bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of two Rayleigh waves in viscoelastic medium: Explicit expressions for complex velocities
Authors: Sharma Mohan D
Published: April 2023

Propagation of Rayleigh waves is considered in an isotropic linear viscoelastic medium. Such propagation is represented through a complex velocity, which lies implicit in an irrational secular equation. A complex analysis technique is used to transform this irrational complex equation into an algebraic equation. A linear equation replaces the secular equation for propagation of the classical Rayleigh wave in viscoelastic medium. A quadratic equation replaces the secular equation for propagation of additional Rayleigh wave, which exists for appropriate value of a complex parameter. Explicit expressions are obtained for the complex velocity, which satisfy the secular equation for Rayleigh waves. Two different analytical expressions for the velocity certify the existence of second Rayleigh wave in some viscoelastic materials with specifically related elastic and dissipative parameters. Numerical examples are solved to analyse the complex velocities and particle motion for the two Rayleigh waves in viscoelastic materials.
Was ist Inflation (und wie misst man sie)?
Authors: Gischer Horst , Herz Bernhard , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: April 2023

Mit der Inflation wird das Geld entwertet, weil man für denselben Geldbetrag weniger Güter oder Dienstleistungen kaufen kann. Dies können alle Verbraucher:innen direkt spüren, wenn sie Güter regelmäßig kaufen, deren Preise sie gut kennen, und diese dann steigen. Als Beispiel mag ein Liter Milch gelten, ein Pfund Butter oder andere Standardprodukte.
Laborchemisches und kalorimetrisches Monitoring der medizinischen Ernährungstherapie auf der Intensiv- und Intermediate Care Station
Authors: Elke Gunnar , Hartl Wolfgang H. , Adolph Michael , Angstwurm Matthias , Brunkhorst Frank M. , Edel Andreas , Heer Geraldine de , Felbinger Thomas W. , Goeters Christiane , Hill Aileen , Kreymann K. Georg , Mayer Konstantin , Ockenga Johann , Petros Sirak , Rümelin Andreas , Schaller Stefan J. , Schneider Andrea , Stoppe Christian , Weimann Arved
Published: April 2023

Dieses zweite Positionspapier der Sektion Metabolismus und Ernährung der Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI) gibt Empfehlungen zum laborchemischen Monitoring der Makro- und Mikronährstoffzufuhr sowie zum Einsatz der indirekten Kalorimetrie im Rahmen der medizinischen Ernährungstherapie erwachsener Intensivpatient:innen. Zusätzlich werden Empfehlungen zur krankheitsbezogenen bzw. individuellen (Spiegelbestimmung) Substitution und (Hochdosis‑)Pharmakotherapie von Vitaminen und Spurenelementen vorgenommen.
Implications of BCRP modulation on PTZ-induced seizures in mice: Role of ko143 and metformin as adjuvants to lamotrigine
Authors: Harby Sahar A. , Khalil Nehal A. , El-Sayed Norhan S. , Thabet Eman H. , Saleh Samar R. , Fathelbab Mona Hassan
Published: April 2023

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) efflux transporters' overexpression hinders antiepileptic drug brain entry. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is a major BBB efflux transporter. In the present work, BCRP's role as a mechanism that might contribute to drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in a mouse model of acute seizures was studied with further assessment of the effect of its inhibition by ko143 and metformin (MET) on lamotrigine (LTG) bioavailability and efficacy. 42 male mice divided into 6 groups: G1: Normal control, G2: LTG-injected healthy mice: LTG 20 mg/kg i.p., G3: Acute seizures (A.S) mice: Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) 50 mg/kg i.p., G4: LTG-treated A.S mice: LTG 20 mg/kg + PTZ 50 mg/kg i.p., G5: Ko143 + LTG treated A.S mice: Ko143 15 mg/kg i.p. before LTG + PTZ, G6: MET + LTG treated A.S mice: MET 200 mg/kg i.p. before LTG + PTZ. Seizures severity, serum, brain LTG, and brain BCRP were assessed. PTZ group experienced the highest seizure frequency and brain BCRP expression. Ko143 and MET groups showed a significant decrease in brain BCRP with subsequent improvement in brain LTG level and better seizure control. BCRP has a significant role in epilepsy resistance and its inhibition with ko143 or MET adds value to DRE management.
How the timing of visual feedback influences goal-directed arm movements: delays and presentation rates
Authors: Brenner Eli , van Straaten Chris A. G. , de Vries A. Julia , Baas Tobias R. D. , Bröring Kirsten M. , Smeets Jeroen B. J.
Published: April 2023

Visual feedback normally helps guide movements to their goal. When moving one’s hand, such guidance has to deal with a sensorimotor delay of about 100 ms. When moving a cursor, it also has to deal with a delay of tens of milliseconds that arises between the hand moving the mouse and the cursor moving on the screen. Moreover, the cursor is presented at a certain rate, so only positions corresponding with the position of the mouse at certain moments are presented. How does the additional delay and the rate at which cursor positions are updated influence how well the cursor can be guided to the goal? We asked participants to move a cursor to consecutive targets as quickly as they could. They did so for various additional delays and presentation rates. It took longer for the mouse to reach the target when the additional delay was longer. It also took longer when a lower presentation rate was achieved by not presenting the cursor all the time. The fraction of the time during which the cursor was present was more important than the rate at which the cursor’s position was updated. We conclude that the way human arm movements are guided benefits from continuous access to recent visual feedback.
Modifications of simple models of polymer blend compatibilization using block copolymer
Authors: Fortelný Ivan , Jůza Josef
Published: April 2023

Polymer blends can be compatibilized using block and graft copolymers with blocks identical to, miscible with, or adhering to related components of the blend. The relatively simple models of compatibilized blends published in our preceding papers following up on the work of Leibler and its modification by Retsos, based on the comments of Noolandi, have now been extended. Our analysis of the mean field formula for a decrease in the interfacial tension by Noolandi and Hong resulted in further modification. This modification provides a higher amount of copolymer in the interfacial region and higher compatibilization efficiency than models used in our previous papers. In contrast to previous theories, it predicts maximum compatibilization efficiency for copolymer blocks somewhat shorter than the homopolymers. With respect to the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, this calculated maximum reaches its lowest value for a certain value of the interaction parameter.
Comparison of NTRK fusion detection methods in microsatellite-instability-high metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Schraa Suzanna J. , Stelloo Ellen , Laclé Miangela M. , Swennenhuis Joost F. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , Fijneman Remond J. A. , Feitsma Harma , Koopman Miriam , de Leng Wendy W. , Vink Geraldine R. , Bol Guus M.
Published: April 2023

Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors have been approved for metastatic solid tumors harboring NTRK fusions, but the detection of NTRK fusions is challenging. International guidelines recommend pan-TRK immunohistochemistry (IHC) screening followed by next generation sequencing (NGS) in tumor types with low prevalence of NTRK fusions, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). RNA-based NGS is preferred, but is expensive, time-consuming, and extracting good-quality RNA from FFPE tissue is challenging. Alternatives in daily clinical practice are warranted. We assessed the diagnostic performance of RNA-NGS, FFPE-targeted locus capture (FFPE-TLC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and the 5′/3′ imbalance quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) after IHC screening in 268 patients with microsatellite-instability-high mCRC, the subgroup in which NTRK fusions are most prevalent (1–5%). A consensus result was determined after review of all assay results. In 16 IHC positive tumors, 10 NTRK fusions were detected. In 33 IHC negative samples, no additional transcribed NTRK fusions were found, underscoring the high sensitivity of IHC. Sensitivity of RNA-NGS, FFPE-TLC, FISH, and qRT-PCR was 90%, 90%, 78%, and 100%, respectively. Specificity was 100% for all assays. Robustness, defined as the percentage of samples that provided an interpretable result in the first run, was 100% for FFPE-TLC, yet more limited for RNA-NGS (85%), FISH (70%), and qRT-PCR (70%). Overall, we do not recommend FISH for the detection of NTRK fusions in mCRC due to its low sensitivity and limited robustness. We conclude that RNA-NGS, FFPE-TLC, and qRT-PCR are appropriate assays for NTRK fusion detection, after enrichment with pan-TRK IHC, in routine clinical practice.
TROP-2 is widely expressed in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and represents a potential new therapeutic target
Authors: Condic Mateja , Egger Eva K. , Klümper Niklas , Kristiansen Glen , Mustea Alexander , Thiesler Thore , Ralser Damian J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare malignancy of the female genital tract with increasing incidence rates. Etiologically, HPV-dependent and HPV-independent VSCC are distinguished. Surgical treatment and/or radiotherapy represent the therapeutic mainstay for localized disease. For recurrent or metastatic VSCC, treatment options are limited. Research has identified trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) to be broadly expressed across different tumor entities. The aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the expression of TROP-2 in VSCC.

Methods

TROP-2 protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in a cohort comprising n = 103 patients with primary VSCC. A four-tier scoring system (0: no staining, 1 + : low staining, 2 + : moderate staining, 3 + : high staining) was applied for quantification of protein expression. For further analyses, two groups (low TROP-2 expression: 0/1 + ; high TROP-2 expression: 2 + /3 +) were generated. The entire study cohort, as well as HPV-dependent and HPV-independent VSCC were considered separately.

Results

In the entire VSCC study cohort, TROP-2 expression was present in 97.1% of all cases (n = 100) with 74.8% displaying high TROP-2 expression (2 + /3 +). Only 2.9% of tumors showed absent TROP-2 expression. Of note, all HPV-dependent VSCC (n = 18) demonstrated high TROP-2 expression (2 + /3 +). In the subgroup of HPV-independent VSCC (n = 70), high TROP-2 expression was associated with favorable clinical outcomes based on log rank test and univariate cox analysis.

Conclusion

TROP-2 protein expression is of prognostic value in HPV-independent VSCC. The broad expression of TROP-2 in VSCC indicates the TROP-2 directed ADC Sacituzumab govitecan as a potential new therapeutic strategy for VSCC patients.
Rechtliche Aspekte des Einsatzes von KI und Robotik in Medizin und Pflege
Authors: Beck Susanne , Faber Michelle , Gerndt Simon
Published: April 2023

Die rasanten Entwicklungen im Bereich der Künstlichen Intelligenz und Robotik stellen nicht nur die Ethik, sondern auch das Recht vor neue Herausforderungen, gerade im Bereich der Medizin und Pflege. Grundsätzlich hat der Einsatz von KI dabei das Potenzial, sowohl die Heilbehandlungen als auch den adäquaten Umgang im Rahmen der Pflege zu erleichtern, wenn nicht sogar zu verbessern. Verwaltungsaufgaben, die Überwachung von Vitalfunktionen und deren Parameter sowie die Untersuchung von Gewebeproben etwa könnten autonom ablaufen. In Diagnostik und Therapie können Systeme die behandelnde Ärztin unterstützen. Intelligente Betten ermöglichen eine Frühmobilisierung der Patient:innen bei gleichzeitig geringerem Personalaufwand. Gleichwohl birgt der Einsatz der Systeme rechtliche Herausforderungen. So besteht das Risiko einer Verletzung der beteiligten Personen. Im Gegensatz zu herkömmlichen Technologien „leidet“ KI unter der „Black-Box-Problematik“: Die von den Systemen generierten Ergebnisse sind nicht mehr vollständig vorhersehbar und nachvollziehbar. Der Einsatz birgt unbekannte und unkalkulierbare Risiken, was sich insbesondere auf die zivilrechtliche Haftung und strafrechtliche Verantwortung auswirkt. Wem die Entscheidungen der Systeme normativ zuzurechnen sind, ist eine Kernfrage des juristischen Diskurses. Die aus praktikabilitätsgründen naheliegende Wahl, dem letztentscheidenden Menschen das Verhalten eines KI-Systems zuzurechnen, überzeugt nicht in allen Fällen, sondern degradiert ihn häufig zum symbolischen Haftungsknecht und legt ihm einseitig die Risiken der Technologien auf. Weiterhin ergeben sich im Bereich der Medizin und Pflege Fragen hinsichtlich der Zulassung von KI-Systemen, da die Maschinen während der Nutzung weiterlernen und so ihren strukturellen Aufbau kontinuierlich verändern. Es ist daher angebracht, sich frühzeitig mit dem Konfliktpotential aus ethischer und rechtlicher Sicht auseinander zu setzen, um einer potenziellen gesellschaftlichen Angst vor derartigen Systemen vorzubeugen und einen praxisgerechten Handlungsrahmen zu schaffen.
Unveiling and Unraveling Aggregation and Dispersion Fallacies in Group MCDM
Authors: Mohammadi Majid , Tamburri Damian A. , Rezaei Jafar
Published: April 2023

Priorities in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) convey the relevance preference of one criterion over another, which is usually reflected by imposing the non-negativity and unit-sum constraints. The processing of such priorities is different than other unconstrained data, but this point is often neglected by researchers, which results in fallacious statistical analysis. This article studies three prevalent fallacies in group MCDM along with solutions based on compositional data analysis to avoid misusing statistical operations. First, we use a compositional approach to aggregate the priorities of a group of DMs and show that the outcome of the compositional analysis is identical to the normalized geometric mean, meaning that the arithmetic mean should be avoided. Furthermore, a new aggregation method is developed, which is a robust surrogate for the geometric mean. We also discuss the errors in computing measures of dispersion, including standard deviation and distance functions. Discussing the fallacies in computing the standard deviation, we provide a probabilistic criteria ranking by developing proper Bayesian tests, where we calculate the extent to which a criterion is more important than another. Finally, we explain the errors in computing the distance between priorities, and a clustering algorithm is specially tailored based on proper distance metrics.
Isothermal (Vapour  +  Liquid) Equilibrium Measurements and Correlation of the Binary Mixture {3,3,3-Trifluoropropene (HFO-1243zf) + 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf)} at Temperatures from 283.15 K to 323.15 K
Authors: Fedele L. , Lombardo G. , Menegazzo D. , Scattolini M. , Bobbo S.
Published: April 2023

The many constrains introduced by the F-gas Regulation and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol have resulted in an intense search for alternatives to fluorinated greenhouses gases for air conditioning and refrigeration purposes (Mota-Babiloni A, Makhnatch P, in Int J Refrig 127:101–110, 2021). With respect to the urge of new low-GWP and low-ODP refrigerants, blends composed of hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) are considered promising possible substitutes to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for HVAC&R applications (Sovacool et al., in Renew Sustain Energy Rev 141:110759), but thermophysical properties data for these blends are still scarce (Bell et al., in: J Chem Eng Data, 2021). In the present study, the vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) for the binary system (HFO-1243zf + HFO-1234yf), for which just one set of data on the VLE is available to date in literature, has been experimentally studied by means of a vapor recirculation apparatus. The measurements have been performed at isothermal conditions in the range of temperatures between 283.15 K and 323.15 K, while the composition of both the phases in equilibrium has been measured by gas-chromatographic analysis. The experimental VLE data have been correlated by two different equations of state (EoS): the Peng-Robinson (PR) EoS combined with Mathias–Copeman (MC) alpha function and van der Waals (vdW) mixing rules, and the Helmoltz EoS with dedicated binary interaction parameters. Correlated results showed a good agreement with the experimental data for the binary system.
News Media Coverage of Childcare: How U.S. Local TV News Framed the Problem Before and During the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tait Margaret E. , Bogucki Colleen , Baum Laura , Fowler Erika Franklin , Niederdeppe Jeff , Gollust Sarah E.
Published: April 2023

Early care and education (ECE), or the care young children receive before entering formal schooling, can take multiple forms and is delivered in different settings, such as a center, church, or public school. Federal and state governments regularly fund ECE programs and policies through the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG). Many families, however, face significant challenges in access, cost, and quality of ECE programs, and ECE professionals report substantial challenges in the workplace (e.g., inadequate training) and beyond (e.g., low wages). Policies addressing issues related to ECE were proposed in 2021, but stalled on the U.S. federal policy agenda. In this study, we examine the ECE content of local television news coverage both for its representations of and for its potential influences on ECE policy agendas. We use data from local stations affiliated with the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX) in media markets across the U.S., airing before and during the pandemic. We analyze elements of coverage that could affect public recognition of ECE-related issues, including how problems were framed (e.g., news coverage highlighting scandals or adverse events at ECE facilities) and solutions identified (e.g., public policy). We find that during 2018 and 2019, more coverage highlighted scandalous activity than public policy. The reverse was true, however, during the early period of the pandemic (from mid-March through June of 2020). Researchers and health professionals were seldom included in stories in either sample, and very few stories offered context about the benefits of ECE for health and well-being. These coverage patterns have implications for the public’s understanding of ECE policy and the perceived need for reform. Policymakers, advocates, and researchers looking to advance support for ECE should consider ways to use local television news to present health and policy-relevant information to broad segments of the public.
Intercomparison of equipment measuring radon activity concentration in the air—an example from a hydrotechnical structure in Dobromierz (SW Poland)
Authors: Fijałkowska-Lichwa Lidia , Przylibski Tadeusz A. , Norenberg Maciej , Maciejewski Piotr
Published: April 2023

The semi-conductor SRDN-3a probe, an AlphaE detector with a silicon diode in a diffusion chamber, an AlphaGUARD monitor with an ionization chamber and CR-39 track detectors had been tested simultaneously in long-term measurements conducted in the technical corridor of Dobromierz dam. The passive detectors were exposed twice: for 56 days, and 117 days, others in parallel, with a 1-h data recording interval. The data distribution was tested with the Shapiro–Wilk test and outliers in the critical region were identified using Shewhart control charts. The correctness was evaluated by a z-score test recommended by the IAEA. The characteristics of outliers for each detectors are determined by the location of the critical region (a two-sided region and a positive skew). These are 13.0% and 13.5% for AlphaE, and 9.81% for SRDN-3a. For the reference device, these are 15.8% and 10.5%. The z-score test confirm that all the detectors can be successfully used both in commercial and scientific monitoring measurements.
Scepticism about epistemic blame
Authors: Smartt Tim
Published: April 2023

I advocate scepticism about epistemic blame; the view that we have good reason to think there is no distinctively epistemic form of blame. Epistemologists often find it useful to draw a distinction between blameless and blameworthy norm violation. In recent years, this has led several writers to develop theories of ‘epistemic blame.’ I present two challenges against the very idea of epistemic blame. First, everything that is supposedly done by epistemic blame is done by epistemic evaluation, at least according to a prominent view about the social role of epistemic evaluation. Parsimony considerations count against introducing an idle mechanism that does the same work as an existing one. Second, no current theory of epistemic blame includes a plausible account of the force of epistemic blame or the practices that could express it. I conclude that we should give up the notion of epistemic blame.
Phosphorus management is key to effective deployment of root ideotypes in complex soil environments
Authors: van der Bom Frederik J. T. , Williams Alwyn , Borrell Andrew K. , Raymond Nelly , Bell Michael J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

We questioned how root ideotypes selected for deep or shallow root architecture function in complex environments with heterogeneous distributions of phosphorus (P), such as in many cropping systems in north-eastern Australia.

Methods

We used the rhizobox method to evaluate how contrasting genotypes of durum wheat and sorghum (wide and narrow root angle) responded to combinations of starter-P and deep P bands.

Results

Although we found evidence that root angle may influence spatio-temporal exploration for deep P bands, (early) plant access to P was the critical driver for plant growth. Without P, root system growth was retarded such that genotypic differences were hardly observed. Access to P boosted root exploration at depth by virtue of greater root system size, such that wide-angle genotypes with P outperformed narrow-angle ones without P. Plastic root responses to P benefited the expression of the broader root system architecture. We observed variation between species and individual parameters, but overall Starter-P and deep P bands tended to deliver complementary benefits when considering plant growth, P uptake, and phenological development together.

Conclusion

Our study highlights that nutritional constraints may limit the ability of root ideotypes to function in complex target environments. Development and deployment of root ideotypes should consider how local conditions (including soil nutrient distribution, physical and biological properties) influence crop phenotype and their ability to deliver the intended benefits. Within this, soil nutrient management is a critical determinant and an opportunity to influence the target environment.
The initial effect of U.S. tax reform on foreign acquisitions
Authors: Amberger Harald J. , Robinson Leslie
Published: April 2023

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 marked a significant change in U.S. domestic and international tax policy, altering incentives for U.S. firms to own foreign assets. We examine the initial response of U.S. firms’ foreign acquisition patterns to the TCJA’s key reform provisions. We find a significant overall decrease in the probability that a foreign target is acquired by a U.S. firm after the reform, suggesting that the net effect of the TCJA was to reduce acquisitions abroad. Cross-sectional variation across target and acquirer characteristics points to the elimination of the repatriation tax and the TCJA’s global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) regime as critically influencing cross-border acquisitions by U.S. firms. Specifically, U.S. acquirers with little foreign presence prior to the TCJA are more likely to acquire a foreign target, while U.S. acquirers are less likely to acquire profitable targets in low-tax countries. Results from our empirical analyses are consistent with the TCJA prompting fewer but more value-enhancing, less tax-motivated foreign acquisitions by U.S. firms.
Study of PLA pre-treatment, enzymatic and model-compost degradation, and valorization of degradation products to bacterial nanocellulose
Authors: Sourkouni Georgia , Jeremić Sanja , Kalogirou Charalampia , Höfft Oliver , Nenadovic Marija , Jankovic Vukasin , Rajasekaran Divya , Pandis Pavlos , Padamati Ramesh , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Argirusis Christos
Published: April 2023

It is well acknowledged that microplastics are a major environmental problem and that the use of plastics, both petro- and bio- based, should be reduced. Nevertheless, it is also a necessity to reduce the amount of the already spread plastics. These cannot be easily degraded in the nature and accumulate in the food supply chain with major danger for animals and human life. It has been shown in the literature that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) modify the surface of polylactic acid (PLA) materials in a way that bacteria more efficiently dock on their surface and eventually degrade them. In the present work we investigated the influence of different AOPs (ultrasounds, ultraviolet irradiation, and their combination) on the biodegradability of PLA films treated for different times between 1 and 6 h. The pre-treated samples have been degraded using a home model compost as well as a cocktail of commercial enzymes at mesophilic temperatures (37 °C and 42 °C, respectively). Degradation degree has been measured and degradation products have been identified. Excellent degradation of PLA films has been achieved with enzyme cocktail containing commercial alkaline proteases and lipases of up to 90% weight loss. For the first time, we also report valorization of PLA into bacterial nanocellulose after enzymatic hydrolysis of the samples.
Wetting and Interfacial Chemistry of New Pb-Free Sn-Zn-Ag-Al-Li (SZAAL) Solder with Cu, Ni, and Al Substrates
Authors: Dybeł Aleksandra , Czaja Paweł , Sitek Janusz , Pstruś Janusz
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the results of the Ni substrate wetted with the liquid Sn-Zn eutectic alloy with the addition of Ag, Al, and Li (84.3 at.% Sn, 13.7 at.% Zn, 1 at.% Ag, 0.5 at.% Al, and 0.5 at.% Li-SZAAL). The wetting tests were performed using two methods: the wetting balance tests (WBT) and the sessile drop (SD) method at 250 °C, in the presence of an ALU33® flux. The wetting times were 5, 20, 60, 180, and 1800 s. Next, the microstructure of selected solidified solder joints was investigated using scanning electron microscope. The Ni-Zn system's intermetallic phases (IMCs) were identified at the solder–Ni substrate interface. The kinetics of the formation and growth of the IMC layer was determined. Interfacial tension and contact angle (CA) values were calculated from WBT measurements in the presence of the ALU33® flux. Interfacial tension was compared to surface tension from the maximum bubble pressure and CA values to those obtained using the SD method. The value of the contact angle of SZAAL on Cu (39°) substrate is lower than on Ni (43°). For the comparison, also the interaction between SZAAL and Cu substrate was measured. After 1800 s, the IMCs thickness is significantly reduced for Ni pad than for Cu substrate. The study found that the addition of Al, Ag, and Li improved the tensile strength and wettability of Sn-Zn eutectic-based alloys.
HIF1α-dependent and independent pathways regulate the expression of PD-L1 in prostate cancer
Authors: Xanthopoulou Erasmia T. , Kakouratos Christos , Nanos Christos , Gkegka Anastasia G. , Kalaitzis Christos , Giatromanolaki Alexandra , Koukourakis Michael I.
Published: April 2023

PD-L1/PD-1 pathway is a major pathway exploited by human cancer types, which is a target for current immunotherapy. We investigated tumor microenvironmental factors involved in PD-L1 induction in prostate cancer (PC). We studied the expression of PD-L1 in a series of 66 PCs, in parallel with the expression of hypoxia- and acidity-related immunohistochemical markers (Hypoxia-inducible factor HIF1α, and lactate dehydrogenase LDHA) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte TIL density. Experiments with three PC cell lines, the 22Rv1, DU145, and PC3 were conducted focusing on the inducibility of PD-L1 by hypoxia, acidity, lymphocyte interactions, and radiation. In tissues, PD-L1 expression by cancer cells was directly related to PD-L1 expression by  TILs and macrophages (p < 0.05), and the overexpression of HIF1α and LDH5 (p < 0.05). TIL density was inversely related to ΗΙF1α (p = 0.02). Exposure of PC cell lines to hypoxia strongly induced PD-L1 and protein and mRNA levels, directly controlled by HIF1α function (p < 0.001). Irradiation with 20 Gy had no apparent effect on PD-L1 expression. Culturing PC cell lines with culture medium (CM) from PBMCs strongly induced PD-L1 at protein and mRNA levels, independently from HIF1α, which was also confirmed when cells were incubated with Interferon-γ (p < 0.001). It is concluded that the combination of anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy with hypoxia/HIF-targeting may be important in the treatment of specific subgroups of PC patients.
Effect Analysis of Different Environmental Disinfection Methods on Reducing Contamination of Surfaces by the Omicron BA.2.2 Variant of SARS-CoV-2 and the Characteristics of Fomite Contamination in the Fever Clinic in the Out-Broken of Shanghai
Authors: Yang Lei , Dong Wenfang , Shen Xiaoyu , Han Feng , Liu Chenxi , Wang Yirou , Xu Xuemei , Wu Yufen , Zhou Sha , Cao Qing
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different environmental disinfection methods on reducing contaminated surfaces (CSs) by the Omicron BA.2.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the fever clinic between March 20 and May 30, 2022, and to analyze the influences and related factors of CSs. This study includes survey data from 389 positive patients (SPPs) and 204 CSs in the fever clinic, including the CS type, disinfection method, length of time spent in the clinic, cycle threshold (CT) value, name, age, weight, mask type, mask-wearing compliance, hand-mouth touch frequency and sex. Associations between study variables and specified outcomes were explored using univariate regression analyses. Mask-wearing compliance had a significant negative correlation with CSs (r = − 0.446, P = 0.037). Among the 389 SPPs, 22 SPPs (CRP, 5.66%) caused CSs in the separate isolation room. A total of 219 SPPs (56.30%) were male. The mean age of SPPs was 4.34 ± 3.92 years old, and the mean CT value was 12.44 ± 5.11. In total, 9952 samples with exposure history were taken, including 204 (2.05%) CSs. Among the CSs, the positive rate of flat surfaces was the highest in public areas (2.52%) and separate isolation rooms (4.75%). Disinfection methods of ultraviolet radiation + chemical irradiation significantly reduced the CSs in both the public area (0% vs. 4.56%) and the separate isolation room (0.76% vs. 2.64%) compared with the chemical method alone (P < 0.05). Compared with ordinary SPPs, CRPs were older (6.04 year vs. 4.23 year), and the male proportion was higher (72.73% vs. 55.31%). In particular, it was found that SPPs contaminated their surroundings and therefore imposed risks on other people. Environmental disinfection with ultraviolet radiation + chemical treatment should be emphasized. The findings may be useful to guide infection control practices for the Omicron BA.2.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Numerical modeling of seismic wave propagation in loosely deposited partially saturated sands: an application to a mine dump monitoring case
Authors: Deng Tengfei , Hellwig Olaf , Hlousek Felix , Kern Dominik , Buske Stefan , Nagel Thomas
Published: April 2023

Extensive mine dumps consisting of loosely deposited sands have been created as a result of open-pit lignite mining, with a risk of soil liquefaction under high water saturation and a corresponding initiating event. Soil compaction is one of the feasible methods for reducing the probability of liquefaction. For the monitoring of liquefaction events and the evaluation of compaction work, seismic survey methods with sensitivity to changes in soil saturation and structure may thus complement other methods. Compared to exploration methods for deep systems, the shallow subsurface presents some unique challenges. To this end, an open-source, customizable code based on Biot’s theory was developed in the FEniCS library, which takes into account partial saturation and porosity dependence of stiffness, permeability, and other quantities. Following code verification, a comprehensive investigation of parameter studies is conducted, from which the effects of different factors on wave propagation characteristics were obtained. The numerical model was applied to simulate the expected changes in seismic response following soil compaction. Furthermore, the position of the high saturation area could be detected from the reflection and refraction P waves. The goal of this work is to provide an analysis framework for the assessment of compaction works and monitoring liquefiable soils in mine dumps under conditions of variable saturation due to rising groundwater tables.
Combining noisy well data and expert knowledge in a Bayesian calibration of a flow model under uncertainties: an application to solute transport in the Ticino basin
Authors: Baker Emily A. , Manenti Sauro , Reali Alessandro , Sangalli Giancarlo , Tamellini Lorenzo , Todeschini Sara
Published: April 2023

Groundwater flow modeling is commonly used to calculate groundwater heads, estimate groundwater flow paths and travel times, and provide insights into solute transport processes within an aquifer. However, the values of input parameters that drive groundwater flow models are often highly uncertain due to subsurface heterogeneity and geologic complexity in combination with lack of measurements/unreliable measurements. This uncertainty affects the accuracy and reliability of model outputs. Therefore, parameters’ uncertainty must be quantified before adopting the model as an engineering tool. In this study, we model the uncertain parameters as random variables and use a Bayesian inversion approach to obtain a posterior, data-informed, probability density function (pdf) for them: in particular, the likelihood function we consider takes into account both well measurements and our prior knowledge about the extent of the springs in the domain under study. To keep the modelistic and computational complexities under control, we assume Gaussianity of the posterior pdf of the parameters. To corroborate this assumption, we run an identifiability analysis of the model: we apply the inversion procedure to several sets of synthetic data polluted by increasing levels of noise, and we determine at which levels of noise we can effectively recover the “true value” of the parameters. We then move to real well data (coming from the Ticino River basin, in northern Italy, and spanning a month in summer 2014), and use the posterior pdf of the parameters as a starting point to perform an uncertainty quantification analysis on groundwater travel-time distributions.
An Image-Based Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Mitral Regurgitation in Presence of Prolapse
Authors: Bennati Lorenzo , Vergara Christian , Giambruno Vincenzo , Fumagalli Ivan , Corno Antonio Francesco , Quarteroni Alfio , Puppini Giovanni , Luciani Giovanni Battista
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In this work we performed an imaged-based computational study of the systolic fluid dynamics in presence of mitral valve regurgitation (MVR). In particular, we compared healthy and different regurgitant scenarios with the aim of quantifying different hemodynamic quantities.

Methods

We performed computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations in the left ventricle, left atrium and aortic root, with a resistive immersed method, a turbulence model, and with imposed systolic wall motion reconstructed from Cine-MRI images, which allowed us to segment also the mitral valve. For the regurgitant scenarios we considered an increase of the heart rate and a dilation of the left ventricle.

Results

Our results highlighted that MVR gave rise to regurgitant jets through the mitral orifice impinging against the atrial walls and scratching against the mitral valve leading to high values of wall shear stresses (WSSs) with respect to the healthy case.

Conclusion

CFD with prescribed wall motion and immersed mitral valve revealed to be an effective tool to quantitatively describe hemodynamics in case of MVR and to compare different regurgitant scenarios. Our findings highlighted in particular the presence of transition to turbulence in the atrium and allowed us to quantify some important cardiac indices such as cardiac output and WSS.
Optimization and modelling of Pb (II) and Cu (II) adsorption onto red algae (Gracilaria changii)-based activated carbon by using response surface methodology
Authors: Isam Mubeen , Baloo Lavania , Chabuk Ali , Majdi Ali , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: April 2023

Activated carbon obtained from red algae Gracilaria changii was used as an adsorbent to remove Pb (II) and Cu (II) from an aqueous solution. The raw red algae were first impregnated with phosphoric acid, followed by thermal activation. The Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the activation process. The optimum activation parameters were 84%, 650 °C, and 175 min for acid concentration, activation temperature, and activation time, respectively. The obtained activated carbon had a high surface area of 867 m2/g. The removal of Pb (II) and Cu (II) was evaluated using a batch adsorption study. The effect of solution pH on the removal of metal ions was investigated within the range of 2–7. The effect of three important adsorption parameters (initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time) was analyzed using central composite design. The optimum removal of Pb (II) and Cu (II) was 76% and 36%, respectively. The adsorption kinetics obeyed the pseudo-second-order model, while the adsorption isotherm obeyed the Langmuir model.
The state of infectious disease training in Germany before introduction of the new board certification in internal medicine and infectious diseases: past experience and future expectations
Authors: Bischoff Jenny , Schneitler Viktoria , Duettmann Wiebke , Fuchs Andre , Schneitler Sophie
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Recently, the German Medical Association introduced a new board certification in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases (ID). Accompanying, current experience with ID training and expectations for the new curriculum were assessed.

Methods

After the development of a digital survey covering four main areas with 59 questions, it was distributed via the German Society for Infectious Diseases (DGI) and other networks following a snowball principle. Participation was carried out digitally in a web-based application.

Results

Between December 2021 and February 2022, 300 datasets were included. 38.9% (114/293) of respondents had completed the additional training in ID. Of those, 54.0% (61/113) were concerned about recognition of previous training certification in the future after the establishment of the new sub-specialization. Overall, 78.5% (135/172) of respondents were satisfied or rather satisfied with the qualification gained through their training, but 8.7% (15/172) felt poorly prepared by their ID training. With regard to the inclusion of microbiology or antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) training into the new ID training curriculum, 84.6% (254/300) and 87.7% (263/300) of participants, respectively, desired an integration. Only 30.8% (53/172) felt sufficiently supported by their employer regarding childcare and 51.7% (89/172) reported missing support for scientific commitment.

Conclusion

Overall, ID training in Germany seems satisfactory so far, but there is uncertainty about future recognition. Participants find that AMS and microbiology training should be integrated into new ID training curricula. New concepts regarding the compatibility of childcare and career as well as the support of scientific commitment seem essential to attract young professionals to the field.
Insights into automation of construction process using parallel-kinematic manipulators
Authors: Klöckner M. , Haage M. , Eriksson H. , Malm H. , Nilsson K. , Robertsson A. , Andersson R.
Published: April 2023

This article discusses challenges, experiences and lessons learned so far while transforming a masonry build system based mostly on manual labour into a robot automated build system. Our motivation for selection of this masonry process is to try out how robot automation could impact the architects in their design work by providing a tool to directly manipulate wall expression down to individual brick level. Such manipulation is often much too costly for manual labour today. Moreover, masonry is a challenging application to automate. Understanding the manual processes involved and transforming them into automation equivalents faces several challenges; among them handling and distribution of the different materials involved, selection of tooling, sensing for handling of variation and digital tooling for the programming of the process. A novel parallel-kinematic manipulator (PKM) with computerized numerical control (CNC) is used as target for experiments, because the performance properties in stiffness, workspace and accuracy will allow us to extend work into further construction processes involving heavy and dirty manual labour.
Lessons from Developing Multimedia Learning Materials for the Digital Generation
Authors: Herrmann Jessica E. , Spielman Susie , Venook Ross , Yock Paul , Denend Lyn
Published: April 2023

Recognizing that traditional textbooks on need-driven health technology innovation were increasingly misaligned with the needs of today’s undergraduate biomedical engineering students and the faculty who teach them, we initiated an effort to develop new learning materials for this audience. To guide our efforts, we conducted literature searches on best practices in the development of online content and engaging digital learners (primarily Gen-Z). We further held a series of discussions with biomedical engineering students and instructors at universities across the United States. This input led us to the development of a set of modular, online, multimedia learning materials specifically designed for the new generation of undergraduate learners. In this article, we present the key decisions that helped shape the project. We also share the results of feedback surveys and focus groups that shed light on how the materials have been preliminarily received. Finally, we reflect on challenges, opportunities, and lessons from this project that may be helpful to other initiatives focused on the creation of multimedia content for the digital generation.
Reduce methane emission from rice paddies by man-made aerenchymatous tissues
Authors: Yuan Zhao-Feng , Zhou Yujie , Chen Zheng , Tang Xianjin , Wang Yanfen , Kappler Andreas , Xu Jianming
Published: April 2023

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, and 8–11% is emitted from paddy fields. Methanogenic microbial processes in water-saturated soils can be alleviated through the oxygenation of soils, which may hamper methane production and emissions in paddies. Here, by mimicking O2 release from rice roots, we report the use of man-made (i.e., silicone tube-based) aerenchymatous tissues (MAT) to continuously release O2 to abate methane emission from paddies. High O2-releasing rates (such as 5 kg O2/ha/d) can be easily achieved by adjusting MAT density (e.g., 0.2 m2 tube/m2 soil) and its inner air pressure (e.g., 25 kPa). Following deployment, MAT significantly increased soil redox potential (from -150 mV to -88.6 mV) and induced active iron redox cycling. This decreased the availability of organic substrates of methanogens and therefore dramatically reduced their abundance (-25.1% active mcrA gene). We quantified the decrease in methane emission both in mesocosms and paddy field trials and found in both setups that ~ 50% of methane emission was reduced. Moreover, we showed that the performance of MAT can be further improved by simply increasing the air pressure in MAT (e.g., -74.2% methane emission at 200 kPa air pressure). This work provides a powerful and sustainable method for mitigating methane emission from rice paddies.

Graphical Abstract
Enthalpy balance theory unifies diverse glacier surge behaviour
Authors: Benn Douglas I. , Hewitt Ian J. , Luckman Adrian J.
Published: April 2023

It is commonly asserted that there are two distinct classes of glacier surges: slow, long-duration ‘Svalbard-type’ surges, triggered by a transition from cold- to warm-based conditions (thermal switching), and fast, shorter-duration ‘Alaska-type’ surges triggered by a reorganisation of the basal drainage system (hydraulic switching). This classification, however, reflects neither the diversity of surges in Svalbard and Alaska (and other regions), nor the fundamental dynamic processes underlying all surges. We argue that enthalpy balance theory offers a framework for understanding the spectrum of glacier surging behaviours while emphasising their essential dynamic unity. In this paper, we summarise enthalpy balance theory, illustrate its potential to explain so-called ‘Svalbard-type’ and ‘Alaska-type’ surges using a single set of principles, and show examples of a much wider range of glacier surge behaviour than previously observed. We then identify some future directions for research, including strategies for testing predictions of the theory against field and remote sensing data, and priorities for numerical model development.
Development and implementation of “handshake rounds”: An antibiotic stewardship intervention for hospitalized adult patients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Gorsline Chelsea A. , Miller Ryan M. , Bobbitt Laura J. , Satyanarayana Gowri , Baljevic Muhamed , Staub Milner B. O.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To design and implement “handshake rounds” as an antibiotic stewardship intervention to reduce inpatient intravenous (IV) antibiotic use in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Design:

Quasi-experimental analysis of antibiotic use (AU) and secondary outcomes before and and after handshake rounds were implemented.

Setting:

Quaternary-care, academic medical center.

Patients:

Hospitalized adults with hematologic malignancies receiving IV antibiotics.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of a preintervention cohort prior to the intervention. A multidisciplinary team developed criteria for de-escalation of antibiotics, logistics of handshake rounds, and outcome metrics. Eligible patients were discussed during scheduled handshake rounds between a hematology–oncology pharmacist and transplant–infectious diseases (TID) physician. Prospective data were collected over 30 days in the postintervention cohort. Due to small sample size, 2:1 matching was used to compare pre- to and postintervention AU. Total AU in days of therapy per 1,000 patient days (DOT/1,000 PD) was reported. Mean AU per patient was analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. A descriptive analysis of secondary outcomes of pre- and postintervention cohorts was performed.

Results:

Total AU was substantially lower after the intervention, with 517 DOT/1,000 PD compared to 865 DOT/1,000 PD before the intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean AU per patient between the 2 cohorts. There was a lower rate of 30-day mortality in the postintervention cohort and rates of ICU admissions were similar.

Conclusions:

Conducting handshake rounds is a safe and effective way to implement an antibiotic stewardship intervention among high-risk patient population such as those with hematologic malignancies.