bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of digital economy on urban sustainable development: Evidence from Chinese cities
Authors: Liu Yang , Xie Yanxiang , Zhong Kaiyang
Published: July 2023

Digital economy takes data as its core input element and has high green value, but does the development of digital economy necessarily promote sustainable development? We use 286 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2019 as a case study to examine the impact of digital economy on urban sustainable development, and discuss the mechanisms of digital economy on urban sustainable development, heterogeneous impacts, threshold effects of environmental regulations, and the role of National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone. It was found that: (1) The digital economy has green value and can effectively contribute to urban sustainable development. (2) The digital economy can achieve urban sustainable development by enhancing green technological innovation and human capital. (3) Environmental regulation has a threshold effect in the digital economy driving urban sustainable development. (4) The establishment of National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone can promote urban sustainable development. (5) The polarization effect of the level of urban sustainable development in first‐tier and second‐tier cities is still increasing under the background of digital economy, which intensifies the “Matthew effect” among different levels of cities, and the inclusiveness of digital economy has not really been reflected in China. This study explores the influence and mechanism of digital economy on urban sustainable development in the context of China, which is of great theoretical and practical significance for developing countries to solve Solow productivity paradox and realize urban sustainable development in the new development stage.
G‐estimation of structural nested mean models for interval‐censored data using pseudo‐observations
Authors: Tanaka Shiro , Brookhart M. Alan , Fine Jason
Published: July 2023

Two large‐scale randomized clinical trials compared fenofibrate and placebo in diabetic patients with pre‐existing retinopathy (FIELD study) or risk factors (ACCORD trial) on an intention‐to‐treat basis and reported a significant reduction in the progression of diabetic retinopathy in the fenofibrate arms. However, their analyses involved complications due to intercurrent events, that is, treatment‐switching and interval‐censoring. This article addresses these problems involved in estimation of causal effects of long‐term use of fibrates in a cohort study that followed patients with type 2 diabetes for 8 years. We propose structural nested mean models (SNMMs) of time‐varying treatment effects and pseudo‐observation estimators for interval‐censored data. The first estimator for SNMMs uses a nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) as a pseudo‐observation, while the second estimator is based on MLE under a parametric piecewise exponential distribution. Through numerical studies with real and simulated datasets, the pseudo‐observations estimators of causal effects using the nonparametric Wellner–Zhan estimator perform well even under dependent interval‐censoring. Its application to the diabetes study revealed that the use of fibrates in the first 4 years reduced the risk of diabetic retinopathy but did not support its efficacy beyond 4 years.
Unveiling Cutting Edge Innovations in the Catalytic Valorization of Biodiesel Byproduct Glycerol into Value Added Products
Authors: Mohan Kavya , Pai Sunaja Devi Kalathiparambil Rajendra , Reghunath Baby Shalini , Pinheiro Dephan
Published: July 2023

The increasing production of biodiesel has led to a glut in the production of glycerol, which is a byproduct. This has resulted in the quest for alternative applications using glycerol as a cheap and readily available starting material. One promising approach is the catalytic valorization of glycerol, which converts glycerol into valuable chemicals such as 1,2‐propanediol, lactic acid, and acrolein. The glycerol formed affects the efficiency of the biodiesel, and hence it must be removed. Different processes can convert glycerol to various useful products like glycerol carbonate, glycidol, solketal, lactic acid, and glyceric acid. These different products, the processes used for synthesis, and the various catalysts used have been discussed. The most effective methods for the syntheses, the numerous catalyst systems, mechanisms of the reactions, and applications of these products in different fields are discussed in this review. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities of glycerol valorization, including the need for improved catalyst selectivity and activity and the potential for integrating glycerol valorization with other biorefinery processes. Overall, the catalytic valorization of glycerol offers a promising pathway for utilizing this abundantly available resource, and this review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners working in this area.
Ultralight, Heat‐Insulated, and Tough PVA Hydrogel Hybridized with SiO2@cellulose Nanoclaws Aerogel via the Synergy of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Interfacial Interactions
Authors: Xie Yuqi , Li Zhaohui , Zhang Yawen , Lu Yunjie , Zhang Jianming , Zong Lu
Published: July 2023

Lightweight porous hydrogels provide a worldwide scope for functional soft mateirals. However, most porous hydrogels have weak mechanical strength, high density (>1 g cm−3), and high heat absorption due to weak interfacial interactions and high solvent fill rates, which severely limit their application in wearable soft‐electronic devices. Herein, an effective hybrid hydrogel‐aerogel strategy to assemble ultralight, heat‐insulated, and tough polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/SiO2@cellulose nanoclaws (CNCWs) hydrogels (PSCG) via strong interfacial interactions with hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction is demonstrated. The resultant PSCG has an interesting hierarchical porous structure from bubble template (≈100 µm), PVA hydrogels networks introduced by ice crystals (≈10 µm), and hybrid SiO2 aerogels (<50 nm), respectively. PSCG shows unprecedented low density (0.27 g cm−3), high tensile strength (1.6 MPa) & compressive strength (1.5 MPa), excellent heat‐insulated ability, and strain‐sensitive conductivity. This lightweight porous and tough hydrogel with an ingenious design provides a new way for wearable soft‐electronic devices.
Unravel the Tangle: Atomistic Insight into Ultrahigh Curcumin‐Loaded Polymer Micelles
Authors: Kehrein Josef , Gürsöz Ekinsu , Davies Matthew , Luxenhofer Robert , Bunker Alex
Published: July 2023

Amphiphilic ABA‐triblock copolymers, comprised of poly(2‐oxazoline) and poly(2‐oxazine), can solubilize poorly water‐soluble molecules in a structure‐dependent manner forming micelles with exceptionally high drug loading. All‐atom molecular dynamics simulations are conducted on previously experimentally characterized, curcumin‐loaded micelles to dissect the structure‐property relationships. Polymer–drug interactions for different levels of drug loading and variation in polymer structures of both the inner hydrophobic core and outer hydrophilic shell are investigated. In silico, the system with the highest experimental loading capacity shows the highest number of drug molecules encapsulated by the core. Furthermore, in systems with lower loading capacity outer A blocks show a greater extent of entanglement with the inner B blocks. Hydrogen bond analyses corroborate previous hypotheses: poly(2‐butyl‐2‐oxazoline) B blocks, found experimentally to have reduced loading capacity for curcumin compared to poly(2‐propyl‐2‐oxazine), establish fewer but longer‐lasting hydrogen bonds. This possibly results from different sidechain conformations around the hydrophobic cargo, which is investigated by unsupervised machine learning to cluster monomers in smaller model systems mimicking different micelle compartments. Exchanging poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) with poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) leads to increased drug interactions and reduced corona hydration; this suggests an impairment of micelle solubility or colloidal stability. These observations can help driving forward a more rational a priori nanoformulation design.
AFM‐Based Poroelastic@Membrane Analysis of Cells and its Opportunities for Translational Medicine
Authors: Ren Keli , Feng Jiantao , Bi Hai , Sun Quanmei , Li Xiang , Han Dong
Published: July 2023

Cell mechanics is an emerging field of research for translational medicine. Here, the cell is modeled as poroelastic cytoplasm wrapped by tensile membrane (poroelastic@membrane model) and is characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The parameters of cytoskeleton network modulus EC, cytoplasmic apparent viscosity ηC, and cytoplasmic diffusion coefficient DC are used to describe the mechanical behavior of cytoplasm, and membrane tension γ is used to evaluate the cell membrane. Poroelastic@membrane analysis of breast cells and urothelial cells show that non‐cancer cells and cancer cells have different distribution regions and distribution trends in the four‐dimensional space composed of EC, ηC. From non‐cancer to cancer cells, there is often a trend of γ, EC, ηC decreases and DC increases. Patients with urothelial carcinoma at different malignant stages can be distinguished at high sensitivity and specificity by analyzing the urothelial cells from tissue or urine. However, sampling directly from tumor tissues is an invasive method, may lead to undesirable consequences. Thus, AFM‐based poroelastic@membrane analysis of urothelial cells from urine may provide a non‐invasive and no‐bio‐label method to detecting urothelial carcinoma.
A Large‐Area Patterned Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework Electrochromic Film and Device
Authors: Feng Jifei , Luo Yi , Wang Xinyi , Cai Guofa , Cao Rong
Published: July 2023

Fabrication of a patterned hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) films on a large scale is an extreme challenge. In this work, a large area HOF film (30 × 30 cm2) is prepared via an efficient and low‐cost electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) approach on the un‐modified conductive substrates directly. Combining the ESD with a template method, variously patterned HOF films can be easily produced, including deer‐ and horse‐shaped films. The obtained films exhibit excellent electrochromic performance with multicolor change from yellow to green and violet, and two‐band regulation at 550 and 830 nm. Benefiting from the inherently present channels of HOF materials and the additional film porosity created by ESD, the PFC‐1 film could quickly change color (within 10 s). Furthermore, the large‐area patterned EC device is constructed based on the above film to prove practical potential application. The presented ESD method can be extended to other HOF materials; thus, this work paves a feasible path for constructing large‐area patterned HOF films for practical optoelectronic applications.
Fluorine Passivation Inhibits “Particle Talking” Behaviors under Thermal and Electrical Conditions of Pure Blue Mixed Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhan Wenji , Liu Mingming , Wan Qun , He Mengda , Zhang Qinggang , Liao Xinrong , Yuan Changwei , Kong Long , Wang Yusheng , Sun Baoquan , Brovelli Sergio , Li Liang
Published: July 2023

Owing to outstanding optoelectronic properties, lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are considered promising emitters for next‐generation displays. However, the development of pure blue (460‐470 nm) perovskite nanocrystal light‐emitting diodes (PNC‐LEDs), which correspond to the requirements of Rec. 2020 standard, lag far behind that of their green and red counterparts. Here, pure blue CsPb(Br/Cl)3 nanocrystals with remarkable optical performance are demonstrated by a facile fluorine passivation strategy. Prominently, the fluorine passivation on halide vacancies and strong bonding of Pb–F intensely enhance crystal structure stability and inhibit “particle talking” behaviors under both thermal and electrical conditions. Fluorine‐based PNCs with high resistance of luminescence thermal quenching retain 70% of photoluminescent intensity when heated to 343 K, which can be attributed to the elevated activation energy for carrier trapping and unchanged grain size. Fluorine‐based PNC‐LEDs also exhibit stable pure blue electroluminescence (EL) emission with sevenfold promoted luminance and external quantum efficiencies (EQEs), where the suppression of ion migration is further evidenced by a lateral structure device with applied polarizing potential.
tRNA‐derived RNAs: Biogenesis and roles in translational control
Authors: Akiyama Yasutoshi , Ivanov Pavel
Published: July 2023

Transfer RNA (tRNA)‐derived RNAs (tDRs) are a class of small non‐coding RNAs that play important roles in different aspects of gene expression. These ubiquitous and heterogenous RNAs, which vary across different species and cell types, are proposed to regulate various biological processes. In this review, we will discuss aspects of their biogenesis, and specifically, their contribution into translational control. We will summarize diverse roles of tDRs and the molecular mechanisms underlying their functions in the regulation of protein synthesis and their impact on related events such as stress‐induced translational reprogramming.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs
Modular invariance and the QCD angle
Authors: Feruglio Ferruccio , Strumia Alessandro , Titov Arsenii
Published: July 2023

Abstract

String compactifications on an orbi-folded torus with complex structure give rise to chiral fermions, spontaneously broken CP, modular invariance. We show that this allows simple effective theories of flavour and CP where: i) the QCD angle vanishes; ii) the CKM phase is large; iii) quark and lepton masses and mixings can be reproduced up to order one coefficients. We implement such general paradigm in supersymmetry or supergravity, with modular forms or functions, with or without heavy colored states.
Correlating New Physics Effects in Semileptonic ∆C = 1 and ∆S = 1 Processes
Authors: Fajfer Svjetlana , Kamenik Jernej F. , Korajac Arman , Košnik Nejc
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We present constraints on the left-handed dimension-6 interactions that contribute to semileptonic and leptonic decays of K, D, pions and to nuclear beta decay. We employ the flavour covariant description of the effective couplings, identify universal CP phases of New Physics and derive constraints from decay rates and CP-odd quantities. As a result, we can predict the maximal effects of such flavoured NP in D decays from stringent K decay constraints and vice-versa.
Search for the dipole portal of heavy neutral leptons at future colliders
Authors: Ovchynnikov Maksym , Zhu Jing-Yu
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we study the potential of future colliders to explore the parameter space of heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) through the dipole portal. We consider hadron colliders such as the LHC in the high luminosity phase and FCC-hh, and lepton colliders, such as FCC-ee. We consider various signatures for the HNLs, including the missing energy signature and displaced decays, and discuss the complementarity between the hadron and lepton colliders. We propose new selection rules which may significantly reduce the background events in FCC-ee. In particular, we find that thanks to a much clearer environment, FCC-ee may search for the HNLs with masses up to ≃ 30 GeV and proper lifetimes cτN ≳ 1 cm, which is well beyond the reach of the experiments to be launched in the next decade.
The holographic map of an evaporating black hole
Authors: Gyongyosi Zsolt , Hollowood Timothy J. , Kumar S. Prem , Legramandi Andrea , Talwar Neil
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We construct a holographic map that takes the semi-classical state of an evaporating black hole and its Hawking radiation to a microscopic model that reflects the scrambling dynamics of the black hole. The microscopic model is given by a nested sequence of random unitaries, each one implementing a scrambling time step of the black hole evolution. Differently from other models, energy conservation and the thermal nature of the Hawking radiation are taken into account. We show that the QES formula follows for the entropy of multiple subsets of the radiation and black hole. We further show that a version of entanglement wedge reconstruction can be proved by computing suitable trace norms and quantum fidelities involving the action of a unitary on a subset of Hawking partners. If the Hawking partner is in an island, its unitary can be reconstructed by a unitary on the radiation. We also adopt a similar setup and analyse reconstruction of unitaries acting on an infalling system.
A nonabelian Brunn–Minkowski inequality
Authors: Jing Yifan , Tran Chieu-Minh , Zhang Ruixiang
Published: July 2023

Henstock and Macbeath asked in 1953 whether the Brunn–Minkowski inequality can be generalized to nonabelian locally compact groups; questions along the same line were also asked by Hrushovski, McCrudden, and Tao. We obtain here such an inequality and prove that it is sharp for helix-free locally compact groups, which includes real linear algebraic groups, Nash groups, semisimple Lie groups with finite center, solvable Lie groups, etc. The proof follows an induction on dimension strategy; new ingredients include an understanding of the role played by maximal compact subgroups of Lie groups, a necessary modified form of the inequality which is also applicable to nonunimodular locally compact groups, and a proportionated averaging trick.
Änderungen des Arbeitsalltags und Moral Distress in der psychiatrischen Versorgung während der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Guinaudeau Jeanne , Baier Paul Christian , Kühlmeyer Katja , Borzikowsky Christoph , Terheyden Laura , Witt Victoria Dorothea , Rogge Annette
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Während der COVID-19-Pandemie ist es zu besonderen moralischen Herausforderungen im Gesundheitswesen gekommen. Eine psychische Reaktion auf moralische Herausforderungen wird als Moral Distress (MD) bezeichnet.

Ziel der Arbeit

Identifikation von Ursachen für MD in der stationären psychiatrischen Versorgung im Kontext der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde eine Umfrage mit einem selbstadministrierten nichtvalidierten Onlinefragebogen als Querschnittserhebung durchgeführt, in dem 26 Items zum Erleben von MD untersucht sowie offene Fragen zum Umgang mit der Pandemie und Auswirkungen auf den Arbeitsalltag qualitativ ausgewertet wurden. Ärzt*innen, die in der stationären psychiatrischen Versorgung während der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland tätig waren, wurden anonym mit einer Gelegenheitsstichprobe befragt. Die Erhebung fand vom 17.11.2020 bis 06.05.2021 statt.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 141 Teilnehmer*innen eingeschlossen. Sie gaben vielfältige pandemiebedingte Veränderungen des Arbeitsalltages an, die teilweise in MD resultierten.

Diskussion

Moral Distress stellt für Ärzt*innen in der stationären psychiatrischen Versorgung unter Pandemiebedingungen (und darüber hinaus) einen potenziellen Belastungsfaktor dar, der weitere Forschung und einen angemessenen Umgang erfordert. Es ergeben sich sowohl Implikationen für Entscheidungstragende in Krisenstäben als auch ein Bedarf für Unterstützungsangebote z. B. durch Dienste zur klinischen Ethikberatung.
Genotoxicity assessment: opportunities, challenges and perspectives for quantitative evaluations of dose–response data
Authors: Menz Jakob , Götz Mario E. , Gündel Ulrike , Gürtler Rainer , Herrmann Kristin , Hessel-Pras Stefanie , Kneuer Carsten , Kolrep Franziska , Nitzsche Dana , Pabel Ulrike , Sachse Benjamin , Schmeisser Sebastian , Schumacher David M. , Schwerdtle Tanja , Tralau Tewes , Zellmer Sebastian , Schäfer Bernd
Published: July 2023

Genotoxicity data are mainly interpreted in a qualitative way, which typically results in a binary classification of chemical entities. For more than a decade, there has been a discussion about the need for a paradigm shift in this regard. Here, we review current opportunities, challenges and perspectives for a more quantitative approach to genotoxicity assessment. Currently discussed opportunities mainly include the determination of a reference point (e.g., a benchmark dose) from genetic toxicity dose–response data, followed by calculation of a margin of exposure (MOE) or derivation of a health-based guidance value (HBGV). In addition to new opportunities, major challenges emerge with the quantitative interpretation of genotoxicity data. These are mainly rooted in the limited capability of standard in vivo genotoxicity testing methods to detect different types of genetic damage in multiple target tissues and the unknown quantitative relationships between measurable genotoxic effects and the probability of experiencing an adverse health outcome. In addition, with respect to DNA-reactive mutagens, the question arises whether the widely accepted assumption of a non-threshold dose–response relationship is at all compatible with the derivation of a HBGV. Therefore, at present, any quantitative genotoxicity assessment approach remains to be evaluated case-by-case. The quantitative interpretation of in vivo genotoxicity data for prioritization purposes, e.g., in connection with the MOE approach, could be seen as a promising opportunity for routine application. However, additional research is needed to assess whether it is possible to define a genotoxicity-derived MOE that can be considered indicative of a low level of concern. To further advance quantitative genotoxicity assessment, priority should be given to the development of new experimental methods to provide a deeper mechanistic understanding and a more comprehensive basis for the analysis of dose–response relationships.
Intrinsic and extrinsic attributes that influence choice of meat and meat products: techniques used in their identification
Authors: Cardona María , Izquierdo Diana , Barat Jose M. , Fernández-Segovia Isabel
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work was to determine the main sensory and non-sensory attributes that influence choice of meat and meat products, and to review the latest trends in sensory analysis techniques and consumer opinion studies. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out. Taste/flavour, texture, appearance, colour and odour were identified as the most relevant intrinsic attributes to influence acceptance. The presence of fat was very important for consumers. Of the most relevant extrinsic attributes, price, origin, production methodology, and certified control measures to preserve food safety and quality, are worth highlighting. Some studies also show interest in healthy natural products with some type of quality certification (credence attributes). Factors directly linked with individuals, such as age, gender or level of education, affect their perception. Women and people with a higher level of education are more aware of the diet-health relation, and older people are also concerned. For sensory analysis and consumer opinion techniques, a wide variety of methodologies is applied depending on studies’ objective. Classic methods, newer quantitative techniques and/or qualitative techniques are often used alone or combined.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Determine Single Ventricle Function in a Pediatric Population is Feasible in a Large Trial Setting: Experience from the Single Ventricle Reconstruction Trial Longitudinal Follow up
Authors: Detterich Jon , Taylor Michael D. , Slesnick Timothy C. , DiLorenzo Michael , Hlavacek Anthony , Lam Christopher Z. , Sachdeva Shagun , Lang Sean M. , Campbell M. Jay , Gerardin Jennifer , Whitehead Kevin K. , Rathod Rahul H. , Cartoski Mark , Menon Shaji , Trachtenberg Felicia , Gongwer Russell , Newburger Jane , Goldberg Caren , Dorfman Adam L. ,   the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators
Published: July 2023

The Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) Trial was a randomized prospective trial designed to determine survival advantage of the modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt (BTTS) vs the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (RVPAS) for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The primary aim of the long-term follow-up (SVRIII) was to determine the impact of shunt type on RV function. In this work, we describe the use of CMR in a large cohort follow up from the SVR Trial as a focused study of single ventricle function. The SVRIII protocol included short axis steady-state free precession imaging to assess single ventricle systolic function and flow quantification. There were 313 eligible SVRIII participants and 237 enrolled, ages ranging from 10 to 12.5 years. 177/237 (75%) participants underwent CMR. The most common reasons for not undergoing CMR exam were requirement for anesthesia (n = 14) or ICD/pacemaker (n = 11). A total of 168/177 (94%) CMR studies were diagnostic for RVEF. Median exam time was 54 [IQR 40–74] minutes, cine function exam time 20 [IQR 14–27] minutes, and flow quantification time 18 [IQR 12–25] minutes. There were 69/177 (39%) studies noted to have intra-thoracic artifacts, most common being susceptibility artifact from intra-thoracic metal. Not all artifacts resulted in non-diagnostic exams. These data describe the use and limitations of CMR for the assessment of cardiac function in a prospective trial setting in a grade-school-aged pediatric population with congenital heart disease. Many of the limitations are expected to decrease with the continued advancement of CMR technology.
The relationship of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with health-related quality of life, depression, and disease activity in SLE: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Papachristodoulou Eleni , Kakoullis Loukas , Christophi Costas , Psarelis Savvas , Hajiroussos Victor , Parperis Konstantinos
Published: July 2023

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) emerged as a potential biomarker in SLE, but its association with several outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between NLR and SLE disease activity, damage, depression, and health-related quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 134 patients with SLE who visited the Division of Rheumatology between November 2019 and June 2021. Demographics and clinical data including NLR, Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus disease activity index (SELENA–SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI), physician global assessment (PhGA), patient global assessment (PGA), patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9, patient self-rated health, and lupus quality of life (LupusQoL) scores, were collected. Patients were stratified into two groups and compared using the NLR cut-off of 2.73, the 90th percentile value of healthy individuals. The analysis included t-test for continuous variables, χ2-test for categorical variables, and logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and glucocorticoid use. Among the 134 SLE patients, 47 (35%) had an NLR ≥ 2.73. The NLR ≥ 2.73 group had significantly higher rates of severe depression (PHQ ≥ 15), poor/fair self-rated health, and the presence of damage (SDI ≥ 1). These patients also scored significantly lower in LupusQoL domains (physical health, planning, and body image), and higher in SELENA-SLEDAI, PhGA, and PGA. Logistic regression confirmed that high NLR is associated with severe depression (PHQ ≥ 15) (OR:7.23, 2.03–25.74), poor/fair self-rated health (OR:2.77,1.29–5.96), high SELENA-SLEDAI score(≥ 4) (OR:2.22,1.03–4.78), high PhGA (≥ 2) (OR:3.76, 1.56–9.05), and presence of damage (SDI ≥ 1) (OR:2.67, 1.11–6.43). High NLR in SLE may indicate depression, worse quality of life, active disease, and the presence of damage.
Strength and timing of primary and secondary vortices generated by a rotating plate
Authors: Francescangeli Diego , Mulleners Karen
Published: July 2023

Accurate predictions of how vortices grow, evolve, and separate from aerodynamic objects are desirable for various applications ranging from autonomous aerial vehicles to wind turbines. Here, we present an experimental characterisation of the formation process of vortices created by the rotation of a thin rectangular flat plate. The plate is rapidly accelerated from rest up to a constant rotational velocity that was varied to explore the effect of the Reynolds number on the limit strength and the timing of successively generated vortices at the tip of the plate. The total non-dimensional positive circulation released at the tip of the plate during the entire rotation varies solely as a function of the angular position of the plate. Initially, all this circulation accumulates in a primary or starting vortex until this vortex separates after a constant non-dimensional time for all rotational velocities and different plate dimensions tested. An empirical model of the prediction of the limit strength of the primary vortex based on the constant non-dimensional formation is presented. The limit strength of the primary vortex is independent of the Reynolds number. After the primary vortex separates, a series of smaller secondary vortices form at the tip of the plate. These secondary vortices are discretely released at increasing time intervals. The timing of the release of the secondary vortices and their non-dimensional strength depend on the Reynolds number, and an empirical prediction model is presented.
Guideline adherence of tumor board recommendations in lung cancer and transfer into clinical practice
Authors: Walter Julia , Moeller Caroline , Resuli Blerina , Kauffmann-Guerrero Diego , Manapov Farkhad , Dinkel Julien , Neumann Jens , Kovacs Julia , Schneider Christian , Huber Rudolf M. , Tufman Amanda
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Evaluating patients and treatment decisions in a multidisciplinary tumor board has led to better quality of care and longer survival in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor board recommendations for thoracic oncology patients regarding guideline adherence and transferal of recommendations into clinical practice.

Methods

We evaluated tumor board recommendations of the thoracic oncology tumor board at Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Hospital Munich between 2014 and 2016. We compared patient characteristics between guideline-adherent and non-guideline-adherent recommendations, as well as between transferred and non-transferred recommendations. We used multivariate logistic regression models to evaluate factors associated with guideline adherence.

Results

Over 90% of recommendations by the tumor board were either adherent to the guidelines (75.5%) or over fulfilling guidelines (15.6%). Almost 90% of recommendations were transferred to clinical practice. If a recommendation was not according to the guidelines, the reason was mostly associated with the general condition (age, Charlson comorbidity index, ECOG) of the patient or due to the patients’ request. Surprisingly, sex also had a significant influence on the guideline adherence of recommendations, with females being more likely to get recommendations not according to the guidelines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of this study are promising, as the guideline adherence of recommendations as well as the transferal of recommendations into clinical practice were high. In the future, a special focus should be put on fragile patients as well as female patients.
Node and edge averaged complexities of local graph problems
Authors: Balliu Alkida , Ghaffari Mohsen , Kuhn Fabian , Olivetti Dennis
Published: July 2023

We continue the recently started line of work on the distributed node-averaged complexity of distributed graph algorithms. The node-averaged complexity of a distributed algorithm running on a graph$$G=(V,E)$$G=(V,E)is the average over the times at which the nodesVofGfinish their computation and commit to their outputs. We study the node-averaged complexity for some of the central distributed symmetry breaking problems and provide the following results (among others). As our main result, we show that the randomized node-averaged complexity of computing a maximal independent set (MIS) inn-node graphs of maximum degree$$\Delta $$Δis at least$$\Omega \big (\min \big \{\frac{\log \Delta }{\log \log \Delta },\sqrt{\frac{\log n}{\log \log n}}\big \}\big )$$Ω(min{logΔloglogΔ,lognloglogn}). This bound is obtained by a novel adaptation of the well-known lower bound by Kuhn, Moscibroda, and Wattenhofer [JACM’16]. As a side result, we obtain that the worst-case randomized round complexity for computing an MIS in trees is also$$\Omega \big (\min \big \{\frac{\log \Delta }{\log \log \Delta },\sqrt{\frac{\log n}{\log \log n}}\big \}\big )$$Ω(min{logΔloglogΔ,lognloglogn})—this essentially answers open problem 11.15 in the book by Barenboim and Elkin and resolves the complexity of MIS on trees up to an$$O(\sqrt{\log \log n})$$O(loglogn)factor. We also show that, perhaps surprisingly, a minimal relaxation of MIS, which is the same as (2, 1)-ruling set, to the (2, 2)-ruling set problem drops the randomized node-averaged complexity toO(1). For maximal matching, we show that while the randomized node-averaged complexity is$$\Omega \big (\min \big \{\frac{\log \Delta }{\log \log \Delta },\sqrt{\frac{\log n}{\log \log n}}\big \}\big )$$Ω(min{logΔloglogΔ,lognloglogn}), the randomized edge-averaged complexity isO(1). Further, we show that the deterministic edge-averaged complexity of maximal matching is$$O(\log ^2\Delta + \log ^* n)$$O(log2Δ+log∗n)and the deterministic node-averaged complexity of maximal matching is$$O(\log ^3\Delta + \log ^* n)$$O(log3Δ+log∗n). Finally, we consider the problem of computing a sinkless orientation of a graph. The deterministic worst-case complexity of the problem is known to be$$\Theta (\log n)$$Θ(logn), even on bounded-degree graphs. We show that the problem can be solved deterministically with node-averaged complexity$$O(\log ^* n)$$O(log∗n), while keeping the worst-case complexity in$$O(\log n)$$O(logn).
Traversability, Reconfiguration, and Reachability in the Gadget Framework
Authors: Ani Joshua , Demaine Erik D. , Diomidov Yevhenii , Hendrickson Dylan , Lynch Jayson
Published: July 2023

Consider an agent traversing a graph of “gadgets”, where each gadget has local state that changes with each traversal by the agent according to specified rules. Prior work has studied the computational complexity of deciding whether the agent can reach a specified location, a problem we call reachability. This paper introduces new goals for the agent, aiming to characterize when the computational complexity of these problems is the same or differs from that of reachability. First we characterize the complexity of universal traversal—where the goal is to traverse every gadget at least once—for DAG gadgets (partially), one-state gadgets, and reversible deterministic gadgets. Then we study the complexity of reconfiguration—where the goal is to bring the system of gadgets to a specified state. We prove many cases PSPACE-complete, and show in some cases that reconfiguration is strictly harder than reachability, while in other cases, reachability is strictly harder than reconfiguration.
Using averaged models from 4D ultrasound strain imaging allows to significantly differentiate local wall strains in calcified regions of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Hegner Achim , Wittek Andreas , Derwich Wojciech , Huß Armin , Gámez Antonio J. , Blase Christopher
Published: July 2023

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a degenerative disease of the aorta associated with high mortality. To date, in vivo information to characterize the individual elastic properties of the aneurysm wall in terms of rupture risk is lacking. We have used time-resolved 3D ultrasound strain imaging to calculate spatially resolved in-plane strain distributions characterized by mean and local maximum strains, as well as indices of local variations in strains. Likewise, we here present a method to generate averaged models from multiple segmentations. Strains were then calculated for single segmentations and averaged models. After registration with aneurysm geometries based on CT-A imaging, local strains were divided into two groups with and without calcifications and compared. Geometry comparison from both imaging modalities showed good agreement with a root mean squared error of 1.22 ± 0.15 mm and Hausdorff Distance of 5.45 ± 1.56 mm (mean ± sd, respectively). Using averaged models, circumferential strains in areas with calcifications were 23.2 ± 11.7% (mean ± sd) smaller and significantly distinguishable at the 5% level from areas without calcifications. For single segmentations, this was possible only in 50% of cases. The areas without calcifications showed greater heterogeneity, larger maximum strains, and smaller strain ratios when computed by use of the averaged models. Using these averaged models, reliable conclusions can be made about the local elastic properties of individual aneurysm (and long-term observations of their change), rather than just group comparisons. This is an important prerequisite for clinical application and provides qualitatively new information about the change of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in the course of disease progression compared to the diameter criterion.
eHealth literacy, internet and eHealth service usage: a survey among a German municipality
Authors: Cramer Alin , Keinki Christian , Saur Franz , Walter Stefanie , Hübner Jutta
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of our study was to investigate health literacy and digital skills, as well as the Internet usage of a representative small town in the federal state of Thuringia in Germany.

Subject and methods

We asked the citizens to fill out a standardized questionnaire concerning digital health literacy.

Results

We received 488 questionnaires, and 76.4% of the population are willing to use digital media for health purposes in the future. There was no significant association between age and eHealth related services. Several factors showed an association between low education levels and understanding digital health information, as well as finding digital health information trustworthy. Almost everyone with a higher educational qualification generally understands Internet content on health topics quite well.

Conclusion

In order for the population as well as the health system to benefit from the digital transformation, the focus should be on equipping citizens with sufficient digital skills.
Investigating the influence of work-related stress on early labour market exit: the role of health
Authors: Toczek Lisa , Peter Richard
Published: July 2023

Early labour market exit of large birth cohorts will put pressure on the social security systems of many European countries, especially Germany. Despite political efforts, many people retire before the statutory retirement age. A well-known predictor of retirement is health, which, in turn, is influenced by psychosocial working conditions such as work-related stress. This study examined whether work stress is associated with early labour market exit. In addition, we investigated whether health mediates this association. Survey data of the German Cohort Study on Work, Age, Health and Work Participation (lidA study) were linked to register data from the Federal Employment Agency, from which information on labour market exit was obtained (n = 3636). During a 6-year follow-up period, Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the influence of work-related stress and health on early labour market exit, adjusting for sex, age, education, occupational status, income and supervisor behaviour. Work-related stress was measured by effort–reward imbalance (ERI). Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted to investigate a possible mediation of the association between ERI and early labour market exit by self-rated health. Higher work-related stress increased the likelihood of early labour market exit (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.19–2.92). However, when including health in the Cox regression, the significant effect of work-related stress disappeared. Poor health was a risk factor for early labour market exit (HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.26–1.76) independent of all confounders. The results of the mediation analysis showed that self-rated health mediated the association between ERI and early labour market exit. The balance between effort and reward at work plays a major role in improving the self-rated health of workers. Interventions that reduce work-related stress can help to improve health and thus to maintain older employees in the German labour market.
HIV Focused Sexual Risk-Reduction Interventions Targeting Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kanyemba Roselyn , Govender Kaymarlin , Dzomba Armstrong , Mashamba Tivani P. , Mantell Joanne E.
Published: July 2023

Adolescent girls and young women’s exceptionalism with HIV interventions has left adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) trailing behind, thus becoming a marginalized and underserved population. The scoping review aimed to provide an overview of interventions that have targeted sexual risk behaviors in ABYM in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the previous 21 years with critical insights on ‘what works’ in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (in Int J Soc Res Methodol 8(1):19–32, 16) framework and the 2015 Johanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines was conducted. A search of literature published between 2000 and 2020 was reviewed and twenty nine interventions from nine Sub Saharan African countries that met the eligibility criteria were reviewed. The review provides evidence on the successes and the limitations of sexual risk behavior interventions for ABYM in SSA. There is clear and consistent evidence that interventions reduce sexual risk behaviors in adolescent boys and young men. Their efficiency seems to grow with the length and intensity of the intervention. Positive effects were generally observed in condom use and on measures of HIV knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviors as well as uptake of HIV tests and voluntary male circumcision. This review shows that sexual-risk interventions engaging men and boys in SSA are promising and warrant further rigorous development in terms of conceptualization, design and evaluation.
Numerical Investigation of Engine Performance and Emission Characteristics of an Ammonia/Hydrogen/n-Heptane Engine Under RCCI Operating Conditions
Authors: Xu Leilei , Bai Xue-Song
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the potential of using ammonia (NH$$_3$$

3

) as a primary fuel in heavy-duty engines for decarbonization, with some challenges yet to be addressed. It presents a numerical study of a Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition engine, where pilot diesel is used to ignite the premixed ammonia/air mixture. The numerical model and combustion mechanism are validated against engine experimental results using methanol and iso-octane fuels and ignition delay times of ammonia/n-heptane mixtures measured in a rapid compression machine. The findings show that the engine can effectively operate with up to 50% of the total energy supplied by premixed ammonia, albeit with slightly elevated NO emissions compared to a diesel-fueled engine. Increasing ammonia further leads to lower combustion efficiency. Hydrogen can be utilized in the ammonia engine to enhance ammonia combustion; however, NO emissions increase further. Ammonia leakage primarily originates from regions near the cold wall, the center of the cylinder, and the crevice. N$$_2$$

2

O mainly forms at the ammonia flame front. Emission of N$$_2$$

2

O is therefore mainly due to flame front quenching near the wall.
Leaf litter arthropods show little response to structural retention in a Central European forest
Authors: Ruppert Laura-Sophia , Staab Michael , Klingenfuß Sara , Rappa Nolan J. , Frey Julian , Segelbacher Gernot
Published: July 2023

Decomposition of leaf litter is a central process of energy and nutrient cycling in forests, in which arthropods hold important roles. Thus, safeguarding the diversity of organisms including arthropods is increasingly being considered in contemporary forestry, not least to facilitate continued ecosystem functioning. Retention forestry tries to achieve biodiversity conservation by preservation of tree structural elements such as deadwood and tree microhabitats to provide more heterogeneous habitat. Leaf litter arthropods are, however, only indirectly connected with tree structure, which raises the question if and how the currently practised retention forestry influences the leaf litter arthropod community. As the leaf litter arthropod community includes a very diverse range of taxa that is challenging to identify morphologically, we sampled environmental DNA from leaf litter on 66 plots in the Black Forest in southern Germany that were distributed over gradients of forest and landscape features and differed in forest management intensity. We found that the richness of operational taxonomic units, a surrogate for species, was not related to forest structure but tended to increase with recent harvest intensity (which did not exceed a medium harvest intensity on our plots). Community composition was related to the share of coniferous trees present on a plot, and to a lesser extend to elevation and leaf litter coverage. Our results indicate that the leaf litter arthropod community is not responsive towards different degrees of forest structural changes introduced by management as long as the forest type is retained.
Solving the fixed gravimetric boundary value problem by the finite element method using mapped infinite elements.
Authors: Macák Marek , Minarechová Zuzana , Tomek Lukáš , Čunderlík Róbert , Mikula Karol
Published: July 2023

The numerical approach for solving the fixed gravimetric boundary value problem (FGBVP) based on the finite element method (FEM) with mapped infinite elements is developed and implemented. In this approach, the 3D semi-infinite domain outside the Earth is bounded by the triangular discretization of the whole Earth’s surface and extends to infinity. Then the FGBVP consists of the Laplace equation for unknown disturbing potential which holds in the domain, the oblique derivative boundary condition (BC) given directly at computational nodes on the Earth’s surface, and regularity of the disturbing potential at infinity. In this way, it differs from previous FEM approaches, since the numerical solution is not fixed by the Dirichlet BC on some part of the boundary of the computational domain. As a numerical method, the FEM with finite and mapped infinite triangular prisms has been derived and implemented. In experiments, at first, a convergence of the proposed numerical scheme to the exact solution is tested. Afterwards, a numerical study is focused on a reconstruction of the harmonic function (EGM2008) above the Earth’s topography. Here, a special discretization of the Earth’s surface which is able to fulfil the conditions that arise from correct geometrical properties of finite elements, and it is suitable for parallel computing is implemented. The obtained solutions at nodes on the Earth’s surface as well as nodes that lie approximately at the altitude of the GOCE satellite mission have been tested.
Exploring Consumer Detriment in Immersive Gaming Technologies
Authors: Hyde R. , Cartwright P.
Published: July 2023

Recent technological advances have led to immersive consumer experiences becoming increasingly common. However, there has been relatively little discussion of the consumer detriment that results from the exploitation of immersion. In this article, we argue that a consumer who is immersed is particularly susceptible to detriment because of their immersion and that the law on unfair commercial practices can, and should, play a central role in addressing this. The focus is upon immersion in videogames, but the lessons drawn extend to other areas.