bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definition of factors associated with negative antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with hematological diseases
Authors: Rotterdam Jil , Thiaucourt Margot , Weiss Christel , Schwaab Juliana , Reiter Andreas , Kreil Sebastian , Steiner Laurenz , Fenchel Sebastian , Popp Henning D. , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Bonatz Karin , Gerhards Catharina , Neumaier Michael , Klein Stefan A. , Rao Sonika , Jawhar Mohamad , Saussele Susanne
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 in patients with hematological diseases is associated with a high mortality. Moreover, preventive vaccination demonstrated reduced efficacy and the knowledge on influencing factors is limited. In this single-center study, antibody levels of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured ≥ 2 weeks after 2nd COVID-19 vaccination with a concentration ≥ 0.8 U/mL considered positive. Between July and October 2021, in a total of 373 patients (median age 64 years, 44% women) with myeloid neoplasms (n = 214, 57%), lymphoid neoplasms (n = 124, n = 33%), and other diseases (n = 35, 10%), vaccination was performed with BNT162b2 (BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), ChADOx1 (AstraZeneca), or a combination. A total of 229 patients (61%) were on active therapy within 3 months prior vaccination and 144 patients (39%) were previously treated or treatment naïve. Vaccination-related antibody response was negative in 56/373 patients (15%): in 39/124 patients with lymphoid neoplasms, 13/214 with myeloid neoplasms, and 4/35 with other diseases. Active treatment per se was not correlated with negative response. However, rituximab and BTK inhibitor treatment were correlated significantly with a negative vaccination response, whereas younger age and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) disease were associated with positive response. In addition, 5 of 6 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and negative vaccination response were on active treatment with ruxolitinib. In conclusion, a remarkable percentage of patients with hematological diseases had no response after 2nd COVID-19 vaccination. Multivariable analysis revealed important factors associated with response to vaccination. The results may serve as a guide for better protection and surveillance in this vulnerable patient cohort.
Quantitative water T2 relaxometry in the early detection of neuromuscular diseases: a retrospective biopsy-controlled analysis
Authors: Locher Noah , Wagner Benedikt , Balsiger Fabian , Scheidegger Olivier
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To assess quantitative water T2 relaxometry for the early detection of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) in comparison to standard qualitative MR imaging in a clinical setting.

Methods

This retrospective study included 83 patients with suspected NMD who underwent multiparametric MRI at 3 T with a subsequent muscle biopsy between 2015 and 2019. Qualitative T1-weighted and T2-TIRM images were graded by two neuroradiologists to be either pathological or normal. Mean and median water T2 relaxation times (water T2) were obtained from manually drawn volumes of interests in biopsied muscle from multi-echo sequence. Histopathologic pattern of corresponding muscle biopsies was used as a reference.

Results

In 34 patients, the T1-weighted images showed clear pathological alternations indicating late-stage fatty infiltration in NMDs. In the remaining 49 patients without late-stage changes, T2-TIRM grading achieved a sensitivity of 56.4%, and mean and median water T2 a sensitivity of 87.2% and 97.4% to detect early-stage NMDs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.682, 0.715, and 0.803 for T2-TIRM, mean water T2, and median water T2, respectively. Median water T2 ranged between 36 and 42 ms depending on histopathologic pattern.

Conclusions

Quantitative water T2 relaxometry had a significantly higher sensitivity in detecting muscle abnormalities than subjective grading of T2-TIRM, prior to late-stage fatty infiltration signal alternations in T1-weighted images. Normal-appearing T2-TIRM does not rule out early-stage NMDs. Our findings suggest considering water T2 relaxometry complementary to T2-TIRM for early detection of NMDs in clinical diagnostic routine.

Key Points

• Quantitative water T2 relaxometry is more sensitive than subjective assessment of fat-suppressed T2-weighted images for the early detection of neuromuscular diseases, prior to late-stage fatty infiltration signal alternations in T1-weighted images.

• Normal-appearing muscles in fat-suppressed T2-weighted images do not rule out early-stage neuromuscular diseases.

• Quantitative water T2 relaxometry should be considered complementary to subjectively rated fat-suppressed T2-weighted images in clinical practice.
Hazard and cumulative incidence of umbilical cord metabolic acidemia at birth in fetuses experiencing the second stage of labor and pathologic intrapartum fetal heart rate requiring expedited delivery
Authors: Cavoretto Paolo Ivo , Seidenari Anna , Farina Antonio
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the cause-specific hazard (CSH) and the cumulative incidence function (CIF) for umbilical cord metabolic acidemia at birth (MA; pH < 7.0 and/or BE $$\le$$
≤
 − 12 mmol/L) at delivery in patients experiencing the 2nd stage of labor (2STG), stratified for both FIGO-2015 pathologic intrapartum cardiotocography requiring expedited delivery (CTG_RED) and duration of 2nd stage of labor.

Methods

3459 pregnancies experiencing the 2nd stage of labor and delivering at the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, IRCCS Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna (Italy), were identified between 2018 and 2019. Survival analysis was used to assess CSH and CIF for MA, stratified for FIGO-2015 pathologic CTG and relevant covariates.

Results

FIGO-2015 pathological CTG with expedited operative delivery or urgent cesarean section within 10 or 20 min from diagnosis, respectively occurred in 282/3459 (8.20%). The rate of MA at delivery was 3.32% (115/3459). The spline of CSH for MA showed a direct correlation with the duration of 2STG always presenting higher values and greater slope in the presence of pathologic CTG, with plateau between 60 and 120 min and rapid increase after 120 min. The CIF at 180 min in the 2STG was 2.67% for nonpathological and 10.63% for pathological CTG_RED. Nulliparity, pathological CTG, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid resulted significant predictors of MA in our multivariable model.

Conclusion

The risk for MA increases moderately across the 2STG with nonpathological CTG and quadruples with pathological CTG_RED. Adjustment for other predictors of MA including meconium-stained amniotic fluid and nulliparity reveals a significant hazard increase for MA associated with pathologic CTG_RED.
Expression of the relaxin family peptide 4 receptor by enterochromaffin cells of the mouse large intestine
Authors: Koo Ada , Pustovit Ruslan V. , Woodward Orla R. M. , Lewis Jo E. , Gribble Fiona M. , Hossain Mohammed Akhter , Reimann Frank , Furness John B.
Published: May 2022

The gastrointestinal hormone, insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5), is found in large intestinal enteroendocrine cells (EEC). One of its functions is to stimulate nerve circuits that increase propulsive activity of the colon through its receptor, the relaxin family peptide 4 receptor (RXFP4). To investigate the mechanisms that link INSL5 to stimulation of propulsion, we have determined the localisation of cells expressing Rxfp4 in the mouse colon, using a reporter mouse to locate cells expressing the gene. The fluorescent signal indicating the location of Rxfp4 expression was in EEC, the greatest overlap of Rxfp4-dependent labelling being with cells containing 5-HT. In fact, > 90% of 5-HT cells were positive for Rxfp4 labelling. A small proportion of cells with Rxfp4-dependent labelling was 5-HT-negative, 11–15% in the distal colon and rectum, and 35% in the proximal colon. Of these, some were identified as L-cells by immunoreactivity for oxyntomodulin. Rxfp4-dependent fluorescence was also found in a sparse population of nerve endings, where it was colocalised with CGRP. We used the RXFP4 agonist, INSL5-A13, to activate the receptor and probe the role of the 5-HT cells in which it is expressed. INSL5-A13 administered by i.p. injection to conscious mice caused an increase in colorectal propulsion that was antagonised by the 5-HT3 receptor blocker, alosetron, also given i.p. We conclude that stimuli that excite INSL5-containing colonic L-cells release INSL5 that, through RXFP4, excites 5-HT release from neighbouring endocrine cells, which in turn acts on 5-HT3 receptors of enteric sensory neurons to elicit propulsive reflexes.
How to Best Choose the Outer Coarse Mesh in the Domain Decomposition Method of Bank and Jimack
Authors: Ciaramella Gabriele , Gander Martin J. , Mamooler Parisa
Published: May 2022

In Ciaramella et al. (2020) we defined a new partition of unity for the Bank–Jimack domain decomposition method in 1D and proved that with the new partition of unity, the Bank–Jimack method is an optimal Schwarz method in 1D and thus converges in two iterations for two subdomains: it becomes a direct solver, and this independently of the outer coarse mesh one uses! In this paper, we show that the Bank–Jimack method in 2D is an optimized Schwarz method and its convergence behavior depends on the structure of the outer coarse mesh each subdomain is using. For an equally spaced coarse mesh its convergence behavior is not as good as the convergence behavior of optimized Schwarz. However, if a stretched coarse mesh is used, then the Bank–Jimack method becomes faster then optimized Schwarz with Robin or Ventcell transmission conditions. Our analysis leads to a conjecture stating that the convergence factor of the Bank–Jimack method with overlap L and m geometrically stretched outer coarse mesh cells is $1-O(L^{\frac {1}{2 m}})$
1
−
O
(

L

1

2
m

)
.
Comment on: On the role of data, statistics and decisions in a pandemic statistics for climate protection and health—dare (more) progress!
Authors: Radermacher Walter J.
Published: May 2022

In the Corona pandemic, it became clear with burning clarity how much good quality statistics are needed, and at the same time how unsuccessful we are at providing such statistics despite the existing technical and methodological possibilities and diverse data sources. It is therefore more than overdue to get to the bottom of the causes of these issues and to learn from the findings. This defines a high aspiration, namely that firstly a diagnosis is carried out in which the causes of the deficiencies with their interactions are identified as broadly as possible. Secondly, such a broad diagnosis should result in a therapy that includes a coherent strategy that can be generalised, i.e. that goes beyond the Corona pandemic.
Time and lexicographic preferences in the valuation of EQ-5D-Y with time trade-off methodology
Authors: Lipman Stefan A. , Zhang Liying , Shah Koonal K. , Attema Arthur E.
Published: May 2022

In the valuation of EQ-5D-Y-3L, adult respondents are asked to complete composite time trade-off (cTTO) tasks for a 10-year-old child. Earlier work has shown that cTTO utilities elicited in such a child perspective are generally higher than when adults take their own perspective. We explore how differences in time preference in child and adult perspectives could explain this effect. Furthermore, as cTTO valuation in a child perspective involves explicit consideration of immediate death for a child, we also consider how cTTO utilities could be affected by decision-makers lexicographically avoiding death in children. We report the results of an experiment in which 219 respondents valued 5 health states in both adult and child perspectives with either a standard cTTO or a lead-time TTO only approach, in which immediate death is less focal. Time preferences were measured in both perspectives. Our results suggest that utilities were lower when lead-time TTO, rather than cTTO, was used. We find large heterogeneity in time preference in both perspectives, with predominantly negative time preference. The influence of time preferences on utilities, however, was small, and correcting for time preferences did not reduce differences between utilities elicited in both perspectives. Surprisingly, we found more evidence for differences in utilities between adult and child perspectives when lead-time TTO was used. Overall, these results suggest that time and lexicographic preferences affect time trade-off valuation in child and adult perspectives, but are not the explanation for differences between these perspectives. We discuss the implications of our findings for EQ-5D-Y-3L valuation.
Effect of the thorium oxide content on the leaching of a mixed thorium-uranium oxide fuel
Authors: Björk Klara Insulander , Holgersson Stellan , Thuvander Mattias , Ekberg Christian
Published: May 2022

Leaching of uranium from uranium oxide fuel in contact with water can be a radiation hazard problem in the case of fuel cladding failure, either during nuclear reactor operation or in an interim storage, as well as in a final repository. One way to mitigate this is to reduce the solubility of the fuel matrix by the mixing uranium oxide with a compound which is less soluble but otherwise of similar properties. In this paper, the effect of thorium oxide content on the leaching of the uranium oxide matrix is investigated. The method was to study the leaching of the uranium oxide fuel matrix as a function of a varying content of thorium oxide, using materials manufactured by powder co-milling. It was found that the substitution of more than 25% UO2 with ThO2 reduces the matrix leaching by more than one order of magnitude in most of the different leaching solutions investigated. The substitution of 7% UO2 with ThO2 results in a reduction of matrix leaching by 10–90%, depending on the concentration of borate and dissolved oxygen in the leaching solution.
Evidencing the benefits of cluster policies: towards a generalised framework of effects
Authors: Wilson James , Wise Emily , Smith Madeline
Published: May 2022

Regions around the world employ cluster-based policies as part of their industrial, innovation and development policy mixes. They have become a key tool in smart specialisation strategies and are increasingly used to address societal challenges. Given their popularity and longevity, there is significant demand to better measure and understand the impacts of cluster policies. Yet the diversity of cluster policies employed in different regional competitiveness policy mixes, a complex effect logic and a variety of (mostly intangible) outcomes, and few recognised norms for guiding cluster policy evaluation all hamper a more holistic understanding of their patterns of effects and broader impacts. There lacks a common frame to guide cluster policy evaluation. This paper reviews international evidence on the effects of cluster policy programmes from academic and policy literature, which is then used as an input into a co-creation process with groups of cluster policymakers, practitioners and researchers. The result is a proposal for a generalised framework of effects for cluster policies to support the structuring of cluster policy evaluations and strengthen international policy learning possibilities.
Correction to: Chinese students’ access, use and perceptions of ICTs in learning mathematics: findings from an investigation of Shanghai secondary schools
Authors: Fan Lianghuo , Luo Jietong , Xie Sicheng , Zhu Fangchun , Li Shuhui
Published: May 2022

The publication of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. There was an error in one reference, correct it should be.
Legal gender recognition in times of change at the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Holzer Lena
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the role of identity papers for the enjoyment of human rights once more obvious. It is thus a suitable moment to analyse the current implementation of the right to change the gender and/or name on official documents and civil registries in Europe. This article specifically examines the jurisprudence on the right to gender recognition of the European Court of Human Rights. It concludes that the Court is moving towards recognising the right to change one’s legal gender and/or name on an unconditional basis, and that it will need to deliberate on the right to be free from any state-imposed gender label in the future.
Psychosocial profile related to disordered eating attitudes in Spanish adolescents
Authors: Pamies-Aubalat Lidia , Quiles Marcos Yolanda , Torregrosa Díez María Soledad
Published: May 2022

Different psychosocial variables are related to disordered eating attitudes in adolescents, especially in girls. But some studies show that the variables involved in eating disorders may be different in boys and girls. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychosocial profile related to disordered eating attitudes in adolescents of both sexes, separately. Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 1630 Spanish adolescents, 890 of whom were girls with an average age of 14 (SD = 1.34) selected from secondary schools in the province of Alicante through random sampling stratified by school year. Results: The cluster analysis showed two profiles in both sexes. One profile presents high disordered eating attitudes, where the highest scores were in body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, pressure to lose weight and social comparison, and the lowest scores were for self-esteem. This contrasts with the other profile that presents low disordered eating attitudes. The logistic regression model showed that girls were 3.8 times more likely to have disordered eating attitudes if they dieted, experienced body dissatisfaction and compared themselves socially with their peers. Disordered eating attitudes in boys was 3.3 times greater when they experienced body dissatisfaction and pressure to lose weight. Conclusion: These results showed that both sexes present similar profiles. Girls and boys present disordered eating attitudes when they have low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism, comparison with peers, pressure to lose weight, or are on a diet. In future studies, it will be necessary to develop further longitudinal studies which could help to shed light on the risks and protective factors of eating disorders.
Linking teacher-student relationship quality and student group performance: A mediation model
Authors: González-Romá Vicente , Hernández Ana , Ferreres Adoración , Zurriaga Rosario , Yeves Jesús , González-Navarro Pilar
Published: May 2022

We tested a mediation model of the influence of teacher-student relationship quality on student group performance in a higher-education context where a group-oriented learning approach is implemented. Specifically, we posit that the relationship between teacher-student relationship quality at the group level and group performance is mediated by positive affective group well-being and intragroup communication quality. Data were collected from 68 groups of students at four time points. The hypotheses involved in the proposed mediated model were tested by means of multiple regression. We controlled for group size and students’ initial familiarity with the other group members. All the analyses were conducted at the group level by means of the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The results obtained showed that teacher-student relationship quality has an indirect positive influence on group performance, mediated by positive affective group well-being and within-group communication quality. These findings help to understand how and why teacher-student relationship quality is related to student group performance.
Wie mikrobielle Modellsysteme helfen, Tumorevolution zu entschlüsseln
Authors: Eiche Maximilian , Kayser Jona
Published: May 2022

While cellular evolution is one of the most fundamental concepts of life, its consequences are among the most pressing issues of modern health care, including cancer and the emergence of therapy resistance. We currently still lack the ability to accurately predict evolutionary trajectories, especially in spatially dense, pathogenic cellular populations such as microbial biofilms or solid tumors. Here, we discuss the conceptual framework of evolution in dense populations and the potential of tailored microbial model systems to systematically study the underlying mechanisms.
Nutzung von RNA-seq zur Detektion aktiver Ribozyme in Zellextrakten
Authors: Olzog V. Janett , Weinberg Christina E.
Published: May 2022

Self-cleaving ribozymes are catalytic RNAs that cleave their own sugar phosphate backbone site-specifically. While most ribozyme classes were discovered serendipitously, only four classes were found through targeted methods. We developed an RNA-seq-based strategy, called cyPhyRNA-seq, to capture both ribozyme cleavage fragments in a targeted fashion. This method can be used to study ribozyme activity on a global scale and has the potential to uncover new self-cleaving ribozyme classes.
Wie Bakterien die Aufnahme von Kaliumionen regulieren
Authors: Silberberg Jakob M. , Hänelt Inga
Published: May 2022

K+ plays an essential role in a different cellular processes in bacteria, and is a central player in microbial adaptation towards a number of environmental challenges. Accordingly, K+ transporters are subject to tight regulation by a diverse set of mechanisms. Here, we discuss three regulatory strategies from three transport systems, as well as the general regulation of K+ homeostasis by the second messenger c-di-AMP.
Archaeen im globalen Methanzyklus
Authors: Welte Cornelia
Published: May 2022

VAAM-Forschungspreis 2022

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing considerably to global warming. The emission of methane is governed by the balance of the activity of methanogenic archaea producing methane, and methanotrophic bacteria and archaea oxidizing it. A deeper understanding of the interactions between these microbial groups as well as their physiology and biochemistry will aid in a better comprehension of the global methane cycle and eventually contribute to mitigation of climate change.
Produktion von Plattformchemikalien durch mikrobielle Biokatalysatoren
Authors: Knoll Melanie , Weiler Janek , Gescher Johannes
Published: May 2022

The application of organic carbon as a biotechnological substrate belongs to the most promising approaches for the substitution of unsustainable production systems. Here, we present Cupriavidus necator as production strain for catalyzing the conversion of carbon dioxide, butyrate, acetate and propionate to the platform chemical acetoin. Using genetic engineering and proteomics the optimization of the strain is put into perspective regarding its implementation in a biorefinery context.
Kosteneffektive hybride Genomassemblierung mit LazyB
Authors: Gatter Thomas , Stadler Peter F.
Published: May 2022

Advances in genome sequencing have led to a paradigm shift where project costs are no longer limited by sequencing costs but rather by the computational problems associated with genome assembly. There is an urgent demand for more efficient and accurate methods, in particular for complex genomes. The combination of traditional second and emerging third generation sequencing offers unique benefits. Our own method LazyB enables the resource efficient assembly of low abundant datasets.
Mitochondrialer Verunreinigung auf der Spur
Authors: Schönherr Sebastian , Forer Lukas , Weißensteiner Hansi
Published: May 2022

The detection of contamination is key in all types of sequencing studies, especially for mitochondrial (mtDNA) studies. Contamination can lead to genotype misclassification and ultimately false-positive associations. In mtDNA studies, contamination is usually detected by applying computational expensive approaches using nuclear DNA (nDNA) reads. Here, we describe a novel approach that relies on the unique properties of the small mitochondrial genome to detect contamination fast and accurately.
Division of Care and Leave Arrangements in Gay Father Families in Sweden
Authors: Evertsson Marie , Malmquist Anna
Published: May 2022

Introduction

This study analyses the division of parental leave and the income development in gay father families through surrogacy in Sweden, seen as one of the most family-friendly and egalitarian countries in the world.

Methods

Based on longitudinal population register data, descriptive and bivariate regression models are estimated to analyse the parental leave uptake and income development of married partners becoming (first-time) parents in 2006–2015 (in total 53 couples). Retrospective in-depth interviews with 23 gay men in 12 couples, conducted in 2010 and 2018 are analysed thematically to study how fathers discussed and decided how to divide the leave.

Results

The process of establishing legal parenthood delays the fathers’ access to reimbursed parental leave. Despite this, the fathers’ earnings were not considerably affected by the addition of a child to the family. Once the fathers had access to reimbursed leave, they generally shared this equally, with a tendency for the genetic father to take leave first and for a slightly longer period.

Conclusions

The fathers becoming parents via surrogacy arrangements are a well-off group, able to counter the negative financial consequences of becoming parents. Swedish family policies enable parents to share the leave equally. Less impacted by gender and parenthood norms creating difference between parents, gay father families are in a better position to realise ideals of shared care and sameness.

Policy Implications

The delayed access to reimbursed parental leave structures the ability of gay couples to become parents and contributes to class inequalities in the transition to parenthood.
The Connection Between Physical Exercise and Gut Microbiota: Implications for Competitive Sports Athletes
Authors: Wegierska Angelika Elzbieta , Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , Topi Skender , Potenza Maria Assunta , Montagnani Monica , Santacroce Luigi
Published: May 2022

Gut microbiota refers to those microorganisms in the human digestive tract that display activities fundamental in human life. With at least 4 million different bacterial types, the gut microbiota is composed of bacteria that are present at levels sixfold greater than the total number of cells in the entire human body. Among its multiple functions, the microbiota helps promote the bioavailability of some nutrients and the metabolization of food, and protects the intestinal mucosa from the aggression of pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, by stimulating the production of intestinal mediators able to reach the central nervous system (gut/brain axis), the gut microbiota participates in the modulation of human moods and behaviors. Several endogenous and exogenous factors can cause dysbiosis with important consequences on the composition and functions of the microbiota. Recent research underlines the importance of appropriate physical activity (such as sports), nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle to ensure the presence of a functional physiological microbiota working to maintain the health of the whole human organism. Indeed, in addition to bowel disturbances, variations in the qualitative and quantitative microbial composition of the gastrointestinal tract might have systemic negative effects. Here, we review recent studies on the effects of physical activity on gut microbiota with the aim of identifying potential mechanisms by which exercise could affect gut microbiota composition and function. Whether physical exercise of variable work intensity might reflect changes in intestinal health is analyzed.
Surface deformation under overlapping impacts of solid particles
Authors: Zang Xuerui , Cao Xuewen , Xie Zhenqiang , Zhang Jun , Darihaki Farzin , Liu Yang
Published: May 2022

To improve the accuracy of erosion prediction, the effect of subsequent particles impacting the same area while the first single particle rebounds from the substrate must be considered. This issue has rarely been considered in studies pertaining to erosion damage. In the present study, the ABAQUS software is used to investigate the erosion crater morphology and stress distribution on a target material subjected to overlapping impacts of spherical particles. Subsequently, the validated model is applied to investigate the effect of the overlapping impacts of particles on the target. Accordingly, the correlation between erosion severity and the impact locations of the two incident particles is quantified. The results show that the horizontal distance between two solid particle impact locations can significantly affect the erosion magnitude and pattern. The interactions of the resulting craters diminish when the horizontal distance exceeds 0.6 times the particle diameter. When the horizontal distance is approximately 0.06 times the particle diameter, the energy loss originating from collisions reaches the maximum, which modifies the crater morphology. The present study is expected to provide in-depth insights into erosion mechanisms and erosion modeling.
Fingerprint inspired advanced end-effector and its applications
Authors: Lee Sung Ho , Kim Hyo Sung , Park Han Jun , Kwak Moon Kyu
Published: May 2022

The human fingertip consists of a fingerprint with many micro-grating structures. The main roles of the fingerprint could be divided into two purposes, namely, the enhancement of the frictional force and the effective transmittance of the biosignal. In this study, we present the fingerprint-inspired end-effector that has not only admirable frictional force but also electric conductivity. The end-effector is composed of fluorocarbon rubber, one of the famous materials to achieve high frictional force and robustness. Through various experiments, the novel performance of micro structured fluorocarbon rubber end-effector (MSFE) is characterized by comparing with a macroscale patterned sample (MPS), which has been already used in real industrial fields. Experimental results are analyzed theoretically. Furthermore, as feasible applications, we suggest two applications based on the role of the fingerprint. One is the conductive astronaut glove with high frictional force, and the other one is a non-slip pad for the next-generation glass transfer systems. Through these experiments, we successfully observe the enhanced system performance and confirm the possibility of using the MSFE as feasible applications. We believe that the MSFE could be a useful and powerful alternative as an end-effector, not only in the aerospace industry but also in display manufacturing processes.
First baseline data of the Klinefelter ItaliaN Group (KING) cohort: clinical features of adult with Klinefelter syndrome in Italy
Authors: Pasquali D. , Chiodini P. , Simeon V. , Ferlin A. , Vignozzi L. , Corona G. , Lanfranco F. , Rochira V. , Calogero A. E. , Bonomi M. , Pivonello R. , Balercia G. , Pizzocaro A. , Giagulli V. A. , Salacone P. , Aversa A. , Accardo G. , Maggi M. , Lenzi A. , Isidori A. , Foresta C. , Jannini E. A. , Garolla A. ,   the KING, Klinefelter ItaliaN Group, Pasquali D. , Ferlin A. , Vignozzi L. , Corona G. , Lanfranco F. , Rochira V. , Calogero A. E. , Bonomi M. , Pivonello R. , Balercia G. , Pizzocaro A. , Giagulli V. A. , Salacone P. , Aversa A. , Accardo G. , Maggi M. , Lenzi A. , Isidori A. , Foresta C. , Jannini E. A. , Garolla A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is frustratingly under-diagnosed. KS have a broad spectrum of clinical features, making it difficult to identify. 

Objective

We describe KS clinical presentation in a large Italian cohort.

Design

This is the first observational cohort study within a national network, the Klinefelter ItaliaN Group (KING). Primary outcomes were to describe the basic clinical features and the actual phenotype of KS in Italy. Secondary outcomes were to determine age at diagnosis and geographical distribution.

Methods

We performed a basic phenotyping and evaluation of the hormonal values of 609 adult KS patients.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 37.4 ± 13.4 years. The overall mean testicular size was 3 ml, and 2.5 ml in both testes in untreated KS group. BMI was 26.6 ± 5.8 kg/m2, and 25.5% of KS had metabolic syndrome (MetS). LH and FSH were increased, and mean total testosterone were 350 ± 9.1 ng/dl. A descriptive analysis showed that 329 KS patients were evaluated in Northern Italy, 76 in Central and 204 in Southern Italy. Analysis of variance demonstrated significant statistical differences (p < 0001) between the age at diagnosis of the three geographical groups. Compared with the expected number among male patients matched for age in Italy, only 16% of KS patients received a diagnosis.

Conclusions

These data are the results of the only national database available that collects the clinical and hormonal data of the KS patients, currently referred at the KING centers. In Italy the typical KS patient is overweight, with small testes, and elevated LH and FSH. Only 25.5% of them are diagnosed with MetS. Early detection and timely treatment are mandatory.
A cross-sectoral review of the current and potential maintenance strategies for composite structures
Authors: Contreras Lopez Javier , Chiachío Juan , Saleh Ali , Chiachío Manuel , Kolios Athanasios
Published: May 2022

The interest in the use of composite materials in thin-walled structures has grown over the last decades due to their well-known superior mechanical performance and reduced weight when compared with traditional materials. Notwithstanding, composite structures are susceptible to damage during manufacturing and to fatigue degradation during service, which grants inspection and maintenance strategies outstanding importance in the duty of mitigating premature failures and reducing whole life cycle costs. This paper aims to provide a cross-sectoral view of the current and potential maintenance strategies that are drawing the attention of the different industries and researchers by reviewing the current use and limitations of composites structures, the impact of maintenance in the whole-life cycle of the composite structures, the health and condition monitoring techniques applied, and the benefits and limitations of the currently used and potential maintenance strategies. Finally, the health and condition monitoring techniques and maintenance approaches used by the different industries are contrasted to identify trends and divergences and suggest research gaps and industrial opportunities.
A molecular route to fluoro-perovskite materials: synthesis of CsCaF3 films through a sol–gel/spin-coating process
Authors: Pellegrino Anna L. , Lo Presti Francesca , Malandrino Graziella
Published: May 2022

Fluoride perovskites have recently attracted great attention due to their unique optical properties. The present study reports for the first time the fabrication of fluoride-based perovskite, CsCaF3, in form of thin films through a combined sol–gel/spin-coating approach using β-diketonate fluorinated precursors. The entire sol–gel process has been carried out in ethanol solution under acid-catalyzed conditions starting from the β-diketonate complexes, Cs(hfa) and Ca(hfa)2•diglyme•H2O (Hhfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione; diglyme = 2–Methoxyethylether), which act as single sources for metal ions and fluorine. A careful optimization of the process parameters, such as molar ratio of the starting mixture, aging time and annealing temperature, has allowed to produce for the first time, selectively and reproducibly, transparent and pure CsCaF3 films. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses highlight the formation of films with compact morphologies having a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of Cs:Ca, uniform throughout the film and compatible with the CsCaF3 phase identified through X-ray diffraction analysis.
Beneficial Effects of Celastrol on Immune Balance by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Experimental Ulcerative Colitis Mice
Authors: Li Mingyue , Guo Weina , Dong Yalan , Wang Wenzhu , Tian Chunxia , Zhang Zili , Yu Ting , Zhou Haifeng , Gui Yang , Xue Kaming , Li Junyi , Jiang Feng , Sarapultsev Alexey , Wang Huafang , Zhang Ge , Luo Shanshan , Fan Heng , Hu Desheng
Published: May 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease caused by many factors including colonic inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis. Previous studies have indicated that celastrol (CSR) has strong anti-inflammatory and immune-inhibitory effects. Here, we investigated the effects of CSR on colonic inflammation and mucosal immunity in an experimental colitis model, and addressed the mechanism by which CSR exerts the protective effects. We characterized the therapeutic effects and the potential mechanism of CSR on treating UC using histological staining, intestinal permeability assay, cytokine assay, flow cytometry, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and cell differentiation. CSR administration significantly ameliorated the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, which was evidenced by the recovered body weight and colon length as well as the decreased disease activity index (DAI) score and intestinal permeability. Meanwhile, CSR down-regulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated the amount of anti-inflammatory mediators at both mRNA and protein levels, and improved the balances of Treg/Th1 and Treg/Th17 to maintain the colonic immune homeostasis. Notably, all the therapeutic effects were exerted in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Furthermore, CSR treatment increased the gut microbiota diversity and changed the compositions of the gut microbiota and metabolites, which is probably associated with the gut microbiota-mediated protective effects. In conclusion, this study provides the strong evidence that CSR may be a promising therapeutic drug for UC.
Wittgenstein on Logic and Philosophical Method
Authors: Kuusela Oskari
Published: May 2022

This Element outlines Wittgenstein's early and later philosophies of logic, and explains Wittgenstein's views regarding the methodological significance of logic for philosophy. Wittgenstein's early philosophy of logic is presented as a further development of Frege's and Russell's accounts of logic, and Wittgenstein later philosophy as a response to problems with his early views, including confusions about idealization and abstraction in logic. The later Wittgenstein's novel logical methods, such as the method of language-games, are outlined, and the new kind of logical naturalism developed in his later philosophy described. I conclude by discussing the later Wittgenstein on names.
On the derivative of a polynomial
Authors: Kumar Prasanna
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we prove the well-known Erdős–Lax inequality [4] in a sharpened form. As a consequence, another widely used inequality due to Ankeny and Rivlin [1] gets sharpened. These results may be useful in various applications that required the Erdős–Lax and the Ankeny–Rivlin inequalities.
Protective effect of a first SARS-CoV-2 infection from reinfection: a matched retrospective cohort study using PCR testing data in England
Authors: Lacy Joanne , Mensah Anna , Simmons Ruth , Andrews Nick , Siddiqui M. Ruby , Bukasa Antoaneta , O'Boyle Shennae , Campbell Helen , Brown Kevin
Published: May 2022

The duration of immunity after first severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the extent to which prior immunity prevents reinfection is uncertain and remains an important question within the context of new variants. This is a retrospective population-based matched observational study where we identified the first polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive of primary SARS-CoV-2 infection case tests between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2020. Each case was matched by age, sex, upper tier local authority of residence and testing route to one individual testing negative in the same week (controls) by PCR. After a 90-day pre-follow-up period for cases and controls, any subsequent positive tests up to 31 December 2020 and deaths within 28 days of testing positive were identified, this encompassed an essentially vaccine-free period. We used a conditional logistic regression to analyse the results. There were 517 870 individuals in the matched cohort with 2815 reinfection cases and 12 098 first infections. The protective effect of a prior SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive episode was 78% (odds ratio (OR) 0.22, 0.21–0.23). Protection rose to 82% (OR 0.18, 0.17–0.19) after a sensitivity analysis excluded 933 individuals with a first test between March and May and a subsequent positive test between June and September 2020. Amongst individuals testing positive by PCR during follow-up, reinfection cases had 77% lower odds of symptoms at the second episode (adjusted OR 0.23, 0.20–0.26) and 45% lower odds of dying in the 28 days after reinfection (adjusted OR 0.55, 0.42–0.71). Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection offered protection against reinfection in this population. There was some evidence that reinfections increased with the alpha variant compared to the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 variant highlighting the importance of continued monitoring as new variants emerge.
Relating Slip Behavior to Off‐Fault Deformation Using Physical Models
Authors: Ross Emily O. , Reber Jacqueline E. , Titus Sarah J.
Published: May 2022

Deformation in transform systems is accommodated by discrete fault slip and distributed off‐fault deformation. Here, we consider how a change in slip behavior along a fault can influence the distribution between on‐ and off‐fault deformation. We use a physical experiment to simplify the geometry, material properties, boundary conditions, and slip history along a strike‐slip fault to directly observe patterns of off‐fault deformation. We document deformation of a silicone slab on a simple shear apparatus using particle image velocimetry (2D) and photogrammetry (3D). The experimental results show regions of topographic highs and lows on either side of the slip transition that grow, evolve, and are displaced with progressive strain. The experimental dilatation field shares similarities with strain fields in central California along the San Andreas fault, which suggests that a change in slip behavior may explain some of the real‐world patterns in short‐ and long‐term deformation.
Instantaneous Inversion of Airborne Electromagnetic Data Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Wu Sihong , Huang Qinghua , Zhao Li
Published: May 2022

The airborne electromagnetic (AEM) method is becoming an effective means for subsurface electrical property reconstruction with the merits of terrain adaptability and acquisition efficiency. However, instantaneous inversion of time‐domain AEM data is still a challenge, owing to the huge amount of data. Inspired by Google's neural machine translation system, we develop a fast inversion operator guided by deep learning to translate time‐domain AEM measurements directly into subsurface resistivity structures. Trained by synthetic data, our system shows impressive adaptability to field observations and strong robustness against noise disturbance. Applied to the AEM data set acquired by the U.S. Geological Survey in Leach Lake Basin, CA, USA, our system successfully delivers results in seconds for a common PC from more than 740,000 AEM soundings. The inverted structures clearly delineate the geometries of the lake, surrounding mountains and faults. The inversion operator can support instantaneous subsurface resistivity reconstruction for AEM observations.
Detailed Seafloor Imagery of Turbidity Current Bedforms Reveals New Insight Into Fine‐Scale Near‐Bed Processes
Authors: Normandeau Alexandre , Lajeunesse Patrick , Ghienne Jean‐François , Dietrich Pierre
Published: May 2022

High‐resolution imagery of the morphological character of modern active turbidite systems are critical for understanding the complexity of turbidity current processes occurring on the seafloor. Here, we describe a 30 cm‐resolution autonomous underwater vehicle repeat bathymetric dataset that allows to significantly increase the geomorphological detail of crescentic bedforms in turbidite systems. This repeat imagery shows the erosion produced by dense basal layers at the base of turbidity currents, the inception of plunge pools, and the controls that hydraulic jump troughs have on subsequent flow path of weaker turbidity currents. Transverse small‐scale scours located in cyclic step troughs suggest that weak flows follow local relief, therefore explaining the wide variability of turbidity current flow indicators observed in outcrops. This imagery demonstrates that turbidite systems are formed by the superimposition of erosion surfaces and depositional patterns recording contrasted flow behavior and provides new views on turbidity current behavior in natural environments.
Quantification of Volcano Deformation Caused by Volatile Accumulation and Release
Authors: Spang A. , Burton M. , Kaus B. J. P. , Sigmundsson F.
Published: May 2022

Crustal‐stored magma reservoirs contain exsolved volatiles which accumulate in the reservoir roof, exerting a buoyancy force on the crust. This produces surface uplift and sudden loss of volatiles through eruption results in syn‐eruptive subsidence. Here, we present three‐dimensional, visco‐elasto‐plastic, numerical modeling results which quantify the ground deformation arising from the growth and release of a volatile reservoir. Deformation is mostly independent of crustal thermal distribution and volatile reservoir shape, but is a function of volatile volume, density and depth and crustal rigidity. We present a scaling law for the volatiles' contribution to syn‐eruptive subsidence and show this contributes ∼20% of the observed subsidence associated with the 2015 Calbuco eruption. Our results highlight the key role that volatile‐driven buoyancy can have in volcano deformation, show a new link between syn‐eruptive degassing and deflation, and highlight that shallow volatile accumulation and release may have a significant impact on ground deformation of volcanoes.
Flow and Bed Conditions Jointly Control Debris‐Flow Erosion and Bulking
Authors: de Haas T. , McArdell B. W. , Nijland W. , Åberg A. S. , Hirschberg J. , Huguenin P.
Published: May 2022

Debris flows can grow greatly in size and hazardous potential by eroding bed and bank materials. However, erosion mechanisms are poorly understood because debris flows are complex hybrids between a fluid flow and a moving mass of colliding particles, bed erodibility varies between events, and field measurements are hard to obtain. Here, we identify the key controls on debris‐flow erosion based on a field data set that combines information on flow properties, bed conditions, and bed and bank erosion. We show that flow conditions and bed wetness jointly control debris‐flow erosion. Flow conditions describing the cumulative forces exerted at the bed during an event best explain erosion. Shear forces and particle‐impact forces are strongly correlated and act in conjunction in the erosion process. A shear‐stress approach accounting for bed erodibility may therefore be applicable for modeling and predicting debris‐flow erosion. This work provides a foundation for developing effective debris‐flow erosion models.