bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilience mediates the effects of self‐care activation and hope on medication adherence in heart failure patients
Authors: Meraz Rebecca , McGee Jocelyn , Ke Weiming , Osteen Kathryn
Published: April 2023

Medication adherence is important to heart failure (HF) self‐care. However, the rate of medication nonadherence is approximately 50%. Evidence suggests that self‐care activation and hope may be internal motivators for medication adherence. Empirical data on the association between self‐care activation, hope, and medication adherence among people with HF is sparse, and the mechanism by which these factors influence medication adherence is unclear. The findings of prior research studies suggest that resilience may help to explain the relationship between self‐care activation, hope, and medication adherence. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate whether resilience mediated the effects of self‐care activation and hope on medication adherence. A total of 174 adults with HF, between the ages of 19 and 92, completed the Patient Activation Measure, The Adult Hope Scale, the 14‐item Resilience Scale, and the Domains of Subject Extent of Nonadherence Scale. Mediation analyses revealed that resilience fully mediated the effects of self‐care activation and hope on medication adherence. Clinicians should consider the person related factors of self‐care activation, hope, and resilience when promoting medication adherence in people with HF. Resilience may play an important role in improving medication adherence in HF patients. More research is needed to understand the connection between resilience, self‐care activation, hope, and medication adherence.
Impedimetric sensors based on diethylphosphonate‐containing poly(arylene ether nitrile)s films for the detection of lead ions
Authors: Chabbah Taha , Chatti Saber , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole , Weidner Steffen , Marestin Catherine , Mercier Regis
Published: April 2023

This article describes the elaboration and characterization of diethylphosphonate‐containing polymers coated electrodes as sensors for the detection of heavy metals traces, by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Diethylphosphonate groups were chosen as heavy metals binding sites. Two different series of polymers bearing these anchoring groups were synthesized. Whereas the diethylphosphonate groups are directly incorporated in the aromatic macromolecular chain in some polymers, an aliphatic spacer is removing the chelating site from the polymer backbone in others. The influence of the macromolecular structure on the sensing response was studied, especially for the detection of Pb2+, Ni2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+. Polymer P6, including the higher amount of diethylphosphonate groups removed from the polymer chain by a short alkyl spacer gave the higher sensitivity of detection of lead ions, with a detection limit of 50 pM.
Position statement from the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis on the use of non‐invasive prenatal testing for the detection of fetal chromosomal conditions in singleton pregnancies
Authors: Hui Lisa , Ellis Katie , Mayen Dora , Pertile Mark D. , Reimers Rebecca , Sun Luming , Vermeesch Joris , Vora Neeta L. , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: April 2023

Key points

What is already known about this topic?

In 2015, the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis (ISPD) published its first position statement on the use of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to screen for aneuploidy. Widespread uptake across the globe and subsequent published research has shed new light on test performance and implementation issues.

What does this study add?

This new position statement replaces the 2015 statement with updated information on the current technologies, clinical experience, and implementation practices.

As an international organization, ISPD recognizes that there are important population‐specific considerations in the organization of prenatal screening and diagnosis. These opinions are designed to apply to high income settings where prenatal screening for aneuploidy is an established part of antenatal care.

This position statement is not a clinical practice guideline but represents the consensus opinion of the current ISPD Board based on the current state of knowledge and clinical practice.
Molecular‐level fabrication strategies for the POSS cross‐linked polybenzoxazines
Authors: Wang Xu , Liu Benben , Chen Dandan , Zhang Donglin , Li Xiangmei , He Jiyu , Yang Rongjie
Published: April 2023

In order to study the dispersion and compatibility of polysilsesquioxane (POSS) with different functional groups in benzoxazine resin, four different polysilsesquioxane/polybenzoxazine (POSS/PBZ) composites are prepared based on 3‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzoxazine (PHa), unreactive Octaphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS), Mercaptopropyl‐isobutyl silsesquioxane (SPOSS) containing one reactive sulfhydryl group, Aminopropyl‐isobutylsilsesquioxane (NPOSS) containing one reactive amino group and Octa (aminophenyl) silsesquioxane (OAPS) containing eight reactive amino groups, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and transmission electron microscope with probe corrector (AC‐TEM) are used to investigate compatibility. The results indicate that OAPS have very good compatibility and interaction with benzoxazine in the molecular level based on the microstructure. Besides, molecular and mesoscopic dynamic simulations (MesoDyn) also confirms OAPS and PHa have the best compatibility based on the micro and mesoscopic aspects. Then their properties of thermal stability and glass transition temperature (Tg) are identified by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. While OAPS is beneficial to increase the initial decomposition temperature (T5%) of PBZ by 26 °C and the Tg by 16 °C, comparing with pure PHa. However, NPOSS and SPOSS aggregate into micron‐sized silicon spheres, and OPS precipitates and deposits on the bottom of the resin, which could weaken the property of their thermal stability.
Properties and molecular self‐assembly of liquid crystalline hard–hard diblock and hard–soft–hard triblock copolymers influenced by Flory–Huggins interaction parameter and volume fraction of distinct segments
Authors: Zenati Athmen , Pokhrel Ashish
Published: April 2023

Two series of hybrid liquid crystalline (LC) diblock copolymers (DBCs) and triblock copolymers (TBCs) composed of hard and soft blocks with great control over their molecular masses, dispersities (Mw/Mn = Đ ≤ 1.38) and compositions were prepared via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization in anisole solvent using new p‐dodecylphenyl‐N‐acrylamide monomer, azobisisobutyronitrile initiator, poly(2‐[2‐(4‐cyano‐azobenzene‐4‐oxy)ethylene‐oxy]ethyl methacrylate) and poly(2‐[2‐(4‐cyano‐azobenzene‐4‐oxy)ethylene‐oxy]ethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) macroinitiators. Structures and properties of BCs were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimeter, optical polarizing microscope, atomic force microscope and grazing‐incidence small angle X‐ray scattering. Kinetic behavior indicated that block copolymerization proceeded with controlled/living characteristics. Every BCs revealed three endothermic transitions corresponding to glassy phase transition, smectic‐to‐nematic phase transition (TS‐N) and melting phase transition. DBC‐1, DBC‐2, TBC‐1 and TBC‐2 with high‐LC volume fractions exhibited strong TS‐N contrasted to DBC‐3, DBC‐4, TBC‐3 and TBC‐4 having low‐LC contents. DBC‐1, DBC‐2, DBC‐3, TBC‐1 and TBC‐2 evidenced smectic C structure while TBC‐3 containing low‐LC segment (39 wt%) showed nematic structure. Morphologies of block copolymer thin films in mixed solvent (Tetrahydrofuran/cyclohexane) vapor annealing system varied significantly, depending on the volume fractions of building blocks and the interactions between the blocks and solvents.
Low versus high dose of postoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Yao Qiwei , Zheng Hongying , Huang Shuyun , Lin Mingqiang , Yang Jun , Li Jiancheng
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different postoperative radiotherapy doses on the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

A total of 199 patients (aged 18–75 years) with locally advanced ESCC who underwent esophagectomy and postoperative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy at the Fujian Cancer Hospital between July 2008 and January 2018 were included. Based on the postoperative radiotherapy dose, the patients were divided into a low‐dose group (50–50.4 Gy; median dose 50 Gy) and a high‐dose group (>50.4 Gy; median dose 60 Gy). Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens included PF (fluorouracil and cisplatin) and TP (paclitaxel and cisplatin) regimens. Patients were followed‐up every 3 months in the first 2 years after surgery, every 6 months for the next 3 years, and then subsequently once a year. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates. The propensity‐score matching (PSM) method was applied to identify a 1:1, well‐balanced matched cohort with 33 patients in each group for survival comparison.

Results

Among the 199 patients enrolled in this study, 144 and 55 were in the low‐dose and high‐dose groups, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that pathological N classification, vascular tumor emboli, and postoperative radiotherapy dose were independent prognostic factors for both OS and PFS, all p < 0.05. Before PSM, the OS and the PFS of the low‐dose group were significantly longer than those of the high‐dose group, both p < 0.05. After PSM, better OS and PFS rates were observed in the low‐dose group, both p < 0.05. The results showed that patients with pathological stages N0–2 or N3, negative surgical margins, and no vascular tumor emboli could obtain a significant benefit in both OS and PFS after treatment with a low dose of postoperative radiotherapy (50–50.4 Gy). In the subgroup with positive surgical margins, treatment with a low dose of postoperative radiotherapy offered a non‐significant survival benefit compared to treatment with a high dose of postoperative radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that for patients with ESCC, the low‐dose group (50–50.4 Gy) had a significantly higher OS and PFS than the high‐dose group (>50.4 Gy). It was suggested that 50–50.4 Gy might be the recommended postoperative radiotherapy dose for ESCC patients.
Power Performance of AlGaN/GaN High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistors with AlN Buffer on SiC Substrate at 3.5 GHz
Authors: Kim Minho , Choi Uiho , Kim Keono , Heo Yunseok , Lee Kyeongjae , Lee Sangmin , Nam Okhyun
Published: April 2023

Herein, a 3.5 GHz (S‐band) power performance is reported on an AlGaN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) with AlN buffer on SiC substrate. A 4 inch epi‐wafer is grown by high‐temperature metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. The fabricated devices with a 400 nm gate and direct current and radio‐frequency (RF) characteristics are examined. These device shows a transconductance of 233 mS mm−1and a maximum drain current of 820 mA mm−1. The pulsed current–voltage (I–V) characteristic shows a low slump ratio with a 0.36% and 2.2% forZ1andZ2, respectively. The power performance shows output power = 5.5 W mm−1with 54.3% power added efficiency, and VDSwas 50 V. The potential of an AlN buffer HEMT is demonstrated by the results for use in next‐generation high‐power RF devices.
Lattice‐Asymmetry‐Driven Selective Area Sublimation: A Promising Strategy for III‐Nitride Nanostructure Tailoring
Authors: Sheng Shanshan , Li Duo , Wang Ping , Wang Tao , Liu Fang , Chen Zhaoying , Tao Renchun , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo , Wang Xinqiang
Published: April 2023

Lattice‐asymmetry‐driven selective area sublimation (SAS) process of GaN is systemically investigated by exploring the in situ dynamic evolution of the decomposition pathway under ultra‐high vacuum. The rationale of the SAS is confirmed as a strong anisotropic decomposition driven by lattice‐asymmetry of wurtzite crystal: the sublimation preferably starts along the ‐c axis due to the relatively lower decomposition energy barrier. Finally, the fabrication of site‐ and size‐controlled GaN nanowires has been achieved by utilizing the SAS process, exhibiting good controllability on the sidewall of nanowires. These findings shed light on the thermodynamic mechanism of the lattice‐asymmetry‐driven sublimation process in III‐nitrides, providing an efficient alternative approach for the tailoring of semiconductor micro/nanostructures.
Performance and validation of the YHGSM global spectral model coupled with the WAM model
Authors: Yang Jinhui , Zhang Xiaojiang , Li Shaoying , Song Junqiang , Wang Huizan , Zhang Weimin , Sun Difu
Published: April 2023

In this article, we describe an implementation of two‐way coupling between the Yin–He Global Spectral Model (YHGSM) and the Wave Model (WAM). The YHGSM atmosphere model gives the surface air water density and 10‐m wind for the WAM model, while the WAM model provides the Charnock coefficient as a response. The effects on the meteorological aptitude of the two‐way coupled system are assessed statistically. The coupled model exhibits a 75% significant positive impact on both the northern (NthH) and the southern hemisphere (SthH) for all metrics at almost all pressure levels. Typhoon track assessments of the coupled model will be implemented later. The results show that the coupling of the WAM model benefits typhoon landfall prediction. Finally, we make a comprehensive comparison of the significant wave height (SWH) between the YHGSM–WAM coupled model and the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model with buoy data from the Chinese Ocean Monitoring Network. The comparison shows that the YHGSM–WAM coupled model exhibits more accuracy and predictive stability of SWH forecasts against buoy observations than the ECMWF forecasts. The above results indicate that the YHGSM–WAM coupled model possesses superior performance to uncoupled models.
A motion control framework for autonomous water sampling and swing‐free transportation of a multirotor UAV with a cable‐suspended mechanism
Authors: Panetsos Fotis , Karras George C. , Kyriakopoulos Kostas J. , Oikonomides Odysseas , Kolios Panayiotis , Eliades Demetrios , Panayiotou Christos
Published: April 2023

In this work, we present an end‐to‐end solution for autonomous water sampling by utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a cable‐suspended mechanism. Towards this direction, a sampling mechanism is initially designed in such a manner that the water sampling success ratio is maximized. However, the disturbances, acting on the submerged mechanism due to the water flow during the sampling procedure, impede the stabilization of the vehicle above the desired sampling position. Consequently, to achieve the precise hovering of the UAV, the vehicle's sensor suite is further augmented with a load cell, a depth sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a camera. The respective measurements are appropriately fused by employing an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Hence, an estimate of the disturbances is available in real‐time and is incorporated into a Model Predictive Control scheme which compensates for the aforementioned disturbances and stabilizes the vehicle above the sampling location. Finally, a complete water sampling mission entails the safe and swing‐free transportation of the mechanism towards the sampling location and, then, to a position where the collected samples are postprocessed by human operators. Consequently, a model predictive controller is employed which ensures the navigation of the vehicle to the desired waypoints while minimizing the swinging motion of the mechanism. The state of the mechanism is obtained by fusing measurements provided by the load cell and the camera with an EKF. The performance of the proposed framework, which aims to address all the aspects of a water sampling mission, is demonstrated through real experiments with an octorotor.
Preparation of Amphiphilic Solid Phase Extraction Material and Its Application in Aqueous Steroid Hormones Extraction
Authors: Zhang Miao , Zhao Jia‐Hui , Liu Bo , Wang Hao‐Dong , Xiao Ning‐Lan , Li Qiang , Li Pei‐Ying , Hu Guo‐Wei , Lai Hua‐Jie , Jin Tao
Published: April 2023

The steroid hormones have attracted increasing attentions in aquatic environment because of their endocrine disrupting effects at trace concentrations. In this work, amphiphilic solid phase extraction material of divinylbenzene‐N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone polymer microsphere was synthesized by free radical polymerization. The adsorption of 4 steroid hormones in aqueous solution by prepared amphiphilic microsphere was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. When methyl cellulose and sodium dodecyl sulfonate were used as dispersants, 2,2’‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) was used as initiator, the amphiphilic microsphere was successfully prepared at 80 °C for 6 h. The amphiphilic microsphere has high specific surface area of 774 m2 g−1 with uniform particle size, which is comparable to the commercial solid phase extraction fillers. The amphiphilic microsphere has been successfully applied to the enrichment and detection of 4 steroid hormones (17α‐hydroxyprogesterone, metandienone, norethindrone and boldenone) in natural water. The recoveries of 4 steroid hormones ranged from 83.7 % to 114 %, and the limit of detection were in the range of 0.70–13.5 ng L−1.
Micro‐Cup Architecture for Printing and Coating Asymmetric 2d‐Material‐Based Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Chuanfang(John) , Schneider René , Jafarpour Mohammad , Nüesch Frank , Abdolhosseinzadeh Sina , Heier Jakob
Published: April 2023

High energy density micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) are in high demand for miniaturized electronics and microsystems. Research efforts today focus on materials development, applied in the planar interdigitated, symmetric electrode architecture. A novel “cup & core” device architecture that allows for printing of asymmetric devices without the need of accurately positioning the second finger electrode here have been introduced. The bottom electrode is either produced by laser ablation of a blade‐coated graphene layer or directly screen‐printed with graphene inks to create grids with high aspect ratio walls forming an array of “micro‐cups”. A quasi‐solid‐state ionic liquid electrolyte is spray‐deposited on the walls; the top electrode material ‐MXene inks‐ is then spray‐coated to fill the cup structure. The architecture combines the advantages of interdigitated electrodes for facilitated ion‐diffusion, which is critical for 2D‐material‐based energy storage systems by providing vertical interfaces with the layer‐by‐layer processing of the sandwich geometry. Compared to flat reference devices, volumetric capacitance of printed “micro‐cups” MSC increased considerably, while the time constant decreased (by 58%). Importantly, the high energy density (3.99 µWh cm−2) of the “micro‐cups” MSC is also superior to other reported MXene and graphene‐based MSCs.
A localized ensemble of approximate Gaussian processes for fast sequential emulation
Authors: Rumsey Kellin N. , Huerta Gabriel , Derek Tucker J.
Published: April 2023

More attention has been given to the computational cost associated with the fitting of an emulator. Substantially less attention is given to the computational cost of using that emulator for prediction. This is primarily because the cost of fitting an emulator is usually far greater than that of obtaining a single prediction, and predictions can often be obtained in parallel. In many settings, especially those requiring Markov Chain Monte Carlo, predictions may arrive sequentially and parallelization is not possible. In this case, using an emulator procedure which can produce accurate predictions efficiently can lead to substantial time savings in practice. In this paper, we propose a global model approximate Gaussian process framework via extension of  a popular local approximate Gaussian process (laGP) framework. Our proposed emulator can be viewed as a treed Gaussian process where the leaf nodes are laGP models, and the tree structure is learned greedily as a function of the prediction stream. The suggested method (called leapGP) has interpretable tuning parameters which control the time‐memory trade‐off. One reasonable choice of settings leads to an emulator with a training cost and makes predictions rapidly with an asymptotic amortized cost of .
Life‐cycle cost analysis and life‐cycle assessment of the second‐generation benchmark building subject to typhoon wind loads in Hong Kong
Authors: Cao Siqi , Wang Jiayao , Tse Tim K. T.
Published: April 2023

Tall buildings located in Hong Kong can suffer great damage caused by typhoon hazards throughout their lifetimes. In addition, the effect of wind hazards may be exacerbated due to increases in the typhoon intensity and frequency caused by the climate change effect. Therefore, developing a framework to evaluate and quantify the damage caused by wind hazards on tall buildings from the economic perspective is critical for engineers and building owners in designing a cost‐effective tall building. In this study, an economic damage indicator, life‐cycle cost, is measured by using a probabilistic method called life‐cycle cost analysis (LCCA). Moreover, the building sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the environmental impact that may be generated in intervention activities after wind‐induced damage occurs is analyzed. An environmental impact indicator, embodied carbon emission, is quantified by employing another probabilistic method called life‐cycle assessment (LCA). Therefore, an integrated methodology combining the LCCA and LCA is proposed to evaluate potential damage costs and environmental impact caused by typhoon hazards on tall buildings.
Thermal management using nano coated heat sink for electric vehicle battery cooling
Authors: Thanigaitambi Rajmohan , Ramesh S. , Arulprakasajothi Mahalingam , Devarajan Yuvarajan , Sundaram Madhu , Subbaiyan Naveen
Published: April 2023

Transient heat transfer occurs in a wide array of heat exchange devices and those subjected to heat input. Effective control of heat energy during transient heat transfer is vital to increase the operating life and effectiveness of the device and equipment subjected to the heating and cooling cycle. Extended surfaces in the form of pin fins are used to augment cooling in applications like electric vehicle batteries, computers, transformers, drones, and microcontrollers. In this study, an attempt is made to examine the heating and cooling cycle, the time required to attain a target temperature, and the enhancement ratio of finned heat exchangers. The heat sink is provided with graphene nanocoating intended for electric vehicle battery cooling. The performance of the heat sink and its counterparts having two different types of pin fins, that is, circular and square, are compared. Four different heat inputs were considered, that is, 15, 25, 35, and 45 W. Three different target temperatures, that is, 46, 56, and 66°C, were accounted for during the comparison. It is concluded that the graphene nanoparticles facilitated enhanced heat transfer during the heating cycle when the input heat was 25 W and above. The square pin fins exhibited an enhancement ratio of 1.5, irrespective of the input heat energy.
The effects of Avemar treatment on feline immunodeficiency virus infected cell cultures
Authors: Tarcsai Katalin Réka , Hidvégi Máté , Corolciuc Oliga , Nagy Károly , Abbas Anna Anoir , Ablashi Dharam V. , Kövesdi Valéria , Ongrádi József
Published: April 2023

Introduction

In addition to standard highly active antiretroviral therapy protocols, complementary therapies using natural compounds are widely used by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected human patients. One such compound is the fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), named Avemar.

Materials and methods

In this study, we investigate the effects of Avemar in a feline‐acquired immunodeficiency syndrome model. MBM lymphoid cells were acutely infected by the American feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)‐Petaluma (FIV‐Pet) and the European FIV Pisa‐M2 strains. FL‐4 lymphoid cells, continuously producing FIV‐Pet, served as a model for chronic infection. Crandell Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells were infected by either FIV‐Pet or feline adenovirus (FeAdV) as a model for transactivation and opportunistic viral infection. Cell cultures were treated pre‐ and post‐infection with serial dilutions of spray‐dried FWGE (Avemar pulvis, AP), a standardized active ingredient in commercial Avemar products. Residual FIV and FeAdV infectivity was quantified.

Results

In a concentration‐dependent manner, AP inhibited replication of FIV strains in MBM and CRFK cells by 3–5 log. Low AP concentration prevented FIV‐Pet release from FL‐4 cells. Higher concentrations destroyed virus‐producing cells with cytopathic effects resembling apoptosis. AP strongly inhibited FeAdV production inside CRFK cells but not in HeLa cells. Adenovirus particles are then released via the disintegration of CRFK cells.

Discussion

This report is the first to describe the antiviral effects of Avemar. Further studies are required to confirm its in vitro and in vivo effects and to investigate the potential for its use as a nutraceutical in FIV‐infected felines or HIV‐infected humans.

Conclusion

Avemar, as a single nutraceutical, inhibits FIV replication and destroys retrovirus carrier cells. An important conclusion is that prolonged Avemar treatment might reduce the number of retrovirus‐producing cells in the host.
A ‘Bottom-Up’ Approach to Transcultural Identities: Petra and Women Detectives in Italian TV Crime Drama
Authors: D’Amelio Elena , Re Valentina
Published: April 2023

In her The TV Crime Drama, Turnbull (The TV Crime Drama. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2014) argues that “the portrayal of women in the crime drama series has served as an index of women’s changing role in society while providing a catalyst for debate, both in the popular press and in the field of feminist media studies”. Moving from these premises, our aim is to analyse the Italian series Petra (Sky 2020–) within the larger context of contemporary European TV crime productions, to investigate the recurrences, similarities, and differences in the construction, representation, and consumption of TV female detectives, through a conceptualization of what has been called “mediated cultural encounters” (Bondebjerg et al. Transnational European Television Drama: Production, Genres and Audiences. Palgrave Macmillan, 2017). We consider Rosi Braidotti’s claim of the necessity of a “post nationalistic understanding of cultural identity” (2001) as a framework of analysis for the inter-related issues of gender, multiculturalism, and European identities.
Geometrical Analysis of a Brick Vault by Slices from the Aurelian Walls in Rome
Authors: Aliberti Licinia , de-Miguel-Sánchez Manuel , González-Uriel Ana
Published: April 2023

This work focuses on the analysis of a singular case of brick vault by slices from the Aurelian Walls in Rome. The study is based on an accurate survey carried out through automated photogrammetry. This analysis aims to determine the geometry of the vault and compare it with the theoretical model of its type.
On a singular limit as $$\theta \rightarrow 0$$ for a model for the evolution of morphogens in a growing tissue
Authors: Coclite G. M. , Coclite M.
Published: April 2023

This paper is devoted to the singular limit of a model for the regulation of growth and patterning in developing tissues by diffusing morphogens. The model is governed by a system of nonlinear PDEs. The arguments are based on energy estimates and a change of variable that reduces the system into a nonlinear PDE with singular diffusion.
Category $${\mathcal {O}}$$ for Takiff Lie algebras
Authors: Chaffe Matthew
Published: April 2023

We study category$${\mathcal {O}}$$Ofor Takiff Lie algebras$${\mathfrak {g}}\otimes {\mathbb {C}}[\epsilon ]/(\epsilon ^2)$$g⊗C[ϵ]/(ϵ2)where$${\mathfrak {g}}$$gis the Lie algebra of a reductive algebraic group over$${\mathbb {C}}$$C. We decompose this category as a direct sum of certain subcategories and use an analogue of parabolic induction functors and twisting functors for BGG category$${\mathcal {O}}$$Oto prove equivalences between these subcategories. We then use these equivalences to compute the composition multiplicities of the simple modules in the Verma modules in terms of composition multiplicities in the BGG category$${\mathcal {O}}$$Ofor reductive subalgebras of$${\mathfrak {g}}$$g. We conclude that the composition multiplicities are given in terms of the Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials.
The 10th International Conference on cGMP 2022: recent trends in cGMP research and development—meeting report
Authors: Friebe Andreas , Kraehling Jan R. , Russwurm Michael , Sandner Peter , Schmidtko Achim
Published: April 2023

Increasing cGMP is a unique therapeutic principle, and drugs inhibiting cGMP-degrading enzymes or stimulating cGMP production are approved for the treatment of various diseases such as erectile dysfunction, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome, or achondroplasia. In addition, cGMP-increasing therapies are preclinically profiled or in clinical development for quite a broad set of additional indications, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases or different forms of dementias, bone formation disorders, underlining the pivotal role of cGMP signaling pathways. The fundamental understanding of the signaling mediated by nitric oxide-sensitive (soluble) guanylyl cyclase and membrane-associated receptor (particulate) guanylyl cyclase at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as in vivo, especially in disease models, is a key prerequisite to fully exploit treatment opportunities and potential risks that could be associated with an excessive increase in cGMP. Furthermore, human genetic data and the clinical effects of cGMP-increasing drugs allow back-translation into basic research to further learn about signaling and treatment opportunities. The biannual international cGMP conference, launched nearly 20 years ago, brings all these aspects together as an established and important forum for all topics from basic science to clinical research and pivotal clinical trials. This review summarizes the contributions to the “10th cGMP Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications,” which was held in Augsburg in 2022 but will also provide an overview of recent key achievements and activities in the field of cGMP research.
Low-frequency variability enhancement of the midlatitude climate in an eddy-resolving coupled ocean–atmosphere model. Part I: anatomy
Authors: Kurashina Ryosuke , Berloff Pavel
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the coupling of the wind-driven ocean gyres with the atmospheric westerly jet using an idealised, eddy-resolving, coupled model. An empirical orthogonal function analysis of the low-pass filtered data showed that the ocean gyre variability is dominated by meridional shifts of the western boundary current extension (WBCE) and changes in the strength of the subtropical inertial recirculation zone. On the other hand, the atmospheric potential vorticity (PV) variability is dominated by the growth of standing Rossby wave patterns, while its pressure variability is dominated by a zonally-asymmetric meridional shift of the atmospheric jet. Damping sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the atmosphere was shown to weaken its PV variability and reduce the zonal asymmetry of the jet-shift mode. Singular value decompositions revealed a positive feedback between meridional shifts of the WBCE and the growth of standing Rossby wave disturbances in the atmospheric jet. The atmosphere’s response is controlled by shifts in the meridional eddy heat flux over the SST front which triggers the growth of baroclinic instabilities. This instability growth eventually leads to a large-scale, barotropic pressure response over the eastern ocean basin, or an aforementioned meridional shift of the atmospheric jet. Reduction in the atmospheric resolution inhibits the ability of atmospheric eddies to resolve length scales associated with meridional shifts of the SST front and WBCE. The lack of resolution consequently weakens the influence of ocean gyre variability on the atmospheric jet and reduces the strength of the positive feedback.
Efficacy and predictive factors of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation in benign solid pancreatic tumors
Authors: Choi Jin Ho , Paik Woo Hyun , Lee Sang Hyub , Lee Min Woo , Cho In Rae , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae
Published: April 2023

Backgrounds and Objectives

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (EUS-EA) has recently been introduced for the management of solid pancreatic tumors, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs). The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and predictive factors for response of EUS-EA in solid pancreatic tumors.

Methods

Between October 2015 and July 2021, 72 patients who underwent EUS-EA for solid pancreatic tumors were included. The study outcomes were to evaluate the efficacy of EUS-EA with complete remission (CR) and objective response, and their predictive factors.

Results

During follow-up, 47 patients were diagnosed with PNETs and 25 with SPTs. Eight cases reached CR and 48 reached objective response. When compared with SPTs, PNETs showed similar duration to reach CR (median not reached; p = 0.319), but shorter duration to reach objective response (PNETs: median 20.6 months, 95%CI 10.26–30.88; SPTs: median 47.7 months, 95%CI 18.14–77.20; p = 0.018). Ethanol dosage > 0.35 ml/cm3 shortened the duration to reach CR (median not reached; p = 0.026) and objective response (median 42.5 months, 95%CI 25.34–59.66 vs. 19.6 months, 95%CI 10.17–29.09; p = 0.006). CR had no significant predictive factors, but PNETs showed significant predictive factors for objective response (HR 3.34, 95%CI 1.07–10.43; p = 0.038). Twenty-seven patients experienced adverse events, and there were two severe cases.

Conclusion

EUS-EA for pancreatic solid lesions seems feasible as a local treatment for patients who refuse or are unfit for surgery. Additionally, PNETs seem to be the better candidate for EUS-EA.
Co-creative art processes with cancer patients from the artists’ perspective: a qualitative study exploring resonance theory
Authors: Weeseman Yvonne , Scherer-Rath Michael , Christophe Nirav , Dörr Henny , Helmich Esther , Sprangers Mirjam A. G. , van Poecke Niels , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Co-creation, characterised by artists and patients creating a joint work of art, may support patients with the integration of life events into their life story, such as living with cancer. In the process of co-creation, resonance relationships between patients, artists and material may evolve that support integration. We aim to investigate if and if so, how resonance relationships occur from the perspective of the artist.

Methods

We used the first 10 audio recordings of supervision sessions between eight artists and their two supervisors on ongoing co-creation processes with cancer patients. By conducting a qualitative template analysis in AtlasTi, we searched for the presence of resonance, as defined by its four main characteristics,Being affected, touched and moved;Self-efficacy and responding;Moments of uncontrollability; andAdaptive transformation. In addition, two case descriptions are presented.

Results

We found resonance relationships to be present in the studied co-creation processes where moments of uncontrollability can lead to a next step in the process of co-creation and as such form an important factor within co-creation.

Conclusions

The current study suggests focus on elements of resonance relationships within co-creation, specifically practising with uncontrollability while working with art, could strengthen interventions targeting integration of life events in advanced cancer patients.
Effects of intravascular photobiomodulation on cognitive impairment and crossed cerebellar diaschisis in patients with traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lin Yen-Po , Ku Chih-Hung , Chang Cheng-Chiang , Chang Shin-Tsu
Published: April 2023

The association between intravascular photobiomodulation (iPBM) and crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) and cognitive dysfunction in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unknown. We postulate that iPBM might enable greater neurologic improvements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of iPBM on the prognosis of patients with TBI. In this longitudinal study, patients who were diagnosed with TBI were recruited. CCD was identified from brain perfusion images when the uptake difference of both cerebella was > 20%. Thus, two groups were identified: CCD( +) and CCD( −). All patients received general traditional physical therapy and three courses of iPBM (helium–neon laser illuminator, 632.8 nm). Treatment assemblies were conducted on weekdays for 2 consecutive weeks as a solitary treatment course. Three courses of iPBM were performed over 2–3 months, with 1–3 weeks of rest between each course. The outcomes were measured using the Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning (LCF) tool. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Generalized estimating equations were used to verify the associations of various effects between the two groups. p < 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. Thirty patients were included and classified into the CCD( +) and CCD( −) groups (n = 15, each group). Statistics showed that before iPBM, CCD in the CCD( +) group was 2.74 (exp 1.0081) times higher than that of CCD( −) group (p = 0.1632). After iPBM, the CCD was 0.64 (exp-0.4436) times lower in the CCD( +) group than in the CCD( −) group (p < 0.0001). Cognitive assessment revealed that, before iPBM, the CCD( +) group had a non-significantly 0.1030 lower LCF score than that of CCD( −) group (p = 0.1632). Similarly, the CCD( +) group had a non-significantly 0.0013 higher score than that of CCD( −) after iPBM treatment (p = 0.7041), indicating no significant differences between the CCD( +) or CCD( −) following iPBM and general physical therapy. CCD was less likely to appear in iPBM-treated patients. Additionally, iPBM was not associated with LCF score. Administration of iPBM could be applied in TBI patients to reduce the occurrence of CCD. The study failed to show differences in cognitive function after iPBM, which still serves as an alternative non-pharmacological intervention.
Building trust for sustainable access and benefit-sharing of biological control genetic resources: a CABI case study
Authors: Weyl Philip S. R. , Hinz Hariet L. , Rwomushana Ivan , Mulema Joseph , Diaz-Soltero Hilda , Smith David
Published: April 2023

CABI is a not-for-profit international organization with the mission of improving people’s lives worldwide by solving problems in agriculture and the environment, while engendering trust and facilitating science. As an organisation CABI is both a provider and a user of biological control agents and regularly acting as an intermediary between provider and user countries. As a way of building trust between both sides, access and benefit sharing (ABS) policy and ABS best practices developed around the principles of the Nagoya protocol should be publicly accessible. CABI aims to facilitate compliance with national legislation on ABS through its best practices for the countries in which we work and those that we provide genetic resources. CABI adopted the position to share benefits whether the provider country is party to the Nagoya Protocol or not. We use a case study on the biological control of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari)) to illustrate the implementation of ABS best practices for the overlap between biological control and ABS. In respect to Digital Sequence Information (DSI) associated with genetic resources CABI contributes to the ongoing global debate and evaluates how this may impact biocontrol research and delivery. The current view is that publishing sequence data is sharing descriptive information and thus delivers benefit-sharing from its generation. However, if DSI is used in a product placed on the market, there is justification for benefit sharing.
Fiscal Costs of Climate Policies: Role of Tax, Political, and Behavioural Distortions
Authors: van der Ploeg Frederick
Published: April 2023

Here I review the fiscal costs of carbon pricing and climate policies, paying due attention to second-best as well as first-best polies. This starts with a discussion of when the double dividend hypothesis, i.e. when recycling carbon taxes via lower income taxes boosts employment and lowers the marginal cost of public funds. I propose that recycling carbon tax revenue benefits from considering the income on the whole distribution of households, since this allows one to get a better understanding of the political feasibility of carbon tax reforms. Political feasibility also requires intergenerational and international transfers to ensure all generations and countries benefit from carbon tax reform. The politics of carbon tax reform also requires one to take account of business cycle aspects, heightened salience of carbon taxes, and the propensity of policymakers to procrastinate and prefer subsidies to taxes.
The effect of grassland type and proximity to the city center on urban soil and vegetation coverage
Authors: Mollashahi Hassanali , Szymura Magdalena , Perera Peliyagodage Chathura Dineth , Szymura Tomasz H.
Published: April 2023

Urban soils with associated vegetation are important components of urban ecosystems, providing multiple regulating and supporting ecosystem services. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the soil chemistry and vegetation of urban grasslands considering urbanization gradient and urban grassland type (UGT). We hypothesized that the chemical properties of soil, such as metal content, as well as vegetation traits, differ according to grassland type (lawns, grasslands in parks, grasslands on river embankments, and roadsides) and the location of grassland patches (city center versus peripheries). Our samples included 94 UGT patches which each patch represented by four square sampling plots sized 1 m2. The results showed high differentiation of measured traits unrelated to UGT and location. The exception was K content, with a relatively high concentration in lawns, and some metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn), with higher concentrations in the city center than in the peripheries. We found two grassland patches located in the city center where the concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu exceeded the level authorized by Polish standards. In the case of vegetation traits, the variability was not structured considering the UGT and location of the patches, except for bare soil cover, which was higher in lawns in the city center compared to embankments in the peripheries. We observed correlations between vegetation traits and soil chemical properties. The vascular plant species richness decreased when N, P, and C content, along with an increase in grass cover and a decrease in herbs.
COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Undocumented Migrants: Notes from the Field of a Regional Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
Authors: Morisod Kevin , Nikles Justin , Miauton Alix , Maussang Laurence Bouche , Vermeulen Brigitte Pahud , Bodenmann Patrick
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted health inequities for vulnerable populations and the need for more equitable care and access to vaccination. This article described the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination program for undocumented migrants in a regional academic center of general medicine and public health (Unisanté). The vaccination program’s specific components included: triple coordination between the health authorities, the regional center and community partners, a walk-in and free service, no health insurance required, qualified nursing and administrative staff with previous experience with vulnerable populations, translated information materials and interpreters, a guarantee of confidentiality and a widespread communication campaign within the communities. In total, 2’351 undocumented migrants from 97 nationalities received at least one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) and 2242 were considered fully vaccinated. Although it was hard to assess its global effectiveness, the program vaccinated a significant number of undocumented adult migrants in the Canton of Vaud. The difficulties linked to the pandemic context, the heavy workload for healthcare staff and the limited resources were overcome by strong collaborations between the different actors involved throughout the program. Targeted public health policies, such as vaccination programs for undocumented migrants, are essential to guarantee equitable care, especially in pandemic times.
Acculturation Experiences and Preterm Birth in Berlin: Does Acculturative Stress Contribute to Preterm Birth?
Authors: Lee Marlene , Pöhlmann Anna , Abou-Dakn Michael , David Matthias
Published: April 2023

Acculturation and acculturative stress are potential risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes. This study investigates whether and how acculturative stress affects preterm birth (PTB) in a sample of migrant women in Berlin. We interviewed 955 women who recently gave birth using standardized questionnaires (Frankfurt Acculturation Scale and Acculturative Stress Index). Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the effects of acculturation and acculturative stress on PTB. Women with migrant backgrounds did not have significantly higher PTB rates than German natives. First-generation migrants experienced higher acculturative stress levels than second-generation migrants, 38.8% vs. 13.2%. Acculturative stress could not be identified as a risk factor for PTB in our sample. These results need to be considered in the context of an international city and the wide use of antenatal care services in our population, which could be responsible for similarly good perinatal outcomes and highlights the potential of good access to perinatal care for vulnerable groups.
Particle and gas phase sampling of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs by activated carbon fiber and GC/MS analysis
Authors: Cerasa Marina , Guerriero Ettore , Balducci Catia , Bacaloni Alessandro , Ciccioli Piero , Mosca Silvia
Published: April 2023

Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are semi-volatile compounds and can be partitioned in the atmosphere between the gas and particulate phase, due to their physicochemical properties. For this reason, the reference standard methods for air sampling include a quartz fiber filter (QFF) for the particulate and a polyurethane foam (PUF) cartridge for the vapor phase, and it is the classical and most popular sampling method in the air. Despite the presence of the two adsorbing media, this method cannot be used for the study of the gas-particulate distribution, but only for a total quantification. This study presents the results and the performance aim to validate an activated carbon fiber (ACF) filter for the sampling of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) using laboratory and field tests. The specificity, precision, and accuracy of the ACF in relation to the QFF + PUF were evaluated through the isotopic dilution technique, the recovery rates, and the standard deviations. Then the ACF performance was assessed on real samples, in a naturally contaminated area, through parallel sampling with the reference method (QFF + PUF). The QA/QC was defined according to the standard methods ISO 16000–13 and -14 and EPA TO4A and 9A. Data confirmed that ACF meets the requirements for the quantification of native POPs compounds in atmospheric and indoor samples. In addition, ACF provided accuracy and precision comparable to those offered by standard reference methods using QFF + PUF, but with significant savings in terms of time and costs.