bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sinus rhythm versus atrial fibrillation on left ventricular remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Ledwoch Jakob , Fröhlich Carolin , Olbrich Ida , Poch Felix , Thalmann Ruth , Fellner Carmen , Bradaric Christian , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Kupatt Christian , Hoppmann Petra
Published: February 2021

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Cerebrovascular complications and bleeding events associated with anticoagulation therapy are discussed to be possible causes for this increased mortality. The present study sought to assess whether AF is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling representing another possible mechanism for poor outcome.

Methods

All patients who underwent TAVR in our institution and had 1-year echocardiography follow-up were included. LV mass index (LVMI) at baseline and follow-up as well as LVMI change at 1 year were assessed with respect to the presence of AF (either at baseline or during hospitalization after TAVR) and sinus rhythm (SR).

Results

A total of 213 patients (n = 95 in AF; n = 118 in SR) were enrolled in the present study. Patients with AF had higher LVMI at 1 year compared to those with SR (173 ± 61 g/m2 vs. 154 ± 55 g/m2; p = 0.02) and they showed lower relative LVMI change at 1 year (− 2 ± 28% vs. − 9 ± 29%; p = 0.04). In linear regression analysis, AF was independently associated with relative LVMI change (regression coefficient ß 0.076 [95% CI 0.001–0.150]; p = 0.04). With respect to clinical outcome depending on AF and LVMI regression, the Kaplan–Meier estimated event-free of death or cardiac rehospitalization at 3 years was lowest among patients with AF and no LVMI regression.

Conclusions

The present study identified a significant association of AF with changes in LVMI after TAVR, which was also shown to be associated with clinical outcome.
Pacemaker lead-associated tricuspid regurgitation in patients with or without pre-existing right ventricular dilatation
Authors: Riesenhuber Martin , Spannbauer Andreas , Gwechenberger Marianne , Pezawas Thomas , Schukro Christoph , Stix Günter , Schneider Matthias , Goliasch Georg , Anvari Anahit , Wrba Thomas , Khazen Cesar , Andreas Martin , Laufer Günther , Hengstenberg Christian , Gyongyosi Mariann
Published: February 2021

Background

Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention became an option for pacemaker lead-associated tricuspid regurgitation. This study investigated the progression of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with or without pre-existing right ventricular dilatation (RVD) undergoing pacemaker implantation.

Methods

Patients were included if they had implantation of transtricuspid pacemaker lead and completed echocardiography before and after implantation. The cohort was divided in patients with and without RVD (cut-off basal RV diameter ≥ 42 mm). TR was graded in none/mild, moderate, and severe. Worsening of one grade was defined as progression. Survival analyses were plotted for 10 years.

Results

In total, 990 patients were analyzed (24.5% with RVD). Progression of TR occurred in 46.1% of patients with RVD and in 25.6% of patients without RVD (P < 0.001). Predictors for TR progression were RV dilatation (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.27–3.29; P = 0.003), pre-existing TR (OR 4.30; 95% CI 2.51–7.38; P < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.16–2.43; P = 0.006), single RV lead (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.09–2.56; P = 0.018), mitral regurgitation (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.42–3.05; P < 0.001), and enlarged left atrium (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.07–3.67; P = 0.03). Survival-predictors were pacemaker lead-associated TR (HR 1.38; 95% CI 1.04–1.84; P = 0.028), mitral regurgitation (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.02–1.77; P = 0.034), heart failure (HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.31–2.33; P < 0.001), kidney disease (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.25–2.11; P < 0.001), and age ≥ 80 years (HR 2.84; 95% CI 2.17–3.71; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with RVD receiving pacemaker suffered from increased TR progression, leading to decreased survival.

Graphic abstract
AMPKα1 deletion in myofibroblasts exacerbates post-myocardial infarction fibrosis by a connexin 43 mechanism
Authors: Dufeys Cécile , Daskalopoulos Evangelos-Panagiotis , Castanares-Zapatero Diego , Conway Simon J. , Ginion Audrey , Bouzin Caroline , Ambroise Jérôme , Bearzatto Bertrand , Gala Jean-Luc , Heymans Stephane , Papageorgiou Anna-Pia , Vinckier Stefan , Cumps Julien , Balligand Jean-Luc , Vanhaverbeke Maarten , Sinnaeve Peter , Janssens Stefan , Bertrand Luc , Beauloye Christophe , Horman Sandrine
Published: February 2021

We have previously demonstrated that systemic AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) invalidation enhanced adverse LV remodelling by increasing fibroblast proliferation, while myodifferentiation and scar maturation were impaired. We thus hypothesised that fibroblastic AMPKα1 was a key signalling element in regulating fibrosis in the infarcted myocardium and an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. The present study investigates the effects of myofibroblast (MF)-specific deletion of AMPKα1 on left ventricular (LV) adaptation following myocardial infarction (MI), and the underlying molecular mechanisms. MF-restricted AMPKα1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice were subjected to permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. cKO hearts exhibit exacerbated post-MI adverse LV remodelling and are characterised by exaggerated fibrotic response, compared to wild-type (WT) hearts. Cardiac fibroblast proliferation and MF content significantly increase in cKO infarcted hearts, coincident with a significant reduction of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in MFs. Mechanistically, AMPKα1 influences Cx43 expression by both a transcriptional and a post-transcriptional mechanism involving miR-125b-5p. Collectively, our data demonstrate that MF-AMPKα1 functions as a master regulator of cardiac fibrosis and remodelling and might constitute a novel potential target for pharmacological anti-fibrotic applications.
Free will and neurosurgical resections of the supplementary motor area: a critical review
Authors: Sjöberg Rickard L
Published: February 2021

Background

Research suggests that unconscious activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA) precedes not only certain simple motor actions but also the point at which we become aware of our intention to perform such actions. The extent to which these findings have implications for our understanding of the concepts of free will and personal responsibility has been subject of intense debate during the latest four decades.

Methods

This research is discussed in relation to effects of neurosurgical removal of the SMA in a narrative review.

Results

Removal of the SMA typically causes a transient inability to perform non-stimulus-driven, voluntary actions. This condition, known as the SMA syndrome, does not appear to be associated with a loss of sense of volition but with a profound disruption of executive function/cognitive control.

Conclusions

The role of the SMA may be to serve as a gateway between the corticospinal tract and systems for executive function. Such systems are typically seen as tools for conscious decisions. What is known about effects of SMA resections would thus seem to suggest a view that is compatible with concepts of personal responsibility. However, the philosophical question whether free will exists cannot be definitely resolved on the basis of these observations.
Adolescents’ mental health problems increase after parental divorce, not before, and persist until adulthood: a longitudinal TRAILS study
Authors: Tullius Janne M. , De Kroon Marlou L. A. , Almansa Josué , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: February 2021

Parental divorce is one of the most stressful life events for youth and is often associated with (long-lasting) emotional and behavioral problems (EBP). However, not much is known about the timing of the emergence of these EBP in adolescents relative to the moment of parental divorce, and its longitudinal effects. We therefore assessed this timing of EBP in adolescents of divorce and its longitudinal effects. We used the first four waves of the TRacking Adolescent’s Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) cohort, which included 2230 10–12 years olds at baseline. EBP were measured through the Youth Self-Report (YSR), as internalizing and externalizing problems. We applied multilevel analysis to assess the effect of divorce on EBP. The levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems were significantly higher in the period after parental divorce (β = 0.03, and 0.03, respectively; p < 0.05), but not in the period before divorce, with a persistent and increasing effect over the follow-up periods compared to adolescents not experiencing divorce. Adolescents tend to develop more EBP in the period after parental divorce, not before. These effects are long-lasting and underline the need for better care for children with divorcing parents.
Which health-related reasons lead to prehospital emergency care and how does subjective emergency status connect to subsequent care?
Authors: Piedmont Silke , Reinhold Anna Katharina , Bock Jens-Oliver , Swart Enno , Robra Bernt-Peter
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Background

In many countries, the use of emergency medical services (EMS) increases steadily each year. At the same time, the percentage of life-threatening complaints decreases. To redesign the system, an assessment and consideration of the patients’ perspectives is helpful.

Methods

We conducted a paper-based survey of German EMS patients who had at least one case of prehospital emergency care in 2016. Four health insurance companies sent out the questionnaire to 1312 insured persons. We linked the self-reported data of 254 respondents to corresponding claims data provided by their health insurance companies. The analysis focuses a.) how strongly patients tend to call EMS for themselves and others given different health-related scenarios, b.) self-perceived health complaints in their own index case of prehospital emergency care and c.) subjective emergency status in combination with so-called “objective” characteristics of subsequent EMS and inpatient care. We report principal diagnoses of (1) respondents, (2) 57,240 EMS users who are not part of the survey and (3) all 20,063,689 inpatients in German hospitals. Diagnoses for group 1 and 2 only cover the inpatient stay that started on the day of the last EMS use in 2016.

Results

According to the survey, the threshold to call an ambulance is lower for someone else than for oneself. In 89% of all cases during their own EMS use, a third party called the ambulance. The most common, self-reported complaints were pain (38%), problems with heart and circulation (32%), and loss of consciousness (17%). The majority of respondents indicated that their EMS use was due to an emergency (89%). We could detect no or only weak associations between patients’ subjective urgency and different items for objective care.

Conclusion

Dispatchers can possibly optimize or reduce the disposition of EMS staff and vehicles if they spoke directly to the patients more often. Nonetheless, there is need for further research on how strongly the patients’ perceived urgency may affect the disposition, rapidness of the service and transport targets.
A biphasic multilayer computational model of human skin
Authors: Sachs David , Wahlsten Adam , Kozerke Sebastian , Restivo Gaetana , Mazza Edoardo
Published: February 2021

The present study investigates the layer-specific mechanical behavior of human skin. Motivated by skin’s histology, a biphasic model is proposed which differentiates between epidermis, papillary and reticular dermis, and hypodermis. Inverse analysis of ex vivo tensile and in vivo suction experiments yields mechanical parameters for each layer and predicts a stiff reticular dermis and successively softer papillary dermis, epidermis and hypodermis. Layer-specific analysis of simulations underlines the dominating role of the reticular dermis in tensile loading. Furthermore, it shows that the observed out-of-plane deflection in ex vivo tensile tests is a direct consequence of the layered structure of skin. In in vivo suction experiments, the softer upper layers strongly influence the mechanical response, whose dissipative part is determined by interstitial fluid redistribution within the tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging-based visualization of skin deformation in suction experiments confirms the deformation pattern predicted by the multilayer model, showing a consistent decrease in dermal thickness for large probe opening diameters.
Model and implementation of pseudorange-bias-free linear channel
Authors: Kou Yanhong , Wu Huiwen
Published: February 2021

The nonideal characteristics of the entire channel of satellite navigation signals from generation, propagation to reception will cause signal distortions, resulting in pseudorange biases. Such kind of biases cannot be eliminated by differential technologies and has become a core error source in high-accuracy applications. We study the theoretical model and implementation method of a pseudorange-bias-free linear channel. The ideal channel transfer function equation under the unbiased pseudorange requirement is first derived from the equivalent baseband model. Based on two corresponding criteria and the simulation of the influence of different amplitude- and phase-frequency responses, a digital phase compensation method based on an all-pass filter is proposed to eliminate pseudorange biases. Then the significant effects of the two phase equalizers are validated by a simulation example of the BPSK(10) signal. Finally, the real BDS3 PRN32 and PRN33 satellite B1C signals collected by a 40-m high-gain dish antenna are utilized to invert the channel transfer characteristics and processed by our software receiver. The measurement results demonstrate that the phase equalizers constructed according to either the linear phase criterion or the linear phase plus even-symmetric phase criterion can effectively reduce the pseudorange bias. The model and method provide a reference for payload and receiver optimization and are suitable for various signal structures and applications.
Organization of antibiotic stewardship in Europe: the way to go
Authors: Kern Winfried V.
Published: February 2021

It is more than two decades ago that a European Union conference on “The Microbial Threat” hosted by the Danish Government in Copenhagen in September 1998 issued recommendations to encourage good practice in the use of antimicrobial agents and reduce inappropriate prescribing. Essential components of those recommendations were antimicrobial teams in hospitals and the use of feedback to prescribers as well as educational activities. Two decades later, important surveillance systems on both antimicrobial resistance as well as on antibiotic consumption are functioning at the European level and in most European countries; European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) has thoroughly re-evaluated, standardized and harmonized antibiotic susceptibility testing and breakpoints; there have been educational activities in many countries; and stewardship teams are now included in many guidelines and policy papers and recommendations. Yet, antimicrobial resistance problems in Europe have shifted from methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus (MRSA) to vancomycin-resistent Enterococcus faecium (VRE) and to multidrug-resistant gramnegative bacteria, while antibiotic consumption volumes, trends and patterns across countries do not show major and highly significant improvements. The way to go further is to recognize that better prescribing comes at a cost and requires investment in expert personnel, practice guideline drafting, and implementation aids, and, secondly, the setting of clear goals and quantitative targets for prescribing quality.
Agent‐based modeling of new product market diffusion: an overview of strengths and criticisms
Authors: Rand William , Stummer Christian
Published: February 2021

Market diffusion of new products is driven by the actions and reactions of consumers, distributors, competitors, and other stakeholders, all of whom can be heterogeneous in their individual characteristics, attitudes, needs, and objectives. These actors may also interact with others in various ways (e.g., through word of mouth or social influence). Thus, a typical consumer market constitutes a complex system whose behavior is difficult to foresee because stochastic impulses may give rise to complex emergent patterns of system reactions over time. Agent-based modeling, a relatively novel approach to understanding complex systems, is well equipped to deal with this complexity and, therefore, may serve as a valuable tool for both researchers studying particular market effects and practitioners seeking decision support for determining features of products under development or the appropriate combination of measures to accelerate product diffusion in a market. This paper provides an overview of the strengths and criticisms of such tools. It aims to encourage researchers in the field of innovation management, as well as practitioners, to consider agent-based modeling and simulation as a method for gaining deeper insights into market behavior and making better-informed decisions.
Better pain control with 8-gray single fraction palliative radiotherapy for skeletal metastases: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Eschweiler Jörg , Trivellas Andromahi , Driessen Arne , Knobe Matthias , Tingart Markus , Maffulli Nicola
Published: February 2021

External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) allows remarkable pain control in patients with skeletal metastases. We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis comparing the most commonly used radiotherapy regimens for palliative management in patients with skeletal metastases. The main online databases were accessed in October 2020. All randomized clinical trials evaluating the irradiation of painful bone metastases were considered. The following irradiation patterns were analysed and included in the present network meta-analysis: 8 Gy- and 10 Gy/single fraction, 20 Gy/5 fractions, 30 Gy/10 fractions. The Bayesian hierarchical random-effect model analysis was adopted in all comparisons. The Log Odds-Ratio (LOR) statistical method for dichotomic data was adopted for analysis. Data from 3595 patients were analysed. The mean follow-up was 9.5 (1 to 28) months. The cumulative mean age was 63.3 ± 2.9. 40.61% (1461 of 3595 patients) were female. The 8Gy/single fraction protocol detected reduced rate of “no pain response” (LOR 3.39), greater rate of “pain response” (LOR-5.88) and complete pain remission (LOR-7.05) compared to the other dose patterns. The 8Gy group detected a lower rate of pathological fractures (LOR 1.16), spinal cord compression (LOR 1.31) and re-irradiation (LOR 2.97) compared to the other dose patterns. Palliative 8Gy/single fraction radiotherapy for skeletal metastases shows outstanding results in terms of pain control, re-irradiations, pathological fractures and spinal cord compression, with no differences in terms of survivorship compared to the other multiple dose patterns.

Level of evidence: I, Bayesian network meta-analysis of RCTs.
Adult Attachment, Differentiation of Self, and Relationship Satisfaction in Lesbians and Gay Men
Authors: Sommantico Massimiliano , Iorio Ilaria , Lacatena Marina , Parrello Santa
Published: February 2021

We examined adult attachment styles, differentiation of self, and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 298 Italian lesbians (48%) and gay men (52%), all of whom were ages 19–71 years (M = 36.1; SD = 11.8) and in a couple relationship for at least six months. Participants were recruited via the Internet and completed a web-based survey. We tested the hypotheses that attachment insecurity and differentiation of self would predict relationship satisfaction, as well as that differentiation of self would mediate the relationship between adult attachment and relationship satisfaction. Results supported the hypotheses, thus indicating that attachment insecurity and differentiation of self were correlated with and predicted relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, results supported the hypothesized mediating role of differentiation of self. Finally, results indicated that younger participants, lesbians, and participants in civil unions reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction. Implications for counselors and therapists working with LG populations are discussed.
A first-in-human, phase 1 study of the NEDD8 activating enzyme E1 inhibitor TAS4464 in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Yamamoto Noboru , Shimizu Toshio , Yonemori Kan , Kitano Shigehisa , Kondo Shunsuke , Iwasa Satoru , Koyama Takafumi , Sudo Kazuki , Sato Jun , Tamura Kenji , Tomomatsu Junichi , Ono Makiko , Fukuda Naoki , Takahashi Shunji
Published: February 2021

Background This open-label, phase 1 study investigated TAS4464, a potent NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor, in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors (JapicCTI-173,488; registered 13/01/2017). The primary objective was dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was investigated using an accelerated titration design. Methods The starting 10-mg/m2 dose was followed by an initial accelerated stage (weekly dosing; n = 11). Based on liver function test (LFT) results, a 14-day, 20-mg/m2 dose lead-in period was implemented (weekly dosing with lead-in; n = 6). Results Abnormal LFT changes and gastrointestinal effects were the most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs). DLTs with 56-mg/m2 weekly dosing occurred in 1/5 patients; five patients had grade ≥ 2 abnormal LFT changes at 40- and 56-mg/m2 weekly doses. Further dose escalation ceased because of the possibility of severe abnormal LFT changes occurring. DLTs with weekly dosing with lead-in occurred in 1/5 patients at a 56-mg/m2 dose; MTD could not be determined because discontinuation criteria for additional enrollment at that particular dose level were met. As no further enrollment at lower doses occurred, dose escalation assessment was discontinued. Serious treatment-related AEs, AEs leading to treatment discontinuation, and DLTs were all related to abnormal LFT changes, suggesting that TAS4464 administration could affect liver function. This effect was dose-dependent but considered reversible. Complete or partial responses to TAS4464 were not observed; one patient achieved prolonged stable disease. Conclusions MTD could not be determined due to TAS4464 effects on liver function. Further evaluation of the mechanism of NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor-induced abnormal liver function is required. Trial registration number JapicCTI-173,488 (registered with Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center). Registration date 13 January 2017
Evaluating macrophytes as indicators of anthropogenic pressures in rivers in Ireland
Authors: Bucior Adam , Rippey Brian , McElarney Yvonne , Douglas Richard
Published: February 2021

The ability of macrophytes to indicate pressures in rivers was assessed by comparing metrics for nitrate (NO3), ammonia (NH4), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved oxygen saturation (DO), pH (PH) and siltation (SUBS) with direct estimates of the pressures at 810 sites in the Republic of Ireland, supplemented with General Linear Models (GLMs). The bivariate and rank correlation coefficients using the full data range and the first and fourth quartiles of the river pressures varied between 0.22 and − 0.39 for NO3 and DO; they were smaller or not significant for the other four metrics. The GLMs provided evidence for an independent association between NO3 and the nitrate concentration and SUBS and ammonia, indicating some specificity for these metrics. Discriminating sites in the first and fourth quartiles produced Type II errors between 37 (PH) and 69% (NH4), with a mean of 50. As the pressure-impact relationships are not precise enough (low correlation coefficients) that evidence from a single macrophyte metric is reliable, combining the metric with evidence from other biological groups at one site or from three or more sites may be the most useful approach.
Noninvasive prenatal detection of fetal sex chromosome abnormalities using the semiconductor sequencing platform (SSP) in Southern China
Authors: Yang Jiexia , Hou Yaping , Guo Fangfang , Peng Haishan , Wang Dongmei , Li Yi , OY Haoxin , Wang Yixia , Lu Jian , Yin Aihua
Published: February 2021

Background

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been widely used to screen for fetal aneuploidies, including fetal sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs). However, there is less information on the performance of NIPT in detecting SCAs.

Methods

A cohort of 47,800 pregnancies was recruited to review the high-risk NIPT results for SCAs. Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) was extracted and sequenced. All NIPT high-risk cases were recommended to undergo invasive prenatal diagnosis for karyotyping analysis and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA).

Results

A total of 238 high-risk cases were detected by NIPT, including 137 cases of 45,X, 27 cases of 47,XXX, and 74 cases of 47,XYY/47,XXY. Prenatal diagnosis, including karyotyping analysis and CMA, was available in 170 cases. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 30.00% for 45,X, 70.58% for 47,XXX, and 81.13% for 47,XYY/47,XXY. In addition, 13 cases of sex chromosome mosaicism and 9 cases of sex chromosome CNVs were incidentally found in this study.

Conclusion

Our study showed that NIPT was reliable for screening SCAs based on a large sample, and it performed better in predicting sex chromosome trisomies than monosomy X. Our study will provide an important reference for clinical genetic counseling and further processing of the results.
The contemporary pulmonary artery catheter. Part 1: placement and waveform analysis
Authors: Bootsma I. T. , Boerma E. C. , de Lange F. , Scheeren T. W. L.
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, the classical pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) has an almost 50-year-old history of its clinical use for hemodynamic monitoring. In recent years, the PAC evolved from a device that enabled intermittent cardiac output measurements in combination with static pressures to a monitoring tool that provides continuous data on cardiac output, oxygen supply and-demand balance, as well as right ventricular (RV) performance. In this review, which consists of two parts, we will introduce the difference between intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution using cold bolus injections, and the contemporary PAC enabling continuous measurements by using a thermal filament which at random heats up the blood. In this first part, the insertion techniques, interpretation of waveforms of the PAC, the interaction of waveforms with the respiratory cycle and airway pressure as well as pitfalls in waveform analysis are discussed. The second part will cover the measurements of the contemporary PAC including measurement of continuous cardiac output, RV ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume index, and mixed venous oxygen saturation. Limitations of all of these measurements will be highlighted there as well. We conclude that thorough understanding of measurements obtained from the PAC are the first step in successful application of the PAC in daily clinical practice.
Urban temporary housing environments—from a systematic comparison towards an integrated typology
Authors: Stocker Mirjam , Schneider Gerda , Zeilinger Julia , Rose Gloria , Damyanovic Doris , Huber-Humer Marion
Published: February 2021

Housing plays a central role in everyday life and the fulfillment of human needs. Temporary housing demand can occur due to migration, extreme environmental events or personal decisions, and is expected to increase in the upcoming years. This study aims to create a general understanding of temporary housing. We conducted an integrated comparison of 66 international temporary housing examples via tabulation (table work), in an interdisciplinary manner considering details regarding built structure, open spaces, area, infrastructure, organizational and socio-economic aspects. It is the first time that a systematic comparison via tabulation (based on the approach of Braun-Blanquet) is used to classify temporary housing environments. The process is described in detail. The application of the systematic comparison creates a detailed typology that allows extensions and further differentiations. The types that emerge from the tabulation have specific concepts regarding the structural-spatial organization, technical infrastructure, and organizational matters, among others. The typology was further examined in the context of previous groupings in published literature. This novel approach of analyzing and structuring temporary housing offers a comprehensive perspective that can work as a universal understanding and language for precise communication among different disciplines regarding temporary housing.
Predicting catchment-scale methane fluxes with multi-source remote sensing
Authors: Räsänen Aleksi , Manninen Terhikki , Korkiakoski Mika , Lohila Annalea , Virtanen Tarmo
Published: February 2021

Context

Spatial patterns of CH4 fluxes can be modeled with remotely sensed data representing land cover, soil moisture and topography. Spatially extensive CH4 flux measurements conducted with portable analyzers have not been previously upscaled with remote sensing.

Objectives

How well can the CH4 fluxes be predicted with plot-based vegetation measures and remote sensing? How does the predictive skill of the model change when using different combinations of predictor variables?

Methods

We measured CH4 fluxes in 279 plots in a 12.4 km2 peatland-forest-mosaic landscape in Pallas area, northern Finland in July 2019. We compared 20 different CH4 flux maps produced with vegetation field data and remote sensing data including Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and digital terrain model (DTM).

Results

The landscape acted as a net source of CH4 (253–502 µg m−2 h−1) and the proportion of source areas varied considerably between maps (12–50%). The amount of explained variance was high in CH4 regressions (59–76%, nRMSE 8–10%). Regressions including remote sensing predictors had better performance than regressions with plot-based vegetation predictors. The most important remote sensing predictors included VH-polarized Sentinel-1 features together with topographic wetness index and other DTM features. Spatial patterns were most accurately predicted when the landscape was divided into sinks and sources with remote sensing-based classifications, and the fluxes were modeled for sinks and sources separately.

Conclusions

CH4 fluxes can be predicted accurately with multi-source remote sensing in northern boreal peatland landscapes. High spatial resolution remote sensing-based maps constrain uncertainties related to CH4 fluxes and their spatial patterns.
Understanding the importance of landscape configuration on ecosystem service bundles at a high resolution in urban landscapes in the UK
Authors: Karimi James D. , Corstanje Ron , Harris Jim A.
Published: February 2021

Context

Landscape structure is thought to affect the provision of ecosystem service bundles. However, studies of the influence of landscape configuration on ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies in urban areas are limited. This study used Bayesian Belief Networks to predict ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies in the urban area comprising the towns of Milton Keynes, Bedford and Luton, UK.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to test (1) a Bayesian Belief Network approach for predicting ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies in urban areas and (2) assess whether landscape configuration characteristics affect ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies.

Methods

Bayesian Belief Network models were used to test the influence of landscape configuration on ecosystem service interactions. The outputs of a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on six ecosystem services and landscape configuration metrics were used as response and explanatory variables, respectively. We employed Spearman’s rank correlation and principal component analysis to identify redundancies between landscape metrics.

Results

We found that landscape configuration affects ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies. A sensitivity analysis conducted on the principal components showed that landscape configuration metrics core area (CORE) and effective mesh size (MESH) are strong influential determinants of ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that landscape configuration characteristics affect ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies and that a core set of metrics could be used to assess ecosystem service (ES) trade-offs and synergies. The findings may be relevant to planning and urban design and improved ecosystem management.
PACAP is Protective Against Cellular Stress in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Fábián Eszter , Horváth Gabriella , Opper Balázs , Atlasz Tamás , Tóth Gábor , Reglődi Dóra
Published: February 2021

The integrity of the innermost, pigment epithelial layer of the retina is crucial for the photoreceptor survival and for maintaining the outer blood–retina barrier. In several ocular degenerations, such as diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, the stress caused by various harmful stimuli (hypoxia, oxidative stress, hyperosmosis) lead to severe molecular biological changes in this layer, promoting neovascularization of the retina. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) occurs throughout the whole body, including the eye. It has numerous functions in the retina, including the previously described anti-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effects in retinal pigment epithelial cells. The aim of this present study was to investigate the influence of PACAP on different stress factors. In accordance with previous findings, PACAP significantly ameliorated the increased Hif1-α levels in hypoxic conditions. In H2O2-induced oxidative stress PACAP had an anti-apoptotic effect, it could decrease the expression of cytochrome-cand p53, while it upregulated the concentration of three antioxidants, namely SOD2, PON2 and thioredoxin. In conclusion, we provided new information on the molecular biological background of the retinoprotective effect of PACAP.
4-Phenylbutyric acid protects islet β cell against cellular damage induced by glucocorticoids
Authors: Zhou Xueling , Xu Yilin , Gu Yong , Sun Min
Published: February 2021

This study, using the MIN6 cell line, examines the effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) on the expression and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related genes. Furthermore, we evaluated the protective role of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) on the aforesaid GCs induced changes. Pancreatic islet MIN6 cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) at distinct concentrations (0.1 μmol/L and 0.5 μmol/L) for different periods (1 h, 4 h, 12 h, and 24 h). The mRNA and protein levels of ERS related genes were measured using real-time qPCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Similar evaluations were also carried out for the cells treated with 4-PBA combined with DEX. Upon DEX intervention which induces the unfolded protein response (UPR), the expression levels of BIP, ATF6, IRE1, and PERK increased in the MIN6 cells, both in concentration and time-dependent manner. Similarly, ERS associated gene CHOP, which is involved in the apoptotic pathway, also showed increased levels both in concentration and time-dependent manner. However, treatment with 4-PBA decreased the expression levels of ERS related proteins. Quantitative analysis found that all these results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). GCs markedly activates the ERS in the MIN6 cell line in vitro, however, this effect can be significantly alleviated upon treatment with 4-PBA.
On the effect of model uncertainty on the Hopf bifurcation of aeroelastic systems
Authors: Iannelli Andrea , Lowenberg Mark , Marcos Andrés
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the effect of model uncertainty on the nonlinear dynamics of a generic aeroelastic system. Among the most dangerous phenomena to which these systems are prone, Limit Cycle Oscillations are periodic isolated responses triggered by the nonlinear interactions among elastic deformations, inertial forces, and aerodynamic actions. In a dynamical systems setting, these responses typically emanate from Hopf bifurcation points, and thus a recently proposed framework, which address the problem of robustness from a nonlinear dynamics viewpoint, is employed. Briefly, the notion of robust bifurcation margin extends the concept of $$\mu $$
μ
analysis technique from the robust control theory. The main contribution of this article is a systematic investigation of the numerous scenarios arising in the study of nonlinear flutter when uncertainties in the model are accounted for in the analyses. The advantages of adopting this framework include the possibility to: quantify relevant information for the determination of the nonlinear stability envelope; gain a more in-depth understanding of the physical mechanisms triggering subcritical and supercritical Hopf bifurcations; and reveal properties of the nominal system by identifying isolated branches not straightforward to detect with conventional numerical approaches.
Phenomenological approaches to personal identity
Authors: Čapek Jakub , Loidolt Sophie
Published: February 2021

This special issue addresses the debate on personal identity from a phenomenological viewpoint, especially contemporary phenomenological research on selfhood. In the introduction, we first offer a brief survey of the various classic questions related to personal identity according to Locke’s initial proposal and sketch out key concepts and distinctions of the debate that came after Locke. We then characterize the types of approach represented by post-Hegelian, German and French philosophies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We argue that whereas the Anglophone debates on personal identity were initially formed by the persistence question and the characterization question, the “Continental” tradition included remarkably intense debates on the individual or the self as being unique or “concrete,” deeply temporal and—as claimed by some philosophers, like Sartre and Foucault—unable to have any identity, if not one externally imposed. We describe the Continental line of thinking about the “self” as a reply and an adjustment to the post-Lockean “personal identity” question (as suggested by thinkers such as MacIntyre, Ricœur and Taylor). These observations constitute the backdrop for our presentation of phenomenological approaches to personal identity. These approaches run along three lines: (a) debates on the layers of the self, starting from embodiment and the minimal self and running all the way to the full-fledged concept of person; (b) questions of temporal becoming, change and stability, as illustrated, for instance, by aging or transformative life-experiences; and (c) the constitution of identity in the social, institutional, and normative space. The introduction thus establishes a structure for locating and connecting the different contributions in our special issue, which, as an ensemble, represent a strong and differentiated contribution to the debate on personal identity from a phenomenological perspective.
Mergers with Differentiated Products: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Valletti Tommaso , Zenger Hans
Published: February 2021

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the 2010 U.S. Horizontal Merger Guidelines, this article provides an overview of the state of economic analysis of unilateral effects in mergers with differentiated products. Drawing on our experience with merger enforcement in Europe, we discuss both static and dynamic competition, with a special emphasis on the calibration of competitive effects. We also discuss the role of market shares and structural presumptions in differentiated product markets.
Implicitly adaptive importance sampling
Authors: Paananen Topi , Piironen Juho , Bürkner Paul-Christian , Vehtari Aki
Published: February 2021

Adaptive importance sampling is a class of techniques for finding good proposal distributions for importance sampling. Often the proposal distributions are standard probability distributions whose parameters are adapted based on the mismatch between the current proposal and a target distribution. In this work, we present an implicit adaptive importance sampling method that applies to complicated distributions which are not available in closed form. The method iteratively matches the moments of a set of Monte Carlo draws to weighted moments based on importance weights. We apply the method to Bayesian leave-one-out cross-validation and show that it performs better than many existing parametric adaptive importance sampling methods while being computationally inexpensive.
Corporate Foundations as Hybrid Organizations: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Gehringer Theresa
Published: February 2021

The rise and global reach of the corporate foundation (CF) phenomenon has attracted the attention of academic researchers and practitioners and led to a plurality of definitions and understandings. This definitional fuzziness notwithstanding, the term hybridity is widely used as the defining characteristic to describe a CF’s position between business and civil society and its diverse interlinkages with its founding company. However, the extant literature has seldom explained what hybridity signifies, when it occurs and how it is shown. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review of the academic and gray literature on CFs. Based on 80 publications covering 30 countries worldwide, this study proposes 15 characteristics along four global themes as a comprehensive set to account for the complexity of CFs. It develops propositions for a fine-grained understanding of what constitutes the hybrid nature of CFs at the strategic, organizational and contextual levels. Accordingly, this study suggests ways forward by revealing questions that require further research toward a better understanding of the CF phenomenon.
Migrant human and political capitals value in entrepreneur enterprise performance. A comparative study of four emerging markets
Authors: Brown Anthony , Meriton Royston , Devinney Timothy , Kafouros Mario , Gerardo Flor Silvestre , Bhandal Rajinder
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the impact of human and political capitals of entrepreneurs on enterprise performance in four emerging nations.The rent generation potential of these capitals is a well established fact, however, much less is known concerning the contingent nature of their value creation prowess. In this work, we draw on institutional theory and dynamic managerial capabilities perspective to examine the interactive effect of country of origin economic developement level and the international experience of entrepreurs, on the capitals, with respect to a set of financial indicators. Employing a quantitative methodology, our findings reveal that the relationship between the capitals and enterprise performance are indeeed contingent with the capitals of home-grown entrepreneurs, rather than those of returnee migrant entrepreneurs, exhibiting a greater propensity to influence enterprise performance. We conclude with implications for theory and practice.
Connectedness versus diversification: two sides of the same coin
Authors: Torrente Maria-Laura , Uberti Pierpaolo
Published: February 2021

In the financial framework, the concepts of connectedness and diversification have been introduced and developed respectively in the context of systemic risk and portfolio theory. In this paper we propose a theoretical approach to bring to light the relation between connectedness and diversification. Starting from the respective axiomatic definitions, we prove that a class of proper measures of connectedness verifies, after a suitable functional transformation, the axiomatic requirements for a measure of diversification. The core idea of the paper is that connectedness and diversification are so deeply related that it is possible to pass from one concept to the other. In order to exploit such correspondence, we introduce a function, depending on the classical notion of rank of a matrix, that transforms a suitable proper measure of connectedness in a measure of diversification. We point out general properties of the proposed transformation function and apply it to a selection of measures of connectedness, such as the well-known Variance Inflation Factor.
Advancing Diagnostic Safety Research: Results of a Systematic Research Priority Setting Exercise
Authors: Zwaan Laura , El-Kareh Robert , Meyer Ashley N. D. , Hooftman Jacky , Singh Hardeep
Published: February 2021

Background

Diagnostic errors are a major source of preventable harm but the science of reducing them remains underdeveloped.

Objective

To identify and prioritize research questions to advance the field of diagnostic safety in the next 5 years.

Participants

Ninety-seven researchers and 42 stakeholders were involved in the identification of the research priorities.

Design

We used systematic prioritization methods based on the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) methodology. We first invited a large international group of expert researchers in various disciplines to submit research questions while considering five prioritization criteria: (1) usefulness, (2) answerability, (3) effectiveness, (4) potential for translation, and (5) maximal potential for effect on diagnostic safety. After consolidation, these questions were prioritized at an in-person expert meeting in April 2019. Top-ranked questions were subsequently reprioritized through scoring on the five prioritization criteria using an online questionnaire. We also invited non-research stakeholders to assign weights to the five criteria and then used these weights to adjust the final prioritization score for each question.

Key Results

Of the 207 invited researchers, 97 researchers responded and 78 submitted 333 research questions which were then consolidated. Expert meeting participants (n = 21) discussed questions in different breakout sessions and prioritized 50, which were subsequently reduced to the top 20 using the online questionnaire. The top 20 questions addressed mostly system factors (e.g., implementation and evaluation of information technologies), teamwork factors (e.g., role of nurses and other health professionals in the diagnostic process), and strategies to engage patients in the diagnostic process.

Conclusions

Top research priorities for advancing diagnostic safety in the short-term include strengthening systems and teams and engaging patients to support diagnosis. High-priority areas identified using these systematic methods can inform an actionable research agenda for reducing preventable diagnostic harm.
Low-Voltage Polarization in AOT Solution to Enhance the Corrosion Resistance of Nitinol
Authors: Saugo Melisa , Flamini Daniel O. , Saidman Silvana B.
Published: February 2021

In this work, the corrosion behavior of bare nitinol (NiTi) alloy in Ringer's solution containing different concentrations of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) was first studied in order to determine whether the surfactant acts as a corrosion inhibitor. Results of potentiostatic and potentiodynamic experiments allowed concluding that AOT is a pitting corrosion inhibitor for NiTi. In a second stage of this research work, NiTi was treated under potentiostatic control (2.00 V) for 1 h in 0.10 M AOT solutions of pH 8.4 and 12. Static and rotating electrodes were used. The influence exerted by this treatment on the passive behavior of the alloy was studied in Ringer's solution using different electrochemical and surface analysis techniques. The best anticorrosion performance was obtained using a rotating electrode and AOT solution of pH 8.4. The thin oxide layer grown potentiostatically consists of TiO2, while no Ni was found in the outermost layer. The presence of this oxide layer allows reducing the amount of Ni and Ti released at open circuit potential conditions and at very positive potentials where pitting corrosion of the bare alloy occurs.