bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial ecosystems in conflict regions: evidence from Ukraine
Authors: Belitski Maksim , Cherkas Nataliia , Khlystova Olena
Published: December 2022

Entrepreneurship is a productive force of innovation and economic development. However, in post-conflict regions, there is a greater challenge in allocating entrepreneurial talent to productive entrepreneurship. In this study, we examine the entrepreneurship ecosystem, which is built on the “bottom-up” principles to understand whether its pillars can facilitate productive entrepreneurship in two Ukrainian regions shaken by multiple revolutions and regime change. We introduce a model that puts entrepreneurial conditions in cities and formal institutional changes to a competitive test. Building on the regional entrepreneurship literature, we perform an empirical study in a developing country to reveal what drives productive entrepreneurship in post-conflict regions with entrepreneurship culture, formal networks, debt and equity financing emerging as important determinants of productive entrepreneurship. The effect of formal institutions is significant but highly correlated with rent-seeking behavior of government and corruption. Our analysis suggests that the entrepreneurial conditions in regions focusing on the bottom-up processes of supporting entrepreneurship should work better to enhance productive entrepreneurship activity in a post-conflict region.
Propagation of singularities of Moreau envelopes and distance functions in a Hilbert space
Authors: Strömberg Thomas
Published: December 2022

The Moreau envelopes of nonconvex functions on a real Hilbert space have points of nondifferentiability called singularities. For the first time in an infinite-dimensional space, the propagation of singularities along intrinsic characteristic curves $${\varvec{x}}(t)$$

x

(
t
)

is studied. The properties of the intrinsic characteristics are investigated in some detail. It is proved that singularities propagate along intrinsic characteristics not only locally but globally in t. Actually, this paper distinguishes between “singularities” and “strong singularities,” two concepts that agree for distance functions but disagree for Moreau envelopes, in general. Along intrinsic characteristics, propagating singularities instantaneously transform into strong singularities. Concerning the distance function to a closed nonempty set E, it is demonstrated that the singular set and $$\complement E$$

∁
E

are homotopy equivalent provided E satisfies a certain condition which is weaker than the boundedness of $$\complement E$$

∁
E

. The notion of intrinsic characteristics was introduced by Cannarsa and Cheng (Calc Var Part Differ Equ 56, 2017).
Knockout of the Complex III subunit Uqcrh causes bioenergetic impairment and cardiac contractile dysfunction
Authors: Spielmann Nadine , Schenkl Christina , Komlódi Tímea , da Silva-Buttkus Patricia , Heyne Estelle , Rohde Jana , Amarie Oana V. , Rathkolb Birgit , Gnaiger Erich , Doenst Torsten , Fuchs Helmut , Gailus-Durner Valérie , de Angelis Martin Hrabě , Szibor Marten
Published: December 2022

Ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase hinge protein (UQCRH) is required for the electron transfer between cytochrome c1 and c of the mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 Complex (CIII). A two-exon deletion in the human UQCRH gene has recently been identified as the cause for a rare familial mitochondrial disorder. Deletion of the corresponding gene in the mouse (Uqcrh-KO) resulted in striking biochemical and clinical similarities including impairment of CIII, failure to thrive, elevated blood glucose levels, and early death. Here, we set out to test how global ablation of the murine Uqcrh affects cardiac morphology and contractility, and bioenergetics. Hearts from Uqcrh-KO mutant mice appeared macroscopically considerably smaller compared to wildtype littermate controls despite similar geometries as confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Relating TTE-assessed heart to body mass revealed the development of subtle cardiac enlargement, but histopathological analysis showed no excess collagen deposition. Nonetheless, Uqcrh-KO hearts developed pronounced contractile dysfunction. To assess mitochondrial functions, we used the high-resolution respirometer NextGen-O2k allowing measurement of mitochondrial respiratory capacity through the electron transfer system (ETS) simultaneously with the redox state of ETS-reactive coenzyme Q (Q), or production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Compared to wildtype littermate controls, we found decreased mitochondrial respiratory capacity and more reduced Q in Uqcrh-KO, indicative for an impaired ETS. Yet, mitochondrial ROS production was not generally increased. Taken together, our data suggest that Uqcrh-KO leads to cardiac contractile dysfunction at 9 weeks of age, which is associated with impaired bioenergetics but not with mitochondrial ROS production.

Graphical abstract

Global ablation of the Uqcrh gene results in functional impairment of CIII associated with metabolic dysfunction and postnatal developmental arrest immediately after weaning from the mother. Uqcrh-KO mice show dramatically elevated blood glucose levels and decreased ability of isolated cardiac mitochondria to consume oxygen (O2). Impaired development (failure to thrive) after weaning manifests as a deficiency in the gain of body mass and growth of internal organ including the heart. The relative heart mass seemingly increases when organ mass calculated from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is normalized to body mass. Notably, the heart shows no signs of collagen deposition, yet does develop a contractile dysfunction reflected by a decrease in ejection fraction and fractional shortening.
The distal femoral epiphysis in forensic age diagnostics: studies on the evaluation of the ossification process by means of T1- and PD/T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chitavishvili Natia , Papageorgiou Ismini , Malich Ansgar , Hahnemann Maria L. , Mall Gita , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Wittschieber Daniel
Published: December 2022

The age of majority, which corresponds to the age of 18 years in most European countries, plays a crucial role for a large number of legal decisions. Accordingly, an increasing number of requests by authorities to forensic age estimation experts comprise the question of whether the age of 18 years has been reached by an individual. In recent years, novel study data suggested that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee might likewise allow for the determination of majority beyond reasonable doubt. However, the data basis, especially concerning the distal femoral epiphysis (DFE), is still poor. For this reason, 392 routine MRI cases of the knee (204 males and 188 females of a Western Caucasian population, aged between 12 and 25 years) were retrospectively analyzed. T1-weighted and water-selective fat-saturated PD/T2-weighted sequences, generated at 1.5 and 3.0 T clinical MR scanners, were available. Ossification stages of the DFE were determined by means of the classification system by Vieth et al. (Eur Radiol 2018; 28:3255–3262). Both the intra-observer agreement and inter-observer agreement were found to be “very good” (κ = 0.899 and κ = 0.830). The present study confirmed that MRI of the DFE is suitable to determine majority in both sexes when stage 6 is present as the study revealed minimum ages above the age of 18 years for this stage (20.40 years in males and 20.60 years in females). Accordingly, the data represent a strong support for the so far existing database. Hence, the investigation of the knee using routine MRI appears to become a realistic alternative for forensic age estimation practice in the near future.
Clinical and epidemiological correlates of treatment change in patients with NMOSD: insights from the CIRCLES cohort
Authors: Gholizadeh Shervin , Exuzides Alex , Lewis Katelyn E. , Palmer Chella , Waltz Michael , Rose John W. , Jolley Anna Marie , Behne Jacinta M. , Behne Megan K. , Blaschke Terrence F. , Smith Terry J. , Sinnott Jennifer , Cook Lawrence J. , Yeaman Michael R. ,   The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation CIRCLES Study Group, Aguerre Ines , Amezcua Lilyana , Chitnis Tanuja , Lewis Jessica Coleman , Engel Casey , Han May H. , Klawiter Eric C. , Kocsik Alexandra , Kruse-Hoyer Mason , Levine Libby , Levy Michael , Marcille Melanie , Mealy Maureen A. , Moore Stephanie , Mullin Devin S. , Nelson Katherine E. , Onomichi Kaho B. , Planchon Sarah M. , Pruitt Ana , Repovic Pavle , Riley Claire S. , Rimler Zoe , Russo Andrew W. , Ocampo Collin Tanchanco , Tomczak Anna J.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) represent rare autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system largely targeting optic nerve(s) and spinal cord. The present analysis used real-world data to identify clinical and epidemiological correlates of treatment change in patients with NMOSD.

Methods

CIRCLES is a longitudinal, observational study of NMOSD conducted at 15 centers across North America. Patients with ≥ 60 days of follow-up and receiving on-study maintenance treatment were evaluated. The mean annual relapse rate (ARR) was estimated using negative binomial models; the likelihood of treatment change was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Relapses were included as time-varying covariates to estimate the relationship to treatment change.

Results

Of 542 patients included, 171 (31.5%) experienced ≥ 1 relapse on the study and 133 patients (24.5%) had ≥ 1 change in the treatment regimen. Two categories of variables significantly correlated with the likelihood of treatment change: (1) relapse: any on-study relapse (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.91; p < 0.001), relapse phenotypes (HR range = 2.15–5.49; p < 0.001), and pre-study ARR > 0.75 (HR 2.28; p < 0.001); 2) disease phenotype: brain syndrome only vs transverse myelitis involvement at onset (HR 2.44; p = 0.008), disease duration < 1 vs > 5 years (HR 1.66; p = 0.028), or autoimmune comorbidity (HR 1.55; p = 0.015). A subset of these factors significantly correlated with shorter time to first rituximab discontinuation.

Conclusions

In CIRCLES, relapse patterns and disease phenotype significantly correlated with changes in the maintenance treatment regimen. Such findings may facilitate the identification of patients with NMOSD who are likely to benefit from treatment change to reduce relapse risk or disease burden and enhance the quality of life.
Application of postmortem imaging modalities in cases of sudden death due to cardiovascular diseases–current achievements and limitations from a pathology perspective
Authors: Michaud Katarzyna , Jacobsen Christina , Basso Cristina , Banner Jytte , Blokker Britt M. , de Boer Hans H. , Dedouit Fabrice , O’Donnell Chris , Giordano Carla , Magnin Virginie , Grabherr Silke , Suvarna S. Kim , Wozniak Krzysztof , Parsons Sarah , van der Wal Allard C.
Published: December 2022

Postmortem imaging (PMI) is increasingly used in postmortem practice and is considered a potential alternative to a conventional autopsy, particularly in case of sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). In 2017, the Association for European Cardiovascular Pathology (AECVP) published guidelines on how to perform an autopsy in such cases, which is still considered the gold standard, but the diagnostic value of PMI herein was not analyzed in detail. At present, significant progress has been made in the PMI diagnosis of acute ischemic heart disease, the most important cause of SCD, while the introduction of postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA) has improved the visualization of several parameters of coronary artery pathology that can support a diagnosis of SCD. Postmortem magnetic resonance (PMMR) allows the detection of acute myocardial injury-related edema. However, PMI has limitations when compared to clinical imaging, which severely impacts the postmortem diagnosis of myocardial injuries (ischemic versus non-ischemic), the age-dating of coronary occlusion (acute versus old), other potentially SCD-related cardiac lesions (e.g., the distinctive morphologies of cardiomyopathies), aortic diseases underlying dissection or rupture, or pulmonary embolism. In these instances, PMI cannot replace a histopathological examination for a final diagnosis. Emerging minimally invasive techniques at PMI such as image-guided biopsies of the myocardium or the aorta, provide promising results that warrant further investigations. The rapid developments in the field of postmortem imaging imply that the diagnosis of sudden death due to cardiovascular diseases will soon require detailed knowledge of both postmortem radiology and of pathology.
High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in primary lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the central nervous system
Authors: Nilius-Eliliwi Verena , Treiber Hannes , Seidel Sabine , Vangala Deepak B. , Schroers Roland
Published: December 2022

Primary lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the CNS (CNS-LG) is a rare lymphoid neoplasia associated Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) and often accompanied by immunodeficiencies. No treatment standards have been defined yet. However, due to often devastating neurologic sequelae and based on similarities to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, curative treatment requires intensive therapy protocols resembling protocols applied in CNS lymphoma. Here, the clinical courses and treatments of four primary CNS-LG patients in analogy to aggressive CNS-lymphomas including methotrexate, thiotepa, cytarabine, carmustine, and rituximab are presented. This is the first report on high-dose chemotherapy with CNS-directed drugs and autologous blood stem cell transplantation in primary CNS-LG.
Comprehensive clinical evaluation of CAR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors: a path moving forward or a dead end?
Authors: Drougkas Konstantinos , Karampinos Konstantinos , Karavolias Ioannis , Koumprentziotis Ioannis-Alexios , Ploumaki Ioanna , Triantafyllou Efthymios , Trontzas Ioannis , Kotteas Elias
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a form of adoptive cell therapy that has demonstrated tremendous results in the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies, leading to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of four CD19-targeted CAR-T cell products. With the unprecedented success of CAR-T cell therapy in hematological malignancies, hundreds of preclinical studies and clinical trials are currently undergoing to explore the translation of this treatment to solid tumors. However, the clinical experience in non-hematologic malignancies has been less encouraging, with only a few patients achieving complete responses. Tumor-associated antigen heterogeneity, inefficient CAR-T cell trafficking and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are considered as the most pivotal roadblocks in solid tumor CAR-T cell therapy.

Materials and methods

We reviewed the relevant literature/clinical trials for CAR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors from Pubmed and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Conclusion

Herein, we provide an update on solid tumor CAR-T cell clinical trials, focusing on the studies with published results. We further discuss some of the key hurdles that CAR-T cell therapy is encountering for solid tumor treatment as well as the strategies that are exploited to overcome these obstacles.
Temporal variation in the depth of the magma surface at Aso volcano in 2014–2015
Authors: Ishii Kyoka , Yokoo Akihiko , Ohkura Takahiro , Kazama Takahito
Published: December 2022

Monitoring the depth of the magma surface at open-vent volcanoes can be a practical tool to infer temporal variations in the magma supply during an eruption. We focus on the magmatic eruption of Aso volcano in 2014–2015 to estimate the temporal change in the depth of the magma surface, and show that this needs to be coupled with an understanding of the shallow conduit geometry if it is to be done in a representative manner. The eruption lasted 5 months from November 2014 and ending with a crater floor collapse in May 2015. During the eruption, we recorded seismo-acoustic waveforms related to frequent Strombolian explosions. The infrasound signals show several distinct peak frequencies derived from acoustic resonance inside the vent. We estimate the depth of the magma surface using the time delay of seismo-acoustic signals and the peak frequency of infrasound signals. In addition, the temporal variation in the shape of the conduit is constrained by the overtone frequency of the acoustic resonance. From the beginning of the eruption to early-January 2015, the magma surface was located at a depth of $\sim $
∼
200 m, and the conduit was a cylindrical pipe. Later, between January and February, the magma surface rose to $\sim $
∼
120 m, and the shape of the conduit changed to a conical frustum flaring inside. This finding indicates that the magma was injected into the shallow conduit and that it heated and weakened the conduit wall near the magma surface. Before the cessation of the magmatic eruption, the magma surface dropped by approximately 70 m. This magma drainage and, primarily, the instability of the conduit shape caused the crater floor to collapse. We show the possibility of tracking and assessing the depth of the magma surface and the shallow conduit geometry even with limited seismo-acoustic observations.
Space-time integral currents of bounded variation
Authors: Rindler Filip
Published: December 2022

Motivated by a recent model for elasto-plastic evolutions that are driven by the flow of dislocations, this work develops a theory of space-time integral currents with bounded variation in time, which enables a natural variational approach to the analysis of rate-independent geometric evolutions. Based on this, we further introduce the notion of Lipschitz deformation distance between integral currents, which arises physically as a (simplified) dissipation distance. Several results are obtained: A Helly-type compactness theorem, a deformation theorem, an isoperimetric inequality, and the equivalence of the convergence in deformation distance with the classical notion of weak* (or flat) convergence. Finally, we prove that the Lipschitz deformation distance agrees with the (integral) homogeneous Whitney flat metric for boundaryless currents. Physically, this means that two seemingly different ways to measure the dissipation actually coincide.
Finite time blow up and concentration phenomena for a solution to drift-diffusion equations in higher dimensions
Authors: Ogawa Takayoshi , Suguro Takeshi , Wakui Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

We show the finite time blow up of a solution to the Cauchy problem of a drift-diffusion equation of a parabolic-elliptic type in higher space dimensions. If the initial data satisfies a certain condition involving the entropy functional, then the corresponding solution to the equation does not exist globally in time and blows up in a finite time for the scaling critical space. Besides there exists a concentration point such that the solution exhibits the concentration in the critical norm. This type of blow up was observed in the scaling critical two dimensions. The proof is based on the profile decomposition and the Shannon inequality in the weighted space.
Bootstrapping globally optimal variational calculus solutions
Authors: Chirikjian Gregory S.
Published: December 2022

Whereas in a coordinate-dependent setting the Euler–Lagrange equations establish necessary conditions for solving variational problems in which both the integrands of functionals and the resulting paths are assumed to be sufficiently smooth, uniqueness and global optimality are generally hard to prove in the absence of convexity conditions, and often times they may not even exist. This is also true for variational problems on Lie groups, with the Euler–Poincaré equation establishing necessary conditions. The difficulties compound when integrands and/or the optimal paths are not sufficiently regular, since in this case the classical necessary conditions no longer apply. This article therefore reviews several nonstandard cases where unique globally optimal solutions can be guaranteed, and establishes a “bootstrapping” process to build new globally optimal variational solutions on larger spaces from existing ones on smaller spaces. Surprisingly, it is possible to prove global optimality in some nonconvex cases where even the regularity conditions required for classical necessary conditions do not hold. This general theory is then applied to several topics such as optimal framing of curves in three-dimensional Euclidean space, optimal motion interpolation, and optimal reparametrization of video sequences to compare salient actions.
Caregiving and mental health needs in the significant others of women receiving inpatient and home treatment for acute severe postpartum mental illness
Authors: Atmore Katie H. , Taylor Billie Lever , Potts Laura C. , Trevillion Kylee , Howard Louise M.
Published: December 2022

To examine the mental health and caregiving needs of significant others (including partners, parents, friends) to women who received acute psychiatric care either as inpatients or at home during the perinatal period. Cross-sectional survey of 98 significant others of 279 women who participated in a quasi-experimental cohort study of services for mothers with acute severe postpartum mental health diagnoses. Significant others completed an adapted General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ) and Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire (IEQ) to indicate their mental health needs and service use as well as caregiving activities. The mean age of significant others was 38.9 years (range 24–69). 81.6% were male and 81.6% were intimate partners to the women. High levels of unmet mental health needs were detected in significant others, with a majority (51.0%) having a score > 2 on the GHQ-12 indicating caseness for a psychiatric disorder. In those with GHQ-12 caseness indicated, few were receiving help for their difficulties: 22.5% received support from their general practitioner, and 14.3% received help from a social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist or outpatient department. 18.4% received medication for GHQ-12 symptoms. The median sumscore of IEQ surveying caregiving activities in significant others was 18/108. We did not find evidence of differences in GHQ-12 or IEQ scores for significant others to women who received inpatient care versus care at home. Significant others to women with acute severe postpartum psychiatric illness have high levels of unmet mental health needs during the weeks after women are discharged from acute care. Services need to address these needs to optimise outcomes for the whole family.
Effects of customized CAD/CAM abutments on cytokine levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid during early implant healing: a pilot study
Authors: Wehner Christian , Fürst Gabor , Vaskovich Tom , Andrukhov Oleh , Vasak Christoph , Moritz Andreas , Rausch-Fan Xiaohui
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to assess levels of biomarkers associated with inflammation and tissue destruction in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of implants provided with customized or standard healing abutments during early implant healing.

Materials and methods

Thirty implants were placed in 22 patients with partial posterior edentulism. Subsequently, test group implants (n=15) received one-piece titanium abutments that were fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Control group implants (n=15) were provided with standard abutments. PICF collection and standardized periapical radiographs were carried out at suture removal one week later, following crown delivery after 3 months and at 6 months. Expression of C-reactive protein (CRP), interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12A, IL-17A, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, osteopontin, osteoactivin, Receptor Activator of NF-κB (RANK), and TGF-β were analyzed using a multiplex ELISA kit.

Results

Both groups showed a significant decrease in protein expression of CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α, osteopontin, osteoactivin, and TGF-β, while MMP-13 levels increased during the observation period. A rise in OPG and RANK levels was detected among customized abutments. Expression of CRP was higher, whereas IL-1β, IL-1α, and MIP-1α were decreased in control compared to test group implants after 6 months. Marginal bone loss did not depend on abutment modality.

Conclusions

Both abutment types showed distinctive temporal expression of inflammatory biomarkers during 6 months following implant placement.

Trial registration

ISRCTN98477184, registration date 18/05/2022

Clinical relevance

Customized healing abutments exert similar effects on inflammation during early implant healing compared to standard healing abutments.
HLA-B27 as a predictor of effectiveness of treatment with TNF inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis: data from the Swiss Clinical Quality Management Registry
Authors: Fröhlich Fabienne , Micheroli Raphael , Hebeisen Monika , Kissling Seraphina , Bürki Kristina , Exer Pascale , Bräm René , Niedermann Karin , Möller Burkhard , Nissen Michael J. , Kyburz Diego , Andor Michael , Distler Oliver , Scherer Almut , Ciurea Adrian
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the impact of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 on the effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

A total of 1109 patients with available HLA-B27 status (831 B27+ patients and 278 B27− patients) fulfilling the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society classification criteria for axSpA from the prospective Swiss Clinical Quality Management Registry initiating a first TNFi were included. Drug retention was investigated with multiple adjusted Cox proportional hazard models with imputation of missing values. Multiple-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess the proportion of patients reaching 50% reduction in the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI50) at 1 year.

Results

B27+ and B27− patients differed with regard to age, sex, BASDAI, C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index, enthesitis, uveitis, and classification status. After adjustment for potential confounders for the relationship between HLA-B27 and drug effectiveness (sex and family history of spondyloarthritis), a higher risk of drug discontinuation was found in B27− patients (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.27–1.83). This difference decreased after additional adjustment for parameters which may act as mediators (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.30–1.55). Male sex and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were consistently associated with longer retention. Comparable results were obtained for BASDAI50 responses.

Conclusion

The HLA-B27 genotype is an important predictor of treatment effectiveness. Male sex and CRP seem, however, to better describe variability of response in individual patients. This data may help avoiding potential discrimination of B27− individuals with regard to TNFi initiation.

Key Points• HLA-B27 is a predictor of effectiveness of TNF inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis.• Variability of response in individual patients is better defined by sex and objective markers of disease activity, such as C-reactive protein.
Basilar artery curvature increases the risk of posterior circulation infarction occurrence in patients without vertebrobasilar stenosis
Authors: Cao Shugang , Zhai Mingfeng , He Jun , Wang Jian , Ge Tingting , Wu Qian , Ni Xiaoxing , Cui Ping , Xu Wen’an , Xia Mingwu
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Limited cross-sectional or case–control studies have identified the relationship between basilar artery (BA) curvature and posterior circulation infarction (PCI). This study aimed to identify the influence of BA curvature severity on the risk of PCI occurrence in patients without vertebrobasilar stenosis through a prospective cohort study.

Methods

In this study, we enrolled 171 patients with BA dolichosis but without vertebrobasilar stenosis. The BA geometric parameters were evaluated on MRA. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PCI, mainly referring to cerebellar and/or brainstem infarction. Cox proportional hazard models were used to detect possible predictors of PCI.

Results

Among them, 134 (78.4%) patients were diagnosed with BA curvature, including 124 with moderate curvature and 10 with prominent curvature. The defined PCI occurrence was observed in 32 (18.7%) patients with a median follow-up time of 45.6 months. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that BA prominent curvature (HR = 6.09; 95% CI: 1.36–27.28; P = 0.018) significantly increased the risk of PCI occurrence, and bending length (BL) was also significantly associated with PCI occurrence, with the adjusted HR per 1-mm increase of BL of 1.09 (95% CI: 1.01–1.18; P = 0.040). In the subgroup analysis stratified by age, BA prominent curvature was highly associated with PCI occurrence in patients aged > 61 years (HR = 11.76; 95% CI: 1.21–113.90; P = 0.033). Additionally, good antiplatelet therapy adherence could significantly reduce the risk of PCI occurrence.

Conclusion

BA curvature may increase the risk of PCI occurrence, especially in elderly patients with prominent curvature. Improving adherence to antiplatelet therapy can help reduce the risk of PCI occurrence.
A combined subcision approach with either fractional CO2 laser (10,600 nm) or cross-linked hyaluronic acid versus subcision alone in atrophic post-acne scar treatment
Authors: Abdelwahab Alaa Abdelaziz , Omar Ghada Abdel badea , Hamdino Mervat
Published: December 2022

Different treatment options for post-acne scars exist, but with varying clinical efficacy, side effects, and prolonged downtime. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of combined subcision with either fractional CO2 laser or cross-linked hyaluronic acid filler (HA) versus subcision alone in the treatment of facial atrophic post-acne scars. Forty patients with atrophic post-acne scars were subjected to subcision on both sides of the face, then were randomly divided into three groups. Group I (20 patients): subcision combined with cross-linked HA filler injection at one side of the face; group II (20 patients): subcision followed by fractional CO2 at the other side of the face; and group III (20 patients): with subcision only as a control group. Treatment sessions were every month until clinical improvement or for maximum three sessions. The treatment’s efficacy was assessed by Goodman and Baron’s qualitative and quantitative grading systems. The two blinded investigator scores showed significant improvement in both the filler side versus subcision (p value = 0.015), and the fractional laser side versus subcision (p value < 0.001), with no statistically significant difference between both sides (p value = 0.171). Qualitative grading by Goodman and Baron scores showed that the percentage of patients with excellent improvement was higher in group 1 and group 2 than in group 3 with p value = 0.031; also the mean percentage of reduction in quantitative grading was higher in group 1 and group 2 than in group 3 with p value < 0.00. Either combined subcision with fractional CO2 laser or with cross-linked HA filler achieved superior improvement in facial atrophic post acne scars treatment with no serious side effects in this study. However, subcision only by blunt canula also had modest improvement.
Validation of the Berlin Grading System for moyamoya angiopathy with the use of [15O]H2O PET
Authors: Mertens R. , Acker G. , Kersting K. , Lange C. , Furth C. , Beyaztas D. , Truckenmueller P. , Moedl L. , Spruenken E. D. , Czabanka M. , Vajkoczy P.
Published: December 2022

The Berlin Grading System assesses clinical severity of moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) by combining MRI, DSA, and cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC). Our aim was to validate this grading system using [15O]H2O PET for CVRC. We retrospectively identified bilateral MMA patients who underwent [15O]H2O PET examination and were treated surgically at our department. Each hemisphere was classified using the Suzuki and Berlin Grading System. Preoperative symptoms and perioperative ischemias were collected, and a logistic regression analysis was performed. A total of 100 hemispheres in 50 MMA patients (36 women, 14 men) were included. Using the Berlin Grading System, 2 (2.8%) of 71 symptomatic hemispheres were categorized as grade I, 14 (19.7%) as grade II, and 55 (77.5%) as grade III. The 29 asymptomatic hemispheres were characterized as grade I in 7 (24.1%) hemispheres, grade II in 12 (41.4%), and grade III in 10 (34.5%) hemispheres. Berlin grades were independent factors for identifying hemispheres as symptomatic and higher grades correlated with increasing proportion of symptomatic hemispheres (p < 0.01). The Suzuki grading did not correlate with preoperative symptoms (p = 0.26). Perioperative ischemic complications occurred in 8 of 88 operated hemispheres. Overall, complications did not occur in any of the grade I hemispheres, but in 9.1% (n = 2 of 22) and 9.8% (n = 6 of 61) of grade II and III hemispheres, respectively. In this study, we validated the Berlin Grading System with the use of [15O]H2O PET for CVRC as it could stratify preoperative symptomatology. Furthermore, we highlighted its relevance for predicting perioperative ischemic complications.
Bonobo mothers have elevated urinary cortisol levels during early but not mid or late lactation
Authors: Nurmi Niina O. , Sonnweber Ruth , Schülke Oliver , Moscovice Liza R. , Deschner Tobias , Hohmann Gottfried
Published: December 2022

In mammals, the costs of reproduction are biased towards females. Lactation is particularly energetically expensive, and behavioral and physiological data indicate that maternal effort during lactation induces energetic stress. Another source of stress in females is male aggression directed towards them when they are cycling. Evaluating the costs of reproduction in wild and mobile animals can be a challenging task, and requires detailed information on state-dependent parameters such as hormone levels. Glucocorticoid (GC) levels are indicative of nutritional and social stress, and are widely used to assess the costs of reproduction. We investigated variation in urinary levels of cortisol, the main GC in female bonobos (Pan paniscus), between and within reproductive stages. Female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), the closest living relative of the bonobos, are often exposed to intense aggression from males, which causes a significant rise in their cortisol levels during the phase of their maximum fecundity. In bonobos, males compete for access to fertile females, but aggressive male mating strategies are absent in this species. Therefore, we expected that GC levels of cycling female bonobos would be lower than those of lactating females. Due to the long period of offspring care in bonobos, we expected that GC levels would remain elevated into the late stage of lactation, when immatures gain body weight but may still be nursed and carried by their mothers. We found elevated urinary GC levels only during the early stage of lactation. The GC levels of cycling females did not differ from those in the mid or late lactation stage. Behavioral strategies of female bonobos may allow them to compensate for the elevated energetic demands of lactation and prolonged maternal care.
Soil organic matter transformation influenced by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) succession on abandoned from agricultural production sandy soil
Authors: Jonczak Jerzy , Oktaba Lidia , Pawłowicz Edyta , Chojnacka Aleksandra , Regulska Edyta , Słowińska Sandra , Olejniczak Izabella , Oktaba Jarosław , Kruczkowska Bogusława , Kondras Marek , Jankiewicz Urszula , Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta
Published: December 2022

A chronosequence approach was applied to evaluate the effects of silver birch succession on soil organic matter (SOM). The studies covered five plots (arable field [AF], fallow [FA] and three birch stands aged 8, 33 and 40 years), and all located in the same complex of Brunic Arenosols in central Poland. The O and A horizons of the soils were sampled and analysed using the standard procedures in soil science. It was found that the birch succession was accompanied by dynamic changes in the stock and quality of the SOM. The transition from AF to FA soils did not significantly change the content or pool of SOM in the A horizon; however, it did modify its fractional composition and internal structure. This was reflected by an increase in the humic acids content and a decrease in the fulvic acid, as well as in the values of the elemental and13C-NMR analyses. Rapid losses in the SOM content and stock in the A horizon were recorded after entering the silver birch. The soils under the young birches were characterised by lower contents of low-molecular humus fractions, which are more susceptible to microbial degradation, than the FA soils. In addition, the birch succession contributed to a lower internal oxidation of the humic acids and an increase in the content of aliphatic structures in their molecules. The next stages of succession were characterised by gradually increasing SOM contents and stocks, accompanied by the increasing internal oxidation and maturity of the humic acids.
Incorporating software security: using developer workshops to engage product managers
Authors: Weir Charles , Becker Ingolf , Blair Lynne
Published: December 2022

Evidence from data breach reports shows that many competent software development teams still do not implement secure, privacy-preserving software, even though techniques to do so are now well-known. A major factor causing this is simply a lack of priority and resources for security, as decided by product managers. So, how can we help developers and product managers to work together to achieve appropriate decisions on security and privacy issues? This paper explores using structured workshops to support teams of developers in engaging product managers with software security and privacy, even in the absence of security professionals. The research used the Design Based Research methodology. This paper describes and justifies our workshop design and implementation, and describes our thematic coding of both participant interviews and workshop discussions to quantify and explore the workshops’ effectiveness. Based on trials in eight organizations, involving 88 developers, we found the workshops effective in helping development teams to identify, promote, and prioritize security issues with product managers. Comparisons between organizations suggested that such workshops are most effective with groups with limited security expertise, and when led by the development team leaders. We also found workshop participants needed minimal guidance to identify security threats, and a wide range of ways to promote possible security improvements. Empowering developers and product managers in this way offers a powerful grassroots approach to improve software security worldwide.
Chasing Metaverses: Reflecting on Existing Literature to Understand the Business Value of Metaverses
Authors: Polyviou Ariana , Pappas Ilias O.
Published: December 2022

Metaverses refer to immersive virtual worlds in which people, places, and things of the physical world are represented by their digital representations. The wide adoption of metaverses is expected to widely disrupt the way we interact in the virtual world by elevating our online interactive experiences and bringing a plethora of implications for businesses. Following a structured literature review of related research published in the last decade, we shed light on our current understanding of metaverses and reflect on the potentially transformative value of metaverses for businesses in the near future. We draw on an established research framework to organize the insights of existing literature across different levels of analysis and activities’ purpose. Through this analysis, we reveal eight propositions on the changes brought by the use of metaverses and identify a number of open questions which could serve as future research avenues.
Stable and unstable associations between learning environment factors and study approaches: two consecutive cross-sectional analyses of Norwegian occupational therapy students
Authors: Mørk Gry , Stigen Linda , Gramstad Astrid , Magne Trine A. , Carstensen Tove , Bonsaksen Tore
Published: December 2022

Relationships between learning environment variables and students’ approaches to studying have been investigated from many points of view over the last decades. However, few studies have explored whether such relationships are stable over time. In the two consecutive cross-sectional analyses performed in this study, Norwegian occupational therapy students’ perceptions of their learning environment and their approaches to studying were assessed in the second (162 students) and third (193 students) year of their study program. Aside from sociodemographic information, the students completed the Course Experience Questionnaire and the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students, with the aim of exploring whether associations between learning environment variables and study approaches were stable across time. The data were analyzed with hierarchical linear regression analyses. Relatively stable associations with students’ study approaches were found for the learning environment variables of ‘generic skills’ and ‘appropriate workload’. The learning environment variables of ‘clear goals and standards’ and ‘student autonomy’ were directly associated with study approaches in both study years, but the nature of the associations shifted during the study period. Thus, knowledge of stability and change in these relationships could assist faculty in promoting a well-functioning learning environment throughout the study program.
Quantifying crop vulnerability to weather-related extreme events and climate change through vulnerability curves
Authors: Monteleone Beatrice , Borzí Iolanda , Bonaccorso Brunella , Martina Mario
Published: December 2022

Weather extremes have been responsible for widespread economic damage at global scale in the last decades. Agriculture alone absorbed 26% of the overall impact caused by natural hazards in low- and middle-income countries and even in high-income countries yield losses due to extreme weather are relevant. Vulnerability curves are traditionally used to quickly estimate the damage due to extreme events. This study maps the articles published from January 2000 to May 2022 implementing crop vulnerability curves to weather-related extreme events and climate change. Fifty-two articles have been identified through the use of Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the references of the selected papers. The selected papers have been analysed to determine for which extreme events vulnerability curves have been proposed, which crops have been studied, which explanatory variables have been used to create the curves, which functions are used to develop vulnerability curves and the number of parameters on which the proposed functions rely. Comparisons among the vulnerability curves for the various extremes are proposed, as well as indications of the main drawback of the developed vulnerability curves. Finally, areas where further research is needed are proposed together with recommendations on which elements should be included in vulnerability curve development.
In Search of the "Right" Integration Effects: From Complex to Simple Modeling
Authors: Breuss Fritz
Published: December 2022

Recently, studies with different methods (computable general equilibrium models, dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models, structural gravity equations) evaluated the European Union’s Single Market. The problem with all these studies is that they use complex models with datasets that are not always replicable. This paper demonstrates that even a simple model of the European Union can capture the most important effects of European economic integration: the European Union’s Single Market, the introduction of the Euro, and the following European Union enlargements. A simple European Union model, built with the publicly available program, EViews, serves this purpose. The dataset is also freely available from the European Commission. This makes the model results replicable. Evaluation of Austrian membership in the European Union is in the foreground of the analysis with the simple European Union model, followed by the next steps of integration, such as the introduction of the Euro and the big European Union enlargements. However, this prototype model is also able to estimate the integration effects of other European Union member states.
Capital stock, energy, and innovation-related aspects as drivers of environmental quality in high-tech investing economies
Authors: Celik Ali , Alola Andrew Adewale
Published: December 2022

By looking at the technological advancement and climate change mitigation plan of the advanced economies, the current study examines the role of sustainable development aspects such as innovations, high technology export, labor productivity, capital stock, research and development (R&D), information and communication technology (ICT), capital stock, and energy use in mitigating environmental degradation for the selected panel of countries with the most investment in technology (China, Denmark, Finland, France, Israel, Korea, Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States) over the period 2000–2018. Foremost, the pooled ordinary least square (POLS) and random-effects (RE) generalized least squares (GLS) approaches provided additional interesting inferences. As such, the POLS result revealed that only capital stock in the panel countries shows a desirable environmental effect. At the same time, labor productivity, innovation, R&D, ICT, and energy further hamper ecological quality in the examined panel countries. Similarly, the GLS result largely affirms the POLS results, with only the capital stock among the explanatory variables showing evidence of emission mitigation effect in the panel. Additionally, the panel Granger causality result illustrates evidence of unidirectional causality only innovation, ICT, and capital stock to environmental degradation.
A multimodal user interface for touchless control of robotic ultrasound
Authors: Schreiter Josefine , Mielke Tonia , Schott Danny , Thormann Maximilian , Omari Jazan , Pech Maciej , Hansen Christian
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Past research contained the investigation and development of robotic ultrasound. In this context, interfaces which allow for interaction with the robotic system are of paramount importance. Few researchers have addressed the issue of developing non-tactile interaction approaches, although they could be beneficial for maintaining sterility during medical procedures. Interaction could be supported by multimodality, which has the potential to enable intuitive and natural interaction. To assess the feasibility of multimodal interaction for non-tactile control of a co-located robotic ultrasound system, a novel human–robot interaction concept was developed.

Methods

The medical use case of needle-based interventions under hybrid computed tomography and ultrasound imaging was analyzed by interviewing four radiologists. From the resulting workflow, interaction tasks were derived which include human–robot interaction. Based on this, characteristics of a multimodal, touchless human–robot interface were elaborated, suitable interaction modalities were identified, and a corresponding interface was developed, which was thereafter evaluated in a user study with eight participants.

Results

The implemented interface includes voice commands, combined with hand gesture control for discrete control and navigation interaction of the robotic US probe, respectively. The interaction concept was evaluated by the users in the form of a quantitative questionnaire with a average usability. Qualitative analysis of interview results revealed user satisfaction with the implemented interaction methods and potential improvements to the system.

Conclusion

A multimodal, touchless interaction concept for a robotic US for the use case of needle-based procedures in interventional radiology was developed, incorporating combined voice and hand gesture control. Future steps will include the integration of a solution for the missing haptic feedback and the evaluation of its clinical suitability.