bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of pregnancies and infants within a US commercial healthcare administrative claims database
Authors: Bertoia Monica L. , Phiri Kelesitse , Clifford C. Robin , Doherty Michael , Zhou Li , Wang Laura T. , Bertoia Natalie A. , Wang Florence T. , Seeger John D.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Health care insurance claims databases are becoming a more common data source for studies of medication safety during pregnancy. While pregnancies have historically been identified in such databases by pregnancy outcomes, International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) Z3A codes denoting weeks of gestation provide more granular information on pregnancies and pregnancy periods (i.e., start and end dates). The purpose of this study was to develop a process that uses Z3A codes to identify pregnancies, pregnancy periods, and links infants within a commercial health insurance claims database.

Methods

We identified pregnancies, gestation periods, pregnancy outcomes, and linked infants within the US‐based Optum Research Database between 2015 and 2020 via a series of algorithms utilizing diagnosis and procedure codes on claims. The diagnosis and procedure codes included ICD‐10‐CM codes, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes.

Results

We identified 1 030 874 pregnancies among 841 196 women of reproductive age. Of pregnancies with livebirth outcomes, 84% were successfully linked to infants. The prevalence of pregnancy outcomes (livebirth, stillbirth, ectopic, molar, and abortion) was similar to national estimates.

Conclusions

This process provides an opportunity to study drug safety and care patterns during pregnancy and may be replicated in other claims databases containing ICD‐10‐CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes. Work is underway to validate and refine the various algorithms.
Hydrophilic macroporous monoliths with tunable water uptake capacity fabricated by water‐in‐oil high internal phase emulsion templating
Authors: Li Jin‐Jin , Wu You , Luo Zheng‐Hong , Zhou Yin‐Ning
Published: May 2022

In this contribution, a series of well‐defined amphiphilic di‐block copolymers poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐polystyrene (PEO43‐b‐PSx) with different PS segment lengths of x = 41, 78, and 130 units were synthesized through activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). The as‐prepared block copolymers successfully stabilized the water‐in‐oil (W/O) high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) containing pH responsive monomers 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA). The effect of macro‐surfactant loading, PS segment length, and DMAEMA/DEAEMA content on the stability of HIPEs and the corresponding polyHIPE structure were investigated. Results show that the average void size of polyHIPE decreases with the increase of surfactant concentration. Macroporous morphologies with closed‐cell or open‐cell can be manipulated by surfactant loading as well. The openness of polyHIPE decreases as the increase in hydrophobic PS segment length. Compared to DMAEMA containing HIPE systems, stable DEAEMA containing HIPEs are more easily obtained by using the as‐prepared macro‐surfactant. Stable HIPE with a relatively large amount of DEAEMA, up to 70 vol% of oil‐phase has been achieved. The obtained PDEAEMA‐co‐PS polyHIPEs derived from 0.116 mol% PEO43‐b‐PS41 stabilized emulsion templates show pH responsiveness towards water absorption and the highest acidic water uptake capacity can be up to 6.6 times its weight at equilibrium state. This work paves the way for the preparation of hydrophilic macroporous monolith from stable W/O HIPE template, and confirms the strength of macro‐surfactant in such an approach.
Experimental Investigation on Fracture Properties of HTPB Propellant with Circumferentially Notched Cylinder Sample
Authors: Wang Zhejun , Qiang Hongfu , Wang Jiaxiang , Duan Leiguang
Published: May 2022

To comprehensively understand the fracture properties of solid propellants, the mode I tensile fracture toughness tests at different temperatures (253.15–343.15 K) and loading rates (2–500 mm/min) were conducted on the newly designed circumferentially notched cylinder sample with different initial crack sizes (4.5 and 6.5 mm) for hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant. Test results reveal that the shape of the tensile fracture stress‐strain curves was not significantly influenced by temperature, loading rate and the initial crack size. Higher loading rate and lower temperature can lead to a rise in the tensile fracture toughness of HTPB propellant described by the stress intensity factor, however, continuously increasing loading rate cannot dramatically improve this fracture toughness beyond the rate of 250 mm/min. In addition, the fracture toughness is more sensitive to temperature. Furthermore, the variation of the initial crack size causes obvious changes in the fracture toughness with the coupled effects of low temperature and higher loading rates. At these test conditions, a higher tensile fracture toughness can be obtained with the shorter initial crack. For all the test conditions, there is a linear rise in the strain corresponding to the fracture toughness as temperature increases. Meanwhile, this strain increases with the shorter initial crack. Whereas, the effect of loading rate on this strain is complex. Based on the time‐temperature superposition principle (TTSP), the master curves with a log‐curvilinear form were constructed to predict the mode I tensile fracture toughness of the propellant at different initial crack sizes in a wide range of loading conditions.
Investigating the molecular mechanisms of glyoxal‐induced cytotoxicity in human embryonic kidney cells: Insights from network toxicology and cell biology experiments
Authors: Liu Dan , Chen Junliang , Xie Yanzhen , Mei Xueying , Xu Chengbin , Liu Jianli , Cao Xiangyu
Published: May 2022

Glyoxal, a reactive carbonyl species, can be generated both endogenously (glucose metabolism) and exogenously (cigarette smoke and food system). Increasing evidence demonstrates that glyoxal exacerbates the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy, but the underlying mechanisms of glyoxal toxicity to human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells remain unclear. In this work, the molecular mechanisms of glyoxal‐induced cytotoxicity in HEK293 cells were explored with network toxicology and cell biology experiments. Network toxicology results showed that oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)/RAGE signaling pathways played a crucial role in glyoxal toxicity. Next, further validation was performed at the cellular level. Glyoxal activated the AGEs‐RAGE signaling pathway, caused the increase of cellular ROS, and activated the p38MAPK and JNK signaling pathways, causing cellular oxidative stress. Furthermore, glyoxal caused the activation of the NF‐κB signaling pathway and increased the expression of TGF‐β1, indicating that glyoxal caused cellular inflammation. Moreover, glyoxal caused cellular DNA damage accompanied by the activation of DNA damage response pathways. Finally, the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was activated. The results that obtained in cell biology were consistent with network toxicology, which corroborated each other and together indicated that glyoxal induced HEK293 cells damage via the process of oxidative stress, the AGEs‐RAGE pathway, and their associated signaling pathways. This study provides the experimental basis for the cytotoxicity of glyoxal on HEK293 cells.
Correction to: Introduction: Relationships and Connections Between Literature and Mathematics
Authors: Engelhardt Nina , Tubbs Robert
Published: May 2022

∎∎∎
Rac1 regulates lipid droplets formation, nanomechanical, and nanostructural changes induced by TNF in vascular endothelium in the isolated murine aorta
Authors: Pacia Marta Z. , Chorazy Natalia , Sternak Magdalena , Fels Benedikt , Pacia Michal , Kepczynski Mariusz , Kusche-Vihrog Kristina , Chlopicki Stefan
Published: May 2022

Endothelial inflammation is recognized as a critical condition in the development of cardiovascular diseases. TNF-induced inflammation of endothelial cells is linked to the formation of lipid droplets, augmented cortical stiffness, and nanostructural endothelial plasma membrane remodelling, but the insight into the mechanism linking these responses is missing. In the present work, we determined the formation of lipid droplets (LDs), nanomechanical, and nanostructural responses in the model of TNF-activated vascular inflammation in the isolated murine aorta using Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We analysed the possible role of Rac1, a major regulator of cytoskeletal organization, in TNF-induced vascular inflammation. We demonstrated that the formation of LDs, polymerization of F-actin, alterations in cortical stiffness, and nanostructural protuberances in endothelial plasma membrane were mediated by the Rac1. In particular, we revealed a significant role for Rac1 in the regulation of the formation of highly unsaturated LDs formed in response to TNF. Inhibition of Rac1 also downregulated the overexpression of ICAM-1 induced by TNF, supporting the role of Rac1 in vascular inflammation. Altogether, our results demonstrate that LDs formation, an integral component of vascular inflammation, is activated by Rac1 that also regulates nanomechanical and nanostructural alterations linked to vascular inflammation.
Some Non-standard Biparametric Poincaré Type Inequalities Through Harmonic Analysis
Authors: Cejas María Eugenia , Mosquera Carolina , Pérez Carlos , Rela Ezequiel
Published: May 2022

We show some non-standard Poincaré type estimates in the biparametric setting with appropriate weights. We will derive these results using variants from classical estimates exploiting the interplay between maximal functions and fractional integrals. We also provide a sharper result by using extrapolation techniques.
Children at onset of type 1 diabetes show altered N-glycosylation of plasma proteins and IgG
Authors: Rudman Najda , Kifer Domagoj , Kaur Simranjeet , Simunović Vesna , Cvetko Ana , Pociot Flemming , Morahan Grant , Gornik Olga
Published: May 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Individual variation in plasmaN-glycosylation has mainly been studied in the context of diabetes complications, and its role in type 1 diabetes onset is largely unknown. Our aims were to undertake a detailed characterisation of the plasma and IgGN-glycomes in patients with recent onset type 1 diabetes, and to evaluate their discriminative potential in risk assessment.

Methods

In the first part of the study, plasma and IgGN-glycans were chromatographically analysed in a study population from the DanDiabKids registry, comprising 1917 children and adolescents (0.6–19.1 years) who were newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. A follow-up study compared the results for 188 of these participants with those for their 244 unaffected siblings. Correlation ofN-glycan abundance with the levels and number of various autoantibodies (against IA-2, GAD, ZnT8R, ZnT8W), as well as with sex and age at diagnosis, were estimated by using general linear modelling. A disease predictive model was built using logistic mixed-model elastic net regression, and evaluated using a 10-fold cross-validation.

Results

Our study showed that onset of type 1 diabetes was associated with an increase in the proportion of plasma and IgG high-mannose and bisecting GlcNAc structures, a decrease in monogalactosylation, and an increase in IgG disialylation. ZnT8R autoantibody levels were associated with higher IgG digalactosylated glycan with bisecting GlcNAc. Finally, an increase in the number of autoantibodies (which is a better predictor of progression to overt diabetes than the level of any individual antibody) was accompanied by a decrease in the proportions of some of the highly branched plasmaN-glycans. Models including age, sex andN-glycans yielded notable discriminative power between children with type 1 diabetes and their healthy siblings, with AUCs of 0.915 and 0.869 for addition of plasma and IgGN-glycans, respectively.

Conclusions/interpretation

We definedN-glycan changes accompanying onset of type 1 diabetes, and developed a predictive model based onN-glycan profiles that could have valuable potential in risk assessment. Increasing the power of tests to identify individuals at risk of disease development would be a considerable asset for type 1 diabetes prevention trials.

Graphical abstract
Depression, diabetes, comorbid depression and diabetes and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Prigge Regina , Wild Sarah H. , Jackson Caroline A.
Published: May 2022

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to investigate the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among participants with neither, one or both of diabetes and depression in a large prospective cohort study in the UK.

Methods

Our study population included 499,830 UK Biobank participants without schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at baseline. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes and depression were identified using self-reported diagnoses, prescribed medication and hospital records. Mortality was identified from death records using the primary cause of death to define cause-specific mortality. We performed Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer, circulatory disease and causes of death other than circulatory disease or cancer among participants with either depression (n=41,791) or diabetes (n=22,677) alone and with comorbid diabetes and depression (n=3597) compared with the group with neither condition (n=431,765), adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidities and history of CVD or cancer. We also investigated the interaction between diabetes and depression.

Results

During a median of 6.8 (IQR 6.1–7.5) years of follow-up, there were 13,724 deaths (cancer, n=7976; circulatory disease, n=2827; other causes, n=2921). Adjusted HRs of all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer, circulatory disease and other causes were highest among people with comorbid depression and diabetes (HRs 2.16 [95% CI 1.94, 2.42]; 1.62 [95% CI 1.35, 1.93]; 2.22 [95% CI 1.80, 2.73]; and 3.60 [95% CI 2.93, 4.42], respectively). The risks of all-cause, cancer and other mortality among those with comorbid depression and diabetes exceeded the sum of the risks due to diabetes and depression alone.

Conclusions/interpretation

We confirmed that depression and diabetes individually are associated with an increased mortality risk and also identified that comorbid depression and diabetes have synergistic effects on the risk of all-cause mortality that are largely driven by deaths from cancer and causes other than circulatory disease and cancer.

Graphical abstract
Complications in image-guided musculoskeletal injections
Authors: Hynes John P. , Kavanagh Eoin C.
Published: May 2022

Complications in musculoskeletal interventions are rare and where they do occur tend to be minor, and often short-lived or self-limiting. Nonetheless, the potential for significant complications exists, and a thorough understanding of both the mechanisms which contribute and the manner in which they may clinically present is of critical importance for all musculoskeletal radiologists involved in performing procedures, both to mitigate against the occurrence of complications and to aid rapid recognition. The purpose of this review is to analyse the relevant literature to establish the frequency with which complications occur following musculoskeletal intervention. Furthermore, we highlight some of the more commonly discussed and feared complications in musculoskeletal intervention, such as the risk of infection, potential deleterious articular consequences including accelerated joint destruction and the poorly understood and often underestimated systemic effects of locally injected corticosteroids. We also consider both extremely rare but emergent scenarios such as anaphylactic reactions to medications, and much more common but less significant complications such as post-procedural pain. We suggest that meticulous attention to detail including strict adherence to aseptic technique and precise needle placement may reduce the frequency with which complications occur.
Revisiting mechanisms of the Mesoamerican Midsummer drought
Authors: García-Franco J. L. , Chadwick R. , Gray L. J. , Osprey S. , Adams D. K.
Published: May 2022

Observations show that the seasonal cycle of precipitation in parts of southern Mexico and Central America exhibits a bimodal signal, known as the Midsummer drought (MSD), but there is no consensus on which processes are most relevant for the two-peak structure of the rainy season. This paper evaluates three hypotheses that could explain the MSD: the SST cloud-radiative feedback, the solar declination angle and the Caribbean Low-Level Jet (CLLJ) moisture transport hypotheses. Model experiments produced by the Met Office Hadley Centre (MOHC) for CMIP6 as well as ERA5 reanalysis data are used to critically assess the predictions of each hypothesis. The simulations capture the double peak signal of precipitation well and reasonably simulate the spatial and temporal variations of the MSD and other relevant climate features such as the CLLJ. Evidence from our analysis suggests that the Eastern Pacific SSTs do not increase in late summer in ERA5 data and only slightly increase in the simulations. More importantly, the Eastern Pacific SST variability in ERA5 and in the model experiments cannot explain the differences in the seasonality of precipitation. The net shortwave radiation at the surface shows a two-peak seasonal cycle; however, this behaviour appears to result from a strong anti-correlation of the incoming shortwave and convective activity due to cloud radiative-effects. There was no evidence found by this study of a causal link in which absorption of shortwave energy forces precipitation variations, as suggested by the solar declination angle hypothesis. The moisture convergence, CLLJ and the precipitable water vapor variations best explain the characteristics of the observed and simulated MSD, particularly for the onset of the MSD. The diagnosed variations of moisture convergence, which are synchronous with the timing of the MSD, point to a dynamic mechanism in which the low-level inflow from the Caribbean is more important for the MSD than other radiative mechanisms.
Homogeneous nucleation in polyamide 66, a two-stage process as revealed by combined nanocalorimetry and IR spectroscopy
Authors: Kipnusu Wycliffe Kiprop , Zhuravlev Evgeny , Schick Christoph , Kremer Friedrich
Published: May 2022

Nanocalorimetry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are combined to measure the calorimetric properties and molecular spectra of the same sample (sample amount about 5 ng) of polyamide 66 (PA66). By determining IR difference absorption spectra between a quenched and a sample annealed at varying temperatures (Ta) and annealing time (ta), the initial steps of homogeneous nucleation is for the first time revealed on a molecular scale, long before crystallization takes place. As starting point (i), isolated H-bonds are formed between (N–H) and (C = O) moieties of adjacent (neighboring) polymer segments promoted by far-reaching dipole–dipole interactions. In the second step (ii), the H-bonds realign, which in part requires the opening of already established H-bonds. In stage (i), the FTIR absorption intensity of the free (C = O)f moieties decreases while that of the H-bonded (C = O)b ones increases as a function of Ta at constant ta. This implies an increase in the H-bonding network in amorphous domains. The second stage of nucleation in the studied PA66 is characterized by an increase in the number of (C = O)f and a corresponding decrease in (C = O)b moieties as the sample transitions to the ordered crystalline structure. This is attributed to a change from γ to α polymorphs in PA66. The non-polar methylene units in PA66 are largely unaffected during the nucleation steps, where no changes in the overall heat capacity are detectable, proving that these changes occur prior to the onset of crystal growth.

Graphical abstract
Thrombolysis in stroke patients with elevated inflammatory markers
Authors: Altersberger Valerian L. , Enz Lukas S. , Sibolt Gerli , Hametner Christian , Nannoni Stefania , Heldner Mirjam R. , Stolp Jeffrey , Jovanovic Dejana R. , Zini Andrea , Pezzini Alessandro , Wegener Susanne , Cereda Carlo W. , Ntaios George , Räty Silja , Gumbinger Christoph , Heyse Miriam , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Zietz Annaelle , Schaufelbuehl Anna , Strambo Davide , Padlina Giovanna , Slavova Nedelina , Tiainen Marjaana , Valkonen Kati , Velzen Twan J. van , Bigliardi Guido , Stanarcevic Predrag , Magoni Mauro , Luft Andreas , Bejot Yannick , Vandelli Laura , Padjen Visnja , Nederkoorn Paul J. , Arnold Marcel , Michel Patrik , Ringleb Peter A. , Curtze Sami , Engelter Stefan T. , Gensicke Henrik ,   for the Thrombolysis in Stroke Patients (TRISP) collaborators
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of white blood cell count (WBC) on functional outcome, mortality and bleeding risk in stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).

Methods

In this prospective multicenter study from the TRISP registry, we assessed the association between WBC on admission and 3-month poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3–6), mortality and occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH; ECASS-II-criteria) in IVT-treated stroke patients. WBC was used as continuous and categorical variable distinguishing leukocytosis (WBC > 10 × 109/l) and leukopenia (WBC < 4 × 109/l). We calculated unadjusted/ adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR [95% CI]) with logistic regression models. In a subgroup, we analyzed the association of combined leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP > 10 mg/l) on outcomes.

Results

Of 10,813 IVT-treated patients, 2527 had leukocytosis, 112 leukopenia and 8174 normal WBC. Increasing WBC (by 1 × 109/l) predicted poor outcome (ORadjusted 1.04[1.02–1.06]) but not mortality and sICH. Leukocytosis was independently associated with poor outcome (ORadjusted 1.48[1.29–1.69]) and mortality (ORadjusted 1.60[1.35–1.89]) but not with sICH (ORadjusted 1.17[0.94–1.45]). Leukopenia did not predict any outcome. In a subgroup, combined leukocytosis and elevated CRP had the strongest association with poor outcome (ORadjusted 2.26[1.76–2.91]) and mortality (ORadjusted 2.43[1.86–3.16]) when compared to combined normal WBC and CRP.

Conclusion

In IVT-treated patients, leukocytosis independently predicted poor functional outcome and death. Bleeding complications after IVT were not independently associated with leukocytosis.
Evaluating risk factors for lung cancer among never-smoking individuals using two Australian studies
Authors: Cheng Elvin S. , Weber Marianne F. , Steinberg Julia , Canfell Karen , Yu Xue Qin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Lung cancer (LC) in never-smoking individuals would rank as Australia’s eighth most deadly cancer, yet risk factors remain uncertain. We investigated demographic, lifestyle and health-related exposures for LC among never-smoking Australians.

Methods

Using the prospective 45 and Up Study with 267,153 New South Wales (NSW) residents aged ≥ 45 years at recruitment (2006–2009), we quantified the relationship of 20 potential exposures with LC among cancer-free participants at baseline who self-reported never smoking. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident LC were estimated using Cox regression. The NSW Cancer, Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk (CLEAR) Study, a case–control study including 10,781 NSW residents aged ≥ 18 years (2006–2014), was used to examine 16 potential LC exposures among cancer-free never-smoking participants. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI of LC were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

There were 226 LC cases among 132,354 cancer-free 45 and Up Study participants who reported never smoking, with a median follow-up of 5.41 years. The CLEAR Study had 58 LC cases and 1316 cancer-free controls who had never smoked. Analyses of both datasets showed that Asian-born participants had a higher risk of LC than those born elsewhere: cohort, adjusted HR = 2.83 (95% CI 1.64–4.89) and case–control, adjusted OR = 3.78 (1.19–12.05). No significant association with LC was found for other exposures.

Conclusion

Our findings support the growing evidence that never-smoking, Asian-born individuals are at higher risk of developing LC than those born elsewhere. Ethnicity could be considered when assessing potential LC risk among never-smoking individuals.
Drought tolerance differs between urban tree species but is not affected by the intensity of traffic pollution
Authors: Hirsch Mareike , Böddeker Helena , Albrecht Axel , Saha Somidh
Published: May 2022

Key Message

In an urban area, resistance and resilience of stem diameter growth differ substantially between tree species. Traffic emissions are reflected in wood nitrogen isotopes, but do not affect drought tolerance.

With increasing drought and heat, the benefits of urban trees such as shading and cooling become more important. Yet, it is necessary to identify tree species able to withstand such extreme climatic conditions. We studied the resistance and resilience of stem diameter growth of five deciduous tree species in an urban area in Southwest Germany to three exceptional drought periods (2003, 2011 and 2015) for differences between and within species, especially considering the intensity of traffic emissions (NOx). Analyses of the stable isotopic composition of carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) as well as the intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi) in the tree rings were carried out. Further, we investigated the stable isotopic composition of nitrogen in the wood (δ15N) to assess its potential as an indicator of NOx emissions from traffic. Stem diameter growth in all species was strongly limited by low water availability in spring, as was also reflected in elevated δ13C and δ18O values in Acer platanoides and Tilia cordata, which were particularly sensitive to drought. In contrast, growth of Platanus × hispanica and Quercus robur was less affected by drought, and resistance of Carpinus betulus ranged in between. Across species, δ15N was higher in trees located closer to roads and exposed to higher NOx traffic emissions. Unexpectedly, these conditions did not significantly affect drought resistance/resilience. Our study demonstrates the potential and interpretative challenges of coupled dendroecological and isotope analyses. It also indicates clear species-specific differences in drought tolerance and thus helps to identify suitable urban tree species.
XRCT images reveal climate control on wound recovery after intense flood in Mediterranean riparian trees
Authors: Ballesteros-Cánovas Juan Antonio , Madrigal-González Jaime , Albert Carolina Guardiola , González Carina , Stoffel Markus
Published: May 2022

Key message

In the Mediterranean region, the recovery of riparian trees after wounds can be jeopardized under drier climate condition and cooccurrence of extreme flood events.

Climate change could impair riparian vegetation dynamics through more intense and frequent climatic extreme events such as flash flooding. However, it is still poorly known how climate warming can also impair vegetation recovery through control on cellular traits after such extreme events. Here, we analyze how Mediterranean riparian tree species (namely Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus angustifolia, and Salix atrocinerea) recover after wounds caused by intense floods using 239 X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) images taken on 30 trees. The XRCT imagery allowed to characterize wounds-related macroscopic parameters in different sections along the stems in three dimensions. Then, we quantified the annual wound closure rates by dating dendrochronologically each wound and measuring the annual overgrowth on the wounded area. Finally, we used linear mixed models to investigate how wound closure rates are affected by climate conditions. Our results show that wound closure varies between species. A. glutinosa and F. angustifolia presented higher wound recovery rates than S. atrocinerea. However, the statistical analyses suggest that F. angustifolia and S. atrocinerea tend to recover much less(more) during drier(wetter) years than A. glutinosa. Our results suggest that A. glutinosa could be more stressed under climate change in the Mediterranean region, where the cooccurrence of drier conditions with extreme flood events may increase.
Conjugacy classes and union of cosets of normal subgroups
Authors: Beltrán Antonio
Published: May 2022

Let G be a finite group, N a normal subgroup of G and K a conjugacy class of G. We prove that if $$K\cup K^{-1}$$

K
∪

K

-
1

is union of cosets of N, then N is soluble, K is a real-imaginary class, that is, every irreducible character of G takes real or purely imaginary values on K, and if, in addition, the elements of K are p-elements for some prime p, then N has normal p-complement. We also prove that if $$K\cup K^{-1}$$

K
∪

K

-
1

is a single coset of N, then $$\langle K\rangle $$

⟨
K
⟩

has a normal 2-complement.
Multimodal markers for technology-independent integration of augmented reality devices and surgical navigation systems
Authors: Benmahdjoub Mohamed , Niessen Wiro J. , Wolvius Eppo B. , Walsum Theo van
Published: May 2022

Augmented reality (AR) permits the visualization of pre-operative data in the surgical field of view of the surgeon. This requires the alignment of the AR device’s coordinate system with the used navigation/tracking system. We propose a multimodal marker approach to align an AR device with a tracking system: in our implementation, an electromagnetic tracking system (EMTS). The solution makes use of a calibration method which determines the relationship between a 2D pattern detected by an RGB camera and an electromagnetic sensor of the EMTS. This allowed the projection of a 3D skull model on its physical counterpart. This projection was evaluated using a monocular camera and an optical see-through device (HoloLens 2) (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/) achieving an accuracy of less than 2.5 mm in the image plane of the HoloLens 2 (HL2). Additionally, 10 volunteers participated in a user study consisting of an alignment task of a pointer with 25 projections viewed through the HL2. The participants achieved a mean error of 2.7 1.3 mm and 2.9 2.9$$^\circ $$

∘

in positional and orientation error. This study showcases the feasibility of the approach, provides an evaluation of the alignment, and finally, discusses its advantages and limitations.
Live and let live: understanding the temporal drivers and spillovers of life expectancy in Europe for public planning
Authors: Gracia-de-Rentería Pilar , Ferrer-Pérez Hugo , Sanjuán Ana Isabel , Philippidis George
Published: May 2022

The European continent has one of the longest life expectancies in the world, but still faces a significant challenge to meet the health targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations for 2030. To improve the understanding of the rationale that guides health outcomes in Europe, this study assesses the direction and magnitude effects of the drivers that contribute to explain life expectancy at birth across 30 European countries for the period 2008–2018 at macro-level. For this purpose, an aggregated health production function is used allowing for spatial effects. The results indicate that an increase in the income level, health expenditure, trade openness, education attainment, or urbanisation might lead to an increase in life expectancy at birth, whereas calories intake or quantity of air pollutants have a negative impact on this health indicator. This implies that health policies should look beyond economic factors and focus also on social and environmental drivers. The results also indicate the existence of significant spillover effects, highlighting the need for coordinated European policies that account for the synergies between countries. Finally, a foresight analysis is conducted to obtain projections for 2030 under different socioeconomic pathways. Results reveal significant differences on longevity projections depending on the adoption, or not, of a more sustainable model of human development and provides valuable insight on the need for anticipatory planning measures to make longer life-spans compatible with the maintenance of the welfare state.
Ecological footprint analysis of the phosphorus industry in China
Authors: Li Binlin , Danish  , Khan Salah Ud-Din , Haneklaus Nils
Published: May 2022

Mitigating the effects of environmental deterioration requires a focus on not just CO2 emissions from energy consumption, but also environmental pollution from industry sectors. To reach this goal, recent studies have extended ecological footprint (EF) analysis to identify the ecological drivers of various key industry sectors. The role of the phosphorus (P) industry on the EF within the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework for China is the emphasis of this study. Autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) as well as the impulse response function and robustness analysis were used to consider a time from 1985 to 2018. The study verifies the EKC hypothesis for China in both the long and the short run, and indispensable determinants are proposed to be included to assure the model’s fitness and robustness when conducting EF analysis of industry sectors. Energy consumption–based carbon emissions have been verified as the dominant contributor to EF, but P use and urbanization have a significant lagged positive influence on EF in the short run. P exports, in particular, have been highlighted as a critical driver of the EF of China’s P industry. The conducted frequency domain causality test reinforced the above findings and demonstrated bidirectional causality at different frequencies. This work suggests that formulating plausible P export policies to alleviate the conflict between the output of China’s P industry and the environmental sustainability of this industry are necessary. In this context, “multidisciplinary, multidimensional, and practical solutions” are most desirable for sustainable P management.
Systematics and conservation of British and Irish orchids: a "state of the union" assessment to accompany Atlas 2020
Authors: Bateman Richard M.
Published: May 2022

Prompted by concurrent completion of the latest plant atlas for Britain and Ireland, the orchid flora of these islands is reviewed in detail, focusing on 21st century progress in both systematics research and formal conservation categorisation under IUCN criteria. DNA-based phylogenies consistently circumscribe monophyletic groups that constitute obvious genera, though relationships among those genera remain less certain and resistance to phylogenetic classification persists. Comparison of species circumscription studies in critical groups such asDactylorhiza,Gymnadenia,Platanthera,EpipactisandOrchisshows that most of the recent progress has been achieved using DNA-based techniques, which have also greatly increased understanding of associated mycorrhizae. Most morphological studies remain disappointingly traditional, squandering opportunities for morphometric studies that identify discontinuities between species, allow comparison of rates of morphological and molecular evolution, and underpin accurate quantitative descriptions designed to aid identification. Possibly only one of the 53 species recognised as native is still viewed as endemic. Conventional views on the significance of both pollinator specificity and quantitative seed output as the preferred measure of fitness are questioned, and mycorrhizae are explored as possibly under-rated ecological filters. Comparison of species distributions in successive Atlases suggests diverse patterns of change that reflect a combination of habitat modification, climate change and, in a few cases, improved identification skills. Ecologically tolerant lowland species such asOphrys apiferaandDactylorhiza praetermissaare migrating northward rapidly, while the genusSerapiasappears to be mounting a cross-Channel invasion. Most formal Red-Listing categorisations, and the underlying IUCN criteria, are supported for decisions made within the British Isles, but unfortunately, they have translated poorly into the equivalent European and Global lists. Within Britain, the Data Deficient category has been employed too frequently and illogically; ironically, it is sometimes used to penalise species for having been the subjects of serious research. Far from being "complete", the present consensus view on the taxonomy and evolution of the glacially impoverished British and Irish flora is judged both parochial and complacent. Reinvigorated UK-based research programmes that integrate quantitative morphological and molecular studies of British and Irish natives in a European context are urgently needed.
Pore pressure prediction in a carbonate reservoir: a case study from Potwar Plateau, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Younis , Awais Muhammad , Hussain Farrukh , Hussain Matloob , Jan Irfan U.
Published: May 2022

Deep sedimentary successions, which are usually over-pressured, require accurate prediction of abnormal pressures to avoid catastrophic incidents, e.g., well blowouts; thus, pore pressure prediction (PPP) makes an important step for efficient reservoir modeling, cost-optimization and safe well-planning procedures in the hydrocarbon exploration. The objective of this study focuses on the estimation of formation pore pressure (PP) within the Eocene Chorgali Formation, using well logs data (from MYL-X1 and MYL-X2 wells) of Meyal Oil Field, Potwar Plateau, Pakistan, and its integration with outcrop, microscopic and seismic data. The formation PP is estimated from geophysical well logs (gamma-ray and sonic logs), by applying the widely used Eaton’s method. The pore pressure gradient (PPG) indicates the presence of pressured zone(s) in the Chorgali Formation in both wells. In MYL-X1, Chorgali Formation PPG and PP ranged from 9 to 13 lbs/gal and 5800 to 8400 psi, respectively, at about depth of 3760–3800 m. The reservoir Chorgali Formation in MYL-X2 wells also displayed pressure zone at about depth interval of 3820–3890 m with PPG and PP values of 8.9–11.6 lbs/gal and 5700–7500 psi, respectively; however, it indicated less pressure than MYL-X1. The synthesis of outcrop, microscopic, well logs and seismic data sets illustrates variations in pore pressure within the Eocene Chorgali Formation that is influenced and controlled by depositional, diagenetic and tectonic fabric among other factors. The variations in PP are necessary to determine to avoid any geologic disaster. Such incidents may cause potential loss during drilling operations in the geologically complicated settings of the Himalayan Fold-and-Thrust belt.
The maturity of Silurian Longmaxi shale in Jiaoshiba, Sichuan Basin: as revealed by laser Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Junfeng , Hu Haiyan , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Xiaodong , Liu Zhigang
Published: May 2022

Accurate estimates of the thermal maturity of organic matter are important in studies of shale oil and gas, as these data are directly related to the genesis type of shale gas, adsorption capacity of shale and formation of organic pores in organic-rich shale. Longmaxi shale is a major shale gas exploration target in South China and a typical overmature shale gas play. Because Longmaxi shale is Silurian marine strata without vitrinites, it is difficult to determine its maturity accurately. In order to evaluate the maturity of the Longmaxi shale exactly, in this paper, solid bitumen reflectance, basin modeling and laser Raman spectroscopy analyses of solid bitumen were carried out on the shale. The solid bitumen reflectance of Longmaxi shale is range of 2.77–4.14% with a mean of 3.5%, and the corresponding equivalent vitrinite reflectance (EqVRo) is 2.6%; additional information about the maturation is provided by the basin modeling with the constraint of the maximum paleo-geothermal about 210–220 °C which was indicated by thermo-acoustic emission measurement, fluid inclusion thermometry and equivalent vitrinite reflectance. In addition, the Raman was applied to Longmaxi shale in Jiaoshiba firstly, and the Raman inter-peak interval between peak G (graphitic band) and peak D (disordered band) is range of 270–279 cm−1, which suggests that equivalent vitrinite reflectance is about 2.67% and is consistent with the results of solid bitumen reflectance, infrared spectrum and basin simulation. Approximate conclusions have been drawn from these different methods, and the thermal evolution of Longmaxi shale in Jiaoshhiba area, the largest shale gas field in China, was estimated at approximately 2.5–2.7%, which means that it has reached the overmature dry gas stage. Overall, the findings also imply that Raman spectra of pyrobitumen can be used effectively to evaluate the maturation of the marine shale without vitrinites.
Glycerosomal thermosensitive in situ gel of duloxetine HCl as a novel nanoplatform for rectal delivery: in vitro optimization and in vivo appraisal
Authors: Salem Heba F. , Ali Adel A. , Rabea Yasmine K. , El-Ela Fatma I. Abo , Khallaf Rasha A.
Published: May 2022

Duloxetine HCl (DXH) is a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine used to treat the major depressive disorder. Following its extensive hepatic metabolism, acid-labile nature, and limited aqueous solubility, DXH has poor oral bioavailability (40%). The rectal route has been suggested as another route of administration to surmount such challenges. The present study aimed to prepare DXH-loaded glycerosomal (DXH-GLYS) in situ gel for rectal administration to increase DXH permeability and improve its bioavailability. Box–Behnken design (BBD) was adopted to prepare and optimize nanoglycerosomes. The impact of Phospholipon 90G (PL90G), Tween 80 concentrations, and glycerol percentage on encapsulation efficiency, nanoglycerosomal size, % cumulative DXH released, and the cumulative DXH permeated per unit area after 24 h were studied by the design. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of optimized formulation was investigated in rats. The formulated DXH-GLYS had a vesicle size ranging between 135.9 and 430.6 nm and an entrapment efficiency between 69.11 and 98.12%. The permeation experiment revealed that the optimized DXH-GLYS in situ gel increased DXH permeation by 2.62-fold compared to DXH solution. Pharmacokinetics studies disclosed that the DXH-GLYS in situ rectal gel exhibited 2.24-times increment in DXH bioavailability relative to oral DXH solution. The pharmacodynamic study revealed that the DXH-GLYS rectal treatment significantly improved the behavioral analysis parameters and was more efficacious as an antidepressant than the oral DXH solution. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GLYS can be considered a potentially valuable rectal nanocarrier that could boost the DXH efficacy.

Graphical abstract
Fiscal sustainability in the GCC countries
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo
Published: May 2022

We explore the fiscal sustainability in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the period 1990–2017. Panel unit root tests in presence of cross-sectional dependence for government revenues, expenditures, the primary balance, and debt reach mixed results. However, cointegration tests reveal that a long-run relationship exists between government revenues and expenditures, while the relationship between government primary deficit and debt is controversial. Panel estimates of the cointegrating relationship indicate that Saudi Arabia is in a condition of risk, having to keep the debt under control. Yet, Bahrain and Qatar seem to face the toughest challenges. The results of causality tests support the hypothesis of fiscal synchronization, implying that the GCC governments take decisions on their revenues and expenditures simultaneously.
Barriers and Facilitators for Conducting Implementation Science in German-Speaking Countries: Findings from the Promote ImpSci Interview Study
Authors: Schultes Marie-Therese , Finsterwald Monika , Brunkert Thekla , Kien Christina , Pfadenhauer Lisa , Albers Bianca
Published: May 2022

On a global scale, implementation science has developed considerably as a discipline in recent years. In German-speaking countries, the field has been gaining significance as well, but respective efforts in building capacity and advancing the research infrastructure are still rare. The present study investigates barriers and facilitators for conducting implementation science in German-speaking countries with the goal of formulating recommendations for creating a more supportive research infrastructure. We conducted an interview study with nine well-established implementation researchers affiliated with universities in Austria, Germany, or Switzerland. The interviews were held via Zoom or phone in November and December 2020, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Barriers that relate to characteristics of the discipline were difficulties in building a common understanding of the field and the complexity of implementation research projects. Although supportive scientific networks were important facilitators, interviewees mentioned challenges in connecting with likeminded researchers. A further barrier was the lack of opportunities for education and training in implementation science, especially in the German language. Also, participants reported a missing readiness in academia for establishing implementation science that should be addressed by advocacy of the discipline toward academic decision makers. Moreover, since most national funding agencies prioritize basic research over applied research, some interviewees named flexibility in handling research funds as a facilitator for implementation research. The results inform an agenda for promoting implementation science in German-speaking countries and can be beneficial to other countries that are currently advancing their implementation research capacity and infrastructure.
In the Shadow of the Holocaust
Authors: Fox Thomas C.
Published: May 2022

This study investigates six German Jewish writers' negotiation of Jewish-German-Communist identity in post-Holocaust East Germany.
The Enclosed Garden and the Medieval Religious Imaginary
Authors: McAvoy Liz Herbert
Published: May 2022

During the Middle Ages, the arresting motif of the walled garden - especially in its manifestation as a sacred or love-inflected hortus conclusus - was a common literary device.
The English and French Navies, 1500-1650
Authors: Redding Benjamin W. D.
Published: May 2022

This book challenges the received wisdom about the relative weakness of French naval power when compared with that of England.
John Cruso of Norwich and Anglo-Dutch Literary Identity in the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Joby Christopher
Published: May 2022

The first book-length biography of John Cruso of Norwich (b. 1592/3), a second-generation migrant poet, translator and military author, that explores ideas and practices of identity formation in the early modern period.
London Marine Insurance 1438-1824
Authors: Leonard A. B.
Published: May 2022

The first comprehensive history of marine insurance transacted in London from the industry's beginnings to the early nineteenth century, when legislative change ended parliamentary monopolies over the business.