasian ethnicity were associated with increased risk of kidney failure. Cause-specific cumulative incidence function for progression to kidney failure or death, stratified by chronic kidney disease stage, demonstrated differences within different chronic kidney disease stages, highlighting the interaction between comorbidity and outcome.
Fundamental Perspectives on the Electrochemical Water Applications of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: He Xiang
Published: June 2023

Highlights

The recent development and implementation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF-based materials in electrochemical water applications are reviewed.

The critical factors that affect the performances of MOFs in the electrochemical reactions, sensing, and separations are highlighted.

Advanced tools, such as pair distribution function analysis, are playing critical roles in unraveling the functioning mechanisms, including local structures and nanoconfined interactions.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a family of highly porous materials possessing huge surface areas and feasible chemical tunability, are emerging as critical functional materials to solve the growing challenges associated with energy–water systems, such as water scarcity issues. In this contribution, the roles of MOFs are highlighted in electrochemical-based water applications (i.e., reactions, sensing, and separations), where MOF-based functional materials exhibit outstanding performances in detecting/removing pollutants, recovering resources, and harvesting energies from different water sources. Compared with the pristine MOFs, the efficiency and/or selectivity can be further enhanced via rational structural modulation of MOFs (e.g., partial metal substitution) or integration of MOFs with other functional materials (e.g., metal clusters and reduced graphene oxide). Several key factors/properties that affect the performances of MOF-based materials are also reviewed, including electronic structures, nanoconfined effects, stability, conductivity, and atomic structures. The advancement in the fundamental understanding of these key factors is expected to shed light on the functioning mechanisms of MOFs (e.g., charge transfer pathways and guest–host interactions), which will subsequently accelerate the integration of precisely designed MOFs into electrochemical architectures to achieve highly effective water remediation with optimized selectivity and long-term stability.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2-Infektion): Einfluss auf die männliche Fertilität
Authors: Müller Alexander
Published: June 2023

Höhere Sterblichkeit und ein schwererer Krankheitsverlauf sind bei Männern mit SARS-CoV-2-Infektion gegenüber Frauen zu beobachten. Die Hodenfunktion (Samenqualität und Testosteronhaushalt) sowie die Erektionsfunktion sind, zumindest kurzfristig, durch eine COVID-19 Infektion negativ gestört – wobei mögliche Langzeiteffekte noch nicht hinreichend geklärt sind. Bei einer angestrebten Fertilität, inklusive assistierter reproduktionsendokrinologischer Massnahmen oder Kryopräservation benötigen Männer u. a. aufgrund potenziell infektbedingter DNA-Schäden im Erbgut eine kompetente Beratung und einen engen Follow-up.
Die Bedeutung von Unterrichtsgestaltung und Bedürfniserfüllung für das fachbezogene Interesse von Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern
Authors: Reich Cornelia , Markus Stefan , Lohrmann Katrin
Published: June 2023

Die Entwicklung fachbezogener Interessen von Schülerinnen und Schülern gilt als zentrales Element Grundlegender Bildung. Es stellt sich daher die Frage, in welcher Relation das fachbezogene Interesse von Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern mit Gestaltungsmerkmalen des Unterrichts steht und wie Lehrkräfte dieses fachbezogene Interesse z. B. in Mathematik fördern können. Basierend auf der Interessentheorie und der Selbstbestimmungstheorie wird in der vorliegenden Studie der Zusammenhang der von Lernenden wahrgenommenen Bedürfnisunterstützung (Autonomieunterstützung, Struktur, Involvement) und Bedürfniserfüllung (Autonomie, Kompetenz, Verbundenheit) mit dem Mathematikinteresse untersucht. Die Stichprobe umfasst 441 Schülerinnen und Schülern der dritten und vierten Jahrgangsstufe aus 10 deutschen Schulen. Mittels Strukturgleichungsmodellierung zeigen sich vollständige Mediationen des Zusammenhangs der wahrgenommenen Autonomieunterstützung und Struktur im Unterricht mit dem Mathematikinteresse durch die Autonomie- und Kompetenzerfüllung. Zwischen wahrgenommenem Involvement der Lehrkraft und dem Mathematikinteresse der Lernenden erweist sich ausschließlich der direkte Zusammenhang als signifikant. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass es für das individuelle Mathematikinteresse vor allem wichtig ist, dass sich Schülerinnen und Schüler im Mathematikunterricht als autonom sowie als kompetent erleben, was maßgeblich durch die Lehrkraft unterstützt werden kann. Auch die Beziehungsqualität und der fürsorgliche Einbezug anderer (Involvement) stehen mit dem Mathematikinteresse der Schülerinnen und Schüler in Verbindung. Die Studie unterstreicht die Relevanz der von der Lehrkraft ausgehenden Bedürfnisunterstützung für das fachbezogene Interesse von Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern.
Grasp Pose Estimation for Pick and Place of Frozen Blood Bags Based on Point Cloud Processing and Deep Learning Strategies Using Vacuum Grippers
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Zain , Kim Jaeseok , Nocentini Olivia , Cavallo Filippo
Published: June 2023

We describe different strategies to compute grasp poses for vacuum grippers for pick and place of frozen blood bags. Our methods process RGB-D data to search for local flat patches on the bags’ surface which act as grasp points when using vacuum grippers. We develop three strategies which analyze point cloud data to propose gripper poses and one method that trains a real-time object detector to propose the grasp point and processes point cloud data to compute the bag’s orientation. All the strategies are based on the computation of a normal vector at each 3D point to account for the surface orientation. They differ from each other based on how each method searches for these flat patches. We validate and compare the effectiveness of our methods by conducting real-world pick and place experiments, achieving an average success rate of above 80%. In conclusion, four different strategies, both analytical and a hybrid of analytic and deep learning approaches to infer optimal grasp poses for vacuum grippers to automatise pick and place operations of blood bags were presented.
Morbus Crohn Update
Authors: Kreienbuehl Andrea S. , Biedermann Luc
Published: June 2023

Der chronische Krankheitsverlauf beim Morbus Crohn macht nicht selten eine lebenslange immunmodulatorische oder immunsuppressive Therapie nötig. Das therapeutische Spektrum wurde seit der Zulassung von Infliximab massgeblich erweitert. Nebst den TNF-Inhibitoren konnten sich Ustekinumab und Vedolizumab etablieren und stellen je nach Schwere respektive Ausdehnung der Erkrankung sowie unter Einbezug von extraintestinalen Manifestationen oder Komorbiditäten gleichwertige Erstlinientherapien dar. Als neuste Therapieoption stehen Risankizumab (Anti-IL-23) und voraussichtlich auch bald Upadacitinib kurz vor der Schweizer Marktzulassung. Kombinationstherapien – verschiedene Biologika oder Biologika + JAK-Inhibitoren – rücken weiter in den Fokus zukünftiger Therapiealgorithmen, und erste Resultate der Phase-3-Studie (Guselkumab/Golimumab) dürfen im nächsten Jahr erwartet werden. Weiterhin schwer therapierbar sind komplexe Verläufe bei Analfisteln, wobei sich in einer gut selektionierten Patientengruppe ein erfreuliches Ansprechen auf die mesenchymale Stammzelltherapie zeigt. Nebst den medikamentösen Therapieoptionen, sollte die Chirurgie (insbesondere Ileozökalresektion) in ihrem Stellenwert nicht vernachlässigt werden und kann je nach Ausgangslage – auch in einem frühen Erkrankungsstadium – ein valabler Therapieansatz sein.
Collective Efficacy and Perceived COVID-19 Severity Predict Preparedness and Response Behaviors: A Longitudinal Study of Intersectionally Vulnerable University Students
Authors: Weber Marcela C. , Pavlacic Jeffrey M. , Torres Victoria A. , Ho Lavina Y. , Buchanan Erin M. , Schulenberg Stefan E.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To promote equity for intersectionally disaster-vulnerable individuals and address three literature gaps: (1) incremental effects of collective and self-efficacy as preparedness predictors, (2) differentiation of fear and perceived severity of a disaster, and (3) clarification of the relationship between fear and preparedness.

Methods:

Due to infection risks associated with communal housing, early in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, many universities permitted students to remain in campus housing only if they were housing insecure, including many international students. We surveyed intersectionally-vulnerable students and their partners at a southeast US university,N= 54, who were international (77.8%), Asian (55.6%), and/or housing insecure at baseline (79.6%). In 14 waves from May–October 2020, we assessed pandemic preparedness/response behaviors (PPRBs) and potential PPRB predictors.

Results:

We examined within- and between-person effects of fear, perceived severity, collective efficacy, and self-efficacy on PPRBs. Within-person perceived severity and collective efficacy both significantly, positively predicted greater PPRBs. All effects of fear and self-efficacy were not significant.

Conclusions:

Perceived severity and confidence that one’s actions positively impact one’s community fluctuated throughout the pandemic and are linked to greater PPRB engagement. Public health messages and interventions to improve PPRB may benefit from emphasizing collective efficacy and accuracy over fear.
On the streamwise vorticity generation and distribution in an angular particle wake
Authors: Gai Guodong , Wachs Anthony
Published: June 2023

We investigate the streamwise vorticity generation mechanism and distribution pattern in an unbounded steady inertial flow past a fixed Platonic polyhedron. Three angular positions are selected: an edge facing the flow (E), a face facing the flow (F) and a vertex facing the flow (V). We provide compelling evidence that the generation of the streamwise vorticity is primarily caused by the tilting of the transverse vorticity that originates from the particle front surface. Each inclined face on the front surface generates a pair of opposite-signed streamwise vortices. They are advected to the particle wake and form a chiral vorticity pattern which preserves the symmetry of the particle front surface. Two particles at dual angular positions exhibit highly similar vorticity patterns. Our study reveals a striking similarity between the vorticity patterns and the far-field optics diffraction pattern of a light beam past a polygonal aperture. We discover the deterministic vorticity generation mechanism to predict the streamwise vorticity patterns based on the distribution of edges and inclined faces on the particle front surface. Conversely, the vorticity patterns themselves can serve as a diagnostic tool to infer the geometry of the opaque particle front surface. Additionally, the vorticity patterns can be used to predict the stable angular position of a freely settling angular particle, which tends to be such that the number of streamwise vorticity pairs in the wake is maximized.
Opening Pandora's box? Capturing the edifice of ‘hopefulness’ in the private rented sector
Authors: Amodu Tola
Published: June 2023

It is estimated that there are in excess of eight million unfit homes in England and that one in five excess deaths are attributable to poor housing conditions, costing the NHS some £1.4bn per year. While the policy focus tends to be on housing supply, it is the private rented sector (PRS) that is a key vehicle for provision. The pandemic has given rise to some unexpected outcomes, not least in regulating that sector. This paper will consider how strategies have changed and generated new modes of regulation in the sector, which may have important longer-term effects for the relation between tenant and landlord. Using the frame of vulnerability and risk theories as a starting position, the paper will critique the role of law in allocating landlord rights and responsibilities. It will look at the implications of moving towards an appreciation of the relational, as opposed to physical aspects of housing provision in regulating landlord behaviour and the attendant risks of so doing. It will be argued that the literatures of vulnerability and risk only make sense if a further element is added in this case: the notion of hope.
Estimating the prognostic value of cross-sectional network connectivity for treatment response in depression
Authors: Lee Chi Tak , Kelley Sean W. , Palacios Jorge , Richards Derek , Gillan Claire M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Tightly connected symptom networks have previously been linked to treatment resistance, but most findings come from small-sample studies comparing single responder v. non-responder networks. We aimed to estimate the association between baseline network connectivity and treatment response in a large sample and benchmark its prognostic value against baseline symptom severity and variance.

Methods

N = 40 518 patients receiving treatment for depression in routine care in England from 2015–2020 were analysed. Cross-sectional networks were constructed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for responders and non-responders (N = 20 259 each). To conduct parametric tests investigating the contribution of PHQ-9 sum score mean and variance to connectivity differences, networks were constructed for 160 independent subsamples of responders and non-responders (80 each, n = 250 per sample).

Results

The baseline non-responder network was more connected than responders (3.15 v. 2.70, S = 0.44, p < 0.001), but effects were small, requiring n = 750 per group to have 85% power. Parametric analyses revealed baseline network connectivity, PHQ-9 sum score mean, and PHQ-9 sum score variance were correlated (r = 0.20–0.58, all p < 0.001). Both PHQ-9 sum score mean (β = −1.79, s.e. = 0.07, p < 0.001), and PHQ-9 sum score variance (β = −1.67, s.e. = 0.09, p < 0.001) had larger effect sizes for predicting response than connectivity (β = −1.35, s.e. = 0.12, p < 0.001). The association between connectivity and response disappeared when PHQ-9 sum score variance was accounted for (β = −0.28, s.e. = 0.19, p = 0.14). We replicated these results in patients completing longer treatment (8–12 weeks, N = 22 952) and using anxiety symptom networks (N = 70 620).

Conclusions

The association between baseline network connectivity and treatment response may be largely due to differences in baseline score variance.
Frequency and predictors of individual treatment outcomes (response, remission, exacerbation, and relapse) in clinical adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury
Authors: Reichl Corinna , Rockstroh Franziska , Lerch Stefan , Fischer-Waldschmidt Gloria , Koenig Julian , Kaess Michael
Published: June 2023

Background

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent in adolescent clinical samples. There is evidence that NSSI can be treated effectively but data on individual treatment outcomes is limited. The goal of this study was to examine response, remission, exacerbation, and relapse rates over one and two years, respectively, among a clinical sample of adolescents with NSSI. Furthermore, we aimed to identify clinically relevant predictors of NSSI trajectories.

Methods

The sample consists of n = 203 adolescents (12–17 y., 94% female) from a specialized outpatient clinic for risk-taking and self-harming behavior with NSSI on at least five days in the six months before first assessment. Assessments were completed at baseline and one (FU1) and two (FU2) years later using structured clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires.

Results

At FU1, 75% reported a reduction in NSSI frequency by at least 50% (treatment response); among those, one third (25% of the entire sample) achieved a remission (0 NSSI); an exacerbation (⩾50% more NSSI) was observed in 11% of patients. Of those in remission, 41% relapsed one year later. Predictors of non-response or non-remission were inpatient treatment and depressive symptoms. Adolescents with lower NSSI frequency at baseline had a higher risk of exacerbation. Due to limited sample size at FU2 no prediction model for relapse was established.

Conclusions

While most adolescents presenting with NSSI achieved significant improvement, more attention should be paid to the rather low rates of full remission. Prediction and early detection of individuals who deteriorate during or relapse after treatment is critical.
A scoping review of factors associated with antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter species infections in humans
Authors: Neustaedter Christine M. , Robertson Kelsey , Tschritter Dana , Reid-Smith Richard J. , MacKinnon Melissa C. , Murphy Colleen P. , Chapman Brennan , Neumann Norman F. , Otto Simon J. G.
Published: June 2023

Human infection with antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter species is an important public health concern due to the potentially increased severity of illness and risk of death. Our objective was to synthesise the knowledge of factors associated with human infections with antimicrobial-resistant strains of Campylobacter. This scoping review followed systematic methods, including a protocol developed a priori. Comprehensive literature searches were developed in consultation with a research librarian and performed in five primary and three grey literature databases. Criteria for inclusion were analytical and English-language publications investigating human infections with an antimicrobial-resistant (macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and/or quinolones) Campylobacter that reported factors potentially linked with the infection. The primary and secondary screening were completed by two independent reviewers using Distiller SR®. The search identified 8,527 unique articles and included 27 articles in the review. Factors were broadly categorised into animal contact, prior antimicrobial use, participant characteristics, food consumption and handling, travel, underlying health conditions, and water consumption/exposure. Important factors linked to an increased risk of infection with a fluoroquinolone-resistant strain included foreign travel and prior antimicrobial use. Identifying consistent risk factors was challenging due to the heterogeneity of results, inconsistent analysis, and the lack of data in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for future research.
Piccolo in transcatheter PDA closure multi-centre study from premature to adolescent children
Authors: Baspinar Osman , Narin Nazmi , Baykan Ali , Yildiz Kaan , Pamukcu Ozge , Ozyurt Abdullah , Kervancioglu Mehmet , Kum Yunus Emre , Temel Munevver Tugba , Dogan Alper , Bagli Sedat , Demircan Tulay , Aydin Sahin Derya , Elmali Ferhan , Karadeniz Cem
Published: June 2023

In this multi-centre study, the mid- to long-term efficacy and safety of the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder in patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature and term infants as well as children were discussed. Methods. Between 2016 and 2021, 645 patients, 152 of whom were less than 1 month old, underwent ductus closure with the Piccolo device from five different centres in Turkey. The median age of the patients was 2.2 years, and the mean narrowest point of duct diameter was 1.8 mm. Sixty-two patients weighed ≤ 1.5 kg, 90 patients 1.5–3 kg, and the mean follow-up was 20.4 months. In 396, the duct was closed by the retrograde route. Ductal anatomy was Type A in 285, C in 72, E in 171, and F in 64 patients. Fluoroscopy duration was 6.2 min. The procedure success rate was 99.1%. Device embolisation occurred in 13 patients (2%), and 11 were retrieved with a snare. Cardiac perforation and death developed in one premature baby. The left pulmonary artery and the descending aorta stenosis were observed in 3 (0.4%) and in 5 patients (0.5%). Results. Piccolo device is safe and effective in closing ductus in all age groups. It has low profile for use in premature and newborn babies, a small embolisation risk, and a low residual shunt rate after closure. Conclusion. The Piccolo device can be considered as close an ideal occluder. The lower profile, smaller delivery catheter size, and symmetry of this device allow for a venous or arterial approach.
Stromunfälle
Authors: Hörburger David , Schmidt Elke , Henz Samuel
Published: June 2023

Zusammenfassung: Wenn Personen nach einem Stromschlag eine Ärztin oder einen Arzt aufsuchen, sollen insbesondere die Stromart (Gleichstrom vs. Wechselstrom), die Stromstärke (>1000V gilt als Starkstrom) sowie die Umstände des Ereignisses (Bewusstseinsverlust, Sturz) erfragt werden. Eine stationäre Rhythmusüberwachung wird bei Bewusstseinsverlust, EKG-Veränderungen, Arrhythmien, erhöhtem Troponin und generell bei Hochvoltunfällen (>1000V) empfohlen. In allen anderen Situationen kann gemäss dem Verletzungsmuster entschieden werden. Unter oberflächlichen Hautverbrennungen verbergen sich oft ausgedehnte thermische Gewebeschädigungen.
The Impact of Environmental and Host Factors on Human Cystic Echinococcosis: A County‐Level Modeling Study in Western China
Authors: Yin Jie , Wu Xiaoxu , Li Chenlu , Han Jiatong , Xiang Hongxu
Published: June 2023

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms from the Echinococcus granulosus genus, potentially affected by the environment and host animals. West China is one of the most endemic areas of human CE nation and worldwide. The current study identifies the crucial environmental and host factors of human CE prevalence in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and non‐Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau regions. An optimal county‐level model was used to analyze the association between key factors and human CE prevalence within the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Geodetector analysis and multicollinearity tests identify key factors, and an optimal model is developed through generalized additive models. In the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, four key factors were identified from the 88 variables, such as maximum annual precipitation (Pre), maximum summer normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Tibetan population rate (TibetanR), and positive rates of Echinococcus coproantigen in dogs (DogR). Based on the optimal model, a significant positive linear relationship was observed between maximum annual Pre and human CE prevalence. A probable U‐shaped curve depicts the non‐linear relationship between maximum summer NDVI and the human CE prevalence. Human CE prevalence possesses significant positive non‐linear relationships with TibetanR and DogR. Human CE transmission is integrally affected by environmental and host factors. This explains the mechanism of human CE transmission based on the pathogen, host, and transmission framework. Therefore, the current study provides references and innovative ideas for preventing and controlling human CE in western China.
A New Method for the Identification of Lunar Cryptomaria and Their Analysis in the Schiller‐Schickard Region
Authors: Ma Ming , Chen Jingran , Chen Shengbo , Chao Sun , Lu Tianqi , Han Chenghao , Tian Peng
Published: June 2023

Cryptomaria play critical roles in elucidating the early thermal history of the Moon. In contrast with traditional dark halo impact crater (DHC) identification methods, this study focused on exposed rock (0.5%–29.54% rock abundance) surfaces as windows for cryptomare identification. We classified the lithology of these rock surfaces to find those that match mare basalt using major element oxide products based on data from the Diviner instrument aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and by Lunar Prospector thorium products, in accordance with laboratory lithological classification criteria. Then, by combining the locations of 0.5%–29.54% rock abundance values with the lithologies, we created a map of exposed basaltic rock surfaces and 14 cryptomare candidate regions with dozens of closely spaced basaltic rock pixels were identified across the Moon. Among 14 candidate regions, 11 cryptomaria were consistent with results in literature (Whitten & Head, 2015a; https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ICARUS.2014.09.031) based on DHCs, and 3 cryptomaria were newly identified. In the Schiller‐Schickard region, we refined the boundaries of 18 individual cryptomare units using our rock analysis combined with LRO color shaded relief maps. A detailed analysis of the distribution, composition, area, depth, thickness, and volume and the morphological features of these 18 identified cryptomare units indicates that the basalt materials covered by the Orientale basin or other impact crater ejecta display variable thicknesses and discontinuous layers. These identified cryptomare units and their morphological features provide information on regional stratigraphy as well as on the thermal evolution of the Moon.
Global and Zonal‐Mean Hydrological Response to Early Eocene Warmth
Authors: Cramwinckel Marlow J. , Burls Natalie J. , Fahad Abdullah A. , Knapp Scott , West Christopher K. , Reichgelt Tammo , Greenwood David R. , Chan Wing‐Le , Donnadieu Yannick , Hutchinson David K. , de Boer Agatha M. , Ladant Jean‐Baptiste , Morozova Polina A. , Niezgodzki Igor , Knorr Gregor , Steinig Sebastian , Zhang Zhongshi , Zhu Jiang , Feng Ran , Lunt Daniel J. , Abe‐Ouchi Ayako , Inglis Gordon N.
Published: June 2023

Earth's hydrological cycle is expected to intensify in response to global warming, with a “wet‐gets‐wetter, dry‐gets‐drier” response anticipated over the ocean. Subtropical regions (∼15°–30°N/S) are predicted to become drier, yet proxy evidence from past warm climates suggests these regions may be characterized by wetter conditions. Here we use an integrated data‐modeling approach to reconstruct global and zonal‐mean rainfall patterns during the early Eocene (∼56–48 million years ago). The Deep‐Time Model Intercomparison Project (DeepMIP) model ensemble indicates that the mid‐ (30°–60°N/S) and high‐latitudes (>60°N/S) are characterized by a thermodynamically dominated hydrological response to warming and overall wetter conditions. The tropical band (0°–15°N/S) is also characterized by wetter conditions, with several DeepMIP models simulating narrowing of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone. However, the latter is not evident from the proxy data. The subtropics are characterized by negative precipitation‐evaporation anomalies (i.e., drier conditions) in the DeepMIP models, but there is surprisingly large inter‐model variability in mean annual precipitation (MAP). Intriguingly, we find that models with weaker meridional temperature gradients (e.g., CESM, GFDL) are characterized by a reduction in subtropical moisture divergence, leading to an increase in MAP. These model simulations agree more closely with our new proxy‐derived precipitation reconstructions and other key climate metrics and imply that the early Eocene was characterized by reduced subtropical moisture divergence. If the meridional temperature gradient was even weaker than suggested by those DeepMIP models, circulation‐induced changes may have outcompeted thermodynamic changes, leading to wetter subtropics. This highlights the importance of accurately reconstructing zonal temperature gradients when reconstructing past rainfall patterns.
Stabilization of pre-existing neurotensin receptor conformational states by β-arrestin-1 and the biased allosteric modulator ML314
Authors: Bumbak Fabian , Bower James B. , Zemmer Skylar C. , Inoue Asuka , Pons Miquel , Paniagua Juan Carlos , Yan Fei , Ford James , Wu Hongwei , Robson Scott A. , Bathgate Ross A. D. , Scott Daniel J. , Gooley Paul R. , Ziarek Joshua J.
Published: June 2023

The neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with promise as a drug target for the treatment of pain, schizophrenia, obesity, addiction, and various cancers. A detailed picture of the NTS1 structural landscape has been established by X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM and yet, the molecular determinants for why a receptor couples to G protein versus arrestin transducers remain poorly defined. We used 13CεH3-methionine NMR spectroscopy to show that binding of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to the receptor’s intracellular surface allosterically tunes the timescale of motions at the orthosteric pocket and conserved activation motifs – without dramatically altering the structural ensemble. β-arrestin-1 further remodels the receptor ensemble by reducing conformational exchange kinetics for a subset of resonances, whereas G protein coupling has little to no effect on exchange rates. A β-arrestin biased allosteric modulator transforms the NTS1:G protein complex into a concatenation of substates, without triggering transducer dissociation, suggesting that it may function by stabilizing signaling incompetent G protein conformations such as the non-canonical state. Together, our work demonstrates the importance of kinetic information to a complete picture of the GPCR activation landscape.
Three-dimensional printing of silica glass with sub-micrometer resolution
Authors: Huang Po-Han , Laakso Miku , Edinger Pierre , Hartwig Oliver , Duesberg Georg S. , Lai Lee-Lun , Mayer Joachim , Nyman Johan , Errando-Herranz Carlos , Stemme Göran , Gylfason Kristinn B. , Niklaus Frank
Published: June 2023

Silica glass is a high-performance material used in many applications such as lenses, glassware, and fibers. However, modern additive manufacturing of micro-scale silica glass structures requires sintering of 3D-printed silica-nanoparticle-loaded composites at ~1200 °C, which causes substantial structural shrinkage and limits the choice of substrate materials. Here, 3D printing of solid silica glass with sub-micrometer resolution is demonstrated without the need of a sintering step. This is achieved by locally crosslinking hydrogen silsesquioxane to silica glass using nonlinear absorption of sub-picosecond laser pulses. The as-printed glass is optically transparent but shows a high ratio of 4-membered silicon-oxygen rings and photoluminescence. Optional annealing at 900 °C makes the glass indistinguishable from fused silica. The utility of the approach is demonstrated by 3D printing an optical microtoroid resonator, a luminescence source, and a suspended plate on an optical-fiber tip. This approach enables promising applications in fields such as photonics, medicine, and quantum-optics.
Two-photon imaging of soliton dynamics
Authors: Sterczewski Łukasz A. , Sotor Jarosław
Published: June 2023

Optical solitary waves (solitons) that interact in a nonlinear system can bind and form a structure similar to a molecule. The rich dynamics of this process have created a demand for rapid spectral characterization to deepen the understanding of soliton physics with many practical implications. Here, we demonstrate stroboscopic, two-photon imaging of soliton molecules (SM) with completely unsynchronized lasers, where the wavelength and bandwidth constraints are considerably eased compared to conventional imaging techniques. Two-photon detection enables the probe and tested oscillator to operate at completely different wavelengths, which permits mature near-infrared laser technology to be leveraged for rapid SM studies of emerging long-wavelength laser sources. As a demonstration, using a 1550 nm probe laser we image the behavior of soliton singlets across the 1800–2100 nm range, and capture the rich dynamics of evolving multiatomic SM. This technique may prove to be an essential, easy-to-implement diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of loosely-bound SM, which often remain unnoticed due to instrumental resolution or bandwidth limitations.