bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nexus between urban green space, housing type, and mental health
Authors: Feng Xiaoqi , Toms Renin , Astell-Burt Thomas
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Momentum for urban densification is increasing opportunities for apartment-living, but can result in reduced green space availability that negatively influences mental health. However, in contexts where apartment-living is atypical and commonly viewed as secondary to house-ownership, it may be a stressful antecedent condition (or marker of selective processes aligned with psychological distress) wherein occupants could benefit disproportionately from green space.

Method

Data were extracted from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study baseline (2006–2009,n = 267,153). The focus was on subsets of 13,196 people living in apartments and 66,453 people living in households within the cities of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. Multilevel models adjusted for confounders tested associations between psychological distress (Kessler 10 scale) with percentage total green space, tree canopy and open grass within 1.6 km road network buffers.

Results

Psychological distress was higher in occupants of apartments (11.3%) compared with houses (7.9%). More green space was associated with less psychological distress for house-dwellers (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91–0.98), but there was no association for apartment-dwellers. More tree canopy was associated with lower psychological distress for house-dwellers (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85–0.92) and apartment-dwellers (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.79–0.96). Open grass was associated with more psychological distress among house-dwellers (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00–1.13) and also for apartment-dwellers (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.07–1.35).

Conclusions

Overall, investments in tree canopy may benefit the mental health of house and apartment residents relatively equally. Urban tree canopy in densely populated areas where apartments are common needs to be protected. Further work is needed to understand factors constraining the prevention potential of open grass, to unlock its benefits for mental health.
Complications in Distal Pancreatectomy versus Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy: A Disease Risk Score Analysis Utilizing National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Data
Authors: Sutton Thomas L. , Potter Kristin C. , Mayo Skye C. , Pommier Rodney , Gilbert Erin W. , Sheppard Brett C.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was developed to improve R0 resections and lymph node harvests versus distal pancreatectomy (DP) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC); relative complication rates are understudied.

Methods

Patients undergoing distal pancreas resections from 2006 to 2020 were identified from our institutional NSQIP database, grouped by resection method, and evaluated for the following outcomes: postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), clinically relevant POPF (crPOPF), incisional surgical site infection (iSSI), organ space SSI (osSSI), and Clavien‐Dindo grade ≥ 3 (CD ≥ 3) complications using logistic regression. Patients were matched 1:1 based on disease risk score.

Results

Two‐hundred‐thirty‐six and 117 patients underwent DP and RAMPS, respectively. POPF, crPOPF, CD ≥ 3 complications, iSSI, and osSSIs occurred in 105 (30%), 43 (12%), 74 (21%), 34 (10%) and 52 (15%) patients, respectively. Disease risk score matching yielded 89 similar patients per group. On multivariable analysis, patients undergoing RAMPS were not significantly more likely to experience POPF (OR 0.69, P = 0.26), crPOPF (OR 0.41, P = 0.72), CD ≥ 3 complication (OR 0.78, P = 0.44), iSSI (OR 0.58, P = 0.27), or osSSI (OR 0.93, P = 0.86).

Of patients with PDAC (n = 108) mean nodal harvest were 14.8 (SD 11.30) and 19.4 (SD 7.19) nodes for patients undergoing DP and RAMPS, respectively (P = 0.01). Six patients (20%) undergoing DP had positive margins versus 12 (15%) undergoing RAMPS (P = 0.56). At a median follow‐up of 17 months, there was no difference in locoregional recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.32) or overall survival (P = 0.92) on Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Conclusion

RAMPS does not result in increased complications compared to DP and routine use is encouraged in pancreatic malignancies.
Prädiktive Immunzytochemie beim nicht-kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinom
Authors: Brcic Luka , Savic Prince Spasenija
Published: April 2022

Die Immunchemie ist eine zeit-, tumorproben- und kosteneffiziente Methode zur Untersuchung prädiktiver Biomarker bei fortgeschrittenen nicht-kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinomen (NSCLC). Die Immunhistochemie (IHC) an Formalin-fixiertem, Paraffin-eingebettetem (FFPE) Tumorgewebe hat sich für den Nachweis der PD-L1-Expression sowie für die ALK-, ROS1- und neuerdings auch für die NTRK-Untersuchung bewährt. Zytologische Proben als Quelle für prädiktive Markeranalysen sind sehr wichtig, da bis zu 40 % aller NSCLC rein zytologisch diagnostiziert werden.

Trotz der etablierten Rolle der Zytologie in der Lungenkarzinomdiagnostik wurden keine kommerziellen IHC-Assays für zytologische Proben validiert.

Die prädiktive Immunzytochemie (ICC) ist am einfachsten an FFPE-Zellblöcken (CB) durchzuführen, da für FFPE-Histologie standardisierte Protokolle verwendet werden können. CB sind jedoch nicht immer verfügbar.

Nicht als CB verarbeitete zytologische Präparate sind weniger standardisiert als histologische Präparate und weisen eine erhebliche präanalytische Variabilität auf. Daher ist eine strenge zytologiespezifische Optimierung, Validierung und Qualitätskontrolle von ICC-Protokollen erforderlich. Unter dieser Voraussetzung ist die prädiktive ICC, die in der Regel an Papanicolaou-gefärbten Zytologien durchgeführt wird, robust und zuverlässig. Dieses wertvolle zytologische Material sollte für prädiktive Biomarkeranalysen genutzt werden, um Patientinnen und Patienten nicht dem unnötigen Risiko einer erneuten Probenentnahme auszusetzen. Diese Übersichtsarbeit beleuchtet präanalytische, analytische und postanalytische Aspekte, die ICC-Ergebnisse beeinflussen können, und fasst die veröffentlichten Daten zur prädiktiven ICC für PD-L1, ALK und ROS1 bei NSCLC zusammen.
Role of Vacuolar Membrane Transport Systems in Plant Salinity Tolerance
Authors: Mansour Mohamed Magdy F.
Published: April 2022

About 20% of all irrigated land is adversely affected by salinity hazards and therefore understanding plant defense mechanisms against salinity will have great impact on plant productivity. In the last decades, comprehension of salinity resistance at molecular level has been achieved through the identification of key genes encoding biomarker proteins underpinning salinity tolerance. Implication of the vacuolar transport systems in plant salinity tolerance is one example of these central mechanisms rendering tolerance to saline stress. One important organelle in plant cells is the central vacuole that plays pivotal multiple roles in cell functioning under normal and stress conditions. This review thus attempts to address different lines of evidence supporting the role of the vacuolar membrane transport systems in plant salinity tolerance. Vacuolar transport systems include Na+(K+)/H+antiporters, V-ATPase, V-PPase, Ca2+/H+exchangers, Ca2+-ATPase, ion channels, aquaporins, and ABC transporters. They contribute essentially in retaining a high cytosolic K+/Na+ratio, K+level, sequestrating Na+and Cl−into vacuoles, as well as regulation of other salinity responsive pathways. However, little is known about the regulation and functions of some of the vacuolar transporters under salinity stress and therefore need more exploration and focus. Numerous studies demonstrated that the activities of the vacuolar transporters are upregulated in response to salinity stress, confirming their central roles in salinity tolerance mechanism. The second line of evidence is that manipulation of one of the genes encoding the vacuolar transport proteins results in some successful improvement of plant salinity tolerance. Therefore, transgene pyramiding of more than one gene for developing genotypes with better and strong salinity tolerance and productivity should gain more attention in future research. In addition, we should move step further and verify the experimental data obtained from either a greenhouse or controlled environment into field trials in order to support our claims.
Tissue chaperoning—the expanded functions of fetuin-A beyond inhibition of systemic calcification
Authors: Rudloff Stefan , Jahnen-Dechent Willi , Huynh-Do Uyen
Published: April 2022

Traditionally, fetuin-A embodies the prototype anti-calcification protein in the blood, preventing cardiovascular calcification. Low serum fetuin-A is generally associated with mineralization dysbalance and enhanced mortality in end stage renal disease. Recent evidence indicates that fetuin-A is a crucial factor moderating tissue inflammation and fibrosis, as well as a systemic indicator of acute inflammatory disease. Here, the expanded function of fetuin-A is discussed in the context of mineralization and inflammation biology. Unbalanced depletion of fetuin-A in this context may be the critical event, triggering a vicious cycle of progressive calcification, inflammation, and tissue injury. Hence, we designate fetuin-A as tissue chaperone and propose the potential use of exogenous fetuin-A as prophylactic agent or emergency treatment in conditions that are associated with acute depletion of endogenous protein.
Stacked ResNet-LSTM and CORAL model for multi-site air quality prediction
Authors: Cheng Xiangwei , Zhang Wenwen , Wenzel Adrian , Chen Jia
Published: April 2022

As the global economy is booming, and the industrialization and urbanization are being expedited, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) turns out to be a major air pollutant jeopardizing public health. Numerous researchers are committed to employing various methods to address the problem of the nonlinear correlation between PM2.5 concentration and several factors to achieve more effective forecasting. However, a considerable space remains for the improvement of forecasting accuracy, and the problem of missing air pollution data on certain target areas also needs to be solved. Our research work is divided into two parts. First, this study presents a novel stacked ResNet-LSTM model to enhance prediction accuracy for PM2.5 concentration level forecast. As revealed from the experimental results, the proposed model outperforms other models such as boosting algorithms or general recurrent neural networks, and the advantage of feature extraction through residual network (ResNet) combined with a model stacking strategy is shown. Second, to solve the problem of insufficient air quality and meteorological data on some research areas, this study proposes the use of a correlation alignment (CORAL) method to carry out a prediction on the target area by aligning the second-order statistics between source area and target area. As indicated from the results, this model exhibits a considerable accuracy even in the absence of historical PM2.5 data in the target forecast area.
A mathematical model for managing the multi-dimensional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in supply chain of a high-demand item
Authors: Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Chowdhury Priyabrata , Chakrabortty Ripon Kumar , Ivanov Dmitry , Sallam Karam
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across supply chain (SC) operations worldwide. Specifically, decisions on the recovery planning are subject to multi-dimensional uncertainty stemming from singular and correlated disruptions in demand, supply, and production capacities. This is a new and understudied research area. In this study, we examine, SC recovery for high-demand items (e.g., hand sanitizer and face masks). We first developed a stochastic mathematical model to optimise recovery for a three-stage SC exposed to the multi-dimensional impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. This allows to generalize a novel problem setting with simultaneous demand, supply, and capacity uncertainty in a multi-stage SC recovery context. We then developed a chance-constrained programming approach and present in this article a new and enhanced multi-operator differential evolution variant-based solution approach to solve our model. With the optimisation, we sought to understand the impact of different recovery strategies on SC profitability as well as identify optimal recovery plans. Through extensive numerical experiments, we demonstrated capability towards efficiently solving both small- and large-scale SC recovery problems. We tested, evaluated, and analyzed different recovery strategies, scenarios, and problem scales to validate our approach. Ultimately, the study provides a useful tool to optimise reactive adaptation strategies related to how and when SC recovery operations should be deployed during a pandemic. This study contributes to literature through development of a unique problem setting with multi-dimensional uncertainty impacts for SC recovery, as well as an efficient solution approach for solution of both small- and large-scale SC recovery problems. Relevant decision-makers can use the findings of this research to select the most efficient SC recovery plan under pandemic conditions and to determine the timing of its deployment.
Social Change and the Health of Sexual Minority Individuals: Do the Effects of Minority Stress and Community Connectedness Vary by Age Cohort?
Authors: Frost David M. , Meyer Ilan H. , Lin Andy , Wilson Bianca D. M. , Lightfoot Marguerita , Russell Stephen T. , Hammack Phillip L.
Published: April 2022

This study examined the extent to which social stress stemming from a stigmatized social status (i.e., minority stress) was associated with three domains of health in younger as compared with older age cohorts of sexual minority individuals. Data were analyzed from the Generations Study, a longitudinal study using a probability sample (N = 1518) of age cohorts of sexual minority individuals in the USA. Exposure to a variety of minority stressors was associated with poorer health for all age cohorts. We hypothesized that because of improved social and legal environments in recent years, the associations between minority stress and health would be diminished in the younger cohort. As expected, we found that the associations between some minority stressors and health outcomes were diminished in the younger cohort compared to older cohorts. Positive associations between community connectedness and mental health and social well-being were observed for all participants but were attenuated in the younger cohort. Findings demonstrate the continuing negative association between minority stress and health among sexual minorities, which, despite some attenuation, persists even for young cohorts of sexual minority individuals in a more equal and accepting social climate.
Practical algebraic calculus and Nullstellensatz with the checkers Pacheck and Pastèque and Nuss-Checker
Authors: Kaufmann Daniela , Fleury Mathias , Biere Armin , Kauers Manuel
Published: April 2022

Automated reasoning techniques based on computer algebra have seen renewed interest in recent years and are for example heavily used in formal verification of arithmetic circuits. However, the verification process might contain errors. Generating and checking proof certificates is important to increase the trust in automated reasoning tools. For algebraic reasoning, two proof systems, Nullstellensatz and polynomial calculus, are available and are well-known in proof complexity. A Nullstellensatz proof captures whether a polynomial can be represented as a linear combination of a given set of polynomials by providing the co-factors of the linear combination. Proofs in polynomial calculus dynamically capture that a polynomial can be derived from a given set of polynomials using algebraic ideal theory. In this article we present the practical algebraic calculus as an instantiation of the polynomial calculus that can be checked efficiently. We further modify the practical algebraic calculus and gain LPAC (practical algebraic calculus + linear combinations) that includes linear combinations. In this way we are not only able to represent both Nullstellensatz and polynomial calculus proofs, but we are also able to blend both proof formats. Furthermore, we introduce extension rules to simulate essential rewriting techniques required in practice. For efficiency we also make use of indices for existing polynomials and include deletion rules too. We demonstrate the different proof formats on the use case of arithmetic circuit verification and discuss how these proofs can be produced as a by-product in formal verification. We present the proof checkers Pacheck, Pastèque, and Nuss-Checker. Pacheck checks proofs in practical algebraic calculus more efficiently than Pastèque, but the latter is formally verified using the proof assistant Isabelle/HOL. The tool Nuss-Checker is used to check proofs in the Nullstellensatz format.
Development of scaffold-free vascularized pancreatic beta-islets in vitro models by the anchoring of cell lines to a bioligand-functionalized gelatine substrate
Authors: Perugini Valeria , Flaherty Samuel M. , Santin Matteo
Published: April 2022

Bioengineered pancreatic β-islets have been widely advocated for the research and treatment of diabetes by offering both suitable cell culture models for the study of the pathology and the testing of new drugs and a therapy in those patients no longer responding to insulin administration and as an alternative to the shortage of donors for organ and islet transplantation. Unlike most of the studies published so far where pancreatic islets of pancreatic β-cells are encapsulated in hydrogels, this study demonstrate the formation of bioengineered pancreatic islets through cell anchoring to a gelatine-based biomaterial, PhenoDrive-Y, able to mimic the basement membrane of tissues. Through simple culture conditions, PhenoDrive-Y led human pancreatic β-cell lines and human umbilical endothelial cell lines to form organized structures closely resembling the natural vascularized pancreatic islets. When compared to gelatine, the cultures in presence of PhenoDrive-Y show higher degree of organization in tissue-like structures, a more pronounced endothelial sprouting and higher expression of typical cell markers. Noticeably, when challenged by hyperglycaemic conditions, the cells embedded in the PhenoDrive-Y assembled spheroids responded with higher levels of insulin production. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates the potential of PhenoDrive-Y as substrate for the development of bioengineered vascularized pancreatic islets and to be particularly suitable as a model for in vitro studies and testing of new therapeutics.
Minimizing Aliasing in Multiple Frequency Harmonic Balance Computations
Authors: Lindblad Daniel , Frey Christian , Junge Laura , Ashcroft Graham , Andersson Niklas
Published: April 2022

The harmonic balance method has emerged as an efficient and accurate approach for computing periodic, as well as almost periodic, solutions to nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The accuracy of the harmonic balance method can however be negatively impacted by aliasing. Aliasing occurs because Fourier coefficients of nonlinear terms in the governing equations are approximated by a discrete Fourier transform (DFT). Understanding how aliasing occurs when the DFT is applied is therefore essential in improving the accuracy of the harmonic balance method. In this work, a new operator that describe the fold-back, i.e. aliasing, of unresolved frequencies onto the resolved ones is developed. The norm of this operator is then used as a metric for investigating how the time sampling should be performed to minimize aliasing. It is found that a time sampling which minimizes the condition number of the DFT matrix is the best choice in this regard, both for single and multiple frequency problems. These findings are also verified for the Duffing oscillator. Finally, a strategy for oversampling multiple frequency harmonic balance computations is developed and tested.
Online algorithms to schedule a proportionate flexible flow shop of batching machines
Authors: Hertrich Christoph , Weiß Christian , Ackermann Heiner , Heydrich Sandy , Krumke Sven O.
Published: April 2022

This paper is the first to consider online algorithms to schedule a proportionate flexible flow shop of batching machines (PFFB). The scheduling model is motivated by manufacturing processes of individualized medicaments, which are used in modern medicine to treat some serious illnesses. We provide two different online algorithms, proving also lower bounds for the offline problem to compute their competitive ratios. The first algorithm is an easy-to-implement, general local scheduling heuristic. It is 2-competitive for PFFBs with an arbitrary number of stages and for several natural scheduling objectives. We also show that for total/average flow time, no deterministic algorithm with better competitive ratio exists. For the special case with two stages and the makespan or total completion time objective, we describe an improved algorithm that achieves the best possible competitive ratio $$\varphi =\frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}$$

φ
=

1
+

5

2

, the golden ratio. All our results also hold for proportionate (non-flexible) flow shops of batching machines (PFB) for which this is also the first paper to study online algorithms.
SNP-PCR genotyping links alterations in the GABAA receptor (GABRG3: rs208129) and RELN (rs73670) genes to autism spectrum disorder among peadiatric Iraqi Arabs
Authors: Ali Zainab A. , Yasseen Akeel A. , McAllister Katherine A. , Al-Dujailli Arafat , Al-Karaqully Ahmed J. , Jumaah Alaa S.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasing concern among the Iraqi Arab population. The genetic alterations that cause ASD are likely to converge at the synapse. This study investigated polymorphisms in the GABAA receptor subunit (GABRG3) and the RELN gene as putative biomarkers of ASD in a pediatric population in Iraq.

Methods

The case control study included 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (mild, moderate, or severe) according to DSM-IV criteria and matched healthy controls (n = 60). Blood samples were collected for DNA genotyping of SNPs rs736707 and rs208129 for RELN and GABRG3 using allele specific PCR. Assessment of genotype and allele distributions in patient groups used odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals and the Chi-square test. All statistical analysis was performed used SPSS software.

Result

The patient cohort was highly consanguineous, with increased ratio (p > 0.05) of males to females (3:1) in both ASD (mean age, 6.66 ± 3.05) and controls (mean age, 5.76 ± 2.3). Both GABRG3 rs208129 genotypes TT (OR 4.33, p = 0.0015) and TA (OR 0.259, P = 0.008), and the T and A alleles were significantly associated with ASD. The RELN rs736707 TC genotype (OR 2.626, P = 0.034) was the only significant association with ASD.

Conclusion

GABRG3 SNP rs208129 is a leading biomarker to predict genetic vulnerability to ASD in Iraqi Arabs. Expanded SNP panels and increased sample sizes are required for future GABRG3 studies, and to reach a consensus on RELN utility. Future ASD screening programs in Iraq should include genetic metrics in addition to clinical phenotype assessments.
Spatially adaptive multi-scale contextual attention for image inpainting
Authors: Wang Xueting , Chen Yiyan , Yamasaki Toshihiko
Published: April 2022

Image inpainting is the task to fill missing regions of an image. Recently, researchers have achieved a great performance by using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with the conventional patch-matching method. Existing methods compute the attention scores, which are based on the similarity of patches between the known and missing regions. Considering that patches at different spatial positions can convey different levels of detail, we propose a spatially adaptive multi-scale attention score that uses the patches of different scales to compute scores for each pixel at different positions. Through experiments on the Paris Street View and Places datasets, our proposal shows slight improvement compared with some related methods on the quantitative evaluation metrics commonly used in the existing methods. Moreover, we found that these quantitative metrics are not appropriate enough considering the subjective impressions of the generated images. Therefore, we conducted subjective evaluation through user study for comparison, which shows that our proposal has superiority of performance generating much more detailed and subjectively plausible images.
Does a truly symmetrically transparent orthography exist? Spelling is more difficult than reading even in an orthography considered highly transparent for both reading and spelling
Authors: Babayiğit Selma
Published: April 2022

Although we know that spelling develops more slowly than reading in asymmetrically transparent orthographies, such as Italian, we do not know whether spelling lags behind reading in orthographies considered symmetrically transparent for both spelling and reading. This is because reading and spelling skills are rarely tested on the same lexical items, which impedes their direct comparison. This study aimed to address this issue by comparing children’s reading and spelling accuracy on the same lexical items in Turkish, which is highly transparent for both reading and spelling. The study also examined an exceptional case, namely letter Ğ, which can cause phonemic ambiguity and potentially complicate spelling but not reading accuracy in Turkish. Through two experiments, children’s reading and spelling accuracy rates were tested on the same nonword and real word items at grade 1 (Experiment 1, N = 40, Mage = 80.93 months, SD = 2.79 months; Experiment 2, N = 39; Mage = 80.97 months, SD = 2.80 months). The consistent findings from nonwords and words (with Ğ or without Ğ) confirmed that spelling development lagged behind reading development in Turkish and that Ğ reduced spelling accuracy but had no effect on reading accuracy. These findings raise questions about the notion of symmetrical transparency: spelling is less transparent and cognitively more demanding than reading even in orthographies considered highly transparent for both reading and spelling. The case of Ğ highlights that even the most transparent orthographies may have exceptional cases that can differentially affect reading and spelling accuracy and therefore the developmental trajectories of reading and spelling skills. Clearly, spelling words as they are heard may not always result in accurate spellings even in Turkish and children should be explicitly taught about the phonemic ambiguity that Ğ may cause.
In the eye of the beholder? Differentiating between SMEs and Mittelstand
Authors: Pahnke André , Welter Friederike , Audretsch David B.
Published: April 2022

A common fallacy is that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the translation for Mittelstand companies. Until today, no common, widely accepted, and consistently applied understanding of what constitutes the Mittelstand exists, and related international research is consequently less coherent as well as a strong evidence-base for policy makers lacking. Most empirical research has relied on data for SMEs, taking quantitative metrics on firm size as constituent features of Mittelstand companies. The paper challenges this simplified equation of Mittelstand and SMEs and provides a first comparison of different approaches to analyze Mittelstand companies. Focusing on the criteria owner-management, firm size, and a sense of belonging to the Mittelstand, we highlight systematic differences of these approaches. Consequently, we suggest a conceptualization of Mittelstand companies that paves the way for more comprehensive research by setting the distinctive company identity based on ownership and management at the core of what constitutes the Mittelstand.

Plain English Summary

Research on Mittelstand companies is faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, Germany’s Mittelstand companies have attracted increased attention in the entrepreneurship literature as well as from policy makers and media at an international level. On the other hand, there is no common, widely accepted and consistently applied understanding of what constitutes the Mittelstand. As a result, research on the Mittelstand is less coherent causing confusion in media, politics, and academia. The paper addresses this ambiguity of the term Mittelstand prevalent throughout the literature and compares different approaches to measuring, identifying, and classifying the Mittelstand. Highlighting their systematic differences, we finally suggest that research, policy makers, and practitioners should set the unity of ownership and management at the core of the Mittelstand. In this way, a more comprehensive and unified understanding of the Mittelstand and its heterogeneity should emerge at all levels.
Eigenfunction martingale estimating functions and filtered data for drift estimation of discretely observed multiscale diffusions
Authors: Abdulle Assyr , Pavliotis Grigorios A. , Zanoni Andrea
Published: April 2022

We propose a novel method for drift estimation of multiscale diffusion processes when a sequence of discrete observations is given. For the Langevin dynamics in a two-scale potential, our approach relies on the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions of the homogenized dynamics. Our first estimator is derived from a martingale estimating function of the generator of the homogenized diffusion process. However, the unbiasedness of the estimator depends on the rate with which the observations are sampled. We therefore introduce a second estimator which relies also on filtering the data, and we prove that it is asymptotically unbiased independently of the sampling rate. A series of numerical experiments illustrate the reliability and efficiency of our different estimators.
Intelligence involves intensionality: An explanatory issue for radical enactivism (again)
Authors: Zipoli Caiani Silvano
Published: April 2022

How can we explain the intelligence of behaviors? Radical enactivists maintain that intelligent behaviors can be explained without involving the attribution of representational contents. In this paper, I challenge this view by providing arguments showing that the intelligence of a behavior is reliant on ways of presenting the relative purpose and the environment in which that behavior is performed. This involves that a behavior is intelligent only if intesional contents are ascribed to the related agent. Importantly, this conclusion also concerns basic behaviors such as those related to the perception of affordances in the environment. Accordingly, either affordance-related behaviors are not instances of intelligent behaviors and can be accounted in a contentless way or affordance-related behaviors are intelligent, but cannot be accounted without involving contents and modes of presentation.
The a-theory of time, temporal passage, and comprehensiveness
Authors: Eker Bahadir
Published: April 2022

It has been argued recently that one major difficulty facing the A-theory of time consists in the view’s failure to provide a satisfactory account of the passage of time. Critics have objected that this particular charge is premised on an unduly strong conception of temporal passage, and that the argument does not go through on alternative, less demanding conceptions of passage. The resulting dialectical stalemate threatens to prove intractable, given the notorious elusiveness of the notion of temporal passage. Here I argue that there is progress to be made in this regard. The argument from passage takes issue with a certain feature of the standard versions of the A-theory that is in fact problematic independently of worries about temporal passage. To illustrate this, I present a new argument, the argument from comprehensiveness, which demonstrates that the standard A-theoretic account of temporal reality is inadequate, even if it is granted that it can accommodate passage.
Sympathy, Interpersonal Awareness and Acknowledgment
Authors: Müller Jean Moritz
Published: April 2022

According to a popular thought, sympathy is an epistemic phenomenon: in sympathizing with others we come to be aware of them as fellow sentient beings. This view–which I call the Epistemic View–effectively characterizes sympathy as a form of social cognition. In this paper, I will argue against the Epistemic View. As far as I can see, this view radically misconstrues the way sympathy is directed at others. I will at the same time provide some material for, and motivate, an alternative proposal according to which the primary significance of sympathy is practical rather than epistemic. On this account, sympathy is a form of interpersonal acknowledgment rather than interpersonal awareness.
Negative air ion exposure ameliorates depression-like behaviors induced by chronic mild stress in mice
Authors: Hu Yun-Qing , Niu Ting-Ting , Xu Jian-ming , Peng Li , Sun Qing-Hua , Huang Ying , Zhou Ji , Ding Yu-Qiang
Published: April 2022

The presence of negative air ions (NAI) is suggested to be a beneficial factor in improving psychological status and used in treating depression as an alternative approach. However, more biological evidence from animal models is needed to ensure the effects of NAI on the mood regulation, through which can facilitate identification of possible underlying mechanisms. In this study, the chronic mild stress (CMS) protocol was used to induce depressive-like behaviors in mice, and the effects of NAI exposure on CMS-induced depression-like behaviors were examined. Thirty-day NAI exposure prevented the CMS-induced depression-like behaviors as shown by the restoration of sucrose preference and reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test. In addition, the elevation of serous corticosterone was present in CMS-treated mice but not existed in those with the NAI exposure. Furthermore, we observed altered ratios of some cytokines secreted by type 1 T helper (Th1) cells and Th2 cells in CMS-treated mice, but it could be restored after NAI exposure. In conclusion, NAI intervention is able to ameliorate CMS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, and this effect is associated with the alteration of corticosterone and functional rebalance between Th1 and Th2 cells.
Aus Corona für die Zukunft familienfördernder Angebote lernen
Authors: Bröning Sonja , Clüver Annette
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Das Auftreten der Coronapandemie brachte für Familien mit kleinen Kindern vielfältige Belastungen wie Isolation, den Verlust öffentlicher und privater Betreuungsoptionen, sowie die Balance von Kinderbetreuung und Beruf. Zukunftssorgen, Verunsicherung und Gefühle der Einsamkeit trugen zum vermehrten Auftreten psychischer Probleme bei. Auch familienfördernde Einrichtungen standen vor neuen Herausforderungen: der Unterstützungsbedarf der Familien stieg, gleichzeitig waren bisherige Angebotsformate und Kontaktmöglichkeiten unter den Einschränkungsmaßnahmen schwer realisierbar.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der aktuellen Studie war die Erfassung der veränderten Bedarfslage von Familien im Verlauf der Pandemie und der Erfahrungswerte mit neu entstandenen analogen und digitalen Hilfsangeboten am Beispiel der familienfördernden Angebote der Stadt Hamburg.

Material und Methoden

Fachkräfte unterschiedlicher familienfördernder Einrichtungen sowie deren Angebote nutzende Eltern wurden im Rahmen von Fokusgruppendiskussionen zu ihren Erfahrungen in der Pandemie und ihren zukunftsgerichteten Ideen für die Familienförderung befragt.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse bestätigen die erhöhte Bedarfslage der Familien. Die Niedrigschwelligkeit der Angebote und der persönliche Austausch wurden von Familien und Fachkräften vermisst. Kreative Ansätze, Angebote digital zu ergänzen, wurden erprobt und z. T. als bereichernd wahrgenommen, besonders um neue Zielgruppen zu erreichen und interprofessionelle Kooperation unter Fachkräften zu stärken.

Schlussfolgerung

Unterstützungsangebote in Präsenz müssen beibehalten werden, digitale Angebote bieten aber eine sinnvolle Ergänzung. Eine gelungene Kombination analoger und digitaler Angebote braucht effektive Ressourcenverteilung und Qualifizierung der Fachkräfte.
Weak solutions for nonlinear waves in adhesive phenomena
Authors: Bonafini Mauro , Le Van Phu Cuong
Published: April 2022

We discuss a notion of weak solution for a semilinear wave equation that models the interaction of an elastic body with a rigid substrate through an adhesive layer, relying on results in [2]. Our analysis embraces the vector-valued case in arbitrary dimension as well as the case of non-local operators (e.g. fractional Laplacian).
Abseits der Norm? Egalitäre Teilzeitarrangements während des Elterngeldbezuges. Ausgestaltung und Motivlagen
Authors: Reich Ricarda
Published: April 2022

Mit der Einführung von Elterngeld Plus und Partnerschaftsbonus 2015 wird die Umsetzung egalitärer Teilzeitarrangements erstmals institutionell gestützt. Dieser Beitrag untersucht, inwieweit sich Eltern in Deutschland für ein solches Erwerbsarrangement im Rahmen der Elterngeldnutzung entscheiden, auf welche Weise die neuen Elterngeldkomponenten genutzt werden und wie die Erwerbs- und Elterngeldentscheidungen auf der Individual- und Paarebene begründet werden. Empirische Grundlage sind semi-strukturierte Interviews mit 18 Personen aus zehn gemischtgeschlechtlichen Paaren, die sich für eine parallele Teilzeitphase während des Elterngeldbezuges entschieden haben. Es zeigt sich, dass die paarinterne Aufteilung des Elterngeldanspruchs überwiegend geschlechts(stereo)typisch erfolgt und parallele Teilzeitphasen zumeist von kurzer Dauer sind. Die Begründungen für eine egalitäre Teilzeitphase sind vielfältig und variieren mit deren Dauer: Kurze egalitäre Teilzeitepisoden dienen primär der Bewältigung verschiedener Übergangsphasen. Die Entscheidung für ein egalitäres Teilzeitarrangement von langer Dauer beruht hingegen auf egalitären Werthaltungen oder beruflichen Zwängen.
Combining Liquisolid and Co-grinding Techniques to Enhance the Dissolution Rate of Celecoxib
Authors: Nazem Nafiseh Mollazadeh , Shokri Javad , Nourani Nasim , Zangi Ali Rajabi , Lam Matthew , Nokhodchi Ali , Javadzadeh Yousef
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The classic liquisolid technique is used to enhance the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs, but in some cases, it is impossible to reach the desired dissolution rate using this technique alone. Therefore, a novel approach using a combination of ball milling and liquisolid technology was investigated to improve the dissolution rate for celecoxib.

Methods

First, celecoxib was dispersed in a liquid vehicle (PEG 200), then ground in a ball mill for 3 h. Other excipients, including PVP, microcrystalline cellulose as the carrier powder, and silica as the coating material, were added to the mortar. Dissolution testing was carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) media. The effects of aging on the hardness and dissolution profile were also studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to identify changes in the crystallinity or complex formation.

Results

The novel formulations showed a higher dissolution rate than the conventional tablet or classic liquisolid formulations. Aging did not affect the hardness and dissolution profiles of the liquisolid compacts. The DSC and XRD results suggested that the enhanced dissolution rate is not caused by the formation of any complexes and reduction in crystallinity degree may contribute to the dissolution enhancement. The enhanced dissolution rate is attributed to the elevated specific surface area of the drug in the liquisolid state.

Conclusion

The results showed that liquisolid technology combined with ball milling is an efficient tool for enhancing the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Neither Dogmas nor Barriers are Absolute
Authors: Noble Denis
Published: April 2022

The Weismann Barrier and the Central Dogma do not protect the assumptions of The Modern Synthesis.
Simple Utterances but Complex Understanding? Meta-studying the Fuzzy Mismatch between Animal Semantic Capacities in Varied Contexts
Authors: Ongstad Sigmund
Published: April 2022

This meta-study of animal semantics is anchored in two claims, seemingly creating a fuzzy mismatch, that animal utterances generally appear to be simple in structure and content variation and that animals’ communicative understanding seems disproportionally more advanced. A set of excerpted, new studies is chosen as basis to discuss whether the semantics of animal uttering and understanding can be fused into one. Studies are prioritised due to their relatively complex designs, giving priority to dynamics between syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and between utterers and receivers in context. A communicational framework based on utterance theory is applied as a lens for inspection of how these aspects relate to the assumed mismatch. Inspection and discussions of the studies bring several features to surface of which five are stressed in the following. Firstly, both syntactic structures and possible semantic content are seen as lean, although richer than earlier believed, and research continues to reveal new complexities in utterances. Secondly, there is a clear willingness to broaden the perception of animals’ semantic capacity to comprehend communication both by arguing theoretically and by generating empirical research in new contexts. Thirdly, the ambition to make sense of these tendencies is still often motivated by an evolutionary search for early building blocks for verbal language, with the pro et cons that such a position can have. Fourthly, the ‘allowed’ scientific frame for studying semantic capacity among animals is extended to new fields and contexts challenging the only-in-the-wild norm. Fifthly, the dilemma of integrating uttering and understanding as aspects of an after all functional communicational system, calls for new epistemological concepts to make sense of the claimed mismatch.Affordances,abduction,life-genre, andlifeworldare suggested.
The Effects of a Few Formation Parameters on Porous Silicon Production in HF/HNO3 Using Ag-Assisted Etching and a Comparison with a Stain Etching Method
Authors: Mogoda A. S. , Farag A. R.
Published: April 2022

In a solution of HF with HNO3 as an oxidizing agent, silver-catalyzed etching of p-type silicon is made easier. Before immersing in the etchant solution, silver (Ag) was electroless deposited on the p-Si (100) surface. By stain etching in HF/HNO3, a porous silicon layer (PSL) was also produced on p-Si. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate the properties of the produced PSL. According to the SEM, Ag+ ion at a concentration of 1 × 10−3 M is the optimal concentration for depositing on Si before chemical etching in HF/HNO3, resulting in PSL with uniformly distributed pores. The EIS data showed that coated Si dissolves faster in 22 M HF/0.5 M HNO3 than untreated Si, resulting in the formation of a homogenous PSL of regular round pores, as proven by SEM micrographs. An acceptable electrical circuit model with two-time constants was used to fit the experimental impedance values. Increased concentrations of the etchant HF or the oxidizer HNO3 aid in the dissolution of Si and the rapid development of PS. The AFM analysis revealed that when the etching time increases, the pore width and roughness of the Si surface increase. X-ray spectra diffraction was used to determine the crystallinity of the PSL after various etching times.
Humoral immunity in dually vaccinated SARS-CoV-2-naïve individuals and in booster-vaccinated COVID-19-convalescent subjects
Authors: Glück Vivian , Tydykov Leonid , Mader Anna-Lena , Warda Anne-Sophie , Bertok Manuela , Weidlich Tanja , Gottwald Christine , Köstler Josef , Salzberger Bernd , Wagner Ralf , Koller Michael , Gessner André , Schmidt Barbara , Glück Thomas , Peterhoff David
Published: April 2022

Background

The immune response to COVID-19-vaccination differs between naïve vaccinees and those who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Longitudinal quantitative and qualitative serological differences in these two distinct immunological subgroups in response to vaccination are currently not well studied.

Methods

We investigate a cohort of SARS-CoV-2-naïve and COVID-19-convalescent individuals immediately after vaccination and 6 months later. We use different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) variants and a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) to measure IgG serum titers, IgA serum reactivity, IgG serum avidity and neutralization capacity by ACE2 receptor competition.

Results

Anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibody titers decline over time in dually vaccinated COVID-19 naïves whereas titers in single dose vaccinated COVID-19 convalescents are higher and more durable. Similarly, antibody avidity is considerably higher among boosted COVID-19 convalescent subjects as compared to dually vaccinated COVID-19-naïve subjects. Furthermore, sera from boosted convalescents inhibited the binding of spike-protein to ACE2 more efficiently than sera from dually vaccinated COVID-19-naïve subjects.

Conclusions

Long-term humoral immunity differs substantially between dually vaccinated SARS-CoV-2-naïve and COVID-19-convalescent individuals. Booster vaccination after COVID-19 induces a more durable humoral immune response in terms of magnitude and quality as compared to two-dose vaccination in a SARS-CoV-2-naïve background.
Der hepatogene Diabetes – aktueller Stand der Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Gundling Felix
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Patienten mit Leberzirrhose entwickeln häufig Störungen des Glukosemetabolismus wie Glukoseintoleranz oder einen hepatogenen Diabetes, welche neben der hepatozellulären Funktionseinschränkung durch die ausgeprägte Insulinresistenz als Folge der chronischen Lebererkrankung verursacht sind.

Diskussion

Empfehlungen mit Leitliniencharakter zur Diagnostik und Therapie des hepatogenen Diabetes fehlen bislang. Im Hinblick auf basistherapeutische Maßnahmen sollte eine ausreichende Deckung des Energie- und Proteinstoffwechsels gewährleistet sein, da ein Großteil der Zirrhosepatienten mangelernährt ist. Bei der medikamentösen Behandlung des hepatogenen Diabetes muss auf die erhöhte Hypoglykämiegefährdung geachtet werden. Aufgrund der Nebenwirkungen sind Biguanide sowie PPAR-gamma-Liganden bei Leberzirrhose kontraindiziert. Geeignete orale Antidiabetika sind insbesondere Sulfonylharnstoffanaloga und kurz wirksame Sulfonylharnstoffe. Wenn eine suffiziente Diabeteseinstellung mit oralen Antidiabetika nicht gelingt, sollte eine prandiale Insulintherapie mit Insulinen von kurzer Wirkdauer oder kurz wirksamen Insulinanaloga eingesetzt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Optimierung einer diabetischen Stoffwechsellage hat neben der Vermeidung typischer diabetischer Spätkomplikationen eine wichtige Bedeutung für die Vermeidung und Reduzierung von Zirrhose-assoziierten Komplikationen wie z. B. gastrointestinalen Blutungsereignissen, hepatischer Enzephalopathie oder dem Auftreten eines hepatozellulären Karzinoms.