bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic role of pan‐immune‐inflammation value in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer treated with androgen receptor‐signaling inhibitors
Authors: Yazgan Satı Coşkun , Yekedüz Emre , Utkan Güngör , Ürün Yüksel
Published: July 2022

Aim

To assess the prognostic effect of pan‐immune inflammation value (PIV) in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with abiraterone acetate (AA) or enzalutamide.

Methods

Patients with mCRPC treated with AA or enzalutamide between January 2010 and June 2021 were included in this study. The most recently examined complete blood count values in the 1‐month period before treatment were used for calculating PIV. The relationship between overall survival (OS) and PIV was evaluated by multivariate analysis. By using PIV and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels which had shown survival effect at multivariate analysis, PIV−LDH combined score was established.

Results

A total of 114 patients were included in this study. At the median follow‐up of 34.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.4‐36.8), the median OS was 21 months (95% CI: 17.6−21.3). The median OS in the low‐PIV group was significantly higher than in the high‐PIV group (34.4 months (95% CI: 21.3–47.5) vs. 14.3 months (95% CI: 10.0–18.7), p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis for OS, high PIV (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11−3.13, p = 0.018) and LDH value 1.5 times the upper limit of normal and above (HR: 3.65 95%, CI: 1.86−7.16, p < 0.001) were associated with shorter OS. When survival analysis was performed according to the PIV−LDH combined score, the median OS was 34.4 months (95% CI: 22.2–46.6) in the low‐risk group, 17.7 months (95% CI: 11.7–23.6) in the intermediate‐risk group, and 8.4 months (95% CI: 5.1–11.7) in the high‐risk group (p < 0.001). The C‐index of the combined PIV−LDH score was higher than the C‐index of PIV (0.65 vs. 0.61).

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that PIV was an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with mCRPC treated with AA or enzalutamide. Additionally, PIV−LDH combined score may be considered a promising composite peripheral blood‐based biomarker to predict OS in those patients.
Insect kinin mimics act as potential control agents for aphids: Structural modifications of Trp4
Authors: Zhou Yuanlin , Zhang Yimeng , Zhang Yongheng , Zhao Yingru , Xu Weilong , Ye Dexing , He Qi , Iqbal Chandni , Feng Haoyuan , Li Xuesheng , Zhang Li , Qin Yaoguo , Yang Xinling
Published: July 2022

Insect kinins are endogenous, biologically active peptides with various physiological functions. The use of insect kinins in plant protection is being evaluated by many groups. Some kinins have been chosen as lead compounds for pest control. We previously reported an insect kinin mimic IV‐3 that had insecticidal activity. And by introducing a strong electron withdrawing group (‐CF3) on the benzene ring (Phe2), we discovered a compound, L7, with better activity than lead IV‐3. In this work, taking L7 as the lead compound, we designed and synthesized 13 compounds to evaluate the influence of position 4 (Trp4) of insect kinin on insecticidal activity, by replacing the H atom on tryptophan with ‐CH3 and ‐Cl or substituting the indole ring of tryptophan with the benzene, naphthalene, pyridine, imidazole, cyclohexane, and alkyl carboxamides. The aphid bioassay results showed that the compounds M1, M3, and M5 were more active than the positive control, pymetrozine. Especially, replacing the side chain by an indole ring with 4‐Cl substitution (M1, LC50 = 0.0029 mmol/L) increased the aphicidal activity. The structure–activity relationships (SARs) indicated that the side chain benzene ring at this position may be important to the aphicidal activity. In addition, the toxicity prediction by Toxtree, and the toxicity experiments on Apis mellifera suggested that M1 was no toxicity risk on a non‐target organism. It could be used as a selective and bee‐friendly insecticide to control aphids.
Event‐triggered model‐free adaptive consensus tracking control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems under switching topologies
Authors: Li Haozhe , Wang Hongwei , Xu Yuze , Chen Jiapeng
Published: July 2022

A distributed event‐triggered data‐based control protocol is proposed for a class of unknown nonlinear heterogeneous multi‐agent systems (MASs) to address consistent reference signal tracking issue subject to the limited communication bandwidth. First, an event‐triggering condition that only relies on local output data of each agent is designed, and the event‐triggered communication between different agents depends on this condition. Second, agent models are constructed dynamically using dynamic linearization technology. Third, a novel distributed data‐driven control strategy based on event‐triggered communication mechanism is designed for heterogeneous agents to realize consistent desired trajectory tracking mission under switching topologies. The proposed control protocol is characterized by the information transmission of each agent in a fully intermittent manner without any global I/O (Input and Output) data. On this basis, convergence performance is analyzed using the principle of compressed mapping. Results showed that the tracking error of all agents is uniformly bounded. Effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through two numerical experiments.
Application of an unsteady three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics model to predictive habitat modelling of macroinvertebrates—A case study at the Ziller River in Austria
Authors: Farhadi Alireza , Leitner Patrick , Graf Wolfram , Hauer Christoph
Published: July 2022

The Ziller River, a tributary to the Inn in Tyrol, Austria, is affected by hydropower generation. Macroinvertebrate habitat‐preferences were investigated in the field and corresponding habitat suitability curves were applied successfully to a novel integrative assessment method based on hydrodynamic modelling. Here, a reach of the Ziller River is simulated using a three‐dimensional unsteady hydrodynamic model. The three‐dimensional simulation results are applied to a predictive macroinvertebrate habitat model. Habitat suitably indices (HSI) are calculated based on temporal alterations of bed shear stress values. Model results are free from two‐dimensional flow‐averaging approximations and demonstrate the critical information lost in lower‐order models due to simplification procedures. Shear stress values, three‐dimensional simulated velocity components, and temporal alterations of flow are provided in the current study. Considering the simulation results, the implementation of the provided supplementary simulation details in macroinvertebrate studies and the integration into further habitat investigations is discussed.
Phase‐Stable Wide‐Bandgap Perovskites for Four‐Terminal Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells with Over 30% Efficiency
Authors: Yao Yuxin , Hang Pengjie , Li Biao , Hu Zechen , Kan Chenxia , Xie Jiangsheng , Wang Ying , Zhang Yiqiang , Yang Deren , Yu Xuegong
Published: July 2022

Wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an optimal bandgap between 1.7 and 1.8 eV are critical to realize highly efficient and cost‐competitive silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs). However, such wide‐bandgap PSCs easily suffer from phase segregation, leading to performance degradation under operation. Here, it is evident that ammonium diethyldithiocarbamate (ADDC) can reduce the detrimental I2 back to I− in precursor solution, thereby reducing the density of deep level traps in perovskite films. The resultant perovskite film exhibits great phase stability under continuous illumination and 30–60% relative humidity conditions. Due to the suppression of defect proliferation and ion migration, the PSCs deliver great operation stability which retain over 90% of the initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 500 h maximum power point tracking. Finally, a highly efficient semitransparent PSC with a tailored bandgap of 1.77 eV, achieving a PCE approaching 18.6% with a groundbreaking open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.24 V enabled by ADDC additive in perovskite films is demonstrated. Integrated with a bottom silicon solar cell, a four‐terminal (4T) TSC with a PCE of 30.24% is achieved, which is one of the highest efficiencies in 4T perovskite/silicon TSCs.
Roles of Nitrogen on TWIP in Advanced Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Chai Guocai , Siriki Raveendra , Nordström Joakim , Dong Zhihua , Vitos Levente
Published: July 2022

The influence of nitrogen on the mechanical properties of two high Ni containing advanced austenitic stainless steels with low stacking fault energies is investigated. The results show that increase of nitrogen content greatly increases both strength and elongation of the steel at the same time. At the cryogenic temperature, the steels show a twin induced plasticity behavior. Ab initio calculations indicate that the increase of nitrogen slightly increases the stacking fault energy and consequently the critical shear stress for twin initiation in the steel. However, addition of nitrogen significantly increases the flow stress. This leads to a smaller critical strain for twin initiation and promotes deformation twinning in the high nitrogen steel. This is confirmed by the microstructure investigation. Deformation in steels is a competitive process between slip and twinning. Dislocation slip is dominant at low strain range, but formation of stacking fault and twinning become important in the later stages of deformation. At cryogenic temperature, it is mainly deformation twinning. The influence of nitrogen addition on magnetic property and its effect on deformation twinning are also discussed. The present study increases the understanding for the development of high‐performance and low‐cost advanced austenitic stainless steels.
Extraction Optimization of Arctium lappa L. Polysaccharides by Box–Behnken Response Surface Design and Their Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Zheng Jiawei , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Herrera‐Balandrano Daniela D. , Wang Jing , Chai Zhi , Beta Trust , Huang Wuyang , Li Ying
Published: July 2022

Arctium lappa L is a good source of polysaccharides in addition to its nutrient content and health benefits. In this study, a Box–Behnken response surface design is used to optimize the extraction conditions of A. lappa L. polysaccharides (ALP) in hot water. The influence of different degreasing methods on polysaccharide yield is investigated for the first time and their antioxidant activity compared. The effects of liquid‐to‐solid ratio (10:1 to 30:1), extraction temperature (60–100°C) and extraction time (1–3 h) on the ALP yield are analyzed. Under the optimal extraction conditions (extraction temperature 71.12°C, extraction time 2.51 h, liquid‐to‐solid ratio 16.20:1), Derringer's desirability prediction tool obtains the highest extraction yield of polysaccharides (9.73%), which is confirmed through validation experiments. In addition, the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt), andoxygen radical antioxidant capacity values of the optimized ALP are 232.23 ± 4.19, 407.84 ± 1.48, and 2932.54 ± 145.29 µmol Trolox g–1, respectively, indicating that ALP has potential antioxidant capacity. Therefore, ALP can be used as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical.
Optimization Strategies of Electrolytes for Low‐Temperature Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Wang Yao , Wei Hua , Li Zhengtai , Zhang Xiangyong , Wei Zhiquan , Sun Ke , Li Hongfei
Published: July 2022

Aqueous rechargeable batteries (ARBs) are considered promising electrochemical energy storage systems for grid‐scale applications due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental benignity. With the demand for a wide range of application scenarios, batteries are required to work in various harsh conditions, especially the cold weather. Nevertheless, electrolytes would freeze at extremely low temperatures, resulting in dramatically sluggish kinetics and severe performance degradation. Here, we discuss the behaviors of hydrogen bonds and basic principles of anti‐freezing mechanisms in aqueous electrolytes. Then, we present a systematical review of the optimization strategies of electrolytes for low‐temperature aqueous batteries. Finally, the challenges and promising routes for further development of aqueous low‐temperature electrolytes are provided. This review can serve as a comprehensive reference to boost the further development and practical applications of advanced ARBs operated at low temperatures.
A survey on artificial intelligence in histopathology image analysis
Authors: Abdelsamea Mohammed M. , Zidan Usama , Senousy Zakaria , Gaber Mohamed Medhat , Rakha Emad , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: July 2022

The increasing adoption of the whole slide image (WSI) technology in histopathology has dramatically transformed pathologists' workflow and allowed the use of computer systems in histopathology analysis. Extensive research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a huge progress has been conducted resulting in efficient, effective, and robust algorithms for several applications including cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. These algorithms offer highly accurate predictions but lack transparency, understandability, and actionability. Thus, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques are needed not only to understand the mechanism behind the decisions made by AI methods and increase user trust but also to broaden the use of AI algorithms in the clinical setting. From the survey of over 150 papers, we explore different AI algorithms that have been applied and contributed to the histopathology image analysis workflow. We first address the workflow of the histopathological process. We present an overview of various learning‐based, XAI, and actionable techniques relevant to deep learning methods in histopathological imaging. We also address the evaluation of XAI methods and the need to ensure their reliability on the field.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Health Care
Krylov complexity from integrability to chaos
Authors: Rabinovici E. , Sánchez-Garrido A. , Shir R. , Sonner J.
Published: July 2022

Abstract

We apply a notion of quantum complexity, called “Krylov complexity”, to study the evolution of systems from integrability to chaos. For this purpose we investigate the integrable XXZ spin chain, enriched with an integrability breaking deformation that allows one to interpolate between integrable and chaotic behavior. K-complexity can act as a probe of the integrable or chaotic nature of the underlying system via its late-time saturation value that is suppressed in the integrable phase and increases as the system is driven to the chaotic phase. We furthermore ascribe the (under-)saturation of the late-time bound to the amount of disorder present in the Lanczos sequence, by mapping the complexity evolution to an auxiliary off-diagonal Anderson hopping model. We compare the late-time saturation of K-complexity in the chaotic phase with that of random matrix ensembles and find that the chaotic system indeed approaches the RMT behavior in the appropriate symmetry class. We investigate the dependence of the results on the two key ingredients of K-complexity: the dynamics of the Hamiltonian and the character of the operator whose time dependence is followed.
Geschichte der Laparoskopie
Authors: Alkatout Ibrahim , Struck Saskia , Pape Julian Maria , Mettler Liselotte , Maass Nicolai , Freytag Damaris , Mechler Ulrich
Published: July 2022

Die Einführung der Laparoskopie in die klinische Routine gilt als herausragender Meilenstein in der Geschichte der Medizin. Die erste Laparoskopie beim Menschen wurde nahezu exakt vor 100 Jahren durchgeführt. Von den 1960er bis in die 1980er Jahre erfolgte die Überleitung der diagnostischen Laparoskopie in die chirurgische Laparoskopie. Diese Entwicklungen stehen in untrennbarem Zusammenhang mit den Gynäkologen Raoul Palmer, Hans Frangenheim und Kurt Semm. Die Geschwindigkeit der Entwicklungen stand in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang mit dem medizintechnischen Fortschritt. Für die Generation der 2000er Jahre ist die Laparoskopie eine Selbstverständlichkeit. Die konventionelle Laparoskopie wurde erweitert und umfasst nun auch robotergestützte chirurgische Verfahren. Wir stehen kurz vor der Einführung der künstlichen Intelligenz und der Augmented-Reality-Technologie in die operative Routine.
Frauenförderung in der Urologie am Beispiel der Habilitation
Authors: Welte Maria-Noemi , Knipper Sophie , Siech Carolin , Greiser Eva Maria , Wiemer Laura , Müller Karina , Bellut Laura , Walach Margarete Teresa , Herlemann Annika , Weinberger Sarah
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Der Anteil an Ärztinnen im Fachgebiet Urologie nimmt stetig zu. Dabei ist die zunehmende Feminisierung in Führungspositionen noch nicht angekommen. Eine Habilitation, die die Grundlage für eine wissenschaftlich erfolgreiche Karriere ist, wird von Urologinnen in Deutschland deutlich seltener als von ihren männlichen Kollegen erreicht.

Ziel der Arbeit

Um Faktoren für eine effektivere Förderung von Frauen in der Urologie zu identifizieren, wurden die aktuelle Situation sowie Einflussfaktoren auf eine erfolgreiche Habilitation von Frauen in der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Urologie e. V. (DGU) untersucht.

Methodik

Ein Online-Fragebogen wurde an 1343 weibliche Mitglieder der DGU in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz verschickt. Die Antworten von 521 Ärztinnen wurden bezüglich Basischarakteristika und in Bezug auf Forschungsförderung statistisch ausgewertet. Der primäre Endpunkt der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Habilitationsrate.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurde der Fragebogen von 521 in der Urologie beschäftigten Ärztinnen zwischen 25 und 67 (Median 37) Jahren ausgefüllt. Hiervon waren die meisten Ärztinnen in Weiterbildung (n = 168, 32 %), arbeiteten in Vollzeit (n = 324, 62 %) und hatten Kinder (n = 277, 53 %). Insgesamt waren 359 (69 %) der Teilnehmerinnen promoviert und 63 (12 %) arbeiteten noch an ihrer Promotion. 30 (5,8 %) Urologinnen waren habilitiert. In univariablen logistischen Regressionsmodellen waren das Alter (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1,06), das Arbeitszeitmodell (Teilzeit OR: 0,19), ein Forschungsaufenthalt (OR: 21,4), eine Freistellung (OR: 13,7), die Teilnahme an einem Förderprogramm (OR: 6,9) oder Mentoring-Programm (OR: 7,0) unabhängige Prädiktoren für eine erreichte Habilitation. Ob eine Urologin Kinder hatte, war kein unabhängiger Prädiktor. In multivariablen logistischen Regressionsmodellen waren Alter (OR: 1,08) sowie ein Forschungsaufenthalt (OR: 9,04) unabhängige Prädiktoren für eine erreichte Habilitation.

Schlussfolgerungen

Eine Förderung von Habilitationen unter Ärztinnen im Fachgebiet Urologie erscheint erstrebenswert, um den Frauenanteil in Führungspositionen zu steigern. Die Ergebnisse der Datenauswertung zeigen, dass insbesondere die Förderung von Forschungsaufenthalten explizit für Frauen ein vielversprechender Ansatz ist.
Perception of clinical research among patients and healthy volunteers of clinical trials
Authors: Bergmann Felix , Matzneller Peter , Weber Maria , Yeghiazaryan Lusine , Fuereder Thorsten , Weber Thomas , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Clinical research relies on data from patients and volunteers, yet the target sample size is often not achieved. Here, we assessed the perception of clinical research among clinical trial participants to improve the recruitment process for future studies.

Methods

We conducted a single-center descriptive and exploratory study of 300 current or former participants in various phase I–III clinical trials. Questionnaires were either distributed to current clinical trial participants or emailed to former subjects.

Results

Subjects strongly agreed or agreed that contributing to improving medical care (> 81%), contributing to scientific research (> 79%), and trusting their treating physicians (> 77%) were motives for study participation. Among healthy volunteers, financial motives positively correlated with the number of clinical trials they had participated in (p < 0.05). Higher age positively correlated with expectation of best available treatment during study participation among patients (p < 0.05). Less than 8% of all subjects expressed “great concern” about the potential risks of sharing their personal information as part of the study. Subjects displayed “great trust” or “trust” in medical staff (86.6%) and in government research institutions (76.4%), and “very little trust” or “little trust” in pharmaceutical companies (35.4%) and health insurance companies (16.9%).

Conclusion

Altruistic motives and trust in treating physicians were predominant motives for clinical trial participation. Older patients expected to receive the best available treatment during participation. Healthy volunteers who reported financial motives had participated in more clinical trials. Consistent with great trust in medical staff and government research institutions, little concern was expressed about the misuse of personal data during the trial.
Low-level circulation over Central Equatorial Africa as simulated from CMIP5 to CMIP6 models
Authors: Taguela Thierry N. , Pokam Wilfried M. , Dyer Ellen , James Rachel , Washington Richard
Published: July 2022

We evaluate and compare the simulation of the main features (low-level westerlies (LLWs) and the Congo basin (CB) cell) of low-level circulation in Central Equatorial Africa (CEA) with eight climate models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) and the corresponding eight previous models from CMIP5. Results reveal that, although the main characteristics of the two features are reasonably well depicted by the models, they bear some biases. The strength of LLWs is generally overestimated in CMIP5 models. The overestimation is attributed to both divergent and rotational components of the total wind with the rotational component contributing the most in the overestimation. In CMIP6 models, thanks to a better performance in the simulation of both divergent and rotational circulation, LLWs are slightly less strong compared to the CMIP5 models. The improvement in the simulated divergent component is associated with a better representation of the near-surface pressure and/or temperature difference between the Central Africa landmass and the coastal Atlantic Ocean. Regarding the rotational circulation, and especially for HadGEM3-GC31-LL and BCC-CSM2-MR, a simulated higher 850 hPa pressure is associated with less pronounced negative vorticity and a better representation of the rotational circulation. Most CMIP5 models also overestimate the CB cell intensity and width in association with the simulated strength of LLWs. However, in CMIP6 models, the strength of key cell characteristics (intensity and width) are reduced compared to CMIP5 models. This depicts an improvement in the representation of the cell in CMIP6 models and this is associated with the improvement in the simulated LLWs.
Mental health burden of high school students, and suggestions for psychosocial support, 1.5 years into the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria
Authors: Dale Rachel , Jesser Andrea , Pieh Christoph , O’Rourke Teresa , Probst Thomas , Humer Elke
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and containment efforts seem to be particularly challenging for adolescents. This study assessed mental health in high school students 1.5 years after the pandemic began in Austria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from September to November 2021. Well-being (WHO-5), depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and sleep quality were assessed. A total of 1505 adolescents participated (78% girls). The cut-offs for clinically relevant symptoms were exceeded by 62% girls and 38.1% boys for depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 11), 49% girls and 29% boys for anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 11) and 28% girls and 17% boys for insomnia (ISI score ≥ 15). The prevalence of suicidal ideation (item 9 of the PHQ-9) within the last 2 weeks was 47% in girls and 32% in boys. These data collected in autumn 2021 (the start of the second semester of reopened schools; t2) were compared to data collected in February 2021 (one semester after remote schooling; t1). A matched pairs analysis according to age, gender, region, school type and migration background resulted in a total sample size of N = 2514 adolescents. Results showed small deteriorations in mental health (i.e., well-being, depression, insomnia, suicidal ideation) in girls at t2 compared to t1, and an increase in suicidal thoughts in boys (all p-values < 0.05). Qualitative data show that young people have a need for more psychological support, both professional and informal, as well as increased mental health literacy. Results suggest that mental health burden in adolescents remains high 1.5 years into the pandemic and highlight the need to implement timely psychological support.
Aesthetic judgments of 3D arts in virtual reality and online settings
Authors: Gulhan Doga , Durant Szonya , Zanker Johannes M.
Published: July 2022

Empirical aesthetics is beginning to branch off from conventional laboratory-based studies, leading to in-situ, immersive, often more accessible experiments. Here, we explored different types of aesthetic judgments of three-dimensional artworks in two contexts: virtual reality (VR), aiming for an immersive experience, and online settings aiming for an accessible setup for a remote audience. Following the pilot experiment conducted to select a set of 3D artworks, in the first experiment, participants freely engaged with virtual artworks via an eye-tracking-enabled VR headset and provided evaluations based on subjective measures of aesthetic experience such as ratings on liking, novelty, complexity, perceived viewing duration; and the objective viewing duration was also recorded. Results showed positive, linear, and mostly moderate correlations between liking and the other perceived judgment attributes. Supplementary eye-tracking data showed a range of viewing strategies and variation in viewing durations between participants and artworks. Results of the second experiment, adapted as a short online follow-up, showed converging evidence on correlations between the different aspects contributing to aesthetic judgments and suggested similarity of judgment strategies across contexts. In both settings, participants provided further insights via exit questionnaires. We speculate that both VR and online settings offer ecologically valid experimental contexts, create immersive visual arts experience, and enhance accessibility to cultural heritage.
Regional Left Ventricular Fiber Stress Analysis for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response
Authors: Albatat Mohammad , Finsberg Henrik Nicolay , Arevalo Hermenegild , Sundnes Joakim , Bergsland Jacob , Balasingham Ilangko , Odland Hans Henrik
Published: July 2022

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for a subgroup of heart failure (HF) patients, but more than 30% of those selected do not improve after CRT implantation. Imperfect pre-procedural criteria for patient selection and optimization are the main causes of the high non-response rate. In this study, we evaluated a novel measure for assessing CRT response. We used a computational modeling framework to calculate the regional stress of the left ventricular wall of seven CRT patients and seven healthy controls. The standard deviation of regional wall stress at the time of mitral valve closure (SD_MVC) was used to quantify dyssynchrony and compared between patients and controls and among the patients. The results show that SD_MVC is significantly lower in controls than patients and correlates with long-term response in patients, based on end-diastolic volume reduction. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, patients with lower SD_MVC respond better to therapy. The patient with the highest SD_MVC was the only non-responder in the patient cohort. The distribution of fiber stress at the beginning of the isovolumetric phase seems to correlate with the degree of response and the use of this measurement could potentially improve selection criteria for CRT implantation. Further studies with a larger cohort of patients are needed to validate these results.
A comprehensive aerobiological study of the airborne pollen in the Irish environment
Authors: Markey Emma , Clancy Jerry Hourihane , Martínez-Bracero Moisés , Maya-Manzano Jose María , Smith Matt , Skjøth Carsten , Dowding Paul , Sarda-Estève Roland , Baisnée Dominique , Donnelly Aoife , McGillicuddy Eoin , Sewell Gavin , O’Connor David J.
Published: July 2022

Respiratory allergies triggered by pollen allergens represent a significant health concern to the Irish public. Up to now, Ireland has largely refrained from participating in long-term aerobiological studies. Recently, pollen monitoring has commenced in several sampling locations around Ireland. The first results of the pollen monitoring campaigns for Dublin (urban) and Carlow (rural) concerning the period 2017–2019 and 2018–2019, respectively, are presented herein. Additional unpublished pollen data from 1978–1980 and, 2010–2011 were also incorporated in creating the first pollen calendar for Dublin. During the monitoring period over 60 pollen types were identified with an average Annual Pollen Integral (APIn) of 32,217 Pollen × day/m3 for Dublin and 78,411 Pollen × day/m3 for Carlow. The most prevalent pollen types in Dublin were: Poaceae (32%), Urticaceae (29%), Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (11%), Betula (10%), Quercus (4%), Pinus (3%), Fraxinus (2%), Alnus (2%) and Platanus (1%). The predominant pollen types in Carlow were identified as Poaceae (70%), Urticaceae (12%), Betula (10%), Quercus (2%), Fraxinus (1%) and Pinus (1%). These prevalent pollen types increased in annual pollen concentration in both locations from 2018 to 2019 except for Fraxinus. Although higher pollen concentrations were observed for the Carlow (rural) site a greater variety of pollen types were identified for the Dublin (urban) site. The general annual trend in the pollen season began with the release of tree pollen in early spring, followed by the release of grass and herbaceous pollen which dominated the summer months with the annual pollen season coming to an end in October. This behaviour was illustrated for 21 different pollen types in the Dublin pollen calendar. The correlation between ambient pollen concentration and meteorological parameters was also examined and differed greatly depending on the location and study year. A striking feature was a substantial fraction of the recorded pollen sampled in Dublin did not correlate with the prevailing wind directions. However, using non-parametric wind regression, specific source regions could be determined such as Alnus originating from the Southeast, Betula originating from the East and Poaceae originating from the Southwest.
Experiences of Mental Health Care Among Women Treated for Postpartum Psychosis in England: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Roxburgh Emily , Morant Nicola , Dolman Clare , Johnson Sonia , Taylor Billie Lever
Published: July 2022

Postpartum psychosis has been found to affect 0.89–2.6 per 1000 women. Onset is typically rapid and severe. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for a good prognosis. Our aim in this study was to understand women’s experiences of mental health care and services for psychosis in the postnatal period. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 women who reported being treated for postpartum psychosis. Findings were analysed thematically. Women reported that healthcare professionals across maternity and mental health services often lacked awareness and knowledge of postpartum psychosis and did not always keep them or their partners/families informed, supported, and involved. Women wanted better collaboration between and within services, and more efficient, appropriate, and timely care. They valued inpatient services that could meet their needs, favouring Mother and Baby Units over general psychiatric wards. Early Intervention in Psychosis services and specialist perinatal community mental health teams were also well liked.
Is the Growth of Companies Influencing Their Financial Condition Depending on Their Size: S&P 500 Listed Companies Example
Authors: Bolek Monika , Gniadkowska-Szymańska Agata
Published: July 2022

The goal of this paper is related to the analysis of the earnings per share growth and the financial condition of companies as measured by Altman Z-Score Model and their relation. The research has been carried out on the example of S&P500 Index listed companies. The correlation and OLS panel data models with fixed effects were tested. The results indicate that the relationship between the EPS growth and Altman Z-Score is not linear and the smaller the company, the higher its growth index. In most of cases the growth of EPS influenced the Altman Z-scores in a positive way. On contrary in the group of medium size companies, EPS growth influenced the financial condition in a negative way. The article fills the gap related to the growth, the size and financial condition of the company that can improve if the management of growth is efficient.
“It’s hard to feel a part of something when you’ve never met people”: defining “learning community” in an online era
Authors: Prodgers Lucy , Travis Elizabeth , Pownall Madeleine
Published: July 2022

Feeling part of a community of learners has been shown to foster students’ engagement and sense of belonging, leading to higher retention and achievement of learning outcomes. The pivot to online teaching caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a reappraisal of all aspects of the student experience, including students’ capacity and opportunity to engage in meaningful learning communities online. There has been some emergent literature which considers how to facilitate online learning communities in the emergency remote teaching context prompted by COVID-19. However, there is a notable lack of literature which considers how learning communities are defined, understood, and negotiated by students in this unique teaching context. Given how students’ perceptions of learning communities contributes to Higher Education policy (e.g. through the National Student Survey), this is important to understand. In the present study (N = 309), we qualitatively investigated students’ understanding and definition of the term “learning community” during a time of emergency pivot to online teaching and learning. A reflexive thematic analysis of students’ first-hand responses generated three dominant themes: “Feeling connected: Bridging the gap whilst physically distanced”, “Feeling included: Visible and valued”, and “Feeling together: Mutuality and the shared experience”. We discuss the implications for these conceptualisations of an online learning community and suggest ways forward for Higher Education pedagogy.
Predicting the oxidation states of Mn ions in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II using supervised and unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Amin Muhamed
Published: July 2022

Serial Femtosecond Crystallography at the X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) sources enabled the imaging of the catalytic intermediates of the oxygen evolution reaction of Photosystem II (PSII). However, due to the incoherent transition of the S-states, the resolved structures are a convolution from different catalytic states. Here, we train Decision Tree Classifier and K-means clustering models on Mn compounds obtained from the Cambridge Crystallographic Database to predict the S-state of the X-ray, XFEL, and CryoEM structures by predicting the Mn’s oxidation states in the oxygen-evolving complex. The model agrees mostly with the XFEL structures in the dark S1 state. However, significant discrepancies are observed for the excited XFEL states (S2, S3, and S0) and the dark states of the X-ray and CryoEM structures. Furthermore, there is a mismatch between the predicted S-states within the two monomers of the same dimer, mainly in the excited states. We validated our model against other metalloenzymes, the valence bond model and the Mn spin densities calculated using density functional theory for two of the mismatched predictions of PSII. The model suggests designing a more optimized sample delivery and illumiation systems are crucial to precisely resolve the geometry of the advanced S-states to overcome the noncoherent S-state transition. In addition, significant radiation damage is observed in X-ray and CryoEM structures, particularly at the dangler Mn center (Mn4). Our model represents a valuable tool for investigating the electronic structure of the catalytic metal cluster of PSII to understand the water splitting mechanism.
Sums of Squares Polynomial Program Reformulations for Adjustable Robust Linear Optimization Problems with Separable Polynomial Decision Rules
Authors: Jeyakumar V. , Lee J. H. , Lee G. M. , Li G. , Woolnough D.
Published: July 2022

We show that adjustable robust linear programs with affinely adjustable box data uncertainties under separable polynomial decision rules admit exact sums of squares (SOS) polynomial reformulations. These problems share the same optimal values and admit a one-to-one correspondence between the optimal solutions. A sum of squares representation of non-negativity of a separable non-convex polynomial over a box plays a key role in the reformulation. This reformulation allows us to find adjustable robust solutions of uncertain linear programs under box data uncertainty by numerically solving their associated equivalent SOS polynomial optimization problem using semi-definite linear programming. We illustrate how the quality of the adjustable robust solution of a robust optimization problem with polynomial decision rules improves as the degree of the polynomial increases. Our results demonstrate that the adjustable robust solutions approach the actual optimal solution as the degree of the polynomial increases from one to fifteen.
Checking transformation efficiency for different Lagenaria siceraria genotypes by using seed germination pouches as a growth carrier
Authors: Wang Ying , Huang Lijuan , Li Yanwei , Feng Zishan , Mu Zihan , Wang Jian , Wu Xinyi , Wang Baogen , Lu Zhongfu , Li Guojing , Wu Xiaohua
Published: July 2022

Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] is one of the most common horticultural and medicinal crops. Genetic transformation is a rate-limiting step in unraveling the function of genes and molecular breeding in this non-model crop. In this study, we established an optimized protocol for transformation using a seed germination pouch as a growth carrier and developed bottle gourd composite plants. Overground explants were inoculated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain R1000, which harbored a binary vector pBI121 carrying the GUS reporter gene. The integration of GUS into transgenic roots was confirmed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and histochemical staining. Furthermore, we screened for desirable genotypes from 14 bottle gourd germplasm collections based on the number of induced roots, transformation efficiency, and induction rate, and “Changguang” (transformation efficiency, approximately 36.8%) was selected as the genotype suitable for hairy root induction in bottle gourd. The optimized protocol presented here is a rapid, suitable, and efficient tool for studying the function of genes and root biology of bottle gourd in the future.
Analysis of mold and mycotoxins in naturally infested indoor building materials
Authors: Lindemann Viktoria , Schleiner Tim , Maier Ulrich , Fels Hubert , Cramer Benedikt , Humpf Hans-Ulrich
Published: July 2022

Health issues of residents of mold-infested housing are reported on a regular basis, and reasons for the arising impairments can be manifold. One possible cause are the toxic secondary metabolite produced by indoor microfungi (mycotoxins). To enable a more thorough characterization of the exposure to mycotoxins in indoor environments, data on occurrence and quantities of mycotoxins is essential. In the presented study, 51 naturally mold-infested building material samples were analyzed applying a previously developed method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) separation in combination with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQMS) detection. A total of 38 secondary metabolites derived from different indoor mold genera like Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys were analyzed, of which 16 were detectable in 28 samples. As both the spectrum of target analytes and the investigated sample matrices showed high chemical varieties, an alternative calibration approach was applied complementary to identify potentially emerging matrix effects during ionization and mass spectrometric detection. Overall, strong alterations of analyte signals were rare, and compensation of considerable matrix suppression/enhancement only had to be performed for certain samples. Besides mycotoxin determination and quantification, the presence of 18 different mold species was confirmed applying microbiological approaches in combination with macro- and microscopic identification according to DIN ISO 16000–17:2010–06. These results additionally highlight the diversity of mycotoxins potentially arising in indoor environments and leads to the assumption that indoor mycotoxin exposure stays an emerging topic of research, which has only just commenced.
Technology as Driver for Morally Motivated Conceptual Engineering
Authors: Veluwenkamp Herman , Capasso Marianna , Maas Jonne , Marin Lavinia
Published: July 2022

New technologies are the source of uncertainties about the applicability of moral and morally connotated concepts. These uncertainties sometimes call for conceptual engineering, but it is not often recognized when this is the case. We take this to be a missed opportunity, as a recognition that different researchers are working on the same kind of project can help solve methodological questions that one is likely to encounter. In this paper, we present three case studies where philosophers of technology implicitly engage in conceptual engineering (without naming it as such). We subsequently reflect on the case studies to find out how these illustrate conceptual engineering as an appropriate method to deal with pressing concerns in the philosophy of technology. We have two main goals. We first want to contribute to the literature on conceptual engineering by presenting concrete examples of conceptual engineering in the philosophy of technology. This is especially relevant, because the technologies that are designed based on the conceptual work done by philosophers of technology potentially have crucial moral and social implications. Secondly, we want to make explicit what choices are made when doing this conceptual work. Making explicit that some of the implicit assumptions are, in fact, debated in the literature allows for reflection on these questions. Ultimately, our hope is that conscious reflection leads to an improvement of the conceptual work done.
Phononic origin of structural lubrication
Authors: Dong Yun , Wang Yongkang , Duan Zaoqi , Huang Shuyu , Tao Yi , Lu Xi , Zhang Yan , Kan Yajing , Wei Zhiyong , Li Deyu , Chen Yunfei
Published: July 2022

Atomistic mechanisms of frictional energy dissipation have attracted significant attention. However, the dynamics of phonon excitation and dissipation remain elusive for many friction processes. Through systematic fast Fourier transform analyses of the frictional signals as a silicon tip sliding over a graphite surface at different angles and velocities, we experimentally demonstrate that friction mainly excites non-equilibrium phonons at the washboard frequency and its harmonics. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we further disclose the phononic origin of structural lubrication, i.e., the drastic reduction of friction force as the contact angle between two commensurate surfaces changes. In commensurate contacting states, friction excites a large amount of phonons at the washboard frequency and many orders of its harmonics that perfectly match each other in the sliding tip and substrate, while for incommensurate cases, only limited phonons are generated at mismatched washboard frequencies and few low order harmonics in the tip and substrate.
Stifthaltungsvarianten für flexible Produktgestaltung: Häufigkeitsverteilung der Stifthaltung bei Erstklässlern in Deutschland
Authors: Diaz Meyer Marianela , Salata Susanne , Bruder Ralph
Published: July 2022

Bei der ergonomischen Gestaltung von Schreibgeräten spielt die Stifthaltung eine wichtige Rolle, um die Kompatibilität zwischen Mensch und Schreibwerkzeug zu gewährleisten. Der Dreipunktgriff wurde lange Zeit – und wird zum Teil auch noch heute – als die einzige „reife“ Stifthaltung gesehen. Mit zunehmender Forschung wird jedoch deutlich, dass insbesondere jüngere Generationen auch weitere Stifthaltungen verwenden, die als funktional gelten. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die Häufigkeitsverteilung der Stifthaltung bei Schüler/innen in Deutschland differenziert aufzuzeigen und statistisch auszuwerten. An der Studie beteiligten sich insgesamt 128 Erstklässler (ohne Entwicklungsauffälligkeiten) im Alter von 5–8 Jahren. Die Stifthaltungen wurden während des Schreibens fotografiert und anhand der Anzahl der Finger auf dem Stift und der Stellung des Daumens kategorisiert. Wir fanden signifikante Unterschiede in der Häufigkeitsverteilung (×2 (4) = 39,344, p < 0,001). Der Dreipunktgriff war signifikant der Häufigste (39,8 %, n = 51). Die Verwendung von Vierpunktgriff, seitlichem Dreipunktgriff und seitlichem Vierpunktgriff waren untereinander vergleichbar. Bei acht Kindern wurden weitere Stifthaltungen beobachtet. Signifikant mehr Mädchen als Jungen verwendeten den seitlichen Vierpunktgriff (p = 0,035).

Praktische Relevanz: Durch die Kompatibilität zur flexiblen Produktgestaltung kann eine ermüdungsfreie Schreibbewegung sowie eine Erhöhung der schreibmotorischen Leistung (u. a. angemessene/r Schreibgeschwindigkeit und Schreibdruck) erwartet werden. Die ergonomische Produktgestaltung von Schreibgeräten kann von den vorliegenden Studienergebnissen profitieren.