bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of complement in the clinical course of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qian Xinye , Yang Zhoujing , Gao Lu , Liu Yipiao , Yan Jun
Published: November 2021

Background

The complement system, an innate immune system, may either play an antitumor role, or promote tumorigenesis and cancer progression in different kinds of cancer. The function of complement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear.

Methods

The gene expressions of the complement system were based on data obtained from TCGA and GEO. We explored gene expressions, mutation, enrichment analysis, clinicopathology, patients' outcome, and immune infiltration via Gepia2, cBioPortal, Metascape, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, and TIMER 2.

Results

Five complement genes, including C1R, C6, C7, CFP, and CFHR3, were not only found to be significantly downregulated in HCC samples compared with normal liver samples, but also found to be significantly associated with overall survival, disease‐free survival, and progress‐free survival in HCC patients. In addition, lower mRNA expression of C1R, C6, C7, and CFHR3 were found correlated with advanced cancer stages and higher tumor grades in HCC patients. Also, the expression levels of CFP were correlated with many sets of immune markers of tumor immune cells, such as those of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, DCs, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, and T cell exhaustion in HCC. Based on that, we developed a prognostic model for HCC patients—Riskscore = (−0.0053)*C6+(−0.0498)*C7+(−0.1045)*CFHR3.

Conclusion

C1R, C6, C7, CFP, and CFHR3 could be prognostic biomarkers for patients with HCC.
“Ideal” parathyroid hormone in erythropoietin‐stimulating agents‐resistant anemia
Authors: Ashraf Bilal , Bat Taha , Weinberg Olga K. , Moe Orson W. , Ibrahim Ibrahim
Published: November 2021

Erythropoietin‐stimulating agents (ESAs) have revolutionized anemia treatment in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), but ESA resistance is increasingly identified. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) is one cause of ESA resistance. We describe a patient with ESA‐resistant, transfusion‐dependent anemia and mild SHP with remodeling and reticulin fibrosis on bone marrow biopsy, all of which resolved with stricter SHP management. We identified 64 patients with anemia, ESRD, and bone marrow biopsy. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) range for bony remodeling was 183–16,161.9 pg/ml versus 90.8–3283 pg/ml. The PTH range for fibrotic changes was 183–2487 pg/ml versus 90.8–16,161.9 pg/ml. We found no clear PTH range predictive for bone marrow changes.
Characterization of persistent atrial fibrillation with non‐contact charge density mapping and relationship to voltage
Authors: Lee Justin M. S. , Nelson Thomas A. , Clayton Richard H. , Kelland Nicholas F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite studies using localized high density contact mapping and lower resolution panoramic approaches, the mechanisms that sustain human persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remain unresolved. Voltage mapping is commonly employed as a surrogate of atrial substrate to guide ablation procedures.

Objective

To study the distribution and temporal stability of activation during persistent AF using a global non‐contact charge density approach and compare the findings with bipolar contact mapping.

Methods

Patients undergoing either redo or de novo ablation for persistent AF underwent charge density and voltage mapping to guide the ablation procedure. Offline analysis was performed to measure the temporal stability of three specific charge density activation (CDA) patterns, and the degree of spatial overlap between CDA patterns and low voltage regions.

Results

CDA was observed in patient‐specific locations that partially overlapped, comprising local rotational activity (18% of LA), local irregular activity (41% of LA), and focal activity (39% of LA). Local irregular activity had the highest temporal stability. LA voltage was similar in regions with and without CDA.

Conclusion

In persistent AF, CDA patterns appear unrelated to low voltage areas but occur in varying locations with high temporal stability.
Biopolymer‐Based Membrane Adsorber for Removing Contaminants from Aqueous Solution: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Yang Facui , Yang Peng
Published: November 2021

The demand for energy‐efficient water treatment as well as the limitation in adsorption of existing membranes has motivated the pursuit of membranes that can break the selectivity‐permeability trade‐off and provide high selective adsorption for chemicals of interest. The membrane adsorbers have received a lot of attention for removing contaminants from aqueous solution due to combine both advantages of adsorption and membrane separation. Membrane adsorbers constructed by biopolymer with many functional groups are widely used in water purification, because the biopolymers are easily available from biomass materials in nature, degradable, and low‐cost. This paper summarizes the characteristics and important development direction of these types of biomass‐based membrane adsorption materials to adsorb organic/inorganic contaminants of water and analyzes the preparation methods of natural biomacromolecule cellulose, chitosan, sodium alginate, and protein to construct the membrane adsorption materials, as well as the application of pollutant removal from aqueous solutions. According to the current problems and shortcomings in the research of biopolymer‐based membrane adsorbers, it is proposed to improve the understanding of the adsorption mechanism of biopolymer‐based membrane adsorbers and accelerate the development of practical applications as the focus of future research.
Risk prioritisation using fuzzy analytic network process: A case of Addis–Djibouti railway construction project
Authors: Gashaw Tesfaye , Jilcha Kassu
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this paper is to develop a risk assessment model to prioritise the risks of railway construction projects. A fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) is employed to rank project risks based on the likelihood of project risks and their impact on cost and time. Fuzzy set theory is used to represent the vagueness in each expert's judgment, while ANP is used to deal with interdependence and feedback effects of risks. The data for this study was collected through literature reviews, interviews, and questionnaires. According to the study results, the right‐of‐way corresponds to the top risk that has highest impact on time and cost. Construction errors and incomplete contract details were found to rank second and third in terms of risk severity. Similarly, design changes and lack of coordination among parties are ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. The study results help practitioners and decision‐makers understand the main risks of the Ethiopian railway construction projects and take proactive actions accordingly. Furthermore, this paper can help researchers' model project risks and analyse their impact on project objectives considering uncertainty, interdependence, and feedback.
Blow up for the solutions of the pressureless Euler–Poisson equations with time‐dependent damping
Authors: Liu Jianli , Wang Jingwei , Tong Lining
Published: November 2021

The Euler–Poisson equations can be used to describe the important physical phenomena in many areas, such as semiconductor modeling and plasma physics. In this paper, we show the singularity formation mechanism for the solutions of the pressureless Euler–Poisson equations with time‐dependent damping for the attractive forces in
and the repulsive forces in
. We obtain the blow up of the derivative of the velocity under the appropriate assumptions.
Closed‐form solutions of an economic growth model of tourism
Authors: Irum Saba , Naeem Imran
Published: November 2021

The economic growth model for tourism aims at optimizing the quality of life of the residents. The model is studied under the limitations of crowding conditions, environmental, and economic resources. The current value Hamiltonian function is effectively used to determine the necessary first conditions for the optimal values of consumption and number of tourists in the destination. When the necessary conditions are sufficient for optimality, the Arrow sufficient theorem provides the special case. The partial Hamiltonian approach is applied to construct the first integrals of the economic growth model for two cases. These first integrals were utilized to compute the closed‐form solution of the model under consideration. As it is well‐known, different Ramsey‐type models are solved with restrictions on the parameters. The system dynamics were studied mainly by describing the trajectories of the variables and the equilibrium, which is not enough to understand the evolution of any economy. This study is to examine the existence of closed‐form solutions for the growth model of tourism. We apply this newly developed technique to analyze the dynamics of the total income for different initial stock ratios. The effects of natural amenities on the control and state variables were also part of this study. It is also shown that crowding aversion saves the stock of natural resources and services. We offer that for the long‐term growth of the tourism, the optimal number of the tourist at the destination plays an important role.
Computing eigenvalues of quasi‐rational Bernstein–Vandermonde matrices to high relative accuracy
Authors: Yang Zhao , Ma Xiao‐Xiao
Published: November 2021

In this article, we consider how to accurately solve the eigenvalue problem for a class of quasi‐rational Bernstein–Vandermonde (q‐RBV) matrices. This class of matrices belongs to generalized sign regular matrices with signature . An algorithm is developed to accurately compute the parameter matrix for q‐RBV matrices. Based on the parameter matrix, all the eigenvalues of q‐RBV matrices have been computed to high relative accuracy. The perturbation theory for the eigenvalues of q‐RBV matrices and the error analysis of our proposed algorithm are provided. Numerical experiments are performed to confirm the claimed high relative accuracy.
Energy compensation and metabolic adaptation: “The Biggest Loser” study reinterpreted
Authors: Hall Kevin D.
Published: November 2021

“The Biggest Loser” weight‐loss competition offered a unique opportunity to investigate human energy metabolism and body composition before, during, and after an extreme lifestyle intervention. Here, I reinterpret the results of “The Biggest Loser” study in the context of a constrained model of human energy expenditure. Specifically, “The Biggest Loser” contestants engaged in large, sustained increases in physical activity that may have caused compensatory metabolic adaptations to substantially decrease resting metabolic rate and thereby minimize changes in total energy expenditure. This interpretation helps explain why the magnitude of persistent metabolic adaptation was largest in contestants with the greatest increases in sustained physical activity and why weight‐loss interventions involving lower levels of physical activity have not measured similarly large metabolic adaptations. Additional longitudinal studies quantifying the interrelationships between various components of energy expenditure and energy intake are needed to better understand the dynamics of human body weight regulation.
Data‐driven robust value iteration control with application to wind turbine pitch control
Authors: Liu Yang , Jiang Zhanpeng , Hao Lichao , Xing Zuoxia , Chen Mingyang , Zhang Pengfei
Published: November 2021

For the large equipment, system model is usually difficult to obtain, or changes slowly with the running time. Therefore, some methods based on accurate model are difficult to apply, such as wind turbine. Therefore, the data‐based robust value iteration method based on data is studied for variable pitch control of wind turbine for the first time, which can deal with uncertainty and do not require an accurate model. First, a new data‐driven Bellman equation is derived base on the system operation data. Next, the robust VI structure based on data is designed, which is a model free iteration algorithm. Then, a data‐driven value iteration pitch controller is proposed, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the control method.
High density interfaces enhanced microwave absorption in multifunctional carbon nanotubes‐glass fiber‐epoxy composites
Authors: Zhao Rong , Xia Jiaxin , Adamaquaye Peter , Zhao Guang‐lin
Published: November 2021

In this work, we fabricated and systematically investigated the mechanical and microwave absorption properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)—glass fiber (GF)—epoxy composites. The composites showed high electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance in a wide frequency range. The maximum reflection loss of the composites can reach to −48 dB at 24.5 GHz. The EM wave absorption of the composites strongly depends on MWCNT and GF contents and can reach to ~70% at 26.5 GHz; further, such dependence is peculiar, contradicting to the conventional wisdom, due to high density interfaces in the materials, which lead to multiple scatterings and multiple absorptions of EM waves. The tensile strength of the composites was enhanced to ~427 MPa with ~74 wt% GFs, that is comparable to that of commercial Al alloy 6061 (~300 MPa, but not much EM wave absorption). The composites have the potential as multifunctional microwave absorption and low‐weight structural materials without a need of additional coating.
Regenerated cellulose membrane incorporating photocatalytic zinc oxide as a bifunctional membrane for decoloration of methylene blue
Authors: Azmi Azima , Lau Kam Sheng , Chin Siew Xian , Zakaria Sarani , Chia Chin Hua
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the development of regenerated cotton linter cellulose membranes embedded with ZnO nanoparticles was conducted using the dissolution‐regeneration process. The physical and chemical properties of composite membranes were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The characterizations revealed that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles changes the crystallinity, bond properties, thermal properties, and hydrophilicity of the regenerated cellulose membrane. These nanocomposite membranes demonstrated good capability in water absorption, with pore volumes ranging from 3.6 to 2.1 cm3/g. In the photocatalytic studies, the cellulose membranes incorporating ZnO particles (1.6 wt%) can remove up to 87.6% of MB in 100 min under UV irradiation and also maintained reusability (84%) after sixth cycles after 6 months. Taken together, this bifunctional cellulose/ZnO membrane is a promising material for solving the wastewater crisis.
Alkene polymerization reactions with catalysts based on acetylacetonate complexes of vanadium and titanium: effect of cocatalyst
Authors: Rishina Laura A , Kissin Yury V , Lalayan Svetlana S , Nedorezova Polina M , Krasheninnikov Vadim G
Published: November 2021

Alkene polymerization reactions were studied with three catalyst systems containing complexes of vanadium and titanium with the acetylacetonate ligand (V(acac)3, VO(acac)2, Ti(acac)2Cl2) and a binary activator, a combination of Al(C2H5)2Cl and Mg(C4H9)2 at an [Al]:[Mg] molar ratio of ca 3. All three catalysts are highly active in ethylene homopolymerization reactions. They copolymerize ethylene and 1‐hexene to random, compositionally uniform products with 1‐hexene content of up to 20–25%. The Ti(acac)2Cl2–Al(C2H5)2Cl/Mg(C4H9)2 combination is also an effective catalyst for propylene polymerization to an essentially atactic product. Gel permeation chromatography analysis showed that all the studied M(acac)n–Al(C2H5)2Cl/Mg(C4H9)2 catalysts contain several types of active centers which differ in the average molecular weight of polymer material they produce. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Hydrophilic isopropanol/acetone‐substituted polymers for safe hydrogen storage
Authors: Oka Kouki , Tobita Yuka , Kataoka Miho , Kobayashi Kazuki , Kaiwa Yusuke , Nishide Hiroyuki , Oyaizu Kenichi
Published: November 2021

The development of hydrogen carriers that are free from safety risks such as explosivity, volatility and toxicity is essential for safe hydrogen storage. In this study, we synthesize a safe and hydrophilic isopropanol/acetone‐substituted polymeric hydrogen carrier by a facile synthetic procedure that is conducted in water and only requires dialysis with water for purification. A simple nucleophilic substitution of poly(allylamine) and 2‐bromoacetone produces a hydrophilic acetone‐substituted poly(allylamine) derivative, facilitating control over the hydrophilicity of the polymer according to the degree of substitution. The polymer is readily hydrogenated using NaBH4 to obtain a hydrophilic isopropanol‐substituted poly(allylamine). The high density of the repeating units and high hydrophilicity of the amine groups enable the maximization of the mass hydrogen storage density of the redox polymer to ca 1.5 wt%. Reversible hydrogen gas fixation/release from the polymeric hydrogels via chemical bond formation/disconnection is realized with complete conversion, with dehydrogenation occurring at 65–95 °C in the presence of an iridium complex catalyst. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Utility of polysomnography for management of chronic invasive mechanical ventilation in children
Authors: Gurbani Neepa , Benscoter Dan , Torres‐Silva Cherie , Huang Guixia , Hossain Md M. , Simakajornboon Narong
Published: November 2021

Objective

With advances in technology, pediatric patients are sent home with chronic invasive mechanical ventilation (CIMV). Ventilation optimization and preparation for weaning are essential processes, however, there is no standard approach to weaning and titrating ventilator settings in children. There is little information in the literature on the utility of polysomnography (PSG) in weaning and titration of CIMV. Our objective is to review the role of PSG on titration and weaning of CIMV in children.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records and polysomnograms was performed on CIMV dependent patients at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from January 2011 to October 2017. Patients underwent overnight ventilator weaning or titration PSG. Subjects with less than 3 h of total sleep time were excluded.

Results

About 163 PSGs were divided into 97 PSGs for ventilator titration and 66 PSGs for ventilator weaning. Of the 97 ventilator titration PSGs, 59 (60.8%) had inadequate ventilation, 10 (10.3%) had inadequate oxygenation, 22 (22.7%) had significant tracheostomy leak, 13 (13.4%) had autocycling, 3 (3.1%) had failure to trigger, 4 (4.1%) had central sleep apnea, and 24 (25.8%) had adequate ventilation on current ventilator settings. Of the 66 ventilator weaning PSGs, 48 (72.7%) weaned to lower ventilator settings or off ventilator support and 18 (27.3%) did not wean.

Discussion

Our results indicate that PSG is useful in titration and weaning of ventilator settings in children with CIMV. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the subgroup of this population who would benefit most from PSG for assessment of adequate ventilator support.
Fixed‐time distributed event‐triggered formation control with state‐dependent threshold
Authors: Wang Jie , Tian Bailing
Published: November 2021

Since the complexity nonlinearities generated by discontinuous control and event‐triggered scheme, fixed‐time formation in event‐based framework is a more challenging issue compared with the continuous‐time control. This paper focuses on fixed‐time leaderless formation problem for multi‐agent systems with undirected topology. We propose a distributed robust event‐triggered control strategy for the fixed‐time formation where predictor‐based state transformation is employed to deal with input delay and sliding mode technology is implemented to solve bounded disturbances. We also obtain that the upper bound of the formation settling time is only determined by delay time, control design parameters, network connectivity, and independent of the initial conditions. In addition, the lower bound for the interexecution time is calculated to ensure that there is no Zeno behavior occurs. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of the strategies.
Under‐reportage of “sex‐for‐marks” cases within public universities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mafa Itai , Simango Tapiwa , Chisango Tadios
Published: November 2021

Women around the globe have suffered and still suffer from sexual harassment within their homes, workplaces, and even in schools. Despite the trending of a new form of sexual harassment termed “sex‐for‐marks” within university settings, there is evidence of under‐reporting of these cases. Against this background, the paper sought to investigate factors that may be causing under‐reporting of such cases in order to make practical recommendations that can strengthen the reporting mechanism for sexual harassment within institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe. Underpinned by a qualitative paradigm, the paper shows that under‐reporting of “sex‐for‐marks” cases is influenced by fear of failure, unclear reporting systems, the laxity from authorities in dealing with the cases, and the stigma and shame that is transferred on to the victims. Through the advocacy role of social work practice, the paper calls for the desensitization of sexuality and sexual behavior in order to challenge the culture of silence, which has proved to be the breeding ground for under‐reportage of sex‐for‐marks cases. The paper further encourages universities to consider partnering with theater and music departments to offer edutainment—a way of promoting awareness on sexual harassment and the “sex‐for‐marks” phenomenon.
Feature selection and classification over the network with missing node observations
Authors: Jin Zhuxuan , Kang Jian , Yu Tianwei
Published: November 2021

Jointly analyzing transcriptomic data and the existing biological networks can yield more robust and informative feature selection results, as well as better understanding of the biological mechanisms. Selecting and classifying node features over genome‐scale networks has become increasingly important in genomic biology and genomic medicine. Existing methods have some critical drawbacks. The first is they do not allow flexible modeling of different subtypes of selected nodes. The second is they ignore nodes with missing values, very likely to increase bias in estimation. To address these limitations, we propose a general modeling framework for Bayesian node classification (BNC) with missing values. A new prior model is developed for the class indicators incorporating the network structure. For posterior computation, we resort to the Swendsen‐Wang algorithm for efficiently updating class indicators. BNC can naturally handle missing values in the Bayesian modeling framework, which improves the node classification accuracy and reduces the bias in estimating gene effects. We demonstrate the advantages of our methods via extensive simulation studies and the analysis of the cutaneous melanoma dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas.
Predictive Factors for Day 7 Positive Patch Test Readings at a Secondary Referral Centre
Authors: Tupker R. A. , Stapper W. G. C. , Kelder J. C.
Published: November 2021

Background

Based on studies at tertiary centres it is known that patch test reading on Day (D) 7 may show additional positive reactions. Female gender, higher age and allergen groups of topicals and corticosteroids were identified as predictive factors.

Objectives

The first aim was to study the value of reading patch tests on D2, D3 and D7 at a secondary referral centre. The second aim was to investigate the predictive potential of the factors sex, age, atopic dermatitis, body location, allergen group and clinical relevance for a positive reaction only on D7.

Methods

Retrospective data from patients tested between 2013 and 2016 were evaluated. The factors sex, age, atopic dermatitis, body location, allergen group and clinical relevance were tested by regression analysis.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-three out of a total of 396 patients had a positive reaction only on D2, D3 and D7 in 14 (2.5%), 152 (27.5%) and 61 (11.0%) occasions, observed in 10 (2.5%), 108 (27.3%) and 51 (12.9%) patients, respectively. These reactions were deemed relevant in 0 (0%), 12 (2.2%) and 9 (1.6%) occasions, observed 0 (0%), 11 (2.8%) and 9 (2.3%) patients, respectively. Higher age and allergen groups of metals, fragrances and resins were predictive for late positive reactions.

Conclusions

D7 patch test reading should also be routinely adopted at secondary referral centres. D7 positive reactions were associated with higher age and sensitization to metals, fragrances and resins.
Single Crystal Halide Perovskite Film for Nonlinear Resistive Memory with Ultrahigh Switching Ratio
Authors: Li Lutao , Chen Yuan , Cai Changming , Ma Peipei , Ji Huayong , Zou Guifu
Published: November 2021

Morre's law is coming to an end only if the memory industry can keep stuffing the devices with new functionality. Halide perovskite acts as a promising candidate for application in next‐generation nonvolatile memory. As is well known, the switching ratio is the key device requirement of resistive memory to improve recognition accuracy. Here, the authors introduce an all‐inorganic halide perovskite CsPbBr3 single crystal film (SCF) into resistive memory as an active layer. The Ag/CsPbBr3/Ag memory cells exhibit reproducible resistive switching with an ultrahigh switching ratio (over 109) and a fast switching speed (1.8 µs). It is studied that the Schottky barrier of metal/CsPbBr3 SCF contact follows the tendency of Schottky–Mott theory, and the Fermi level pinning effect is effectively reduced. The interface S parameter of metal/CsPbBr3 SCF contact is 0.50, suggesting a great interface contact is formed. The great interface contact contributes to the steady high resistance state (HRS), and then the steady HRS leads to an ultrahigh resistive switching ratio. This work demonstrates high performance from halide perovskite SCF‐based memory. The introduction of halide perovskite SCF in resistive random access memory provides great potential as an alternative in future computing systems.
Thermally Hypsochromic or Bathochromic Emissions? The Silver Nuclei Does Matter
Authors: Su Yan‐Min , Cao Zhao‐Zhen , Feng Lei , Xue Qing‐Wang , Tung Chen‐Ho , Gao Zhi‐Yong , Sun Di
Published: November 2021

Structural modulation of core‐shell silver nanoclusters from the inside is a huge challenge but of great importance in their syntheses. Herein, two silver nanoclusters [Ag3S9@Ag42] (SD/Ag45b) and [Ag9S9@Ag42] (SD/Ag51a) are isolated in the presence of different kinds of sulfonic acids. Uniquely, SD/Ag45b and SD/Ag51a show typical core‐shell structures with the similar Ag42 shell but different cores. The outer shell of 42 silver atoms comprises two Ag3 trigons at two poles encircled by three equatorial distorted square cupolas (J4, Ag12). The core in SD/Ag45b is a silver trigon ligated by nine S2− ions (Ag3S9), while a tricapped triangular prismatic Ag9 also ligated by the same amount of S2− ions (Ag9S9) is observed in the inner core of SD/Ag51a. The electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) indicates that the introduction of p‐toluenesulfonic acid can realize the transformation from SD/Ag45b to Ag51. SD/Ag45b and SD/Ag51a show inverse luminescence thermochromic behaviors in the near‐infrared (NIR) region, mainly dictated by the inner silver cores. This work not only realizes the synthesis of new silver nanoclusters by core modulation but also provides a prototype to get molecular‐level insight into the correlation between structure and luminescence thermochromism.
Adaptive Backstepping Control for Mecanum‐Wheeled Omnidirectional Vehicle Using Neural Networks
Authors: Jiang Menglin , Chen Linshuang , Wang Yuchao , Wu Hansheng
Published: November 2021

In this paper, an adaptive backstepping controller is designed for the mecanum‐wheeled omnidirectional vehicle (MWOV) with frictions, external disturbances, and unknown slipping parameters. First, kinematic and dynamic models of the MWOV with wheels' slipping are derived. Especially, the virtual neural networks are introduced to on‐line approximate the nonlinear uncertainties of the dynamic system. Then, the adaptation laws with σ‐modification are employed to estimate the unknown parameters. Furthermore, based on the backstepping technology, an adaptive backstepping controller is synthesized with the updated values, and stability and robustness of the proposed control scheme are analyzed via the Lyapunov theory. Finally, comparative simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Computational mechanistic study in organometallic catalysis: Why prediction is still a challenge
Authors: Fey Natalie , Lynam Jason M.
Published: November 2021

Although computational contributions to the understanding of organometallic homogeneous catalysts have become fairly routine, a step‐change in the application of computational methods would be to achieve efficient, robust, and reliable prediction of the outcome of catalytic transformations. While we concur that there have been a number of recent promising advances in the interactions between computational and experimental mechanistic studies, the mapping of reactivity space remains incomplete and large‐scale studies have to make limiting assumptions which restrict their transferability. Close synergies between characterization and analysis techniques which are integrated with computational data, along with data capture, curation, and exploitation, are vital and develop our understanding of all aspects of the catalytic pathways (including activation and deactivation) and allow the continual refinement of mechanistic understanding, challenged by testing predictions experimentally. Here we review recent examples to formulate a protocol for such interactions.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
Climate-Smart Forestry in Brazil
Authors: Giongo Marcos , Santos Micael Moreira , da Silva Damiana Beatriz , Cachoeira Jader Nunes , Santopuoli Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Brazil is the second largest forested country in the world with a high level of naturalness and biodiversity richness, playing a significant role in the adoption of mitigation and adaptation strategies to climate change. Although the Brazilian federal government is mainly responsible for the protection of natural ecosystems, the decentralization process, which demands competences of the states and municipalities, allowed the establishment of several agencies and institutions dealing with monitoring, assessment, and management of forest ecosystems through a complex and interrelated number of forest policies. Nevertheless, the deforestation rate, with a consequent loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, represents critical challenges, attracting worldwide attention. The variety of mitigation and adaptation measures adopted over the years represents viable tools to face climate change and to promote climate-smart forestry in Brazil. Notwithstanding the positive effects achieved in the last decade, a better coordination and practical implementation of climate-smart forestry strategies is required to reach nationally and internationally agreed objectives.

This chapter aims to depict the Brazilian forestry sector, highlighting the management strategies adopted overtime to counteract climate change.
Changes of Tree and Stand Growth: Review and Implications
Authors: Pretzsch H. , del Río M. , Giammarchi F. , Uhl E. , Tognetti R.
Published: November 2021

In this chapter, we review the current long-term growth trends and short-term growth reaction to single or repeated stress events on tree and stand level in Europe. Based on growth trend analyses, the chapter reveals the strong human footprint on forest ecosystems.

First, we use long-term experiments and increment cores to show change in growth trends within the last centuries. Growth reactions are caused by deposition and climate change rather than by silvicultural measures. Second, we look closer on regional-specific deviations from the general trend. Climate change, drought events, acid rain and O3are causing regional-specific growth reaction patterns. Third, we assess stress events and the resilience and resistance of monospecific and mixed stands against biotic and abiotic stress in view of the ongoing growth trends.

The revealed tree and stand growth behaviours are highly relevant, as any changes of forest growth and structure have strong impacts on the provision of goods and ecosystem services. The results underline the importance of biomonitoring and suggest counteracting measures by forest planning, adaptation of silvicultural guidelines for existing forest and innovative design of future forests stands.
Modelling Future Growth of Mountain Forests Under Changing Environments
Authors: Bosela Michal , Merganičová Katarína , Torresan Chiara , Cherubini Paolo , Fabrika Marek , Heinze Berthold , Höhn Maria , Kašanin-Grubin Milica , Klopčič Matija , Mészáros Ilona , Pach Maciej , Střelcová Katarina , Temperli Christian , Tonon Giustino , Pretzsch Hans , Tognetti Roberto
Published: November 2021

Models to predict the effects of different silvicultural treatments on future forest development are the best available tools to demonstrate and test possible climate-smart pathways of mountain forestry. This chapter reviews the state of the art in modelling approaches to predict the future growth of European mountain forests under changing environmental and management conditions. Growth models, both mechanistic and empirical, which are currently available to predict forest growth are reviewed. The chapter also discusses the potential of integrating the effects of genetic origin, species mixture and new silvicultural prescriptions on biomass production into the growth models. The potential of growth simulations to quantify indicators of climate-smart forestry (CSF) is evaluated as well. We conclude that available forest growth models largely differ from each other in many ways, and so they provide a large range of future growth estimates. However, the fast development of computing capacity allows and will allow a wide range of growth simulations and multi-model averaging to produce robust estimates. Still, great attention is required to evaluate the performance of the models. Remote sensing measurements will allow the use of growth models across ecological gradients.
Climate-Smart Silviculture in Mountain Regions
Authors: Pach Maciej , Bielak Kamil , Bončina Andrej , Coll Lluís , Höhn Maria , Kašanin-Grubin Milica , Lesiński Jerzy , Pretzsch Hans , Skrzyszewski Jerzy , Spathelf Peter , Tonon Giustino , Weatherall Andrew , Zlatanov Tzvetan
Published: November 2021

Mountain forests in Europe have to face recently speeding-up phenomena related to climate change, reflected not only by the increases in the mean global temperature but also by frequent extreme events, that can cause a lot of various damages threatening forest stability. The crucial task of management is to adapt forests to environmental uncertainties using various strategies that should be undertaken to enhance forest resistance and resilience, as well as to maintain forest biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services at requested levels. Forests can play an important role in the mitigation of climate change. The stand features that increase forest climate smartness could be improved by applying appropriate silvicultural measures, which are powerful tools to modify forests. The chapter provides information on the importance of selected stand features in the face of climate change and silvicultural prescriptions on stand level focusing to achieve the required level of climate smartness. The selection of silvicultural prescriptions should be also supported by the application of simulation models. The sets of the various treatments and management alternatives should be an inherent part of adaptive forest management that is a leading approach in changing environmental conditions.
Networks of Global Policy Diffusion: The Introduction of Compulsory Education
Authors: Seitzer Helen , Besche-Truthe Fabian , Windzio Michael
Published: November 2021

Compulsory education is closely related to the reproduction and change of a country’s culture. As we know from international comparative cultural research, however, there are different pathways into modernity, and so the particular role of education for a nation-state’s cultural basis might differ as well. At the same time, different relations between countries, such as cultural similarity or trade, can function as channels of diffusion of welfare policies. Our empirical analysis tests which dimensions of global networks structure the diffusion of introduction of compulsory education. We find a positive effect of exposure to other countries in a network of cultural similarity. Policy diffusion does not proceed via economic ties and colonial histories, but does through spatial proximity.
Introduction of Long-Term Care Systems: The Nascent Diffusion of an Emergent Field of Social Policy
Authors: Fischer Johanna , Polte Alexander , Sternkopf Meika
Published: November 2021

The introduction of social protection schemes for long-term cares that is assistance with daily living activities in case of extended impairments, constitutes a comparably recent development. Taking a birds-eye perspective, this chapter explores which international interdependencies and national constellations contributed to the establishment of long-term case systems from 1945 to 2010. In particular, we investigate the relevance of channels of horizontal diffusion, that is, geographic proximity, cultural similarity, and colonial ties, the influence of the European Union as well as domestic factors such as problem pressure and women’s political empowerment.
Existence of Walrasian equilibria with discontinuous, non-ordered, interdependent and price-dependent preferences, without free disposal, and without compact consumption sets
Authors: Podczeck Konrad , Yannelis Nicholas C.
Published: November 2021

We extend a result on existence of Walrasian equilibria in He and Yannelis (Econ Theory 61:497–513, 2016) by replacing the compactness assumption on consumption sets made there by the standard assumption that these sets are closed and bounded from below. This provides a positive answer to a question explicitly raised in He and Yannelis (Econ Theory 61:497–513, 2016). Our new equilibrium existence theorem generalizes many results in the literature as we do not require any transitivity or completeness or continuity assumption on preferences, initial endowments need not be in the interior of the consumption sets, preferences may be interdependent and price-dependent, and no monotonicity or local non satiation is needed for any of the agents.
Analysis of tympanic sinus shape for purposes of intraoperative hearing monitoring: a microCT study
Authors: Bilińska Małgorzata , Wojciechowski Tomasz , Sokołowski Jacek , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Sinus tympani is the space in the retrotympanum, with variable morphology. Computed tomography is a common tool to investigate sinus tympani anatomy. During cochlear implantation or tympanoplasty, electrocochleography can be used for hearing monitoring. In such a surgical strategy the electrode is placed in the round window’s region throughout posterior tympanotomy. Common accessible needle-shaped electrodes using is difficult in achieving intraoperative stabilization. The aim of the study is to assess the dimensions and shape of sinus tympani, basing on the micro computed tomography scans for purposes of establishing the possible new electrocochleography electrode shape.

Materials and methods

Sixteen fresh frozen cadaveric temporal bones were dissected. MicroCT measurements included the depth and the width of sinus tympani, width of facial canal with stapedius muscle chamber. Obtained data were analyzed statistically with the use of RStudio 1.3.959 software.

Results

The highest average width of sinus tympani amounted for 2.68 mm, depth measured at the round window plane for 3.19 mm. Width of facial canal with stapedius muscle chamber highest average values at the round window plane- 3.32 mm. The lowest average minimum and maximum values were calculated at the 1 mm above the round window plane. The highest average posterior tympanotomy width was 2.91 mm.

Conclusions

The shape of the tympanic sinus is like a trough with the narrowest and deepest dimensions in the middle part. The ST shape and dimensions should be taken into account in constructing the ECochG electrode, designed for optimal placement through posterior tympanotomy approach.
Phakovitrektomie – Einfluss des Zeitpunktes der Kunstlinsenimplantation auf das korneale Endothel
Authors: Seifert Anastasia , Seitz Berthold , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Ludwig Klaus , Krause Matthias
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund und Ziele

Bei der Phakovitrektomie wird in der Regel zuerst die Katarakt operiert und die Kunstlinse meist vor Beginn der Vitrektomie implantiert. Man kann die Kunstlinse aber auch erst am Ende der Vitrektomie in den Kapselsack implantieren. Damit entfallen optische Beeinträchtigungen durch Hornhauttrübungen und Linsenrand während der Vitrektomie, und Komplikationen wie periphere Netzhautrisse oder Intraokularlinse-Subluxation lassen sich leichter vermeiden. Da diese Variante aber das Hornhautendothel zusätzlich belasten könnte, war das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie, den postoperativen Endothelzellverlust nach Standardphakovitrektomie mit dem nach der alternativen Variante zu vergleichen.

Methoden

In dieser retrospektiven Studie entfielen je 41 Augen auf Gruppe I (Standardphakovitrektomie) oder Gruppe II (Variante). Primäre Zielgrößen waren der absolute und relative Hornhautendothelzellverlust von prä- nach 5 ± 1 Wochen postoperativ. Zu den sekundären Zielgrößen gehörten Sehschärfe, Augeninnendruck, Variationskoeffizient der Zellfläche des Endothels (CV), Anteil der hexagonalen Zellform des Endothels (6A), Pachymetrie, intra- und postoperative Komplikationen.

Ergebnisse

Der absolute und der relative Endothelzellverlust in Gruppe I (−108 ± 146 bzw. −4,1 ± 5,7 %) unterschieden sich nicht signifikant von dem in Gruppe II (−73 ± 122 bzw. −3,1 ± 5,3 %) (p = 0,299; p = 0,388). Auch die sekundären Zielgrößen zeigten keine signifikanten Unterschiede.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die hier vorgestellte Variante der Phakovitrektomie erweitert die chirurgischen Optionen und zeigt im Vergleich zum Standardverfahren keinen signifikant abweichenden postoperativen kornealen Endothelzellverlust.
The lockdown and its consequences—Perspectives and needs of people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
Authors: Mosor Erika , Ritschl Valentin , Andrews Margaret R. , Omara Maisa , Studenic Paul , Schaffer Gertraud , Leitgeb Ernst , Oppenauer Claudia , Li Linda C. , Stamm Tanja
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a lack of knowledge on how people at increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experienced the infection control measures. This study aimed to explore their perspectives and needs during the coronavirus outbreak.

Methods

A qualitative longitudinal interview study was conducted in Austria during lockdown due to COVID-19 containment and afterwards. People older than 65 years of age and/or affected by a chronic medical condition participated in individual telephone interviews at two time points. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and saturation was defined as no new emerging concepts in at least 10 subsequent interviews.

Results

Thematic saturation was reached when 33 individuals (75.8% female, mean age ± standard deviation [SD] 73.7±10.9 years) were included. A total of 44 lower level concepts were extracted and summarized into 6 higher level concepts. They included (i) a general positive attitude toward COVID-19 measures, (ii) challenges of being isolated from the community, (iii) deterioration of health status, (iv) difficulties with measures due to their health condition, (v) lack of physical contact and (vi) lack of information versus overload. Participants suggested environmental adaptations for strengthening resilience in people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Conclusion

Strategies and interventions are needed to support people at risk under pandemic conditions. Their perceptions and needs should be addressed to reduce the potential deterioration of health conditions and ensure well-being even during prolonged periods of crisis.
Ankle fusion with tibiotalocalcaneal retrograde nail for fragility ankle fractures: outcomes at a major trauma centre
Authors: Lu Victor , Tennyson Maria , Zhang James , Thahir Azeem , Zhou Andrew , Krkovic Matija
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Fragility ankles fractures in the geriatric population are challenging to manage, due to fracture instability, soft tissue compromise, and patient co-morbidities. Traditional management options include open reduction internal fixation, or conservative treatment, both of which are fraught with high complication rates. We aimed to present functional outcomes of elderly patients with fragility ankle fractures treated with retrograde ankle fusion nails.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed on patients who underwent intramedullary nailing with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail. Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria of being over sixty and having multiple co-morbidities. Patient demographics, AO/OTA fracture classification, intra-operative and post-operative complications, time to mobilisation and union, AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores, and patient mobility were recorded.

Results

There were seven males and thirteen females, with a mean age of 77.82 years old, five of whom are type 2 diabetics. Thirteen patients returned to their pre-operative mobility state, and the average Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) was 5.05. Patients with a low CCI are more likely to return to pre-operative mobility status (p = 0.16; OR = 4.00). All patients achieved radiographical union, taking on average between 92.5 days and 144.6 days. The mean post-operative AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores were 53.0 and 50.9, respectively. There were four cases of superficial infection, four cases of broken or loose distal locking screws. There were no deep infections, periprosthetic fractures, nail breakages, or non-unions.

Conclusion

Tibiotalocalcaneal nailing is an effective and safe option for managing unstable ankle fractures in the elderly. This technique leads to lower complication rates and earlier mobilisation than traditional fixation methods.