bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on the seismic behavior of self‐stressing steel slag CFST column
Authors: Yu Feng , Qin Yin , Yao Chi , Bu Shuangshuang , Fang Yuan
Published: April 2022

To fully use the expansion property of steel slag, an experiment on 10 self‐stressing steel slag concrete‐filled steel tube (SSSCFST) columns and four steel slag concrete‐filled steel tube (SSCFST) columns subjected to low cyclic loading are implemented, the effects of the expansion ratio of the steel slag concrete, axial compression ratio, diameter‐thickness ratio, and shear span ratio on the seismic properties of SSSCFST components are analyzed. The outcomes present that the failure mode of specimens changes from bending failure to bending‐shear failure as the shear span ratio reduces. With the improvement of the axial compression ratio, the initial stiffness, strength degradation degree, and the growth rate of energy dissipation capacity increase, while the ductility decreases. With the decrease in diameter‐thickness ratio, there is no significant change in other seismic performance except for the increase in initial stiffness. Compared with the SSCFST columns, the seismic performance indexes of SSSCFST columns are advanced. The study on the seismic behavior of SSSCFST columns can provide the basis for engineering application.
AD Informer Set: Chemical tools to facilitate Alzheimer's disease drug discovery
Authors: Potjewyd Frances M. , Annor‐Gyamfi Joel K. , Aubé Jeffrey , Chu Shaoyou , Conlon Ivie L. , Frankowski Kevin J. , Guduru Shiva K. R. , Hardy Brian P. , Hopkins Megan D. , Kinoshita Chizuru , Kireev Dmitri B. , Mason Emily R. , Moerk Charles T. , Nwogbo Felix , Pearce Kenneth H. , Richardson Timothy I. , Rogers David A. , Soni Disha M. , Stashko Michael , Wang Xiaodong , Wells Carrow , Willson Timothy M. , Frye Stephen V. , Young Jessica E. , Axtman Alison D.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The portfolio of novel targets to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been enriched by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership Program for Alzheimer's Disease (AMP AD) program.

Methods

Publicly available resources, such as literature and databases, enabled a data‐driven effort to identify existing small molecule modulators for many protein products expressed by the genes nominated by AMP AD and suitable positive control compounds to be included in the set. Compounds contained within the set were manually selected and annotated with associated published, predicted, and/or experimental data.

Results

We built an annotated set of 171 small molecule modulators targeting 98 unique proteins that have been nominated by AMP AD consortium members as novel targets for the treatment of AD. The majority of compounds included in the set are inhibitors. These small molecules vary in their quality and should be considered chemical tools that can be used in efforts to validate therapeutic hypotheses, but which will require further optimization. A physical copy of the AD Informer Set can be requested on the Target Enablement to Accelerate Therapy Development for Alzheimer's Disease (TREAT‐AD) website.

Discussion

Small molecules that enable target validation are important tools for the translation of novel hypotheses into viable therapeutic strategies for AD.
Association of vitamin K with cognitive decline and neuropathology in community‐dwelling older persons
Authors: Booth Sarah L. , Shea M. Kyla , Barger Kathryn , Leurgans Sue E. , James Bryan D. , Holland Thomas M. , Agarwal Puja , Fu Xueyan , Wang Jifan , Matuszek Gregory , Schneider Julie A.
Published: April 2022

Higher vitamin K intakes have been associated with better cognitive function, suggestive of a vitamin K mechanistic effect or simply reflective of a healthy diet. To test the hypothesis that brain vitamin K is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, vitamin K concentrations were measured in four brain regions, and their associations with cognitive and neuropathological outcomes were estimated in 325 decedents of the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Menaquinone‐4 (MK4) was the main vitamin K form in the brain regions evaluated. Higher brain MK4 concentrations were associated with a 17% to 20% lower odds of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (P‐value < .014), with a 14% to 16% lower odds of Braak stage ≥IV (P‐value < 0.045), with lower Alzheimer's disease global pathology scores and fewer neuronal neurofibrillary tangles (P‐value < 0.012). These findings provide new and compelling evidence implicating vitamin K in neuropathology underlying cognitive decline and dementia.
Description of the management of a pyopericardium due to Neisseria animaloris in a cat
Authors: Berjano Maria Corrales , di Virgilio Fabrizio , Fardet Mathieu , Freson Guillaume , Deneuche Aymeric
Published: April 2022

A 4‐year‐old, European, male neutered cat was admitted to the emergency service showing symptoms of dyspnoea and lethargy. Radiographs and echocardiography confirmed a pericardial effusion. Fluid analysis obtained via thoracocentesis showed evidence of bacteria in the pericardial space. The species of bacteria was Neisseria animaloris. Subtotal pericardiectomy through sternotomy was the treatment of choice in this case to perform a surgical lavage and the placement of a thoracic drain in order to decrease the pericardial pressure. Sterile samples were taken during the surgery. The cat was discharged 6 days after admission, with oral antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) and was free of clinical signs at discharge.
Clinical experience using a combination of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, midazolam and hydromorphone for general anaesthesia in two winter white dwarf hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) undergoing surgical facial procedures
Authors: Sarvi Jasmine , Eshar David
Published: April 2022

A 4‐month‐old, male winter white dwarf hamster and an adult, male winter white dwarf hamster of unknown age were presented for surgical procedures of the face. An injectable anaesthesia protocol with DKMH (dexmedetomidine 0.1 mg/kg, ketamine 20 mg/kg, midazolam 1 mg/kg and hydromorphone 0.4 or 0.8 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously to anaesthetise each hamster. Anaesthesia was induced in less than 1 minute and a surgical plane of anaesthesia was maintained for the duration of the procedure for both hamsters. Postoperatively, flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg) and atipamezole (1 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously and the hamsters recovered uneventfully without anaesthetic‐related complications.
Neurocomputations of strategic behavior: From iterated to novel interactions
Authors: Jiang Yaomin , Wu Hai‐Tao , Mi Qingtian , Zhu Lusha
Published: April 2022

Strategic interactions, where an individual's payoff depends on the decisions of multiple intelligent agents, are ubiquitous among social animals. They span a variety of important social behaviors such as competition, cooperation, coordination, and communication, and often involve complex, intertwining cognitive operations ranging from basic reward processing to higher‐order mentalization. Here, we review the progress and challenges in probing the neural and cognitive mechanisms of strategic behavior of interacting individuals, drawing an analogy to recent developments in studies of reward‐seeking behavior, in particular, how research focuses in the field of strategic behavior have been expanded from adaptive behavior based on trial‐and‐error to flexible decisions based on limited prior experience. We highlight two important research questions in the field of strategic behavior: (i) How does the brain exploit past experience for learning to behave strategically? and (ii) How does the brain decide what to do in novel strategic situations in the absence of direct experience? For the former, we discuss the utility of learning models that have effectively connected various types of neural data with strategic learning behavior and helped elucidate the interplay among multiple learning processes. For the latter, we review the recent evidence and propose a neural generative mechanism by which the brain makes novel strategic choices through simulating others' goal‐directed actions according to rational or bounded‐rational principles obtained through indirect social knowledge.

This article is categorized under:

Economics > Interactive Decision‐Making

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making

Neuroscience > Cognition
Evaluating the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission to bats in the context of wildlife research, rehabilitation, and control
Authors: Cook Jonathan D. , Campbell Grant Evan H. , Coleman Jeremy T. H. , Sleeman Jonathan M. , Runge Michael C.
Published: April 2022

Preventing wildlife disease outbreaks is a priority for natural resource agencies, and management decisions can be urgent, especially in epidemic circumstances. With the emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2, wildlife agencies were concerned whether the activities they authorize might increase the risk of viral transmission from humans to North American bats, but had a limited amount of time in which to make decisions. We describe how decision analysis provides a powerful framework to analyze and reanalyze complex natural resource management problems as knowledge evolves. Coupled with expert judgment and avenues for the rapid release of information, risk assessment can provide timely scientific information for evolving decisions. In April 2020, the first rapid risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the risk of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 from humans to North American bats. Based on the best available information and relying heavily on expert judgment, the risk assessment found a small possibility of transmission during summer work activities. Following that assessment, additional knowledge and data emerged, such as bat viral challenge studies, that further elucidated the risks of human‐to‐bat transmission and culminated in a second risk assessment in the fall of 2020. We updated the first SARS‐CoV‐2 risk assessment with new management alternatives and new estimates of little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) susceptibility, using findings from the fall 2020 assessment and other empirical studies. We found that new knowledge led to an 88% decrease in the median number of bats estimated to be infected per 1,000 encountered when compared to earlier results. The use of facemasks during, or a negative COVID‐19 test or vaccination prior to, bat encounters further reduced those risks. Using a combination of decision analysis, expert judgment, rapid risk assessment, and efficient modes of information distribution, we provided timely science‐based support to decision makers for summer bat work in North America.
An analysis of drinking water quality parameters to achieve sustainable development goals in rural and urban areas of Besisahar, Lamjung, Nepal
Authors: Aryal Mahendra
Published: April 2022

Nepal has a high annual rainfall, but it still faces numerous challenges in ensuring good water quality. A total of 20 water samples were collected from five springs, seven rivers, one borehole, and seven reservoir tanks. pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total hardness as CaCO3, and residual chlorine in the water samples were all found to be within the National Drinking Quality Standards (NDWQS) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) was calculated in the range of 35.65–70.826 mg/L, where most of the water samples exceeded the WHO's threshold. The mean biological oxygen demand (BOD) value was 2.929 mg/L, which was below the WHO tolerance level. Moreover, the concentrations of zinc, copper, chromium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, and phosphate species studied here were lower than those of the NDWQS and WHO standards. It was found that most of the water samples crossed the threshold standard for Escherichia coli and total coliforms, respectively. The iron concentrations in BW8, PW9, and RVW10 were estimated at 0.321, 0.301, and 0.367 mg/L, manganese in BW8, RVW10, and PW9 at 0.191, 0.142, and 0.104 mg/L, and selenium in RVW10 and RVW14 at 0.041 mg/L, which exceeded the WHO permissible limit. In most samples, the contamination factor (CF) values of COD exceeded unity, and the pollution load index (PLI) was calculated at 1.3. In the CF analysis of Fe, Mn, and Se, it was found that some water samples were polluted and not suitable for drinking. Statistical analysis of water quality parameters revealed a significant correlation. Overall, the results suggest that governments and development agencies should enhance their involvement in water resources management to ensure sustainability.
A note on exemplary off-shell constructions of 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 supersymmetry representations
Authors: Bristow Devin D. , Caporaletti John H. , Cianciara Aleksander J. , Gates S. James , Levine Delina , Yerger Gabriel
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We continue the search for rules that govern when off-shell 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= ∞ supermultiplets can be combined to form off-shell 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= ∈ supermultiplets. We study the 𝕊8 permutations and Height Yielding Matrix Numbers (HYMN) embedded within the adinkras that correspond to these putative off-shell 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supermultiplets. Even though the HYMN definition was designed to distinguish between the raising and lowering of nodes in one dimensional valise supermultiplets, they are shown to accurately select out which combinations of off-shell 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supermultiplets correspond to off-shell 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supermultiplets. Only the combinations of the chiral + vector and chiral + tensor are found to have valises in the same class. This is consistent with the well known structure of 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supermultiplets.
Baryon asymmetric Universe from spontaneous CP violation
Authors: Fujikura Kohei , Nakai Yuichiro , Sato Ryosuke , Yamada Masaki
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Spontaneous CP violation, such as the Nelson-Barr (NB) mechanism, is an attractive scenario for addressing the strong CP problem while realizing the observed phase of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) quark-mixing matrix. However, not only the CKM phase but also the baryon asymmetric Universe requires sources of CP violation. In this study, we show that a supersymmetric NB mechanism can naturally accommodate the Affleck-Dine (AD) baryogenesis within a CP-invariant Lagrangian. The model provides flat directions associated with new heavy quarks. Focusing on one of the directions, we find that the correct baryon asymmetry is obtained with a sufficiently low reheating temperature which does not cause the gravitino problem. Some parameter space is consistent with the gravitino dark matter. We assess radiative corrections to the strong CP phase induced by gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking and CP-violating heavy fields and show that the strong CP problem is solved in a viable parameter space where the visible sector supersymmetric particles must be lighter than $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(100) TeV. Even in the case that they are heavier than the TeV scale, our model predicts the neutron electric dipole moment within the reach of the near future experiments. Our model addresses the electroweak naturalness problem, strong CP problem, baryon asymmetric Universe, and dark matter. Then, the model may give a new compelling paradigm of physics beyond the Standard Model.
Information propagation in a non-local model with emergent locality
Authors: Ji Kaixin , Hung Ling-Yan
Published: April 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we revisit a “relatively local” model proposed in [1], where locality and dimensionality of space only emerges from the entanglement structure of the state the system is in. Various quantities such as butterfly velocity/entanglement speed can be defined similarly, at least in the regime where locality is well defined and a light cone structure emerges in the correlation between sites. We find that the relations observed between them in local models [2] are not respected. In particular, we conjecture that the hierarchy of the interaction over different distances provides different “layers” of light cones. When long range interactions are sufficiently suppressed, the effective light cones are dominated by linear behaviour with little remnant of non-locality. This could potentially be used as a physical smoking gun for emergent locality in non-local models.
Management after acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Part 1: ACL reconstruction has a protective effect on secondary meniscus and cartilage lesions
Authors: Petersen Wolf , Guenther Daniel , Imhoff Andreas B. , Herbort Mirco , Stein Thomas , Schoepp Christian , Akoto Ralph , Höher Jürgen , Scheffler Sven , Stoehr Amelie , Stoffels Thomas , Häner Martin , Hees Tilman , Mehl Julian , Ellermann Andree , Krause Matthias , Mengis Natalie , Eberle Christian , Müller Peter E. , Best Raymond , Lutz Patricia M. , Achtnich Andrea
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this consensus project was to validate which endogenous and exogenous factors contribute to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and to what extent ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction can prevent secondary damage to the knee joint. Based on these findings, an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture should be established.

Methods

The consensus project was initiated by the Ligament Injuries Committee of the German Knee Society (Deutsche Kniegesellschaft, DKG). A modified Delphi process was used to answer scientific questions. This process was based on key topic complexes previously formed during an initial face-to-face meeting of the steering group with the expert group. For each key topic, a comprehensive review of available literature was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Consensus was defined a-priori as eighty percent agreement.

Results

Of the 17 final statements, 15 achieved consensus, and 2 have not reached consensus. Results of the consensus were summarized in an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture (infographic/Fig. 2).

Conclusion

This consensus process has shown that the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a complex multifactorial process. Exogenous (primary and secondary meniscus lesions) and endogenous factors (varus deformity) play a decisive role. Due to the complex interplay of these factors, an ACL reconstruction cannot always halt post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee. However, there is evidence that ACL reconstruction can prevent secondary joint damage such as meniscus lesions and that the success of meniscus repair is higher with simultaneous ACL reconstruction. Therefore, we recommend ACL reconstruction in case of a combined injury of the ACL and a meniscus lesion which is suitable for repair.

Level of evidence

Level V.
Quantitative detection of caffeine in beverages using flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging and performance evaluation of different thin-layer chromatography plates as sample substrates
Authors: Heide Maximilian , Escobar-Carranza Cristian C. , Engelhard Carsten
Published: April 2022

Ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) is widely used as a rapid screening tool of samples in their native state without sample preparation. While analysis times are much less than 1 min per sample, one challenge of ADI-MS is the possibility to perform quantitative analysis of analytes in complex matrices. Typically, the goal is to probe a variety of different analytes in a complex matrix from a solid, liquid, or otherwise uncharacterized surface in the open air in front of the MS inlet. In this study, it is demonstrated that a carefully selected surface for analyte spot sampling and co-deposited isotopically labeled standards both significantly improve the capabilities of flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) high-resolution (HR) MS for direct quantitative analysis. Specifically, a systematic study of different surfaces (glass, steel mesh, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) stationary phases including silica, reversed-phase (RP)-modified silica, and cyano (CN)-modified silica) and their suitability for spot sampling with FAPA-MS was performed. A set of different caffeine-containing standards and beverages (Red Bull, Coca-Cola, coffee, and black tea) was deposited on the surfaces and direct FAPA-HR-MS analysis of caffeine was performed using internal calibration with co-deposited 13C3-caffeine. For TLC surfaces, it was demonstrated that quantitative results could be achieved with the matrix and concomitants present and that a preceding chromatographic separation was not mandatory for this application. In addition, the use of a CN-HPTLC surface resulted in a significantly more intense caffeine signal in the beverage samples compared to the other surfaces studied, with the highest increase compared to the silica (200-fold higher) and the lowest increase compared to the steel mesh (30-fold higher). The utilization of TLC-based surfaces as sample carriers is considered an attractive tool in the ADI-MS toolbox for fast and efficient mass spectrometric investigations of complex samples without time-consuming sample preparation.

Graphical Abstract
Validation of the Spanish version of the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) questionnaire
Authors: García-Díaz Antonio , Gacto-Sánchez Purificación , Durán-Romero Antonio José , Ruiz-Moya Alejandro , Molina-Morales Julia , Carrasco-García Salvador , Gómez-Cía Tomás , Pereyra-Rodríguez José-Juan
Published: April 2022

Background

The Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) is considered a validated questionnaire to evaluate quality of life after burn. The purpose of this study was to translate the BSHS-B into Spanish and perform its cross-cultural adaptation.

Methods

First, BSHS-B was translated from English into Spanish. Subsequently, 84 patients answered the Spanish version of BSHS-B and SF-36 scales to assess the reliability (Cronbach’s alpha), construct validity (Spearman rank test), and stability in time (intra-class correlation coefficient).

Results

The BSHS-B-Sp showed a good internal consistency with a global Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96. Correlations between the major domains of BSHS-B and SF-36 are reported with Spearman’s coefficient ranging from 0.29 to 0.87 in all sub-domains (p < 0.01). Stability in time was confirmed by intra-class correlation coefficient (0.91–0.99 for every sub-domain and 0.98 for global score, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the BSHS-B demonstrated an appropriated internal consistency, construct validity, and stability in time. This fact supports its applicability to evaluate the quality of life of burn patients.

Level of evidence: Not gradable
TIPS plus sequential systemic therapy of advanced HCC patients with tumour thrombus-related symptomatic portal hypertension
Authors: Qiu Zhenkang , Wang Guobao , Yan Huzheng , Qi Han , Zuo Mengxuan , Wang Guisong , Jiang Weiwei , Chen Zixiong , Xue Jingbing , Lu Ligong , Zhang Fujun , Gao Fei
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT)–related symptomatic portal hypertension (SPH) leads to a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can effectively relieve SPH but its effect remains unclear in PVTT-related SPH. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the TIPS procedure combined with sequential systemic therapy in advanced HCC patients with PVTT-related SPH.

Methods

After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), this retrospective study analysed 42 patients who underwent TIPS placement plus sequential systemic therapy (group A) and 42 patients who received only symptomatic and supportive treatment (group B). The evaluated outcomes were overall survival (OS) and SPH control rate. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to compare OS in the two groups.

Results

In group A, the technical success rate of the TIPS procedure was 95.2%, and no severe complications occurred. The rebleeding rates in group A and group B were 5.0% and 73.7%, respectively (p < 0.001), and the ascites control rates were 92.0% and 28.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). The median OS of group A was significantly better than that of group B (9.6 [95% CI: 7.1, 12.0] vs. 4.9 [95% CI: 3.9, 5.8], months, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that TIPS plus sequential systemic therapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.799; 95% CI: 3.177, 10.585; p < 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor related to OS. Additionally, PVTT degree (I+II) (p = 0.008), AFP ≤ 400 ng/ml (p = 0.003), and Child–Pugh class A (p = 0.046) were significant predictors of OS.

Conclusion

TIPS plus sequential systemic therapy is safe and feasible for treating advanced HCC with tumour thrombus-related SPH.

Key Points

• Portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) is common in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and transforms compensated portal hypertension into symptomatic portal hypertension (SPH).

• HCC patients with PVTT-related SPH have a very poor prognosis, and there are no effective treatments recommended by the guidelines.

• Therefore, a treatment strategy that utilises a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to manage SPH combined with sequential systemic therapy in advanced HCC patients is explored in this study for its feasibility and clinical value. This research can fill the gap in current research data to provide clinically meaningful treatment options.
Der schwerwiegendste Vorfall – Erfahrungen von Aggressionen und Gewalt in der Augenheilkunde
Authors: Jacobsen C. , Volkmann I. , Wedegärtner F. , Harris J. , Bertram B. , Bambas B. , Framme C.
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Erfahrungen von Aggressionen/Gewalt beeinflussen die Arbeitszufriedenheit und können die Mitarbeiter psychisch und physisch langfristig belasten. Im Herbst 2018 führten der Berufsverband der Augenärzte Deutschlands e. V. (BVA) und die Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft e. V. (DOG) eine Umfrage zu Erfahrungen von Aggressionen und Gewalt durch. Die ersten Ergebnisse wurden 2020 veröffentlicht. In der Umfrage konnte zudem der bislang schwerwiegendste Vorfall unter anderem durch Freitextfelder geschildert werden.

Methodik

Alle 9411 Mitglieder von DOG und BVA erhielten 2018 die Möglichkeit, online einen Fragebogen zu Aggressionen und Gewalt in der Augenheilkunde auszufüllen.

Ergebnisse

Es berichteten 253 von 1508 (16,8 %) an der Umfrage teilgenommenen Ophthalmologen über ihren schwerwiegendsten Vorfall, der zu 46,8 % als mittelschwer eingestuft wurde und zu 34,3 % verbale Gewalt wie Beleidigung und Bedrohung umfasste. Den schwerwiegendsten Vorfall erlebten 171 (67,6 %) Ärzte in einer Praxis; 71 % waren zum Tatzeitpunkt Fachärzte. Die Vorfälle ereigneten sich zu 74,3 % in der regulären Arbeitszeit. Ursachen waren v. a. interkulturelle Konflikte, lange Wartezeiten, Probleme bei der Terminvergabe, zu hohe Erwartungshaltung, Behandlungsdifferenzen oder eine Grundaggressivität. Dabei waren die Täter zu 86,3 % männlich. Bei 15,8 % der Vorfälle erfolgte eine polizeiliche Meldung; 21 (8,3 %) Ärzte erteilten einen Praxisverweis oder Hausverbot.

Diskussion

Die Schilderung der schwerwiegendsten Vorfälle veranschaulicht mitunter kaum vorstellbare Situationen und auch, welche Vorfälle als gravierend eingeschätzt wurden. Es existieren dabei große subjektive Schwankungen in der Beurteilung der Vorfälle. Schutzmaßnahmen in Praxen und Kliniken sind unerlässlich.
Radical Generic Initial Ideals
Authors: Conca Aldo , De Negri Emanuela , Gorla Elisa
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we survey the theory of Cartwright–Sturmfels ideals. These are $\mathbb {Z}^{n}$

ℤ

n

-graded ideals, whose multigraded generic initial ideal is radical. Cartwright–Sturmfels ideals have surprising properties, mostly stemming from the fact that their Hilbert scheme only contains one Borel-fixed point. This has consequences, e.g., on their universal Gröbner bases and on the family of their initial ideals. In this paper, we discuss several known classes of Cartwright–Sturmfels ideals and we find a new one. Among determinantal ideals of same-size minors of a matrix of variables and Schubert determinantal ideals, we are able to characterize those that are Cartwright–Sturmfels.
Knowledge cores in large formal contexts
Authors: Hanika Tom , Hirth Johannes
Published: April 2022

Knowledge computation tasks, such as computing a base of valid implications, are often infeasible for large data sets. This is in particular true when deriving canonical bases in formal concept analysis (FCA). Therefore, it is necessary to find techniques that on the one hand reduce the data set size, but on the other hand preserve enough structure to extract useful knowledge. Many successful methods are based on random processes to reduce the size of the investigated data set. This, however, makes them hardly interpretable with respect to the discovered knowledge. Other approaches restrict themselves to highly supported subsets and omit rare and (maybe) interesting patterns. An essentially different approach is used in network science, called k-cores. These cores are able to reflect rare patterns, as long as they are well connected within the data set. In this work, we study k-cores in the realm of FCA by exploiting the natural correspondence of bi-partite graphs and formal contexts. This structurally motivated approach leads to a comprehensible extraction of knowledge cores from large formal contexts.
Results from the “Me & My Heart” (eMocial) Study: a Randomized Evaluation of a New Smartphone-Based Support Tool to Increase Therapy Adherence of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Krackhardt Florian , Jörnten-Karlsson Magnus , Waliszewski Matthias , Knutsson Mikael , Niklasson Anna , Appel Karl-Friedrich , Degenhardt Ralf , Ghanem Alexander , Köhler Till , Ohlow Marc-Alexander , Tschöpe Carsten , Theres Heinz , vom Dahl Jürgen , Karlson Björn W. , Maier Lars S.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study evaluated whether patient support, administered via an electronic device-based app, increased adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with ticagrelor in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with diagnosed ACS treated with ticagrelor co-administered with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid were randomized into an active group (with support tool app for medication intake reminders and motivational messages) and a control group (without support tool app), and observed for 48 weeks (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02615704). Patients were asked to complete the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Lifestyle Changes Questionnaire (LSQ), and were assessed for blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) at baseline (visit 1) and at the end of the study (visit 2). Medication adherence was measured using the Brilique Adherence Questionnaire (BAQ).

Results

Patients (N = 676) were randomized to an active (n = 342) or a control (n = 334) group. BAQ data were available for 174 patients in the active group and 174 patients in the control group. Over the 48-week period, mean (standard deviation) adherence for the active and control groups was 96.4% (13.2%) and 91.5% (23.1%), respectively (effect of app intervention, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in blood pressure and BMI between visits. General improvements in SF-36 and LSQ scores were observed for both groups.

Conclusion

The patient support tool app was associated with significant improvements in patient-reported treatment adherence compared with a data collection app alone in patients prescribed ticagrelor for ACS.
Sufficient dimension reduction for average causal effect estimation
Authors: Cheng Debo , Li Jiuyong , Liu Lin , Le Thuc Duy , Liu Jixue , Yu Kui
Published: April 2022

A large number of covariates can have a negative impact on the quality of causal effect estimation since confounding adjustment becomes unreliable when the number of covariates is large relative to the number of samples. Propensity score is a common way to deal with a large covariate set, but the accuracy of propensity score estimation (normally done by logistic regression) is also challenged by the large number of covariates. In this paper, we prove that a large covariate set can be reduced to a lower dimensional representation which captures the complete information for adjustment in causal effect estimation. The theoretical result enables effective data-driven algorithms for causal effect estimation. Supported by the result, we develop an algorithm that employs a supervised kernel dimension reduction method to learn a lower dimensional representation from the original covariate space, and then utilises nearest neighbour matching in the reduced covariate space to impute the counterfactual outcomes to avoid the large sized covariate set problem. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on two semisynthetic and three real-world datasets and the results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Suppression of Cephalosporium maydis by the resistance inducer beta-sitosterol
Authors: Elshahawy Ibrahim E. , Abd El-Wahed Mohamed S.
Published: April 2022

Late wilt, a vascular disease caused by the fungus of Cephalosporium maydis, is considered one of Egypt’s most severe maize threats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the suppressive effect of the resistance inducer beta-sitosterol on C. maydis, as well as its involvement in reducing the incidence of late wilt infection under greenhouse and field conditions. In in vitro studies on potato dextrose yeast extract agar (PDYA) and/or potato dextrose yeast extract broth (PDYB) with doses of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ppm, beta-sitosterol significantly reduced colony diameter and spore germination of C. maydis. The efficiency of beta-sitosterol increased with concentration, with 250 ppm being the most efficient, reducing colony development by 100% and spore germination by 77.3%. Experiments were conducted in greenhouse and field trials using the split-plot design with three beta-sitosterol 250 ppm application methods (maize grain dipping, maize foliar spraying, and maize grain dipping with foliar spraying) and two maize cultivars (a land race and the cultivar fine seed 1005). In both trials, the combination treatment of maize grain dipping and foliar spraying with beta-sitosterol 250 ppm was most effective. Under greenhouse conditions, beta-sitosterol treatments significantly improved the growth parameters (plant height, plant fresh weight, and plant dry weight) of the two maize cultivars. Under similar conditions, beta-sitosterol significantly increased the activity of protective enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and chitinase) and the levels of chlorophyll, total phenols, and flavonoids in the two maize cultivars. When compared to the untreated control, beta-sitosterol application reduced the incidence of late wilt disease under greenhouse and field conditions. The ear yield of the two maize cultivars was significantly increased in plots treated with beta-sitosterol 250 ppm in a field trial. The findings showed that beta-sitosterol inhibited C. maydis growth in vitro and improved maize plant resistance to late wilt infection in vivo. As a result, this plant resistance inducer could be used to improve the resistance of maize cultivars to late wilt disease.
Suitable indicators to determine tsunami impact on coastal areas in Northern Japan, Aomori Prefecture
Authors: Frenken Mike , Bellanova Piero , Nishimura Yuichi , Schulte Philipp , Lehmkuhl Frank , Reicherter Klaus , Schwarzbauer Jan
Published: April 2022

The 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami released and mobilized many anthropogenic and natural organic compounds and, hereby, left a clear signature in its sedimentary remnants. In this study, a wide variety of organic marker substances were analyzed in 15 sediment profiles from the Aomori coast (Northern Japan). Total organic carbon (TOC) and fine grain fraction normalization have been tested with the wide dataset, and the already more frequently used TOC normalization was proven to be the more suitable one. Concentration profiles and specific ratios have been interpreted using two different approaches. Differentiation of marine and terrestrial matter characterized mixing processes due to the tsunami impact. Linking constituents to anthropogenic emission sources pointed not only to pollution revealed by the tsunami damages but also to dispersion processes, in particular erosion, transport, mixing and redeposition of particle-associated contaminants. Both approaches have been proved to identify unambiguously tsunamites in sedimentary archives and to reveal detailed insights into the tsunami-driven dispersion of particle-associated organic matter. Generally, the organic geochemical proxies as tested in this study can be reliably used to identify and characterize tsunami deposits in the sedimentary record. Finally, this strategy can be transferred to other locations affected by tsunamis for an in-depth characterization of the destruction and environmental changes induced by tsunami events.
Nested identities and identification in higher education institutions—the role of organizational and academic identities
Authors: Borlaug Siri Brorstad , Tellmann Silje Maria , Vabø Agnete
Published: April 2022

Academic staff hold multiple identities by relating to the organization and to their profession. Merging higher education institutions involves organizational changes which may impact identities of academic staff. This paper studies potential impacts on staff perceptions of their organizational and academic identities through a 2-year in-depth study of a merger between a large university and three university colleges in Norway. We find that academics have multiple nested identities and engage in identification at different levels. While they may identify with the new organization, they may simultaneously experience tensions and pressures on their academic identity, or they may have strong academic identity and low identification with the new organization. Moreover, space to develop local accommodations in the new organization and access to symbolic resources plays significant roles in the identification processes.
Differences in daily life executive functioning between people with autism and people with schizophrenia
Authors: Yon-Hernández Jo A. , Wojcik Dominika Z. , García-García Laura , Franco-Martín Manuel A. , Canal-Bedia Ricardo
Published: April 2022

This is a comparative analysis of everyday executive functioning between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) and controls using Dysexecutive Questionnaire-Spanish (DEX-Sp), to identify patterns of difficulties. Also we assessed the relationship between EF and adaptive behavior as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale-II. Common areas of everyday executive functions were established as problematic in individuals with ASD and SSD related to Disinhibition and Apathy, while Disorganization and Impulsivity was gravely affected in ASD group only. The degree of Dysexecutive Syndrome was predictive of adaptive behavior in ASD group only. These suggest that DEX-Sp could be a useful tool in differentiating areas of strength and weaknesses in clinical groups such as ASD and SDD.
Residual variance and asset pricing in the art market
Authors: Mei Jianping , Moses Michael , Zhou Yi
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we compute residual variance of art prices to examine asset pricing in contemporary art market. Our empirical work shows a few interesting results. First, we discover that the residual variance is significantly and positively related to the average price level achieved by an artist. Second, the residual variance has additional explanatory power in terms of how often the artist’s works are cited and exhibited, even after we control for artist fixed (reputation) effects. Third, collectors tend to value more those artworks with higher residual variance. Artworks by those artists with high residual variance tend to outperform the market within and out of sample. One possible explanation of our results is that residual variance could be a proxy for creative risk taking by contemporary artists. The most creative artists dare to take more risks, which results in higher residual price volatility of their artworks.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity: the Experience of the Italian Primary Immunodeficiencies Network (IPINet)
Authors: Giardino Giuliana , Milito Cinzia , Lougaris Vassilios , Punziano Alessandra , Carrabba Maria , Cinetto Francesco , Scarpa Riccardo , Dellepiane Rosa Maria , Ricci Silvia , Rivalta Beatrice , Conti Francesca , Marzollo Antonio , Firinu Davide , Cirillo Emilia , Lagnese Gianluca , Cancrini Caterina , Martire Baldassare , Danieli Maria Giovanna , Pession Andrea , Vacca Angelo , Azzari Chiara , Fabio Giovanna , Soresina Annarosa , Agostini Carlo , Spadaro Giuseppe , Badolato Raffaele , Cicalese Maria Pia , Aiuti Alessandro , Plebani Alessandro , Quinti Isabella , Pignata Claudio
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 manifestations range from asymptomatic to life-threatening infections. The outcome in different inborn errors of immunity (IEI) is still a matter of debate. In this retrospective study, we describe the experience of the of the Italian Primary Immunodeficiencies Network (IPINet). Sixteen reference centers for adult or pediatric IEI were involved. One hundred fourteen patients were enrolled including 35 pediatric and 79 adult patients. Median age was 32 years, and male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. The most common IEI were 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in children (26%) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) in adults (65%). Ninety-one patients did not require hospital admission, and among these, 33 were asymptomatic. Hospitalization rate was 20.17%. Older age (p0.004) and chronic lung disease (p0.0008) represented risk factors for hospitalization. Hospitalized patients mainly included adults suffering from humoral immunodeficiencies requiring immunoglobulin replacement therapy and as expected had lower B cell counts compared to non-hospitalized patients. Infection fatality rate in the whole cohort was 3.5%. Seroconversion was observed is 86.6% of the patients evaluated and in 83.3% of CVID patients. 16.85% of the patients reported long-lasting COVID symptoms. All but one patient with prolonged symptoms were under IgRT. The fatality rate observed in IEI was slightly similar to the general population. The age of the patients who did not survive was lower compared to the general population, and the age stratified mortality in the 50–60 age range considerable exceeded the mortality from 50 to 60 age group of the Italian population (14.3 vs 0.6%;p < 0.0001). We hypothesize that this is due to the fact that comorbidities in IEI patients are very common and usually appear early in life.
An Optimized Collaborative Scheduling Algorithm for Prioritized Tasks with Shared Resources in Mobile-Edge and Cloud Computing Systems
Authors: Amer Amira A. , Talkhan Ihab E. , Ahmed Reem , Ismail Tawfik
Published: April 2022

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is a promising technology that has the potential to meet the latency requirements of next-generation mobile networks. Since MEC servers have limited resources, an orchestrator utilizes a scheduling algorithm to decide where and when each task should execute so that the quality of service (QoS) of each task is achieved. The scheduling algorithm should use the least possible resources required to meet the service demands. In this paper, we develop a two-level cooperative scheduling algorithm with a centralized orchestrator layer. The first scheduling level is used to schedule tasks locally on MEC servers. In contrast, the second level resides at the orchestrator and assigns tasks to a neighboring base station or the cloud. The tasks serve in accordance with their priority, which is determined by the latency and required throughput. We also present a resource optimization algorithm for determining resource distribution in the system in order to ensure satisfactory service availability at the minimum cost. The resource optimization algorithm contains two variations that can be employed depending on the traffic model. One variant is used when the traffic is uniformly distributed, and the other is used when the traffic load is unbalanced among base stations. Numerical results show that the cooperative model of task scheduling outperforms the non-cooperative model. Furthermore, the results show that the suggested scheduling algorithm performs better than other well-known scheduling algorithms, such as shortest job first scheduling and earliest deadline first scheduling.
Prioritization of hazards for risk and resilience management through elicitation of expert judgement
Authors: Ioannou Ioanna , Cadena Jaime E. , Aspinall Willy , Lange David , Honfi Daniel , Rossetto Tiziana
Published: April 2022

Risk assessment in communities or regions typically relies on the determination of hazard scenarios and an evaluation of their impact on local systems and structures. One of the challenges of risk assessment for infrastructure operators is how to identify the most critical scenarios that are likely to represent unacceptable risks to such assets in a given time frame. This study develops a novel approach for prioritizing hazards for the risk assessment of infrastructure. Central to the proposed methodology is an expert elicitation technique termed paired comparison which is based on a formal mathematical technique for quantifying the range and variance in the judgements of a group of stakeholders. The methodology is applied here to identify and rank natural and operational hazard scenarios that could cause serious disruption or have disastrous effects to the infrastructure in the transnational Øresund region over a period of 5 years. The application highlighted substantial divergences of views among the stakeholders on identifying a single ‘most critical’ natural or operational hazard scenario. Despite these differences, it was possible to flag up certain cases as critical among the natural hazard scenarios, and others among the operational hazards.
Non-fragile tracking control of constrained Waverider Vehicles with readjusting prescribed performance
Authors: Bu Xiangwei , Jiang Baoxu , Feng Yin’an
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to solve the fragile problem of prescribed performance control (PPC) with application to Waverider Vehicles (WVs). By fragile problem, it denotes that tracking errors may break away from prescribed funnels if actuators are saturated. Firstly, we propose a new type of readjusting prescribed performance which adaptively readjusts its prescribed funnels such that the spurred transient performance and steady-state performance are still guaranteed for tracking errors in the presence of actuator saturation. Then, we extend the finite-time PPC into the non-affine model of WVs, ensuring that tracking errors always evolve within prescribed funnels. Furthermore, the improved back-stepping procedure without the derivation of virtual control law is utilized to develop non-fragile tracking controllers, and specially, there is no need of any fuzzy/neural approximation, avoiding the computational burden problem. Finally, compared simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness and advantage.