bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Results on Independent Sets in Extensions of $$2K_2$$-free Graphs
Authors: Mosca Raffaele
Published: July 2022

The Maximum Weight Independent Set Problem (WIS) is a well-known NP-hard problem. A popular way to study WIS is to detect graph classes for which WIS is solvable in polynomial time, with particular reference to hereditary graph classes, i.e., defined by a hereditary graph property or equivalently by forbidding one or more induced subgraphs. For any two graphs G and H, $$G+H$$

G
+
H

denotes the disjoint union of G and H. A $$lK_2$$

l

K
2

is the disjoint union of l edges. A $$Y_{m,m}$$

Y

m
,
m

is the disjoint union of two stars of $$m+1$$

m
+
1

vertices plus one vertex that is adjacent only to the centers of such stars. For any graph family $${{{\mathcal {Y}}}}$$
Y
, the class of $${\mathcal Y}$$
Y
-free graphs is formed by graphs which are Y-free for every $$Y \in {{{\mathcal {Y}}}}$$

Y
∈
Y

, and the class of $$lK_2+{{{\mathcal {Y}}}}$$

l

K
2

+
Y

-free graphs is formed by graph which are $$lK_2+Y$$

l

K
2

+
Y

-free for every $$Y \in {\mathcal Y}$$

Y
∈
Y

. The main result of this manuscript is the following: For any constant m and for any graph family $${{{\mathcal {Y}}}}$$
Y
which contains an induced subgraph of $$Y_{m,m}$$

Y

m
,
m

, if WIS is solvable in polynomial time for $${{{\mathcal {Y}}}}$$
Y
-free graphs, then WIS is solvable in polynomial time for $$lK_2+{{{\mathcal {Y}}}}$$

l

K
2

+
Y

-free graphs for any constant l. That extends some known polynomial results, namely, when $${{{\mathcal {Y}}}} = \{Y\}$$

Y
=
{
Y
}

and Y is a fork or is a $$P_5$$

P
5

. The proof of the main result is based on Farber’s approach to prove that every $$2K_2$$

2

K
2

-free graph has $$O(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

maximal independent sets (Farber in Discrete Math 73:249–260, 1989), which directly leads to a polynomial time algorithm to solve WIS for $$2K_2$$

2

K
2

-free graphs through a dynamic programming approach, and on some extensions of Farber’s approach.
Consumption of young child formulae in the Netherlands
Authors: de Jong Marjolein H. , Nawijn Eline L. , Verkaik-Kloosterman Janneke
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Adequate micronutrient intakes are essential for young children. Special young child formulae (YCF) intended for children from 1 year old are available in the Dutch market. Since YCF are enriched with many micronutrients, it has the potential to have a beneficial effect on young children, or might pose a risk on excessive micronutrient intakes. The current study investigated the characteristics of YCF users, and the effect of YCF use on micronutrient intakes.

Methods

Data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2012–2016; n = 440 children aged 1–2 year old) and the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO version 2016) were used to assess micronutrient intakes. Habitual intakes of users and non-users of YCF were calculated using Statistical Program to Assess Dietary Exposure (SPADE) and compared.

Results

In the Netherlands, YCF was consumed by 21% of the 1–2-year-olds. YCF contributed mostly to total vitamin D intake (76%) and between 0 and 50% for other micronutrients. Higher vitamin A, B1, C, D, E, total folate, iron and zinc intakes were observed among users, and higher potassium and phosphorus intakes were found among non-users. Risk of inadequate intake was low among both users and non-users for most nutrients, and the only elevated risk of excessive intake found was for zinc among YCF users.

Conclusion

YCF increased micronutrient intake, however, for most of the micronutrients there is already a low risk of inadequate intake. YCF increased the risk of excessive zinc intake. It is important that the addition of micronutrients to YCF is regulated, to prevent excessive intake.
HNRNPK alleviates RNA toxicity by counteracting DNA damage in C9orf72 ALS
Authors: Braems Elke , Bercier Valérie , Van Schoor Evelien , Heeren Kara , Beckers Jimmy , Fumagalli Laura , Dedeene Lieselot , Moisse Matthieu , Geudens Ilse , Hersmus Nicole , Mehta Arpan R. , Selvaraj Bhuvaneish T. , Chandran Siddharthan , Ho Ritchie , Thal Dietmar R. , Van Damme Philip , Swinnen Bart , Van Den Bosch Ludo
Published: July 2022

A ‘GGGGCC’ repeat expansion in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The exact mechanism resulting in these neurodegenerative diseases remains elusive, but C9 repeat RNA toxicity has been implicated as a gain-of-function mechanism. Our aim was to use a zebrafish model for C9orf72 RNA toxicity to identify modifiers of the ALS-linked phenotype. We discovered that the RNA-binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK) reverses the toxicity of both sense and antisense repeat RNA, which is dependent on its subcellular localization and RNA recognition, and not on C9orf72 repeat RNA binding. We observed HNRNPK cytoplasmic mislocalization in C9orf72 ALS patient fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons and post-mortem motor cortex and spinal cord, in line with a disrupted HNRNPK function in C9orf72 ALS. In C9orf72 ALS/FTD patient tissue, we discovered an increased nuclear translocation, but reduced expression of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2), a downstream target of HNRNPK involved in the DNA damage response. Last but not least, we showed that increasing the expression of HNRNPK or RRM2 was sufficient to mitigate DNA damage in our C9orf72 RNA toxicity zebrafish model. Overall, our study strengthens the relevance of RNA toxicity as a pathogenic mechanism in C9orf72 ALS and demonstrates its link with an aberrant DNA damage response, opening novel therapeutic avenues for C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
Use of a microsurgical vascular clip system for temporary bilateral occlusion of the four main uterine vessels for laparoscopic enucleation of very large intramural uterine fibroids
Authors: Younes Shadi , Radosa Marc , Schneider Achim , Radosa Julia , Eichenwald Alexey , Weisgerber Christiane , Aktas Bahriye
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The goal of this study was to examine the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of the use of a microsurgical temporary vascular clip system to facilitate the laparoscopic enucleation of very large intramural uterine fibroids.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the surgical outcomes of 26 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy with temporary uterine vessel clipping for very large (the largest measured diameter ≥ 9 cm) symptomatic intramural uterine fibroids in two tertiary referral hospitals between September 2017 and March 2020 were examined. Titan-made vascular clips (YASARGIL® Aneurysm Clip System) were used to temporarily occlude the bilateral uterine arteries and utero-ovarian vessels. Main outcomes included operating time, blood loss, number of leiomyomas and weight, conversion rate, intra- and postoperative complication rates, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Twenty six patients were included. Dominant intramural uterine fibroid diameters were 9–22 cm. The general characteristics of the patients were similar. The mean surgery duration and intraoperative blood loss were 175.3 ± 32.7 (range 120–250) min and 241.1 ± 103 (range 100–450) ml, respectively. The median postoperative drop in hemoglobin was 0.89 ± 0.75 g/dL. No patient required blood transfusion. No procedure was converted to laparotomy. No major intra- or postoperative complication occurred.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic myomectomy for very large intramural uterine fibroids can be performed safely and effectively, with less intraoperative blood loss, using vascular clips for temporary clamping of the bilateral uterine vessels.
Improvements in Objective and Subjective Measures of Chronic Cough with Gefapixant: A Pooled Phase 3 Efficacy Analysis of Predefined Subgroups
Authors: Smith Jaclyn A. , Birring Surinder S. , Dicpinigaitis Peter V. , McGarvey Lorcan P. , Morice Alyn H. , Pavord Ian D. , Satia Imran , Green Stuart , Iskold Beata , La Rosa Carmen , Li Qing , Martin Nguyen Allison , Schelfhout Jonathan , Muccino David
Published: July 2022

Introduction

In phase 3 trials (COUGH-1/COUGH-2), gefapixant 45 mg twice daily significantly reduced 24-h cough frequency vs placebo in refractory or unexplained chronic cough (RCC or UCC).

Methods

Here, the efficacy of gefapixant 45 mg vs placebo was evaluated across COUGH-1/COUGH-2 in predefined subgroups based on sex, region, age, cough duration, cough severity, cough frequency, and diagnosis (RCC, UCC). Awake cough frequency reductions at Week 12 and LCQ response rates (i.e., ≥ 1.3-point improvement) at Week 24 were assessed.

Results

Among 1360 participants analyzed, gefapixant 45 mg resulted in consistent awake cough frequency reductions overall and across predefined subgroups at Week 12. Gefapixant also resulted in improved LCQ scores across subgroups at Week 24; ≥ 70% of participants in each subgroup treated with gefapixant 45 mg had an LCQ response.

Conclusion

These data suggest gefapixant 45 mg provides consistent objective and subjective efficacy across subgroups of individuals with RCC or UCC.
Volcanic electrification: recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Cimarelli Corrado , Behnke Sonja , Genareau Kimberly , Harper Joshua Méndez , Van Eaton Alexa R.
Published: July 2022

The electrification of volcanic plumes has been described intermittently since at least the time of Pliny the Younger and the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius. Although sometimes disregarded in the past as secondary effects, recent work suggests that the electrical properties of volcanic plumes reveal intrinsic and otherwise inaccessible parameters of explosive eruptions. An increasing number of volcanic lightning studies across the last decade have shown that electrification is ubiquitous in volcanic plumes. Technological advances in engineering and numerical modelling, paired with close observation of recent eruptions and dedicated laboratory studies (shock-tube and current impulse experiments), show that charge generation and electrical activity are related to the physical, chemical, and dynamic processes underpinning the eruption itself. Refining our understanding of volcanic plume electrification will continue advancing the fundamental understanding of eruptive processes to improve volcano monitoring. Realizing this goal, however, requires an interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of volcanology, atmospheric science, atmospheric electricity, and engineering. Our paper summarizes the rapid and steady progress achieved in recent volcanic lightning research and provides a vision for future developments in this growing field.
Glycol bearing perylene monoimide based non-fullerene acceptors with increased dielectric permittivity
Authors: Fürk Peter , Hofinger Jakob , Reinfelds Matiss , Rath Thomas , Amenitsch Heinz , Scharber Markus Clark , Trimmel Gregor
Published: July 2022

Perylene monoimide based electron acceptors have great properties for use in organic solar cells, like thermal stability, strong absorption, and simple synthesis. However, they typically exhibit low values for the dielectric permittivity. This hinders efficient exciton dissociation, limiting the achievable power conversion efficiencies. In this work, we present the synthesis and utilization of two new acceptor–donor-acceptor (A-D-A) molecules, comprising perylene monoimide as electron withdrawing A unit. Oligo ethylene glycol side chain modified carbazole (PMI-[C-OEG]) and fluorene (PMI-[F-OEG]) linkers were used as electron rich D units, respectively. The polar side chains are expected to increase the polarizability of the molecules and, thus, their permittivity according to the Clausius–Mossotti relationship. We found that the incorporation of glycol chains improved the dielectric properties of both materials in comparison to the reference compounds with alkyl chains. The permittivity increased by 18% from 3.17 to 3.75 for the carbazole-based non-fullerene acceptor PMI-[C-OEG] and by 12% from 3.10 to 3.47 for the fluorene-based acceptor PMI-[F-OEG]. The fabricated solar cells revealed power conversion efficiencies of 3.71 ± 0.20% (record 3.92%) with PMI-[C-OEG], and 1.21 ± 0.06% (record 1.51%) with PMI-[F-OEG].

Graphical abstract
Investigation of the esthetic perception of different canine parameters
Authors: Schwefer Niklas , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Meyer Gunnar , Kern Matthias
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study is to analyze the esthetic perception of selected canine features, namely crown length, shade, inclination, and angle of incisal edge tip.

Materials and methods

The anterior maxillary teeth of a Central European woman were photographed and digitally modified in order to investigate esthetic perceptions of the above four categories. Three groups of examiners with different levels of experience in the field of dentistry (laypersons/inexperienced dental students, advanced dental students, dentists) evaluated the photographs twice with the help of visual analogue scales.

Results

The best-evaluated canines have approximately the same length as the central incisor, have the same shade as the other anterior teeth, are best embedded in a lighter overall tooth shade, are neutral to slightly palatal inclined, and have a right angled to rounded incisal edge (≥ 90°). The canines evaluated as least esthetic, however, are longer than the central incisors, darker, inclined labially, and have a tapered incisal edge. No significant differences could be found between the evaluations of the groups with regard to the four feature categories.

Conclusions

Laypersons, advanced dental students, and dentists generally evaluate according to the same esthetic standards. Gender does not have a significant influence on evaluation. Clear definitions of esthetically favored shades, incisal edge shapes, inclination, and lengths of the canines can be given.

Clinical relevance

Since the esthetics of the smile line play a critical role for patients, dentists, dental technicians, and their supplying industry, knowledge of the esthetically preferred morphology of canines is essential.

Clinical significance

The aim of this study is to give clear definitions of esthetically favored shades, incisal edge shapes, and lengths of the canines, as the esthetics of the smile line play a critical role for patients, dentists, dental technicians, and their supplying industry (e.g., denture tooth manufacturers). Precise knowledge of esthetic preferences is important in clinical practice for both dentists and dental technicians, for example, in order to adequately advise patients regarding esthetic corrections. Also, in the case of missing teeth, this knowledge is essential for optimal and satisfactory restorations. Thus, this study can contribute to the satisfaction of general practitioners and patients.
In Silico Meta-Analysis of Boundary Conditions for Experimental Tests on the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Borrelli Simone , Putame Giovanni , Pascoletti Giulia , Terzini Mara , Zanetti Elisabetta M.
Published: July 2022

The study of the spine range of motion under given external load has been the object of many studies in literature, finalised to a better understanding of the spine biomechanics, its physiology, eventual pathologic conditions and possible rehabilitation strategies. However, the huge amount of experimental work performed so far cannot be straightforwardly analysed due to significant differences among loading set-ups. This work performs a meta-analysis of various boundary conditions in literature, focusing on the flexion/extension behaviour of the lumbar spine. The comparison among range of motions is performed virtually through a validated multibody model. Results clearly illustrated the effect of various boundary conditions which can be met in literature, so justifying differences of biomechanical behaviours reported by authors implementing different set-up: for example, a higher value of the follower load can indeed result in a stiffer behaviour; the application of force producing spurious moments results in an apparently more deformable behaviour, however the respective effects change at various segments along the spine due to its natural curvature. These outcomes are reported not only in qualitative, but also in quantitative terms. The numerical approach here followed to perform the meta-analysis is original and it proved to be effective thanks to the bypass of the natural variability among specimens which might completely or partially hinder the effect of some boundary conditions. In addition, it can provide very complete information since the behaviour of each functional spinal unit can be recorded. On the whole, the work provided an extensive review of lumbar spine loading in flexion/extension.
What is in a Name: Defining Key Terms in Urban Air Mobility
Authors: Andritsos Konstantinos , Scott Benjamyn I. , Trimarchi Andrea
Published: July 2022

As the world’s population increases, new ways of improving transportation systems in, around and between urban areas are being suggested. Early discussions on this have been technology-focused, pointing at the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for cargo delivery and electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger transportation. Recently, the term ‘Urban Air Mobility’ has become widely used to encompass these vehicles within a new mobility ecosystem. However, due to deficiencies in this term, other proposals – namely ‘Advanced Air Mobility’, ‘New Air Mobility and ‘Innovative Air Mobility’ – have emerged. The rise in different terms can lead to confusion as their scope is not always fully known or appreciated, and they are often used interchangeably. This paper, therefore, shifts focus from the recent debate about the definition of ‘UAS’ to the aforementioned ecosystem terms so to address and evaluate them as potentially different aspects of the same concept. An interpretive approach of the terms, an assessment of their major characteristics, as well as an analysis of their relationship with the aircraft types will take place. This will show the scope of these terms so that the context can be properly understood and then appropriately applied.
The Efficacy of Using Telehealth to Coach Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on How to Use Naturalistic Teaching to Increase Mands, Tacts and Intraverbals
Authors: Ferguson Jenny , Dounavi Katerina , Craig Emma A.
Published: July 2022

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of telehealth to provide parent training in behaviour analytic interventions and researchers have begun to focus on international demonstrations of this model. The current study assessed the efficacy of a training package focused on naturalistic teaching strategies designed to upskill parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and provide them with ready to use strategies to increase social communication behaviours across verbal operants. Two parent–child dyads were trained to increase mand, tact and intraverbals during play. Parents displayed increases in fidelity for each strategy and viewed the training favourably. Both children showed gains across verbal operants, as captured by a multiple baseline across behaviours design.
Baby and us: Community-based, Feasibility Trial of a Psychosocial Intervention for New Parents and their Infants
Authors: Harwood Joshua , Fernández Leire , Vallejo Valentina , Day Crispin
Published: July 2022

Infancy is a critical period during which major developmental transformations occur. Early parenting is one of the strongest influences on infants’ immediate and longer-term outcomes. The transition to parenting can be demanding and stressful for mothers and fathers. This paper reports results from a feasibility study of the Empowering Parents Empowering Communities Baby and Us programme, an 8-week, universal, peer-led parenting programme for new parents living in socially disadvantaged communities. This study is a quasi-experimental, one arm, no control group study, assessing the feasibility and acceptability of Baby and Us. Programme participants (n = 158) completed standardised self-report measures of parent goal attainment, self-efficacy, knowledge about parenting, mental wellbeing, parental confidence, and programme acceptability. We found that recruiting parents from disadvantaged backgrounds was feasible (96% of programmes recruited sufficient parents to proceed, mean = 6.6 parents per programme); parent goals closely matched the aims of the programme; programme completion was high (74%), and self-report measurement completion rates were in line with other large scale community delivered parenting programmes; parents rated the programme as highly satisfactory; and they reported significant improvements in their mental wellbeing, confidence, parenting skills, self-efficacy, and goal attainment. These results provide important data to conduct a full-scale trial of Baby and Us.
The national risk index: establishing a nationwide baseline for natural hazard risk in the US
Authors: Zuzak Casey , Mowrer Matthew , Goodenough Emily , Burns Jordan , Ranalli Nicholas , Rozelle Jesse
Published: July 2022

The National Risk Index developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a relative measurement of community-level natural hazard risk across 50 US states and Washington, DC. The Index leverages authoritative nationwide datasets and multiplies values for exposure, annualized frequency, and historic loss ratio to derive expected annual loss estimates for 18 hazard types and combines this metric with Social Vulnerability and Community Resilience scores to generate Risk Index scores for every Census tract and county. Scores provide a holistic and comparable measure of risk across the US. Risk scores and underlying data are summarized in a custom web application. Geographical and statistical processing techniques were used to reconcile incompatibilities between the spatial and temporal collection of input datasets. The index was developed using a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach and input from subject matter experts across disciplines and target users. The National Risk Index builds upon previous efforts to develop a multi-hazard risk measurement for a large geography by expanding the number of hazard types considered, applying extensive geoprocessing techniques to combine diverse datasets, and combining traditional risk factors with the community risk factors of social vulnerability and community resilience for an enhanced nationwide picture of risk.
Evaluating soil evaporation and transpiration responses to alternate partial rootzone drying to minimise water losses
Authors: Puértolas Jaime , Dodd Ian C.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Partial rootzone drying (PRD) typically alternates the dry and irrigated parts of the rootzone, but how plant physiology and soil evaporation respond to this alternation are poorly understood.

Methods

Dwarf tomatoes were grown in small split pots comprising two 250 cm3 compartments and fully irrigated (WW: 100% ETc) or subjected to three deficit irrigation treatments (75% ETc): homogeneous rootzone drying (HRD; irrigation evenly distributed); fixed PRD (PRD-F, irrigation applied to one fixed compartment); alternated PRD (PRD-A: as PRD-F but alternating the irrigated compartment every three days). Stem diameter and evapotranspiration were monitored during alternation cycles. The day after alternating the irrigated side of the root system, whole-plant gas exchange and leaf water potential were measured following step increments of vapour pressure deficit.

Results

Alternation did not affect stem diameter contractions or evapotranspiration, which were lower in HRD than in the two PRD treatments. However, soil evaporation was higher in HRD and PRD-A after alternation than in PRD-F. Following alternation, higher soil evaporation was counteracted by decreased transpiration compared with fixed PRD, despite similar overall soil water content. VPD increments did not change this pattern.

Conclusion

Irrigation placement determined soil moisture distribution, which in turn affected soil evaporation and whole plant gas exchange. Optimising the frequency of PRD alternation to maximise water savings while ensuring productive water use needs to consider how soil moisture distribution affects both soil evaporation and plant water use.
Causality, determination and necessitation in free human action
Authors: Carr Vanessa
Published: July 2022

Human freedom is often characterised as a unique power of self-determination. Accordingly, free human action is often thought to be determined by the agent in some distinctive manner. What is more, this determination is widely assumed to be a kind of efficient-causal determination. In reaction to this efficient-causal-deterministic conception of free human action, this paper argues that if one takes up the understanding of determination and causality that is offered by Anscombe in ‘Causality and Determination’, and moreover takes up an understanding of free human action that is constrained by Anscombe’s account of intentional action in Intention, then an account of free human action as distinctively caused or determined by the agent is untenable. However, the notion of necessitation that Anscombe presents in ‘Causality and Determination’, which implies neither causality nor determination, offers an attractive alternative account. This alternative account pushes us to reconsider the sense in which human freedom is a power of self-determination, and to acknowledge the limits of our control in free action.
Use of Space by black-and-gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in an urban environment in Paraguay
Authors: Duffy Paraguay. Xander , Wellian Jake , Smith Rebecca L.
Published: July 2022

As urbanisation continues to reduce the available habitat for wildlife, some species, including the black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) in Pilar, southwest Paraguay, are making their homes in anthropogenic environments. Understanding an animal’s home range is an important step to understanding its ecological needs, and an essential requirement for the creation of robust conservation plans. In this study, we determined the home ranges and core areas of five groups of urban dwellingA. carayausing Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) Analysis. We used a Spearman’s Correlation to explore the relationship between home range size and group size. All five groups had home ranges of less than 10 ha and used core areas of less than 1 ha. Group size had no significant relationship to home range size. We provide the first estimates of home range forA. carayain an urban environment in Paraguay. Though the home ranges of the urbanA. carayain Pilar, Paraguay fall at the smaller end of the spectrum of range sizes inAlouatta, they are not abnormal for a species in this genus.
Arzneimittelepidemiologie und Arzneimittelverbrauchsforschung auf der Basis von Krankenkassendaten: zentrale Untersuchungsfragen und methodische Hinweise
Authors: Schubert Ingrid
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Seit Ende der 1970er-Jahren werden Arzneimitteldaten der Krankenkassen zur Darstellung der Entwicklung der Verbrauchsmengen und Kosten herangezogen. Ziel des Beitrags ist es, das Spektrum an Fragestellungen von Studien der Arzneimittelverbrauchsforschung und Pharmakoepidemiologie, die auf der Basis von Krankenkassendaten bearbeitet wurden, aufzuzeigen.

Material und Methode

Ausgangspunkt sind international referenzierte Publikationen (MEDLINE) seit 1975 mit Daten aus Deutschland, die in Bezug auf die bearbeiteten Fragestellungen, das gewählte Studiendesign und Methodik ausgewertet wurden.

Ergebnisse

Es werden die in 235 arzneimittelbezogenen Studien herangezogenen Datenprofile und Variablen skizziert sowie methodische Anforderungen bei der Nutzung von Arzneimitteldaten aufgezeigt. Bei deskriptiven Studien beziehen sich diese auf Aspekte der Datenquelle, der Festlegung der Studienpopulation und auf Fragen, die bei Nutzung der Arzneimitteldaten vorab zu klären sind. Bei analytischen Studien wird auf Besonderheiten hinsichtlich der Festlegung der Exposition, der Indikation und der Outcomes eingegangen sowie auf relevante Literatur zu Forschungsdesign und Kontrolle von Bias und Confoundern hingewiesen.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung

Studien zur Arzneimittelverbrauchsforschung wurden bislang vorwiegend auf den Datensätzen einzelner Krankenkasse durchgeführt. Eine Verbesserung der Datenlage könnte das im Aufbau befindliche Forschungsdatenzentrum Gesundheit des Bundesinstituts für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM) mit Daten aller GKV-Versicherten bewirken, da dadurch krankenkassenspezifische Besonderheiten vermieden werden. Auch seltene Ereignisse, die große Datensätze erfordern, könnten auf diesem Datensatz untersucht werden. Eine Linkage mit anderen Datenquellen sollte vorgesehen werden.
Automated identification of different lead users regarding the innovation process
Authors: Schmid Isabel , Wörner Janik , Leist Susanne
Published: July 2022

Lead users are often established in an organizational innovation process to attenuate the difficulties a company faces, such as high costs or the obscurity of customers’ needs. But to benefit from these lead users a major challenge is to characterize and identify them especially in the fast-moving world of social media. Therefore, we aim to design a tool to identify lead users automatically for the two innovation phases (“Idea generation” and “Development”) by combining different approaches such as social network analysis, topic modeling and sentiment analysis. Thus, we consulted the design science approach and applied our artifact to 11,481 contributions of an online digital platform. The technical realization of the six different characteristics and their respective weighting according to the different phases of the innovation process resulted in different lead users and showed the necessity of distinguishing between them. Our results were evaluated and confirmed by the identified lead users and an expert. Hence, our investigation contributes to both practice and theory (kernel theories and design theory) alike.
Stiffness of Ballastless Railway Embankments Determined by Repetitive Static Plate Load Tests
Authors: Wersäll Carl , Baker Sadek , Zackrisson Peter
Published: July 2022

In the repetitive static plate load test, a plate is loaded in two cycles where the second loading cycle provides a modulus denotedEv2. When calculating the stiffness of a railway embankment, Young’s modulus is often assumed to be equal toEv2throughout the embankment. This approach, however, provides inaccurate results, mainly due to soil nonlinearity and the influence of confinement stress. Currently, there exists no method to account for these aspects to derive reliable deformation properties of embankments. Occasionally, correction factors are applied toEv2, resulting in crude estimations. In this study, plate load tests were simulated in PLAXIS 2D using the Hardening Soil Model and calibrated against four field tests, conducted on crushed rock-fill sub-ballast. The calibrated soil properties were applied in finite element simulations of railway embankments with ballastless slab-track systems. Based on the results of finite element analyses, a semi-empirical approach is proposed, which considers confinement stress through a hyperbolic stress–strain relationship. Soil properties for compacted rock-fill with particle grading 0–150 mm were assumed through the results of the calibrated finite element analyses and the method was verified against 43 plate load tests. This semi-empirical method is more accurate than assuming a constant Young’s modulus, while maintaining simplicity and ease of use.
ACO-based traffic routing method with automated negotiation for connected vehicles
Authors: Nguyen Tri-Hai , Jung Jason J.
Published: July 2022

Most traffic control systems are centralized, where all the collected data can be analyzed to make a decision. However, there are problems with computational complexity and, more seriously, real-time decision-making. This paper proposes a decentralized traffic routing system based on a new pheromone model of ant colony optimization algorithm and an automated negotiation technique in a connected vehicle environment. In particular, connected vehicles utilize a new pheromone model, namely the inverted pheromone model, which generates a repulsive force between vehicles and gives negative feedback to the congested roads. They also perform a collective learning-based negotiation process for distributing traffic flows throughout the road networks, reducing traffic congestion. Via extensive simulations based on the Simulation of Urban Mobility, the proposed system shows that it can significantly reduce travel time and fuel consumption compared to existing systems.
Evidence for evolutionary relationship between archaeplastidal and cyanobacterial phytochromes based on their chromophore pockets
Authors: Gabriel Eva , Krauß Norbert , Lamparter Tilman
Published: July 2022

Phytochromes are photoreceptor proteins with a bilin chromophore that undergo photoconversion between two spectrally different forms, Pr and Pfr. In plants, phytochromes play a central role in growth and differentiation during the entire life cycle. Phytochromes of plants and other groups of archaeplastida have a common evolutionary origin in prokaryotes, but the exact prokaryotic origin is as yet uncertain. Two possibilities are presently discussed: either, archaeplastidal phytochromes arose from the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) or they arose from the cyanobacterial endosymbiont that gave rise to plastids. We first constructed standard phylogenetic trees based on N-terminal protein sequences of the chromophore module. As usual, variation of algorithms and parameters led to different trees. A relationship between cyanobacteria and archaeplastida was observed in 7 out of 36 trees. The lack of consistency between results obtained from variation of parameters of tree constructions reflects the uncertainty of archaeplastidal origin. To gain more information about a possible cyanobacterial and archaeplastidal relationship, we performed phylogenetic studies based on the amino acids that line the chromophore pockets. These amino acids are highly conserved and could provide more accurate information about long evolutionary time scales, but the reduction of traits could also lead to insignificant results. From 30 selected chromophore-binding amino acids, 6 were invariant. The subsequent studies were thus based on the information dependent on 24 or fewer amino acid positions. Again, multiple trees were constructed to get information about the robustness of relationships. The very low number of information-containing traits resulted in low bootstrap values and many indistinguishable leaves. However, the major groups fungi, bacteria, cyanobacteria, and plants remained united. Without exception, cyanobacteria and archaeplastida were always closely linked. In this respect, the results were more robust than those of the classic approach, based on long contiguous sequences. We therefore consider cyanobacteria as the most likely origin of archaeplastidal phytochromes.
Is everyone invited to the discussion table? A bibliometric analysis COVID-19-related mental health literature
Authors: Yalcin Nadir , Bayraktar Izgi , Karabulut Erdem , de Filippis Renato , Jaguga Florence , Karaliuniene Ruta , Nagendrappa Sachin , Noël Camille , Ojeahere Margaret Isioma , Ori Dorottya , Ransing Ramdas , Saeed Fahimeh , Shalbafan Mohammadreza , Shoib Sheikh , Ullah Irfan , Vadivel Ramyadarshni , Vahdani Bita , Ramalho Rodrigo
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has captured the mental health discussion worldwide. Examining countries' representation in this discussion could prove instrumental in identifying potential gaps in terms of ensuring a truly global conversation in times of global crisis.

Methods

We collected mental health and COVID-19-related journal articles published in PubMed in 2020. We focused on the corresponding authors' countries of affiliation to explore countries' representation. We also examined these articles' academic impact and correlations with their corresponding authors' countries of affiliation. Additional journals and countries' indicators were collected from the Web of Science and World Bank websites, respectively. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics and the VOSviewer software.

Results

In total, 3492 publications were analyzed. Based on the corresponding author, high-income countries produced 61.9% of these publications. Corresponding authors from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East combined accounted for 11.8% of the publications. Europe hosted corresponding authors with the most publications and citations, and corresponding authors from North America had the largest mean journal impact factor.

Conclusions

The global scientific discussion during the COVID-19 pandemic saw an increased contribution of academics from developing countries. However, authors from high-income countries have continued to shape this discussion. It is imperative to ensure the active participation of low- and middle-income countries in setting up the global mental health research agenda, particularly in situations of global crisis, such as the ongoing pandemic.
Financing and Delivering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to End the HIV Epidemic
Authors: Killelea Amy , Johnson Jeremiah , Dangerfield Derek T. , Beyrer Chris , McGough Matthew , McIntyre John , Gee Rebekah E. , Ballreich Jeromie , Conti Rena , Horn Tim , Pickett Jim , Sharfstein Joshua M.
Published: July 2022

The U.S. has the tools to end the HIV epidemic, but progress has stagnated. A major gap in U.S. efforts to address HIV is the under-utilization of medications that can virtually eliminate acquisition of the virus, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This document proposes a financing and delivery system to unlock broad access to PrEP for those most vulnerable to HIV acquisition and bring an end to the HIV epidemic.
Implementing a National PrEP Program:How Can We Make It Happen?
Authors: Malebranche David , Watriss Ariel , Dangerfield Derek T.
Published: July 2022

Inequities in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use persist in the United States. Although scientific advancement in delivery options and social acceptance of PrEP has occurred in the past decade, gaps remain in ensuring that this sexual health program is available to all. Components of what a national PrEP program for all would look like are discussed.
Health Departments and PrEP:A Missed Opportunity for Public Health
Authors: Comer Carri , Fernández Ricardo
Published: July 2022

The paper identifies common barriers and challenges to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and offers considerations for state and local public health departments to address barriers and retool infrastructure to increase access to PrEP to new users. Authors identify synergistic opportunities with federal agencies and funders to advance PrEP-related HIV prevention efforts, that prioritize strategies and investments to provide PrEP to people who could benefit from the intervention but are unaware of PrEP or struggle to access it. Barriers discussed and examined include financing strategies to reduce financial burden of PrEP medication, expanding PrEP access and outreach beyond clinical settings, and increasing the network and reach of the provider community to serve people we oppress through policy choices and discourses of racial and socioeconomic inferiority.
European museology and colonial concord: Italy at the 1934 Expo du Sahara in Paris
Authors: Falcucci Beatrice
Published: July 2022

This article assesses Italy's participation in the Expo du Sahara in Paris in 1934, placing it within the framework of European colonial culture, exhibitions, and international relations during the 1930s. Hitherto, the Expo du Sahara has been largely ignored by historiography, but it offers important insights into Italo-French relations in the years immediately preceding Italy's invasion of Ethiopia, as well as the ways in which Fascist Italy sought national and international legitimacy through the medium of exhibitions. The Paris exhibition, staged by the European powers after years of clashes, was also a physical representation of the so-called ‘colonial concord’ and ‘peaceful’ partition of North Africa, processes in which Italy's role was fundamental.
Affluence and Influence in a Social Democracy
Authors: MATHISEN RUBEN B.
Published: July 2022

Research from the United States and Europe suggests that affluent citizens enjoy considerably more policy influence than do average citizens and the poor. I examine the extent of unequal policy responsiveness in one of the countries that have gone farthest in reducing economic inequality and restricting money in politics: Norway. I use an original dataset on public opinion and public policy containing 603 specific issues over five decades (1966–2014). The results show that although policy is certainly skewed toward the preferences of the privileged, Norway stands out among previously studied cases for two reasons: (1) The preferences of the poor seem to have some sway on economic issues and (2) not all affluent citizens get their way: educational attainment appears to be the more important determinant. The Norwegian case suggests that influence need not be as dependent upon affluence as in the United States.
Anger, Prayer, and the Transformation of Desire: Augustine's Catechumenate as an Emotion-Shaping Institution
Authors: Fogleman Alex
Published: July 2022

Anger was a topic of significant reflection in antiquity, and it was taken up in new ways in early Christianity. As contemporary historians explore the myriad ways in which emotions were not only described but also presented, scripted, and made normative in historical sources, greater clarity is needed to understand the ways in which institutions were involved in shaping emotions. This essay argues that Augustine of Hippo's catechetical instruction on the Lord's Prayer constituted a critical institution for the transposition of classical discourses on anger and its healing into Christian education. Augustine understood the catechumenate itself as an institution for teaching patience and forbearance as antidotes to anger, and in these settings, he provided a variety of cognitive and spiritual exercises for diagnosing and treating anger. By articulating baptismal education as an emotion-shaping institution, we can better appreciate the ways in which Christian communities developed and expanded the inherited institutions of antiquity for ordering the emotions. In addition, such reflection allows us to evaluate the subtle interplays between emotions as felt subjective experiences and as reflective of social organizations that instilled and prescribed emotional norms.
A Tale of Two Missions: Illinois Choices and Conversions at the Turn of the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Kleber Michaela
Published: July 2022

The Illinois, particularly the Kaskaskia, are well known to have converted in large numbers to Catholicism under the guidance of Jesuit missionaries in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. However, another lesser-known missionary society, the Missions Étrangères, also evangelized among the Illinois. The juxtaposition of these two French Catholic missionary societies working among the same Native nation provides an ideal case study to understand what aspects of Catholicism Native people appreciated and rejected. Converted Illinois people chose a specific practice of Catholicism that upheld fundamental values, enhanced gender roles and kinship connections in Illinois society, and strengthened their relationship to the secular aspects of the French empire.
Long sigmoid and twisted ascospores in the genusHarpidium: H. longisporumsp. nov., a synopsis of the genus and a key to the species
Authors: Rico Víctor J.
Published: July 2022

Harpidium longisporumis proposed as a new species. It is characterized by an areolate, mainly black thallus with trebouxioid algae, K+ blue-purple pigmented parts, pycnoascocarps forming aspicilioid apothecia, with moniliform paraphyses, unitunicate-rostrate, thick-walled asci and long sigmoid, lunate to falcate or irregularly curved and twisted ascospores, growing on steps of a vertical, intermittently moist, gneiss rock face. The genusHarpidiumnow comprises four species worldwide and, based on the selected specimens, a genus synopsis, a comparative table and a key to the species are included.
Racial/ethnic differences in acute and longer-term posttraumatic symptoms following traumatic injury or illness
Authors: Cruz-Gonzalez Mario , Alegría Margarita , Palmieri Patrick A. , Spain David A. , Barlow M. Rose , Shieh Lisa , Williams Mallory , Srirangam Pranathi , Carlson Eve B.
Published: July 2022

Background

Racial/ethnic differences in mental health outcomes after a traumatic event have been reported. Less is known about factors that explain these differences. We examined whether pre-, peri-, and post-trauma risk factors explained racial/ethnic differences in acute and longer-term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients hospitalized following traumatic injury or illness.

Methods

PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms were assessed during hospitalization and 2 and 6 months later among 1310 adult patients (6.95% Asian, 14.96% Latinx, 23.66% Black, 4.58% multiracial, and 49.85% White). Individual growth curve models examined racial/ethnic differences in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms at each time point and in their rate of change over time, and whether pre-, peri-, and post-trauma risk factors explained these differences.

Results

Latinx, Black, and multiracial patients had higher acute PTSD symptoms than White patients, which remained higher 2 and 6 months post-hospitalization for Black and multiracial patients. PTSD symptoms were also found to improve faster among Latinx than White patients. Risk factors accounted for most racial/ethnic differences, although Latinx patients showed lower 6-month PTSD symptoms and Black patients lower acute and 2-month depression and anxiety symptoms after accounting for risk factors. Everyday discrimination, financial stress, past mental health problems, and social constraints were related to these differences.

Conclusion

Racial/ethnic differences in risk factors explained most differences in acute and longer-term PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Understanding how these risk factors relate to posttraumatic symptoms could help reduce disparities by facilitating early identification of patients at risk for mental health problems.