bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersive solid phase extraction of ginkgolide B from real samples using 3D reduced oxide graphene aerogel based molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Yang Chengying , Li Honghong , Wu Zeyu , Huang Xusheng , Zhou An , Hui Ailing , Liu Rui , Zhang Wencheng
Published: July 2022

In this article, novel molecularly imprinted polymers based on 3D reduced graphene oxide aerogel (3D RGO‐GBMIPs) were successfully fabricated and applied as adsorbents for dispersed solid‐phase extraction (DSPE) of ginkgolide B (GB). After being prepared by surface molecular imprinted technology, 3D RGO‐GBMIPs were successively characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. The results of adsorption experiments revealed that 3D RGO‐GBMIPs presented highly selective recognition properties and well reusability. The main variables influencing DSPE efficiency, including extraction solvent, 3D RGO‐GBMIPs dosage, category, and volume of eluent, as well as elution time were investigated. The DSPE results showed that 3D RGO‐GBMIPs had an obvious effect on the improvement of GB purity in ginkgo biloba extract, with a satisfactory recovery rate and yield. Therefore, 3D RGO‐GBMIPs are expected to be applied for the enrichment of GB from complex matrices.
An investigation on mechanical, electrical, and rheological characteristics of ultra‐high molecular weight (UHMW)‐EPDM/PP blends‐based conductive thermoplastic vulcanizates (CTPVs)
Authors: Bhattacharya Asit Baran , Parathodika Arshad Rahman , Ganguly Debabrata , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: July 2022

A new generation conductive thermoplastic vulcanizates (CTPVs) have been developed and characterized in detail, which is based on ultra‐high molecular weight (UHMW)‐EPDM rubber combined with conductive carbon black (CCB) filler. The influence of incorporation of CCB filler in the CTPV matrix on various relevant properties has been studied thoroughly. Physico‐mechanical properties indicate a significant improvement in the tensile strength, modulus, crosslink density, and tear strength together with quite good flexibility of the CTPVs. Rheological properties depict excellent processability and material strength (storage‐modulus and complex‐modulus), and stress relaxation shows a higher relaxation time of the CTPVs over the pristine‐TPV. Morphology study (AFM, FESEM, and TEM) reveals very well dispersion of the CCB‐filler and droplet type dispersed morphology has been achieved. The study of the electrical properties demonstrates that fair AC conductivity can be achieved for high filler loading. AC impedance analysis also proves the improvement for CTPVs over the pristine TPV. It is well described that due to the incorporation of the CCB‐filler, all the properties are improved, and from some of the results amount of CCB‐filler can also be optimized. UHMW‐EPDM/PP‐based conductive TPVs (CTPVs) can be potentially used as a sensitive stretchable conductor for various applications.
Tube‐type plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide: Enabling record lab performance for the industry with demonstrated cell efficiencies >24%
Authors: Liao Baochen , Wu Xinyuan , Wu Weiliang , Liu Changming , Ma Sheng , Wang Shaozhou , Xie Tong , Wang Qiang , Du Zheren , Shen Wenzhong , Li Xiang , Li Weimin , Hoex Bram
Published: July 2022

In this work, single‐side aluminum oxide (Al2O3) deposition enabled by a new tube‐type industrial plasma‐assisted atomic layer deposition (PEALD) technique is presented to meet the increasingly stringent requirements for high‐efficiency solar cell mass production. Extremely low emitter saturation current densities, J0e, down to 15 fA/cm2 are achieved on an industrial textured boron emitter with a sheet resistance of 104 Ω/sq, passivated by PEALD Al2O3/PECVD SiNx stack after firing. An implied open‐circuit voltage of up to 721 mV is obtained on symmetrical lifetime samples. The underlying passivation mechanisms of this new tube‐type PEALD Al2O3 are investigated by contactless corona‐voltage measurements. The results indicate that the superior passivation is mainly attributed to a low interface defect density down to 1.1 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1 and a high negative fixed charge density up to 4.5 × 1012 cm−2. Simulations show that the obtained J0e is close to its intrinsic limit. Lastly, the developed tube‐type PEALD Al2O3 is applied to industrial TOPCon solar cells achieving an average cell efficiency above 24% and a maximum Voc of 707 mV. This work shows that the record level of surface passivation available from lab‐scale PEALD reactors is now available in a flexible high‐throughput industrial PEALD platform, which opens a new route for mass production of high‐efficiency industrial TOPCon solar cells with a lean process at low costs.
Expression of KLRG1 on subpopulations of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and prognostic analysis
Authors: Qian Hengjun , Dong Danning , Fan Peiwen , Feng Yaning , Peng Yanchun , Yao Xuan , Wang Ruozheng
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the expression of killer cell lectin like receptor G1 (KLRG1) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and to dynamically evaluate the changes of KLRG1 expression after treatment.

Methods

A total of 82 patients with locally advanced NPC and 44 healthy individuals were recruited in this study. The expression of KLRG1 on T, natural killer, and natural killer T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected by flow cytometry. Its relationship with clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients, as well as changes in KLRG1 expression in PBMCs after treatment, were investigated.

Results

The expression of KLRG1 in CD8+ T cells in PBMCs of NPC patients was 46.50 (29.10, 69.80)%, significantly higher than 32.50 (17.38, 61.00) % in healthy controls (Z = −2.290, p = 0.022). The expression of KLRG1 in CD3+ CD56+ natural killer T cells in PBMCs of patients was 29.50 (6.21, 78.00) %, significantly higher than 1.47 (0.62, 8.88)% in healthy controls (Z = −5.371, p < 0.001). The expression levels of KLRG1(+)CD8+ T cells in PBMCs of patients were higher in the age ≥50 years (Z = −3.413, p < 0.001), pathology of keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (H = 10.541, p = 0.005, and EGFR(+) groups (Z = −2.006, p = 0.043). Patients with higher KLRG1(+) expression in CD8+ T cells had a lower progression‐free survival (p = 0.029) and a lower distant metastasis‐free survival (p = 0.023). KLRG1 expression on T cells increased after radiotherapy.

Conclusion

KLRG1 can be harnessed as a potential target in designing novel therapy to encompass a broader range of NPC patients.
Analysis of amyloidogenic transthyretin mutations using continuum solvent free energy calculations
Authors: Hartmann Julian , Zacharias Martin
Published: July 2022

Many proteins can undergo pathological conformational changes that result in the formation of amyloidogenic fibril structures. Various neurodegenerative diseases are associated with such pathological fibril formation of specific proteins. Transthyretin (TTR) is a tetrameric globular transport protein in the blood plasma that can dissociate, unfold, and form long and stable fibrils. Many TTR mutations are known that promote (TTR) amyloidosis and cause severe diseases. TTR amyloidosis has been studied extensively using biochemical methods and structures of various mutations in the globular form have been characterized. Recently, also the structure of a TTR fibril has been determined. In an effort to better understand why some mutations increase or decrease the tendency of amyloid formation, we have applied a combined molecular dynamics and continuum solvent approach to calculate the energetic influence of residue changes in the globular versus fibril form. For 29 out of 36 tested TTR single residue mutations, the approach correctly predicts the increased or decreased tendency for amyloidosis allowing us also to elucidate the origins of the tendency. We find that indeed the destabilization of the globular monomer or changes in dimer and tetramer stability due to mutation has a dominant influence on the amyloidogenic tendency. The continuum solvent model predicts a significantly more favorable mean energy per residue of the fibril form compared to the globular form. This effect is only slightly modulated by single‐point mutations preserving the energetic preference for fibril formation upon protein unfolding. It explains why no correlation between experimental amyloidosis and calculated change in fibril stability was observed.
Micropore Filling and Temperature Dependent Electrical Transport Aspects of Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Polymerized Zr‐Based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Doloi Kakoli , Mohanta Dambarudhar
Published: July 2022

This work reports the polymerization of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) within a metal–organic framework (MOF), namely UiO‐66 containing pores of tetrahedral and octahedral geometry. Partial filling of micropores of UiO‐66 with PEDOT and occupancy up to 29.6% has brought up conformational changes, vibrational responses as well as altered carrier transport phenomena characterized through different techniques. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunner–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis have revealed the structural stability of the MOF after the inclusion of PEDOT while microporous nature was maintained with a primary filling of octahedral micropores. Interestingly, the PEDOT polymerization is believed to draw a conformational change from benzoid to quinoid structure as substantiated through the Raman studies. Moreover, a noticeable improvement in electrical conductivity has been realized (typically, ≈10−3 to 10−2 S cm−1) for the composite while its temperature dependency followed a semiconducting feature. Controlled insertion, limited space‐filling, and occupancy can strengthen the insights on soft matter models and reptation theory and would find scope in applications where porosity, stability, and conductivity are desired.
A sliding‐mode‐based active fault‐tolerant control for robust trajectory tracking in quad‐rotors under a rotor failure
Authors: Falcón Romeo , Ríos Héctor , Dzul Alejandro
Published: July 2022

In this article an active fault‐tolerant control (FTC) is developed for the tracking problem in a quad‐rotor under the effects of a rotor failure and external disturbances. Such a strategy is composed of a finite‐time sliding‐mode observer, which estimates the full state from the measurable output and identifies uniformly bounded and Lipschitz disturbances. The failure scenario is analyzed in order to identify how it affects the dynamics. It is assumed that the failure has been isolated. The FTC design is composed of PID and continuous high‐order sliding‐modes controllers that allow the yaw angular velocity to remain bounded and the position tracking to be achieved even in the presence of some external disturbances. The closed‐loop stability is formally proven. Numerical simulations show the performance of the proposed control strategy.
Manipulating the Distributions of Na and Cd by Moisture‐Assisted Postdeposition Annealing for Efficient Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Heng , Huang Jialiang , O’Neill Adam , Yun Jae Sung , Young Trevor L. , Yan Chang , Sun Kaiwen , Li Jianjun , Nielsen Michael P. , Cui Xin , Wang Ao , Seidel Jan , Stride John A. , Green Martin A. , Hao Xiaojing
Published: July 2022

Effectively incorporating alkali metals or alternative isovalent cations into Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) is considered one of the most promising strategies for realizing a step‐change improvement in the photovoltaic device performance. Herein, the local distribution of Na and Cd by a moisture‐assisted postdeposition annealing (MAPDA) treatment combined with a subsequent heterojunction heat treatment is manipulated. The MAPDA treatment facilitates the controllable reduction of the Na concentration, thus promoting the spontaneous diffusion of Cd into the heterojunction region. A subsequent 150 °C low‐temperature heterojunction heat treatment after MAPDA treatment enables further modification of Cd and Na distributions, leading to significantly enhanced optoelectronic properties at the CZTS/CdS heterojunction and greatly improved device performance with a peak conversion efficiency of 9.40%. The modified heterojunction significantly improves quasi‐Fermi‐level splitting under low‐photon injection, making CZTS solar cells more feasible in low‐light applications. This work provides an effective approach to simultaneously manipulate the distribution of Na and Cd, enabling pronounced modification of the heterojunction quality of CZTS solar cells and boost of conversion efficiencies. Insights gleaned herein may also be applicable to manipulating other critical trace elements in chalcogenide materials in general.
Implementing Learning‐Oriented Assessment (LOA) Among Limited‐Proficiency EFL Students: Challenges, Strategies, and Students' Reactions
Authors: Zhao Cecilia Guanfang , Qi Qi
Published: July 2022

Despite increasing scholarship on learning‐oriented assessment (LOA) and the promotion of LOA in various educational contexts, few studies have examined the challenges faced by language teachers while implementing LOA in authentic educational settings, especially an exam‐dominant context that is deemed unconducive to LOA implementation (Carless, 2017). Even fewer have investigated the complexity of LOA implementation in such a context with students of limited proficiency. The present case study, therefore, focused on unveiling a language teacher's struggles and strategies when implementing LOA in such an EFL context with limited‐proficiency learners, as well as students' perceptions of and engagement with such LOA practices. Analysis of data from classroom observations and semi‐structured interviews with the teacher revealed three major LOA implementation endeavors in response to the challenges she faced: (1) breaking down the teacher–student hierarchy to enhance learner autonomy, (2) tailor‐making LOA tasks to align with students' cognitive and proficiency levels, and (3) engaging students with interesting ungraded LOA tasks. Results also showed an overall positive attitude among students toward such LOA practices. Theoretical and pedagogical implications were discussed based on such findings, calling for more nuanced implementations of LOA in relation to specific contextual and learner characteristics.
Is it time to reorganise postgraduate medical training?
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: July 2022

In this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, reflects on why a significant number of junior doctors are choosing to leave medicine and the key to retaining them.
Has the pandemic exacerbated alcohol harm?
Authors: Gilmore William , Gilmore Sir Ian
Published: July 2022

Men have always been at greater risk of harm than women from alcohol use, but the pandemic may have exacerbated the problem. Healthcare professionals can support public health colleagues in calling for government‐led initiatives to tackle alcohol availability.
How can bowel cancer outcomes be improved?
Authors: Gordon Andrew , Scott Humphrey
Published: July 2022

Developments in screening and management of colorectal cancer may improve outcomes in a disease that is common and whose incidence is increasing in younger patients.
Seven habits of effective doctors
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: July 2022

Life as a clinician has never been more challenging. Developing and maintaining good habits can be an effective tool not only to sustain a career but also to enhance one's professional skill and application to the benefit of all.
Retrospective study identifying risk factors for dacryocystitis in pet rabbits
Authors: Hedley Joanna , Ede Victoria , Dawson Charlotte
Published: July 2022

Background

Dacryocystitis has been suggested to be a relatively common condition in pet rabbits and is often associated with concurrent disease. The aim of this study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with dacryocystitis in a pet rabbit population.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records from all rabbit cases evaluated at a single first opinion/referral UK exotics clinic between 2015 and 2018 was performed.

Results

Dacryocystitis was identified in 55 of 821 rabbits (6.70%) examined over the study period. Of those rabbits with dacryocystitis, dental disease was found in 24 rabbits (45%), respiratory disease in 20 rabbits (38%), aural disease in seven rabbits (13%) and concurrent ocular disorders in 15 rabbits (23%). Breed status was found to be a significant risk factor, with Lionhead/Lionhead cross and Dwarf Lop/Dwarf Lop cross rabbits being more likely to have dacryocystitis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that a breed predisposition for dacryocystitis may exist, particularly for the popular Lionhead and Dwarf Lop rabbits, and veterinarians should advise clients on this accordingly.
Transfer and persistence of bovine immunoglobulins in lambs fed a colostrum replacer
Authors: Johnson Thea , Jacobson Bryan Tegner , Jones Kerri , Mosdal Cassie , Jones Steve , Vitkovic Maia , Kruppenbacher Sam , Sebrell Andy , Bimczok Diane
Published: July 2022

Background

Colostrum‐derived antibodies are crucial for the protection of newborn lambs from infectious diseases. Several colostrum replacer products that contain bovine antibodies are on the market. We investigated the absorption and persistence of bovine antibodies from a powdered colostrum replacer in newborn lambs.

Methods

We tested a lamb colostrum replacer containing bovine serum in lambs that were separated from their dams at birth. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) uptake was analysed by ELISA, and the persistence of antigen‐specific antibodies was analysed by parainfluenza 3 virus (PI‐3) neutralisation assay.

Results

Serum antibody ELISA performed on days 1 and 14 revealed IgG levels of 17.9 ± 2.8 and 27.5 ± 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. PI‐3 antibodies derived from the colostrum replacer were present for 86.3 ± 10.6 days.

Conclusions

Antibodies derived from bovine serum protein delivered to lambs via a commercial colostrum replacer are readily absorbed and persist for months, suggesting that these products may offer adequate protection.
Enhanced physicomechanical performance of nitrile rubber composites by utilizing eco‐friendly natural oil as a plasticizer
Authors: Mahmoud Doaa S. , Said Ataa A. , El‐Kader Amal E. Abd , El‐Sabbagh Salwa H.
Published: July 2022

Petroleum oil derivatives have been used as a primary plasticizer in rubber compounding for tire applications. Due to the toxicity of petroleum oil derivatives, much attention has been paid to substituting them with renewable sources, aiming to produce more environmentally friendly rubber formulations. Although it harms the environment, it is also a nonrenewable resource that necessarily needs to be replaced. The present work aims to study the effects of vegetable and fruit oils as eco‐friendly processing oils for rubber products. The nitrile rubber (NBR) compounding contains a specific amount of vegetable‐based oil, linseed oil (LO), fruit‐based oil, Citrus volkameriana (CV), as alternatives to petroleum‐based oil, and dioctyl phthalate (DOP). The performance of NBR composites containing different processing aids was evaluated regarding the compounds' rheological, mechanical, and aging properties. To sum up, the study showed that substituting petroleum‐based oil with natural oil could substantially enhance the mechanical properties besides the other advantages such as decreased compound cost and increased cure rate.
TCFHs, hidden symmetries and type II theories
Authors: Grimanellis L. , Papadopoulos G. , Phillips J.
Published: July 2022

Abstract

We present the twisted covariant form hierarchies (TCFH) of type IIA and IIB 10-dimensional supergravities and show that all form bilinears of supersymmetric backgrounds satisfy the conformal Killing-Yano equation with respect to a TCFH connection. We also compute the Killing-Stäckel, Killing-Yano and closed conformal Killing-Yano tensors of all spherically symmetric type II brane backgrounds and demonstrate that the geodesic flow on these solutions is completely integrable by giving all independent charges in involution. We then identify all form bilinears of common sector and D-brane backgrounds which generate hidden symmetries for particle and string probe actions. We also explore the question on whether charges constructed from form bilinears are sufficient to prove the integrability of probes on supersymmetric backgrounds.
Phases of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 quivers in 2 + 1 dimensions
Authors: Bashmakov Vladimir , Gorini Nicola
Published: July 2022

Abstract

We consider the IR phases of two-node quiver theories with $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetry in d = 2 + 1 dimensions. It turns out that the discussion splits into two main cases, depending on whether the Chern-Simons levels associated with the two nodes have the same sign, or the opposite signs, with the latter case being more non-trivial. The determination of the phase diagrams allows us to conjecture certain infrared dualities involving either two quiver theories, or a quiver and adjoint QCD. We also provide a short discussion on quivers possessing time reversal symmetry.
The effect of intraday periodicity on realized volatility measures
Authors: Dette Holger , Golosnoy Vasyl , Kellermann Janosch
Published: July 2022

We focus on estimating daily integrated volatility (IV) by realized measures based on intraday returns following a discrete-time stochastic model with a pronounced intraday periodicity (IP). We demonstrate that neglecting the IP-impact on realized estimators may lead to invalid statistical inference concerning IV for a common finite number of intraday returns. For a given IP functional form, we analytically derive robust IP-correction factors for realized measures of IV as well as their asymptotic distributions. We show both in Monte Carlo simulations and empirically that the proposed bias corrections are the robust way to account for IP by computing realized estimators.
The cashless man: do preferences matter?
Authors: Bruno Bruna , Faggini Marisa
Published: July 2022

This paper deals with the relationship between individual preferences and the use of cash. Building on insights from economic and psychological literature, we present an agent-based model simulating consumers’ behaviour when choosing which mean of payment to use, according the value of the transaction. Assuming heterogeneous preferences for mean of payment, results show that the number of cash transactions and their value strongly depend on both the consumption and the preference structure. Results are validated with EU countries’ data, considering different national policies adopted on the cash usage.
Self-management of vaginal cube pessaries may be a game changer for pelvic organ prolapse treatment: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Nemeth Zoltan , Kolumban Szilard , Schmidt Roxana , Gubas Peter , Kovacs Kalman , Farkas Balint
Published: July 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

Loss of anatomical support for the pelvic organs results in pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We hypothesized that daily self-management of a cube pessary might be a safe, feasible long-term treatment in women with symptomatic POP.

Methods

A cohort of 214 symptomatic POP patients (stage 2+) were enrolled prospectively (January to December 2015). Each patient was size-fitted with a space-filling cube pessary and completed a questionnaire online or by phone ≥5 years after her initial fitting. Change in quality of life (QoL) was measured with the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I).

Results

Of 185 women included in our analyses, 174 (94%) were continuing to use their pessary 4 weeks post-insertion. Among those, 143 (82.2%) used the pessary successfully for ≥5 years. A large majority of these patients (88.8% [127 out of 143]) described their condition as much or very much improved compared with their pretreatment status (PGI–I). Adverse secondary effects (ASEs) were infrequent [15.4% (22 out of 143)]; when they did occur, they were mild, including smelly vaginal discharge (15 out of 22) and slight vaginal bleeding caused by the fitting procedure (6 out of 22).

Conclusions

Daily self-management of cube pessaries was found to be a safe and effective treatment for improving POP-related symptoms and QoL in the long term.
Ungewöhnliches Unfallgeschehen: zweimalige Überrollung durch einen Radlader
Authors: Wöss Claudia , Rabl Walter , Weber Anja
Published: July 2022

Im Jahr 2020 ereigneten sich in Österreich insgesamt 76.082 Arbeitsunfälle. Als häufigste Ursache für Unfälle (39,1 %) wurde dabei der „Verlust der Kontrolle über eine Maschine, ein Handwerkszeug, ein Fahrzeug oder Ähnliches“ angegeben. Eine der Hauptaufgaben der Gerichtsmedizin bei der Untersuchung von Verunfallten besteht darin, den möglichen Unfallhergang zu rekonstruieren. Ein Décollement gilt als Hinweis für einen stattgefundenen Anfahr- oder Überrollvorgang eines Menschen durch ein Fahrzeug und kann beispielsweise Rückschlüsse auf die Anfahrposition ermöglichen. Vorgestellt wird ein tödlicher Arbeitsunfall, bei dem ein Mann zweimalig durch einen Radlader überrollt wurde. Infolge des ersten Überrollens kam es zur Ausbildung eines ausgedehnten Décollements im Bereich des rechten Unter- und Oberschenkels bzw. im Beckenbereich. Die zweite Überrollung führte zur Verlagerung von Brust- bzw. Bauchorganen in die vorgeformten Taschen bzw. nach extrakorporal.
Cross‐Sectional Analysis of 180,595 Lower Limb Amputations in the State of Sao Paulo Over 12 Years
Authors: Biagioni Rodrigo Bruno , Louzada Andressa Cristina Sposato , Biagioni Luiza Ciucci , da Silva Marcelo Fiorelli Alexandrino , Teivelis Marcelo Passos , Wolosker Nelson
Published: July 2022

Background

Lower limb amputations represent a high social, economic and health burden. Most of them are preventable and reflect areas for improvement in health care, making it essential to know their epidemiology.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective population‐based cross‐sectional analysis on all lower limb amputations performed in public hospitals in Sao Paulo between 2009 and 2020, the most populous Brazilian state, with 46 million inhabitants. Using a public database, we evaluated types, rates and trends of the amputations performed, main etiologies leading to the indication for amputation, hospital length of stay and in‐hospital mortality rates, demographics of the amputees and procedure costs.

Results

In total, 180,595 lower limb amputations and surgical revision of amputations were performed, with toe amputations (45%) and major amputations (33%) being the most frequent types of surgeries, with a recent significant increase in the rates for both these procedures. Peripheral artery disease was the most frequent etiology, followed by diabetes mellitus, with both showing an upward trend over the years. Most patients were male (69.3%), Caucasians (55.6%) and elderly. August was the month with the highest number of amputations in all years. Overall in‐hospital mortality after lower limb amputations was 6.6%. Total reimbursed by the government was US$ 67,675,875.55.

Conclusions

Peripheral artery disease is the most frequent underlying diagnosis for lower limb amputations, followed by diabetes mellitus, with both showing an upward trend over the years. We observed seasonality in procedure rates, with peaks in August in all years.
Validation of diagnostic nomograms based on CE–MS urinary biomarkers to detect clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Frantzi Maria , Heidegger Isabel , Roesch Marie C. , Gomez-Gomez Enrique , Steiner Eberhard , Vlahou Antonia , Mullen William , Guler Ipek , Merseburger Axel S. , Mischak Harald , Culig Zoran
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Thus, one major issue in PCa research is to accurately distinguish between indolent and clinically significant (csPCa) to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment. In this study, we aim to validate the usefulness of diagnostic nomograms (DN) to detect csPCa, based on previously published urinary biomarkers.

Methods

Capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry was employed to validate a previously published biomarker model based on 19 urinary peptides specific for csPCa. Added value of the 19-biomarker (BM) model was assessed in diagnostic nomograms including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density and the risk calculator from the European Randomized Study of Screening. For this purpose, urine samples from 147 PCa patients were collected prior to prostate biopsy and before performing digital rectal examination (DRE). The 19-BM score was estimated via a support vector machine-based software based on the pre-defined cutoff criterion of − 0.07. DNs were subsequently developed to assess added value of integrative diagnostics.

Results

Independent validation of the 19-BM resulted in an 87% sensitivity and 65% specificity, with an AUC of 0.81, outperforming PSA (AUC PSA: 0.64), PSA density (AUC PSAD: 0.64) and ERSPC-3/4 risk calculator (0.67). Integration of 19-BM with the rest clinical variables into distinct DN, resulted in improved (AUC range: 0.82–0.88) but not significantly better performances over 19-BM alone.

Conclusion

19-BM alone or upon integration with clinical variables into DN, might be useful for detecting csPCa by decreasing the number of biopsies.
Imaging for risk stratification of sudden cardiac death
Authors: van der Bijl Pieter , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: July 2022

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) can be effectively prevented with the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Current guidelines advocate an ICD for primary prevention in the presence of an left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%. The majority of individuals that experience SCD, however, have an LVEF > 35%. Multimodality cardiac imaging has the ability to visualize the three factors responsible for arrhythmia-mediated SCD, namely substrate, trigger and modulator. Advances in cardiac imaging techniques have allowed improved SCD risk stratification, especially in the group of patients with an LVEF > 35%. However, clinical integration of cardiac imaging for SCD risk stratification will require more comparative data between modalities and parameters, as well as evidence of an impact on outcomes. The current review represents an update on the use of multimodality imaging techniques for SCD risk stratification.
Contribution of TLR4 to colorectal tumor microenvironment, etiology and prognosis
Authors: Crame Elise E. , Nourmohammadi Saeed , Wardill Hannah R. , Coller Janet K. , Bowen Joanne M.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is increasingly recognized for its ability to govern the etiology and prognostic outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) due to its profound immunomodulatory capacity. Despite widespread interest in TLR4 and CRC, no clear analysis of current literature and data exists. Therefore, translational advances have failed to move beyond conceptual ideas and suggestions.

Methods

We aimed to determine the relationship between TLR4 and CRC through a systematic review and analysis of published literature and datasets. Data were extracted from nine studies that reported survival, CRC staging and tumor progression data in relation to TLR4 expression. Primary and metastatic tumor samples with associated clinical data were identified through the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Results

Systematic review identified heterogeneous relationships between TLR4 and CRC traits, with no clear theme evident across studies. A total of 448 datasets were identified through the TCGA database. Analysis of TCGA datasets revealed TLR4 mRNA expression is decreased in advanced CRC stages (P < 0.05 for normal vs Stage II, Stage III and Stage IV). Stage-dependent impact of TLR4 expression on survival outcomes were also found, with high TLR4 expression associated with poorer prognosis (stage I vs III (HR = 4.2, P = 0.008) and stage I vs IV (HR = 11.3, P < 0.001)).

Conclusion

While TLR4 mRNA expression aligned with CRC staging, it appeared to heterogeneously regulate survival outcomes depending on the stage of disease. This underscores the complex relationship between TLR4 and CRC, with unique impacts dependent on disease stage.
Komponenten der Messunsicherheit eines Faraday-Magnetometers
Authors: Piepgras Ruben , Zagar Bernhard G.
Published: July 2022

In diesem Beitrag wird ein magneto-optischer Sensor auf Basis des Faraday-Effekts vorgestellt. Hiermit können anhand der Messung einer Komponente der magnetischen Flussdichte zerstörungsfrei und sogar kontaktlos elektrische Stromdichten und Permanentmagnetisierungen bestimmt werden. Aufgrund seiner Bauweise kann der Sensor bis zu $$6\,\upmu\text{m}$$

6

μ
m

an das Messobjekt angenähert werden. In der vorgestellten Anwendung sollen magnetische Muster mit Strukturgrößen von $$50\,\upmu\text{m}$$

50

μ
m

mit Remanenzen im Bereich 0 mT bis 500 mT auf $$1\,\text{m}\text{T}$$

1

mT

aufgelöst werden. Der Aufbau wird bezüglich seiner Messunsicherheit hinsichtlich dieser Anforderung untersucht. Es soll aber darüber hinaus herausgestellt werden, was allgemein bei der Umsetzung eines Faraday-Magnetometers beachtet werden muss. Dies ermöglicht das Abschätzen des Potenzials für eine große Bandbreite möglicher Anwendungen.
Scale characteristics of variable returns-to-scale production technologies with ratio inputs and outputs
Authors: Olesen Ole Bent , Petersen Niels Christian , Podinovski Victor V.
Published: July 2022

Applications of data envelopment analysis (DEA) often include inputs and outputs represented as percentages, ratios and averages, collectively referred to as ratio measures. It is known that conventional DEA models cannot correctly incorporate such measures. To address this gap, the authors have previously developed new variable and constant returns-to-scale models and computational procedures suitable for the treatment of ratio measures. The focus of this new paper is on the scale characteristics of the variable returns-to-scale production frontiers with ratio inputs and outputs. This includes the notions of the most productive scale size (MPSS), scale and overall efficiency as measures of divergence from MPSS. Additional development concerns alternative notions of returns to scale arising in models with ratio measures. To keep the exposition as general as possible and suitable in different contexts, we allow all scale characteristics to be evaluated with respect to any selected subsets of volume and ratio inputs and outputs, while keeping the remaining measures constant. Overall, this new paper aims at expanding the range of techniques available in applications with ratio measures.
A phenomenographic approach on teacher conceptions of teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 schools
Authors: Yau King Woon , CHAI C. S. , Chiu Thomas K. F. , Meng Helen , King Irwin , Yam Yeung
Published: July 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) education for K-12 students is an emerging necessity, owing to the rapid advancement and deployment of AI technologies. It is essential to take teachers’ perspectives into account when creating ecologically valid AI education programmes for K-12 settings. However, very few studies investigated teacher perception of AI education. Phenomenography is an empirical research method that was widely used to understand teacher’s interpretive understanding of new phenomenon, in this study, the teaching of AI in secondary school. Therefore, the present study investigated teachers’ conceptions of teaching AI using a phenomenographic approach. Twenty-eight in-service teachers from 17 secondary schools in Hong Kong were invited to participate in an interview after implementing an AI curriculum. Six categories of teacher conceptions were identified: (1) technology bridging, (2) knowledge delivery, (3) interest stimulation, (4) ethics establishment, (5) capability cultivation, and (6) intellectual development. The hierarchical relationships of the six concepts were organised as an outcome space. The space shows a range of surface to deep conceptions and offers an understanding of how teachers perceive AI education through their teaching experience. Two learning paths have been suggested for cultivating technical and non-technical teachers for teaching AI. These learning paths provide insights for teacher educators and policymakers to enhance teachers’ competence in teaching AI and promote general AI education for K-12 students.
The influence of service quality and anticipated emotions on donor loyalty: an empirical analysis in blood centres in Spain
Authors: Martín-Santana Josefa D. , Melián-Alzola Lucía
Published: July 2022

Blood donation centres need to recruit and retain donors to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare systems, as COVID-19 has recently evidenced. In such risky settings, blood donation services must increase donations. Service quality can increase donations but its evaluation only amounts to a cognitive evaluation, and not to an emotional appraisal. Consequently, both service quality and emotions should be considered when predicting donor behaviour. In fact, donating blood is an emotionally charged service, thus representing an ideal setting to investigate how emotions influence consumer behaviour. This research proposes a new method to predict blood donors’ intentions by integrating a cognitive approach measuring perceived quality, and an emotional approach including anticipated emotions (both positive and negative) of ‘donation’ and ‘non-donation’. Based on a sample of 30,621 active Spanish donors, it is concluded that service quality is an antecedent for anticipated emotions and that both service quality and anticipated emotions influence donor loyalty. Designing the donation process based on quality criteria would provoke encouraging emotions and diminish discouraging emotions, therefore improving donor loyalty.
Exogenous TIPE2 Inhibit TAK1 to Improve Inflammation and Neuropathic Pain Induced by Sciatic Nerve Injury Through Inactivating NF-κB and JNK
Authors: Sun Xuehua , Li Xinyou , Zhou Youfei , Wang Yufei , Liu Xiaochen
Published: July 2022

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) possesses potent anti-inflammatory effect. However, if TIPE2 ameliorates sciatic nerve injury (SNI)-induced inflammation and pain remains undiscussed, and the underlying role TAK1 in it were unknown. To verify our imagine, we performed SNI surgery, and analyzed expression and colocalization of TIPE2 and TAK1 in spinal cord and dorsal root neurons (DRG) by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. And the biological analysis, inflammatory factors, and pathological improvement were determined, and the regulation of TIPE2 in TAK1, phosphor-NF-κB, phospho-JNK was also tested by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Experimental results showed the parabola-like change of TIPE2 and rising expression of TAK1 in spinal cord and DRG. And intrathecal TIPE2 injection could significantly improve the status of SNI rats, inhibit level of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α, raise the thermal withdrawal relax latency and mechanical withdrawal thresholds. Meanwhile, we also detected how TIPE2 regulated TAK1, and the downstream pathway NF-κB and JNK. The result indicated that TIPE2 could reduce TAK1 expression, and make NF-κB and JNK inactivated. To deeply discuss the potential mechanism, we injected TAK1 oligodeoxynucleotide into rats, and found that TIPE2 exerted the protective role against SNI through TAK1. In brief, TIPE2 reduced expression of TAK1, thereby inhibiting activation of NF-kB and JNK, further improving the neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain. TIPE2 played a protective role in sciatic nerve injury rats through regulating TAK1.
Test power properties of within-firm estimators of ownership and board-related explanatory variables with low time variation
Authors: Boutchkova Maria , Cueto Diego , Gonzalez Angelica
Published: July 2022

Corporate governance research is often limited in its ability to employ within-firm estimators, which address time-invariant endogeneity, when the variables of interest exhibit low time variation (for example, ownership and board independence). The problem is further exacerbated if data for multiple points in time needs to be hand-collected. We offer simulation-based methodological guidance to improve the statistical power of within-firm estimators in the presence of low time variation. We illustrate the usefulness of our simulation results by replicating two influential studies on ownership and board independence and extending them with a within-firm estimator. Based on widely used databases as well as a novel granular database, we document the different degrees and nature of time variation of ownership and board independence across jurisdictions and subgroups by listed status, family control and complexity of ownership structure. Researchers can use our findings to optimize the hand-collection and pre-processing of governance data and thereby increase statistical power and/or to distinguish whether lack of significance is due to low time variation as opposed to absence of a true relationship between their governance variable of interest and the respective outcome.
Constructing ecological indices for urban environments using species distribution models
Authors: SIMONS ARIEL LEVI , CALDWELL STEVIE , FU MICHELLE , GALLEGOS JOSE , GATHERU MICHAEL , RICCARDELLI LAURA , TRUONG NHI , VIERA VALERIA
Published: July 2022

In an increasingly urbanized world, there is a need to study urban areas as their own class of ecosystems as well as assess the impacts of anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity. However, collecting a sufficient number of species observations to estimate patterns of biodiversity in a city can be costly. Here we investigated the use of community science-based data on species occurrences, combined with species distribution models (SDMs), built using MaxEnt and remotely-sensed measures of the environment, to predict the distribution of a number of species across the urban environment of Los Angeles. By selecting species with the most accurate SDMs, and then summarizing these by class, we were able to produce two species richness models (SRMs) to predict biodiversity patterns for species in the class Aves and Magnoliopsida and how they respond to a variety of natural and anthropogenic environmental gradients.

We found that species considered native to Los Angeles tend to have significantly more accurate SDMs than their non-native counterparts. For all species considered in this study we found environmental variables describing anthropogenic activities, such as housing density and alterations to land cover, tend to be more influential than natural factors, such as terrain and proximity to freshwater, in shaping SDMs. Using a random forest model we found our SRMs could account for approximately 54% and 62% of the predicted variation in species richness for species in the classes Aves and Magnoliopsida respectively. Using community science-based species occurrences, SRMs can be used to model patterns of urban biodiversity and assess the roles of environmental factors in shaping them.
Semantic fluency deficits and associated brain activity in Parkinson’s disease with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yang Jihyun , McMahon Katie L , Copland David A , Pourzinal Dana , Byrne Gerard J , Angwin Anthony J , O’Sullivan John D , Dissanayaka Nadeeka N
Published: July 2022

People living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with poor verbal fluency have an increased risk of developing dementia. This study examines the neural mechanisms underpinning semantic fluency deficits in patients with PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) compared to those without MCI (PD-NC) and control participants without PD (non-PD). Thirty-seven (37) participants with PD completed a cognitive assessment battery to identify MCI (13 PD-MCI). Twenty sex- and age-matched non-PD patients also participated. Participants were scanned (3T Siemens PRISMA) while performing semantic fluency, semantic switching, and automatic speech tasks. The number of responses and fMRI data for semantic generation and semantic switching were analyzed. Participants also completed a series of verbal fluency tests outside the scanner, including letter fluency. Participants with PD-MCI performed significantly worse than PD-NC and non-PD participants during semantic fluency and semantic switching tasks. PD-MCI patients showed greater activity in the right angular gyrus than PD-NC and non-PD patients during semantic switching. Increased right angular activity correlated with worse verbal fluency performance outside the scanner. Our study showed that the PD-MCI group performed worse on semantic fluency than either the PD-NC or non-PD groups. Increased right angular gyrus activity in participants with PD-MCI during semantic switching suggests early compensatory mechanisms, predicting the risk of future dementia in PD.
Sex and gender differences in community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Corica Bernadette , Tartaglia Francesco , D’Amico Tania , Romiti Giulio Francesco , Cangemi Roberto
Published: July 2022

Awareness of the influence of sex ands gender on the natural history of several diseases is increasing. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common acute respiratory disease, and it is associated with both morbidity and mortality across all age groups. Although a role for sex- and gender-based differences in the development and associated complications of CAP has been postulated, there is currently high uncertainty on the actual contribution of these factors in the epidemiology and clinical course of CAP. More evidence has been produced on the topic during the last decades, and sex- and gender-based differences have also been extensively studied in COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This review aims to provide an extensive outlook of the role of sex and gender in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with CAP, and on the future research scenarios, with also a specific focus on COVID-19.