bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traveling Waves Near Couette Flow for the 2D Euler Equation
Authors: Castro Ángel , Lear Daniel
Published: January 2023

In this paper we reveal the existence of a large family of new, nontrivial and smooth traveling waves for the 2D Euler equation at an arbitrarily small distance from the Couette flow in $$H^s$$

H
s

, with $$s<3/2$$

s
<
3
/
2

, at the level of the vorticity. The speed of these waves is of order 1 with respect to this distance. This result strongly contrasts with the setting of very high regularity in Gevrey spaces [see Bedrossian and Masmoudi (Publ Math Inst Hautes Etudes Sci 122:195–300, 2015)], where the problem exhibits an inviscid damping mechanism that leads to relaxation of perturbations back to nearby shear flows. It also complements the fact that there not exist nontrivial traveling waves in the $$H^{\frac{3}{2}+}$$

H

3
2

+

neighborhoods of Couette flow [see Lin and Zeng (Arch Ration Mech Anal 200:1075–1097, 2011)].
PET imaging of animal models with depressive-like phenotypes
Authors: Vazquez-Matias Daniel Aaron , de Vries Erik F. J. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Doorduin Janine
Published: January 2023

Major depressive disorder is a growing and poorly understood pathology. Due to technical and ethical limitations, a significant proportion of the research on depressive disorders cannot be performed on patients, but needs to be investigated in animal paradigms. Over the years, animal studies have provided new insight in the mechanisms underlying depression. Several of these studies have used PET imaging for the non-invasive and longitudinal investigation of the brain physiology. This review summarises the findings of preclinical PET imaging in different experimental paradigms of depression and compares these findings with observations from human studies. Preclinical PET studies in animal models of depression can be divided into three main different approaches: (a) investigation of glucose metabolism as a biomarker for regional and network involvement, (b) evaluation of the availability of different neuroreceptor populations associated with depressive phenotypes, and (c) monitoring of the inflammatory response in phenotypes of depression. This review also assesses the relevance of the use of PET imaging techniques in animal paradigms for the understanding of specific aspects of the depressive-like phenotypes, in particular whether it might contribute to achieve a more detailed characterisation of the clinical depressive phenotypes for the development of new therapies for depression.
Sleep disordered breathing and its relation to stroke and pulmonary hypertension in children with sickle cell disease: a single-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Tantawy Azza , El-Sherif Nayera , Makkeyah Sara , Eldeen Nahed Salah , Farghal Noura Bahaa El-Din , Soliman Nanies , Ebeid Fatma S. E.
Published: January 2023

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common underdiagnosed sequela of sickle cell disease (SCD) that has been linked to the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises. To determine the frequency of SDB in children with SCD and its association to SCD-related complications, thirty children and adolescents with SCD at their steady state underwent clinical, laboratory, and radiological assessment using transcranial duplex (TCD) and echo assessment of tricuspid regurge velocity (TRV). All participants had an overnight polysomnography after completing the modified STOP-Bang questionnaire. The mean age of the studied cohort was 10.2 years, with male: female ratio 1.7:1. Six children (20%) had high-risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while nine (30%) were at intermediate risk. Sleep apnea defined as apnea (AHI) > 1 event/hour was found among 18/30 (60%) subjects (14 males and 4 females). Children with AHI > 5 (moderate to severe OSA) had significantly higher TRV (p = 0.007) and left MCA flow velocity (p = 0.049) when compared to those with AHI < 5. Children with AHI > 5 were at higher risk of OSA according to the modified STOP-Bang questionnaire (p = 0.02). AHI positively correlated with TRV (r = 0.53, p = 0.003), right MCA flow velocity (r = 0.45, p = 0.013), and left MCA flow velocity (r = 0.55, p = 0.002), and negatively correlated to BMI-SDS (r =  − 0.48, p = 0.008). The high frequency of OSA in the studied cohort with SCD and its association with increasing risk of PH and TCD changes highlights the importance of early detection and management of OSA in children with SCD.
To what extent are anorectal function tests comparable? A study comparing digital rectal examination, anal electromyography, 3-dimensional high-resolution anal manometry, and transperineal ultrasound
Authors: Dekker L. , van Reijn-Baggen D. A. , Han-Geurts I. J. M. , Felt-Bersma R. J. F.
Published: January 2023

Background

Anorectal function tests are helpful for objective investigation of anorectal (dys)function. A variety of tests are available, but there is no recommendation when to perform which test. Furthermore, which test is the most accurate is controversial and the correlation between these tests is not very clear. The aim of our study was to examine the correlation of anal pressures and the possibility to diagnose pelvic floor dyssynergia between digital rectal examination (DRE) and several anorectal function tests.

Methods

Between January 2020 and April 2022, all men and women aged 18 to 80 years, treated at the Proctos Clinic, who were referred for pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) by the surgeon and underwent anorectal function tests, were included. DRE was performed to establish the anal pressure at rest and during squeeze and straining. Anorectal function tests included 3D high-resolution anal manometry (3D-HRAM), balloon expulsion test (BET), transperineal ultrasound (TPUS), and surface electromyography (s-EMG).

Results

A total of 50 patients, 37 (74%) females, were included. Median age was 51 years. Twenty-three (62%) females had a history of two or more vaginal deliveries. The most frequent reason for referral for PFPT was fecal incontinence in 27 (54%) patients. The assessed pressures and pelvic floor function measured with DRE by the surgeon and the pelvic floor physical therapist during rest, squeeze, and straining correlated in 78%, 78%, and 84%, respectively. Correlation between DRE and 3D-HRAM or s-EMG was better for squeeze pressures than resting pressures. The correlation between s-EMG and 3D-HRAM was better during squeeze than at rest with an agreement of 59% and 37%, respectively.

Conclusion

DRE by an experienced investigator is of sufficient value for daily clinical practice to detect dyssynergia and to measure sphincter tone. Commonly performed anorectal function tests correlate poorly with DRE and with other anorectal function tests. When conservative treatment fails, further investigation is warranted; however, these results should be interpreted with caution.

What does this paper add to the literature?

Anorectal function tests such as the 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, surface electromyography, and transperineal ultrasound are all frequently performed in the diagnostic workup in patients with defecation disorders. No previous study has compared these tests regarding their outcomes, nor has the interrater agreement been measured regarding the digital rectal examination by two experienced observers. Furthermore, transperineal ultrasound is in all probability not frequently used and therefore underexposed in the diagnostic workup of patients with dyssynergic defecation.
Experimental and simulative determination and correction of the effective gap extension in structured coaxial measuring systems
Authors: Josch Sebastian , Jesinghausen Steffen , Dechert Christopher , Schmid Hans-Joachim
Published: January 2023

The use of structured measuring systems to prevent wall slip is a common approach to obtain absolute rheological values. Typically, only the minimum distance between the measuring surfaces is used for further calculation, implying that no flow occurs between the structural elements. But this assumption is misleading, and a gap correction is necessary. To determine the radius correction $$\Delta r$$

Δ
r

for specific geometries, we conducted investigations on three Newtonian fluids (two silicon oils and one suspension considered to be Newtonian in the relevant shear rate range). The results show that $$\Delta r$$

Δ
r

is not only shear- and material-independent, but geometry-dependent, providing a Newtonian flow behaviour in a similar viscosity range. Therefore, a correction value can be determined with only minute deviations in different Newtonian fluids. As the conducted laboratory measurements are very time-consuming and expensive, a CFD-approach with only very small deviations was additionally developed and compared for validation purposes. Therefore, simulation is an effective and resource-efficient alternative to the presented laboratory measurements to determine $$\Delta r$$

Δ
r

for the correction of structured coaxial geometries even for non-Newtonian fluids in the future.
Kidney tubular injury induced by valproic acid: systematic literature review
Authors: Anguissola Giulia , Leu Dennis , Simonetti Giacomo D. , Simonetti Barbara Goeggel , Lava Sebastiano A. G. , Milani Gregorio P. , Bianchetti Mario G. , Scoglio Martin
Published: January 2023

Background

Valproic acid is prescribed for epilepsy and as prophylaxis for bipolar disorder and migraine headaches. It has also been implicated as a cause of a kidney tubular injury.

Methods

We undertook a review of the literature to characterize the biochemical and histopathological features of the overt kidney tubular injury and to evaluate the possible existence of a pauci-symptomatic injury. The pre-registered review (CRD42022360357) was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Searches were conducted in Excerpta Medica, the National Library of Medicine, and Web of Science. The gray literature was also considered.

Results

For the final analysis, we retained 36 articles: 28 case reports documented 48 individuals with epilepsy on valproic acid for 7 months or more and presenting with features consistent with an overt kidney tubular injury. The following disturbances were noted: hypophosphatemia (N = 46), normoglycemic glycosuria (N = 46), total proteinuria (N = 45), metabolic acidosis (N = 36), hypouricemia (N = 27), tubular proteinuria (N = 27), hypokalemia (N = 23), and hypocalcemia (N = 8). A biopsy, obtained in six cases, disclosed altered proximal tubular cells with giant and dysmorphic mitochondria. Eight case series addressed the existence of a pauci- or even asymptomatic kidney injury. In the reported 285 subjects on valproic acid for 7 months or more, an isolated tubular proteinuria, mostly N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, was often noted.

Conclusions

Valproic acid may induce an overt kidney tubular injury, which is associated with a proximal tubular mitochondrial toxicity. Treatment for 7 months or more is often associated with a pauci- or oligosymptomatic kidney tubular injury.

Graphical abstract
Knowledge- and ambiguity-aware robot learning from corrective and evaluative feedback
Authors: Celemin Carlos , Kober Jens
Published: January 2023

In order to deploy robots that could be adapted by non-expert users, interactive imitation learning (IIL) methods must be flexible regarding the interaction preferences of the teacher and avoid assumptions of perfect teachers (oracles), while considering they make mistakes influenced by diverse human factors. In this work, we propose an IIL method that improves the human–robot interaction for non-expert and imperfect teachers in two directions. First, uncertainty estimation is included to endow the agents with a lack of knowledge awareness (epistemic uncertainty) and demonstration ambiguity awareness (aleatoric uncertainty), such that the robot can request human input when it is deemed more necessary. Second, the proposed method enables the teachers to train with the flexibility of using corrective demonstrations, evaluative reinforcements, and implicit positive feedback. The experimental results show an improvement in learning convergence with respect to other learning methods when the agent learns from highly ambiguous teachers. Additionally, in a user study, it was found that the components of the proposed method improve the teaching experience and the data efficiency of the learning process.
Genomic plasticity and adaptive capacity of the quaternary alkyl-ammonium compound and copper tolerant Acinetobacter bohemicus strain QAC-21b isolated from pig manure
Authors: Pulami Dipen , Schwabe Lina , Blom Jochen , Schwengers Oliver , Wilharm Gottfried , Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P.
Published: January 2023

Here, we present the genomic characterization of an Acinetobacter bohemicus strain QAC-21b which was isolated in the presence of a quaternary alky-ammonium compound (QAAC) from manure of a conventional German pig farm. The genetic determinants for QAAC, heavy metal and antibiotic resistances are reported based of the whole genome shotgun sequence and physiological growth tests. A. bohemicus QAC-21b grew in a species typical manner well at environmental temperatures but not at 37 °C. The strain showed tolerance to QAACs and copper but was susceptible to antibiotics relevant for Acinetobacter treatments. The genome of QAC-21b contained several Acinetobacter typical QAAC and heavy metal transporting efflux pumps coding genes, but no key genes for acquired antimicrobial resistances. The high genomic content of transferable genetic elements indicates that this bacterium can be involved in the transmission of antimicrobial resistances, if it is released with manure as organic fertilizer on agricultural fields. The genetic content of the strain was compared to that of two other A. bohemicus strains, the type strain ANC 3994T, isolated from forest soil, and KCTC 42081, originally described as A. pakistanensis, a metal resistant strain isolated from a wastewater treatment pond. In contrast to the forest soil strain, both strains from anthropogenically impacted sources showed genetic features indicating their evolutionary adaptation to the anthropogenically impacted environments. Strain QAC-21b will be used as model strain to study the transmission of antimicrobial resistance to environmentally adapted Acinetobacter in agricultural environments receiving high content of pollutants with organic fertilizers from livestock husbandry.
Genetic diversity goals and targets have improved, but remain insufficient for clear implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework
Authors: Hoban Sean , Bruford Michael W. , da Silva Jessica M. , Funk W. Chris , Frankham Richard , Gill Michael J. , Grueber Catherine E. , Heuertz Myriam , Hunter Margaret E. , Kershaw Francine , Lacy Robert C. , Lees Caroline , Lopes-Fernandes Margarida , MacDonald Anna J. , Mastretta-Yanes Alicia , McGowan Philip J. K. , Meek Mariah H. , Mergeay Joachim , Millette Katie L. , Mittan-Moreau Cinnamon S. , Navarro Laetitia M. , O’Brien David , Ogden Rob , Segelbacher Gernot , Paz-Vinas Ivan , Vernesi Cristiano , Laikre Linda
Published: January 2023

Genetic diversity among and within populations of all species is necessary for people and nature to survive and thrive in a changing world. Over the past three years, commitments for conserving genetic diversity have become more ambitious and specific under the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) draft post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF). This Perspective article comments on how goals and targets of the GBF have evolved, the improvements that are still needed, lessons learned from this process, and connections between goals and targets and the actions and reporting that will be needed to maintain, protect, manage and monitor genetic diversity. It is possible and necessary that the GBF strives to maintain genetic diversity within and among populations of all species, to restore genetic connectivity, and to develop national genetic conservation strategies, and to report on these using proposed, feasible indicators.
Perspectives on cyberlearning: A case study by students, about students
Authors: Davies Patricia Marybelle , Alotaishan Reem Muteb T. , Alabdulwahed Hayat Khalid A. , Khan Ali M. Fahim , Ateya Rawan Mohammad , Alkhamis Thamer Saleh , Alodhieb Abdulaziz Abdullah A.
Published: January 2023

This paper reports on a study conducted by college students at a private university in Saudi Arabia. The research examines the online learning experiences of their peers during the first wave of the coronavirus covid-19 pandemic. Many assumptions exist about online learning and its impact in higher education, but these are mainly based on the views of instructors and leaders of institutions. Hitherto, the perspectives of those meant to be beneficiaries of digital technologies have been given little consideration even though students use cyberspace for academic work and beyond. To address this silence, a group of student-researchers conducted a case study to examine students’ views of cyberlearning. The research used a qualitative analysis approach to address the following questions: (1) What were the cyberlearning experiences of students at our university during the first two semesters of lockdown? (2) What are students’ understandings of cyberlearning? (3) What are their aspirations for cyberlearning? Data were collected through an online survey administered to the entire student body at the university. Responses were received from 3574 students. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The research participants perceive cyberlearning to be the same as online learning and see it as a viable educational option. They reported that the dominant mode of instruction in online classrooms is instructors delivering information. Respondents also highlighted the need for improved online teaching pedagogies and curbing academic dishonesty in online classrooms. Students’ aspirations for cyberlearning were clearly articulated. Respondents suggested that increasing online learning opportunities would have a positive impact on their academic progress. Through this research students demonstrate a sense of agency and provide opportunities for equity strategies at their university. The results show that serious attempts should be made to include cyberlearning as part of everyday educational activity in an attempt to increase student engagement.
The relationship between air pollution and multimorbidity: Can two birds be killed with the same stone?
Authors: Arias de la Torre Jorge , Ronaldson Amy , Alonso Jordi , Dregan Alex , Mudway Ian , Valderas Jose M. , Vineis Paolo , Bakolis Ioannis
Published: January 2023

Air pollution and multimorbidity are two of the most important challenges for Public Health worldwide. Although there is a large body of evidence linking air pollution with the development of different single chronic conditions, the evidence about the relationship between air pollution and multimorbidity (the co-occurrence of multiple long-term conditions) is sparse. To obtain evidence about this relationship could be challenging and different aspects should be considered, such as its multifaceted and complex nature, the specific pollutants and their potential influence on health, their levels of exposure over time, or the data that could be used for its study. This evidence could be instrumental to inform the development of new recommendations and measures to reduce harmful levels of air pollutants, as means to prevent the development of multimorbidity and reduce its burden.
Self-fulfilling Prophecy in Practical and Automated Prediction
Authors: King Owen C. , Mertens Mayli
Published: January 2023

A self-fulfilling prophecy is, roughly, a prediction that brings about its own truth. Although true predictions are hard to fault, self-fulfilling prophecies are often regarded with suspicion. In this article, we vindicate this suspicion by explaining what self-fulfilling prophecies are and what is problematic about them, paying special attention to how their problems are exacerbated through automated prediction. Our descriptive account of self-fulfilling prophecies articulates the four elements that define them. Based on this account, we begin our critique by showing that typical self-fulfilling prophecies arise due to mistakes about the relationship between a prediction and its object. Such mistakes—along with other mistakes in predicting or in the larger practical endeavor—are easily overlooked when the predictions turn out true. Thus we note that self-fulfilling prophecies prompt no error signals; truth shrouds their mistakes from humans and machines alike. Consequently, self-fulfilling prophecies create several obstacles to accountability for the outcomes they produce. We conclude our critique by showing how failures of accountability, and the associated failures to make corrections, explain the connection between self-fulfilling prophecies and feedback loops. By analyzing the complex relationships between accuracy and other evaluatively significant features of predictions, this article sheds light both on the special case of self-fulfilling prophecies and on the ethics of prediction more generally.
Seismic Anisotropy Tomography and Mantle Dynamics
Authors: Zhao Dapeng , Liu Xin , Wang Zewei , Gou Tao
Published: January 2023

Seismic anisotropy tomography is the updated geophysical imaging technology that can reveal 3-D variations of both structural heterogeneity and seismic anisotropy, providing unique constraints on geodynamic processes in the Earth’s crust and mantle. Here we introduce recent advances in the theory and application of seismic anisotropy tomography, thanks to abundant and high-quality data sets recorded by dense seismic networks deployed in many regions in the past decades. Applications of the novel techniques led to new discoveries in the 3-D structure and dynamics of subduction zones and continental regions. The most significant findings are constraints on seismic anisotropy in the subducting slabs. Fast-velocity directions (FVDs) of azimuthal anisotropy in the slabs are generally trench-parallel, reflecting fossil lattice-preferred orientation of aligned anisotropic minerals and/or shape-preferred orientation due to transform faults produced at the mid-ocean ridge and intraslab hydrated faults formed at the outer-rise area near the oceanic trench. The slab deformation may play an important role in both mantle flow and intraslab fabric. Trench-parallel anisotropy in the forearc has been widely observed by shear-wave splitting measurements, which may result, at least partly, from the intraslab deformation due to outer-rise yielding of the incoming oceanic plate. In the mantle wedge beneath the volcanic front and back-arc areas, FVDs are trench-normal, reflecting subduction-driven corner flows. Trench-normal FVDs are also revealed in the subslab mantle, which may reflect asthenospheric shear deformation caused by the overlying slab subduction. Toroidal mantle flow is observed in and around a slab edge or slab window. Significant azimuthal and radial anisotropies occur in the big mantle wedge beneath East Asia, reflecting hot and wet upwelling flows as well as horizontal flows associated with deep subduction of the western Pacific plate and its stagnation in the mantle transition zone. The geodynamic processes in the big mantle wedge have caused craton destruction, back-arc spreading, and intraplate seismic and volcanic activities. Ductile flow in the middle-lower crust is clearly revealed as prominent seismic anisotropy beneath the Tibetan Plateau, which affects the generation of large crustal earthquakes and mountain buildings.
Management of National eID Infrastructure as a State-Critical Asset and Public-private Partnership: Learning from the Case of Estonia
Authors: Lips Silvia , Tsap Valentyna , Bharosa Nitesh , Krimmer Robert , Tammet Tanel , Draheim Dirk
Published: January 2023

In the management of national electronic identity (eID) infrastructure, cooperation between public and private parties becomes more and more important, as the mutual dependencies between the provision of e-services and the provision of the national public key infrastructure (PKI) continuously increases. Yet, it is not clear which key factors affect the public-private collaboration in the eID field, as existing studies do not provide insight into this particular matter. Therefore, we aim to identify the factors that affect public-private partnership (PPP) in the field of eID. We also describe feasible formats that help to improve the cooperation between the two sectors, based on insights from the case of Estonia. In service of that study, we conducted twelve qualitative interviews with high-level experts representing several parties from the public and the private sector. By conducting a thematic analysis of the interviews, we identified five key factors for successful PPP in the eID field, i.e., engagement, joint understanding, two-way communication, clear role division, and process orientation. Furthermore, we generalize our results by discussing, in how far the found cooperation formats can be used by stakeholders to manage state-critical information technology (IT) infrastructure components similar to eID such as mobile phone services, data transmission services and digital signature services.
Efficient encapsulation of isocyanates in PCL/PLA biodegradable microcapsules for adhesives
Authors: Aguiar António , Loureiro Mónica V. , Pinho Isabel , Marques Ana C.
Published: January 2023

Microencapsulation of isocyanates eliminates the risks associated with their direct handling, protects the isocyanate species from air moisture, and increases the storage life. In light of this, we present a straightforward and efficient process to encapsulate isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) using biodegradable polymers by an emulsion system combined with the solvent evaporation method. We produced spherical, disaggregated, and core–shell microcapsules (MCs) using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), or PCL/PLA blends as shell materials. As far as we know, it is the first time that isocyanate species are encapsulated by PLA or PCL/PLA blends. Our process leads to a production yield of 70–74% and an encapsulated isocyanate content up to 73 wt% of the MCs. All MCs showed very good isocyanate protection, especially when stored in low-moist environments. Their use as cross-linking agents for harmless, eco-innovative, and high-performance adhesive formulations for footwear was tested, for the first time, according to the specifications of industry standards. The peel tests of the adhesive’s joints revealed peeling strength values between 3.45 and 6.09 N/mm which is higher than the minimum required. The creep tests demonstrated that the use of MCs with encapsulated IPDI improves the heat resistance of the adhesive joints. Therefore, the MCs revealed an effective isocyanate release and very capable adhesive joints with no negative effects from the polymeric shell, validating the employment of these cross-linking agents in the footwear industry. Although PCL MCs were the ones with the highest IPDI content, the best adhesive formulations were produced with MCs with a high amount of PLA, due to their smaller size, good dispersibility and better distribution at the substrate.

Graphical abstract
Why do He and She Disagree: The Role of Binary Morphological Features in Grammatical Gender Agreement in German
Authors: Seyboth Margret , Domahs Frank
Published: January 2023

In many languages, grammatical gender is an inherent property of nouns and, as such, forms a basis for agreement relations between nouns and their dependent elements (e.g., adjectives, determiners). Mental gender representation is traditionally assumed to be categorial, with categorial gender nodes corresponding to the given gender specifications in a certain language (e.g., [masculine], [feminine], [neuter] in German). In alternative models, inspired by accounts put forward in theoretical linguistics, it has been argued that mental gender representations consist of sets of binary features which might be fully specified (e.g., masc [+ m, − f], fem [− m, + f], neut [− m, − f]) or underspecified (e.g., masc [+ m], fem [+ f], neut [] or masc [+ m, − f], fem [], neut [− f]). We have conducted two experiments to test these controversial accounts. Native speakers of German were asked to decide on the (un-)grammaticality of gender agreement of visually presented combinations of I) definite determiners and nouns, and II) anaphoric personal pronouns and nouns in an implicit nominative singular setting. Overall, agreement violations with neuterdas/esincreased processing costs compared to violations withdie / sieorder / erfor masculine or feminine target nouns, respectively. The observed pattern poses a challenge for models involving categorial gender representation. Rather, it is consistent with feature-based representations of grammatical gender in the mental lexicon.
When to Not Respond in Kind? Individuals’ Expectations of the Future and Their Support for Reciprocity in Foreign Policy
Authors: Kiratli Osman Sabri , Ertan Sabri Arhan
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates if individuals’ negative assessments of the future drive micro-level reluctance for international cooperation and reciprocal behavior, a core principle of multilateralism. To test our theoretical expectations, we field online survey experiments on a sample of over 3000 respondents in the US and Turkey in October–November 2020. The experimental results show that on average, individuals are fairly sensitive to target countries’ policy actions and are inclined to reciprocate when contemplating whether to increase contributions to UN or consent to bilateral trade liberalization. Yet, further analyses concur that individual inclinations to reciprocate are substantially moderated by their future expectations. Specifically, individuals who are more pessimistic about their material prospects remain fairly indifferent to the positive actions of other countries, but are more likely to penalize negative foreign policy actions by reciprocating in kind.
Why I am not an Anti-Haecceitist
Authors: Nizzardo Matteo
Published: January 2023

In this paper I argue that if the Identity of Indiscernibles is not necessarily true, then Haecceitism ensues—where Haecceitism is the view that there are maximal possibilities that include all the same qualitative possibilities, and yet differ with respect to the non-qualitative possibilities they include. This goes against the common intuition that Anti-Haecceitism is compatible with the Identity of Indiscernibles being only contingently true. My argument is interesting in many respects. First, it shows that in any modal framework there is a connection between the number of worldbound ordinary spatio-temporal objects, and the number of overall possibilities. Second, it has repercussions for the tenability of some philosophical positions, like Generalism, which is usually interpreted as entailing Anti-Haecceitism while at the same time being compatible with the claim that the Identity of Indiscernibles is not necessarily true. If I am correct, Generalism and similar philosophical accounts turn out to be inconsistent. Finally, it provides a strong argument for Haecceitism, given that the majority of authors today find counterexamples to the Identity of Indiscernibles extremely convincing, and many philosophical positions have been and continue being criticised on the basis of their commitment to the Identity of Indiscernibles. The paper is structured as follows: I introduce Haecceitism and the Identity of Indiscernibles in Sects. 1 and 2 respectively. Drawing on a result from the Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics, which I survey in Sect. 3, I give my main argument in Sect. 4. Finally, I discuss some implications in Sect. 5.
Data quality and auditing within the Netherlands Heart Registration: using the PCI registry as an example
Authors: Houterman S. , van Dullemen A. , Versteegh M. , Aengevaeren W. , Danse P. , Brinkman E. , Schuurman D. , van Veghel D. ,   PCI Registration Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registration
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of this article is to present the method and results of the data quality control system and au﻿dit within the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR) using data of patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Netherlands as an example.

Methods

The NHR is a Dutch nationwide registry of all cardiac interventions, comprising data from all 71 hospitals, of which 30 are cardiac intervention or heart centres. Each year, within the NHR, data validation and verification is performed by standard quality controls and monitoring visits (audits). For the audit in 2019, a sample of 50–100 medical records of patients treated with PCI in 2016 and 2017 were reviewed in each hospital by an independent audi﻿tor. The data received by the NHR were compared with the information in the hospitals’ medical records. In to﻿tal 12 patient characteristics, 5 intervention variables and 3 outcome variables were screened. The value of a variable was considered discrepant if more than 10% of the medical records reviewed regarding this variable were not consistent with the reported data received by the NHR.

Results

For all variables together, the consistency was high, 97.6%. All variables, except multivessel disease (9.3% discrepancy in the 2622 medical records reviewed), had an accuracy above 95%.

Conclusion

The results of the audit of the PCI medical records show that the overall quality of the data is high. For variables such as multivessel disease it is important to improve knowledge of the definitions and to train all those involved in the registration process.
Quality of life and societal costs in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: protocol of the AFFECT-HCM study
Authors: Schoonvelde Stephan A. C. , Wiethoff Isabell , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , Michels Michelle
Published: January 2023

Background

Ever since the first description of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common genetic cardiac disease, tremendous progress has been made in the evaluation and management of HCM patients, but little attention has been focused on the impact of HCM on societal costs and quality of life (QoL).

Aims

This paper describes the study protocol for the AFFECT-HCM study into burden of disease (BoD), which aims to estimate health-related QoL and societal costs in HCM patients and genotype-positive phenotype-negative (G+/P−) relatives during a one-year follow-up study, and relate this to the phenotypical HCM expression.

Methods

A total of 400 Dutch HCM patients and 100 G+/P− subjects will be followed for one year in a prospective, multi-centre, prevalence-based BoD study. Societal costs will be measured via a bottom-up approach using the cost questionnaires iMCQ and iPCQ. For QoL, the generic EQ-5D-5L and disease-specific Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire will be used. QoL and societal costs will be compared with phenotype-specific HCM characteristics and other determinants to identify factors that influence BoD. Accelerometry will test the correlation between BoD and physical activity.

Conclusion

The AFFECT-HCM study will evaluate the BoD in HCM patients and G+/P− subjects to improve the understanding of the societal and economic impact of HCM.
Agios Petros and the Neolithic pottery-making traditions of the deserted islands, Northern Sporades, Greece
Authors: Barouda Archontoula , Quinn Patrick , Efstratiou Nikos
Published: January 2023

The Neolithic sites of the Cyclops Cave and Agios Petros provide insights into a once flourishing culture that inhabited the ‘Deserted Islands’ of the northern Sporades in the Greek north Aegean. Building on scientific analysis of ceramics from the seasonally inhabited Cyclops Cave, the present study examines in detail 39 sherds from the permanently settled site of Agios Petros on the adjacent island of Kyra Panagia, using a combination of thin section petrography, geochemistry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The two ceramic assemblages have been directly compared, revealing close similarities and differences that provide insights into the relationship between the neighbouring sites and their functions. The chaîne opératoire of the dominant local pottery-making tradition of the Deserted Islands is reconstructed and its implications for the identity of the Agios Petros-Yioura/Northern Sporades Culture are considered.
Meditators Probably Show Increased Behaviour-Monitoring Related Neural Activity
Authors: Bailey Neil W. , Geddes Harry , Zannettino Isabella , Humble Gregory , Payne Jake , Baell Oliver , Emonson Melanie , Chung Sung Wook , Hill Aron T. , Rogasch Nigel C. , Hohwy Jakob , Fitzgerald Paul B.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Mindfulness meditation is associated with better attention function. Performance monitoring and error-processing are important aspects of attention. We investigated whether experienced meditators showed different neural activity related to performance monitoring and error-processing. Previous research has produced inconsistent results. This study used more rigorous analyses and a larger sample to resolve the inconsistencies.

Method

We used electroencephalography (EEG) to measure the error-related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe) following correct and incorrect responses to a Go/Nogo task from 27 experienced meditators and 27 non-meditators.

Results

No differences were found in the ERN (allp > 0.05). Meditators showed larger global field potentials (GFP) in the Pe after correct responses and errors, indicating stronger neural responses (p = 0.019, FDR-p = 0.152, np2 = 0.095, BFincl = 2.691). This effect did not pass multiple comparison controls. However, single-electrode analysis of the Pe did pass multiple comparison controls (p = 0.002, FDR-p = 0.016, np2 = 0.133, BFincl = 220.659). Meditators also showed a significantly larger Pe GFP for errors, which would have passed multiple comparison controls, but was not a primary analysis (p = 0.003, np2 = 0.149, BF10 = 9.999).

Conclusions

Meditation may strengthen neural responses related to performance monitoring. However, these strengthened neural responses were not specific to error monitoring (although the error-related Pe may be more sensitive to group differences than the correct response Pe). These conclusions remain tentative, because the single-electrode analysis passed multiple comparison controls, but the analysis including all electrodes did not.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
Recent developments of common numerical methods and common experimental means within the framework of the large passenger aircraft program
Authors: Boden F. , Barth H. P. , Hein S. , Heitmann D. , Kirmse T. , Klein C. , Krüger W. , Lemarechal J. , Norambuena M. , Schäfer D. , Schnell R. , Sinha K. , Theiß A. , Weiss A.
Published: January 2023

For the exploration and validation of the integration of efficient propulsion concepts and new technologies for future large passenger aircraft, it is necessary to establish suitable design, evaluation and measurement tools. Therefore, as one major activity of the Large Passenger Aircraft (LPA) Platform 1 of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, the so-called Cross-Capability Demonstrator (XDC), has been set up to develop and demonstrate powerful numerical and experimental methods for aerodynamic, aeroacoustics, and aeroelastic simulation and measurement tasks. The paper will give an overview of the activities to be performed within the XDC and present some of the latest achievements related to this demonstrator.
Bias-Independent Inter-Modulation Method for Simultaneously Measuring Low-Frequency Modulation and Bias Half-Wave Voltages of Mach-Zehnder Modulators
Authors: Zhu Junfeng , Zou Xinhai , Xu Ying , He Yutong , Zhang Yali , Zhang Zhiyao , Zhang Shangjian , Liu Yong
Published: January 2023

A bias-independent inter-modulation method is proposed and demonstrated for measuring low-frequency modulation and bias half-wave voltages of Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs). The method consists of simultaneous sinusoidal modulation on the modulation and bias ports of the MZM under test. Sinusoidal-modulated sidebands heterodyne with each other and generate the desired inter-modulation products after photodetection, which allows extracting both the modulation depth and half-wave voltage for the modulation and bias ports of the MZM. Our method is independent of bias voltages of the MZM, which can be canceled out by carefully choosing the sinusoidal-modulation frequencies. Moreover, the proposed method enables the low swing voltage for measuring both the modulation depth and half-wave voltage of MZMs. Experiments indicate that the proposed method features the simple setup and high accuracy for low-frequency response measurement ranging from 1 Hz to 1 MHz.
Carbonic anhydrases III and IX are new players in the crosstalk between adrenocortical carcinoma and its altered adipose microenvironment
Authors: Fei L. , Cantini G. , Nocentini A. , Nardini P. , Catarinicchia S. , Canu L. , Ercolino T. , Quartararo G. , Nesi G. , Gacci M. , Maggi M. , Hantel C. , Mannelli M. , Supuran C. T. , Luconi M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare malignancy of the adrenocortex, is characterized by a crosstalk between the adipose microenvironment and tumor. Here, we assessed the involvement of carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes III and IX (CAIII and CAIX), in the metabolic alterations of the adipose tissue characterizing obesity and in the local crosstalk between the tumor adipose microenvironment and ACC.

Results/methods

CAIII and CAIX expression is altered in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in obesity and in ACC. A significant CAIX upregulation was present in ACC at advanced stages (n = 14) (fold increase FI = 7.4 ± 0.1, P < 0.05) associated with lower CAIII levels (FI = 0.25 ± 0.06, P < 0.001), compared with lower stages (n = 9). In vitro coculture between visceral adipose stem cells (ASCs) and ACC cell lines, H295R and MUC-1, mimicking the interaction occurring between VAT and advanced ACC, showed a significant CAIX upregulation in H295R but not in MUC-1 cells, and a decreased expression of CAIII. The effect on adipose cells was different when cocultured with H295R or MUC-1 cells. Coculture did not modulate CAIII expression in ASCs, which, however, was significantly downregulated with H295R (FI = 0.34 ± 0.11, P < 0.05) and upregulated by MUC-1 when cocultured ASCs were induced to differentiate toward adipocytes, with an expression profile similar to what found in VAT of obese subjects. CAIX expression was markedly increased in ASCs cocultured with H295R and to a less extent following adipogenesis induction (FI = 150.9 ± 46.5 and FI = 4.6 ± 1.1, P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight a modulation of CAIII and CAIX in the metabolic crosstalk between ACC and its local adipose microenvironment, suggesting that CAs might represent a potential target for novel anticancer therapies.
Die Biomarker BNP und NT‑proBNP
Authors: Oremek G. M. , Passek K. , Holzgreve F. , von der Eltz V. , Dröge J.
Published: January 2023

Die vorliegende Übersicht über die Biomarker BNP und NT-pro-BNP wird im Rahmen der Serie „Biomarker“ des Zentralblatts für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie publiziert, die sich mit dem immer häufigeren Gebrauch der Bestimmung von spezifischen Markern bei sog. Manager-Vorsorgen und Check-up-Untersuchungen beschäftigt. BNP und NT-pro-BNP eignen sich grundsätzlich als Marker zur Diagnosestellung der akuten und chronischen Herzinsuffizienz sowie zur Verlaufsbeurteilung. Hier zeigen diese eine hohe Sensitivität und Spezifität.
The Process of Supporting Careers for Young Adults with Mental Health Problems: Case Study of a Supported Education Program
Authors: Liljeholm Ulrika , Hillborg Helene , Argentzell Elisabeth , Lövgren Veronica , Rosenberg David , Bejerholm Ulrika
Published: January 2023

Mental health problems often appear at a young age. As the labour market places higher demands for education and competence, mental health services are focusing on young adults’ support needs for school and career opportunities. This study is a single case of an integrated supported education and employment unit in Sweden over an 18-month period. Multiple data sources illustrate the process of supporting careers and transition to school and work for young service users. This is a promising example of how careers can be supported through a flexible service that provides support for successful individual education and work trajectories among the youth. The service allowed for evolution of an identity process towards recovery through student and work roles.
A tree- and climate-dependent growth model to predict mature annual cork thickness under different climate change scenarios
Authors: Paulo Joana Amaral , Firmino Paulo Neves , Tomé Margarida
Published: January 2023

Climatic factors drive the annual growth of cork and the subsequent increase in its thickness, which, in addition to porosity, determines the price of cork. Therefore, the simulation of cork thickness is a crucial module of forest growth simulators for cork oak stands. As the existing cork growth models are independent of climatic factors, cork thickness under different climate change scenarios could not be simulated using these models. The primary objective of this study was to develop a climate-dependent tree model to predict annual cork growth. We also verified the hypothesis that the effects of climate change on cork annual growth are nonlinear, and vary with the cork age and thickness. Due to the limited amount of work developed around this topic, we evaluated three candidate models and selected the one that presented best prediction performance as the base model. A set of climate variables that characterized annual climatic conditions were tested in the base model parameters. The resulting climate-dependent model was referred to as the fixed-effects model, and used to initialize a mixed-effect model which accounted for the nested structure of the data. We considered two random effects—the plot and the trees inside the plot. Annual precipitation and the Lang index (ratio between annual precipitation and mean annual temperature) were the variables that showed best results when included in the model parameters. Using a ratio of the variable to cork thickness recorded during the previous year, in both cases, suggested a decline of the positive effect of annual precipitation and the Lang index for increasing cork thickness. The models developed in this study predicted the cork thickness of individual trees based on the cork age and under different climate change scenarios. Therefore, they can be used in forest growth simulators for forest management and research purposes.
On $$\alpha $$-Excellent Graphs
Authors: Dettlaff Magda , Henning Michael A. , Topp Jerzy
Published: January 2023

A graph G is $$\alpha $$
α
-excellent if every vertex of G is contained in some maximum independent set of G. In this paper, we characterize $$\alpha $$
α
-excellent bipartite graphs, $$\alpha $$
α
-excellent unicyclic graphs, $$\alpha $$
α
-excellent simplicial graphs, $$\alpha $$
α
-excellent chordal graphs, $$\alpha $$
α
-excellent block graphs, and we show that every generalized Petersen graph is $$\alpha $$
α
-excellent.