bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric testing of the hemodialysis self‐management instrument (HDSMI‐18): A confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Chen Wen‐Chun , Lin Chiu‐Chu , Wu Chia‐Chen , Song Yi‐Chun
Published: April 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to probe the rigorousness of the factor structure of the HDSMI and to test the instrument's construct validity.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The hemodialysis unit of four hospitals in Taiwan provided data from 628 patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), through the period of September to December in 2012. The patients were divided into a calibration sample for CFA and model modification, and a validation sample for cross‐validation of the postmodification model. Goodness of fit was tested with standard fit indices.

Results

The four latent variables (i.e. partnership, self‐care, problem‐solving and emotional management) were verified as dimensions of HDSMI through CFA. The construct validity of the HDSMI was improved by omitting two items, allowing one inter‐item correlation and transferring the loading of one item. These modifications improved fit indices of the calibration sample. Cross‐validation of the validation sample verified the construct validity of the modified HDSMI‐18.
Opening a debate on open‐source modeling tools: Pouring fuel on fire versus extinguishing the flare of a healthy debate
Authors: Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Bois Frederic Y.
Published: April 2021

As model‐informed drug development becomes an integral part of modern approaches to the discovery of new therapeutic entities and showing their safety and effectiveness, modalities of incorporating the paradigm into widespread practice require a revisit. Traditionally, modeling and simulation (M&S) have been performed by specialized teams who create bespoke models for each case and have reservations about letting modeling be done by the greater mass of scientists engaged in various stages of drug development. An analogy can be drawn between M&S and automobiles: typical drivers of ordinary cars use them for daily tasks, such as going from point A to B whereas specialized Formula 1 drivers using bespoke individually made cars to test the latest technologies. The reliability and robustness of ordinary cars for the first group requires elements related to quality and endurance that are very different from those applicable to any Formula 1 car supported by a large team of engineers. In this commentary, we frame and analyze the problems concerning the structure and setup of various M&S tools, and their pros and cons. We demonstrate that many misconceptions have precluded having an open discussion on what each modality of M&S tools strives to achieve, and we provide data and evidence that support the move of M&S to main stream use by many, as opposed to specialized usage by few. Parallels are drawn in many other areas involving laboratory instrumentation, statistical analyses, and so on.
Highly Z‐Selective Synthesis of Highly Substituted 1,3‐Oxathiolane‐2‐imines via TfOH‐Catalyzed Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Donor‐Acceptor Oxiranes and Isothiocyanates
Authors: Zhan Feng , Wang Zhe , Wu Guan‐Zheng , Shi Zhichao , Zhang Xun , Zuo Qinglu , Lin Jin‐Shun , Jiang Yuyang
Published: April 2021

TfOH‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of donor‐acceptor oxiranes with isothiocyanates via chemoselective C−O bond breakage of D−A oxiranes was developed under metal‐ and additive‐free conditions. This method providing a facile access to a diverse range of highly substituted 1,3‐oxathiolane‐2‐imines in good to excellent yields and with high Z‐selectivity and excellent functional group tolerance. In addition, the established protocol can be easily scaled up to gram level in excellent yield. Furthermore, transformation of cycloadduct into 1,3‐oxathiolane‐2‐one by acid hydrolysis of the imino group is easily achieved in moderate yield.
Lessons for systems engineering from the Segura River reclamation project: A critical systems thinking analysis
Authors: Rodenas Miguel A. , Jackson Michael C.
Published: April 2021

The International Council on Systems Engineering has long declared a wish to extend the scope of application of systems engineering from its traditional sphere of complex technical systems to more complex sociotechnical systems. The Segura River reclamation project was a successful systems engineering project, involving water treatment and management and environmental regeneration, which falls squarely into the latter category. Taking lessons from this project, the paper sets out to understand the circumstances in which systems engineering can be successful in guiding and managing interventions in nontraditional domains such as transportation, housing, infrastructure, health and environmental systems. This involves an analysis using critical systems thinking. The paper also seeks to suggest how systems engineering must change to ensure success in circumstances that are less propitious for its theory and practice than in the Segura case.
The Cognitive & Leisure Activity Scale (CLAS): A new measure to quantify cognitive activities in older adults with and without cognitive impairment
Authors: Galvin James E. , Tolea Magdalena I. , Chrisphonte Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Potentially modifiable dementia risk factors include diet and physical and cognitive activity. However, there is a paucity of scales to quantify cognitive activities. To address this, we developed the Cognitive & Leisure Activity Scale (CLAS).

Methods

The CLAS was validated in 318 consecutive individuals with and without cognitive impairment. Psychometric properties were compared with sample characteristics, disease stage, and etiology.

Results

The CLAS has very good data quality (Cronbach alpha: 0.731; 95% confidence interval: 0.67‐0.78). CLAS scores correlated with gold standard measures of cognition, function, physical functionality, behavior, and caregiver burden. CLAS scores were positively correlated with other resilience factors (eg, diet, physical activity) and negatively correlated with vulnerability factors (eg, older age, frailty).

Discussion

The CLAS is a brief inventory to estimate dosage of participation in cognitive activities. The CLAS could be used in clinical care to enhance cognitive activity or in research to estimate dosage of activities prior to an intervention.
Association between regional tau pathology and neuropsychiatric symptoms in aging and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tissot Cécile , Therriault Joseph , Pascoal Tharick A. , Chamoun Mira , Lussier Firoza Z. , Savard Melissa , Mathotaarachchi Sulantha S. , L. Benedet Andréa , Thomas Emilie M. , Parsons Marlee , Nasreddine Ziad , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Gauthier Serge
Published: April 2021

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are frequent in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we study the relationship between NPS and AD pathologies in vivo.

Method

Two hundred and twenty‐one individuals from the TRIAD cohort (143 cognitively unimpaired, 52 mild cognitive impairment, and 26 AD) underwent [18F]MK6240‐tau‐positron emission tomography (PET), [18F]AZD4694‐amyloid‐PET, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations. Spearman correlations and voxel‐based regression models evaluated the relationship between Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) scores, and tau‐PET, amyloid‐PET, and voxel‐based morphometry.

Results

Fifty percent of individuals presented NPS; these correlated with tau, not amyloid beta or neurodegeneration. Associations between NPI‐Q score and tau‐PET were stronger in the parietal association area, superior frontal, temporal, and medial occipital lobes. NPI‐Q domains associated with distinct patterns of tau uptake.

Conclusions

NPS are predominantly related to tau in aging and dementia. Regions affected are part of the behavioral circuits, and vulnerable to early AD pathology. Domain‐specific analyses showed NPS are related to the AD pathophysiological processes in a symptom‐specific manner.
An update on joint ill in sheep
Authors: Swinson Vanessa
Published: April 2021

This focus article has been prepared by Vanessa Swinson of the APHA Small Ruminant Expert Group.
Scientific writing: an analysis of Pune‐based climate scientists’ perceptions and training needs
Authors: Rajput Abhay SD
Published: April 2021

Scientific writing is integral to any scientific enterprise and constitutes an essential part of the toolkit of scientists to lead a successful career. But it remains a neglected area in science education, adversely impacting scientists’ career advancement and institutional productivity. When English is the de facto language of science, inabilities to express clearly in English can have serious implications for (non‐native English speaking) scientists. Further, scientists in a multilingual society like India may face more such lingual complexities barring clear and precise writing. Keeping in view the risks and uncertainty associated with weather and climate, different stakeholders are increasingly demanding clear communication from the scientific community. However, we have little understanding about what scientists think about their writing skills and capabilities. This article presents results of a survey examining the perceptions and attitudes of Indian weather and climate scientists about their skills, experiences and training needs in scientific writing. Results suggest that the majority of scientists have difficulties in preparing quality manuscripts suitable for publication, and that they are willing to undergo skill enhancement training to overcome their shortcomings. Some interesting insights emerge from the analysis that would be useful in helping scientists improve their scientific writing.
Climate Change Adaptation Among Smallholder Farmers in Rural Ghana
Authors: Asare-Nuamah Peter , Amungwa Athanasius Fonteh
Published: April 2021

Climate change has the potential to disrupt sustainable development initiatives, particularly in developing economies. A substantial body of literature reveals that developing economies are vulnerable to climate change, due to high dependency on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture. In Ghana, a growing body of literature has revealed multiple adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers to respond to and reduce climate change impacts. However, there is a dearth of literature on the effectiveness of adaptation strategies. This chapter explores the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers and analyzed the predictors of effective adaptation. Through the technique of simple random sampling, 378 smallholder farmers were selected, and data was collected using a questionnaire survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using the SPSS software. The findings indicate that smallholder farmers adopt multiple adaptation strategies to reduce the impact of climate change. In addition, it is revealed that marital status, years of farming experience, knowledge of climate change, and education are significant predictors of adaptation. Moreover, the chapter found that marital status, weedicide application, change in staple food consumption, and planting of early-maturing crops are good predictors of effective adaptation. The chapter recommends the need to intensify adaptation strategies through agricultural extension programs and interventions that improve rural food security and livelihood. In addition, the chapter recommends strengthening the capacity of farmer organizations and rural institutions, particularly agricultural extension and advisory services.
Model-Experiment-Exercises (MEX)
Authors: Vowinckel Berhard , Frühwirt Thomas , Maßmann Jobst , Nagel Thomas , Nest Mathias , Ptschke Daniel , Rölke Christopher , Sattari Amir Shoarian , Schmidt Patrick , Steeb Holger , Yoshioka Keita , Ziefle Gesa , Kolditz Olaf
Published: April 2021

The basic idea of Model-Experiment-Exercises (MEX) is to link modelling and experimental works from the very beginning i.e. in the conceptual phase. Due to the complexity of each part in the systems analysis, this combination is sometimes lost. Moreover, both models and experiments require highly sophisticated tools and equipment as well as highly specialized professionals, which also necessitate adequate measures and incentives for collaboration. GeomInt is introducing the MEX concept exactly for this purpose. Therefore, the following MEX studies occupy the largest part of the GeomInt book and feed most of the publications with research material.
Data Management
Authors: Helbig Carolin , Görke Uwe-Jens , Nest Mathias , Pötschke Daniel , Sattari Amir Shoarian , Schmidt Patrick , Vowinckel Bernhard , Yoshioka Keita , Kolditz Olaf
Published: April 2021

Data management includes the development and use of architectures, guidelines, practices and procedures for accurate managing of data during the entire data lifecycle of an institutional unit or a research project. Data are defined as different information units such as numbers, alphabetic characters, and symbols that are particularly formatted and can be processed by computer. The data in the project is provided by various actors which can be GeomInt partners, their legal representatives, employees, and external partners.
Synthesis and Outlook
Authors: Kolditz Olaf , Görke Uwe-Jens , Konietzky Heinz , Maßmann Jobst , Nest Mathias , Steeb Holger , Wuttke Frank , Nagel Thomas
Published: April 2021

As a result of the GeomInt research project (Chap. 1) a broad combined experimental and numerical platform for the investigation of discontinuities due to swelling and shrinking processes (WP1, Sect. 2.3), pressure-driven percolation (WP2, Sect. 2.4) and stress redistribution (WP3, Sect. 2.4) for important reservoir and barrier rocks (clay, salt, crystalline) has been developed. Model comparisons for damage and fracture processes driven by different processes provide information on the optimal areas of application of the numerical methods (Sect. 2.5).
Conclusion
Authors: Lips Wouter
Published: April 2021

This book has been a collaboration between 20 authors who are all working on issues that link taxation with development and emancipation in the Global South in all sorts of different capacities. Together, we have offered ten chapters that explore four relevant themes: global tax governance and developing countries, external assistance for tax capacity building, tax incentives and attracting sustainable investment, and harmful and helpful tax practices for sustainable development. The book paints a picture of the difficulties countries in the Global South face when they participate in international tax relations, whether bilateral or multilateral, but each chapter also highlights opportunities for how the international community can do better in this regard.
The Suitability of BEPS in Developing Countries (Emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean)
Authors: Arias Esteban Isaác Gonzalo , Calderoni Anarella
Published: April 2021

In developing countries, where competing priorities often overwhelm capacity, the sweeping BEPS initiative can serve to motivate and justify the devotion of limited resources to the international tax field. It is hard to say whether all of the BEPS Actions are “suitable” for developing countries as their size, level of maturity, and many other factors that influence taxation vary drastically. An evaluation of domestic circumstances will help to determine the tax regime’s compatibility with the BEPS recommendations. This initiative represents a minimum level of commitment that is necessary to ascertain sustainable BEPS implementation. Certain attributes will influence the feasibility of this implementation such as the adaptability of the juridical system to enforce new regulations, the technological infrastructure, the capacity to process and protect mass information, efficient risk assessment procedures and analysis tools, and continual training and development workshops, among others. The BEPS project is still quite young; however, thanks to contributions from CIAT member countries, the BEPS Monitoring database was created. This can provide us with a general overview of how extensively each BEPS Action has been implemented in these countries so far.
Medium-Term Revenue Strategies as a Coordination Tool for DRM and Tax Capacity Building
Authors: Lips Wouter , Lesage Dries
Published: April 2021

This chapter investigates the introduction of Medium-Term Revenue Strategies (MTRS) in developing countries as part of technical assistance for tax capacity building. The MTRS concept was devised by the Platform for Collaboration on Tax and is supposed to be a holistic high-level roadmap for tax policy reform around which civil society and external aid donors can coordinate. Tax capacity building for domestic resource mobilization has become a crowded governance field over the last decade with multiple bilateral and multilateral partners involved, sometimes in the same country. While there have been multiple high-level coordination efforts, within-country coordination is still lacking. As such, we investigate the concept’s usefulness as a coordination tool for donors to ensure their assistance is matched with a country’s needs and preferences. We also critically examine the concept’s potential pitfalls and deficiencies in terms of scope and ambition, partners, and legitimacy. We conclude that if the MTRS is evaluated as it is intended, an additional tool in the larger toolbox of coordination in the tax capacity building regime, the concept holds promise but calls for close scrutiny to ensure that they are truly country-owned and country-specific roadmaps.
Foreign Investors vs. National Tax Measures: Assessing the Role of International Investment Agreements
Authors: Chaisse Julien , Kirkwood Jamieson
Published: April 2021

This chapter focuses on the impact of the international law of foreign investment on tax issues with a view to assessing the interactions between the two regimes and identifying potential signs of convergence. In particular, this chapter focuses on the operation of International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and assesses the role of IIAs from the perspective of foreign investors vis-à-vis National Tax Measures (NTMs). Part I of this chapter provides an understanding of the convergence between investment law and tax issues. This aids in an understanding of the key characteristics of IIAs (such as the definition of investment and the use of specific tax exceptions) and the relationship between currently existing IIAs and tax disputes. Part II analyzes, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the recent trends of tax disputes in investment arbitration. Part III assesses how tax can be seen as the last barrier to cross border investment. Part IV concludes.
Automated Information Supply of Worker Guidance Systems in Smart Assembly Environment
Authors: Reisinger Gerhard , Hold Philipp , Sihn Wilfried
Published: April 2021

The global megatrends of digitization and individualization substantially affect manufacturing enterprises. Assembly workers are exposed to increased process complexity resulting in physical and cognitive workload. Worker guidance systems (WGS) are used to overcome this challenge through output of information regarding what should be done, how it should be done and why it should be done. An unsolved scientific challenge in this context is efficient information supply of WGS. Information such as worker’s instruction texts, pictures or 3D representations are created by employees of the work preparation department and transferred to the WGS. Manual information supply is a time-consuming and complex process, which requires a high (non-value-adding) effort as well as comprehensive knowledge in handling 3D CAD modelling and software programming. This paper presents a novel approach to reduce the required manual effort in information supply process. A knowledge-based model is proposed that enables an automated information supply of WGS in smart assembly environment by means of algorithms and self-learning expert systems, which pursues a holistic and consistent approach without media breaks. The automated approach assists employees of work preparation department, which means they can concentrate on their essential core competencies instead of being busy, for example, creating assembly plans, instruction texts or pictures for individual WGS. Finally, the technical implementation as a software-based proof-of-concept demonstrator and sub-sequent integration into the IT environment of TU Wien Pilot Factory Industry 4.0 is outlined.
Einleitung
Authors: Aumüller Matthias , Kindt Tom
Published: April 2021

Die Einleitung erläutert Begrifflichkeit und Fragestellung der im Band versammelten Beiträge zu Nachkriegsromanen aus der Bundesrepublik und der DDR, Österreich und der Schweiz. Der erste Teil gibt einen Überblick über Modellierungen und Typologien „unzuverlässigen Erzählens“ und umreißt das Verständnis, in dem die vorliegenden Aufsätze den Begriff als Analysekategorie und heuristisches Konzept nutzen. Der zweite Abschnitt ist dem Versuch gewidmet, die literarhistorische Periode der „Nachkriegszeit“ als (Mikro-)Epoche zu charakterisieren. Abgeschlossen wird die Einleitung in einem kurzen dritten Teil durch die skizzenhaft entwickelte These, dass narrative Unzuverlässigkeit hinreichend ist, um einen Text als eine Form literarischer Rede auszuweisen.
„Es gibt eine Art moralischen Handelns, bei der die Moral in die Binsen geht!“ Zur Axiologie in Günter de Bruyns Buridans Esel (1968)
Authors: Grubner Bernadette
Published: April 2021

Ist Günter de BruynsBuridans Esel(1968) ein sozialistischer Ehebruchsroman, der die Verfehlungen eines egozentrischen Bibliothekars vor dem Hintergrund der konsoliderten DDR-Gesellschaft nachzeichnet, oder eine subtile Gesellschaftskritik, die sich gegen den real existierenden Sozialismus wendet? In den Rezeptionszeugnissen lassen sich beide Auffassungen finden. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt, worauf diese höchst unterschiedlichen Lesarten zurückzuführen sind, indem er den Roman im Hinblick auf seine Wertorientierung untersucht – also die Frage, wer oder was im Text moralisch verurteilt oder affirmiert wird. Durch eine genaue Analyse der Erzählweise wird gezeigt, dass die Bewertung des Figurenverhaltens durch gezielte Strategien der Sympathieerzeugung und Entlarvung in der Schwebe gehalten wird. Dadurch entsteht gelegentlich der Eindruck axiologischer Unzuverlässigkeit, den die genaue Analyse allerdings nicht bestätigt. Der Text ordnet weder dem Verhalten der Hauptfigur noch der sozialistischen Gesellschaft als solcher widerspruchsfreie Werte zu. Stattdessen wird die Frage der Beurteilung des Geschilderten konsequent an den Leser und die Leserin zurückgespielt.
Firms Strategies and Their Three Elements
Authors: Yu Xiu-bao
Published: April 2021

Outline

The chapter elaborates on what each specific strategy means and how the three elements of each respective strategy are understood. Studies in this chapter reveal that the Competitive Strategy (or SBU Strategy) is well studied and concluded into systematic academic fruition. However, the academic community has not yet offered systematic insights in corporate strategy in spite of adequate research in competitive strategy and tactics.
Strategic Decision Biases and Decision Making Principles
Authors: Yu Xiu-bao
Published: April 2021

This article, through some examples, introduces a few types of biases in strategic decisions and the reasons for their biases. It proposes a strategic decision tendentious model on the basis of consideration of internal and external situations. Three important principles that ought to be complied with in the strategic decision makings are proposed and introduced.
Axionlike particles searches in reactor experiments
Authors: Sierra D. Aristizabal , De Romeri V. , Flores L. J. , Papoulias D. K.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Reactor neutrino experiments provide a rich environment for the study of axionlike particles (ALPs). Using the intense photon flux produced in the nuclear reactor core, these experiments have the potential to probe ALPs with masses below 10 MeV. We explore the feasibility of these searches by considering ALPs produced through Primakoff and Compton-like processes as well as nuclear transitions. These particles can subsequently interact with the material of a nearby detector via inverse Primakoff and inverse Compton-like scatterings, via axio-electric absorption, or they can decay into photon or electron-positron pairs. We demonstrate that reactor-based neutrino experiments have a high potential to test ALP-photon couplings and masses, currently probed only by cosmological and astrophysical observations, thus providing complementary laboratory-based searches. We furthermore show how reactor facilities will be able to test previously unexplored regions in the ∼MeV ALP mass range and ALP-electron couplings of the order of gaee ∼ 10−8 as well as ALP-nucleon couplings of the order of $$ {g}_{ann}^{(1)} $$

g
ann

1

∼ 10−9, testing regions beyond TEXONO and Borexino limits.
The convex hull swampland distance conjecture and bounds on non-geodesics
Authors: Calderón-Infante José , Uranga Angel M. , Valenzuela Irene
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The Swampland Distance Conjecture (SDC) restricts the geodesic distances that scalars can traverse in effective field theories as they approach points at infinite distance in moduli space. We propose that, when applied to the subset of light fields in effective theories with scalar potentials, the SDC restricts the amount of non-geodesicity allowed for trajectories along valleys of the potential. This is necessary to ensure consistency of the SDC as a valid swampland criterion at any energy scale across the RG flow. We provide a simple description of this effect in moduli space of hyperbolic space type, and products thereof, and obtain critical trajectories which lead to maximum non-geodesicity compatible with the SDC. We recover and generalize these results by expressing the SDC as a new Convex Hull constraint on trajectories, characterizing towers by their scalar charge to mass ratio in analogy to the Scalar Weak Gravity Conjecture. We show that recent results on the asymptotic scalar potential of flux compatifications near infinity in moduli space precisely realize these critical amounts of non-geodesicity. Our results suggest that string theory flux compactifications lead to the most generic potentials allowing for maximum non-geodesicity of the potential valleys while respecting the SDC along them.
Superstrings in thermal anti-de Sitter space
Authors: Ashok Sujay K. , Troost Jan
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We revisit the calculation of the thermal free energy for string theory in three-dimensional anti-de Sitter spacetime with Neveu-Schwarz-Neveu-Schwarz flux. The path integral calculation is exploited to confirm the off-shell Hilbert space and we find that the Casimir of the discrete representations of the isometry group takes values in a half-open interval. We extend the free energy calculation to the case of superstrings, calculate the boundary toroidal twisted partition function in the Ramond-Ramond sector, and prove lower bounds on the boundary conformal dimension from the bulk perspective. We classify Ramond-Ramond ground states and construct their second quantized partition function. The partition function exhibits intriguing modular properties.
HYPERBOLIC GROUPS AND NON-COMPACT REAL ALGEBRAIC CURVES
Authors: NATANZON SERGEY , PRATOUSSEVITCH ANNA
Published: April 2021

In this paper we study the spaces of non-compact real algebraic curves, i.e. pairs (P, τ), where P is a compact Riemann surface with a finite number of holes and punctures and τ: P → P is an anti-holomorphic involution. We describe the uniformisation of non-compact real algebraic curves by Fuchsian groups. We construct the spaces of non-compact real algebraic curves and describe their connected components. We prove that any connected component is homeomorphic to a quotient of a finite-dimensional real vector space by a discrete group and determine the dimensions of these vector spaces.
Erratum zu: Der querschnittgelähmte Patient. Besonderheiten der viszeralchirurgischen Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Seifert Julia , Böthig Ralf , Wolter Stefan , Izbicki Jakob R. , Thietje Roland , Tachezy Michael
Published: April 2021

Ein Erratum zu dieser Publikation wurde veröffentlicht: 10.1007/s00104-021-01364-2
Clinically applicable CD34+-derived blood dendritic cell subsets exhibit key subset-specific features and potently boost anti-tumor T and NK cell responses
Authors: van Eck van der Sluijs Jesper , van Ens Diede , Thordardottir Soley , Vodegel Denise , Hermens Inge , van der Waart Anniek B. , Falkenburg J. H. Frederik , Kester Michel G. D. , de Rink Iris , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M. , Borst Jannie , Schaap Nicolaas P. M. , Jansen Joop H. , Xiao Yanling , Dolstra Harry , Hobo Willemijn
Published: April 2021

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT), following induction chemotherapy, can be curative for hemato-oncology patients due to powerful graft-versus-tumor immunity. However, disease recurrence remains the major cause of treatment failure, emphasizing the need for potent adjuvant immunotherapy. In this regard, dendritic cell (DC) vaccination is highly attractive, as DCs are the key orchestrators of innate and adaptive immunity. Natural DC subsets are postulated to be more powerful compared with monocyte-derived DCs, due to their unique functional properties and cross-talk capacity. Yet, obtaining sufficient numbers of natural DCs, particularly type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1s), is challenging due to low frequencies in human blood. We developed a clinically applicable culture protocol using donor-derived G-CSF mobilized CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for simultaneous generation of high numbers of cDC1s, cDC2s and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). Transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that these ex vivo-generated DCs highly resemble their in vivo blood counterparts. In more detail, we demonstrated that the CD141+CLEG9A+ cDC1 subset exhibited key features of in vivo cDC1s, reflected by high expression of co-stimulatory molecules and release of IL-12p70 and TNF-α. Furthermore, cDC1s efficiently primed alloreactive T cells, potently cross-presented long-peptides and boosted expansion of minor histocompatibility antigen-experienced T cells. Moreover, they strongly enhanced NK cell activation, degranulation and anti-leukemic reactivity. Together, we developed a robust culture protocol to generate highly functional blood DC subsets for in vivo application as tailored adjuvant immunotherapy to boost innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity in alloSCT patients.
Low-temperature and low-pressure effective fluorescence lifetimes and spectra of gaseous anisole and toluene
Authors: Beuting M. , Dreier T. , Schulz C. , Endres T.
Published: April 2021

Fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of anisole and toluene vapor in nitrogen have been measured at conditions below ambient (257–293 K and 100–2000 mbar) upon excitation with 266-nm laser light to expand the applicable range of anisole and toluene laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for conditions below room temperature that occur in expanding flows and cases with strong evaporative cooling. Anisole fluorescence spectra broaden with decreasing pressure while fluorescence lifetimes decrease simultaneously. This is consistent with a more pronounced effect of internal vibrational redistribution on the overall fluorescence signal and can be explained by significantly reduced collision rates. In the case of toluene, the transition from photo-induced heating to photo-induced cooling was observed for the first time for 266 nm. The data confirm predictions of earlier work and is particularly important for the advancement of the available photo-physical (step-ladder) models: since those transitions mark points where the molecules are already thermalized after excitation (i.e., no vibrational relaxation occurs during deactivation), they are important support points for fitting empirical parameters and allow analytical determination of the ground state energy transferred to the excited state. The data enable temperature and/or pressure sensing, e.g., in accelerating cold flows using laser-induced fluorescence of both tracers.
The impact of data difficulty factors on classification of imbalanced and concept drifting data streams
Authors: Brzezinski Dariusz , Minku Leandro L. , Pewinski Tomasz , Stefanowski Jerzy , Szumaczuk Artur
Published: April 2021

Class imbalance introduces additional challenges when learning classifiers from concept drifting data streams. Most existing work focuses on designing new algorithms for dealing with the global imbalance ratio and does not consider other data complexities. Independent research on static imbalanced data has highlighted the influential role of local data difficulty factors such as minority class decomposition and presence of unsafe types of examples. Despite often being present in real-world data, the interactions between concept drifts and local data difficulty factors have not been investigated in concept drifting data streams yet. We thoroughly study the impact of such interactions on drifting imbalanced streams. For this purpose, we put forward a new categorization of concept drifts for class imbalanced problems. Through comprehensive experiments with synthetic and real data streams, we study the influence of concept drifts, global class imbalance, local data difficulty factors, and their combinations, on predictions of representative online classifiers. Experimental results reveal the high influence of new considered factors and their local drifts, as well as differences in existing classifiers’ reactions to such factors. Combinations of multiple factors are the most challenging for classifiers. Although existing classifiers are partially capable of coping with global class imbalance, new approaches are needed to address challenges posed by imbalanced data streams.
A generalized Fourier–Hermite method for the Vlasov–Poisson system
Authors: Kormann Katharina , Yurova Anna
Published: April 2021

A generalized Fourier–Hermite semi-discretization for the Vlasov–Poisson equation is introduced. The formulation of the method includes as special cases the symmetrically-weighted and asymmetrically-weighted Fourier–Hermite methods from the literature. The numerical scheme is formulated as a weighted Galerkin method with two separate scaling parameters for the Hermite polynomial and the exponential part of the new basis functions. Exact formulas for the error in mass, momentum, and energy conservation of the method depending on the parameters are devised and $$L^2$$

L
2

stability is discussed. The numerical experiments show that an optimal choice of the additional parameter in the generalized method can yield improved accuracy compared to the existing methods, but also reveal the distinct stability properties of the symmetrically-weighted method.
Using the 11-item Version of the RCADS to Identify Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Adolescents
Authors: Radez Jerica , Waite Polly , Chorpita Bruce , Creswell Cathy , Orchard Faith , Percy Ray , Spence Susan H. , Reardon Tessa
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify items from the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale – RCADS-C/P that provided a brief, reliable and valid screen for anxiety and/or depressive disorders in adolescents. In addition, we examined whether adding items assessing suicidal ideation (Moods and Feelings Questionnaire – MFQ- C/P) and symptom impact and duration (items adapted from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire – SDQ) improved the identification of adolescents with anxiety and/or depressive disorders. We compared two samples of adolescents and their parents – a community sample, recruited through secondary schools in England (n = 214) and a clinic-referred sample, who met diagnostic criteria for anxiety and/or depressive disorder and were recruited through a university-based research clinic (n = 246). Participants completed the RCADS-C/P with additional symptom impact and duration items, and the MFQ-C/P. Using ROC curve analyses, we identified a set of 11 RCADS-C/P items (6 addressing anxiety and 5 depression symptoms) for adolescent- and parent-report. This set of 11 symptom items achieved sensitivity/specificity values > .75, which were comparable to corresponding values for the RCADS-47-C/P. Combining adolescent and parent-report improved the identification of anxiety/depression in adolescents compared to using adolescent-report alone. Finally, adding two symptom impact items further improved the sensitivity/specificity of the 11 symptom items, whereas adding suicidal ideation items did not. The 11 RCADS items accurately discriminated between the community and clinic-referred sample with anxiety and/or depressive disorders and have the potential to quickly and accurately identify adolescents with these disorders in community settings.
SEOM clinical guideline for management of adult medulloblastoma (2020)
Authors: Luque R. , Benavides M. , del Barco S. , Egaña L. , García-Gómez J. , Martínez-García M. , Pérez-Segura P. , Pineda E. , Sepúlveda J. M. , Vieito M.
Published: April 2021

Recent advances in molecular profiling, have reclassified medulloblastoma, an undifferentiated tumor of the posterior fossa, in at least four diseases, each one with differences in prognosis, epidemiology and sensibility to different treatments. The recommended management of a lesion with radiological characteristics suggestive of MB includes maximum safe resection followed by a post-surgical MR < 48 h, LCR cytology and MR of the neuroaxis. Prognostic factors, such as presence of a residual tumor volume > 1.5 cm2, presence of micro- or macroscopic dissemination, and age > 3 years as well as pathological (presence of anaplastic or large cell features) and molecular findings (group, 4, 3 or p53 SHH mutated subgroup) determine the risk of relapse and should guide adjuvant management. Although there is evidence that both high-risk patients and to a lesser degree, standard-risk patients benefit from adjuvant craneoespinal radiation followed by consolidation chemotherapy, tolerability is a concern in adult patients, leading invariably to dose reductions. Treatment after relapse is to be considered palliative and inclusion on clinical trials, focusing on the molecular alterations that define each subgroup, should be encouraged. Selected patients can benefit from surgical rescue or targeted radiation or high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous self-transplant. Even in patients that are cured by chemorradiation presence of significant sequelae is common and patients must undergo lifelong follow-up.
How an ongoing practice changes – Digitale Assistenztechnologie in der Behindertenhilfe
Authors: Rink Konstantin , Gruschka Tristan , Seelmeyer Udo , Dobslaw Gudrun , Becking Dominic , Palsbröker Patrick
Published: April 2021

Das vom BMBF geförderte Projekt Personalized Augmented Guidance for the Autonomy of People with Intellectual Impairments (PAGAnInI) ist interdisziplinär ausgerichtet und widmet sich zum einen der technischen Entwicklung eines Smartphone-gestützten Lernsystems, welches es Menschen mit kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen ermöglichen soll, sich weitgehend autonom im öffentlichen Raum zu bewegen. Zum anderen untersucht das Projekt den Implementierungsprozess dieser neuen digitalen Technologie in die Praxis der Behindertenhilfe. Mit Hilfe von Interviews, teilnehmender Beobachtung und Gruppendiskussionen wollen wir den Transformationsprozess der Praxis rekonstruieren und kritisch analysieren. Unser Projekt analysiert das Verhältnis von Technik, Akteur*innen und Adressat*innen in Bezug auf die Frage des Sozialpädagogischen und des professionellen Handelns und hat zum Ziel, sozialwissenschaftliche Grundlagenforschung, Praxisentwicklung und informationstechnische Entwicklung des Systems eng zu verzahnen.
Nanomedicine-based antimicrobial peptide delivery for bacterial infections: recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Thapa Raj Kumar , Diep Dzung B. , Tønnesen Hanne Hjorth
Published: April 2021

Background

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained wide interest as viable alternatives to antibiotics owing to their potent antimicrobial effects and the low propensity of resistance development. However, their physicochemical properties (solubility, charge, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity), stability issues (proteolytic or enzymatic degradation, aggregation, chemical degradation), and toxicities (interactions with blood components or cellular toxicities) limit their therapeutic applications.

Area covered

Nanomedicine-based therapeutic delivery is an emerging concept. The AMP loaded nanoparticles have been prepared and investigated for their antimicrobial effects. In this review, we will discuss different nanomedicine-based AMP delivery systems including metallic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and their hybrid systems along with their future prospects for potent antimicrobial efficacy.

Expert opinion

Nanomedicine-based AMP delivery is a recent approach to the treatment of bacterial infections. The advantageous properties of nanoparticles including the enhancement of AMP stability, controlled release, and targetability make them suitable for the augmentation of AMP activity. Modifications in the nanomedicine-based approach are required to overcome the problems of nanoparticle instability, shorter residence time, and toxicity. Future rigorous studies for both the AMP loaded nanoparticle preparation and characterization, and detailed evaluations of their in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial effects and toxicities, are essential.
La gestione perioperatoria delle masse surrenaliche
Authors: Ceccato Filippo , Scaroni Carla
Published: April 2021

Sommario

La gestione pre- e postoperatoria del paziente con lesione surrenalica candidato alla chirurgia richiede una diretta e costante collaborazione tra vari professionisti, formata da un team multidisciplinare. La buona pratica clinica che suggeriamo prevede di intervenire chirurgicamente solo dopo aver definito l’eventuale secrezione, ponendo particolare attenzione ai valori pressori e alla ionemia. Suggeriamo, inoltre, una gestione accorta del rischio di iposurrenalismo post-chirurgico e la prevenzione delle complicanze tromboemboliche.
Modeling partial lockdowns in multiplex networks using partition strategies
Authors: Plazas Adrià , Malvestio Irene , Starnini Michele , Díaz-Guilera Albert
Published: April 2021

National stay-at-home orders, or lockdowns, were imposed in several countries to drastically reduce the social interactions mainly responsible for the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Despite being essential to slow down the COVID-19 pandemic, these containment measures are associated with an economic burden. In this work, we propose a network approach to model the implementation of a partial lockdown, breaking the society into disconnected components, or partitions. Our model is composed by two main ingredients: a multiplex network representing human contacts within different contexts, formed by a Household layer, a Work layer, and a Social layer including generic social interactions, and a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered process that mimics the epidemic spreading. We compare different partition strategies, with a twofold aim: reducing the epidemic outbreak and minimizing the economic cost associated to the partial lockdown. We also show that the inclusion of unconstrained social interactions dramatically increases the epidemic spreading, while different kinds of restrictions on social interactions help in keeping the benefices of the network partition.
Collapse rates of reinforced concrete structures during large magnitude earthquakes: case study for Romania
Authors: Pavel Florin
Published: April 2021

This case study focuses on the evaluation of the collapse rates of various types of reinforced concrete structures (residential and industrial) as observed from the data collected in Romania after the Mw 7.4 Vrancea earthquake of March 4, 1977. The results of the analyses show that the largest collapse rates were attributed to elevated reinforced concrete silos and water tanks. Moreover, the majority of the collapsed elevated reinforced concrete water tanks were full at the moment of the seismic event. Very small collapse rates were observed for high-rise residential RC structures and for the multi-storey industrial RC structures.
Sind Exkursionen auch digital umsetzbar?
Authors: Schmitz Daniela
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. In Zeiten digitaler Lehre werden einzelne Lehr- / Lernformate auch digital durchgeführt. Kann das auch für eine digitale Exkursion gelingen? Möglichkeiten und Grenzen für eine Exkursion im digitalen Format sowie praktische Hinweise für die Planung, Umsetzung und Reflexion werden aufgezeigt.
Eine kritische Analyse des heuristischen Modells nach Wittneben
Authors: Gutknecht Konstanze
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag basiert auf einer Masterthesis mit dem Ziel, eine Fallkonstruktion, Bearbeitung und didaktische Ausrichtung für die Anbahnung kritisch-konstruktiver Kompetenzen zu konzipieren. Aufgrund der anzustrebenden Kompetenzanbahnung fokussierte die Arbeit die kritisch-konstruktive Pflegelernfelddidaktik nach Wittneben (2003). Um aus der Perspektive der Pflegewirklichkeit zu argumentieren dienten die Coolout-Studien, insbesondere die Pflegepädagogen-Studien nach Kersting (2016).
A Practical Approach for Identification of Magnetic Fabric Carriers in Rocks
Authors: Elhanati D. , Issachar R. , Levi T. , Weinberger R.
Published: April 2021

Magnetic fabric analyses of rocks by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) are a robust petrofabric tool that has been used in varied geological environments and tectonic settings. A fundamental difficulty of this method is to define the dominant magnetic phases and their resulting geological interpretation. We study the magnetic behavior of rocks by simulating data of mixed magnetic phases (i.e., diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic). We show that it is possible to recognize the dominant magnetic phases by measuring the mean susceptibility at room temperature (kmRT) and at low temperature (kmLT). Distinct regions of magnetic phase dominancy are demonstrated in kmLT/kmRT versus kmRT and kmLT versus kmRT plots. We present a comprehensive approach by coupling the magnetic phase dominancy with possible magnetic fabrics, which are obtained from AMS measured at room and low temperatures (RT‐AMS and LT‐AMS) and anisotropy of anhysteretic remanent magnetization, into a scenario table. Application of this table allows a robust procedure for determining which magnetic phases are dominant, and permits a fast and reliable geological interpretation in complex settings.