bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Overlooked Part of Flexible Assertive Community Treatment—A Retrospective Study on Factors Related to Discharge from FACT for Clients with a Psychotic Disorder
Authors: de Bruijn Eva , Jochems Eline C. , Wierdsma André I. , Voskes Yolande
Published: April 2023

Flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) is a recovery-based treatment and its manual describes discharge criteria for clients who are recovered. Yet research on discharge is lacking. In this retrospective and observational study, between 2009 and 2019, we explored how sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment factors are associated with planned discharge or no discharge. We included 1734 clients with a psychotic disorder of which 38.5% were discharged after a mutual decision that FACT was no longer necessary. Logistic regression analysis was used to create a discharge profile which was more favorable for discharged clients. They were older at the start of FACT, had lower HoNOS scores, were diagnosed with another psychotic disorder, and had fewer contacts with non-FACT members. Discharge is a part of FACT and is more common than anticipated. While this study provides preliminary answers, further research is necessary to better understand discharge and its associated factors.
Morphological variation of African snakehead (Parachanna obscura) populations along climate and habitat gradients in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa
Authors: Amoutchi Amien Isaac , Ugbor Ogechi Nnabuchi , Kouamelan Essetchi Paul , Mehner Thomas
Published: April 2023

Intraspecific morphological variation may reflect phenotypic plasticity or adaptive divergence. While adaptive shape divergence may occur more likely among isolated populations with reduced gene flow, phenotypic plasticity may reflect morphological responses to heterogeneous environments, even in spatially connected populations. We evaluated both processes while examining morphological variations among seven wild populations of snakehead fish (Parachanna obscura) along climate and habitat gradients in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Morphological variations were studied by multivariate canonical variate analysis (CVA) as based on geometric morphometrics of 15 fish body landmarks. Correlations between shape variations among populations and climate and habitat characteristics and between morphological and geographic distances were calculated. We found significant morphological variations among the seven populations. The variations in fish shape were concentrated on landmarks related to swimming and feeding, suggesting a contribution of environmental variation to morphological differentiation. However, we did not detect significant effects of climate and habitat variables on fish shape. The trend between geographical and morphological distances was likewise not significant. Therefore, a mechanistic understanding of the factors causing shape variation amongP. obscurapopulations in West Africa could not yet be achieved.
Speed of Sound in Gaseous 1,1-Difluoroethene (R1132a) at Temperatures Between 193 K and 383 K at Pressures up to 3 MPa
Authors: Demirdesen Defne , Wedler Carsten , Low Robert E. , Trusler J. P. Martin
Published: April 2023

The speed of sound in gaseous 1,1-difluoroethene (refrigerant R1132a) was measured at temperatures between 193 K and 383 K at pressures up to the lesser of approximately 85 % of the vapour pressure and 3 MPa. The measurements were carried out using a bespoke cylindrical acoustic resonator. The acoustic path length of the resonator was calibrated as a function of temperature by measuring resonance frequencies of the cavity filled with nitrogen gas. The measurements on nitrogen also served to validate the measurement system. The expanded relative uncertainty of the speed of sound in 1,1-difluoroethene at 95% probability was estimated to be 0.021 %. Comparing the results with a preliminary equation of state for 1,1-difluoroethene shows deviations within ± 0.3 %.
Group-Covariant Stochastic Products and Phase-Space Convolution Algebras
Authors: Aniello Paolo
Published: April 2023

A quantum stochastic product is defined as a binary operation on the convex set of quantum states that preserves the convex structure. We discuss a class of group-covariant, associative stochastic products, the twirled products, having remarkable connections with quantum measurement theory and with the theory of open quantum systems. By extending this binary operation from the density operators to the full Banach space of trace class operators, one obtains a Banach algebra. In the case where the covariance group is the group of phase-space translations, one has a quantum convolution algebra. The expression of the quantum convolution in terms of Wigner distributions and of the associated characteristic functions is analyzed.
Leveraging Digital Technologies in Logistics 4.0: Insights on Affordances from Intralogistics Processes
Authors: Albrecht Tobias , Baier Marie-Sophie , Gimpel Henner , Meierhöfer Simon , Röglinger Maximilian , Schlüchtermann Jörg , Will Lisanne
Published: April 2023

Emerging digital technologies are transforming logistics processes on a large scale. Despite a growing body of knowledge on individual use cases ranging from collaborative robots to platform-based planning systems in the frontline industrial development of Logistics 4.0, organizations lack a systematic understanding of the opportunities digital technologies afford for logistics processes. To foster such understanding, this study takes an intra-organizational perspective as a central starting point for digitalization initiatives toward Logistics 4.0. It synthesizes current academic research and industrial insights from a systematic literature review and an expert interview study through an affordance lens. The result is a catalog and conceptual framework of ten digital technology affordances in intralogistics (DTAILs) and 46 practical manifestations. Thereby, this study contributes to understanding and leveraging the opportunities digital technologies afford in a leading-edge information systems application domain. It serves as a foundation for further theorizing on Logistics 4.0 and for structuring strategic discussions among organizational stakeholders.
TargIDe: a machine-learning workflow for target identification of molecules with antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Carneiro João , Magalhães Rita P. , de la Oliva Roque Victor M. , Simões Manuel , Pratas Diogo , Sousa Sérgio F.
Published: April 2023

Bacterial biofilms are a source of infectious human diseases and are heavily linked to antibiotic resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant bacterium widely present and implicated in several hospital-acquired infections. Over the last years, the development of new drugs able to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa by interfering with its ability to form biofilms has become a promising strategy in drug discovery. Identifying molecules able to interfere with biofilm formation is difficult, but further developing these molecules by rationally improving their activity is particularly challenging, as it requires knowledge of the specific protein target that is inhibited. This work describes the development of a machine learning multitechnique consensus workflow to predict the protein targets of molecules with confirmed inhibitory activity against biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It uses a specialized database containing all the known targets implicated in biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The experimentally confirmed inhibitors available on ChEMBL, together with chemical descriptors, were used as the input features for a combination of nine different classification models, yielding a consensus method to predict the most likely target of a ligand. The implemented algorithm is freely available at https://github.com/BioSIM-Research-Group/TargIDe under licence GNU General Public Licence (GPL) version 3 and can easily be improved as more data become available.
Migrant Status and the Wellbeing Gap: The Case of an Ethnically Diverse, High-Conflict Area in Indonesia
Authors: Sollis Kate , Resosudarmo Budy P. , Witoelar Firman , Riswandi Riswandi , Mollet Julius A.
Published: April 2023

Communities with high levels of in-migration can experience substantial social, cultural, and economic change due to the upheaval in social dynamics and changes to the economy. Such upheaval can result in between-group inequalities amongst the native and migrant populations, with migrants tending to have lower levels of wellbeing compared to those who were born in the area. Through utilising a culturally adapted wellbeing measurement tool, the Indonesian Wellbeing Scale, this study examines the native-immigrant wellbeing gap in Papua, Indonesia. Papua has historically experienced high levels of conflict, and is highly ethnically diverse, making it a unique context to examine the native-immigrant wellbeing gap. Drawing on data collected in 2020, the results indicate that the immigrant population has significantly higher levels of wellbeing when controlling for a number of socio-demographic characteristics. This finding is driven by all wellbeing dimensions within the Indonesian Wellbeing Scale: spirituality, social relations, material needs, and self-acceptance. Possible explanations for this include the happy migrant hypothesis, levels of wellbeing pre-migration, and impacts of the migration process. These findings have important implications for migration within both Indonesia, and in similar contexts throughout the world, highlighting that care must be taken when implementing migration policies to ensure that receiving communities are not negatively affected. Furthermore, the study emphasises the value in using a multidimensional, culturally adapted wellbeing measurement tool that was developed in consultation with individuals in the community to ensure we are more closely measuring what matters to people.
The Serotonergic System and Bone Metabolism During Pregnancy and Lactation and the Implications of SSRI Use on the Maternal-Offspring Dyad
Authors: Fricke Hannah P , Hernandez Laura L
Published: April 2023

Lactation is a physiological adaptation of the class Mammalia and is a product of over 200 million years of evolution. During lactation, the mammary gland orchestrates bone metabolism via serotonin signaling in order to provide sufficient calcium for the offspring in milk. The role of serotonin in bone remodeling was first discovered over two decades ago, and the interplay between serotonin, lactation, and bone metabolism has been explored in the years following. It is estimated that postpartum depression affects 10–15% of the population, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are often used as the first-line treatment. Studies conducted in humans, nonhuman primates, sheep, and rodents have provided evidence that there are consequences on both parent and offspring when serotonin signaling is disrupted during the peripartal period; however, the long-term consequences of disruption of serotonin signaling via SSRIs during the peripartal period on the maternal and offspring skeleton are not fully known. This review will focus on the relationship between the mammary gland, serotonin, and bone remodeling during the peripartal period and the skeletal consequences of the dysregulation of the serotonergic system in both human and animal studies.
Fabrication of a porous SiO2 thin film with an ultralow refractive index for anti-reflective coatings
Authors: Suzuki Ryoko
Published: April 2023

Anti-reflective (AR) coatings are used in various optical products, such as lenses, filters, and transparent conductive films. High-performance multilayer AR coatings can be achieved by reducing the refractive index of the top layer. Preventing light scattering by forming finely structured film is also important for a high-performance antireflection film. In this study, porous SiO2 thin films with ultralow refractive indices were prepared using a simple sol–gel method. A high-quality porous SiO2 thin film with an ultralow refractive index of 1.17 bearing a fine porous structure was fabricated by carefully selecting the solvent and base species. Observation and simulation of the film structure revealed the factors responsible for the low scattering of light and the ultralow refractive index exhibited by the film. Hydrophobic treatment of the film was conducted to reduce the fluctuation of optical performance caused by changes in the refractive index owing to the water adsorbed. Therefore, porous SiO2 thin films can be used in the lenses and filters of various optical instruments.

Graphical abstract
Contextualizing vulnerability of ecological systems to landscape alteration
Authors: Gholamialam Ashkan , Matisziw Timothy C. , Trauth Kathleen M.
Published: April 2023

Context

A variety of processes, such as urbanization and development projects, can degrade connectivity in habitat systems, presenting significant threats to species persistence. Effective mitigation of such threats depends in part on knowledge about where and when landscape changes may occur as well as how species may respond to changes in the landscape.

Objectives

A spatial decision support framework for informing planning efforts involving alterations to the landscape that may impact prospects for species’ inter-habitat connectivity is proposed.

Methods

As a variety of movement objectives are thought to influence species’ perception of habitat connectivity, efficient paths supporting movement among habitats in a planning period are identified by way of a multiobjective least-cost path model. This set of paths represent the best options for inter-habitat connectivity in a particular planning period. Provided this representation of inter-habitat connectivity, the worst-case scenario of landscape alteration on inter-habitat connectivity is then identified. This multi-level optimization process is repeated over a set of planning periods until inter-habitat connectivity has been completely eliminated.

Results

The results indicate that representing habitat connectivity with a limited set of paths reflecting a single objective for species movement could result in an overestimate of a habitat system’s resilience to landscape change over time. Representations of connectivity involving a more diverse set of paths reflecting tradeoffs among a set of objectives offer more robust representation of complex biological movements.

Conclusions

The application results indicate that landscape alterations occurring more proximate to habitat patches have the highest negative impact to connectivity. In addition, whereas alterations to the landscape may have no or little impact on inter-habitat connectivity in one planning period, when coupled with future alterations they can result in significant barriers to connectivity.
Housing or habitat: what drives patterns of avian species richness in urbanized landscapes?
Authors: Humphrey Jacinta E. , Haslem Angie , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: April 2023

Context

Conservation of biodiversity in cities depends on ecologically sensitive urban planning, informed by an understanding of patterns of species distributions and richness. Because urbanized landscapes are heterogeneous mosaics, and many species move between different land-cover types, it is valuable to compare ‘whole landscapes’ (broad-scale spatially heterogeneous areas) that systematically differ in landscape structure.

Objectives

We tested the relative influence of housing cover and canopy tree cover on avian species richness, to identify the components of landscape structure that most strongly influence landscape-scale richness (i.e., the pooled richness of multiple sites within a whole landscape).

Methods

We selected 30 residential landscapes (each 1 km2) in Melbourne, Australia, stratified to represent concurrent gradients of housing and canopy tree cover. Five point-count surveys were conducted at each of 10 sites per landscape (for a total of 50 surveys per landscape) and the data pooled to represent the whole landscape mosaic.

Results

Up to 82% of variation in avian richness was explained by properties of the whole landscape. Housing cover was most dominant and a strong predictor for multiple response groups including native, terrestrial, forest, and aquatic birds. As housing cover increased, the richness of all groups decreased. Tree cover, primarily comprised of scattered trees in residential areas, had less influence on richness. Nonetheless, for forest birds, the extent of native vegetation surrounding a landscape had an important positive influence, indicating the value of potential source habitat for urban bird populations.

Conclusions

Cities can be home to a diverse avifauna. The strong influence of landscape structure on species richness indicates a scope to plan and manage urbanized areas to support a diversity of birds that require natural habitat elements. We conclude that urbanizing environments can best be designed to benefit native birds by protecting patches of native vegetation (particularly large source areas) combined with localized higher housing cover, rather than uniform (lower) housing cover across the entire landscape.
Pandemic Leadership: Is It Just a Matter of Good and Bad?
Authors: Setyaningsih Titik , Bastian Indra , Arifa Choirunnisa , Rakhman Fuad
Published: April 2023

This study aims to explore governmental leadership in response to global pandemic. A total of 52 articles from Scopus database were analyzed using Leximancer 4.51, followed by a content analysis. The findings are: (1) There are two concept changes, namely crisis labeling and a change in the meaning of masculine versus feminine which is embedded in leader’s decisions; (2) The theories that support the phenomenon of leadership are quite diverse; (3) The most common methodology is case study. The limitations of the study, especially in the articles analyzed during the coronavirus outbreak. We suggest future research directions into historical perspective.
A Monte Carlo Study of Some Empirical Methods to Find the Optimal Poverty Line in Multidimensional Poverty Measurement
Authors: Nájera Héctor , Gordon David
Published: April 2023

A key problem in multidimensional poverty measurement is how to identify the optimal poverty line, or threshold value, in order to split the ‘poor’ and ‘not poor’ groups. Intersection approaches aim to set a cut-point k for deprivation distribution and a cut-point Z for income/expenditure distributions. Union approaches require a unique k threshold for the combined distribution of income and deprivation and measures based only on the deprivation score need a k cut-point exclusive to this domain. The selection of a cut-point is a contested issue, but empirical methods have the potential to advance these debates. For both bi-domain (intersection) and uni-domain approaches, there is a lack of clear guidance about the reliability of some existing statistical approaches (the Bristol optimal method (BOM), the Poisson-based and negative binomial frameworks and mixture univariate analysis) for choosing k. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the performance of these methods, with the findings suggesting that the BOM is the most reliable method when certain reasonable assumptions hold.
The Nash bargaining solution: sometimes more utilitarian, sometimes more egalitarian
Authors: Rachmilevitch Shiran
Published: April 2023

The first-order condition of the Nash bargaining solution equates the ratio of utilities to the ratio of marginal utilities. It turns out that this common ratio plays a role in determining whether the Nash solution, roughly speaking, is “more utilitarian” or “more egalitarian.” More specifically, I propose a sense of proximity to utilitarianism and/or egalitarianism according to which, in bargaining problems with distinct utilitarian and egalitarian points, the Nash solution is closer to utilitarianism if the aforementioned ratio is smaller than one, and closer to egalitarianism if that ratio is greater than one.
The Catalytic Role of Electrons and Positrons in the Synthesis of Chemicals and of Hadrons
Authors: Vayenas Constantinos G. , Tsousis Dionysios
Published: April 2023

We discuss the similarities and differences between catalysis/electrocatalysis of chemical processes, such as ammonia synthesis or H2O electrolysis on one hand, and of nuclear catalytic processes, commonly called baryosynthesis, such as the synthesis of neutrons and protons from quarks, on the other. In chemical synthesis the underlying forces are well known to be electrostatic in nature while in the synthesis of hadrons or nuclei from quarks (known as hadronization or nucleosynthesis) the underlying forces are known as the Strong nuclear forces, whereas if electrons are also involved, as Weak nuclear forces. Here we discuss for the first time from a catalytic viewpoint the importance of some recent developments in our understanding of the structure and synthesis of hadrons via a model entitled Rotating Lepton Model (RLM), which is quite similar to the Bohr model of the H atom used in Chemistry but which has shown that the Strong Force is a gravitational force between three very fast (relativistic) neutrinos, rotating symmetrically on a circular orbit, whose gravitational masses and gravitational attraction increases dramatically with increasing rotational speed, according to the theory of Special Relativity (SR), thus reaching the masses of quarks and the value of the Strong Force respectively. We show that, interestingly, positrons and electrons, which quite often play a very important and well established catalytic role in chemical synthesis due to their electrical charge, also play an equally important and central catalytic role in nuclear synthesis due to their enormous mass, relative to the mass of the neutrinos, and the concomitant dramatic acceleration of neutrinos to ultrarelativistic speeds and huge mass increase, resulting to enhanced very strong gravitational binding between them which reaches the value of the Strong Force. Consequently, electrons and positrons are the dual, electrostatic and gravitational, catalysts of our Universe for the production of chemicals and baryons.
Evaluation of water quality of Chahnimeh as natural reservoirs from Sistan region in southwestern Iran: a Monte Carlo simulation and Sobol sensitivity assessment
Authors: Kamani Hossein , Hosseini Alireza , Mohebi Samaneh , Keshtkar Mahsa , Mohammadpour Amin , Khodadadi Nematullah , Mohammadi Leili , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: April 2023

Maintaining the water quality is essential because of the limitation of drinking water bodies and their significant effects on life. Recently, much scientific interest has been attracted to the ecological condition assessment of water resources. Because of numerous health issues connected to water quality, the present work aimed to define the water quality status of Chahnimeh reservoirs, Sistan and Baluchistan province, Iran via the Iran Water Quality Index (IRWQISC), the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI), and human risk assessment. This cross-sectional descriptive work was accomplished in 4 seasons in 2020. The samples were gathered from 5 various points of Chahnimeh reservoirs. This study led to the results that the NSFWQI index was between 29.4 to 49.32, which showed “bad” quality, and the IRWQI index was between 19.27 and 39.23, which indicated “bad” and “relatively bad” quality. The best water quality based on both indexes was observed in the spring, and the worst was in the fall and summer. The highest value of HQ related to nitrate in drinking water was 1.60 in the group of children. However, according to the Monte Carlo simulation, HQ95% was estimated as 1.29. The Sobol sensitivity analysis of the first-order effect showed that daily water’s daily ingestion rate (IR) was the most sensitive input. In addition, the value of the second-order effect indicated that the interaction effect of concentration—ingestion rate was the most sensitive input parameter for HQ. Therefore, regular monitoring is necessary to ensure water safety for human consumption.
Advancing age increases the size and severity of spontaneous atheromas in mouse models of atherosclerosis
Authors: Gogulamudi Venkateswara R. , Durrant Jessica R. , Adeyemo Adelola O. , Ho Huynh Mi , Walker Ashley E. , Lesniewski Lisa A.
Published: April 2023

Using multiple mouse models, we explored the impact of aging on the size and severity of atherosclerotic lesions. In young, middle-aged and old apolipoprotein E knockout mice (ApoE−/−) fed an atherogenic diet (AD) for 3–8 weeks, plaque/atheroma formation in the descending aorta and aortic root, and atheroma development in the carotid in response to partial carotid ligation (PCL) were assessed. Total and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were higher in old compared to both other age groups, regardless of AD duration. Aortic plaque burden increased with AD duration in all ages. The size and plaque morphology grade of aortic root atheromas was higher with age; however, there was no effect of age on the size or severity of carotid atheromas after PCL. We additionally induced hyperlipidemia in young and old C57BL/6 mice by adeno-associated virus mediated upregulation of LDL receptor regulator, Pcsk9, and 5 weeks of AD. Despite lower cholesterol in old compared to young Pcsk9 mice, there was a greater size and severity of aortic root atheromas in old mice. However, like the ApoE−/− mice, there was no effect of age on size or severity of PCL-induced carotid artery atheromas in Pcsk9 mice. Together, these results suggest that aging increases the size and severity of spontaneous aortic atheromas.
The Effects of Urban Living Conditions on Subjective Well-Being: The Case of German Foreign Service Employees
Authors: Rüger Heiko , Hoherz Stefanie , Schneider Norbert F. , Fliege Herbert , Bellinger Maria M. , Wiernik Brenton M.
Published: April 2023

In an increasingly urbanized world, understanding the determinants of urban well-being will continue to grow in importance. Although the effects of different indicators of living conditions on well-being have been widely studied individually, little is known about their relative impact when examined jointly. In this study, we use a unique multi-source dataset that allows us to investigate the effect and relative importance of a variety of subjectively and objectively assessed aspects of urban living conditions on the subjective well-being (SWB) of German Foreign Service expatriates. The study captures living conditions in metropolises around the world at different stages of development, and assesses living conditions in a culturally comparably homogeneous set of participants, thus being potentially less confounded with cultural differences. Using linear regression and dominance analysis, we find that ‘quality of and access to nature’ (i.e., green space), ‘quality of housing’, and ‘quality of public goods’ (i.e., water, air, and sewage systems) have the strongest associations with SWB. Subjectively rated characteristics show stronger associations with SWB than externally assessed characteristics. Additionally, we examine whether the size of a city or the level of development of a country has an effect on SWB. Both living in a megacity (≥ 10 million inhabitants) and a lower development status have negative effects on SWB. However, these effects disappear when the various indicators of living conditions are controlled for. Our findings can inform organisations sending employees abroad as well as urban planners seeking to improve their policies and decision-making.
A Systematic Review Investigating Maternal Nutrition During Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Guthrie Taylor M. , Dix Clare F. , Truby Helen , Kumar Sailesh , de Jersey Susan J.
Published: April 2023

The aim of this review was to report on maternal diet, micronutrient supplementation, and gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy following bariatric surgery and explore the impact on maternal micronutrient deficiency, offspring growth, and perinatal outcomes. A search in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and ProQuest in July 2022 returned 23 eligible studies (n = 30–20, 213). Diet was reported in two studies, supplementation in six and GWG in 19 studies. Although many women did not achieve healthy GWG, no consistent link with adverse outcomes was reported. Studies were grades II and III on the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence hierarchy and received a neutral or negative score on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist, suggesting that methodological limitations impact the reliability of reported findings.
PCB-waste derived resin as a binary ion exchanger for zinc removal: Isotherm modelling and adsorbent optimization
Authors: Zuhara Shifa , McKay Gordon
Published: April 2023

Effective removal of heavy metals from wastewaters can enable increased reuse of treated wastewater and reduce water scarcity worldwide. This paper describes the results of an initial study on zinc removal using waste-derived aluminosilicate-based material by binary ion exchange with calcium and potassium. About 2 mmol/g of zinc removal adsorption capacity was demonstrated using the aluminosilicate resin. Seven equilibrium isotherm models have been analyzed using the zinc adsorption data; the best fit to the experimental values based on the lowest SSE error was the SIPS model. A mechanism between zinc adsorption and the calcium and potassium desorption has been developed and modelled and is confirmed based on the mass balance analysis between the divalent calcium ions and the monovalent potassium ions exchanged with the divalent zinc ions adsorbed. Desorption studies using isotherm model equations for the calcium and potassium data further confirmed the mechanism. Regeneration was over 80% per cycle for three acid regenerations, indicating the zinc can be recovered for re-use. Furthermore, optimization using the SIPS model showed the minimum amount of adsorbent required using a two-stage reactor system is much lower, proving the need for a two-stage reactor to make the system more economical. Future experiments on multicomponent analysis and further optimization will help develop this adsorbent for real water systems.
Kidney Xenotransplantation: Are We Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: dos Santos Rafael Miyashiro Nunes
Published: April 2023

Purpose of Review

With the exponential increase in interest and great strides toward clinical application, many experts believe we are ready for kidney xenotransplant human trials. In this review, we will examine the obstacles overcome and those yet to be conquered, discussing the human trials performed and the questions they raised. Additionally, we will revisit overlooked aspects that may be crucial for improvements and suggest future approaches for xenotransplant research.

Recent Findings

Improving survival in pig-to-non-human-primate models with the identification of an ideal immunosuppression regimen led to 3 cases of kidney xenotransplant in brain-dead humans with limited follow-up and a single clinical case of pig-to-human heart xenotransplant with 2-month survival.

With limited human results and unlimited potential, xenotransplantation shines a beacon of hope for a brighter future. However, we must navigate through the complexities of balancing scientific progress and patient welfare, avoiding being blinded by xenotransplantation’s unquestionable potential.
Verbesserung der Datengrundlage der Mindestlohnforschung mittels maschineller Lernverfahren
Authors: Dumpert Florian , Beck Martin
Published: April 2023

Mit der Einführung des allgemeinen gesetzlichen Mindestlohnes zum 1. Januar 2015 stieg der Bedarf an geeigneten Daten für die Evaluation der Mindestlohnwirkungen. Die Mindestlohnkommission empfahl daher in ihrem ersten Bericht an die Bundesregierung die Verknüpfung der Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien mit der Verdienststrukturerhebung. Die Paneldaten der Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien sollen durch die Verknüpfung mit ansonsten fehlenden Angaben zum Bruttostundenverdienst bzw. zur Mindestlohnbetroffenheit aus der Verdienststrukturerhebung angereichert werden, um so die Analysemöglichkeiten zu verbessern. Sowohl ein deterministisches als auch ein probabilistisches Record Linkage waren aus rechtlichen Gründen nicht umsetzbar. Daher hat das Statistische Bundesamt die Option einer Anreicherung der Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien mit Informationen zur Mindestlohnbetroffenheit aus der Verdienststrukturerhebung auch mittels maschineller Lernverfahren geprüft. Im Fokus standen die Methoden „Random Forest“ und „Boosting“, die keine Verknüpfung oder Weitergabe von Einzeldatensätzen erfordern und daher datenschutzrechtlich handhabbar sind. Über die konkrete Vorgehensweise, speziell die getesteten Modellierungsvarianten für die Teilpopulationen Vollzeit‑, Teilzeit- und geringfügig entlohnte Beschäftigte, wird in diesem Beitrag ausführlich berichtet.

Die vorliegende Untersuchung hat gezeigt, dass entsprechende Modelle prinzipiell erlernbar sind und es somit grundsätzlich möglich ist, die Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien um eine Angabe zur Mindestlohnbetroffenheit zu ergänzen. Deutlich erkennbar wurde im Zuge der Untersuchungen aber auch der Zielkonflikt zwischen Sensitivität und positivem Vorhersagewert, das heißt der Konflikt zwischen dem Ziel, möglichst alle vom Mindestlohn betroffenen Beschäftigten als solche zu klassifizieren, und dem Ziel, bei dieser Klassifikation möglichst keine vom Mindestlohn nicht betroffenen Beschäftigten, irrtümlich als „vom Mindestlohn betroffen“ zu kennzeichnen. In der Praxis muss diesem Zielkonflikt bei der Auswahl der eingesetzten Modelle in Abhängigkeit vom angestrebten Analysezweck Rechnung getragen werden.

Ob, wann und wie die Resultate der vorliegenden Untersuchung in den Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien konkret umgesetzt werden können, bedarf weiterer Untersuchungen und Festlegungen.
Comparison of the Ways in Which Nitidine Chloride and Bufalin Induce Programmed Cell Death in Hematological Tumor Cells
Authors: Su Zejie , Luo Man , Chen Zhi Lian , Lan Hai
Published: April 2023

The objective of this work to study the programmed cell death (PCD) in hematological tumor cells induced by nitidine chloride (NC) and bufalin (BF). Hematological tumor cells were exposed to various doses of NC and BF to measure the level of growth inhibition. While inverted microscope is used to observe cell morphology, western blot technique is used to detect apoptosis-related protein expression levels. The effects of NC and BF on hematological tumor cells were different. Although abnormal cell morphology could be seen under the inverted microscope, the western blot results showed that the two medicines induced PCD through different pathways. Drug resistance varied in intensity across distinct cells. THP-1, Jurkat, and RPMI-8226 each had half maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 36.23 nM, 26.71 nM, and 40.46 nM in BF, and 9.24 µM, 4.33 µM, and 28.18 µM in NC, respectively. Different hematopoietic malignancy cells exhibit varying degrees of drug resistance, and the mechanisms by which apoptosis of hematologic tumor cells is triggered by NC and BF are also distinct.
Nanomaterial-decorated micromotors for enhanced photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Aziz Azaam , Nauber Richard , Iglesias Ana Sánchez , Tang Min , Ma Libo , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Schmidt Oliver G. , Medina-Sánchez Mariana
Published: April 2023

Micro-and nanorobots have the potential to perform non-invasive drug delivery, sensing, and surgery in living organisms, with the aid of diverse medical imaging techniques. To perform such actions, microrobots require high spatiotemporal resolution tracking with real-time closed-loop feedback. To that end,  photoacoustic imaging has appeared as a promising technique for imaging microrobots in deep tissue with higher molecular specificity and contrast. Here, we present different strategies to track magnetically-driven micromotors with improved contrast and specificity using dedicated contrast agents (Au nanorods and nanostars). Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of improving the light absorption properties of the employed nanomaterials considering possible light scattering and coupling to the underlying metal-oxide layers on the micromotor’s surface. For that, 2D COMSOL simulation and experimental results were correlated, confirming that an increased spacing between the Au-nanostructures and the increase of thickness of the underlying oxide layer lead to enhanced light absorption and preservation of the characteristic absorption peak. These characteristics are important when visualizing the micromotors in a complex in vivo environment, to distinguish them from the light absorption properties of the surrounding natural chromophores.
Spatial Patterns and Drivers of SME Digitalisation
Authors: Holl Adelheid , Rama Ruth
Published: April 2023

Digital transformation plays an increasingly important role in the growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet little is known regarding spatial inequalities in their adoption of advanced digital technologies. Using recent data from the Flash Eurobarometer 486, we study the spatial patterns of drivers for the implementation of new digital technologies in SMEs in Europe. In our analysis, the focus is on the possible influence of location. Considerable heterogeneity of SMEs is found in their propensity to adopt advanced digital technologies related to the strength of the local business environment and to the urban/rural hierarchy.

Plain English Summary: European SMEs and Digitalisation

The adoption of digital technologies favours the competitiveness, resilience, and internationalisation of firms, but SMEs, which form the backbone of the EU economy, are lagging behind. A recent survey reveals that location greatly influences the probability that European SMEs adopt digital technology. Rural and small-town SMEs are less likely to be adopters, even when country, sector, and firm-specific characteristics are taken into account. However, good business environments always encourage the adoption of digitalisation technologies, whatever the geographic location of an SME. Innovators tend to be adopters, especially when they employ green innovation or management innovation. Larger SMEs, companies that are part of a business group, grow more rapidly, and/or export, are all more likely to adopt digital technologies. Policy-makers need to contemplate the urban/rural-divide and promote strong business environments in all types of locations. Public encouragement towards innovation is likely to indirectly promote easier access to digital technologies.
Superlinear solutions of sublinear fractional differential equations and regular variation
Authors: Řehák Pavel
Published: April 2023

We consider a sublinear fractional equation of the order in the interval (1, 2). We give conditions guaranteeing that this equation possesses asymptotically superlinear solutions. We show that all of these solutions are regularly varying and establish precise asymptotic formulae for them. Further we prove non-improvability of the conditions. In addition to the asymptotically superlinear solutions we discuss also other classes of solutions, some of them having no ODE analogy. In the very special case, when the coefficient is asymptotically equivalent to a power function and the order of the equation is 2, we get known results in their full generality. We reveal substantial differences between the integer order and non-integer order case. Among other tools, we utilize the fractional Karamata integration theorem and the fractional generalized L’Hospital rule which are proved in the paper. Several examples illustrating our results but serving also in alternative proofs are given too. We provide also numerical simulations.
Robotic radioguided surgery: toward full integration of radio- and hybrid-detection modalities
Authors: van Oosterom Matthias N. , Azargoshasb Samaneh , Slof Leon J. , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Increasingly more laparoscopic surgical procedures are performed with robotic platforms, even becoming the standard for some indications. While providing the surgeon with great surgical dexterity, these systems do not improve surgical decision making. With unique detection capabilities and a plurality of tracers available, radioguidance could fulfill a crucial part in this pursuit of precision surgery. There are, however, specific restrictions, limitations, but also great potentials, requiring a redesign of traditional modalities.

Methods

This narrative review provides an overview of the challenges encountered during robotic laparoscopic surgery and the engineering steps that have been taken toward full integration of radioguidance and hybrid guidance modalities (i.e., combined radio and fluorescence detection).

Results

First steps have been made toward full integration. Current developments with tethered DROP-IN probes successfully bring radioguidance to the robotic platform as evaluated in sentinel node surgery (i.e., urology and gynecology) as well as tumor-targeted surgery (i.e., PSMA primary and salvage surgery). Although technically challenging, preclinical steps are made toward even further miniaturization and integration, optimizing the surgical logistics and improving surgical abilities. Mixed-reality visualizations show great potential to fully incorporate feedback of the image-guided surgery modalities within the surgical robotic console as well.

Conclusion

Robotic radioguidance procedures provide specific challenges, but at the same time create a significant growth potential for both image-guided surgery and interventional nuclear medicine.
Is There a Relationship Between Mating and Pathogenesis in Two Human Fungal Pathogens, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata?
Authors: Bedekovic Tina , Usher Jane
Published: April 2023

Purpose of Review

Human fungal pathogens are rapidly increasing in incidence and readily able to evade the host immune responses. Our ability to study the genetic behind this has been limited due to the apparent lack of a sexual cycle and forward genetic tools. In this review, we discuss the evolution of mating, meiosis, and pathogenesis and if these processes are advantageous to pathogens.

Recent Findings

This review summarises what is currently known about the sexual cycles of two important human fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. This includes the identification of parasexual cycle in C. albicans and the observed low levels of recombination in C. glabrata populations.

In this review, we present what is currently known about the mating types and mating/sexual cycles of two clinically important human fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. We discuss the evolution of meiosis using the knowledge that has been amassed from the decades of studying Saccharomyces cerevisiae and how this can be applied to fungal pathogens. We further discuss how the evolution of pathogenesis has played a role in influencing mating processes in human fungal pathogens and compare sexual cycles between C. albicans and C. glabrata, highlighting knowledge gaps and suggesting how these two fungi have evolved distinct mating niches to allow the development of disease in a human host.
UMP-MG: A Uni-directed Message-Passing Multi-label Generation Model for Hierarchical Text Classification
Authors: Ning Bo , Zhao Deji , Zhang Xinjian , Wang Chao , Song Shuangyong
Published: April 2023

Hierarchical Text Classification (HTC) is a formidable task which involves classifying textual descriptions into a taxonomic hierarchy. Existing methods, however, have difficulty in adequately modeling the hierarchical label structures, because they tend to focus on employing graph embedding methods to encode the hierarchical structure while disregarding the fact that the HTC labels are rooted in a tree structure. This is significant because, unlike a graph, the tree structure inherently has a directive that ordains information flow from one node to another—a critical factor when applying graph embedding to the HTC task. But in the graph structure, message-passing is undirected, which will lead to the imbalance of message transmission between nodes when applied to HTC. To this end, we propose a unidirectional message-passing multi-label generation model for HTC, referred to as UMP-MG. Instead of viewing HTC as a classification problem as previous methods have done, this novel approach conceptualizes it as a sequence generation task, introducing prior hierarchical information during the decoding process. This further enables the blocking of information flow in one direction to ensure that the graph embedding method is better suited for the HTC task and thus resulted in the enhanced tree structure representation. Results obtained through experimentation on both the public WOS dataset and an E-commerce user intent classification dataset demonstrate that our proposed model can achieve superlative results.
Can Three-Dimensional Multiple Object Tracking Training Be Used to Improve Simulated Driving Performance? A Pilot Study in Young and Older Adults
Authors: Michaels Jesse , Chaumillon Romain , Mejia-Romero Sergio , Bernardin Delphine , Faubert Jocelyn
Published: April 2023

Driving ability has been shown to be dependent on perceptual-cognitive abilities such as visual attention and speed of processing. There is mixed evidence suggesting that training these abilities may improve aspects of driving performance. This preliminary study investigated the feasibility of training three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT)—a dynamic, speeded tracking task soliciting selective, sustained and divided attention as well as speed of processing—to improve measures of simulated driving performance in older and younger adults. A sample of 20 young adults (23–33 years old) and 14 older adults (65–76 years old) were randomly assigned to either a 3D-MOT training group or an active control group trained on a perceptual discrimination task as well as 2048. Participants were tested on a driving scenario with skill-testing events previously identified as optimal for cross-sectional comparisons of driving ability. Results replicated previously identified differences in driving behaviour between age groups. A possible trend was observed for the 3D-MOT trained group, especially younger adults, to increase the distance at which they applied their maximum amount of braking in response to dangerous events. This measure was associated with less extreme braking during events, implying that these drivers may have been making more controlled stops. Limitations of sample size and task realism notwithstanding, the present experiment offers preliminary evidence that 3D-MOT training might transfer to driving performance through quicker detection of or reaction to dangerous events and provides a rationale for replication with a larger sample size.