bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can one‐time calibration of measured soil hydraulic input parameters yield appropriate simulations of RZWQM2?
Authors: Shahadha Saadi Sattar , Wendroth Ole
Published: August 2022

Agricultural system models can help quantify soil water dynamics, crop evapotranspiration, and crop growth with a high temporal resolution to enhance soil and crop management. Simplifying the process of model calibration and validation is an important aspect for crop model use. The objective of this study was to explore the capability of using the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) with soil hydraulic property input parameters (SHPIPs) identified once under a given crop for other crops without recalibrating. A field experiment with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], corn (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and fallow soil was conducted from 2015 to 2017. The soil hydraulic property parameter calibration process was evaluated. Four model scenarios of calibrating measured SHPIPs for soybean, corn, wheat, and fallow soil were created. The RZWQM2 simulation results showed high sensitivity to the model inputs of the SHPIPs. Model input parameters of bulk density, field capacity, permanent wilting point, and saturated hydraulic conductivity showed a large effect on model simulations. Model inputs of soil water content θ at field capacity and permanent wilting point showed high impact on water holding capacity and crop development, whereas the model input parameters of saturated hydraulic conductivity and bulk density yielded a high effect on soil water dynamics. All model scenarios presented satisfactory results with regard to soil water dynamics, evapotranspiration, crop growth, and mineral nitrogen, indicating that, for a particular field, RZWQM2 calibrated for one season performs well for other seasons without recalibration.
A Universal Pick‐and‐Place Assembly for Nanowires
Authors: Ali Utku Emre , Yang He , Khayrudinov Vladislav , Modi Gaurav , Cheng Zengguang , Agarwal Ritesh , Lipsanen Harri , Bhaskaran Harish
Published: August 2022

With the introduction of techniques to grow highly functional nanowires of exotic materials and demonstrations of their potential in new applications, techniques for depositing nanowires on functional platforms have been an area of active interest. However, difficulties in handling individual nanowires with high accuracy and reliability have so far been a limiting factor in large‐scale integration of high‐quality nanowires. Here, a technique is demonstrated to transfer single nanowires reliably on virtually any platform, under ambient conditions. Functional nanowires of InP, AlGaAs, and GeTe on various patterned structures such as electrodes, nanophotonic devices, and even ultrathin transmission electron microscopy (TEM) membranes are transferred. It is shown that the versatility of this technique further enables to perform on‐chip nano‐optomechanical measurements of an InP nanowire for the first time via evanescent field coupling. Thus, this technique facilitates effortless integration of single nanowires into applications that were previously seen as cumbersome or even impractical, spanning a wide range from TEM studies to in situ electrical, optical, and mechanical characterization.
A single index model for longitudinal outcomes to optimize individual treatment decision rules
Authors: Yao Lanqiu , Tarpey Thaddeus
Published: August 2022

A pressing challenge in medical research is to identify optimal treatments for individual patients. This is particularly challenging in mental health settings where mean responses are often similar across multiple treatments. For example, the mean longitudinal trajectory for patients treated with an active drug versus placebo may be similar trajectories, but different treatments may exhibit trajectory shapes that are distinct from trajectories in other treatment groups. Most precision medicine approaches using longitudinal data often ignore information from the longitudinal data structure. This paper investigates a powerful precision medicine approach by examining the impact of baseline covariates on longitudinal outcome trajectories to guide treatment decisions instead of traditional scalar outcome measures derived from longitudinal data, such as a change score. We introduce a method of estimating “biosignatures” defined as linear combinations of baseline characteristics (i.e., a single index) that optimally separate longitudinal trajectories among different treatment groups. The criterion used is to maximize the Kullback–Leibler Divergences between different treatment outcome distributions. The approach is illustrated via simulation studies and a depression clinical trial. The approach is also contrasted with more traditional methods and compares performance in the presence of missing data.
Mechanism of 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid‐induced damage to rat testis via Fas/FasL pathway and the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wang Hengquan , Jia Leina , Ma Yu , Wang Xiaolan , Zhu Lingqin , Wang Kai , Zhang Pengju , Yang Huifang
Published: August 2022

The herbicide 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) is widely used to control broadleaved weeds and has been associated with male infertility. We studied the molecular mechanisms of 2,4‐D induced male reproductive system damage and the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) using Sprague Dawley rats and TM4 cells. Treatment with 2,4‐D caused architectural and functional changes in the testis, including collapsed and atrophied seminiferous tubules with reduced number of spermatozoa, scarce sperm in the epididymal duct, low levels of serum testosterone, decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, high malondialdehyde content, and increased apoptosis in the testis and epididymis. The expression of Fas, FasL, FADD, Pro‐caspase‐8, Cleaved‐Caspase‐8, Pro‐Caspase‐3, and Cleaved‐Caspase‐3 were significantly increased in the testicular tissue of 2,4‐D‐treated rats. The proliferative activity of TM4 cells decreased with an increase in dose and time of 2,4‐D exposure, along with enhanced Fas/Fas ligand expression and a decreased concentration of inhibin B in TM4 cell culture medium. Depletion of Fas by specific shRNA transfection reversed the effects of 2,4‐D in TM4 cells, further confirming the involvement of death receptor pathway in 2,4‐D‐mediated apoptosis of sertoli cells. Treatment with LBP also reversed the effects of 2,4‐D in testicular cells, resulting in improved cell architecture along with enhanced proliferative capacity. Moreover, in response to LBP treatment of Sertoli cells, the content of inhibin B increased, the level of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde decreased, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased, and the rate of apoptosis as well as the expression of Fas/Fas ligand signaling pathway proteins decreased.
Effective heat conductivity of a composite with hexagonal lattice of perfectly conducting circular inclusions: An analytical solution
Authors: Andrianov Igor V. , Awrejcewicz Jan , Starushenko Galina A. , Kvitka Sergiy A.
Published: August 2022

Paper is devoted to the effective stationary heat conductivity for the fibre composite materials. We are aimed on getting on analytical expression for effective thermal conductivity coefficient. Asymptotic homogenization approach, based on the multiple scale perturbation method, is used. This allows to reduce the original boundary value problem in multiply connected domain to the sequence of boundary value problems in simply connected domains. These problems include: the local problem for the periodically repeated cell and homogenized problem with effective coefficient. It is shown that for densely packed and high contrast fibre composites, the cell problem can be solved analytically. For this aim, lubrication approach (asymptotics of thin layer) has been employed. We also generalise obtained solution to the case of medium‐sized inclusions in the framework of the Padé approximants.
Vision Zero in Poland
Authors: Jamroz Kazimierz , Romanowska Aleksandra , Michalski Lech , Żukowska Joanna
Published: August 2022

Poland’s experience of road safety work is relatively short. In the early 1990s road deaths soared to a staggering 8000 a year. A diagnosis found that Poland’s lack of systemic road safety action was to blame for those figures. In response, the state set up road safety bodies and commissioned road safety programs. In 2005, Poland followed the example of Sweden and adopted Vision Zero as a far-reaching concept of changes in road safety. The work that followed helped to improve the situation and reach less than 3000 fatalities in 2015. Despite that, for years Poland has been notorious for its road accident deaths, which are some of the highest in the EU. Poland has had its share of both successes and failures. The results of road safety policies are still below the expectations and many problems have not been solved. Road accidents are not considered a major problem. As a consequence, they are low on political agendas and the institutions remain ineffective due to a sense of collective responsibility for road safety problems. Achieving Vision Zero will require many changes, learning from past mistakes, taking advantage of the experience of the best performing countries, and, above all, taking effective and efficient actions with their systematic monitoring.

This chapter is a summary of the last 30 years of road safety work in Poland. It presents a diagnosis of Poland’s problems, an assessment of the policies so far, and the likelihood of achieving the assumptions of Vision Zero in the future. Building on this, recommendations are given on the next steps Poland should take to improve its road safety.
Vision Zero on Federal Level in Canada
Authors: Fuselli Pamela
Published: August 2022

This chapter will provide a summary of high-level details regarding Vision Zero implementation in Canada, looking specifically at research, strategies, and implementation experiences in British Columbia, Edmonton, Calgary, and Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta, Toronto in Ontario, and Montreal in Quebec. This chapter will speak to the differences between Vision Zero implementation in Canada compared with Sweden, considering the viewpoint and circumstances of the unique governmental structure in Canada and implementation in municipalities versus entire provinces or territories. Priorities for the future of Vision Zero will also be discussed, along with the intersections and role of public health and other applications of Vision Zero.
Interview with Ulf Hashagen: Exhibitions and Mathematical Models in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Friedman Michael , Hashagen Ulf , Krauthausen Karin
Published: August 2022

KK: You will probably know this famous quote by Walther von Dyck from 1929: “To show the essence, content, and aims of mathematical research in its entirety cannot be the task of a museum.”
Interview with Myfanwy E. Evans: Entanglements On and Models of Periodic Minimal Surfaces
Authors: Evans Myfanwy E. , Friedman Michael , Krauthausen Karin
Published: August 2022

KK: Maybe we can start with a question concerning your training and profession.
‘Analogies,’ ‘Interpretations,’ ‘Images,’ ‘Systems,’ and ‘Models’: Some Remarks on the History of Abstract Representation in the Sciences Since the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Epple Moritz
Published: August 2022

Despite the rapidly growing interest in the history of ‘thinking in models’, a detailed historical understanding of the different modes and forms of such thought-forms is still some way off.
Machine learning of log-likelihood functions in global analysis of parton distributions
Authors: Liu DianYu , Sun ChuanLe , Gao Jun
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Modern analysis on parton distribution functions (PDFs) requires calculations of the log-likelihood functions from thousands of experimental data points, and scans of multi-dimensional parameter space with tens of degrees of freedom. In conventional analysis the Hessian approximation has been widely used for the estimation of the PDF uncertainties. The Lagrange Multiplier (LM) scan while being a more faithful method is less used due to computational limitations, and is the main focus of this study. We propose to use Neural Networks (NNs) and machine learning techniques to model the profile of the log-likelihood functions or cross sections for multi-dimensional parameter space in order to overcome those limitations which work beyond the quadratic approximations and meanwhile ensures efficient scans of the full parameter space. We demonstrate the efficiency of the new approach in the framework of the CT18 global analysis of PDFs by constructing NNs for various target functions, and performing LM scans on PDFs and cross sections at hadron colliders. We further study the impact of the NOMAD dimuon data on constraining PDFs with the new approach, and find enhanced strange-quark distributions and reduced PDF uncertainties. Moreover, we show how the approach can be used to constrain new physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM) by a joint fit of both PDFs and Wilson coefficients of operators in the SM effective field theory.
Curvature-Dimension Conditions for Symmetric Quantum Markov Semigroups
Authors: Wirth Melchior , Zhang Haonan
Published: August 2022

Following up on the recent work on lower Ricci curvature bounds for quantum systems, we introduce two noncommutative versions of curvature-dimension bounds for symmetric quantum Markov semigroups over matrix algebras. Under suitable such curvature-dimension conditions, we prove a family of dimension-dependent functional inequalities, a version of the Bonnet–Myers theorem and concavity of entropy power in the noncommutative setting. We also provide examples satisfying certain curvature-dimension conditions, including Schur multipliers over matrix algebras, Herz–Schur multipliers over group algebras and generalized depolarizing semigroups.
Bacteroides muris sp. nov. isolated from the cecum of wild-derived house mice
Authors: Fokt Hanna , Unni Rahul , Repnik Urska , Schmitz Ruth A. , Bramkamp Marc , Baines John F. , Unterweger Daniel
Published: August 2022

Two bacterial strains, KH365_2T and KH569_7, were isolated from the cecum contents of wild-derived house mice. The strains were characterized as Gram-negative, rod-shaped, strictly anaerobic, and non-motile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that both strains were most closely related to Bacteroides uniformis ATCC 8492T. Whole genome sequences of KH365_2T and KH569_7 strains have a DNA G + C content of 46.02% and 46.03% mol, respectively. Most morphological and biochemical characteristics did not differ between the newly isolated strains and classified Bacteroides strains. However, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and dDNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values clearly distinguished the two strains from described members of the genus Bacteroides. Here, we present the phylogeny, morphology, and physiology of a novel species of the genus Bacteroides and propose the name Bacteroides muris sp. nov., with KH365_2T (DSM 114231T = CCUG 76277T) as type strain.
Individuals in Collaborative Governance for Environmental Management
Authors: Zambrano-Gutiérrez Julio César , Valente de Macedo Laura Silvia , Picavet Marc Eric Barda , Puppim de Oliveira Jose Antonio
Published: August 2022

Analyzing the effect of individual participants on collaborative governance processes in environmental management has been elusive due to lack of theoretical frameworks and data limitations. This study uses pattern matching to contrast identity theory with original data from 7 individuals participating in waste management and urban agriculture collaboration in Florianópolis, Brazil. What started as a self-organized initiative to manage an environmental problem, due to precarious waste management services, was scaled up to a citywide policy. Findings demonstrate that as the collaboration evolved over time, individual participants in municipal government transitioned between roles, organizations, and departments which affected their influence on the collaboration according to two transition styles: integrators (overlapping different roles) and segmenters (aligning roles with contexts without ambiguity). While the integrator-style participants were key to increasing sectoral diversity during the activation stage of the collaboration to produce innovative actions, segmenters contributed to formalizing the collaboration with appropriate institutional designs. However, the success of the collaboration after the institutionalization stage depended on the individual transition style and the power of municipal agents to have agency for influencing the collaboration. These findings have implications for adapting collaborative settings to respond to contextual changes that involve urban environmental issues.
Activation of signaling pathways in models of t(6;9)-acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chiriches Claudia , Khan Dilawar , Wieske Maria , Guillen Nathalie , Rokicki Michal , Guy Carol , Wilson Marieangela , Heesom Kate J. , Ottmann Oliver Gerhard , Ruthardt Martin
Published: August 2022

Patients within the WHO-subgroup of t(6;9)-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) differ from other AML subgroups as they are characterised by younger age and a grim prognosis. Leukemic transformation can often be attributed to single chromosomal aberrations encoding oncogenes, in the case of t(6;9)-AML to the fusion protein DEK-CAN (also called DEK-NUP214). As being a rare disease there is the urgent need for models of t(6;9)-AML. The only cell line derived from a t(6;9)-AML patient currently available is FKH1. By using phospho-proteomics on FKH1 cells, we found a strongly activated ABL1 kinase. Further investigation revealed the presence of ETV6-ABL1. This finding renders necessary to determine DEK-CAN- and ETV6-ABL1-related features when using FKH1. This can be done as ETV6-ABL1 activity in FKH1 is responsive to imatinib. Nevertheless, we provided evidence that both SFK and mTOR activation in FKH1 are DEK-CAN-related features as they were activated also in other t(6;9) and DEK-CAN-positive models. The activation of STAT5 previously shown to be strong in t(6;9)-AML and activated by DEK-CAN is regulated in FKH1 by both DEK-CAN and ETV6-ABL1. In conclusion, FKH1 cells still represent a model for t(6;9)-AML and could serve as model for ETV6-ABL1-positive AML if the presence of these leukemia-inducing oncogenes is adequately considered.

Taken together, all our results provide clear evidence of novel and specific interdependencies between leukemia-inducing oncogenes and cancer signaling pathways which will influence the design of therapeutic strategies to better address the complexity of cancer signaling.
A survey of case studies on the use of forensic three-dimensional printing in England and Wales
Authors: Errickson D. , Carew R. M. , Collings A. J. , Biggs M. J. P. , Haig P. , O’Hora H. , Marsh N. , Roberts J.
Published: August 2022

3D printing has rapidly developed and been applied in forensic science due to its use in creating demonstrations for courts of law. Much of the literature on this specific topic has focused on the use of 3D printed models in academia, the potential influence on a jury, and its use as a long-term documentation process, but with few actual forensic case examples. This paper offers an insight into the development of 3D printing in forensic practice and how 3D printing is currently being used in the criminal justice system in England and Wales.

A series of case reports were gathered from multiple police forces and forensic practitioners in the UK to identify how 3D printing was being used. These discussions established who was requesting 3D printed exhibits, what type of technologies were being utilised, what type of exhibits were being printed, and resulting feedback for the use of 3D printed material within a criminal case. As a result, this research demonstrates the current use of 3D printing in England and Wales, discussing the associated cases that have been known to incorporate 3D prints. Likewise, this work explores the limitations that have been encountered by forensic practitioners and identifies a series of research questions that should be considered in future investigations.
Untangling the actual infection status: detection of avian haemosporidian parasites of three Malagasy bird species using microscopy, multiplex PCR, and nested PCR methods
Authors: Musa Sandrine , Mackenstedt Ute , Woog Friederike , Dinkel Anke
Published: August 2022

The development of new molecular methods has significantly improved the detection and identification of avian haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) compared to microscopic examination. Very large numbers of previously hidden Haemosporida species of a wide range of avian hosts have thus been discovered in the last two decades. However, test parameters of the various detection methods remain largely unevaluated. In this study, the merits of microscopy, multiplex PCR, and nested PCR were compared to identify the infection status of three Malagasy bird species. A total of 414 blood samples of Hypsipetes madagascariensis, Foudia omissa and F. madagascariensis, as well as 147 blood smears, were examined for haemosporidian infection. Thirty-four lineages of haemosporidian parasites could be identified, of which six have been detected for the first time. Microscopy, multiplex and nested PCR showed differences in detection rate, most likely due to low parasitemia of chronically infected birds. The combination of both PCR methods yielded the best results. In particular, detection of multiple infections could be greatly improved and will enable more precise prevalence estimates of individual haemosporidian species in wild birds in the future.
Artificial intelligence for phase recognition in complex laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Golany Tomer , Aides Amit , Freedman Daniel , Rabani Nadav , Liu Yun , Rivlin Ehud , Corrado Greg S. , Matias Yossi , Khoury Wisam , Kashtan Hanoch , Reissman Petachia
Published: August 2022

Background

The potential role and benefits of AI in surgery has yet to be determined. This study is a first step in developing an AI system for minimizing adverse events and improving patient’s safety. We developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm and evaluated its performance in recognizing surgical phases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) videos spanning a range of complexities.

Methods

A set of 371 LC videos with various complexity levels and containing adverse events was collected from five hospitals. Two expert surgeons segmented each video into 10 phases including Calot’s triangle dissection and clipping and cutting. For each video, adverse events were also annotated when present (major bleeding; gallbladder perforation; major bile leakage; and incidental finding) and complexity level (on a scale of 1–5) was also recorded. The dataset was then split in an 80:20 ratio (294 and 77 videos), stratified by complexity, hospital, and adverse events to train and test the AI model, respectively. The AI-surgeon agreement was then compared to the agreement between surgeons.

Results

The mean accuracy of the AI model for surgical phase recognition was 89% [95% CI 87.1%, 90.6%], comparable to the mean inter-annotator agreement of 90% [95% CI 89.4%, 90.5%]. The model’s accuracy was inversely associated with procedure complexity, decreasing from 92% (complexity level 1) to 88% (complexity level 3) to 81% (complexity level 5).

Conclusion

The AI model successfully identified surgical phases in both simple and complex LC procedures. Further validation and system training is warranted to evaluate its potential applications such as to increase patient safety during surgery.
Methodology for evaluation of potential sites for large-scale riverbank filtration
Authors: Hoang Ngoc Anh T. , Covatti Gustavo , Grischek Thomas
Published: August 2022

Despite being a simple and inexpensive pretreatment technology, the cost-effectiveness of riverbank filtration (RBF) depends on complex hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical variables. One of the most important issues for decision makers regarding RBF is optimal site selection. Therefore, a methodology for multicriteria site evaluation for large-scale RBF schemes is offered. The methodology is primarily designed as a prescreening method, applied over a wide area, but can also serve as a guide for evaluating individual RBF sites. To facilitate further discussion about improvements on the methodology, the reasoning behind each relevant factor and its weight in the evaluation is presented. The methodology is divided into three sequential steps through which a site can be assessed. The first step is to establish the existence of connectivity between the river and aquifer. This is termed the essential criterion, and is a binary determination of site suitability. If the site is determined to be suitable, it is then assessed via a set of quantity criteria, which measure the aquifer capacity and amount of bank filtrate that can be effectively abstracted. Lastly, water quality criteria are assessed by means of surface-water and groundwater quality. The quantity and quality criteria form a result expressed as the site suitability index (SSI), which ranges from 0 to 1, where higher scores represent increased suitability. Finally, the methodology is applied to evaluate existing sites of large-scale RBF application as a demonstration of its applicability. The success of these existing sites is compared to the calculated SSI value and discussed.
The role of imported inputs in firms’ productivity and exports: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Pane Deasy D. , Patunru Arianto A.
Published: August 2022

The rise of economic protectionism worldwide has come with the re-emergence of mercantilist policies whereby governments push for exports while restricting imports. Against this populist approach, we show that importing inputs can raise productivity and export. Using firm-level data matched with very detailed customs data of Indonesia’s exports and imports during 2008–2012, we apply instrumental variable strategy with import tariffs and import weighted real exchange rates as instruments for import of intermediate inputs. We find causality from imported inputs to productivity increase and export growth. Higher access to input varieties has a larger impact than an increase in import volume on export, implying that the main benefits of importing may come from access to broader alternatives of inputs. Furthermore, the impact is also larger when imports originate from developed countries, suggestive of a positive effect of technology and product quality.
Investigation of Engine Combustion and Auto-ignition of a Multicomponent Surrogate Fuel with NTC Behavior Under Knocking Conditions
Authors: Kircher Magnus , Popp Sebastian , Gierth Sandro , Pati Andrea , Schneider Jonathan , Günther Marco , Hasse Christian
Published: August 2022

The occurrence of knocking combustion is limiting the efficiency of modern spark ignition engine operation. Thus, an understanding of the processes at the knock limit is required for further optimization of the combustion process. In this work, the combustion of a multicomponent Toluene Reference Fuel (TRF) in a single-cylinder research engine is investigated under knocking conditions. The fuel exhibits a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) regime for thermodynamic conditions relevant to the engine operation. A precursor model is used to capture the auto-ignition process. Under homogeneous conditions, a two-stage auto-ignition is observed. Inside the NTC regime, the temperature affects both first-stage and second-stage auto-ignition delay times. With a subsequently conducted multi-cycle engine LES, the effects of temperature stratification and turbulent flame propagation on the local auto-ignition process are investigated. It is observed, that the NTC behavior leads to a widespread two-stage auto-ignition. The knock intensity observed in the experiments is directly related to the mass consumed by auto-ignition. This is due to the fast consumption of the auto-ignited mass by the flame front. With that, the NTC behavior affects the local auto-ignition process in the unburned mixture while the flame propagation determines the knock intensity for the operating conditions at the knock limit.
Thirty years of Artificial Intelligence and Law: Editor’s Introduction
Authors: Bench-Capon Trevor
Published: August 2022

The first issue of Artificial Intelligence and Law journal was published in 1992. This special issue marks the 30th anniversary of the journal by reviewing the progress of the field through thirty commentaries on landmark papers and groups of papers from that journal.
Explicit Relationship Agreements and HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use by Gay and Bisexual Men in Relationships
Authors: MacGibbon James , Bavinton Benjamin R. , Drysdale Kerryn , Murphy Dean , Broady Timothy R. , Kolstee Johann , Molyneux Angus , Power Cherie , Paynter Heath , de Wit John , Holt Martin
Published: August 2022

Relationship agreements are important for HIV prevention among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in relationships, with research earlier in the HIV epidemic often finding that agreements specified monogamy or condom use with casual partners. There is evidence that HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has shifted sexual practices among some men in relationships, such as allowing condomless sex with casual partners, but there has been little attention paid to relationship agreements among GBM who use PrEP. In this paper, we analyzed national, Australian, cross-sectional data from an online survey completed by non-HIV-positive GBM in 2021 (N = 1,185). Using logistic regression, we identified demographic characteristics, sexual practices and the types of relationship agreement that were associated with PrEP use among GBM in relationships. Using Pearson’s chi-squared tests, we explored whether PrEP users in relationships reported similar sexual practices to PrEP users not in relationships. PrEP use among GBM in relationships was independently associated with older age, identifying as gay, being in a non-monogamous relationship, having a spoken (explicit) relationship agreement, having a primary HIV-negative partner taking PrEP or a primary partner living with HIV, reporting recent condomless casual sex, reporting an STI diagnosis in the past year, and knowing at least one other PrEP user. We found that PrEP users in relationships had similar sexual practices to PrEP users not in relationships. GBM in relationships who have casual sex and who meet PrEP suitability criteria may be good candidates for PrEP. Our findings suggest that explicit relationship agreements remain important for HIV prevention, and they support PrEP use among GBM in relationships.
Prognostic Value of Left and right ventricular deformation strain analysis on Acute Cellular rejection in Heart Transplant recipients: A 6-year outcome study
Authors: Chamberlain Robert , Edwards Natalie F.A. , Doyle Samantha N. , Wong Yee Weng , Scalia Gregory M. , Sabapathy Surendran , Chan Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Two-dimensional (2D) strain analysis is a sensitive method for detecting myocardial dysfunction in acute cellular rejection (ACR) from post-transplant complications. This study aims to evaluate the utility of novel left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) strain parameters for prognostic risk stratification associated with ACR burden at 1-year post transplantation.

Methods

128 Heart transplant patients, assessed between 2012 and 2018, underwent transthoracic echocardiography and endomyocardial biopsy. 2D strain analysis was performed and history of rejection burden was assessed and grouped according to ACR burden at 1-year post transplantation. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 6-years follow up.

Results

21 patients met primary the endpoint. Multivariate analysis of 6-year all-cause mortality showed LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.21, CI = 1.06–1.49), LV early diastolic strain rate (LV ESr) (HR = 1.31, CI = 1.12–1.54), RV GLS (HR = 1.12, CI = 1.02–1.25) and RV ESr (HR = 1.26, CI = 1.12–1.47) were significant predictors of outcome. Univariate analysis also showed LV GLS, LV ESr, RV GLS and RV ESr were significant predictors of outcome. Optimal cut-off for predicting 6-year mortality for LV GLS by receive operator characteristic was 15.5% (sensitivity: 92%, specificity: 79%). Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in LV GLS, RV GLS and LV and RV ESr between rejection groups were seen.

Conclusions

Non-invasive LV and RV strain parameters are predictors of mortality in post-transplant patient with ACR. LV GLS and LV ESr are superior to other strain and conventional echo parameters.
Coronary CT angiography and serum biomarkers are potential biomarkers for predicting MACE at three-months and one-year follow-up
Authors: Huang Honglei , Ye Fei , Huang Yuanmao , Ye Guiyun , Zhu Jiarui , Chi Xidi , Zhang Gaofeng
Published: August 2022

Aims

To assess the prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and serum biomarkers for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at three-month and one-year follow-ups.

Methods and Results

A total of 720 patients with acute chest pain and normal electrocardiography (ECG) were included in the prospective cohort study. These patients received both coronary CTA screening and serum biomarkers testing, followed by three-month and one-year follow-ups for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The primary outcome was the occurrence of MACE, which is defined as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), nonfatal MI, and all-cause mortality. The MACE rate was 17.8% (128 cases) and 25.2% (182 cases) at three-months and one-year follow-up. ApoB/apoA1(OR = 7.45, P < 0.001) and the number of atherosclerotic vessels (OR = 2.86, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for MACE at the three-month follow-up, so were apoB/apoA1 (OR = 5.23, P = 0.003), Serum amyloid protein A (SAA, OR = 1.04, P < 0.001) and the number of atherosclerotic vessels (OR = 2.54, P < 0.001) at the one-year follow-up. While apoB/apoA1 suggested its sensitivities of 84% for predicting MACE at three-month follow-ups, the number of atherosclerotic vessels had 81% specificity at one-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Among patients with acute chest pain and normal ECG, apoB/apoA1, SAA and the number of atherosclerotic vessels are the most powerful predictors of MACE at three-month and one-year follow-ups.
Endogeneity and Measurement Bias of the Indicator Variables in Hybrid Choice Models: A Monte Carlo Investigation
Authors: Budziński Wiktor , Czajkowski Mikołaj
Published: August 2022

We investigate the problem of endogeneity and measurement bias arising from incorporating indicator variables (e.g., measures of attitudes) into discrete choice models. We demonstrate that although a hybrid choice framework can resolve both endogeneity and measurement problems, the former requires explicit accounting for in the model, which has not typically been done in applied studies to date. By conducting a Monte Carlo experiment, we demonstrate the extent of the bias resulting from measurement and endogeneity problems. We propose two novel solutions to address the endogeneity problem: explicitly accounting for correlation between structural and discrete choice component error terms (or with random parameters in a utility function), or introducing additional latent variables. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that these approaches work as expected, i.e. they successfully recover the true values of all model parameters.
Maternal antibiotic use and infections during pregnancy and offspring asthma: the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study and a nationwide register cohort
Authors: Rantala Aino K. , Tapia German , Magnus Maria C. , Stene Lars C. , Jaakkola Jouni J.K. , Størdal Ketil , Karlstad Øystein , Nystad Wenche
Published: August 2022

Maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy has been linked to asthma risk in children, but the role of underlying infections remains unclear. We investigated the association of maternal antibiotic use and infections during pregnancy with offspring risk of asthma. We used two population-based cohorts: the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) (n = 53 417) and a register-based cohort (n = 417 548). Asthma was defined based on dispensed asthma medications at 7 and 13 years from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Self-reported information on antibiotic use and infections during pregnancy was available in MoBa, while registrations of dispensed prescriptions were used to classify use of antibiotics in the register-based cohort. Maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy was associated with asthma at 7 in both cohorts (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.23, 95% CI 1.11–1.37 in MoBa and 1.21, 1.16–1.25 in the register cohort) and asthma at 13 in the register cohort (1.13, 1.03–1.23) after adjusting for maternal characteristics. In MoBa, the estimate was attenuated after adjusting for infections during pregnancy. Maternal lower and upper respiratory tract infections (aRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07–1.57 and 1.19, 1.09–1.30, respectively) and urinary tract infections (1.26, 1.11–1.42) showed associations with asthma at 7. Register cohort also showed an increased risk of asthma in relation to maternal antibiotics before and after pregnancy. Our findings suggest that both maternal antibiotics and infections during pregnancy have a role in the risk of offspring asthma. However, results from the register cohort suggest that the effect of antibiotics may reflect the shared underlying susceptibility.
Well-Being Adjusted Health Expectancy: A New Summary Measure of Population Health
Authors: Muszyńska-Spielauer Magdalena , Luy Marc
Published: August 2022

We propose a new summary measure of population health (SMPH), the well-being-adjusted health expectancy (WAHE). WAHE belongs to a subgroup of health-adjusted life expectancy indicators and gives the number of life years equivalent to full health. WAHE combines health and mortality information into a single indicator with weights that quantify the reduction in well-being associated with decreased health. WAHE's advantage over other SMPHs lies in its ability to differentiate between the consequences of health limitations at various levels of severity and its transparent, simple valuation function. Following the guidelines of a Committee on Summary Measures of Population Health, we discuss WAHE's validity, universality, feasibility sensitivity and ensure its reproducibility. We evaluate WAHE's performance compared to life expectancy, the most commonly used indicators of health expectancy (HE) and disability-adjusted life expectancy (DALE) in an empirical application for 29 European countries. Data on health and well-being are taken from the 2018 EU-SILC, and the life tables are from Eurostat. DALE is taken from the database of the Global Burden of Disease Programme. WAHE's sensitivity to univariate and multivariate state specifications is studied using the three Minimum European Health Module health dimensions: chronic morbidity, limitations in activities of daily living, and self-rated health. The empirical tests of the indicators’ correspondence reveal that WAHE has the strongest correlation with the other SMPHs. Moreover, WAHE estimates are in agreement with all other SMPHs. Additionally, WAHE and all other SMPHs form a group of reliable indicators for studying population health in European countries. Finally, WAHE estimates are robust, regardless of whether health is defined across one or multiple simultaneous dimensions of health. We conclude that WAHE is a useful and reliable indicator of population health and performs at least as well as other commonly used SMPHs.
(In)justice in academia: procedural fairness, students’ academic identification, and perceived legitimacy of university authorities
Authors: Główczewski Michał , Burdziej Stanisław
Published: August 2022

A considerable body of literature has documented the significance of fair treatment in terms of generating trust towards decision-makers across different institutional contexts. It has also been demonstrated that even young children are sensitive to procedural justice, and that experiences of both fairness and unfairness help shape young people’s wider attitudes towards authority. In this paper, we seek to extend these findings into the academic context. We use data from two separate studies of university students in Poland. In study 1 (N = 315), using a survey to capture students’ actual experiences, we find that fair treatment was a stronger predictor of perceived legitimacy of university authorities than were fair outcomes. In study 2 (N = 751), also using a survey of a nationally representative sample of university students, we demonstrate that this procedural effect is mediated by students’ identification with their university, and that trust in academic authorities translates into higher levels of engagement and lower levels of burnout. Academic identification fully mediated the relationship between both procedural and distributive fairness and engagement and partly mediated the relationship between the two dimensions of fairness and burnout. We conclude that the experience of procedural fairness leads students to more strongly identify with their university and thereby enhances their trust in university authorities.
Holding It All Together: on the Value of Compromise and the Virtues of Compromising
Authors: Tholen Berry
Published: August 2022

Public discourse and theoretical literature currently show controversy on the value of political compromise: some oppose it, others welcome it, and on both sides, arguments differ. The different positions in these debates on compromise build on particular understandings of what politics is all about (four understandings are distinguished: Pragmatist, Principled, Agonist and Deliberative). These understandings oppose one another and are even mutually exclusive. An encompassing position that combines elements from these different approaches is needed to bring us beyond this situation of controversy and take the debate on compromise a step further. In this paper, I show that Paul Ricoeur’s understanding of politics and of the role of compromising therein offers such a perspective. His work combines elements of the different positions, provides an understanding of compromise and implies lessons for compromising.
Understanding the impact of texture on the micromechanical anisotropy of laser powder bed fused Inconel 718
Authors: Schröder Jakob , Evans Alexander , Polatidis Efthymios , Čapek Jan , Mohr Gunther , Serrano-Munoz Itziar , Bruno Giovanni
Published: August 2022

The manufacturability of metallic alloys using laser-based additive manufacturing methods such as laser powder bed fusion has substantially improved within the last decade. However, local melting and solidification cause hierarchically structured and crystallographically textured microstructures possessing large residual stress. Such microstructures are not only the origin of mechanical anisotropy but also pose metrological challenges for the diffraction-based residual stress determination. Here we demonstrate the influence of the build orientation and the texture on the microstructure and consequently the mechanical anisotropy of as-built Inconel 718. For this purpose, we manufactured specimens with [001]/[011]-, [001]- and [011]/[$$\overline{1} {\text{11}}$$

1
¯

11

]-type textures along their loading direction. In addition to changes in the Young’s moduli, the differences in the crystallographic textures result in variations of the yield and ultimate tensile strengths. With this in mind, we studied the anisotropy on the micromechanical scale by subjecting the specimens to tensile loads along the different texture directions during in situ neutron diffraction experiments. In this context, the response of multiple lattice planes up to a tensile strain of 10% displayed differences in the load partitioning and the residual strain accumulation for the specimen with [011]/[$$\overline{1} {\text{11}}$$

1
¯

11

]-type texture. However, the relative behavior of the specimens possessing an [001]/[011]- and [001]-type texture remained qualitatively similar. The consequences on the metrology of residual stress determination methods are discussed.
Clinical performance of lung ultrasound in predicting time-dependent changes in lung aeration in ARDS patients
Authors: Costamagna Andrea , Steinberg Irene , Pivetta Emanuele , Arina Pietro , Veglia Simona , Brazzi Luca , Fanelli Vito
Published: August 2022

To evaluate whether lung ultrasound is reliable bedside tool to monitor changes of lung aeration at the early and late stages of ARDS. LUS was performed in ARDS patients that underwent at least two consecutive CT scan at ICU admission and at least 1 week after admission. Twelve fields were evaluated and graded from 0 (normal) to 3 (consolidation). Changes of LUS score in twelve fields (ΔLUStot) and in four ventral (ΔLUSV), intermediate (ΔLUSI) and dorsal (ΔLUSD) zones were calculated at each time points. Three categories were described: Improve (ΔLUS < 0), Equal (ΔLUS = 0) or Worse (ΔLUS > 0). LUS scores were correlated with total changes in lung CT aeration (ΔCTair) and with normally, poorly and not aerated regions (ΔCTnorm, ΔCTpoor and ΔCTnot, respectively). Eleven patients were enrolled. ΔLUStot had significant correlation with ΔCTair (r = − 0.74, p < 0.01). ΔLUSV, ΔLUSI and ΔLUSD showed significant correlations with ΔCTair (r = − 0.66, r = − 0.69, r = − 0.63, respectively; p < 0.05). Compared to Equal, Improve and Worse categories had significantly higher (p < 0.01) and lower (p < 0.05) ΔCTair values, respectively. Compared to Equal, Improve and Worse categories had lower (p < 0.01) and higher (p < 0.01) ΔCTnot values, respectively. LUS score had a good correlation with lung CT in detecting changes of lung aeration.
Reaction–Diffusion Models for a Class of Infinite-Dimensional Nonlinear Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: da Costa Conrado , Freitas Paulo da Costa Bernardo , Valesin Daniel
Published: August 2022

We establish the existence of solutions to a class of nonlinear stochastic differential equations of reaction–diffusion type in an infinite-dimensional space, with diffusion corresponding to a given transition kernel. The solution obtained is the scaling limit of a sequence of interacting particle systems and satisfies the martingale problem corresponding to the target differential equation.
A lasting crisis affects R&D decisions of smaller firms: the Greek experience
Authors: Giotopoulos Ioannis , Kritikos Alexander S. , Tsakanikas Aggelos
Published: August 2022

We use the prolonged Greek crisis as a case study to understand how a lasting economic shock affects the innovation strategies of firms in economies with moderate innovation activities. Adopting the 3-stage CDM model, we explore the link between R&D, innovation, and productivity for different size groups of Greek manufacturing firms during the prolonged crisis. At the first stage, we find that the continuation of the crisis is harmful for the R&D engagement of smaller firms while it increased the willingness for R&D activities among the larger ones. At the second stage, among smaller firms the knowledge production remains unaffected by R&D investments, while among larger firms the R&D decision is positively correlated with the probability of producing innovation, albeit the relationship is weakened as the crisis continues. At the third stage, innovation output benefits only larger firms in terms of labor productivity, while the innovation-productivity nexus is insignificant for smaller firms during the lasting crisis.