bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potentials of mycorrhizal fungi in altering eight biomechanical properties of plant roots
Authors: Chen Xun Wen , Kamchoom Viroon , Wu Jiaqi , Sun Guodong , Zhang Qiang , Li Huishan , Wong Ming Hung , Li Hui , Wang Junjian
Published: October 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous and impactful symbionts of most land plants and can regulate essential ecological processes. AM fungi can increase the cellulose content of root cell walls and hence the root tensile strength of grass. How AM fungi can alter other essential biomechanical properties is not clear. This study aims to study the contribution of AM fungi in altering biomechanical properties by comparing mycorrhizal and non‐mycorrhizal roots. We inoculated three fungal species to vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) for comparison. Eight root biomechanical properties (i.e., yield strain, yield stress, break strain, tensile strength, Young's modulus, plastic modulus, plastic strain, and toughness) were determined for each root using a newly developed Fortran language‐based program. Inoculating AM fungi decreased both Young's modulus and plastic modulus by 23% and 17%, respectively, versus control, although it was species‐dependent. Yield stress was not significantly affected, but tensile strength was increased by 7%–17% upon fungal symbiosis. Together with the increases in break strain by 15%–20%, mycorrhizal roots possessed a notably higher toughness than non‐mycorrhizal roots by up to 36%. Greater root cohesion of mycorrhizal roots confirmed the enhanced (1.5‐fold) factor of safety in the soil‐root system. Our findings imply that AM fungi are of significant interest in plant biomechanics and geotechnical engineering. Applying AM fungi on soil slopes has considerable potential to improve vegetation and stability of green slopes.
Effects of microplastic pollution on agricultural soil and crops based on a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Hongping , Ai Lin , Wu Xianliang , Dai Yuxin , Jiang Chun , Chen Xiang , Song Yumei , Ma Jiangming , Yang Hao
Published: October 2023

Agricultural soil serves as a crucial reservoir for microplastics (MPs), necessitating an understanding of their global‐scale environmental impacts and potential risks that they pose to agricultural soil and crops. Little is known about the potential impact of MPs in agricultural soils, compared with MPs in aquatic sediments, especially their effects on crop traits. The purpose of our study was to explore whether different types, concentrations, sizes, and exposure time of MPs, as well as soil conditions (such as soil pH or organic matter concentration), have different effects on soil properties and crop traits. In addition, differences between soil and crop enzymes in response to MPs were compared in detail. Network analysis was used to understand the current research progress on MPs in agricultural soil. Furthermore, utilizing 63 publications and 3268 observations, a meta‐analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of MPs on soil properties and crop traits. Our result showed that China has contributed the most to MP research. Crop traits, rather than soil properties, were more sensitive to MPs, significantly increasing crop biochemical traits (p < 0.05) and decreasing crop morphological traits (p < 0.001). MPs significantly inhibited fruit, shoot, and root morphological traits by 13.34% (p < 0.05), 9.7% (p < 0.001), and 6.65% (p < 0.001), respectively; inhibited crop physiological traits such as photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration by 9.1% (p < 0.001), 34.44% (p < 0.001), and 14.74% (p < 0.05), respectively; inhibited crop biochemical traits such as organic and inorganic metabolites， and improved enzyme activity by 11.37% (p < 0.001), 10.07% (p < 0.001), and 10.16% (p < 0.001), respectively. MPs decreased soil enzyme activities of leucine aminopeptidases and sucrase by 7.22% (p < 0.01) and 27.26% (p < 0.001), respectively, and increased peroxidase, acid phosphatase, catalase (CAT), and urease activities by 59.21%, 7.34%, 6.86%, and 13.13%, respectively. MPs increased crop enzyme activities of CAT and malondialdehyde by 12.71% and 14.82%, respectively. Conclusively, the effect of MPs on crop traits warrants considerable attention and an urgent need to explore whether MPs cause differences between crops with regard to crop  traits.
Enrichment of core competencies to maximize health system impact: An analysis of an embedded research training program
Authors: Kasaai Bahar , Thompson Erin , Glazier Richard H , McMahon Meghan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The Health System Impact (HSI) Fellowship is an embedded research training program that aims to prepare doctoral trainees and postdoctoral fellows for stronger career readiness and greater impact as emerging leaders within and beyond the academy, including in learning health systems (LHS). The program supports fellows to develop 10 leadership and research competencies that comprise the Enriched Core Competency Framework in Health Services and Policy Research through a combination of experiential learning, mentorship, and professional development training. This study tracks competency development of HSI fellows over time and examines fellows' perspectives on which program design elements support their competency development.

Methods

A competency assessment tool developed for the program was independently completed by 95 postdoctoral and 36 doctoral fellows (self‐assessments) and their respective 203 dyad (academic and health system) supervisors in the 2017 to 2019 program cohorts, who independently rated the strength of fellows' 10 competencies at baseline and several points thereafter. Competency strength ratings were analyzed to understand change over time and differences in ratings across groups (between fellows' sex, supervisor type, and supervisor vs. fellow). Program design element ratings were examined to understand perspectives on their contribution toward fellows' competency development.

Results

Fellows' competency strength significantly improved in all 10 domains over time, based on independent assessments by the fellows and their dyad supervisors. Supervisors tended to rate the fellows' competency strength higher than the fellows did. Differences in competency ratings between male and female fellows (self‐assessments) and between academic and health system supervisors were either negligble or not significant. Fellows identified all nine program design elements as enriching their competency development.

Conclusion

The HSI Fellowship provides an opportunity for fellows to develop the full suite of enriched core competencies and to prepare a cadre of emerging leaders with the skills and experience to contribute to the advancement of LHS.
Accelerated 2D Cartesian MRI with an 8‐channel local B0 coil array combined with parallel imaging
Authors: Tian Rui , Uecker Martin , Davids Mathias , Thielscher Axel , Buckenmaier Kai , Holder Oliver , Steffen Theodor , Scheffler Klaus
Published: October 2023

Purpose

In MRI, the magnetization of nuclear spins is spatially encoded with linear gradients and radiofrequency receivers sensitivity profiles to produce images, which inherently leads to a long scan time. Cartesian MRI, as widely adopted for clinical scans, can be accelerated with parallel imaging and rapid magnetic field modulation during signal readout. Here, by using an 8‐channel local coil array, the modulation scheme optimized for sampling efficiency is investigated to speed up 2D Cartesian scans.

Theory and Methods

An 8‐channel local coil array is made to carry sinusoidal currents during signal readout to accelerate 2D Cartesian scans. An MRI sampling theory based on reproducing kernel Hilbert space is exploited to visualize the efficiency of nonlinear encoding in arbitrary sampling duration. A field calibration method using current monitors for local coils and the ESPIRiT algorithm is proposed to facilitate image reconstruction. Image acceleration with various modulation field shapes, aliasing control, and distinct modulation frequencies are scrutinized to find an optimized modulation scheme. A safety evaluation is conducted. In vivo 2D Cartesian scans are accelerated by the local coils.

Results

For 2D Cartesian MRI, the optimal modulation field by this local array converges to a nearly linear gradient field. With the field calibration technique, it accelerates the in vivo scans (i.e., proved safe) by threefold and eightfold free of visible artifacts, without and with SENSE, respectively.

Conclusion

The nonlinear encoding analysis tool, the field calibration method, the safety evaluation procedures, and the in vivo reconstructed scans make significant steps to push MRI speed further with the local coil array.
Bi‐component dictionary matching for MR fingerprinting for efficient quantification of fat fraction and water T1 in skeletal muscle
Authors: Slioussarenko Constantin , Baudin Pierre‐Yves , Reyngoudt Harmen , Marty Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To propose an efficient bi‐component MR fingerprinting (MRF) fitting method using a Variable Projection (VARPRO) strategy, applied to the quantification of fat fraction (FF) and water T1 () in skeletal muscle tissues.

Methods

The MRF signals were analyzed in a two‐step process by comparing them to the elements of separate water and fat dictionaries (bi‐component dictionary matching). First, each pair of water and fat dictionary elements was fitted to the acquired signal to determine an optimal FF that was used to merge the fingerprints in a combined water/fat dictionary. Second, standard dictionary matching was applied to the combined dictionary for determining the remaining parameters. A clustering method was implemented to further accelerate the fitting. Accuracy, precision, and matching time of this approach were evaluated on both numerical and in vivo datasets, and compared to the reference dictionary‐matching approach that includes FF as a dictionary parameter.

Results

In numerical phantoms, all MRF parameters showed high correlation with ground truth for the reference and the bi‐component method (R2 > 0.98). In vivo, the estimated parameters from the proposed method were highly correlated with those from the reference approach (R2 > 0.997). The bi‐component method achieved an acceleration factor of up to 360 compared to the reference dictionary matching.

Conclusion

The proposed bi‐component fitting approach enables a significant acceleration of the reconstruction of MRF parameter maps for fat‐water imaging, while maintaining comparable precision and accuracy to the reference on FF and estimation.
Identification of arbitrarily shaped critical 3D failure surface of a slope based on the sliding direction
Authors: Sun Jiaping , Yu Tiantang , Dong Pingting
Published: October 2023

The determination of critical failure surface and stability evaluation of 3D slopes have been a hot and difficult problem in geotechnical engineering. The conventional method defines the critical failure surface using the safety factor (SF) whereas it is powerless for some special problems, such as two different failure surfaces with equal SFs. So far, many studies on the critical failure surface of a 3D slope have mainly focused on rotational ellipsoid, while less research has been done on the arbitrary shape. To solve the above problems, we develop a model for constructing a arbitrarily shaped failure surface and ascertain the critical failure surface by the sliding direction (SD). To verify rationality of the introduced theory, the critical failure surfaces of two benchmark symmetric slopes and corresponding SFs are reanalyzed, and the results are compared with the reference solutions. Meanwhile, the results obtained by the proposed method are also consistent with the reference solutions for the complex slope with the asymmetric failure surface. The parametric analysis explores the relationships between the mechanical properties of soil and the SD as well as the SF. Furthermore, influence factors of the spatial characteristics of sliding mass are also revealed. The proposed method is used as a helpful complement to the existing methods.
Quasi‐Newton variable preconditioning for nonlinear elasticity systems in 3D
Authors: Karátson J. , Sysala S. , Béreš M.
Published: October 2023

Quasi‐Newton iterations are constructed for the finite element solution of small‐strain nonlinear elasticity systems in 3D. The linearizations are based on spectral equivalence and hence considered as variable preconditioners arising from proper simplifications in the differential operator. Convergence is proved, providing bounds uniformly w.r.t. the FEM discretization. Convenient iterative solvers for linearized systems are also proposed. Numerical experiments in 3D confirm that the suggested quasi‐Newton methods are competitive with Newton's method.
Model‐based optimization of an ion exchange chromatography process for the separation of von Willebrand factor fragments and human serum albumin
Authors: Cebulla Dominik H. , Kirches Christian , Kümmerer Nico , Potschka Andreas
Published: October 2023

Column liquid chromatography plays a vital role in the downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals, where the goal is to extract and purify a target protein from a mixture. In this work, we examine a real‐world ion exchange chromatography process where electrostatic interactions between proteins and the chromatographic medium are the predominant forces being exploited for the separation of the participating species. More specifically, we successfully separate a recombinant dimeric fragment of the von Willebrand factor, used for the half‐life prolongation of certain proteins, from human serum albumin. Compared to the originally conducted experiments, the optimized experiment achieves a higher product purity in less time and with lower consumption of buffer salts, hence being favorable both in economical and ecological terms.
A data‐driven constitutive model for soft biological tissues
Authors: Açan Alp Kağan , Tikenoğullari Oğuz Ziya , Dal Hüsnü
Published: October 2023

Constitutive modeling of soft biological tissues is crucial for biomedical simulations and a deep understanding of tissue mechanics. Classical constitutive models have a fixed mathematical expression, however, the microstructure and the corresponding macro‐mechanical response of different tissue types can vary significantly. A model that works for one tissue may not work for another kind of tissue, and choosing the right model may become challenging. To solve this issue, this study introduces a new data‐driven approach to creating a unified model for predicting the mechanical response of various tissue classes. The proposed model is based on B‐Spline approximations and assumes the strain energy function can be divided into volumetric, isotropic, and anisotropic components. The B‐Spline ansatz replaces partial derivatives of free energy energy function with respect to invariants with control points and polynomial degree, and allows the use of existing dispersion models. The model adapts its control point values to reduce the error between data and prediction until a threshold is reached, and is thermodynamically consistent through the use of optimization constraints. The model is demonstrated on various biological tissues, showing excellent fitting capabilities with a minimal number of control points. The outcome is a generic framework that can model any tissue given the data from experiments and imaging techniques.
Data augmentation for design of concentric tube continuum robots by generative adversarial networks
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias K. , Gulakala Rutwik , Mühlenhoff Julian , Ding Zhaoheng , Sattel Thomas , Stoffel Marcus , Flaßkamp Kathrin
Published: October 2023

Concentric tube continuum robots are a promising type of robot for various medical applications. Their application in neurosurgery poses challenging requirements for design and control that can be addressed by physics‐informed data‐based approaches. A prerequisite to data‐based modeling is an informative, rich data set. However, limited access to experimental data raises interest in partially or entirely synthetic data sets. In this contribution, we study the application of generative adversarial networks (GANs) for data augmentation in a data‐based design process of such robots. We propose a GAN framework suitable for curve‐fitting to generate synthetic trajectories of robots along with their corresponding control parameters. Our evaluation shows that the GANs can efficiently produce meaningful synthetic trajectories and control parameter pairs that show a good agreement with simulated trajectories.
Experimental study of perturbation growth in a round laminar jet
Authors: Gareev Linar , Vedeneev Vasily , Ivanov Oleg , Zayko Julia , Ashurov Denis , Reshmin Alexander , Trifonov Vladimir
Published: October 2023

Jet flows have many applications in various technical processes such as temperature control, mixing, spraying and so forth. Along with wide usage in technology and manufacturing, jet flows are the object of fundamental scientific interest. In particular, a proper understanding of laminar‐turbulent transition in jets is highly important. In this experimental work, we study round laminar submerged jet flow of air and the evolution of controlled perturbations. First, the modal perturbation growth mechanism was under consideration. Thin metal rings were put into the jet at a small distance from the orifice to amplify unstable eigen modes of the jet by oscillating at different frequencies. Experimental and theoretically predicted wavelengths, radial distributions of velocity fluctuations and amplification curves of modal perturbations were compared and a good correspondence was found. Second, the non‐modal perturbation growth mechanism was under consideration. To excite algebraic perturbation growth, we put special wavy structures (deflectors) into the jet, which provide a roller‐like transverse motion in the perturbed jet. The features of the transition to turbulence caused by this non‐modal growth were considered. Based on obtained experimental results, we definitely identify the non‐modal ‘lift‐up’ growth mechanism of introduced disturbances. The development of perturbations qualitatively corresponds to the theoretically calculated optimal perturbations.
A scoping review of tendon transfer surgeries and postsurgical physical therapy interventions in individuals with massive rotator cuff tears
Authors: Salazar‐Méndez Joaquín , Morales‐Verdugo Juan , Lluch‐Girbés Enrique , Araya‐Quintanilla Felipe , Ribeiro Ivana Leao , Mendoza‐Grau Raimundo , Mellado‐Méndez Jonathan , Mendez‐Rebolledo Guillermo
Published: October 2023

Objective

To identify tendon transfer surgeries and postsurgical physical therapy interventions in people with massive rotator cuff (RC) tears.

Methods

The literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases from inception to September 2022. Studies with patients diagnosed with massive RC tears undergoing tendon transfers that reported physical therapy interventions after surgery were included. Two reviewers pooled the data into ad hoc summary tables with the following information: authors, year, study characteristics (sample size, tendon transfer surgical used, approach type, preoperative risk, deficit addressed, additional surgical interventions), and physical therapy interventions (early stage, intermediate stage, and advanced stage).

Results

Forty‐four articles (59.0% case series) were included, with a total sample of 1213 participants. The most frequently used surgery was the isolated tendon transfer of the latissimus dorsi (49.1%). Most of the studies reported three main stages of physical therapy interventions after tendon transfer surgery: early stage (lasting 5–6 weeks), intermediate stage (started at 7–12 weeks), and advanced stage (started at 12 weeks). Physical therapy interventions included passive, active‐assisted, resisted therapeutic exercise, and hydrotherapy.

Conclusions

The evidence regarding physical therapy interventions after RC tendon transfer surgery is limited to the number and duration of the stages and general characteristics without specifying the type and dose of the interventions. Future research with high methodological quality should integrate more detailed rehabilitation protocols to better guide therapeutic decisions after RC transfer surgery.
Circular dichroism and electronic structure calculations on naproxen
Authors: Wenzel Stephan , Buss Volker
Published: October 2023

The circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of naproxen exhibits bisignate behaviour in the 210–250 nm region with pronounced temperature dependence, indicating a dynamic solution behaviour. According to semi‐empirical (PM3, AM1) calculations, four conformations have to be considered in order to describe the potential energy surface of the molecule. These conformations, all chiral, differ in the relative orientation of the carboxyl group with respect to the naphthalene moiety, which could explain the differences observed in the CD spectra. Electronic structure calculations employing CNDO/S and coupled oscillator theory suggest that the two oppositely signed CD bands of naproxen are not the two components of a couplet but result from excitations of the naphthalene 1Ba and 1Bb states that are coupled to the carboxyl ππ* transition. The four conformations are attributed to two different coupling patterns; implications with respect to observed spectra are discussed.
Sensitivity of spiders from different ecosystems to lambda‐cyhalothrin: effects of phylogeny and climate
Authors: Duque Tomás , Chowdhury Sumaiya , Isaia Marco , Pekár Stano , Riess Kai , Scherf Gregor , Schäfer Ralf B , Entling Martin H
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

In spite of their importance as arthropod predators, spiders have received little attention in the risk assessment of pesticides. In addition, research has mainly focused on a few species commonly found in agricultural habitats. Spiders living in more natural ecosystems may also be exposed to and affected by pesticides, including insecticides. However, their sensitivity and factors driving possible variations in sensitivity between spider taxa are largely unknown. To fill this gap, we quantified the sensitivity of 28 spider species from a wide range of European ecosystems to lambda‐cyhalothrin in an acute exposure scenario.

RESULTS

Sensitivity varied among the tested populations by a factor of 30. Strong differences in sensitivity were observed between families, but also between genera within the Lycosidae. Apart from the variation explained by the phylogeny, spiders from boreal and polar climates were more sensitive than spiders from warmer areas. Overall, the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 85% of species was below the recommended application rate of lambda‐cyhalothrin (75 ng a.i. cm−2).

CONCLUSION

Our study underlines the high sensitivity of spiders to lambda‐cyhalothrin, which can lead to unintended negative effects on pest suppression in areas treated with this insecticide. The strong differences observed between families and genera indicate that the functional composition of spider communities would change in affected areas. Overall, the variation in spider sensitivity suggests that multispecies investigations should be more widely considered in pesticide risk assessment. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Uniform, Strain‐Free, Large‐Scale Graphene and h‐BN Monolayers Enabled by Hydrogel Substrates
Authors: Belyaeva Liubov , Ludwig Cyril , Lai Yu‐Cheng , Chou Chia‐Ching , Shih Chih‐Jen
Published: October 2023

Translation of the unique properties of 2D monolayers from non‐scalable micron‐sized samples to macroscopic scale is a longstanding challenge obstructed by the substrate‐induced strains, interface nonuniformities, and sample‐to‐sample variations inherent to the scalable fabrication methods. So far, the most successful strategies to reduce strain in graphene are the reduction of the interface roughness and lattice mismatch by using hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), with the drawback of limited uniformity and applicability to other 2D monolayers, and liquid water, which is not compatible with electronic devices. This work demonstrates a new class of substrates based on hydrogels that overcome these limitations and excel h‐BN and water substrates at strain relaxation enabling superiorly uniform and reproducible centimeter‐sized sheets of unstrained monolayers. The ultimate strain relaxation and uniformity are rationalized by the extreme structural adaptability of the hydrogel surface owing to its high liquid content and low Young's modulus, and are universal to all 2D materials irrespective of their crystalline structure. Such platforms can be integrated into field effect transistors and demonstrate enhanced charge carrier mobilities in graphene. These results present a universal strategy for attaining uniform and strain‐free sheets of 2D materials and underline the opportunities enabled by interfacing them with soft matter.
Improvement of Performance of Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 Solar Cells by Low‐Temperature Annealing of B‐Doped CdS
Authors: Ma Ding , Li Mengge , Yao Bin , Li Yongfeng , Ding Zhanhui , Zhang Jiayong , Wang Chunkai , Sun Yuting , Liu Yue , Sun Xiaofei , Zhu Yan
Published: October 2023

It is known that high carrier recombination at the p–n junction interface and low carrier separation ability (CSA) are two main problems resulting in low power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cell. To resolve these problems, one CZTSSe solar cell is prepared through substituting B‐doped CdS for CdS in a solar cell with the conventional structure of Ag/ITO/ZnO/CdS/CZTSSe/Mo/SLG and annealing B‐doped CdS/CZTSSe/Mo/SLG prior to deposition of ZnO, ITO, and Ag electrode. By optimizing the B doping content in the CdS and annealing temperature and time of the B‐doped CdS/CZTSSe, lattice mismatch between CdS and CZTSSe is decreased and width of depletion region is increased, leading to reduction in interfacial recombination, enhancement in CSA and intensity of incident light passing through the B‐doped CdS, and so increase in PCE from 7.89% of CZTSSe solar cell using CdS as buffer layer to 10.62%. A mechanism of the increment of the PCE induced by B doping and annealing is suggested. This work proposes a method of increasing PCE of CZTSSe solar cell and advances a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind various parameters in CZTSSe solar cells through theoretical analysis and calculations.
Scalable and Facile Formation of Microlenses on Curved Surfaces Enabling a Highly Customized Sustainable Solar‐Water Nexus
Authors: Lu Qiuyun , Khanna Pranav , Chelme-Ayala Pamela , Xu Ben Bin , Gamal El-Din Mohamed , Zhang Xuehua
Published: October 2023

Solar‐driven water treatment suffers from low efficiency due to the solar energy loss during the energy conversion, especially in the scale‐up operation. One promising solution is using microlenses (MLs) to enhance the photodegradation of organic contaminants in water. However, most MLs fabrications apply to 2D planar surface only, which restricts their potential applications. In this study, a flexible and scalable technology is presented to fabricate MLs on curved surfaces. Precursor microdroplets form in a dilution process and are converted to MLs by photopolymerization. Optical simulations and experiments are combined to establish the correlation between optical properties of MLs and the performance of ML‐functionalized reactors in photodegradation. It is demonstrated that surface MLs on all‐shaped reactors significantly enhance the photodegradation efficiency of organic contaminants under simulated solar light or natural indoor light, with a maximum improvement of 83 folds. The surface coverage and size distribution of MLs can be adjusted by varying the solution concentration and the dilution rate when generating microdroplets. In addition, fabrication of MLs on a larger scale is achieved over an area up to 250 . MLs on 3‐dimensional curved surfaces fabricated by the technique enable significantly enhanced, highly customized, and sustainable solar‐driven water treatment.
The Mixing Layer in the Absence of the Mean Stress
Authors: Jaňour Z. , Jonáš P.
Published: October 2023

A simple gradient model of turbulence diffusion is suggested that takes into account an external turbulence. The calculations by this model confirm that the mean shear stress influences the turbulence production and does not substantially influence the diffusion. The model is tested for the flow behind two parallel grids separated by the blade and the results of calculations are compared with experiments.
Chancen und Limitationen der nichthormonellen Kontrazeption
Authors: Segerer Sabine , Böttcher Bettina
Published: October 2023

Nichthormonelle Kontrazeptiva sind in den letzten Jahren zunehmend gefragt. Spitzenreiter ist dabei das Kondom, welches zu den Barrieremethoden gehört. Auch Methoden der natürlichen Familienplanung, Intrauterinpessare und operative Methoden (Sterilisation, Vasektomie) gehören zur nichthormonellen Kontrazeption. Die Effektivität der Barrieremethoden und auch der Methoden der natürlichen Familienplanung hängt dabei stark von der konsistenten und korrekten Anwendung ab, während die Einlage von intrauterinen Pessaren oder operative Methoden unabhängig von der Anwendung sind und diese Methoden somit auch eine hohe kontrazeptive Effektivität besitzen. Wichtig ist eine individuelle Beratung vor Wahl der kontrazeptiven Methode, welche die aktuelle Lebenssituation der Anwender:innen, die kontrazeptive Effektivität, mögliche gesundheitliche Risiken und die Akzeptanz der Methode berücksichtigt.
Control of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei on Barley Leaves by Treatment with Fungi-Consuming Protist Isolates
Authors: Sacharow Julia , Salehi-Mobarakeh Elnaz , Ratering Stefan , Imani Jafargholi , Österreicher Cunha-Dupont Alessandra , Schnell Sylvia
Published: October 2023

The obligate biotrophic fungal pathogenBlumeria graminiscauses the powdery mildew disease of cereals, which results in large crop losses.Control ofB. graminisin barley is mainly achieved by fungicide treatment and by breeding resistant varieties. Vampyrellid amoebae, just like mycophagous protists, are able to consume a variety of fungi. To reveal the impact of some selected fungus-consuming protists onBlumeria graminisf. sp.hordei(Bgh), and to evaluate the possibility of using these protists as biological agents in the future, their feeding behaviour onB. graminisspores on barley leaves was investigated. An experiment was carried out with five different protist isolates (Leptophrys vorax,Platyreta germanica,Theratromyxa weberiU 11,Theratromyxa weberiG7.2 andAcanthamoeba castellanii) and four matched controls, including the food sources of the cultures and the medium. Ten-day-old leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgarecv. Golden Promise) were first inoculated withBlumeria graminis(f. sp.hordeirace A6) spores, then treated with protists and fungal colonies on the leaf surfaces were counted under the microscope after 5 days. The isolatesL. vorax,P. germanica,andT. weberiU11 did not show a significant reduction in the number of powdery mildew colonies whereas the isolatesT. weberiG7.2 andA. castellaniisignificantly reduced the number of powdery mildew colonies on the leaf surfaces compared to their respective controls. This indicates that these two isolates are capable of reducingB. graminiscolonies on barley leaves and are suitable candidates for further investigation for possible use as biological agents. Nevertheless, the susceptibility to dryness and the cell division rate should be considered during the optimisation of the next steps like application procedure and whole plant treatment.
Incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and patient outcome following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair
Authors: Syryca Finn , Pellegrini Costanza , Gollreiter Marie , Nicol Philipp , Mayr N. Patrick , Alvarez-Covarrubias Hector A. , Altaner Niklas , Rheude Tobias , Holdenrieder Stefan , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan , Joner Michael , Xhepa Erion , Trenkwalder Teresa
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a common finding after cardiovascular interventions. Data on the incidence of SIRS and its impact on outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (MV-TEER) for mitral regurgitation (MR) is lacking.

Methods

From January 2013 to December 2020, 373 patients with moderate or severe MR undergoing MV-TEER were included. SIRS was defined as at least two of the following criteria within 48 h after the procedure: leucocyte count > 12.0 or < 4.0 × 109/l, respiratory rate > 20 breaths per minute or PaCO2 ≤ 4.3 kPa/32 mmHg, heart rate > 90 bpm and temperature > 38.0 °C or < 36.0 °C. The primary endpoint was 3-years all-cause mortality.

Results

SIRS was observed in 49.6% (185/373) of patients. Patients who developed SIRS presented more frequently with NYHA III/IV at baseline [SIRS: 82.4% (149/185) vs. no SIRS: 79.0% (147/188); p = 0.029]. Patients who developed SIRS spent more days on ICU (p < 0.001) and overall length of stay was longer (p < 0.001). Relevant residual MR, defined as MR ≥ III in-hospital, was present more often in patients who developed SIRS [SIRS: 11.3% (20/177) vs. no SIRS: 3.93% (7/178), p = 0.036]. At 3 years, all-cause mortality in the entire population was 33.5% (125/373) with an increased all-cause mortality in patients with SIRS compared to patients without SIRS (HR 1.49, [CI 95% 1.04, 2.13]; p = 0.0264). In the multivariate analysis development of SIRS (HR 1.479 [CI 95% 1.016, 2.154]; p = 0.041) was identified as predictor for 3-years all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

SIRS is a common finding after MV-TEER occurring in approximately half of patients. SIRS after MV-TEER was associated with a longer in-hospital stay. In addition, we observed an increased 3-years all-cause mortality in patients with SIRS.

Graphical abstract
Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio to assess left main bifurcation stenosis: selecting the angiographic projection matters
Authors: Kotoku Nozomi , Ninomiya Kai , Ding Daixin , O’Leary Neil , Tobe Akihiro , Miyashita Kotaro , Masuda Shinichiro , Kageyama Shigetaka , Garg Scot , Leipsic Jonathon A. , Mushtaq Saima , Andreini Daniele , Tanaka Kaoru , de Mey Johan , Wijns William , Tu Shengxian , Piazza Nicolo , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: October 2023

Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (µQFR) assesses fractional flow reserve (FFR) in bifurcation lesions using a single angiographic view, enhancing the feasibility of analysis; however, accuracy may be compromised in suboptimal angiographic projections. FFRCT is a well-validated non-invasive method measuring FFR from coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). We evaluated the feasibility of µQFR in left main (LM) bifurcations, the impact of the optimal/suboptimal fluoroscopic view with respect to CCTA, and its diagnostic concordance with FFRCT. In 300 patients with three-vessel disease, the values of FFRCT and µQFR were compared at distal LM, proximal left anterior descending artery (pLAD) and circumflex artery (pLCX). The optimal viewing angle of LM bifurcation was defined on CCTA by 3-dimensional coordinates and converted into a 2-dimensional fluoroscopic view. The best fluoroscopic projection was considered the closest angulation to the optimal viewing angle on CCTA. µQFR was successfully computed in 805 projections. In the best projections, µQFR sensitivity was 88.2% (95% CI 76.1–95.6) and 84.8% (71.1–93.7), and specificity was 96.8% (93.8–98.6) and 97.2% (94.4–98.9), in pLAD and pLCX, respectively, with regard to FFRCT. The AUC of µQFR for predicting FFRCT ≤ 0.80 tended to be improved using the best versus suboptimal projections (0.94 vs. 0.89 [p = 0.048] in pLAD; 0.94 vs. 0.88 [p = 0.075] in pLCX). Computation of µQFR in LM bifurcations using a single angiographic view showed high feasibility from post-hoc analysis of coronary angiograms obtained for clinical purposes. The fluoroscopic viewing angle influences the diagnostic performance of physiological assessment using a single angiographic view.
Advances in the Management of Recurrent Cervical Cancer: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Giudice Elena , Mirza Mansoor Raza , Lorusso Domenica
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

This review aims to give an insight into the currently available options for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) cervical cancer (CC), along with the main future, potentially practice-changing perspectives in this field.

Recent Findings

Improvements in terms of tumor responses were observed with the use of immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) in the previously treated CC population, followed by emerging striking data in terms of both antitumor activity and survival rates with the addition of the ICIs to platinum-based chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab in the first-line setting. Furthermore, the CC treatment landscape took another step forward in 2021 with the introduction of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in the second-line setting, a highly targeted therapeutic strategy, which demonstrated to be a valid alternative option in the recurrent setting.

R/M CC is a hard-to-treat disease. However, after several years of limited systemic therapeutic options for the recurrent setting, the year 2018 marked a turning point for R/M CC patients, with the introduction of immunotherapy in the treatment paradigm, which completely reshaped the therapeutic armamentarium of the disease. Besides, another valuable treatment option represented by ADCs demonstrated its efficacy in the recurrent setting, thus further widening the treatment landscape for those patients. Yet, the introduction of immunotherapy in the upfront setting brought along new issues to be addressed such as the emerging ICIs resistance and the following need for alternative options in the post-ICIs setting. Several innovative therapeutic strategies are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials, with the aim of overcoming ICIs resistance with the addition of immunomodulatory agents or bypassing the ICIs resistance with novel alternative drugs.
The Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Cluster C Personality Disorder Traits: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Angelos , Despoti Akylina , Varveri Christina , Wiegand Marie C. A. , Lobbestael Jill
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the literature on the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and Cluster C personality disorders (PDs). Our aim was to clarify which of the 18 EMSs exhibit the strongest associations and are most frequently endorsed in clinical and non-clinical samples with Cluster C PDs and traits.

Recent findings

After initially screening 2622 records, 12 studies were selected with 5310 participants. Meta-analyses of the raw correlation coefficients for each EMS-Cluster C PD link (3-8 studies per meta-analysis) indicated that the 18 EMSs were significantly related to all three Cluster C PDs with r’s ranging from .13 to .63. However, when considering endorsement rates among multiple regression studies that controlled for the EMSs intercorrelations and the effects of other PD traits and demographics, specific EMS constellations emerged for each Cluster C PD.

Overall, the findings of the current paper suggest that Cluster C PDs might be conceptualized on the basis of a hybrid EMS model, in which all EMSs contribute to global personality dysfunction whereas specific EMS patterns reflect unique personality disorder style expressions. Longitudinal research with appropriate methodology is needed to draw more definite conclusions on the EMSs-Cluster C PDs relationships.
Virtue, Self-Narratives, and the Causes of Action
Authors: Lumsden David , Ulatowski Joseph
Published: October 2023

Virtues can be considered to play a causal role in the production of behaviour and so too can our self-narratives. We identify a point of connection between the two cases and draw a parallel between them. But, those folk psychological notions, virtues and self-narratives, fail to reduce smoothly to the underlying human physiology. As a first step towards handling that failure to connect with the scientific framework that is the familiar grounding for our understanding of causation, we consider the causal theory of action, a leading theory of action, which shows how reasons, understood as an appropriate pair of beliefs and desires, can be treated as causes of action. Davidson’s picture is based on cause as a relation between events, which can have both a description in scientific terms and in folk psychological terms. The character of both virtues and self-narratives is not that of events, even extended ones, so we need to refer to examples of scientific explanation that incorporate structural properties of objects. While we retain the spirit of the causal theory, we wish to guard against any unwarranted optimism that an explicitly scientific explanation for human action lies in our future, drawing on Chomsky’s view that a causal explanation of human actions is likely to remain beyond human science forming capacities. We take a mild-realist view of virtues and self-narratives, in the style of Dennett. We argue that, in spite of that limited form of realism, underlined by Chomsky’s mysterian position in this domain, we still need to frame our explanations of behaviour based on virtues and self-narratives in causal terms.
Environmental awareness and willingness to pay for biodiversity improvement in Puerto Rico
Authors: Tavárez Héctor , Abelleira Oscar , Elbakidze Levan
Published: October 2023

Biodiversity is vital for sustainable forest ecosystems. However, community values for forest biodiversity depend on environmental engagement, education, and awareness. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for native plant and tree nursery in the Rio Hondo Community Forest (RHCF) of Puerto Rico, with the specific goal of supporting biodiversity and (2) examine the influence of environmental awareness on preferences for biodiversity improvement. Using a contingent valuation method, we find that households are willing to contribute $43/year to support biodiversity in the RHCF by planting native plants and trees, and that environmental awareness increases the support for biodiversity projects. The results suggest that outcomes of economic cost-benefit analyses can depend on environmental awareness. Hence, programs that support environmental awareness can improve economic efficiency of environmental protection projects.
Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Application for Student Wellbeing: Pilot Randomised Trial of the Mind Tutor
Authors: Ehrlich Christian , Hennelly Sarah E. , Wilde Natalie , Lennon Oliver , Beck Alan , Messenger Hazel , Sergiou Kat , Davies Emma L.
Published: October 2023

There has been an increase in the number of UK university students disclosing mental health conditions in recent years. This paper describes the evaluation of the Mind Tutor app, an artificial intelligence based wellbeing app specifically designed for first year undergraduate students, which included a chatbot function that guided students to relevant wellbeing content. The content of the app was developed based on data about mental health and wellbeing issues reported by students and focussed on anxiety, low mood, academic study, transition to university and relationships. Two randomised controlled evaluation studies were conducted with N = 177 and N = 240 first year undergraduate students from two UK universities (the second due to delays in development work and difficulties with recruitment in the first trial). The Mind Tutor had no significant impact on student wellbeing. The study suffered from poor recruitment and retention rates. However, further research is warranted to understand factors that may increase engagement and acceptability of app based tools to increase student wellbeing.
Biodiesel and its potential to mitigate transport-related CO2 emissions
Authors: Solaymani Saeed
Published: October 2023

Many studies have concentrated on the energy capacity of biodiesel to reduce CO2 emissions at the aggregate level and not much at the sectoral level. This study addresses this gap and attempts to estimate the impact of the use of palm biodiesel on the transport CO2 emissions in Malaysia during 1990–2019. It also predicts the impact of implementing the B10 blending program (10% biodiesel in diesel fuel) on CO2 emissions from transport in this country. For this purpose, this study uses the dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and Kernel-based regularized least squares. This model can plot and estimate the possible actual changes in biodiesel consumption to predict its impacts on transport CO2 emissions. The results suggest that a one-way Granger causality exists from transport GDP, diesel consumption, and motor petrol consumption to palm biodiesel consumption. An increase of 1% in the use of biodiesel reduces carbon emissions from road transport by 0.004% in the long run, while, in the short run, it is associated with a 0.001% increase in transport CO2 emissions. The simulated results from the dynamic ARDL model suggest that a 10% increase in the share of biodiesel consumption in fuel transport by 2030 would reduce the rate of the increase in road transport carbon emissions. The improvement and management of new technologies in oil palm plantation and harvesting can help increase palm oil production for biofuels and edible oil and to reduce forest replacement and therefore biodiversity and food security.
The (Not So Hidden) Elephant in the Room: Confronting International Constitution-Making's Eurocentric Gaze
Authors: Fagbayibo Babatunde
Published: October 2023

Anna Saunders's article, “Constitution-Making as a Technique of International Law: Reconsidering the Post-war Inheritance,” is an important addition to the literature that problematizes the idea of international constitution-making. At the heart of Saunders's critique of international constitution making—defined as the involvement of international institutions in national constitution-making processes—is the point that the parameters of what constitutes “local ownership” of the constitution-making process is detached from debates on rethinking neoliberal economic structures and material interests. As a result, constitutions in post-conflict societies fail to speak to the socio-economic realities of a people and, most importantly, diminish their agency to envision alternatives. Saunders offers a detailed historical account of why such failure, or what she refers to as “selective technicity,” has become standard practice, and then goes further to stress the imperative of reimagining the vocabulary of what constitutes “local ownership” in the context of meaningful societal transformation. In this essay, I extend Saunders's thesis to argue that if the international constitution-making process does not shed its Eurocentric gaze, we will be unable to proffer sustainable suggestions to make the process responsive to the realities of a people.
Humanism: A Reconsideration
Authors: TARASENKO-STRUC ALEKSY
Published: October 2023

Humanism is the view that people treat others inhumanely when we fail to see them as human beings, so that our treatment of them will tend to be more humane when we (fully) see their humanity. Recently, humanist views have been criticized on the grounds that the perpetrators of inhumanity regard their victims as human and treat them inhumanely partly for this reason. I argue that the two most common objections to humanist views (and their relatives) are unpersuasive: not only does the evidence marshaled against these views fail to disprove them, it could threaten them only if some questionable assumptions were granted. By providing necessary conceptual ground clearing and routing common lines of attack, I hope to determine what it would take for a humanist project to succeed, thereby paving the way for a full defense of humanism that fulfills its explanatory ambitions.