bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One vs. two‐stage arteriovenous loops in lower extremity reconstruction with free flaps: Systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Asensio‐Ramos Sergio , Sanz‐Medrano Santiago , Soldado Francisco , Buendía‐Pérez Javier
Published: March 2024

Background

Arteriovenous loops are one of the main therapeutic alternatives to address the absence of recipient vessels in lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction. However, there is no consensus on whether to perform them in one or two surgical stages. The objective of this work is to determine whether the outcome of lower limb free flaps anastomosed to vascular loops depends on the number of surgical stages.

Materials and Methods

A literature review was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, on vascular loops and free flaps in lower limb. Survival rate, as well as major and minor complications were studied. A forest plot and Pearson's chi‐square were used for statistical analysis. Study quality was assessed in duplicate using Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. This study was registered on PROSPERO.

Results

Thirty‐two articles using free flaps anastomosed to vascular loops in lower limb, either one or two‐stage, were selected. A total of 296 flaps were included, 52% (n = 154) in one and 48% (n = 142) in two surgical times. No statistically significant differences were found in the survival rate (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 0.62; 5.47, p = .09 and p = .344) or major complications (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.31; 1.57, p = .56 and p = .92) of flaps between both groups.

Conclusions

According to the available evidence, the outcome of free flaps anastomosed to vascular loops in the lower limb does not depend on the number of surgical stages they undergo. Although there is some heterogeneity in the groups studied, the decision on the number of procedures to be performed should be determined by the surgeon, concerning the clinical situation of the patient, as well as to the vascular, bone and soft tissue status of the extremity.
Impact of soft minerals on crack propagation in crystalline rocks under uniaxial compression: A grain‐based numerical investigation
Authors: Zhou Yu , Lv Wenjun , Li Bo , Liang Qinyuan
Published: March 2024

Varying external conditions in the metallogenetic process of crystalline rocks contribute to the complex mineral and textural characteristics, rendering the mechanical properties highly heterogeneous at the mineral scale. This research focused on the influences of minerals with relatively low strength and stiffness (soft minerals) in crystalline rocks on their cracking behavior. A particle‐based discrete element method (DEM) was first employed to establish random grain‐based models (GBM) of crystalline rocks containing soft minerals with different contents, strengths, and stiffnesses. On this basis, responses of the mechanical properties and crack propagation to these parameters were systematically investigated and an optimized micro‐parameter calibration method for real CT (computed‐tomography) ‐based GBM was then proposed considering the characteristics of soft minerals. The results demonstrate that with the decrease of the strength of soft mica, the intragranular cracks are prone to initiate and propagate inside the soft minerals and lead to the final crack coalescence. The decrease in the stiffness of soft minerals enhances their controlling effects on the cracking propagation. Based on the CT‐based granite model, it was found that a heterogeneous stress field is produced due to the spatial distribution of the soft (mica) and hard (quartz and feldspar) minerals, and the mica minerals tend to terminate cracks or force cracks to deflect or bypass individual grains during crack propagation. This study sheds light on the damage and failure processes of crystalline rocks with contrast mineral components.
Painting the town in SDGs colors. A citywide dissemination catalyzed by the organizational evolution in a large European philanthropic foundation. A case study on the Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo of Turin
Authors: Roda Renato , Aloi Erika
Published: March 2024

The Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo of Turin is not only one of the largest philanthropic institutions in Europe (the first in Italy and in the top 10 of the continent) but also one of the longest‐lived. In its more than 450 years of history the Foundation has distinguished itself for its ability to deal with several moments of radical change (the progressive secularization, the development of a financial dimension that eventually resulted in the largest Italian banking institution, the return to the separation between banking and philanthropic activity): none of which, however, is comparable—for a number of factors—with the transformation that took place in 2020, when the Foundation adopted the United Nations 2030 Agenda and, in particular, the Sustainable Development Goals as its primary key reference. A rare case regarding for a brand highly consolidated in its recognizability—at least in its main territory of reference—the change embraced by the Foundation and inspired by the SDGs involved the institution at every level, from the most immediate of visual and multimedia communication (the iconography of the Goals has even become part of the Foundation's own logo) to the most radical and decisive aspect of internal organization and finalization of the objectives. With a significant revision of the institutional organizational structures, in a short time the SDGs were in fact adopted as a main reference paradigm of the organization for the objectives of the Foundation, acting at the same time as a macro‐level of alignment regarding the operational purposes of the institution and as a quantitative measure of evaluation of the results obtained by the various projects developed. In this contribution we will describe in a more detailed way the case study of the Compagnia di San Paolo and the complexity faced during this rapid and deep process of change, by observing the first results of the transition and by underlining the problems positively solved through the new identity. All this without deviating from but rather enhancing the effectiveness of the philanthropic action of the Compagnia di San Paolo.
The transition of metabolic phenotypes and cardiovascular events: Panasonic cohort study 16
Authors: Ichikawa Takahiro , Okada Hiroshi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Nishioka Norihiro , Tateyama Yukiko , Shimamoto Tomonari , Kurogi Kazushiro , Murata Hiroaki , Ito Masato , Iwami Taku , Fukui Michiaki
Published: March 2024

Objective

The study objective was to investigate whether changes in metabolic phenotype affect the risk of cardiovascular events.

Methods

All 117,589 participants were included in this retrospective cohort study. The metabolic phenotypes of the participants were assessed at two points (the second evaluation was set 2 years after the first evaluation), and the incidence rate of cardiovascular events was observed for 11 years. The main outcome was 3‐point major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which comprises cardiovascular death, nonfatal coronary artery disease, and nonfatal stroke incidence.

Results

Of the participants, 2748 (2.3%) cases of 3‐point MACE were identified during follow‐up. The stable metabolically healthy obesity group had a higher risk of 3‐point MACE than those with stable metabolically healthy nonobesity (MHNO). Additionally, the change from metabolically healthy obesity to MHNO for 2 years decreased the risk of 3‐point MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12: 95% CI: 0.84–1.47) to the same level as stable MHNO. However, the change from metabolically abnormal nonobesity and metabolically abnormal obesity to MHNO for 2 years maintained a higher risk of 3‐point MACE (HR, 1.66 [95% CI: 1.36–2.01]; HR, 1.91 [95% CI: 1.22–2.81]) than those with stable MHNO.

Conclusions

Change in metabolic phenotype is associated with incident 3‐point MACE.
Acknowledging and understanding the contributions of nature to human sense of time
Authors: Correia Ricardo A.
Published: March 2024

There is growing evidence that interacting and connecting with nature are essential to maintain human health and well‐being. The benefits of specific nature experiences and the cultural ecosystem services they provide are increasingly being recognized, but many others remain to be discovered and explored.

In this perspective piece, I argue that there is a need to better explore the pivotal role of nature experiences in shaping human time perception—our sense of time. Specifically, I outline the main elements of human time perception and the key factors that shape it, describe recent evidence showing that human time perception changes between urban and natural environments and discuss the potential societal gains from developing a better understanding of this relationship.

Human time perception is complex and involves at least three key dimensions related to temporal succession, temporal duration and temporal perspective. Time perception is shaped by various contextual factors, including the contents of the time period and the cognitive, emotional and bodily characteristics of the experiencer.

There is growing evidence that nature experiences can influence human sense of time by (i) extending human perception of temporal duration and (ii) shifting time perspectives. People who spend time in nature tend to overestimate the length of that experience and show a more positive outlook of the past, present and future, with less focus on a single‐time perspective.

In the context of increasing time scarcity in modern urban societies with dire consequences for human health and well‐being, I argue we need a better understanding of how nature experiences shape our sense of time and suggest how future research can provide actionable insights to help restore a healthier and more balanced relationship with time and nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Children's mental health promotion: The need for intersectorial and interprofessional collaboration
Authors: Tokolahi Ema , Fenwick Jess , Sutherland Dean , Richardson Deirdre , Bazyk Sue , Sheehan Dale
Published: March 2024

Every moment counts (EMC) is a multi‐tiered mental health promotion initiative designed to build the capacity of practitioners to address the mental health needs of children and youth in school settings. This study evaluated the impact and cultural relevance of EMC workshops in supporting practitioners to apply a public health approach to children's mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand. A longitudinal mixed methods design employed a survey and semi‐structured interviews to evaluate the applicability, impact and cultural relevance of the EMC workshops. Themes identified from participants' reflections on their experiences of implementing EMC represented everyday practices at individual, team, and organizational levels. Specifically, intersectorial collaboration was perceived as beneficial. There is a call to action for practitioners to work more cohesively and interprofessionally, at policy and practice levels, to effectively promote children's mental health and achieve equitable health and well‐being outcomes. Communities of practice offer a potential mechanism to support translation of knowledge into practice in schools. Application of a public health approach to children's mental health in schools, facilitated by the EMC initiative, is applicable and positively impacts outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand, with some modifications needed to better fit the cultural context.
Elucidating the role of monoacetylphlorogulcinol in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas ‘gingeri’ against Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Huang Zaixing , Nie Yulu , Huang Yiyun , Liu Lizhen , Liu Bin
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Agaricus bisporus is a globally important edible fungus. The occurrence of ginger blotch caused by Pseudomonas ‘gingeri’ during A. bisporus growth and post‐harvest stages results in significant economic losses. The biotoxin monoacetylphloroglucinol (MAPG) produced by P. ‘gingeri’ is responsible for inducing ginger blotch on A. bisporus. However, the understanding of the toxic mechanisms of MAPG on A. bisporus remains limited, which hinders the precise control of ginger blotch disease in A. bisporus and the breeding of disease‐resistant varieties.

RESULTS

Integrating transcriptomic, metabolomic, and physiological data revealed that MAPG led to an increase in intracellular superoxide anion (O2−) levels and lipid peroxidation in A. bisporus. MAPG changed the cellular membrane composition of A. bisporus, causing to damage membrane permeability. MAPG inhibited the expression of genes associated with the 19s subunit of the proteasome, thereby impeding cellular waste degradation in A. bisporus. Unlike melanin, MAPG stimulated the synthesis of flavonoids in A. bisporus, which might explain the manifestation of ginger‐colored symptoms rather than browning. Meanwhile, the glutathione metabolism pathway in A. bisporus played a pivotal role in counteracting the cytotoxic effects of MAPG. Additionally, enhanced catalase activity and up‐regulation of defense‐related genes, including cytochrome P450s, Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS), and ABC transporters, were observed.

CONCLUSION

This study provides comprehensive insights into MAPG toxicity in A. bisporus and uncovers the detoxification strategies of A. bisporus against MAPG. The findings offer valuable evidence for precise control and breeding of resistant varieties against ginger blotch in A. bisporus. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Size Control and Photoluminescence Characteristics of InSb Quantum Dots on GaSb Substrates Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Kuwabara Emin , Yamamoto Kyosuke , Koseki Keisuke , Gozu Shin‐Ichiro , Endoh Akira , Fujishiro Hiroki I.
Published: March 2024

InSb self‐assembled quantum dots (QDs) have the possibility to increase the luminescence intensity of light‐emitting diodes operating in the midinfrared region. As a first step toward the midinfrared luminescence, the single‐layer InSb QDs are grown on GaSb (100) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy and the effects of V/III ratio and InSb coverage on size and density of InSb QDs and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics are investigated. As the V/III ratio increases, the distribution of QD height broadens and goes from monomodal to multimodal. The increase in the number of large QDs and their multimodal distribution are thought to be due to the ripening process. The PL intensity is maximum at a V/III ratio of 2 with PL wavelength of 1.76 μm. As the InSb coverage increases at a V/III ratio of 2, QD size and density increase while maintaining a monomodal distribution in QD size. However, the PL peak intensity decreases with increasing InSb coverage due to the increase of nonradiative QDs. The highest PL peak intensity at an InSb coverage of 2.0 monolayer  and a V/III ratio of 2 with PL wavelength of 1.69 μm are obtained. The present single‐layer InSb QD shows the emission in the near‐infrared region.
A solitary rod‐shaped intertrabecular metastasis in the femur
Authors: Yokoyama Mako , Inui Toshihide , Namiki Tomohiro , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Watanabe Hiroko , Dai Yuichi , Sakamoto Tohru
Published: March 2024

Key message

Intertrabecular metastasis (ITM) is a type of bone metastasis characterized by tumour growth without significant trabecular changes. ITM is most commonly found in vertebral bodies, and rarely in long bones. We report a solitary rod‐shaped ITM of lung adenocarcinoma in the femur.
Recursive integral terminal sliding mode control with combined extended state observer and adaptive Kalman filter for MEMS gyroscopes
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Bin , Li Shihua , Gao Guangen
Published: March 2024

The recursive integral terminal sliding mode control with combined extended state observer (ESO) and adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) is proposed in this article for micromechanical system gyroscopes. To accurately estimate the unmeasured system states in the presence of measurement noises, external disturbances and system uncertainties, the special combination of ESO and AKF is proposed. The AKF is employed to deal with measurement noises and prepare necessary signals for the ESO, while the ESO constantly provides the updated estimate of the lumped disturbance for the AKF. Furthermore, a robust control scheme is designed by using the recursive integral terminal sliding mode variable. Simulation results verify that more accurate unmeasured state estimation and higher tracking accuracy are achieved under the proposed method.
A distributed containment tracking control of the UAV formation with prescribed performance subject to collision avoidance
Authors: Xiong Shi‐Xun , Xie Xiang‐Peng , Jiang Guo‐Ping
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the issue of finite‐time containment tracking control under collision avoidance constraints for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formation is investigated. To tackle the challenge of collision avoidance in the context of formation containment tracking, combined with a prescribed performance function, a distributed containment tracking control scheme is proposed. Firstly, a UAV formation containment control model from a top view perspective is established. Next, to solve the internal collision avoidance within the formation, a restricted movement region is constructed for each UAV using a distributed prescribed performance function, which guarantees that each UAV's trajectory is maintained within a predefined area. Furthermore, invoking with the finite‐time control theory for the formation, a distributed containment tracking control scheme is developed to complete finite‐time tracking of the formation. Finally, simulation results are carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
A class of computational methods to reduce selection bias when designing Phase 3 clinical trials
Authors: Zhan Tianyu
Published: March 2024

When designing confirmatory Phase 3 studies, one usually evaluates one or more efficacious and safe treatment option(s) based on data from previous studies. However, several retrospective research articles reported the phenomenon of “diminished treatment effect in Phase 3” based on many case studies. Even under basic assumptions, it was shown that the commonly used estimator could substantially overestimate the efficacy of selected group(s). As alternatives, we propose a class of computational methods to reduce estimation bias and mean squared error with a broader scope of multiple treatment groups and flexibility to accommodate summary results by group as input. Based on simulation studies and a real data example, we provide practical implementation guidance for this class of methods under different scenarios. For more complicated problems, our framework can serve as a starting point with additional layers built in. Proposed methods can also be widely applied to other selection problems.
Bayesian model updating of super high‐rise building for construction simulation
Authors: Du Ya‐Nan , Qin Zhi‐Chuan , Guan Cong‐Cong , Feng De‐Cheng , Wu Gang
Published: March 2024

A finite element model was established using SAP2000 software for the C1 tower, a super high‐rise building in the second phase of the Nanjing Financial City project, and the construction process of the tower was simulated. The C1 tower adopts a frame core tube extension arm and ring truss structure system, with 87 floors above ground and five floors underground. The roof structure has an elevation of 416.6 m. Precise measurements of inter‐story compression deformation were conducted using advanced surveying equipment. Sensitivity analysis, based on the finite difference method, identified the shear wall elastic modulus, frame column elastic modulus, steel beam elastic modulus, and shear wall unit weight as four highly influential parameters. Employing the Bayesian principle, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method was applied to determine the posterior density probability function of the parameters targeted for modification. Subsequently, the Metropolis–Hastings (MH) sampling algorithm was employed to refine the C1 Tower model. This refinement significantly reduced the root mean square error between the measured and simulated vertical displacements, achieving an error reduction of approximately 10% from 6.082 to around 2.160. The modified material parameters, for the most part, adhered to a normal distribution assumption and exhibited mean values in the posterior probability density functions for the elastic modulus of Q345 steel beams, C70 frame columns, and C60 shear walls. Compared to the initial finite element parameters, the variation range was approximately 13% to 17%. These results serve as a validation of the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Antrodia cinnamomea prevents ovariectomized‐promoted bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast formation
Authors: Po‐Chun Chang , Su Hui‐Kan , Liu Shan‐Chi , Thuong Le Huynh Hoai , Wu Yang‐Chang , Chen Hsien‐Te , Wu Tung‐Ying , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: March 2024

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in aging populations, particularly in postmenopausal women. Anti‐resorptive and anabolic drugs have been applied to prevent and cure osteoporosis and are linked with a variety of adverse effects. Antrodia cinnamomea extracts (ACE) are highly renowned for their anticancer, antioxidative, and anti‐inflammatory properties. However, whether ACE‐enriched anti‐osteoporosis functions are largely unknown. In a preclinical animal model, we found that ovariectomy significantly decreased bone volume in the ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Administration of ACE antagonized OVX‐induced bone loss. In addition, ACE reversed OVX‐reduced biomechanical properties. The serum osteoclast marker also showed improvement in the ACE‐treated group. In the cellular model, it was indicated that ACE inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclast formation. Taken together, ACE seems to be a hopeful candidate for the development of novel anti‐osteoporosis treatment.
Following the Rules in an Unruly Writing System: The Cognitive Science of Learning to Read English
Authors: Kearns Devin M. , Cooper Borkenhagen Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

The core task of reading is to look at letters and identify their sounds and meaning. In English, the spelling system is quasiregular, meaning it includes many reliable patterns (some so reliable they could be called "rules") but also many inconsistent ones (the sound of EA in heat vs. head). The triangle model of reading (Seidenberg & McClelland, 1989) demonstrates that novice readers gradually learn the connections between the features of words, including their letters, the ways they make sounds, and the concepts that comprise their meaning. Learners' knowledge changes gradually based on experience pronouncing printed words. Eventually, the reader will say words with variable patterns (like how to say EA) correctly but be unable to articulate rules associated with their pronunciation—because rules are not an inherent part of the learning process. Building robust knowledge of reading words aloud sometimes happens without any help. However, novice readers will often learn more in less time if the teacher explains the structure of the language in terms of sound‐spelling rules (sometimes termed "patterns" to emphasize their variability). This type of instruction, phonics, has known value in supporting reading development. However, distinguishing between the underlying learning process (which doesn't involve rules) and associated teaching practices (which often do) has implications for practitioners. Students will benefit from a balance of implicit and explicit forms of instruction, including simple strategies for reading words, teaching high‐utility rules, emphasizing practice over explanation, and using letters when doing phonemic awareness activities.
Liberatory Literacy Practices for Black Students Through a Lens of Care
Authors: Zignego Mona Beth
Published: March 2024

This article explores how Black teachers have used liberatory literacy practices through a lens of care when working with Black students. The prioritization of care is particularly important for Black students as they often experience a lack of care within schools due to labeling, stereotyping, and a lack of racially and culturally diverse teaching staff, curriculum, and resources. Black teachers are particularly effective in improving literacy outcomes for Black students, and this article emphasizes the importance of the care they provide in implementing culturally and historically responsive pedagogies that foster deep, meaningful learning. This article also emphasizes the funds of knowledge that Black teachers and students possess and highlights approaches that Black teachers have taken that create a warm, caring environment where Black students can thrive instead of being forced to fit into current systems that are unresponsive to Black student needs.
Kopernikus School: Dialogue and Respect for a Democratic Life
Authors: Aguilar Trinidad , Elmúdesi Bárbara , Hitschfeld Rolf
Published: March 2024

Educating for democracy requires educating in democracy. As part of a pedagogical approach inspired by the Jenaplan model, Kopernikus School works daily on fostering dialogue, attentively listening; the respect and recognition of the value of each other; and being relevant to their community by collaborating with other schools and neighbors through both structured and non-structured spaces and experiences that combined, shape the life at the school.
Lift Every Voice: A Case for Democratic Music Education
Authors: Hawkins Isaiah
Published: March 2024

Democratic Education to me simply means education by democratic means and toward democratic ends. This means that everything from classroom structure to learning goals should be developed with student input and collective empowerment in mind. Music can and should be at the center of any democratic education philosophy, as it provides a powerful context for students to both grow and have an impact on the world around them.
Walkabout: From Disengagement to Radical Engagement
Authors: Cioffi Margaret
Published: March 2024

Schools that provide students with community and opportunities to demonstrate their capacities in the real world cultivate a sense of belonging and individual purpose which are integral components of civic engagement.
Cultivating Democratic Learning Spaces: A Framework for Transformational Civics by HomePlace Collective
Authors: Infante Kassandra , Rivera Marianela
Published: March 2024

Cultivating democratic schools and learning spaces requires developing critical socio-political literacy through an advocacy mindset, culturally relevant learning, and civic participation. The purpose of these spaces is so that students understand how to transform themselves, their communities, and broader society toward equity.
Recess in a Learning Landscape: An Opportunity for the Development of Democratic Skills
Authors: Ibáñez Ángela , Huneeus Marcial
Published: March 2024

For Patio Vivo, a democratic education means creating a learning environment that welcomes each member of the school community. We accept and celebrate personal differences between each one of the students, as we want to provide them with freedom and confidence to play, navigate, and explore the world around them, according to their interests and abilities. In this way, children build their learning through play and contact with nature, which we believe to be the foundation of a healthy and happy childhood.
Ukrainian Refugees in Poland: Two Schools Under One Roof—One Is Offline, the Other One Online
Authors: Stolarski Przemek
Published: March 2024

With the unprecedented refugee crisis in Poland, democratic education is all about designing a thoughtful crisis response. This response, through making public schools more inclusive and responsive to the needs of various learners, can save Poland from developing a tiered and thoroughly unequal system of schooling. We should be wary of technology’s potential to, both, aid and disrupt this process.
Empathy School: A Democratic, Nature-Based SEL School
Authors: Gonzalez-Payne Eric
Published: March 2024

Democratic Schooling has everything to do with empowering children to make decisions for themselves while also understanding and respecting the decisions of others. Children who develop these skills will continue to develop them into adulthood, and they will use them to create a more empathetic world.
Challenging the Status Quo: A Critical Analysis of the Common Agricultural Policy’s Shift Toward Sustainability
Authors: Doukas Yannis E. , Vardopoulos Ioannis , Petides Pavlos
Published: March 2024

Amidst growing concerns about the impact of agriculture on the environment, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been overhauled to prioritize sustainability in European agriculture. This chapter delves into the details of the CAP’s shift, analyzing the elevation of environmental concerns within the policymaking framework. Drawing upon concepts from the field of political science that examine the process of policy change, like those found in historical institutionalism, the study explores how the CAP’s move toward “greening” is redefining the trajectory of EU and global agriculture. Throughout the analysis, the study highlights the key role played by initiatives such as the Green Payment Scheme and other measures in promoting measurable environmental and climatic criteria. For example, measures aimed at preserving carbon-rich soils and enhancing water resources can have positive impacts on the environment. However, the study also recognizes that these measures may limit the power of farmers. In addition, the study underscores the EU’s commitment to addressing climate change and sustainable development challenges and how conditionality is being used to link funding to results. Upon analyzing the CAP’s shift, the study argues that the new architecture of the policy represents a more flexible and rational approach. By incorporating both CAP pillars, encouraging collaboration with compatible policies, and allowing for greater adaptability in response to the unique circumstances and objectives of each Member State, the CAP is taking significant steps toward sustainability and climate action. These insights into the significance and implications of the CAP’s shift toward sustainability offer valuable recommendations for future policy developments, emphasizing the need to balance environmental concerns with the needs of rural workers and other stakeholders.
Kommunale Unternehmen der Ernährungswirtschaft – Konzeptionelle Grundlagen am Beispiel des Geschäftsmodells einer Kommunalen Ernährungsmeisterei
Authors: Sipple David , Ritter Martin , Schanz Heiner
Published: March 2024

Kommunale Unternehmen der Ernährungswirtschaft stellen ein wirksames Instrument zur Sicherung der kommunalen Daseinsvorsorge im Ernährungsbereich und zur Stärkung einer nachhaltigen lokalen Ernährungswirtschaft dar. Der vorliegende Beitrag entwickelt auf Basis der wenigen vorhandenen Beispiele sowie konzeptioneller Überlegungen zentrale Anforderungen an ein illustratives Geschäftsmodell für ein solches kommunales Unternehmen. Neben dem operativen Zweck tragen kommunale Unternehmen der Ernährungswirtschaft zu einer längerfristigen Verstetigung ernährungsrelevanter Themen in Kommunalverwaltung und nachhaltiger Stadtentwicklung bei. Dies zeigt sich auch anhand der Modellierung lokaler Ernährungssysteme (Sipple und Schanz 2024). Der vorliegende Beitrag liefert konzeptionelle Grundlagen für ein illustratives Geschäftsmodell eines kommunalen Unternehmens der Ernährungswirtschaft am Beispiel einer Kommunalen Ernährungsmeisterei.
On Blocky Ranks Of Matrices
Authors: Avraham Daniel , Yehudayoff Amir
Published: March 2024

A matrix is blocky if it is a "blowup" of a permutation matrix. The blocky rank of a matrix M is the minimum number of blocky matrices that linearly span M. Hambardzumyan, Hatami and Hatami defined blocky rank and showed that it is connected to communication complexity and operator theory. We describe additional connections to circuit complexity and combinatorics, and we prove upper and lower bounds on blocky rank in various contexts.
Asymptotic behaviour for convection with anomalous diffusion
Authors: Straughan Brian , Barletta Antonio
Published: March 2024

We investigate the fully nonlinear model for convection in a Darcy porous material where the diffusion is of anomalous type as recently proposed by Barletta. The fully nonlinear model is analysed but we allow for variable gravity or penetrative convection effects which result in spatially dependent coefficients. This spatial dependence usually requires numerical solution even in the linearized case. In this work, we demonstrate that regardless of the size of the Rayleigh number, the perturbation solution will decay exponentially in time for the superdiffusion case. In addition, we establish a similar result for convection in a bidisperse porous medium where both macro- and microporosity effects are present. Moreover, we demonstrate a similar result for thermosolutal convection.
„Generationenkonflikte“ bei rechtsmedizinisch tätigen Ärztinnen und Ärzten?
Authors: Heger Anna , Ritz-Timme Stefanie
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund

In rechtsmedizinischen Instituten arbeiten in aller Regel mindestens 3 Generationen von Ärztinnen und Ärzten zusammen („Babyboomer“, Generationen „X“ und „Y“). Ob diese Generationenvielfalt zu Konflikten im Arbeitsalltag führt, wurde bisher nicht untersucht.

Ziel der Arbeit

Mögliche Generationenkonflikte sowie gegenseitige Erwartungen und Anforderungen der verschiedenen Generationen sollten erhoben werden.

Material und Methoden

Ein Online-Fragebogen mit bis zu 53 Fragen zu den Themen Arbeitsbelastung und -zufriedenheit, Weiterbildung, Karriere, Forschung, Beruf vs. Privatleben und Generationenwandel wurde an 436 in deutschsprachigen Ländern rechtsmedizinisch tätige Fachärztinnen/-ärzte (FÄ) und Weiterbildungsassistentinnen/-assistenten (WBA) verschickt.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 181 vollständig ausgefüllte Fragebogen retourniert (Rücklaufquote: 41,5 %), wovon 180 ausgewertet werden konnten. 73 % der Befragten nahmen Konfliktsituationen zwischen den Generationen wahr. Für WBA (Gen. Y) resultierten Konflikte v. a. aus unterschiedlichen Werten, Prioritäten oder Ansichten der verschiedenen Generationen und der Work-Life-Thematik, während für FÄ die meisten Probleme in den Bereichen Work-Life-Balance (Gen. X) und „Zwischenmenschliches“ (Babyboomer und Gen. X) lagen. Vertreter*innen aller Generationen wünschten sich mehr Kollegialität und Zusammenhalt im Kollegium.

Diskussion

Es gibt Hinweise auf einen Generationenwandel mit Konfliktpotenzial auch in Instituten für Rechtsmedizin. Einige resultierende Probleme ließen sich durch eine offene Kommunikation von Bedürfnissen, eine wertschätzende Zusammenarbeit, ein gegenseitiges Verständnis für unterschiedliche Anforderungen und Wünsche sowie eine Offenheit für Veränderung und Optimierung reduzieren.
Stability of Regularized Hastings–Levitov Aggregation in the Subcritical Regime
Authors: Norris James , Silvestri Vittoria , Turner Amanda
Published: March 2024

We prove bulk scaling limits and fluctuation scaling limits for a two-parameter class ALE$$({\alpha },\eta )$$

(
α
,
η
)

of continuum planar aggregation models. The class includes regularized versions of the Hastings–Levitov family HL$$({\alpha })$$

(
α
)

and continuum versions of the family of dielectric-breakdown models, where the local attachment intensity for new particles is specified as a negative power $$-\eta $$

-
η

of the density of arc length with respect to harmonic measure. The limit dynamics follow solutions of a certain Loewner–Kufarev equation, where the driving measure is made to depend on the solution and on the parameter $${\zeta }={\alpha }+\eta $$

ζ
=
α
+
η

. Our results are subject to a subcriticality condition $${\zeta }\leqslant 1$$

ζ
⩽
1

: this includes HL$$({\alpha })$$

(
α
)

for $${\alpha }\leqslant 1$$

α
⩽
1

and also the case $${\alpha }=2,\eta =-1$$

α
=
2
,
η
=
-
1

corresponding to a continuum Eden model. Hastings and Levitov predicted a change in behaviour for HL$$({\alpha })$$

(
α
)

at $${\alpha }=1$$

α
=
1

, consistent with our results. In the regularized regime considered, the fluctuations around the scaling limit are shown to be Gaussian, with independent Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes driving each Fourier mode, which are seen to be stable if and only if $${\zeta }\leqslant 1$$

ζ
⩽
1

.
Factors affecting neurodevelopmental outcome following surgical necrotising enterocolitis: a systematic review
Authors: Okten E. I. , Frankl M. , Wu S. , Gamaty H. , Thompson H. , Yardley I. E.
Published: March 2024

Surgically treated necrotising enterocolitis (sNEC) is associated with significantly worse neurodevelopmental outcomes than that seen in premature infants without NEC. We aim to review the association between factors involved in the surgical treatment of NEC and subsequent neurodevelopmental outcomes to identify potential areas for improvement. The PubMed and Embase databases were interrogated for articles reporting neurodevelopmental outcomes in babies treated surgically for NEC using key terms including: “Infant”, “Necrotising enterocolitis”, “Surgical”, “Neurodevelopmental” and “Outcomes”. The search strategy yielded 1170 articles and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria 22 studies remained and formed the review. A diverse range of neurodevelopmental outcomes were reported. Extreme prematurity and lower birth weight were associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The use of peritoneal drains and enterostomies were associated with worse outcomes. Modifications to surgical strategies in NEC may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes but the effect of confounding factors remains unclear. Further large scale studies are required to define the optimum strategies for treating NEC surgically and to develop a core outcome set for research into NEC.
Role of preexisting right ventricular remodeling in symptoms and prognosis after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair
Authors: Ehrenfels Marc-André , Fretter Caroline , von Stein Jennifer , Körber Maria Isabel , Wienemann Hendrik , Baldus Stephan , Pfister Roman , Iliadis Christos
Published: March 2024

Background

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with chronic volume overload and right ventricular remodeling (RVR). Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr) reduces TR and can improve quality of life (QoL), but the role of preprocedural RVR on TTVr outcomes remains unclear.

Aims

To investigate the role of RVR on outcomes after TTVr for severe TR.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TTVr (61% edge-to-edge vs. 39% direct annuloplasty) for severe TR were retrospectively compared by preexisting RVR which was defined as dilation of RV mid-level diameter (> 35 mm) according to guidelines. QoL was evaluated using NYHA class, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and 6-min walking distance (6MWD) 1-month after TTVr. Mid-term mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization were assessed through 1 year.

Results

RVR was present in 137 of 223 patients (61%). Symptoms and QoL improved equally in both groups: ≥ 1 NYHA class (57% vs. 65% of patients with vs. without RVR, respectively), 6MWD (36% vs. 34%), MLHFQ (81% vs. 69%), and SF-36 (68% vs. 65%) improvement. One-year mortality and HF hospitalization were significantly higher in patients with RVR (24% and 30%, respectively) than in patients without (8% and 13%, both p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, RVR was independently associated with mortality (HR 2.3, 95%CI (1.0–5.0), p = 0.04) and the combined endpoint of mortality or rehospitalization (HR 2.0, 95%CI (1.1–3.8), p = 0.03).

Conclusions

TTVr was associated with significant QoL improvement after 1 month, irrespective of RVR. Despite increased mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure, TTVr in the presence of RVR still provides substantial symptomatic benefit for patients with severe TR.

Graphical abstract

Role of preexisting right ventricular remodeling (RVR) in symptoms and prognosis after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr).
Bi-Gaussian analysis reveals distinct education-related alterations in spherical equivalent and axial length—results from the Gutenberg Health Study
Authors: Hartmann Alica , Grabitz Stephanie Desirée , Wagner Felix Mathias , Wild Philipp Sebastian , Müller-Nurasyid Martina , Lackner Karl Johannes , Beutel Manfred Elmar , Münzel Thomas , Tüscher Oliver , Schattenberg Jörn Markus , Pfeiffer Norbert , Schuster Alexander Karl-Georg
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of spherical equivalent and axial length in the general population and to analyze the influence of education on spherical equivalent with a focus on ocular biometric parameters.

Methods

The Gutenberg Health Study is a population-based cohort study in Mainz, Germany. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations as part of the 5-year follow-up examination in 2012–2017 including genotyping. The spherical equivalent and axial length distributions were modeled with gaussian mixture models. Regression analysis (on person-individual level) was performed to analyze associations between biometric parameters and educational factors. Mendelian randomization analysis explored the causal effect between spherical equivalent, axial length, and education. Additionally, effect mediation analysis examined the link between spherical equivalent and education.

Results

A total of 8532 study participants were included (median age: 57 years, 49% female). The distribution of spherical equivalent and axial length follows a bi-Gaussian function, partially explained by the length of education (i.e., < 11 years education vs. 11–20 years). Mendelian randomization indicated an effect of education on refractive error using a genetic risk score of education as an instrument variable (− 0.35 diopters per SD increase in the instrument, 95% CI, − 0.64–0.05, p = 0.02) and an effect of education on axial length (0.63 mm per SD increase in the instrument, 95% CI, 0.22–1.04, p = 0.003). Spherical equivalent, axial length and anterior chamber depth were associated with length of education in regression analyses. Mediation analysis revealed that the association between spherical equivalent and education is mainly driven (70%) by alteration in axial length.

Conclusions

The distribution of axial length and spherical equivalent is represented by subgroups of the population (bi-Gaussian). This distribution can be partially explained by length of education. The impact of education on spherical equivalent is mainly driven by alteration in axial length.
Locally applied heat stress during exercise training may promote adaptations to mitochondrial enzyme activities in skeletal muscle
Authors: Maunder Ed , King Andrew , Rothschild Jeffrey A. , Brick Matthew J. , Leigh Warren B. , Hedges Christopher P. , Merry Troy L. , Kilding Andrew E.
Published: March 2024

There is some evidence for temperature-dependent stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis; however, the role of elevated muscle temperature during exercise in mitochondrial adaptation to training has not been studied in humans in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of elevating muscle temperature during exercise in temperate conditions through the application of mild, local heat stress on mitochondrial adaptations to endurance training. Eight endurance-trained males undertook 3 weeks of supervised cycling training, during which mild (~ 40 °C) heat stress was applied locally to the upper-leg musculature of one leg during all training sessions (HEAT), with the contralateral leg serving as the non-heated, exercising control (CON). Vastus lateralis microbiopsies were obtained from both legs before and after the training period. Training-induced increases in complex I (fold-change, 1.24 ± 0.33 vs. 1.01 ± 0.49, P = 0.029) and II (fold-change, 1.24 ± 0.33 vs. 1.01 ± 0.49, P = 0.029) activities were significantly larger in HEAT than CON. No significant effects of training, or interactions between local heat stress application and training, were observed for complex I–V or HSP70 protein expressions. Our data provides partial evidence to support the hypothesis that elevating local muscle temperature during exercise augments training-induced adaptations to mitochondrial enzyme activity.
Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic classification of histone acetyltransferase genes, and their expression analysis in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under salt stress
Authors: Yolcu Seher , Skorupa Monika , Uras Mehmet Emin , Mazur Justyna , Ozyiğit Ibrahim Ilker
Published: March 2024

Main conclusion

This study identified seven histone acetyltransferase-encoding genes (HATs) from Beta vulgaris L. (sugar beet) genome through bioinformatics tools and analyzed their expression profiles under salt stress. Sugar beet HATs are phylogenetically divided into four families: GNAT, MYST, CBP, and TAFII250. The BvHAT genes were differentially transcribed in leaves, stems, and roots of B. vulgaris salt-resistant (Casino) and -sensitive (Bravo) cultivars under salt stress.

Histone acetylation is regulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs), which catalyze ɛ-amino bond formation between lysine residues and acetyl groups with a cofactor, acetyl-CoA. Even though the HATs are known to participate in stress response and development in model plants, little is known about the functions of HATs in crops. In sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), they have not yet been identified and characterized. Here, an in silico analysis of the HAT gene family in sugar beet was performed, and their expression patterns in leaves, stems, and roots of B. vulgaris were analyzed under salt stress. Salt-resistant (Casino) and -sensitive (Bravo) beet cultivars were used for gene expression assays. Seven HATs were identified from sugar beet genome, and named BvHAG1, BvHAG2, BvHAG3, BvHAG4, BvHAC1, BvHAC2, and BvHAF1. The HAT proteins were divided into 4 groups including MYST, GNAT (GCN5, HAT1, ELP3), CBP and TAFII250. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that the BvHAT genes might be involved in hormonal regulation, light response, plant development, and abiotic stress response. The BvHAT genes were differentially expressed in leaves, stems, and roots under control and 300 mM NaCl. In roots of B. vulgaris cv. Bravo, the BvHAG1, BvHAG2, BvHAG4, BvHAF1, and BvHAC1 genes were dramatically expressed after 7 and 14 days of salt stress. Interestingly, the BvHAC2 gene was not expressed under both control and stress conditions. However, the expression of BvHAG2, BvHAG3, BvHAG4, BvHAC1, BvHAC2 genes showed a significant increase in response to salt stress in the roots of cv. Casino. This study provides new insights into the potential roles of histone acetyltransferases in sugar beet.