bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Step Next-Generation Sequencing of Immunoglobulin and T-Cell Receptor Gene Recombinations for MRD Marker Identification in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Villarese Patrick , Abdo Chrystelle , Bertrand Matthieu , Thonier Florian , Giraud Mathieu , Salson Mikaël , Macintyre Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Within the EuroClonality-NGS group, immune repertoire analysis for target identification in lymphoid malignancies was initially developed using two-stage amplicon approaches, essentially as a progressive modification of preceding methods developed for Sanger sequencing. This approach has, however, limitations with respect to sample handling, adaptation to automation, and risk of contamination by amplicon products. We therefore developed one-step PCR amplicon methods with individual barcoding for batched analysis for IGH, IGK, TRD, TRG, and TRB rearrangements, followed by Vidjil-based data analysis.
Minimal Residual Disease Analysis by Monitoring Immunoglobulin and T-Cell Receptor Gene Rearrangements by Quantitative PCR and Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: Starza Irene Della , Eckert Cornelia , Drandi Daniela , Cazzaniga Giovanni ,   on behalf of the EuroMRD Consortium
Published: May 2022

Analysis of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) is the gold standard for sensitive and accurate minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring; it has been extensively standardized and guidelines have been developed within the EuroMRD consortium (www.euromrd.org). However, new generations of PCR-based methods are standing out as potential alternatives to RQ-PCR, such as digital PCR technology (dPCR), the third-generation implementation of conventional PCR, which has the potential to overcome some of the limitations of RQ-PCR such as allowing the absolute quantification of nucleic acid targets without the need for a calibration curve. During the last years, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology has been compared to RQ-PCR in several hematologic malignancies showing its proficiency for MRD analysis. So far, no established guidelines for ddPCR MRD analysis and data interpretation have been defined and its potential is still under investigation. However, a major standardization effort is underway within the EuroMRD consortium (www.euromrd.org) for future application of ddPCR in standard clinical practice.
Quality Control for IG/TR Marker Identification and MRD Analysis
Authors: Fronkova Eva , Svaton Michael , Trka Jan
Published: May 2022

Selection of the proper target is crucial for clinically relevant monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia using the quantitation of clonal-specific immunoreceptor (immunoglobulin/T cell receptor) gene rearrangements. Consequently, correct interpretation of the results of the entire analysis is of utmost importance. Here we present an overview of the quality control measures that need to be implemented into the process of marker identification, selection, and subsequent quantitation of the MRD level.
Wind Power Generation
Authors: Eicke Anselm , Eicke Laima , Hafner Manfred
Published: May 2022

Wind power plays a major role in the decarbonization of the power sector. Already now, it supplies increasing shares of the global energy demand. This book chapter provides an overview on the economics of wind energy and highlight global trends in the wind sector. It describes the technical characteristics of onshore and offshore wind energy and explains how these affect the economic competitiveness of the respective technologies. The authors describe how wind power, as an intermittent source of energy, can be integrated into power systems. They also discuss how renewable energy support schemes contribute in fostering the deployment of wind power.
The Economics of Energy Networks
Authors: Bonzanni Andrea
Published: May 2022

Andrea Bonzanni provides an overview of the economics of transporting electricity and gas through networks, critically discussing the numerous similarities and the crucial differences between the two energy carriers. The chapter describes the physical and economic properties of energy networks, focusing on their monopolistic nature and the implications for electricity and gas systems. It goes onto review how energy networks are treated in competitive energy markets, how access to networks functions and what arrangements are established to ensure efficient economic outcomes and equal treatment of all market participants. Finally, it explains how access to energy networks is charged and how network users exchange energy within a network.
Economics of Gas Transportation by Pipeline and LNG
Authors: Molnar Gergely
Published: May 2022

The relatively low energy density of natural gas on a volumetric basis—almost 1000 times lower compared to crude oil—makes it one of the most challenging and expensive primary fuels to transport from the wellhead to the burner tip of end-consumers. Internationally traded natural gas is typically transported either in gaseous form via long-distance pipeline systems or in the form of liquefied natural gas on ships (LNG carriers). This chapter provides a focus on the economics and commercial aspects of these large, often multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects characterized by high upfront investment costs—and requiring complex risk-sharing mechanisms between all parties involved.
The Trading and Price Discovery for Coal
Authors: Fernández Alvarez Carlos
Published: May 2022

Fernández offers a view of coal production, consumption and trade both at global and regional level. Given China’s dominance of coal markets, this chapter describes the geography of Chinese coal supply chain in some detail. Fernández briefly explains some concepts of geology and mining to facilitate a better understanding of the different coal qualities and grades, which play a more important role in coal trading and pricing than for other fossil fuels. This chapter offers a historical perspective of the evolution of the international coal market to describe the current market, very dynamic and liquid, with increasing variety of qualities. Fernández concludes with a brief note on the recent developments of the coking coal markets and derivatives in China, a proof of that dynamism.
The Trading of Electricity
Authors: Vassilopoulos Philippe , Lahmar Elies
Published: May 2022

After having introduced the theoretical foundations of electricity markets and some of the main design features such as marginal pricing of electricity, spatial distribution of electricity prices and the question of system adequacy, the authors discuss how they function in practice. After a description of the functioning of wholesale electricity markets with a focus on the derivatives and the spot market, the authors analyse their main features such as trading venues, traded products, rules and the processes but also some key trends that can be observed. Going forward, with the energy transition, electricity systems around the world are undergoing nascent but profound changes as market architecture and regulatory framework evolve to meet ambitious climate targets while maintaining efficient investment incentives and security of supply. The authors highlight the need to identify the future requirements of the power system and align them with global policy objectives in order to adapt and enhance the way electricity markets generate social welfare.
Energy Demand Drivers
Authors: Château Bertrand
Published: May 2022

Countries with similar level of economic development and energy prices may show significant differences as regards energy/cap and dynamics of energy demand in relation to GDP and prices. Climate, endowment in natural resources and geography are obviously discriminating factors. Policies and cultural habits also, through technology choices and social behaviour orientations. This chapter helps to better understand which are the actual drivers of energy demand and how they play. It proposes first an overview of the issue: the actual needs behind energy demand, the specific role of actors and social forces in the energy dynamics and its timing and so on. It then discusses in greater depth the critical aspects of energy demand in the three consuming macro-sectors: industry, transport and buildings. Finally, the determinants of increasing electrification are discussed.
Energy Subsidies
Authors: Moerenhout Tom
Published: May 2022

Energy subsidies are widespread among OECD and non-OECD countries and exist for all energy types. Governments often give noble and legitimate rationales for the introduction and continuation of various energy subsidies, but the reality of energy subsidy policies is nearly always more complex than the stated rationale. Governments have tried to balance the energy trilemma by implementing several types of energy subsidies at once. This has resulted in a complex political economy of pervasive subsidies across energy production and consumption. Even when some policy priorities clearly change, the phasing out of existing subsidies may prove politically challenging when powerful vested interest groups exercise their influence over governmental decision-making. This chapter goes in depth on the types, size, objectives, and politics of subsidies to fossil fuel consumption and production and those to renewable electricity.
Disruptive Technologies
Authors: Genoese Fabio
Published: May 2022

History shows that sudden disruptions are very rare in the energy industry, due to the relatively slow diffusion process of new technologies. Technological change is always ongoing but has remained manageable and predictable so far, given the long technical lifetime of assets in the energy industry. However, in some sectors disruption could be imminent, largely driven by consumers, because their purchasing decisions are not only guided by economic principles. Rooftop solar has already demonstrated its disruptive potential between 2008 and 2012, mainly triggered by generous government incentives at that time. In the forthcoming decade, a new disruptive wave could be triggered by easy-to-install solar kits and affordable multi-junction cells, which increase the amount of solar energy per square metre that a panel can harvest. Moreover, current technology trends indicate that a new wave of electrification is imminent, this time targeting the transport and heating sectors. This by itself would constitute a major disruption of the energy industry. Instead, whether hydrogen could also give rise to a disruption will mainly depend on energy policy and how seriously the fight against global warming is pursued.
Economics of Oil Refining
Authors: Favennec Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2022

Refining is a key element of the energy industry. We use gasoline and diesel for transport, not crude oil. The evolution of the refining industry from a simple process to manufacture kerosene the key product at the end of the nineteenth century to a very sophisticated process to deliver high-quality products for sophisticated engines now is impressive. Less demand in Europe, more demand in Asia has deeply changed the structure of the industry with closures of facilities in Europe and development of large, sophisticated plants in the Middle East and Asia. The economics of refining for long very poor are improving with the adaptation of the industry.
Energy and the Economy in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Copinschi Philippe
Published: May 2022

Sub-Saharan Africa embodies a paradox. Although the region is blessed with energy resources and has long attracted the oil and gas industry, the majority of its population lacks access to energy, especially electricity, which hinders their economic and social development. For decades the dominant discourse, from governments as well as international development agencies and economic actors, has considered that the exploitation of its energy resources would prompt the economic growth of the continent by giving the countries the financial means to undertake development strategies. Unfortunately, the reality seems much bleaker as most energy producing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa seem to underperform in terms of economic development, plagued by the so-called resource curse. Nigeria, the main oil-producing country on the continent, offers a dramatic illustration of this situation. However, a new approach has recently emerged which focuses on the development of access to energy for the population. As a consequence, all over the continent new initiatives have been put in place to boost access to energy for the local population. This access has at last been acknowledged as a key driver for economic development.
Economics of Hydrogen
Authors: Robinius Martin , Cerniauskas Simonas , Madlener Reinhard , Kockel Christina , Praktiknjo Aaron , Stolten Detlef
Published: May 2022

Robinius et al. provide valuable information needed for a discussion of the potential role of hydrogen for decarbonizing energy systems. They first discuss major technical and economic characteristics of hydrogen supply systems, followed by potential end-use applications of hydrogen fuels of different origin (“color coding”), fuel supply cost estimates, and an overview of the various hydrogen production, supply, and storage options. Hydrogen-related policy and regulatory aspects are discussed as well as safety and public acceptance issues. Finally, it deals with the willingness to pay of consumers for different alternative fuel vehicle characteristics. The review concludes by arguing that “green hydrogen” is widely accepted among consumers, that costs are expected to decline rapidly with the market diffusion of hydrogen technologies, and that policymakers’ and business interest is presently on the rise.
Economics of Power Generation
Authors: Hafner Manfred , Luciani Giacomo
Published: May 2022

This chapter provides an introduction to the economics of electricity generation, presenting the major economic differences between the multiple power generation solutions and highlighting the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each. In order to provide a satisfactory treatment of power generation technology and economics, a single chapter would have expanded beyond a practical dimension: accordingly the discussion has been divided into a general introduction and a sequence of specific chapters each devoted to a different generation solution: thermal power based on fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), thermal power based on nuclear fission, hydroelectricity chapter, solar power, wind power, geothermal power, and power from tides and waves. The present introductory chapter explains where on the load curve the different power generation options should be placed depending on costs, the issue of dispatchability, as well as the difference in the economic cost approach between dispatching and future capacity planning. Also flexibility mechanisms to integrate a large share of non-dispatchable renewable energy sources are discussed. Finally, issues related to space occupation and locational constraints are addressed.
Charged moments in W3 higher spin holography
Authors: Zhao Suting , Northe Christian , Weisenberger Konstantin , Meyer René
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We consider the charged moments in SL(3, ℝ) higher spin holography, as well as in the dual two-dimensional conformal field theory with W3 symmetry. For the vacuum state and a single entangling interval, we show that the W3 algebra of the conformal field theory induces an entanglement W3 algebra acting on the quantum state in the entangling interval. The algebra contains a spin 3 modular charge which commutes with the modular Hamiltonian. The reduced density matrix is characterized by the modular energy and modular charge, hence our definition of the charged moments is also with respect to these conserved quantities. We evaluate the logarithm of the charged moments perturbatively in the spin 3 modular chemical potential, by computing the corresponding connected correlation functions of the modular charge operator up to quartic order in the chemical potential. This method provides access to the charged moments without using charged twist fields. Our result matches known results for the charged moment obtained from the charged topological black hole picture in SL(3, ℝ) higher spin gravity. Since our charged moments are not Gaussian in the chemical potential any longer, we conclude that the dual W3 conformal field theories must feature breakdown of equipartition of entanglement to leading order in the large c expansion.
Four-derivative corrections to minimal gauged supergravity in five dimensions
Authors: Liu James T. , Saskowski Robert J.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We study four-derivative corrections to pure $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2, D = 5 gauged supergravity. In particular, we find that, up to field redefinitions, there is a single four-derivative superinvariant that one can add to the action, up to factors of the two-derivative action. Consequently, this selects out a unique set of coefficients for the four-derivative corrections. We confirm these coefficients (in the ungauged limit) on the BMPV solution.
Consistent and non-consistent deformations of gravitational theories
Authors: Barbero G. J. Fernando , Basquens Marc , Díaz Bogar , Villaseñor Eduardo J. S.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We study the internally abelianized version of a range of gravitational theories, written in connection tetrad form, and study the possible interaction terms that can be added to them in a consistent way. We do this for 2+1 and 3+1 dimensional models. In the latter case we show that the Cartan-Palatini and Holst actions are not consistent deformations of their abelianized versions. We also show that the Husain-Kuchař and Euclidean self-dual actions are consistent deformations of their abelianized counterparts. This suggests that if the latter can be quantized, it could be possible to devise a perturbative scheme leading to the quantization of Euclidean general relativity along the lines put forward by Smolin in the early nineties.
Renormalization of gluonic leading-twist operators in covariant gauges
Authors: Falcioni Giulio , Herzog Franz
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We provide the all-loop structure of gauge-variant operators required for the renormalisation of Green’s functions with insertions of twist-two operators in Yang-Mills theory. Using this structure we work out an explicit basis valid up to 4-loop order for an arbitrary compact simple gauge group. To achieve this we employ a generalised gauge symmetry, originally proposed by Dixon and Taylor, which arises after adding to the Yang-Mills Lagrangian also operators proportional to its equation of motion. Promoting this symmetry to a generalised BRST symmetry allows to generate the ghost operator from a single exact operator in the BRST-generalised sense. We show that our construction complies with the theorems by Joglekar and Lee. We further establish the existence of a generalised anti-BRST symmetry which we employ to derive non-trivial relations among the anomalous dimension matrices of ghost and equation-of-motion operators. For the purpose of demonstration we employ the formalism to compute the N = 2, 4 Mellin moments of the gluonic splitting function up to 4 loops and its N = 6 Mellin moment up to 3 loops, where we also take advantage of additional simplifications of the background field formalism.
Endocytic trafficking of GAS6–AXL complexes is associated with sustained AKT activation
Authors: Poświata Agata , Kozik Kamila , Miączyńska Marta , Zdżalik-Bielecka Daria
Published: May 2022

AXL, a TAM receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), and its ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) are implicated in cancer metastasis and drug resistance, and cellular entry of viruses. Given this, AXL is an attractive therapeutic target, and its inhibitors are being tested in cancer and COVID-19 clinical trials. Still, astonishingly little is known about intracellular mechanisms that control its function. Here, we characterized endocytosis of AXL, a process known to regulate intracellular functions of RTKs. Consistent with the notion that AXL is a primary receptor for GAS6, its depletion was sufficient to block GAS6 internalization. We discovered that upon receptor ligation, GAS6–AXL complexes were rapidly internalized via several endocytic pathways including both clathrin-mediated and clathrin-independent routes, among the latter the CLIC/GEEC pathway and macropinocytosis. The internalization of AXL was strictly dependent on its kinase activity. In comparison to other RTKs, AXL was endocytosed faster and the majority of the internalized receptor was not degraded but rather recycled via SNX1-positive endosomes. This trafficking pattern coincided with sustained AKT activation upon GAS6 stimulation. Specifically, reduced internalization of GAS6–AXL upon the CLIC/GEEC downregulation intensified, whereas impaired recycling due to depletion of SNX1 and SNX2 attenuated AKT signaling. Altogether, our data uncover the coupling between AXL endocytic trafficking and AKT signaling upon GAS6 stimulation. Moreover, our study provides a rationale for pharmacological inhibition of AXL in antiviral therapy as viruses utilize GAS6–AXL-triggered endocytosis to enter cells.
‘Investing’ in care for old age? An examination of long-term care expenditure dynamics and its spillovers
Authors: Costa-Font Joan , Vilaplana-Prieto Cristina
Published: May 2022

We study the dynamic drivers of expenditure on long-term care (LTC) programmes, and more specifically, the effects of labour market participation of traditional unpaid caregivers (women aged 40 and older) on LTC spending, alongside the spillover effects of a rise in LTC expenditure on health care expenditures (HCE) and the economy (per capita GDP). Our estimates draw from a panel of more than a decade worth of expenditure data from a sample of OECD countries. We use a panel vector auto-regressive (panel-VAR) system that considers the dynamics between the dependent variables. We find that LTC expenditure increases with the rise of the labour market participation of the traditional unpaid caregiver (women over 40 years of age), and that such expenditures rise exerts large spillover effects on health spending and the economy. We find that a 1% increase in female labour participation gives rise to a 1.48% increase in LTC expenditure and a 0.88% reduction in HCE. The effect of LTC spending over HCE is mainly driven by a reduction in inpatient and medicine expenditures, exhibiting large country heterogeneity. Finally, we document significant spillover effects of LTC expenditures on per capita GDP.
Numerical simulation of transverse compression and densification of wood
Authors: Yan Shi , Eichhorn Stephen J. , Toumpanaki Eleni
Published: May 2022

Densification is commonly adopted to increase the mechanical performance of wood, but research on the micromechanical behaviour of the material during transverse compression is limited. Robust numerical models will enable better predictions of the performance of wood during compression and optimise the manufacturing process of densified wood minimising experimentation. The densification stress–strain response of wood after chemical treatment is reported via numerical simulations. A 3D finite element model of wood microstructure is studied under transverse compression using ABAQUS/Explicit software. A lower cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content in the chemically treated wood is considered in the material parameters of the cell wall, and an ideal elastoplastic material model is used to represent the nonlinear stress–strain response. Parametric studies regarding the cell wall thickness, yield stress and chemical treatment are also considered. The numerical predictions agree well with microscopy studies of densified wood, and the nominal stress–strain curve obtained is similar to experimental findings under transverse compression as found in the literature. The cell wall thickness and yield stress are found to significantly affect the compressive stress–strain response of wood.
Ecosystem engineering kelp limits recruitment of mussels and microphytobenthic algae
Authors: Shelamoff Victor , Umanzor Schery , Layton Cayne , Tatsumi Masayuki , Cameron Matthew J. , Wright Jeffrey T. , Johnson Craig R.
Published: May 2022

Ecosystem engineers often exert strong effects on the recruitment of other species through modification of the local abiotic and biotic environment. In 2015, artificial reefs in eastern Tasmania (− 42.64693, 148.01481) spanning seven different patch sizes (0.12–7.68 m2) and supporting four densities of transplanted kelp (Ecklonia radiata at 0, 4.1, 8.2 and 16.4 kelp m−2) were used to determine how the patch size and density of this ecosystem engineer influenced the recruitment of microphytobenthic (MPB) algae, and a secondary ecosystem engineer, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Increasing kelp density and patch size inhibited the establishment of subcanopy MPB algae on settlement slides and reduced the recruitment of mussels in standardised rope fibre habitats (RFHs). The productivity:biomass ratio (P:B) of mussel recruits tended to be lower on small reefs and reefs without kelp, relative to larger reefs with high densities of kelp. Canopy shading and reduced cover of turf algae appeared to negatively impact the recruitment of MPB algae and mussels, whilst reduced sediment accumulation on the reefs due to the kelp was also negatively associated with mussel recruitment. These findings highlight the role of ecosystem engineering by kelp in inhibiting the establishment of other species which may additionally impact community dynamics and primary and secondary productivity. The limited capacity of small kelp patches to inhibit the recruitment of other organisms supports the notion that fragmented patches of ecosystem engineers could be more suspectable to adverse outcomes from species interactions making them less resistant to shifts towards an alternative ecosystem state.
Climate change impacts on linkages between atmospheric blocking and North American winter cold spells in CanESM2 and CanESM5
Authors: Jeong Dae Il , Yu Bin , Cannon Alex J.
Published: May 2022

This study investigates changes in linkages between atmospheric blocking and winter (December–February) cold spells over the Pacific-North America region in two large-ensembles of Canadian Earth System Models (CanESM2 and CanESM5 under high-emission scenarios). The two ensembles show decreases in winter blocking frequency over the North Pacific from 1981–2010 baseline to 2071–2100, with larger decreases in CanESM5 (− 3.08%/decade) than CanESM2 (− 1.73%/decade). Using a time-invariant (stationary) threshold estimated from the baseline to define cold days, the two ensembles project a decline in cold spell events as future air temperature increases; the occasional occurrence of cold spell events is still projected to occur at the end of the century. Using a time-dependent (nonstationary) climatological threshold, CanESM2 and CanESM5 ensembles project modest decreases in cold spell days over North America (− 2.0 and − 2.3%/decade). With the nonstationary threshold, the two ensembles project decreases in winter cold spell frequency during blocking, with larger decreases in CanESM5 (13%) than CanESM2 (3%) for 2071–2100 period compared to the baseline. The two ensembles display similar blocking-cold spell linkages between the baseline and future periods; however, the linkage is weaker and exhibits larger uncertainty in the future. Moreover, temperature advection and net heat flux anomalies during blocking are generally weaker for the future period, resulting in weaker impacts on North American cold spells with larger uncertainty associated with increases in internal-variability.
Estimating future rainfall distributions in a changing climate for water resource planning: Victoria, Australia
Authors: Rauniyar Surendra P. , Power Scott B.
Published: May 2022

Here we use observations and simulations from 40 global climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), under preindustrial, historical, and a high emission scenario (RCP8.5) to provide estimates of Victorian cool season (April–October) rainfall for the coming century. This includes a new method which exploits recent research that estimated the relative contribution of external forcing and natural variability to the observed multidecadal decline in cool season rainfall in Victoria from 1997. The new method is aimed at removing the influence of external forcing on Victoria’s cool-season rainfall, effectively rendering a stationary time-series. The resulting historical record is then modified by scaling derived from the mean projected change evident in climate models out to 2100. The results suggest that the median value of the All-Victoria rainfall PDF will decrease monotonically over the remainder of the twenty-first century under RCP8.5. The likelihood that All-Victoria rainfall in any given year from 2025 onward will be below the observed 5th percentile of the observations (291 mm) increases monotonically, becoming three times larger by the end of the century. The new method is assessed using cross-validation and its ability to hindcast observed multidecadal rainfall change. The latter indicates that CMIP5 models poorly replicate recent interdecadal rainfall change. So, while we have more confidence in the new method because it accounts for the non-stationarity in the observed climate, limitations in the CMIP5 models results in us having low confidence in the reliability of the estimated future rainfall distributions.
Individually tailored nutritional guidance improved dietary intake of older family caregivers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Koponen Sohvi , Nykänen Irma , Savela Roosa-Maria , Välimäki Tarja , Suominen Anna Liisa , Schwab Ursula
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Older family caregivers (FCs) are vulnerable to insufficient dietary intake and risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of individually tailored nutritional guidance on the dietary intake and nutritional status of older FCs and their care recipients’ (CRs’) nutritional status.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled 6-month nutrition intervention in Eastern Finland. The inclusion criteria for FCs were having a home-living CR aged 65 or above and a valid care allowance. The exclusion criterion was CR receiving end-of-life care at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (FCs n = 63, CRs n = 59) and a control (FCs n = 50, CRs n = 48) group. Individually tailored nutritional guidance targeted to FCs was given to an intervention group by a clinical nutritionist. The main outcomes were dietary intake (3-day food record).

Results

After the 6-month intervention, 63 FCs and 59 CRs in the intervention group and 50 FCs and 48 CRs in the control group were analyzed. In the intervention group of FCs, the intakes of protein, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine differed significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, the intake of vitamin D supplementation improved in the intervention group of the FCs and CRs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Individually tailored nutrition guidance improves the intake levels of crucial nutrients, such as the intake levels of protein, vitamin D, and calcium of the FCs. Further studies are warranted to optimize the methods to improve the nutrition of FCs.

Registration number of Clinical Trials: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04003493 (1 July 2019).
Rho GTPase-activating protein 10 (ARHGAP10/GRAF2) is a novel autoantibody target in patients with autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Jarius Sven , Komorowski Lars , Regula Jens U. , Haas Jürgen , Brakopp Stefanie , Wildemann Brigitte
Published: May 2022

Background

In 2010, we described a novel immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibody (termed anti-Ca after the index case) targeting Rho GTPase-activating protein 26 (ARHGAP26, also termed GTPase regulator associated with focal adhesion kinase [GRAF], or oligophrenin-like protein 1 [OPHN1L]) in autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (ACA). Later, ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca was reported in patients with limbic encephalitis/cognitive decline or peripheral neuropathy. In several of the reported cases, the syndrome was associated with cancer. ARHGAP10/GRAF2, which is expressed throughout the central nervous system, shares significant sequence homology with ARHGAP26/GRAF. Mutations in the ARHGAP10 gene have been linked to cognitive and psychiatric symptoms and schizophrenia.

Objective

To assess whether ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca co-reacts with ARHGAP10.

Methods

Serological testing for ARHGAP10/GRAF2 autoantibodies by recombinant cell-based assays and isotype and IgG subclass analyses.

Results

26/31 serum samples (84%) from 9/12 (75%) ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca-positive patients and 4/6 ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca-positive CSF samples from four patients were positive also for ARHGAP10-IgG. ARHGAP10-IgG (termed anti-Ca2) remained detectable in the long-term (up to 109 months) and belonged mainly to the complement-activating IgG1 subclass. Median ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca and median ARHGAP10-IgG/anti-Ca2 serum titres were 1:3200 and 1:1000, respectively, with extraordinarily high titres in some samples (ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca: up to 1:1000,000; ARHGAP10-IgG: up to 1:32,000). ARHGAP26/anti-Ca serum titres exceeded those of ARHGAP10-IgG in all samples but one. A subset of patients was positive also for ARHGAP10-IgM and ARHGAP10-IgA. CSF/serum ratios and antibody index calculation suggested intrathecal production of ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca and anti-ARHGAP10. Of 101 control samples, 100 were completely negative for ARHGAP10-IgG; a single control sample bound weakly (1:10) to the ARHGAP10-transfected cells.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that a substantial proportion of patients with ARHGAP26-IgG/anti-Ca-positive autoimmune encephalitis co-react with ARHGAP10. Further studies on the clinical and diagnostic implications of ARHGAP10-IgG/anti-Ca2 seropositivity in patients with autoimmune encephalitis are warranted.
Climate change and physical activity: ambient temperature and urban trail use in Texas
Authors: Lanza Kevin , Gohlke Julia , Wang Suwei , Sheffield Perry E. , Wilhelmi Olga
Published: May 2022

Individuals in the USA are insufficiently active, increasing their chronic disease risk. Extreme temperatures may reduce physical activity due to thermal discomfort. Cooler climate studies have suggested climate change may have a net positive effect on physical activity, yet research gaps remain for warmer climates and within-day physical activity patterns. We determined the association between ambient temperatures (contemporary and projected) and urban trail use in a humid subtropical climate. At a trail in Austin, TX, five electronic counters recorded hourly pedestrian and cyclist counts in 2019. Weather data were acquired from World Weather Online. Generalized additive models estimated the association between temperature and trail counts. We then combined the estimated exposure–response relation with weather projections from climate models for intermediate (RCP4.5) and high (RCP8.5) emissions scenarios by NASA NEX-GDDP. From summer to autumn to spring to winter, hourly trail counts shifted from bimodal (mid-morning and early-evening peaks) to one mid-day peak. Pedestrians were more likely to use the trail between 7 and 27 °C (45–81°F) with peak use at 17 °C (63°F) and cyclists between 15 and 33 °C (59–91°F) with peak use at 27 °C (81°F) than at temperature extremes. A net decrease in trail use was estimated by 2041–2060 (RCP4.5: pedestrians =  − 4.5%, cyclists =  − 1.1%; RCP8.5: pedestrians =  − 6.6%, cyclists =  − 1.6%) and 2081–2100 (RCP4.5: pedestrians =  − 7.5%, cyclists =  − 1.9%; RCP8.5: pedestrians =  − 16%, cyclists =  − 4.5%). Results suggest climate change may reduce trail use. We recommend interventions for thermal comfort at settings for physical activity.
Spontaneous empyema and brain abscess in an intensive care population: clinical presentation, microbiology, and factors associated with outcome
Authors: Dietler Sabeth , Willms Jan , Brandi Giovanna , Wang Sophie , Burkerth Astrid , Keller Emanuela
Published: May 2022

Background

Data on critically ill patients with spontaneous empyema or brain abscess are limited. The aim was to evaluate clinical presentations, factors, and microbiological findings associated with the outcome in patients treated in a Neurocritical Care Unit.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed 45 out of 101 screened patients with spontaneous epidural or subdural empyema and/or brain abscess treated at a tertiary care center between January 2012 and December 2019. Patients with postoperative infections or spinal abscess were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for baseline characteristics, origin of infection, laboratory and microbiology findings, and treatment characteristics. The outcome was determined using the Glasgow outcome scale extended (GOSE).

Results

Favorable outcome (GOSE 5–8) was achieved in 38 of 45 patients (84%). Four patients died (9%), three remained severely disabled (7%). Unfavorable outcome was associated with a decreased level of consciousness at admission (Glasgow coma scale < 9) (43% versus 3%; p = 0.009), need of vasopressors (71% versus 11%; p = 0.002), sepsis (43% versus 8%; p = 0.013), higher age (65.1 ± 15.7 versus 46.9 ± 17.5 years; p = 0.014), shorter time between symptoms onset and ICU admission (5 ± 2.4 days versus 11.6 ± 16.8 days; p = 0.013), and higher median C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels (206 mg/l, range 15–259 mg/l versus 17.5 mg/l, range 3.3–72.7 mg/l; p = 0.036). With antibiotics adapted according to culture sensitivities in the first 2 weeks, neuroimaging revealed a progression of empyema or abscess in 45% of the cases.

Conclusion

Favorable outcome can be achieved in a considerable proportion of an intensive care population with spontaneous empyema or brain abscess. Sepsis and more frequent need for vasopressors, associated with unfavorable outcome, indicate a fulminant course of a not only cerebral but systemic infection. Change of antibiotic therapy according to microbiological findings in the first 2 weeks should be exercised with great caution.
Diagnostic value of micrographia in Parkinson’s disease: a study with [123I]FP-CIT SPECT
Authors: Eklund Mikael , Nuuttila Simo , Joutsa Juho , Jaakkola Elina , Mäkinen Elina , Honkanen Emma A. , Lindholm Kari , Vahlberg Tero , Noponen Tommi , Ihalainen Toni , Murtomäki Kirsi , Nojonen Tanja , Levo Reeta , Mertsalmi Tuomas , Scheperjans Filip , Kaasinen Valtteri
Published: May 2022

Micrographia is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and it may precede other motor symptoms. Despite the high prevalence of micrographia in PD, its neurobiological mechanisms are not known. Given that levodopa may alleviate consistent micrographia and that nondopaminergic essential tremor (ET) is not associated with micrographia, micrographia could possibly be used as an ancillary diagnostic method that reflects nigrostriatal dopamine function. We evaluated the usefulness of micrographia as a simple one-sentence writing test in differentiating PD from ET. A total of 146 PD patients, 42 ET patients and 38 healthy controls provided writing samples and were scanned with brain [123I]FP-CIT dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT imaging with ROI-based and voxelwise analyses. The diagnostic accuracy of micrographia was evaluated and compared to that of DAT binding. Compared to ET and healthy controls, PD patients showed micrographia (consistent, 25.6% smaller area of handwriting sample in PD compared to ET, p = 0.002, and 27.2% smaller area of handwriting compared to healthy controls, p = 0.004). PD patients showed 133% more severe progressive micrographia compared with ET patients (median b =  − 0.14 in PD, b =  − 0.06 in ET, p = 0.021). In early unmedicated cognitively normal patients, consistent micrographia showed 71.2% specificity and 87.5% sensitivity in PD versus ET differentiation, but micrographia had no correlation with striatal or extrastriatal [123I]FP-CIT binding in patients with PD. The one-sentence micrographia test shows moderately good accuracy in PD versus ET differentiation. The severity of micrographia has no relationship with DAT binding, suggesting nondopaminergic mechanism of micrographia in PD.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02650843 (NMDAT study).
Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) impacts on benthic fish communities in two tributaries of the Great Lakes
Authors: McAllister Keith , Drake D. Andrew R. , Power Michael
Published: May 2022

Numerous fish species in the Laurentian Great Lakes have been negatively impacted by the establishment of the invasive Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus). However, limited understanding exists as to how Round Goby has impacted small-bodied native benthic fishes after its secondary invasion into tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes. To investigate Round Goby impacts on darter species (family Percidae) in tributary ecosystems, catch per unit area (CPUA) of native and non-native fishes from two riverine ecosystems in Southwestern Ontario (Ausable River, Big Otter Creek) were analyzed. Spatial analyses indicated Round Goby CPUA was highest proximate to the Great Lakes, with a sharp decline in CPUA at sites upstream from each lake (Round Goby CPUA approached zero after 18 and 14 km in the Ausable River and Big Otter Creek, respectively). There was some evidence of a negative relationship between the CPUA of Round Goby and several darter species along the tributary gradients, with moderately negative co-occurrence between Round Goby and Rainbow Darter in the Ausable River and Johnny Darter and Percidae species overall in Big Otter Creek. However, overwhelming evidence of negative associations between Round Goby and all darter species was not found. The negative relationship between the CPUA of Round Goby and some darter species was observed over similar time periods since establishment but greater spatial scales than in previous studies, and therefore has important implications for understanding the ecological impacts of Round Goby in tributary ecosystems.
Blockchain for sustainable supply chain management: trends and ways forward
Authors: Sahoo Saumyaranjan , Kumar Satish , Sivarajah Uthayasankar , Lim Weng Marc , Westland J. Christopher , Kumar Ashwani
Published: May 2022

Blockchain operates on a highly secured framework, and its decentralized consensus has benefits for supply chain sustainability. Scholars have recognized the growing importance of sustainability in supply chains and studied the potential of blockchain for sustainable supply chain management. However, no study has taken stock of high-quality research in this area. To address this gap, this paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of high-quality research on blockchain for sustainable supply chain management. To do so, this paper conducts a systematic literature review using a bibliometric analysis of 146 high-quality articles on blockchain for sustainable supply chain management that have been published in journals ranked “A*”, “A”, and “B” by the Australian Business Deans Council and retrieved from the Scopus database. In doing so, this paper unpacks the most prominent journals, authors, institutions, and countries that have contributed to three major themes in the field, namely blockchain for sustainable business activities, decision support systems using blockchain, and blockchain for intelligent transportation system. This paper also reveals the use of blockchain for sustainable supply chain management across four major sectors, namely food, healthcare, manufacturing, and infrastructure, and concludes with suggestions for future research in each sector.
A tutorial comparing different covariate balancing methods with an application evaluating the causal effects of substance use treatment programs for adolescents
Authors: Markoulidakis Andreas , Taiyari Khadijeh , Holmans Peter , Pallmann Philip , Busse Monica , Godley Mark D. , Griffin Beth Ann
Published: May 2022

Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard for measuring causal effects. However, they are often not always feasible, and causal treatment effects must be estimated from observational data. Observational studies do not allow robust conclusions about causal relationships unless statistical techniques account for the imbalance of pretreatment confounders across groups and key assumptions hold. Propensity score and balance weighting (PSBW) are useful techniques that aim to reduce the observed imbalances between treatment groups by weighting the groups to look alike on the observed confounders. Notably, there are many methods available to estimate PSBW. However, it is unclear a priori which will achieve the best trade-off between covariate balance and effective sample size for a given application. Moreover, it is critical to assess the validity of key assumptions required for robust estimation of the needed treatment effects, including the overlap and no unmeasured confounding assumptions. We present a step-by-step guide to the use of PSBW for estimation of causal treatment effects that includes steps on how to evaluate overlap before the analysis, obtain estimates of PSBW using multiple methods and select the optimal one, check for covariate balance on multiple metrics, and assess sensitivity of findings (both the estimated treatment effect and statistical significance) to unobserved confounding. We illustrate the key steps using a case study examining the relative effectiveness of substance use treatment programs and provide a user-friendly Shiny application that can implement the proposed steps for any application with binary treatments.
Measuring biofoam anisotropy using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Mac Intyre Jonatan R. , Raka Doruntina , Aydin Mehmet , Viitanen Leevi , Koivisto Juha
Published: May 2022

Optical coherence tomography enables quick scans of translucent objects in a simple environment. Here, we apply this technique to wood-based biofoam. We measure the geometrical properties of the foam, such as bubble eccentricity and density fluctuations, in addition to characterising the possible orientation of fibres. We find that the wood-based foams are extremely suitable for optical coherence tomography due to their translucent nature and large changes of optical density between air-filled bubbles and solid films. Measurement of bubble eccentricity revealed a reasonably high aspect ratio of 1:2, enabling the orientation of long cellulose fibres if added to the mixture. The results demonstrate an effective method to characterise foamlike metamaterials. Furthermore, focusing on eccentricity enables the adjustment of the foam’s manufacturing method and, in turn, helps to produce anisotropic structures.

Graphical abstract