bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From product system to ecosystem: How firms adapt to provide an integrated value proposition
Authors: Stonig Joachim , Schmid Torsten , Müller‐Stewens Günter
Published: February 2022

Research Summary

Ecosystems represent a key challenge for established firms, shifting their focus from products to system‐level collaboration around integrated value propositions. This longitudinal case study of a machine manufacturer reports how an established firm created an ecosystem to enhance its focal product. Drawing on an activity system lens, we develop a model how firms can achieve fit around an integrated value proposition through mutual adaptation of product and ecosystem activities. This strategic transformation is supported by a shift towards collaborative organizational design. We elaborate on how firms can create non‐generic complementarities between products and the emerging ecosystem through product adaptations, demonstrate the role of internal and external collaboration in developing ecosystem orchestration capabilities, and highlight data generation and processing as critical factors in realizing complementarities.

Managerial Summary

Digital ecosystems that enable new integrated value propositions pose a challenge for established firms, as these new activities often fundamentally conflict with the existing product business. Our case study of a machine manufacturer shows how a firm can leverage its product‐focused activities to establish itself as an ecosystem leader through the mutual adaptation of its product and ecosystem activities. The focal firm modularized its products and enhanced their information‐processing capacities while simultaneously embedding them in an integrative platform with open interfaces for partner components. The firm was thus able to realize data‐driven complementarities between the platform and its components. Supporting the ecosystem‐creation process required a shift of the organizational design towards collaboration, both internally and with partners.
Theoretical diversity and inclusivity in science and environmental education research: A way forward
Authors: Hunter Roberta Howard , Richmond Gail
Published: February 2022

As distinct communities of practice (COP), science education research (SER) and environmental education research (EER) have both matured a great deal in recent decades, coming to include a greater diversity of theoretical perspectives, worldviews, and researcher and participant voices. In this paper, we present a view of theoretical inclusivity that promises a rich, robust research landscape for both EER and SER through the deliberate inclusion of non‐Western theories. This view has several components: it requires researchers to be explicit and clear about their theoretical stances and to use critical reflection to evaluate their research; and it encourages the field to expansively explore phenomena and issues using multiple epistemologies and continue to deepen their focus on developing praxis. EER's interdisciplinary and cross‐disciplinary nature make it uniquely positioned to model such inclusivity and move forward together with SER to create knowledge that is more robust and more just. We identify and discuss three key imperatives for the two fields to embrace this theoretical inclusivity now and the paths forward to support scholars doing work in both EER and SER and for the productive future of these fields.
Naringin alleviates acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury by activating Nrf2 via CHAC2 upregulation
Authors: Zhai Xiaohan , Dai Tiantian , Chi Zhongchao , Zhao Zirui , Wu Gaolei , Yang Shilei , Dong Deshi
Published: February 2022

Severe acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced hepatic damage is the second most common cause for hepatic transplantation. Clinically, hepatic damage caused by APAP is treated using N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, which can induce numerous side effects. Naringin, a bioflavonoid abundant in grapefruit and other citrus fruits, displays marked antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism underlying naringin‐mediated protection against APAP‐induced acute hepatotoxicity. We observed that naringin afforded protection against APAP‐induced acute liver failure in mice. Importantly, pretreatment with naringin before APAP administration further increased antioxidant enzyme expression, inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and activated apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, we observed that the protective effect was associated with the upregulation of cation transport regulator‐like protein 2 (CHAC2) and nuclear factor erythroid derived‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). Notably, CHAC2 knockdown inhibited Nrf2 activation and naringin‐mediated antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects in APAP‐induced liver injury. Likewise, si‐Nrf2 blocked the protective effect of naringin against APAP‐induced liver injury. Collectively, our results indicate that naringin may be a potent CHAC2 activator, alleviating APAP‐induced hepatitis via CHAC2‐mediated activation of the Nrf2 pathway. These data provide new insights into mechanisms through which CHAC2 regulates APAP‐induced liver injury by targeting Nrf2, which should be considered a novel therapeutic target.
Validation of DNA marker‐assisted selection for forage biomass productivity under deficit irrigation in alfalfa
Authors: Singh Lovepreet , Pierce Chris , Santantonio Nicholas , Steiner Robert , Miller Don , Reich Jon , Ray Ian
Published: February 2022

Drought and limited irrigation resources threaten agricultural sustainability in many regions of the world. Application of genomic‐based breeding strategies may benefit crop variety development for these environments. Here, we provide a first report on the effect of deploying DNA marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for the drought resilience quantitative trait in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The goals of this study were to validate the effect of several quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with alfalfa forage and crown–root (CR) biomass during drought and to determine their potential to improve forage yield of elite germplasm under water‐limited conditions. Marker assisted selection was employed to introgress favorable or unfavorable DNA marker alleles affiliated with 10 biomass QTL into three elite backgrounds. Thirty‐two populations were developed and evaluated for forage productivity over 3 yr under continuous deficit irrigation management in New Mexico, USA. Significant yield differences (ranging from −13 to 26%) were detected among some MAS‐derived populations in all three elite backgrounds. Application of QTL MAS generally resulted in expected phenotypic responses within an elite genetic background that was similar to that in which the QTL were originally identified. However, relative performance of the populations varied substantially across the three genetic backgrounds. These outcomes indicate that QTL MAS can significantly affect forage productivity of elite alfalfa germplasm in drought‐stressed environments. However, if biomass QTL are detected in donor germplasm that is genetically dissimilar to targeted elite populations, characterization of donor alleles may be warranted within elite backgrounds of interest to confirm their phenotypic effects prior to implementing MAS‐based breeding.
Wirtschafts- bzw. Unternehmensethik: Eine Analyse des Forschungsstandes
Authors: Fuchs Florian
Published: February 2022

Nachdem nun im vorigen Kapitel die Relevanz einer reflektierten Beschäftigung mit wirtschaftsethischen Fragen für die Betriebswirtschaftslehre als praktisch-normative Disziplin erarbeitet wurde, befasst sich die Arbeit im Folgenden mit dem aktuellen Forschungsstand der Wirtschafts- und insbesondere der Unternehmensethik. Nach einer terminologischen Präzisierung einiger zentraler Begriffe erfolgt eine Systematisierung der Forschungsrichtungen der Ethik sowie die Einordnung der Wirtschaftsethik als Teildisziplin der angewandten Ethik. Darüber hinaus wird das klassische Dreiebenenmodell der Wirtschaftsethik präsentiert, in welchem die Unternehmensethik auf der Mesoebene verankert wird.
Investigating the Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Classroom Practices of Out-of-Field, In-Field, and Upskilled Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Goos Merrilyn , Guerin Aoife
Published: February 2022

The study that we report in this chapter contributes to our broader research agenda for evaluating the impact of a national professional development programme that upskills out-of-field post-primary mathematics teachers in Ireland. The aim of the study was to compare the self-efficacy beliefs, perceived and observed classroom practices of six post-primary mathematics teachers (three groups of 2) who were either out-of-field, upskilled via the professional development programme, or in-field. The teachers completed surveys of their self-efficacy beliefs and approaches to teaching mathematics. Video recordings of three mathematics lessons taught by each teacher were analysed using the Productive Pedagogies classroom observation framework. The findings showed that there were similarities and differences between the three groups of teachers; however, the upskilled teachers were developing self-efficacy beliefs and pedagogical practices that are similar to those of in-field teachers of mathematics.
The physics potential of a reactor neutrino experiment with Skipper-CCDs: searching for new physics with light mediators
Authors: Fernandez-Moroni G. , Harnik R. , Machado P. A. N. , Martinez-Soler I. , Perez-Gonzalez Y. F. , Rodrigues D. , Rosauro-Alcaraz S.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We explore the sensitivity to new physics of the recently proposed vIOLETA experiment: a 10 kg Skipper Charged Coupled Device detector deployed 12 meters away from a commercial nuclear reactor core. We investigate two broad classes of models which benefit from the very low energy recoil threshold of these detectors, namely neutrino magnetic moments and light mediators coupled to neutrinos and quarks or electrons. We find that this experimental setup is very sensitive to light, weakly coupled new physics, and in particular that it could probe potential explanations of the event excess observed in XENON1T. We also provide a detailed study on the dependence of the sensitivity on the experimental setup assumptions and on the neutrino flux systematic uncertainties.
Erratum to: Gravity-mediated scalar Dark Matter in warped extra-dimensions
Authors: Folgado Miguel G. , Donini Andrea , Rius Nuria
Published: February 2022

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP01(2020)161
Inside anisotropic black hole with vector hair
Authors: Cai Rong-Gen , Ge Chenghu , Li Li , Yang Run-Qiu
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We study the internal structure of anisotropic black holes with charged vector hairs. Taking advantage of the scaling symmetries of the system, some radially conserved charges are found via the extension of the Noether theorem. Then, a general proof of no inner horizon of these black holes is presented and the geometry ends at a spacelike singularity. Before reaching the singularity, we find several intermediate regimes both analytically and numerically. In addition to the Einstein-Rosen bridge contracting towards the singularity, the instability triggered by the vector hair results in the oscillations of vector condensate and the anisotropy of spatial geometry. Moreover, the latter oscillates at twice the frequency of the condensate. Then, the geometry enters into Kasner epochs with spatial anisotropy. Due to the effects from vector condensate and U(1) gauge potential, there is generically a never-ending alternation of Kasner epochs towards the singularity. The character of evolution on approaching the singularity is found to be described by the Kasner epoch alternation with flipping of powers of the Belinskii-Khalatnikov-Lifshitz type.
Five-dimensional path integrals for six-dimensional conformal field theories
Authors: Lambert N. , Lipstein A. , Mouland R. , Richmond P.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

In this paper we derive Ward-Takahashi identities from the path integral of supersymmetric five-dimensional field theories with an SU(1, 3) spacetime symmetry in the presence of instantons. We explicitly show how SU(1, 3) is enhanced to SU(1,3)×U(1) where the additional U(1) acts non-perturbatively. Solutions to such Ward-Takahashi identities were previously obtained from correlators of six-dimensional Lorentzian conformal field theories but where the instanton number was replaced by the momentum along a null direction. Here we study the reverse procedure whereby we construct correlation functions out of towers of five-dimensional operators which satisfy the Ward-Takahashi identities of a six-dimensional conformal field theory. This paves the way to computing observables in six dimensions using five-dimensional path integral techniques. We also argue that, once the instanton sector is included into the path integral, the coupling of the five-dimensional Lagrangian must be quantised, leaving no free continuous parameters.
Erfahrungen mit der digitalen Versorgung von Patienten mit chronischen und akuten Lungenerkrankungen während der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie
Authors: Braun Marcel , Schmidt Olaf , Schultz Thomas , Woehrle Holger , Sundrup Martina Große , Schöbel Christoph
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund

Das Management von Patienten mit respiratorischen Erkrankungen ist seit Beginn der Severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)-Pandemie durch Maßnahmen zur Infektionsprävention teilweise erschwert. Um die Versorgung zu gewährleisten, wurde ein digitales Versorgungsprogramm implementiert, mit dem Krankheitsverläufe von Patienten per Smartphone-App und Bluetooth-Spirometer überwacht werden können.

Zielsetzung

Ermittlung der Erfahrungen von Patienten und Ärzten mit der digitalen Versorgung.

Material und Methoden

Zur Analyse der Erfahrungen wurden strukturierte Fragebögen entwickelt, mit denen verschiedene Dimensionen aus Sicht von Patienten und Ärzten bewertet wurden. Nutzung und Interaktion wurden quantitativ erfasst.

Ergebnisse

In das Programm wurden 745 Patienten mit Asthma, chronisch-obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung, Zustand nach „coronavirus disease 2019“ (COVID-19) sowie anderen Lungenerkrankungen eingeschlossen. Im mittleren Nachsorgezeitraum von 49,4 ± 12,6 Wochen erfolgten durchschnittlich 289 Messungen. Aus Patientenperspektive wurde das digitale Programm positiv bewertet: Die höchste Bewertung wurde für „Erfahrung mit der häuslichen Messung“ ermittelt (1,4 ± 0,5; 99 % positiv), gefolgt von „Kommunikation/Interaktion“ (1,8 ± 0,9; 83 % positiv). Ein Anteil von 70 % gab eine subjektive Verbesserung der Lebensqualität durch die Teilnahme am Programm an. Die Bewertung durch die Ärzte war mit einer mittleren Bewertung von 2,2 ± 1,2 ebenfalls positiv.

Schlussfolgerung

Das App-basierte digitale Versorgungsprogramm konnte sinnvoll in die Routineversorgung während der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie integriert werden und hat das Potenzial, die Versorgung auch darüber hinaus zu unterstützen. Patientenrelevante Erfahrungen sind in allen Dimensionen positiv und die digitale Versorgung wurde gut akzeptiert. Vonseiten der teilnehmenden Ärzte wird das Programm positiv bewertet, was sich an der hohen Interaktion mit der Plattform und den positiven Bewertungen der Effekte zeigt.
Identification and fine mapping of a major QTL (qRtsc8-1) conferring resistance to maize tar spot complex and validation of production markers in breeding lines
Authors: Ren Jiaojiao , Wu Penghao , Huestis Gordon M. , Zhang Ao , Qu Jingtao , Liu Yubo , Zheng Hongjian , Alakonya Amos E. , Dhliwayo Thanda , Olsen Michael , San Vicente Felix , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Chen Jiafa , Zhang Xuecai
Published: February 2022

Key message

A major QTL of qRtsc8-1 conferring TSC resistance was identified and fine mapped to a 721 kb region on chromosome 8 at 81 Mb, and production markers were validated in breeding lines.

Tar spot complex (TSC) is a major foliar disease of maize in many Central and Latin American countries and leads to severe yield loss. To dissect the genetic architecture of TSC resistance, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) panel and a bi-parental doubled haploid population were used for GWAS and selective genotyping analysis, respectively. A total of 115 SNPs in bin 8.03 were detected by GWAS and three QTL in bins 6.05, 6.07, and 8.03 were detected by selective genotyping. The major QTL qRtsc8-1 located in bin 8.03 was detected by both analyses, and it explained 14.97% of the phenotypic variance. To fine map qRtsc8-1, the recombinant-derived progeny test was implemented. Recombinations in each generation were backcrossed, and the backcross progenies were genotyped with Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers and phenotyped for TSC resistance individually. The significant tests for comparing the TSC resistance between the two classes of progenies with and without resistant alleles were used for fine mapping. In BC5 generation, qRtsc8-1 was fine mapped in an interval of  ~ 721 kb flanked by markers of KASP81160138 and KASP81881276. In this interval, the candidate genes GRMZM2G063511 and GRMZM2G073884 were identified, which encode an integral membrane protein-like and a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase, respectively. Both genes are involved in maize disease resistance responses. Two production markers KASP81160138 and KASP81160155 were verified in 471 breeding lines. This study provides valuable information for cloning the resistance gene, and it will also facilitate the routine implementation of marker-assisted selection in the breeding pipeline for improving TSC resistance.
Keeping the organization in the loop: a socio-technical extension of human-centered artificial intelligence
Authors: Herrmann Thomas , Pfeiffer Sabine
Published: February 2022

The human-centered AI approach posits a future in which the work done by humans and machines will become ever more interactive and integrated. This article takes human-centered AI one step further. It argues that the integration of human and machine intelligence is achievable only if human organizations—not just individual human workers—are kept “in the loop.” We support this argument with evidence of two case studies in the area of predictive maintenance, by which we show how organizational practices are needed and shape the use of AI/ML. Specifically, organizational processes and outputs such as decision-making workflows, etc. directly influence how AI/ML affects the workplace, and they are crucial for answering our first and second research questions, which address the pre-conditions for keeping humans in the loop and for supporting continuous and reliable functioning of AI-based socio-technical processes. From the empirical cases, we extrapolate a concept of “keeping the organization in the loop” that integrates four different kinds of loops: AI use, AI customization, AI-supported original tasks, and taking contextual changes into account. The analysis culminates in a systematic framework of keeping the organization in the loop look based on interacting organizational practices.
A stabilized finite element method for inverse problems subject to the convection–diffusion equation. II: convection-dominated regime
Authors: Burman Erik , Nechita Mihai , Oksanen Lauri
Published: February 2022

We consider the numerical approximation of the ill-posed data assimilation problem for stationary convection–diffusion equations and extend our previous analysis in Burman et al. (Numer. Math. 144:451–477, 2020) to the convection-dominated regime. Slightly adjusting the stabilized finite element method proposed for dominant diffusion, we draw upon a local error analysis to obtain quasi-optimal convergence along the characteristics of the convective field through the data set. The weight function multiplying the discrete solution is taken to be Lipschitz continuous and a corresponding super approximation result (discrete commutator property) is proven. The effect of data perturbations is included in the analysis and we conclude the paper with some numerical experiments.
CARL – kontrollierte Reperfusion des ganzen Körpers
Authors: Benk C , Trummer G , Pooth J.-S. , Scherer C. , Beyersdorf F
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund

Inzidenz und Letalität des akuten Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstands sind seit Jahrzehnten gleichbleibend hoch.

Fragestellung

Wie lassen sich die derzeit unbefriedigenden Ergebnisse nach einer Reanimation mit Blick auf das Überleben und die neurologischen, v. a. mit Blick auf die zerebralen Folgeschäden verbessern?

Material und Methoden

Entwicklung eines therapeutischen Verfahrens zur Eindämmung des Ischämie‑/Reperfusionsschadens im Tiermodell. Entwicklung eines für die Reanimation optimierten Gerätesystems, mit dem sich eine kontrollierte Ganzkörperreperfusion auch außerklinisch umsetzen lässt.

Ergebnisse

Etablierung der CARL-Therapie in der Klinik und in der Behandlung von OHCA-Patienten. Übernahme der Therapie und des CARL-Systems in eine klinische Beobachtungsstudie. Erste Fallberichte, in denen Patienten einen OHCA auch nach Ischämiezeiten bis zu 2 h ohne Schädigung des Gehirns überlebten.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die CARL-Therapie eignet sich potenziell zur Behandlung reanimationspflichtiger Patienten mit einem auch über längere Zeit therapierefraktären Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand.
Changes in acute and trauma hand surgery in the first Covid-19 lockdown in a German trauma center: a retrospective analysis of 338 cases
Authors: Klietz Marie-Luise , Aitzetmüller Matthias M. , Glasbrenner Johannes , Raschke Michael J. , Langer Martin F. , Oeckenpöhler Simon
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Although Covid-19 and especially lockdown periods have affected our everyday live, its impact on hand traumatology is under investigated.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients presenting at a FESSH accredited HTRC and level 1 trauma center in Germany during the Covid-19 lockdown period and an equivalent timeframe in 2019 regarding incidence of hand trauma, injury mechanism, type of injury and hand surgeries.

Results

338 patients presented at our department with acute hand injuries. A significant reduction of work-related accidents was found during lockdown contrary to an increase of do-it-yourself related trauma. Although the incidence of hand trauma decreased during lockdown by 18%, the rate of hand surgery increased in absolute and relative numbers.

Conclusions

Although Covid-19 has negatively impacting elective and semi-elective surgeries, acute hand surgery has gained in importance represented by a shift from work related to do-it-yourself trauma and an increased rate of surgical treatment.

Level of evidence

IV (therapeutic).
Tasks activating the default mode network map multiple functional systems
Authors: Mancuso Lorenzo , Cavuoti-Cabanillas Sara , Liloia Donato , Manuello Jordi , Buzi Giulia , Cauda Franco , Costa Tommaso
Published: February 2022

Recent developments in network neuroscience suggest reconsidering what we thought we knew about the default mode network (DMN). Although this network has always been seen as unitary and associated with the resting state, a new deconstructive line of research is pointing out that the DMN could be divided into multiple subsystems supporting different functions. By now, it is well known that the DMN is not only deactivated by tasks, but also involved in affective, mnestic, and social paradigms, among others. Nonetheless, it is starting to become clear that the array of activities in which it is involved, might also be extended to more extrinsic functions. The present meta-analytic study is meant to push this boundary a bit further. The BrainMap database was searched for all experimental paradigms activating the DMN, and their activation likelihood estimation maps were then computed. An additional map of task-induced deactivations was also created. A multidimensional scaling indicated that such maps could be arranged along an anatomo-psychological gradient, which goes from midline core activations, associated with the most internal functions, to that of lateral cortices, involved in more external tasks. Further multivariate investigations suggested that such extrinsic mode is especially related to reward, semantic, and emotional functions. However, an important finding was that the various activation maps were often different from the canonical representation of the resting-state DMN, sometimes overlapping with it only in some peripheral nodes, and including external regions such as the insula. Altogether, our findings suggest that the intrinsic–extrinsic opposition may be better understood in the form of a continuous scale, rather than a dichotomy.
Improvements to gearbox acoustics via thrust collars
Authors: Heinrich Christian , Lohrengel Armin
Published: February 2022

Thrust collars relieve the gearbox housing of the axial force and tilting moments generated by helical gears. The different transfer path also reduces the vibration excitation of the housing due to meshing, which could lead to improved acoustics. This paper presents measurements of noise level reduction of an experimental gearbox. A gearbox dynamics simulation model is used to investigate the effects resulting from the inclusion of thrust collars.
Nationwide registry for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasm of pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, bronchi, or thymus in Japan
Authors: Masui Toshihiko , Ito Tetsuhide , Komoto Izumi , Kojima Shinsuke , Kasai Yosuke , Tanabe Minoru , Hara Kazuo , Hirano Satoshi , Okusaka Takuji , Ichikawa Yasushi , Kinugasa Yusuke , Kokudo Norihiro , Kudo Atsushi , Sakurai Akihiro , Sugihara Kenichi , Date Hiroshi , Haruma Ken , Hijioka Susumu , Hirata Koichi , Yamano Hiroo , Sakamine Motohiro , Kikuchi Takashi , Fukushima Masanori , Imamura Masayuki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: February 2022

Background

Neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) is a comparatively rare tumor that has been considered indolent. Due to these characteristics, detailed epidemiological data have not been analyzed in Japan. To elucidate the present status of NEN diagnosis and treatment in Japan, we started a registry cohort study in January 2015.

Methods

Patients pathologically diagnosed with NENs of the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, bronchi, or thymus after January 2012 were enrolled in this registry after the date of ethics review committee approval in each hospital or institute. Follow-up was continued for enrolled patients.

Results

During 5 years of enrollment between January 2015 and December 2019, a total of 1526 participants from 63 departments were enrolled in this registry (mean, 305.2 participants/year), covering approximately 5.8% of the annual incidence of NENs in Japan. For pancreatic NEN, 41.9% of patients had metastasis and the dominant metastatic site was the liver, at twice the rate of lymph node metastasis in the current registry. In contrast, the frequency of lymph node metastasis from gastrointestinal (GI)-NEN was similar to that of the liver. The distribution of WHO 2019-based grades varied according to the primary site. Low-to-intermediate grade (G1–G2) was dominant for duodenal, jejunal/ileal, rectal, and pancreatic NENs, whereas high grade (G3 or NEC) was dominant for esophageal, stomach, and colon NENs. For PanNENs, G3 and NEC accounted only for 1.6% and 2.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

These cohort data provide crucial information for clinical research to clarify the characteristics of NENs in Japan.
Right atrial appendage: an important structure to drive atrial fibrillation
Authors: Liu Yang , Song Ziliang , Jiang Weifeng , Wu Shaohui , Liu Xu , Qin Mu
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Understanding of the atrial fibrillation (AF) driven by right atrial appendage (RAA) is limited. This study aimed to understand the characteristics of the AF driven by RAA and explore ablation methods.

Methods

This was a retrospective study and patients who were identified as having the AF driven by RAA were reviewed. Ablation was performed during AF. Potential maps of the left and right atrium, electrophysiological examinations, and ablation methods were studied.

Results

Among the 20 identified patients (mean age 67.0 ± 11.2 years; ejection fraction 62.9 ± 6.0%; LA diameter 43.1 ± 4.9 mm; RA diameter 51.7 ± 8.3 × 42.9 ± 3.7 mm), the AF cycle length in RAA (134.0 ± 10.9 ms) was the shortest, and the fastest frequency potentials were located in the RAA in 65% of patients. For the left atrium, the AF cycle length of the roof (145.5 ± 14.9 ms) was the shortest, followed by the left atrial appendage (153.7 ± 17.1 ms) and bottom (154.8 ± 11.8 ms). High-frequency potentials of RAA could be rapidly conducted to left atrium via sagittal bundle and Bachmann’s bundle, and the conduction time (55.0 ± 5.0 ms) was significantly shorter than the mean bi-atrial activation time (176.7 ± 10.3 ms, P < 0.0001). AF could be terminated after ablation at the RAA base (17 patients) or mechanical stimulation within the RAA (3 patients). To date, only two patients had recurrent atrial flutter, while the remaining patients maintained sinus rhythm.

Conclusion

The AF driven by RAA is characterized by high-frequency potentials in RAA, and ablation at the RAA base can achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect.
Condors in space: an individual-based population model for California condor reintroduction planning
Authors: D’Elia Jesse , Schumaker Nathan H. , Marcot Bruce G. , Miewald Thomas , Watkins Sydney , Yanahan Alan D.
Published: February 2022

Context

Existing demographic models of California condors have not simultaneously considered individual condor movement paths, the distribution and juxtaposition of release sites, habitat components, or the spatial distribution of threats.

Objectives

Our objectives were to develop a dynamic spatially explicit and individual-based model (IBM) of California condor demography and to evaluate its ability to replicate empirical data on demography and distribution from California (1995–2019).

Methods

We built a female-only spatially explicit California condor IBM in HexSim, using a daily timestep that allowed us to simulate the foraging behavior of condors, changes in food distribution and availability, and the ephemeral threat of lead in decaying food resources.

Results

Simulated population size was highly correlated with annual population census data once the population became established with > 50 females (r2 = 0.99). Mean simulated fecundity and mortality estimates were not significantly different from empirical trends (p > 0.05), although empirical data had higher interannual variability. The geographic distribution of modeled condors was similar to the empirical distribution with an overall accuracy of 79%, a commission error of 27%, and an omission error of 9%. Simulated movement density corresponded moderately well to the density of observed GPS locations (weighted kappa = 0.44).

Conclusions

We developed a spatially explicit California condor IBM that is well-calibrated to empirical data from California. Given its mechanistic underpinnings and flexibility to incorporate a variety of spatial and demographic inputs, we expect our model to be useful for assessing the relative risks and benefits of future condor reintroduction and management scenarios.
Commute distance and jobs-housing fit
Authors: Blumenberg Evelyn , Siddiq Fariba
Published: February 2022

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the affordable housing crisis is forcing households to seek lower cost housing in the outer reaches of major metropolitan areas, helping to explain recent increases in commute distance. To test this relationship, we use spatial regression to examine the relationship between the availability of affordable housing in close proximity to jobs (jobs-housing fit) and commute distance in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The analysis draws on 2015 Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) Origin–Destination Employment Statistics (LODES) by workplace supplemented with data from the 2013–2017 5-Year American Community Survey on affordable housing units. We find substantial variation in jobs-housing fit across Los Angeles neighborhoods. The imbalance is greatest in higher-income neighborhoods located along the coast and in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. Controlling for other determinants of commute distance, a higher ratio of jobs to affordable housing is associated with longer distance commutes. To address growing commute distances, policymakers must greatly expand and protect the supply of long-term rental housing particularly in job-rich neighborhoods.
Accurately quantifying the superposition state of two different Laguerre–Gaussian modes with single intensity distribution measurement
Authors: Xiao Ya , Liu Haida , Song Yuewei , HanZhao Qizhi , Che Fengheng , Fan Xuan , Han Xinhong , Qu Huichao , Li Weichen , Li Wendong , Gu Yongjian
Published: February 2022

We develop a method to quantify the superposition state of two different Laguerre–Gaussian modes. By analyzing the characteristics of the intensity distribution obtained in a single measurement, including the petal number, the position and value of the extremum intensity, one can quantify the angular momentum index, the radial node index and the superposition coefficient simultaneously. Experimentally, we measure a series of superposition states, whose angular momentum index ranges from −47 to 53, radial node index from 0 to 3 and superposition weight from 0.1 to 0.9. The average trace distance and the mean fidelity of these states are lower than 0.053 ± 0.001 and higher than 0.982 ± 0.002, respectively. Our method can further obtain the superposition coefficient compared with previous mode verification ones and can reduce the number of measurement settings compared with the traditional quantum state tomography, thus more applicable in practice.
On the cardinal utility equivalence of biseparable preferences
Authors: Maccheroni Fabio , Marinacci Massimo , Yang Jingni
Published: February 2022

We establish a simple condition, based on the willingness to bet on events, under which two biseparable preferences have cardinally equivalent utilities
Elevated level of lysophosphatidic acid among patients with HNF1B mutations and its role in RCAD syndrome: a multiomic study
Authors: Małachowska Beata , Janikiewicz Justyna , Pietrowska Karolina , Wyka Krystyna , Madzio Joanna , Wypyszczak Kamila , Tkaczyk Marcin , Chrul Sławomir , Zwiech Rafał , Hogendorf Anna , Małecki Maciej T. , Borowiec Maciej , Krętowski Adam , Młynarski Wojciech , Dobrzyń Agnieszka , Ciborowski Michał , Fendler Wojciech
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Patients with hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta (HNF1B) mutations present a variable phenotype with two main symptoms: maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Objectives

Identification of serum metabolites specific for HNF1Bmut and evaluation of their role in disease pathogenesis.

Methods

We recruited patients with HNF1Bmut (N = 10), HNF1Amut (N = 10), PKD: non-dialyzed and dialyzed (N = 8 and N = 13); and healthy controls (N = 12). Serum fingerprinting was performed by LC-QTOF-MS. Selected metabolite was validated by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) measurements and then biologically connected with HNF1B by in silico analysis. HepG2 were stimulated with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and HNF1B gene was knocked down (kd) by small interfering RNA. Transcriptomic analysis with microarrays and western blot measurements were performed.

Results

Serum levels of six metabolites including: arachidonic acid, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, linoleamide and three LPA (18:1, 18:2 and 20:4), had AUC (the area under the curve) > 0.9 (HNF1Bmut vs comparative groups). The increased level of LPA was confirmed by ELISA measurements. In HepG2HNF1Bkd cells LPA stimulation lead to downregulation of many pathways associated with cell cycle, lipid metabolism, and upregulation of steroid hormone metabolism and Wnt signaling. Also, increased intracellular protein level of autotaxin was detected in the cells. GSK-3alpha/beta protein level and its phosphorylated ratio were differentially affected by LPA stimulation in HNF1Bkd and control cells.

Conclusions

LPA is elevated in sera of patients with HNF1Bmut. LPA contributes to the pathogenesis of HNF1B-MODY by affecting Wnt/GSK-3 signaling.
Environmental Kuznets curve for CO2 emissions in Baltic countries: an empirical investigation
Authors: Kar Ashim Kumar
Published: February 2022

Recognizing the factors responsible for the gradual increase in greenhouse gas [e.g. carbon dioxide (CO2)] emissions is crucial to reduce the detrimental consequences on environmental sustainability and human life. Accordingly, spotting the sectors which contribute the most to CO2 emissions and dampen economic growth have become one of the major concerns for policymakers around the globe. Against this background, this paper examines the nexus between economic growth and CO2 emissions in three Baltic countries namely Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Thus, the study basically checks the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis by taking into account the role of energy consumption and financial development over the period of 1990–2018. This type of study is highly important for the region in order to comply with the commitments of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The study first employs appropriate testing procedures and second-generation panel data methods to account for cross-sectional dependency and slope heterogeneity among countries. Applying unit roots and cointegration tests, the study then employed different mean group estimation models and heterogeneous panel causality methods suitable for cross-sectionally dependent and heterogeneous panels. The results of the econometric analyses reveal that the inverted U-shaped EKC hypothesis does not hold in the Baltic countries. But the pollution haven hypothesis is evidenced to hold for these nations. By boosting the CO2 emissions figures, again, the study also revealed that higher levels of energy consumption exhibit adverse environmental consequences. Financial development is found to be effective in explaining the variations in the CO2 emission figures of the selected countries as well. Causality test results confirm bi-directional causality between economic growth and CO2 emissions, energy use and CO2 emissions, CO2 emissions and financial development, energy use and economic growth as well as between energy use and financial development. Furthermore, country-specific impacts are found to be similar to the corresponding panel estimates. Consistent with the findings, the study finally puts forward some policy-level suggestions. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Baltic countries need to move away from fossil-fuel dependent energy consumption growth policies to mitigate environmental degradation.
Comparative environmental and social life cycle assessments of off-shore aquaculture rafts made in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)
Authors: Caruso Maria Chiara , Pascale Carmine , Camacho Esteban , Ferrara Liberato
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the environmental and social impacts of three types of rafts for mussel farming in Spain. These structures, traditionally made of wood, have a short lifespan and, because of their service conditions, require frequent maintenance in order to be fully operational. An innovative solution made with ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) was developed in 2016 by RDC, being at the base of the pilots of the EU-funded project ReSHEALience (H2020-GA760824).

Methods

In order to quantify the environmental and social impacts generated by alternative solutions for the aquaculture raft, a life cycle approach has been used. The life cycle assessment methodology, according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, has been used for the evaluation of the environmental impacts, while the social life cycle assessment (SLCA) methodology, according to the Guidelines for SLCA of Products and the social impact assessment method developed by Ciroth and Franze (2011), has been used for the evaluation of the social impacts: the same functional unit and the same stages of the life cycle to be included in the study has been set for the alternative solutions.

Results and discussion

Based on the LCA results, derived from the system boundary described in the “Goal and scope” section for the mussel aquaculture structures, the highest environmental impacts in the cradle-to-grave analysis are generated by the Traditional Raft with maintenance based on the periodic application of paints; the lowest environmental impacts are generated by the Traditional Raft with maintenance based on the progressive replacement of the damaged logs, while the Innovative Raft has an intermediate behavior in terms of environmental impact generation. Based on the S-LCA results, it can be stated that both the solutions generate high impacts; nevertheless, the Innovative solution has a slight lower impact than the Traditional solutions, which could be lowered if some precautions in the society policy are taken. Social hot-spots are identified in order to help reducing the overall social impacts.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it can be stated that, from both the environmental and social points of view, the Traditional Solutions for the aquaculture raft are the most “impactful,” especially when the maintenance is based on paint application. The use of innovative concretes allows to build longer lifespan rafts with minimum (or no) need of maintenance. Moreover, the behavior of new companies is more attentive to social aspects related to their activities and has a margin of improvement, when compared to traditional companies.
Suppressive effects of processed aconite root on dexamethasone-induced muscle ring finger protein-1 expression and its active ingredients
Authors: Kondo Taishi , Ishida Tomoaki , Ye Ke , Muraguchi Marin , Tanimura Yohei , Yoshida Masato , Ishiuchi Kan’ichiro , Abe Tomoki , Nikawa Takeshi , Hagihara Keisuke , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Makino Toshiaki
Published: February 2022

Processed aconite root (PA), the tuberous root of Aconitum carmichaelii prepared by autoclaving, is a crude drug used in Japanese traditional Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine for the symptoms of kidney deficiency, that is related to the muscle atrophy in modern medicine. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of PA on muscle atrophy and to find its active ingredients using dexamethasone-induced muscle ring finger protein-1 (MuRF1) mRNA expression in murine myoblast C2C12 cells. Dexamethasone-induced MuRF1 expression was significantly suppressed by methanol-soluble part of boiling water extract of PA in a concentration-dependent manner with its IC50 value of 1.5 mg/ml. By the activity-guided fractionations of PA extract using the partition between organic solvents and its aqueous solution, the activity of PA did not transfer into the fraction containing aconitine-type diterpenoid alkaloids but into BuOH layer. Then, we found higenamine and salsolinol as the active ingredients in PA. Higenamine and salsolinol significantly suppressed dexamethasone-induced MuRF1 expression, and their IC50 values were 0.49 and 50 µM, respectively. The contents of higenamine and salsolinol in the decoctions of commercially available fourteen PA products are 0.12 and 14 µg/ml as the average values, and varied with the coefficient of variation (CV) values of 97 and 63%, respectively. Higenamine also significantly suppressed dexamethasone-induced mRNA expressions of muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx)/atrogin1, casitas B-lineage lymphoma-b (Cbl-b), troponin, branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase 2 (BCAT2), and Bcl-2 binding and pro-apoptotic protein3 (Bnip3). Although the quality control of PA is regulated by the contents of diterpene alkaloids, salsolinol and higenamine can be used as the marker compounds to certificate the pharmacological activities of PA.

Graphical abstract
Der Capability-Ansatz in der Bewegungsförderung
Authors: Till Maike , Abu-Omar Karim , Gelius Peter
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund

Die Befähigung verschiedener Zielgruppen und der Abbau gesundheitlicher Ungleichheit stehen bei Projekten der Bewegungsförderung häufig im Fokus. Die dabei oft als theoretische Basis eingesetzten Determinanten- und Empowerment-Ansätze weisen in der konkreten Projektarbeit jedoch Nachteile auf. Als Alternative hat in den letzten Jahren der Capability-Ansatz (CA) eine zunehmende Verbreitung gefunden. Bisher haben allerdings nur wenige Arbeiten untersucht, welche Vorzüge dieser Ansatz hat und wie er sich in Projekten der Gesundheitsförderung einsetzen lässt.

Ziel

Dieser Beitrag soll aufzeigen, wie der CA für die Evaluation bereits abgeschlossener Interventionen der Bewegungsförderung nutzbar gemacht werden kann, Wirkungen in verschiedenen Bereichen sichtbar macht und sie in Beziehung zueinander setzt.

Methodik und Material

Mithilfe des CA wurde die Arbeit des Projekts exemplarisch evaluiert. Dafür wurden über einen Zeitraum von 16 Jahren entstandene Projektpublikationen (n = 37) einer systematischen Dokumentenanalyse unterzogen.

Ergebnis

Die Einordnung des Projekts in ein Capability-Modell illustriert das breite Spektrum von Ergebnissen einer partizipativen Intervention zur Bewegungsförderung auf verschiedenen Ebenen. Der Ansatz ermöglicht es zudem, die Verbindungen von Verhaltens- und Verhältnisebene sowie zwischen der „Zielgruppe“ und Multiplikator:innen im Setting zu veranschaulichen.

Schlussfolgerung

Der CA ermöglicht Projekten der Bewegungsförderung eine systematische Betrachtung von Wirkungen auf Verhaltens- und Verhältnisebene, und nimmt neben dem Individuum auch das Kollektiv in den Blick. Er bietet somit die Chance, Empowerment- und Determinantenansätze der Ungleichheitsforschung systematisch zu verbinden und für die Projektevaluation nutzbar zu machen.
Disassociated and concurrent structural and functional abnormalities in the drug-naïve first-episode early onset schizophrenia
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Sha , Cao Xiaohua , Li Zexuan , Fan Yun-shuang , Wang Yanfang , Wang Jiaojian , Xu Yong
Published: February 2022

Schizophrenia which is an abnormally developmental disease has been widely reported to show abnormal brain structure and function. Enhanced functional integration is a predominant neural marker for brain mature. Abnormal development of structure and functional integration may be a biomarker for early diagnosis of schizophrenia. Fifty-five patients with early onset schizophrenia (EOS) and 79 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional connectivity density (FCD) were performed to explore gray matter volume (GMV) lesion, abnormal functional integration, and concurrent structural and functional abnormalities in the brain. Furthermore, the relationships between abnormalities structural and function and clinical characteristics were evaluated in EOS. Compared with healthy controls, EOS showed significantly decreased GMV in the bilateral OFC, frontal, temporal, occipital, parietal and limbic system. EOS also showed decreased FCD in precuneus and increased FCD in cerebellum. Moreover, we found concurrent changes of structure and function in left lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC). Finally, correlation analyses did not find significant correlation between abnormal neural measurements and clinical characteristic in EOS. The results reveal disassociated and bound structural and functional abnormalities patterns in EOS suggesting structural and functional measurements play different roles in delineating the abnormal patterns of EOS. The concurrent structural and functional changes in lOFC may be a biomarker for early diagnosis of schizophrenia. Our findings will deepen our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms in EOS.