bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer‐Vision‐Based Approach to Classify and Quantify Flaws in Li‐Ion Electrodes
Authors: Daemi Sohrab R. , Tan Chun , Tranter Thomas G. , Heenan Thomas M. M. , Wade Aaron , Salinas‐Farran Luis , Llewellyn Alice V. , Lu Xuekun , Matruglio Alessia , Brett Daniel J.L. , Jervis Rhodri , Shearing Paul R.
Published: September 2022

X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT) is a non‐destructive characterization technique that in recent years has been adopted to study the microstructure of battery electrodes. However, the often manual and laborious data analysis process hinders the extraction of useful metrics that can ultimately inform the mechanisms behind cycle life degradation. This work presents a novel approach that combines two convolutional neural networks to first locate and segment each particle in a nano‐CT LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC) electrode dataset, and successively classifies each particle according to the presence of flaws or cracks within its internal structure. Metrics extracted from the computer vision segmentation are validated with respect to traditional threshold‐based segmentation, confirming that flawed particles are correctly identified as single entities. Successively, slices from each particle are analyzed by a pre‐trained classifier to detect the presence of flaws or cracks. The models are used to quantify microstructural evolution in uncycled and cycled NMC811 electrodes, as well as the number of flawed particles in a NMC622 electrode. As a proof‐of‐concept, a 3‐phase segmentation is also presented, whereby each individual flaw is segmented as a separate pixel label. It is anticipated that this analysis pipeline will be widely used in the field of battery research and beyond.
Thermally Regulated Energy Loss in Dion–Jacobson Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Jieyi , Wang Boxin , Huang Gaosheng , Cheng Qian , Li Yanxun , Li Xing , Li Shilin , Li Kang , Zhu Lina , Zhai Zihao , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: September 2022

Quasi‐2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs), with impressive stability and tunable optoelectronic properties, have become a promising alternative to 3D PSCs. However, the lack of understanding about rationally promoting the film quality of 2D perovskites has significantly undermined their power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, a thermally induced crystallization strategy to process the Dion–Jacobson (DJ) 2D perovskite films based on (BDA)(MA)4Pb5I16 (n = 5) afforded by thermal treatments is reported, realizing high‐quality perovskite films with increased crystallinity and dense structure. The photovoltaic performance of PSCs improved by thermal treatments is found to be mainly attributed to the significantly suppressed nonradiative recombination, more efficient charge generation, and restricted interfacial charge accumulation. As a result, the optimal device processed with thermal treatments produces a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.21 V and a PCE of over 17.6% with suppressed energy loss down to 0.42 eV. Moreover, the treated devices without encapsulation show a satisfactory stability with <20% PCE degradation after 1000 h under maximum power point tracking. The demonstrated strategy in this work offers a promising route for the performance enhancement of 2D DJ PSCs toward realistic energy conversion applications.
Energy dissipation and damage on the interface of steel and steel fiber‐reinforced concrete composite column
Authors: Wu Kai , Qian Shiyuan , Zheng Huiming , Zhou Yukai , Zhu Ruizhe
Published: September 2022

To address the problems faced with steel‐reinforced concrete (SRC) in construction, such as positional conflicts between steel and steel bars or difficulty in pouring concrete, a novel “Steel and Steel Fiber‐Reinforced Concrete” (SSFRC) composite structure was proposed. Push‐out tests of 34 SSFRC composite columns were carried out in this paper to study the interfacial bond performance from the perspective of energy dissipation. Based on loading‐displacement (P‐D) curves, the interfacial energy dissipation (Wb) and energy dissipation factor (λ) were introduced, and the influence of embedded length (Le), steel fiber volume rate (ρsf), thickness of concrete cover (Css), and section type on Wb and λ were analyzed. Test results indicated that circular column is better than square column in terms of Wb and λ. The increase of Le, Css, or ρsf is beneficial to the improvement of Wb, and λ is positively correlated with ρsf and Css but negatively correlated with Le. Additionally, the interfacial damage (Da) was defined by the relationship between elastic deformation energy (Wa) and Wb. It can be concluded that the ascent of Le and Css can effectively delay the appearance of Da and inhibit the development of Da, respectively, and Da develops slowly with the increase of ρsf at the later loading stage.
Water‐Soluble Pd‐Imidate Complexes as Versatile Catalysts for the Modification of Unprotected Halonucleosides
Authors: Serrano José Luis
Published: September 2022

Modification of unprotected nucleosides has been attracting continuous interest, since these building blocks themselves and their phosphate‐upgraded corresponding nucleotides have shown a plethora of uses in fields like biochemistry or pharmacy. Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, conducted in water or its mixtures with polar organic solvents, have frequently been the researchers' choice for the functionalization of the purine/pyrimidine base of the unprotected nucleosides. In this scenario, the availability of hydrophilic ligands and its water‐soluble palladium complexes has markedly set the pace of the advances. The approach of our group to the synthesis of such complexes, Pd‐imidates specifically, has faced critical stages, namely the jump to synthesize water soluble complexes from our experience working in conventional solvents, the preparation of phosphine free complexes and the overall goal of getting catalytic systems able to work close to room temperature. The continuous feedback with Kapdi's group, experienced in the chemistry of nucleosides, has produced over the last decade the interesting results in both fields presented here.
Successful treatment with topical imiquimod 5% of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a rabbit
Authors: Boncea Ana Maria , Cristian Stroe
Published: September 2022

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is uncommon in domestic rabbits. The success rate of aggressive surgical resection is around 50% of surveyed cases. Herein, we present a case of pinna squamous cell carcinoma in a rabbit, successfully treated topically with imiquimod 5% cream.
The Correlations of the Helmert Transformation Parameters as an Additional Auxiliary Diagnostic Tool for Terrestrial Reference Frames Quality Assessment
Authors: Ampatzidis D. , Thaller D. , Wang L.
Published: September 2022

In the present study, we estimate the correlations of the Helmert transformation’s parameters for various Terrestrial Reference Frame realizations (TRFs). The correlations can be served as an auxiliary diagnostic tool on assessing the quality of the Helmert transformation parameters (origin, scale, orientation and associated rates, respectively). Possible high correlations between the pair of parameters are signs of strong dependency of each other, hence their estimation can lead to misinterpretations. We compute the Helmert correlation coefficients of global TRFs for the following cases: (a) the SLR and VLBI intra-technique combinations contributing to the DTRF2014 construction and the associated SLR and VLBI inter-technique combinations and (b) the DORIS-related TRFs computed by the International DORIS Service (IDS) and the ITRF2014 (International TRF 2014). The results verify the good quality of DTRF2014 (DGFI-TUM TRF 2014) in terms of the Helmert parameters quality, for both SLR- and VLBI-related TRFs. For the case of the DORIS solutions, we find that the correlations are severely increased for the solution that includes 5 more years of observations than the ITRF2014 one.
ODDE and Debts
Authors: Hülsmann Thomas
Published: September 2022

Recent monetary policies of quantitative easing have produced a cognitive dissonance with the previous “there is no money” mantra and invite us to revisit our understanding of the costs and economics of distance education (DE). It turns out that study of the costs of DE was narrowly rooted in neoclassical microeconomics. Consequently, DE has focused on driving down costs and devolving costs to the students, thereby contributing to increasing student debt. The chapter summarizes the efficiency gains of traditional DE and their changes due to the emerging affordances of information and communication technologies (ICT). The chapter also notes changes in the “macroeconomic weather conditions,” which have led to regarding education less as means to raise productivity than as a center for profit itself. As a consequence, cost efficiency gains have often not been handed to the learner, leading to rises in tuition fees and, consequently, student debt.

The second half of the chapter introduces modern money theory (MMT), a different economic paradigm, which suggests that monetary sovereign countries have enough policy space not to focus narrowly on driving down costs. It notably suggests that devolving costs to students turns out, from the MMT perspective, to be misguided. It identifies a policy space which can be used to build in additional resilience, especially required in times of crises.
Microstructure in matrix elements
Authors: Blommaert Andreas , Usatyuk Mykhaylo
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We investigate the simple model of Pennington, Shenker, Stanford and Yang for modeling the density matrix of Hawking radiation, but further include dynamics for EOW branes behind the horizon. This allows interactions that scatter one interior state to another, and also allows EOW loops. At strong coupling, we find that EOW states are no longer random; the ensemble has collapsed, and coupling constants encode the microscopic matrix elements of Hawking radiation. This suggests strong interior dynamics are important for understanding evaporating black holes, without any ensemble average. In this concrete model the density matrix of the radiation deviates from the thermal state, small off-diagonal fluctuations encode equivalences between naively orthogonal states, and bound the entropy from above. For almost evaporated black holes the off-diagonal terms become as large as the diagonal ones, eventually giving a pure state. We also find the unique analytic formula for all Renyi entropies.
The Neumann problem for one-dimensional parabolic equations with linear growth Lagrangian: evolution of singularities
Authors: Moll Salvador , Smarrazzo Flavia
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we obtain existence and uniqueness of strong solutions to the inhomogenous Neumann initial-boundary problem for a parabolic PDE which arises as a generalization of the time-dependent minimal surface equation. Existence and regularity in time of the solution are proved by means of a suitable pseudoparabolic relaxed approximation of the equation and the corresponding passage to the limit. Our main result is monotonicity in time of the positive and negative singular parts of the distributional space derivative for bounded variation initial data. Sufficient conditions for instantaneous$$L^1$$L1-$$W^{1,1}_{{\mathrm{loc}}}$$Wloc1,1orBV-$$W^{1,1}_{{\mathrm{loc}}}$$Wloc1,1regularizing effects are also discussed.
Long-term opioid use following bicycle trauma: a register-based cohort study
Authors: Zibung Evelyne , von Oelreich Erik , Eriksson Jesper , Buchli Christian , Nordenvall Caroline , Oldner Anders
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Chronic opioid use is a significant public health burden. Orthopaedic trauma is one of the main indications for opioid prescription. We aimed to assess the risk for long-term opioid use in a healthy patient cohort.

Methods

In this matched cohort study, bicycle trauma patients from a Swedish Level-I-Trauma Centre in 2006–2015 were matched with comparators on age, sex, and municipality. Information about dispensed opioids 6 months prior until 18 months following the trauma, data on injuries, comorbidity, and socioeconomic factors were received from national registers. Among bicycle trauma patients, the associations between two exposures (educational level and injury to the lower extremities) and the risk of long-term opioid use (> 3 months after the trauma) were assessed in multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Of 907 bicycle trauma patients, 419 (46%) received opioid prescriptions, whereof 74 (8%) became long-term users. In the first quarter after trauma, the mean opioid use was significantly higher in the trauma patients than in the comparators (253.2 mg vs 35.1 mg, p < 0.001) and fell thereafter to the same level as in the comparators. Severe injury to the lower extremities was associated with an increased risk of long-term opioid use [OR 4.88 (95% CI 2.34–10.15)], whereas high educational level had a protecting effect [OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.20–0.88)].

Conclusion

The risk of long-term opioid use after a bicycle trauma was low. However, opioids should be prescribed with caution, especially in those with injury to lower extremities or low educational level.
Complex network analysis of volatility spillovers between global financial indicators and G20 stock markets
Authors: Korkusuz Burak , McMillan David G. , Kambouroudis Dimos
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the dynamic transmission mechanism of volatility spillovers between key global financial indicators and G20 stock markets. To examine volatility spillover relations, we combine a bivariate GARCH-BEKK model with complex network theory. Specifically, we construct a volatility network of international financial markets utilising the spatial connectedness of spillovers (consisting of nodes and edges). The findings show that spillover relations between global variables and G20 markets vary significantly across five identified sub-periods. Notably, networks are much denser in crisis periods compared to non-crisis periods. In comparing two crisis periods, Global Financial Crisis (2008) and COVID-19 Crisis (2020) periods, the network statistics suggest that volatility spillovers in the latter period are more transitive and intense than the former. This suggests that financial volatility spreads more rapidly and directly through key financial indicators to the G20 stock markets. For example, oil and bonds are the largest volatility senders, while the markets of Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Africa, and Brazil are the main volatility receivers. In the former crisis, the source of financial volatility concentrates primarily in the USA, Australia, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, which are the largest volatility senders and receivers. China emerges as generally the least sensitive market to external volatility.
Physicians’ perspectives on using a patient decision aid in female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Gerritse Maria B. E. , Smeets Carlijn F. A. , Heesakkers John P. F. A. , Lagro-Janssen Antoine L. M. , van der Vaart C. Huub , de Vries Marieke , Kluivers Kirsten B.
Published: September 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

A treatment choice for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is preference sensitive for both patients and physicians. Multiple treatment options are available, with none being superior to any other. The decision-making process can be supported by a patient decision aid (PDA). We aimed to assess physicians’ perceptions concerning the use of a PDA.

Methods

In a mixed methods study, urologists, gynecologists and general practitioners in the Netherlands were asked to fill out a web-based questionnaire. Questions were based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist using the following domains: guideline factors, individual health professional factors, professional interactions, incentives and resources, and capacity for organizational change. Participants were asked to grade statements using a five-point Likert scale and to answer open questions on facilitators of and barriers to implementation of a PDA. Outcomes of statement rating were quantitatively analyzed and thematic analysis was performed on the outcomes regarding facilitators and barriers.

Results

The response rate was 11%, with a total of 120 participants completing the questionnaire. Ninety-two of the physicians (77%) would use a PDA in female SUI. Evidence-based and unbiased content, the ability to support shared decision making, and patient empowerment are identified as main facilitators. Barriers are the expected prolonged time investment and the possible difficulty using the PDA in less health-literate patient populations.

Conclusions

The majority of physicians would use a PDA for female SUI. We identified facilitators and barriers that can be used when developing and implementing such a PDA.
On the little Weyl group of a real spherical space
Authors: Kuit Job J. , Sayag Eitan
Published: September 2022

In the present paper we further the study of the compression cone of a real spherical homogeneous space $$Z=G/H$$

Z
=
G
/
H

. In particular we provide a geometric construction of the little Weyl group of Z introduced recently by Knop and Krötz. Our technique is based on a fine analysis of limits of conjugates of the subalgebra $$\mathrm{Lie}(H)$$

Lie
(
H
)

along one-parameter subgroups in the Grassmannian of subspaces of $$\mathrm{Lie}(G)$$

Lie
(
G
)

. The little Weyl group is obtained as a finite reflection group generated by the reflections in the walls of the compression cone.
Carvedilol ameliorates dexamethasone-induced myocardial injury in rats independent of its action on the α1-adrenergic receptor
Authors: Mohamed Rasha M. S. M. , Ahmad Enssaf Ahmad , Omran Bothina H. F. , Sakr Amr T. , Ibrahim Islam A. A. E.-H. , Mahmoud Mona F. , El-Naggar Mostafa E.
Published: September 2022

The current study aimed to investigate the cardiotoxic effect of dexamethasone-high-dose in rats, the therapeutic effect of carvedilol and the role of α1-adrenergic receptor (α1AR). The experiment involved 6 groups: control, dexamethasone (10 mg/kg), carvedilol (10 mg/kg), phenylephrine (1 mg/kg), phenylephrine plus carvedilol and propranolol (30 mg/kg). Drugs and vehicles were given for 7 days. Dexamethasone was given with the drugs in the last 4 groups. On the 8th-day and after overnight fasting, serum and cardiac samples were collected. Serum levels of cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase–myoglobin as well as cardiac levels of diacylglycerol, malondialdehyde, kinase activity of Akt, transforming growth factor-β, Smad3 and alpha smooth muscle actin were measured. Cardiac samples were also used for histopathological examination using hematoxylin–eosin and Sirius red stains, in addition to immunohistochemical examination using β-arrestin2 antibody. Dexamethasone induced cardiac injury via increasing oxidative stress, apoptosis and profibrotic signals. Carvedilol significantly reduced the dexamethasone-induced cardiotoxicity. Using phenylephrine, a competitive α1-agonist, with carvedilol potentiated the cardioprotective actions of carvedilol. Propranolol, a β-blocker without activity on α1ARs, showed higher cardiac protection than carvedilol. Dexamethasone-high-dose upregulates cardiac oxidative stress, apoptotic and profibrotic signals and induces cardiac injury. Blocking the α1-adrenergic receptor by carvedilol attenuates its cardioprotective effects against dexamethasone-induced cardiotoxicity.
Origin of Sex-Biased Mental Disorders: Do Males and Females Experience Different Selective Regimes?
Authors: Brown C. Michelle , Wong Queenie , Thakur Aditi , Singh Karun , Singh Rama S.
Published: September 2022

The origins of sex-biased differences in disease and health are of growing interest to both medical researchers and health professionals. Several major factors have been identified that affect sex differences in incidence of diseases and mental disorders. These are: sex chromosomes, sex hormones and female immunity, sexual selection and antagonistic evolution, and differential susceptibility of sexes to environmental factors. These factors work on different time scales and are not exclusive of each other. Recently, a combined Sexual Selection-Sex Hormones (SS-SH) Theory was presented as an evolutionary mechanism to explain sex-biased differences in diseases and mental disorders (Singh in J Mol Evol 89:195–213, 2021). In that paper disease prevalence trends were investigated, and non-sex-specific diseases were hypothesized to be more common in males than in females in general. They showed signs of exceptions to this trend with inflammatory diseases and stress-related mental disorders that were more common in females. We believe that the SS-SH theory requires the consideration of psycho-social stress (PSS) to explain the predominance of female-biased mental disorders and some other exceptions in their findings. Here we present a theory of sex-differential experience of PSS and provide quantitative support for the combined SS-SH-PSS Theory using age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) recording the levels of male- and female-bias in data obtained from different countries. The grand theory provides an evolutionary framework for explaining patterns of sex-biased trends in the prevalence of disease and health. Further exploration of women’s vulnerability to social factors may help to facilitate new treatments for female-biased diseases.
Effects of Ag doping on LaMnO3 photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Afify Mohamed S. , Faham Mohamed M. El , Eldemerdash Usama , El-Dek S. I. , Rouby Waleed M. A. El
Published: September 2022

As a redox material, perovskite is considered one of the most efficient photovoltaic materials for producing hydrogen via water splitting reactions. This study used a wet chemical method to synthesize La1−xAgxMnO3 nanoparticles (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.09). The formation, chemical composition, and morphology of samples were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The optical properties were examined by ultraviolet visible (UV) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. XRD demonstrated that the samples had a rhombohedral hexagonal structure with a space group R $$\overline{3 }$$

3
¯

c. The pore volume, pore size, and surface area were calculated and examined. The prepared samples were used as a photoanode in alkaline media for water splitting, and the photocurrent was measured. The photocurrent density recorded (14.01, 12.02, 11.67, and 10.28 μA/cm2) for x = (0.09, 0.06, 0.03, and 0.00) at 1 V vs. Ag/AgCl, respectively. The smaller impedance of the sample (x = 0.09) photoanodes than the sample (x = 0.00), which displayed a considerable decrease in charge transfer resistance. The electron lifetime (τ) increased with increasing Ag concentration, where x = 0.09 has the largest electron lifetime (τ) = 10.04 ms. Therefore, the electron–hole recombination rate of La0.91Ag0.09MnO3 is lower than LaMnO3. The samples demonstrated long-term stability for 1 h and enhanced photoelectrochemical performance.
Definition and reporting of lymphadenectomy and complete mesocolic excision for radical right colectomy: a systematic review
Authors: Sica Giuseppe S. , Vinci Danilo , Siragusa Leandro , Sensi Bruno , Guida Andrea M. , Bellato Vittoria , García-Granero Álvaro , Pellino Gianluca
Published: September 2022

Background

Several procedures have been proposed to reduce the rates of recurrence in patients with right-sided colon cancer. Different procedures for a radical right colectomy (RRC), including extended D3 lymphadenectomy, complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation have been associated with survival benefits by some authors, but results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess the variability in definition and reporting of RRC, which might be responsible for significant differences in outcome evaluation.

Methods

PRISMA-compliant systematic literature review to identify the definitions of RRC. Primary aims were to identify surgical steps and different nomenclature for RRC. Secondary aims were description of heterogeneity and overlap among different RRC techniques.

Results

Ninety-nine articles satisfied inclusion criteria. Eight surgical steps were identified and recorded as specific to RRC: Central arterial ligation was described in 100% of the included studies; preservation of mesocolic integrity in 73% and dissection along the SMV plane in 67%. Other surgical steps were inconstantly reported. Six differently named techniques for RRC have been identified. There were 35 definitions for the 6 techniques and 40% of these were used to identify more than one technique.

Conclusions

The only universally adopted surgical step for RRC is central arterial ligation. There is great heterogeneity and consistent overlap among definitions of all RRC techniques.

This is likely to jeopardise the interpretation of the outcomes of studies on the topic. Consistent use of definitions and reporting of procedures are needed to obtain reliable conclusions in future trials. PROSPERO CRD42021241650.
Arterial stiffness and blood pressure increase in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Sugianto Rizky Indrameikha , Ostendorf Karen , Bauer Elena , von der Born Jeannine , Oh Jun , Kemper Markus J. , Buescher Rainer , Schmidt Bernhard M. W. , Memaran Nima , Melk Anette
Published: September 2022

Background

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness. We investigated PWV and blood pressure (BP) to determine to what extent BP changes contribute to arterial stiffness, and secondly, to identify influencing factors on BP in children after kidney transplantation.

Methods

Seventy children ≥ 2.5 years post-transplantation with at least two PWV measurements were included. Changes of systolic (Δ SBP) and diastolic BP (Δ DBP) were classified into “stable/decreasing,” “1–10 mmHg increase,” and “ > 10 mmHg increase.” Linear mixed modeling for PWV z-score (PWVz) adjusted either for Δ SBP or Δ DBP was performed. An extended dataset with monthly entries of BP, immunosuppression, and creatinine was obtained in 35 participants over a median of 74 months to perform linear mixed modeling for SBP and DBP.

Results

PWVz increased with a rate of 0.11/year (95% CI 0.054 to 0.16). Compared to participants with stable BP, those with 1–10-mmHg SBP and DBP increase showed a higher PWVz of 0.59 (95% CI 0.046 to 1.13) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.30), respectively. A > 10-mmHg BP increase was associated with an even higher PWVz (SBP β = 0.78, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.34; DBP β = 1.37, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.94). Female sex and participants with lower eGFR showed higher PWVz.

In the extended analysis, DBP was positively associated with cyclosporin A and everolimus trough levels.

Conclusions

A higher increase of PWV is seen in patients with greater BP increase, with higher cyclosporin A and everolimus trough levels associated with higher BP. This emphasizes the role of BP as a modifiable risk factor for the improvement of cardiovascular outcome after transplantation.

Graphical abstract
Impact of environmental factors on heat-associated mortalities in an urban desert region
Authors: Braun Rachel A. , Hondula David M. , Fraser Matthew P.
Published: September 2022

The troubling trend of rising heat-associated mortalities in an urban desert region (Maricopa County, AZ, USA) has motivated us to explore the extent to which environmental factors may contribute to increased heat-health risks. Summertime data from 2010 to 2019 were used to construct a suite of models for daily heat-associated mortalities. The best-performing full model included the following predictors, ordered from strongest to weakest influence: daily average air temperature, average of previous 5 days daily average air temperature, year, day of year, average of previous 5 days daily average dew point temperature, average of previous 5 days daily average PM2.5, and daily average PM10. This full model exhibited a 5.39% reduction in mean absolute error in daily heat-associated mortalities as compared to the best-performing model that included only air temperature as an environmental predictor. The extent to which issued and modeled excessive heat warnings (from both the temperature only and full models) corresponded with heat-associated mortalities was also examined. Model hindcasts for 2020 and 2021 showed that the models were able to capture the high number of heat-associated mortalities in 2020, but greatly undercounted the highest yet observed number of heat-associated mortalities in 2021. Results from this study lend insights into environmental factors corresponding to an increased number of heat-associated mortalities and can be used for informing strategies towards reducing heat-health risks. However, as the best-performing model was unable to fully capture the observed number of heat-associated mortalities, continued scrutiny of both environmental and non-environmental factors affecting these observations is needed.
Functional outcomes, extent of resection, and bright/vague fluorescence interface in resection of glioblastomas involving the motor pathways assisted by 5-ALA
Authors: Muscas Giovanni , Orlandini Simone , Bonaudo Camilla , Dardo Maddalena , Esposito Alice , Campagnaro Luca , Carrai Riccardo , Fainardi Enrico , Ciccarino Pietro , Della Puppa Alessandro
Published: September 2022

Background

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence can maximize perirolandic glioblastoma (GBM) resection with low rates of postoperative sequelae. Our purpose was to present the outcomes of our experience and compare them with other literature reports to investigate the potential influence of different intraoperative monitoring strategies and to evaluate the role of intraoperative data on neurological and radiological outcomes in our series.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively collected database of GBM involving the motor pathways. Each patient underwent tumor exeresis with intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence visualization. Our monitoring strategy was based on direct stimulation (DS), combined with cortical or transcranial MEPs. The radiological outcome was evaluated with CRET vs. residual tumor, and the neurological outcome as improved, unchanged, or worsened. We also performed a literature review to compare our results with state-of-the-art on the subject.

Results

Sixty-five patients were included. CRET was 63.1%, permanent postoperative impairment was 1.5%, and DS’s lowest motor threshold was 5 mA. In the literature, CRET was 25–73%, permanent postoperative impairment 3–16%, and DS lowest motor threshold was 1–3 mA. Our monitoring strategy identified a motor pathway in 60% of cases in faint fluorescent tissue, and its location in bright/faint fluorescence was predictive of CRET (p < 0.001). A preoperative motor deficit was associated with a worse clinical outcome (p < 0.001). Resection of bright fluorescent tissue was stopped in 26%, and fluorescence type of residual tumor was associated with higher CRET grades (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on the data presented and the current literature, distinct monitoring strategies can achieve different onco-functional outcomes in 5-ALA-guided resection of a glioblastoma (GBM) motor pathway. Intraoperatively, functional and fluorescence data close to a bright/vague interface could be helpful to predict onco-functional outcomes.
The effect of repeated testing on judgement bias in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Wilson Clara , Hall Nathan , Aviles-Rosa Edgar O. , Campbell Kerry , Arnott Gareth , Reeve Catherine
Published: September 2022

Judgement bias paradigms are increasingly being used as a measure of affective state in dogs. Approach to an ambiguous stimulus is commonly used as a measure of affect, however, this may also be influenced by learning. This study directly measured the impact of learning on a commonly used judgement bias paradigm in the absence of an affective state manipulation. Dogs (N = 15) were tested on a judgement bias task across five sessions. The dogs’ latency to approach a bowl placed in one of three ambiguous locations between non-baited (negative) and baited (positive) locations was measured. Results show that session number had a significant effect on the dogs’ latencies to reach the ambiguous bowl locations, with post-hoc tests revealing that dogs were significantly slower to approach the locations as the number of sessions increased. Session number also had a significant effect on the number of times the dogs did not approach the bowl within 30 s of being released, with the number of no approaches generally increasing across sessions. When dog identity was included as a fixed effect, a significant effect on latency to approach was found, suggesting that some dogs were consistently faster than others across sessions. To assess whether the paradigm produced repeatable results, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients were used. A low degree of reliability was found between latencies to approach each bowl position across sessions. This study demonstrates that dogs learned that the ambiguous locations were not rewarded with repeated exposures, and that this impacted their responses. We conclude that this judgement bias paradigm may require further consideration if applied across multiple exposures and that repeated results should be interpreted with caution as they are likely impacted by learning.
Risk factors for postoperative seizures in patients with chronic subdural haematomas
Authors: Kramer Andreas , Degenhartt Xenia , Gutenberg Angelika , Ringel Florian
Published: September 2022

Postoperative seizures are a frequently occurring yet not well-understood complication in patients undergoing surgical treatment of chronic subdural haematomas (cSDHs). Therefore, we investigated surgical and non-surgical risk factors that are commonly considered causal in provoking epileptic seizures, paying special attention to the intracranial course of the subdural drain (SDD) and the configuration of the haematoma. Data of patients with a cSDH, that were treated at our neurosurgical department between 2008 and 2014 were analysed. Patients suffering from severe pre-existing conditions and those who have been treated conservatively were excluded. Epidemiologic data as well as relevant clinical data were collected. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were analysed regarding morpho- and volumetric parameters. In order to objectify the influence of the SDD, its intracranial course and localisation (entering angle as well as the angle between drain and brain surface) were measured. For statistical analysis, univariate and multiple logistic regression models as well as Fisher’s exact test were used. Two hundred eleven consecutive patients have been included. Mean age was 75.6 years, and 69% were male. Nineteen (9%) patients suffered from postsurgical seizures. Membranes within the haematoma were present in 81.5%. Pre- to postoperative haematoma reduction was significant (mean of difference − 12.76 mm/ − 9.47 mm in coronal/axial CT planes,p = 0.001/ < 0.001). In 77.9%, SDD showed cortical contact with eloquent regions and had an unfavourable course in 30 cases (14.2%). Surgical complications consisted of cortical bleeding in 2.5%, fresh subdural haematoma in 33.5% and wound infections in 1.4% of patients. Neither in univariate nor in multiple regression analyses any of the following independent variates was significantly correlated with postsurgical seizures: pre-existing epilepsy, alcohol abuse, right-sided haematomas, localization and thickness of haematoma, presence of septations, SDD-localization and to-brain angle, subdural air, and electrolyte levels. Instead, in multiple regression analyses, we found the risk of postsurgical seizures to be significantly correlated and increased with left-sided cSDH treated via craniotomy (p = 0.03) and an unfavourable course of the SDD in left-sided cSDH (p = 0.033). Burr hole trepanation should be preferred over craniotomy and care must be taken when placing a SDD to avoid irritating cortical tissue. The configuration of the haematoma does not appear to affect the postoperative seizure rate.
Mehr Anreize, weniger Sanktionen: Vorschlag für eine Reform der Grundsicherung
Authors: Breyer Friedrich
Published: September 2022

Die Bundesregierung will das System der Grundsicherung für Arbeitsfähige radikal reformieren. Neben der Abschaffung des Vermittlungsvorrangs und der Stärkung der Qualifizierung will sie vor allem die Zuverdienstmöglichkeiten für Hilfeempfänger:innen verbessern. Fachleute zerbrechen sich schon lange den Kopf, wie die prohibitiv hohen Transferentzugsraten, also die Anrechnung von Markteinkommen auf den Transfer, auf ein erträgliches Maß gesenkt werden können, ohne dass das System zu teuer wird. Eine Lösung könnte in einer Variante des „Workfare“-Modells liegen, die aus einer Absenkung des Sockeltransfers und einer Arbeitsplatzgarantie des Staates besteht, sodass jeder Arbeitsfähige zur Deckung seines Grundbedarfs durch Arbeit beiträgt.
Umbruch bei der Eisenbahn in Deutschland?
Authors: Böttger Christian
Published: September 2022

Die Politik hat der Eisenbahn eine wichtige Rolle bei der Senkung der Emissionen zugedacht. Aktuell zeigt sich allerdings, dass die DB AG als wichtigstes Unternehmen der Branche in Schwierigkeiten steckt. Die Zuverlässigkeit des Netzes sinkt dramatisch, sichtbar an abnehmender Pünktlichkeit und rückgestauten Güterzügen. Zugleich ist die wirtschaftliche Lage kritisch. Verkehrsminister V. Wissing hat Ende Juni 2022 angekündigt, die DB AG künftig stärker zu beaufsichtigen. Daraufhin trat der Aufsichtsratsvorsitzende, M. Odenwald, zurück. Die Probleme des Sektors und Lösungsansätze werden diskutiert.
Kohleausstieg 2030 unter neuen Vorzeichen
Authors: Egerer Jonas , Grimm Veronika , Lang Lukas M. , Pfefferer Ulrike
Published: September 2022

Der russische Angriff auf die Ukraine und die Abhängigkeit der deutschen Energiewirtschaft von russischem Gas führen aktuell zu einer sehr angespannten Versorgungssituation, die sich im kommenden Winter noch verschärfen könnte. Auch mittelfristig dürfte der Importpreis für Erdgas deutlich oberhalb der historischen Werte liegen, wenn Europa sich von Russland unabhängig aufstellt. Diese Entwicklungen erfordern eine Neubewertung der deutschen Energiepolitik, unter anderem für die Energiewende im Stromsektor.
Factors Associated with Short and Long Term Mobility and HIV Risk of Women Living in Fishing Communities Around Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda: A Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Bahemuka Ubaldo M. , Okimat Paul , Webb Emily L. , Seeley Janet , Ssetaala Ali , Okech Brenda , Oketch Bertha , Kibengo Freddie M. , Okello Elialilia , Kwena Zachary , Kuteesa Monica O. , Price Matt A. , Kaleebu Pontiano , Grosskurth Heiner , Fast Pat ,   LVCHR
Published: September 2022

Mobility is linked to negative HIV care continuum outcomes. We sought to understand factors associated with short and long term mobility among women in fishing communities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. From 2018 through 2019 we conducted a cross-sectional survey of women aged 15 years and above, randomly selected from a census of six fishing villages, around Lake Victoria. Data collected included: demographics, risky sexual behaviour on the most recent trip, and travel behaviour in the previous 4 months. Mobility was recorded as any overnight trip outside the participant’s village. A two-level multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the associated factors. A total of 901 participants were enrolled, of whom 645 (71.6%) reported travelling (53.4%; short and 18.2% long term trips). Five factors were associated with long term travel: age, travel purpose, frequency of travel, sexual behaviour while travelling, and destination. Trips made by women aged 46–75 years were less likely to be long term. Long term trips were more common if the trip was to visit, rather than to trade, and more common for women who reported one or two trips rather than three or more trips. Women who made long term trips were more likely to engage in unprotected sex while on a trip. Women who travelled to a regional town/district or another town/district were more likely to take long term trips. The factors associated with travel duration among women living in fishing communities could inform planning of future health care interventions in these communities.
Two Types of Refutation in Philosophical Argumentation
Authors: Dutilh Novaes Catarina
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I highlight the significance of practices of refutation in philosophical inquiry, that is, practices of showing that a claim, person or theory is wrong. I present and contrast two prominent approaches to philosophical refutation: refutation in ancient Greek dialectic (elenchus), in its Socratic variant as described in Plato’s dialogues, and as described in Aristotle’s logical texts; and the practice of providing counterexamples to putative definitions familiar from twentieth century analytic philosophy, focusing on the so-called Gettier problem. Moreover, I discuss Lakatos’ method of proofs and refutations, as it offers insightful observations on the dynamics between arguments, refutations, and counterexamples. Overall, I argue that dialectic, in particular in its Socratic variant, is especially suitable for the philosophical purpose of questioning the obvious, as it invites reflection on one’s own doxastic commitments and on the tensions and inconsistencies within one’s set of beliefs. By contrast, the counterexample-based approach to philosophical refutation can give rise to philosophical theorizing that is overly focused on hairsplitting disputes, thus becoming alienated from the relevant human experiences. Insofar as philosophical inquiry treads the fine line between questioning the obvious while still seeking to say something significant about human experiences, perhaps a certain amount of what Lakatos describes as ‘monster-barring’—a rejection of overly fanciful, artificial putative counterexamples—has its place in philosophical argumentation.
Compiling CNNs with Cain: focal-plane processing for robot navigation
Authors: Stow Edward , Ahsan Abrar , Li Yingying , Babaei Ali , Murai Riku , Saeedi Sajad , Kelly Paul H. J.
Published: September 2022

Focal-plane Sensor-processors (FPSPs) are a camera technology that enables low power, high frame rate computation in the image sensor itself, making them suitable for edge computation. To fit into the sensor array, FPSPs are highly resource-constrained, with limited instruction set and few registers - which makes developing complex algorithms difficult. In this work, we present Cain, a compiler for convolutional filters that targets SCAMP-5, a general-purpose FPSP. Cain generates code to evaluate multiple convolutional kernels at the same time. It generates code that avoids the need for hardware multipliers, while orchestrating the exploitation of common sub-terms—leading to a large reduction in instruction count compared to both straightforward and prior optimized approaches. We demonstrate the capability enabled by Cain on SCAMP-5 with robotic navigation for near-sensor high-speed and low-power computation, by using Cain to implement a neural network on the focal plane.
Dual HER2 blockade with pertuzumab (P) and trastuzumab (T) in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) relapsing after adjuvant treatment with T: results from a German non-interventional study (NIS) HELENA (NCT01777958)
Authors: Thill Marc , Wimberger Pauline , Grafe Andrea , Klare Peter , Luedtke-Heckenkamp Kerstin , Reichert Dietmar , Zaiss Matthias , Ziegler-Löhr Katja , Eckl Tanja , Schneeweiss Andreas
Published: September 2022

Purpose

NIS HELENA documented outcomes in clinical routine practice of first-line therapy with P plus T and docetaxel (D) of patients with advanced HER2-positive BC and prior (neo)adjuvant T.

Methods

Between 06/2013 through 07/2016, 126 patients (in-label use of P at study start = full analysis set, FAS) in 81 German study sites were included. Intense documentation period was limited to 28 treatment cycles. Maximum follow-up (FU) was 24 months (mos). Safety was assessed in the safety set (SAF = eligible patients with at least one dose of P, n = 132). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was the main parameter of interest.

Results

Mean age of FAS patients was 55.1 [30.7–80.2] years, 81.7% (95.2%) were < 65 (75) years of age. 51.6% of the FAS patients were hormone receptor-positive (HR+), 91.3% had distant, 73.0% visceral, and 18.3% non-visceral metastases. Median disease-free interval was 40.2 [6.6–95.9] mos. Effectiveness (FAS): Median PFS was 18.8 [15.1; 24.2] mos. Overall response rate was 64.3% (55.6; 72.1). Median overall survival was 55.9 mos [41.2, not reached]. Safety (SAF): 93.9% of patients had an adverse event (AE), 32.6% a serious AE (SAE). AEs related to P occurred in 53.8% of SAF, SAEs related to P in 13.6%. Diarrhea was the most frequently reported related (S)AE. There were 8 (6.1%) patients with a fatal AE.

Conclusion

Based on the outcomes from NIS HELENA, results of dual blockade with P+T in patients relapsing after (neo)adjuvant T as reported from the CLEOPATRA study (NCT01777958) can be transferred to routine clinical practice. No new safety signals were detected.
Fullfield and extrafoveal visual evoked potentials in healthy eyes: reference data for a curved OLED display
Authors: Baumgarten Sabine , Hoberg Tabea , Lohmann Tibor , Mazinani Babac , Walter Peter , Koutsonas Antonis
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Visual evoked potentials (VEP) present an important diagnostic tool in various ophthalmologic and neurologic diseases. Quantitative response data varied among patients but are also dependent on the recording and stimulating equipment. We established VEP reference values for our setting which was recently modified by using a curved OLED display as visual stimulator. Distinction is made between fullfield (FF) and extrafoveal (EF) conduction, and the effect of sex, age and lens status was determined.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study included 162 healthy eyes of 162 test persons older than 10 years. A fullfield pattern-reversal visual evoked potential (FF-PR-VEP) with two stimulus sizes (ss) (20.4′ and 1.4°) as well as an extrafoveal pattern onset–offset VEP (EF-P-ON/OFF-VEP) (ss 1.4° and 2.8°) was derived in accordance with the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision guidelines. Amplitudes and latencies were recorded, and the mean values as well as standard deviations were calculated. Age- and sex-dependent influences and the difference between phakic and pseudophakic eyes were examined. A subanalysis of EF-P-ON/OFF-VEP and fullfield pattern onset–offset VEP (FF-P-ON/OFF-VEP) was performed. A 55-inch curved OLED display (LG55EC930V, LG Electronics Inc., Seoul, South Korea) was used as visual stimulator.

Results

Mean P100 latency of the FF-PR-VEP was 103.81 ± 7.77 ms (ss 20.4′) and 102.58 ± 7.26 ms (ss 1.4°), and mean C2 latency of the EF-P-ON/OFF-VEP was 102.95 ± 11.84 ms (ss 1.4°) and 113.58 ± 9.87 ms (ss 2.8°). For all stimulation settings (FF-PR-VEP, EF-P-ON/OFF-VEP), a significant effect of age with longer latencies and smaller amplitudes in older subjects and higher amplitudes in women was observed. We saw no significant difference in latency or amplitude between phakic and pseudophakic eyes and between EF-P-ON/OFF-VEP and FF-P-ON/OFF-VEP.

Conclusions

A curved OLED visual stimulator is well suited to obtain VEP response curves with a reasonable interindividual variability. We found significant effects of age and gender in our responses but no effect of the lens status. EF-P-ON/OFF-VEP tends to show smaller amplitudes.