bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Interferon‐γ and Tissue Inflammation by Overexpression of Eosinophil Cationic Protein in T Cells and Exosomes
Authors: Chuang Huai‐Chia , Chen Ming‐Han , Chen Yi‐Ming , Ciou Yi‐Ru , Hsueh Chia‐Hsin , Tsai Ching‐Yi , Tan Tse‐Hua
Published: July 2021

Objective

T cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum‐derived exosomes are increased in SLE patients and are correlated with disease severity. This study was undertaken to investigate whether T cell–derived exosomal proteins play a role in SLE pathogenesis.

Methods

We characterized proteins in T cell–derived exosomes from SLE patients and healthy controls by MACSPlex exosome analysis and proteomics. To study the potential pathogenic functions of the exosomal protein identified, we generated and characterized T cell–specific transgenic mice that overexpressed that protein in T cells.

Results

We identified eosinophil cationic protein (ECP, also called human RNase III) as overexpressed in SLE T cell–derived exosomes. T cell–specific ECP–transgenic mice (n = 5 per group) displayed early induction of serum interferon‐γ (IFNγ) levels (P = 0.062) and inflammation of multiple tissue types. Older T cell–specific ECP–transgenic mice (n = 3 per group) also displayed an increase in follicular helper T cell and plasma B cell numbers, and in autoantibody levels (P < 0.01). Single‐cell RNA sequencing showed the induction of IFNγ messenger RNA (P = 2.2 × 10‐13) and inflammatory pathways in ECP‐transgenic mouse T cells. Notably, adoptively transferred ECP‐containing exosomes stimulated serum autoantibody levels (P < 0.01) and tissue IFNγ levels in the recipient mice (n = 3 per group). The transferred exosomes infiltrated into multiple tissues of the recipient mice, resulting in hepatitis, nephritis, and arthritis.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ECP overexpression in T cells or T cell–derived exosomes may be a biomarker and pathogenic factor for nephritis, hepatitis, and arthritis associated with SLE.
International perspectives on suboptimal patient‐reported outcome trial design and reporting in cancer clinical trials: A qualitative study
Authors: Retzer Ameeta , Calvert Melanie , Ahmed Khaled , Keeley Thomas , Armes Jo , Brown Julia M. , Calman Lynn , Gavin Anna , Glaser Adam W. , Greenfield Diana M. , Lanceley Anne , Taylor Rachel M. , Velikova Galina , Brundage Michael , Efficace Fabio , Mercieca‐Bebber Rebecca , King Madeleine T. , Kyte Derek
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Evidence suggests that the patient‐reported outcome (PRO) content of cancer trial protocols is frequently inadequate and non‐reporting of PRO findings is widespread. This qualitative study examined the factors influencing suboptimal PRO protocol content, implementation, and reporting, and use of PRO data during clinical interactions.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four stakeholder groups: (1) trialists and chief investigators; (2) people with lived experience of cancer; (3) international experts in PRO cancer trial design; (4) journal editors, funding panelists, and regulatory agencies. Data were analyzed using directed thematic analysis with an iterative coding frame.

Results

Forty‐four interviews were undertaken. Several factors were identified that could influenced effective integration of PROs into trials and subsequent findings. Participants described (1) late inclusion of PROs in trial design; (2) PROs being considered a lower priority outcome compared to survival; (3) trialists’ reluctance to collect or report PROs due to participant burden, missing data, and perceived reticence of journals to publish; (4) lack of staff training. Strategies to address these included training research personnel and improved communication with site staff and patients regarding the value of PROs. Examples of good practice were identified.

Conclusion

Misconceptions relating to PRO methodology and its use may undermine their planning, collection, and reporting. There is a role for funding, regulatory, methodological, and journalistic institutions to address perceptions around the value of PROs, their position within the trial outcomes hierarchy, that PRO training and guidance is available, signposted, and readily accessible, with accompanying measures to ensure compliance with international best practice guidelines.
Treating social anxiety by CBT on the internet: Cost‐effective and efficacious
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

Social anxiety disorder can be treated effectively by the internet, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a recent randomized clinical trial has found.
Young people who experience acute emotional rewards of alcohol more likely to become problem drinkers
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

A study has found that young people who experience acute emotional rewards from drinking — either because of increased pleasure or decreased lack of pleasure — are more likely to develop problem drinking in short order than those who do not experience these rewards.
Worsening renal function after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Infrequent but deleterious
Authors: Elgendy Islam Y. , Jneid Hani
Published: July 2021

Key Points

A significant proportion of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Approximately 15% of patients with CKD develop worsening renal function at 3–6 months after TAVR. Worsening renal function at 3–6 months is independently associated with long‐term mortality.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and peri‐procedural blood transfusion of ≥4 units are independently associated with worsening renal function at 3–6 months. Incorporating strategies to mitigate the hazards of AKI and major bleeding in this high‐risk cohort is imperative.
Mesoporous SiO2‐Encapsulated Nano‐Co3O4 Catalyst for Efficient CO Oxidation
Authors: Gao Zhongnan , Zhao Dongyue , Cheng Qingpeng , Zhao Dejian , Yang Yuexi , Tian Ye , Ding Tong , Song Song , Guo Lihong , Li Xingang
Published: July 2021

To meet the increasing demand for efficient and durable catalysts for exhaust aftertreatment system, a mesoporous SiO2‐encapsulated nano‐Co3O4 catalyst was synthesized, which possesses a unique pitaya‐like structure with high CO oxidation activity and thermal stability. Though the silica matrix is inert, the encapsulated Co3O4 exhibits increased oxygen storage capacity, enhanced CO2 desorption behavior and high lattice oxygen reactivity. Additionally, the SiO2‐encapsulated Co3O4 catalyst can be effectively regenerated rather than the supported Co3O4/SiO2 and pure Co3O4. The kinetic results demonstrate that the L−H mechanism is followed over the pure Co3O4 nanoparticles catalyst, while the CO oxidation over the silica‐supported Co3O4 catalysts obey to both L−H and MVK mechanism. The encapsulation structure of the as‐prepared catalyst can effectively restrain the aggregation of Co3O4 during high temperature operations and improves the utilization efficiency of cobalt resources, as well, which would be suitable for practical applications.
Dual‐Carbon Confined SnP2O7 with Enhanced Pseudocapacitances for Improved Li/Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Xinzhu , Wan Zhengwei , Wei Di , Zeng Xiaomin , Li Zeheng , Jiang Wei , Wang Hongxun , Ling Min , Li Hui , Liang Chengdu
Published: July 2021

Tin‐based materials have obtained much attention in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to high specific capacity. However, the large volume change and poor electroconductivity hinder their further practical application. Herein, a C18N12 (CN)‐wired amorphous carbon coated pyrophosphate tin (SnP2O7@C) ultrafine nanoparticles composite (SnP2O7@C/CN) is prepared by solvothermal‐calcination with phytic acid (PA) as phosphorus and carbon sources simultaneously. Ultrafine‐nanocrystallization and dual‐carbon doping enhances the pseudocapacitance of SnP2O7@C/CN and thus, exhibit good electrochemical performance and high lithium/sodium storage efficiency. As anode of LIBs, the SnP2O7@C/CN exhibits a superior reversible capacity of 557.3 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A/g and a conspicuous cyclability of 352.3 mAh/g after 800 cycles at 1 A/g. For sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), the stable discharge capacity of SnP2O7@C/CN electrode is 91.5 mAh/g after 800 cycles at a high current density of 2 A/g. This strategy can increase active sites, provide large electrolyte/electrode contact area, and improve electroconductivity. Moreover, SnP2O7@C/CN electrode provides a buffer space for structural strains caused by volume changes during charging and discharging.
Hardware Trojan detection for lightweight ciphers implemented on field‐programmable gate arrays using the replay algorithm
Authors: Abed Sa'ed , Mohd Bassam J. , Hayajneh Thaier , Alshayeji Mohammad H.
Published: July 2021

Hardware Trojans (HTs) are malicious and intentional modification of the hardware design, embedded by an adversary to leak sensitive data, modify functionality, or cause malfunction. Lightweight ciphers are designed for resource‐constrained devices (RCDs) to balance resources and security, but often targeted by HTs. This work aims to create a trusted lightweight cipher design and detect complex sequential HTs using a runtime monitoring method with minimal resource overhead. The novelty of the approach is that it combines full or partial temporal redundancy, resource minimization, and runtime monitoring. The algorithm employs temporal redundancy, by executing a first run of the cipher, and then replays the cipher fully (ReplayN method) or partially (ReplayN/2 method). A mismatch indicates HT activity, and a third replay is executed to determine the correct results. The ReplayN/2 algorithm further optimizes time and energy by limiting replay to the second half of the cipher rounds. The proposed method is compared with other existing methods including triple modular redundancy (TMR), adapted triple modular redundancy (ATMR), and reverse‐function redundancy (RFR). All methods were implemented in field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. Implementation performance metrics were measured and compared, including resource utilization (i.e., logical elements [LEs]), power, energy (E), and speed (i.e., Fmax). The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing methods in most of the metrics. In terms of speed and area, the replay algorithm is faster by 24% and reduces total LEs by 42% when compared with existing methods. Regarding power, replay algorithm reduces power by 45% when compared with TMR and ATMR. With respect to energy, replay methods reduce energy by an average of 6% when compared with TMR and ATMR. The ReplayN/2 reduces energy by an average 15% when compared with TMR and ATMR. Based on the
(i.e., energy × area) metric, ReplayN/2 is the top performing method as it balances area and energy metrics. Using
metric, the replay methods are the best performing methods as they best balance area, energy, and speed. Also, based on
metric, the replay methods are the top performing methods.
The least‐square design of minimum‐order allpass‐based infinite impulse response multi‐notch filters
Authors: Krstić Ivan
Published: July 2021

The paper investigates the least‐square design of minimum‐order infinite impulse response multi‐notch filters. Monotonically decreasing nature of the stable allpass filter's phase response, characterizing the allpass‐based multi‐notch filter, along with the simple relation between coefficients and the phase response of the allpass filter, allows the formulation of the multi‐notch filter's magnitude response specifications as the linear equality constraints regarding the positions of notch, left‐ and right‐hand cutoff frequencies. Since the number of such constraints equals triple the number of notch frequencies, while the number of unknown filter coefficients equals double the number of notch frequencies, variable elimination is first performed to ensure that specifications regarding the notch frequencies positions are strictly satisfied. The remaining overdetermined system of linear equations is then solved in the least‐square sense, leading to the approximate satisfaction of left‐ and right‐hand cutoff frequencies positions. Proposed design method is also compared with some of the existing infinite impulse response multi‐notch filter design methods.
Serrated polyposis syndrome with multiple inverted lesions in the colon: Case report and elucidation of morphogenetic mechanism
Authors: Yoshikawa Chihiro , Koyama Fumikazu , Morita Kohei , Kuge Hiroyuki , Nakamoto Takayuki , Obara Shinsaku , Iwasa Yosuke , Kunishige Tomohiro , Ohbayashi Chiho , Sho Masayuki
Published: July 2021

A 70‐year‐old man underwent surveillance colonoscopy following surgery for occlusive sigmoid colon cancer. The procedure revealed nine sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), including three inverted lesions. Endoscopic and surgical resections were performed. All nine lesions were confirmed pathologically as SSL, and the patient was diagnosed with serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS). Three inverted SSLs (iSSLs) showed endophytic growth without epithelial misplacement. Crypt analysis revealed that iSSL crypts were wider at the bottom than the opening, roughly resembling a frustoconical shape. Our results suggest that a horizontal arrangement of frustoconical crypts leads to hemispherical deformation of the muscularis mucosa, forming an inverted shape. This is the first report to reveal the morphogenesis of iSSLs from the shape of the crypt.
Design, simulation and analysis of a fast charging station for electric vehicles
Authors: Khalid Mohd , Ahmad Furkan , Panigrahi Bijya Ketan
Published: July 2021

With the advent of Electric Vehicles into existence, there is a need to develop a significantly charging infrastructure that will make electric cars more attractive and lead to higher adoption rates. In light of the increasing demand for EVs, there is a need to develop a fast‐charging station that cuts back on the charging time and hence overcome range anxiety. Fast charging stations are capable of reducing the charging duration by up to 30 min. By way of sustainable development and availability of secure energy, the focus of the paper is to develop the fast charging station of various Electric vehicles/Plug‐in Hybrid Electric vehicles as per the grid power supply and their worldwide implementation. In this paper, we have designed a system for the fast charging of electric vehicles in which we provide continuous feedback to the dc‐dc converter considering the battery SOC by using a battery pack control module and tuning the PI controller. To reduce the fluctuation in input supply, we have studied and implemented a cosine firing scheme based voltage regulator and electronic tap changer (ETC) out of which ETC provides a very promising solution. Further, the impact of charging with time on battery resistance has also been discussed.
Unfolding Birth Justice in Settler States
Authors: Ganapathy Sandhya
Published: July 2021

There is growing scholarly and public attention toward the stark racial disparities in birth outcomes in the US. To lower disparate rates of Indigenous and Black infant mortality rates and maternal mortality rates, public and elected officials have proposed extending comprehensive prenatal care and medical resources and addressing racial biases in healthcare delivery. These efforts aim to bring minoritized and marginalized peoples and communities “into the fold.” In this essay, I consider the potential dangers of such contemporary efforts by critically analyzing historical initiatives to address birth outcomes and reproductive health in Indigenous communities. By foregrounding settler colonial social orders and their links to settler capitalism, I show how historical efforts to bring Indigenous peoples “into the fold” jeopardized Indigenous birth and reproductive capacities, while also upholding heteropatriarchal notions of sexuality, family, and racial difference.
Gender imbalance in the genetic counseling profession: An Australasian perspective
Authors: Badman Stephanie
Published: July 2021

Gender imbalance exists in the genetic counseling profession, with approximately 95% of genetic counselors identifying as female. Genetic counseling programs in Australia have increased the proportion of male student enrolments in recent years, although this is yet to have an impact on gender balance in the profession more broadly. While significant resources have been allocated to improving female representation in traditionally male professions, there has not been a reciprocal movement of men into traditionally female professions. The lower status awarded to traditionally female roles creates a disincentive for men to choose non‐traditional career paths. Although genetic counselors have expertise in both genetics and counseling, the profession is viewed as a predominantly helping profession and therefore ‘women's work’. Men who work in traditionally female roles report role strain and stereotyping, which affect experiences at work and challenge personal identities. Male advantage is also documented, especially with respect to salary. There remains a lack of understanding of the effect of gender imbalance on aspects of patient care, genetic counselor training and education, and genetic counseling research.
Design, synthesis, and bioactivity evaluation of novel thiochromanone derivatives containing an oxime or oxime ether moiety
Authors: Yu Lu , Xiao Lingling , Chi Jiyan , Tang Zhangfei , Li Jie , Tan Shuming , Li Pei
Published: July 2021

In this study, using botanical active component thiochromanone as the lead compound, a series of novel thiochromanone derivatives containing an oxime or oxime ether moiety were designed and synthesized. The half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of compound 4a against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicolaby (Xoc), and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) were 6, 10, and 15 μg/ml, respectively, which were superior to those of Bismerthiazol and Thiodiazole‐copper. Meanwhile, compound 4a also revealed better antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, with the EC50 value of 18 μg/ml, than that of Carbendazim. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antibacterial and antifungal activities of this series of novel thiochromanone derivatives containing an oxime or oxime ether moiety.
Z‐Score Reference Ranges for Umbilical Vein Diameter and Blood Flow Volume in Normal Fetuses
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhou Qichang , Zhou Chunhui , Wang Jiqing , Shi Chunlan , Long Baiguo , Hu Li , Peng Yang , Liu Yuchan , Xu Ganqiong
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To establish Z‐scores for the diameter and blood flow volume of the umbilical vein (UV) in normal fetuses.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving 907 normal fetuses. We measured the diameter (Duv) of two different segments of the UV (FUV: the free loop of the UV; FIUV: the fetal intra‐abdominal UV). Next, we calculated the blood flow volume (Quv). Z‐scores were created for both Duv and Quv using gestational age, femur length, and biparietal diameter as independent variables.

Results

We successfully acquired 858 (94.6%) normal fetal measurements. Between 20 and 39 weeks, the Duv of the FUV and FIUV increased from 0.38 to 0.80 cm and from 0.33 to 0.70 cm, respectively. The Quv of the FUV and FIUV increased from 32.66 to 381.88 ml/min and from 31.50 to 360.15 ml/min, respectively. Linear or quadratic regression models were best fitted between the parameters of UV and the independent variables. Z‐scores were successfully determined for both the Duv and Quv.

Conclusions

The calculation of Z‐scores for the Duv and Quv is simple by applying standard statistical methods. These Z‐scores may be useful to evaluate placental circulation and provide a rationale for monitoring and evaluating the prognosis of fetuses.
Dual‐band bandpass to bandstop switchable filter with independently tunable center frequency and bandwidth
Authors: Narayana Shriman , Singh Yatendra Kumar
Published: July 2021

This article presents a dual‐band bandpass (BP) to bandstop (BS) switchable filter with independently tunable center frequency and bandwidth. Two different length half‐wavelength resonators are coupled with two separate coupling lines. Each resonator consists of a varactor‐loaded stub at the center to tune the even mode frequencies, whereas two identical varactors are connected at the ends to tune odd and even mode frequencies simultaneously. The center frequency of the first passband is tuned from 1.03 to 1.4 GHz with constant fractional bandwidth (CFBW) of 3.4%, and second passband from 1.35 to 1.74 GHz with CFBW of 2%. BP to BS switching is achieved by connecting a p‐i‐n diode between input and output feedlines.
Initial performance predicts improvements in computerized cognitive training: Evidence from a selective attention task
Authors: Zhang Pan , Wu Di , Shang Yunfeng , Ren Weicong , Liang Jin , Wang Liyun , Li Chenxi
Published: July 2021

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) has been found to improve a range of skills such as attention, working memory, inhibition control, and decision making. However, the relationship between the initial performance, amount of improvement, time constant, and asymptotic performance level in CCT is still unclear. In the current study, we performed selective attention training on college students and addressed this issue by mathematically modeling the learning curve with an exponential function. Twenty‐nine students completed approximately 10 days of CCT. Presentation time served as the dependent variable and was measured by three‐down/one‐up adaptive algorithms. We fitted an exponential function to the estimated block thresholds during CCT and obtained three learning parameters (amount of improvement, time constant, and asymptotic performance level) for all subjects. The initial performance was defined by the sum of the amount of improvement and the asymptotic performance level. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted between the initial performance and the three leaning parameters. The initial performance was positively correlated with the amount of improvement and asymptotic performance level, but was negatively correlated with the time constant. The time constant was negatively correlated with the amount of improvement and asymptotic performance level. Poorer initial performance was linked to a larger amount of improvement, shorter time constant, and higher asymptotic threshold, which supported the compensation account. Our results may help improve the present understanding of the nature of the CCT process and demonstrate the advantages of using a customized training protocol to enhance the efficiency of cognitive training in practical applications.
Influences of polarizability effect of alkyl group and homoring competition effect of substituents on the fluorescence emission spectra of salen‐type Schiff bases
Authors: Wei Bai‐ying , Cao Chao‐tun , Cao Chen‐zhong
Published: July 2021

To explore the effect of substituent attached to aromatic ring and the length of diamine chain in salen‐type Schiff base molecules on the fluorescence emission spectra (FLem), the FLem of 63 diamine‐salicylaldehyde condensates in an ethanol solution were obtained. The influence of substituent electronic effects and chain lengths on the wavenumber (νem) of fluorescence emission wavelengths (λem) was subsequently studied. The results show that the length of the diamine chain in the target compound has an effect on the νem, which can be quantified by the alkyl polarizability effect index (PEI), where compounds with alkyl of higher PEI have lower νem. Second, the λem of salen‐type Schiff bases can be quantified by an equation of the seven parameters, PEI, σ(X)─OH, σ(X)─CH═N,
,
,
and
, form where the stability and predictive ability of the obtained equation was confirmed by leave‐one‐out cross validation. Lastly, it was observed that the influence on the λem of substituent X attached to the aromatic ring is related to its position relative to OH or CH═N groups as reference, whose Hammett constants (σ(X)─OH, σ(X)─CH═N) and the excited‐state substituent constants (
,
) of the substituents X with varying locating methods have different effects on the λem; and that there is a “homoring competition effect” of substituent.
Reactivity of Phenylacetylene toward Unsymmetrical Disilenes: Regiodivergent [2+2] Cycloaddition vs. CH Addition
Authors: Kell Andreas T. , Obeid Naim M. , Bag Prasenjit , Zimmer Michael , Huch Volker , Scheschkewitz David
Published: July 2021

We report the regiodivergent reaction of phenylacetylene with a selection of disilenes Tip2Si=SiTipR as well as bridged tetrasiladienes Tip2Si=SiTip−LU−SiTip=SiTip2 (Tip=2,4,6‐iPr3C6H2, R=aryl groups; LU=arylene linkers). The regioselectivity of the [2+2] cycloaddition as determined by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography is shown to strongly depend on the nature of the substituent R. The small size of the substituents compared to the Tip groups in both cases suggests a change in mechanism between the substrates with only hydrogen in the ortho‐positions of R and LU and those with either ortho‐methyl groups or condensed aromatic rings. In contrast, the presence of catalytic quantities of base completely suppresses cycloaddtion in favor of the formal CH addition of phenylacetylene. Quenching reactions with either MeI or MeOH after the stoichiometric application of deprotonated phenylacetylene as well as NMR studies at low temperature prove the intermediacy of an alkynyl‐substituted disilanyl lithium and thus suggest a carbolithiation pathway for the net CH addition.
Polizeilicher Kontakt zu psychisch erkrankten Menschen
Authors: Lorey Katharina , Fegert Jörg M.
Published: July 2021

Zielsetzung

Polizistinnen und Polizisten haben in ihrem beruflichen Alltag häufig Kontakt zu psychisch erkrankten Menschen. Mithilfe dieser Untersuchung sollten diese Kontakte einer genaueren Analyse unterzogen werden.

Methode

Mittels einer fragebogengestützten Erhebung wurden Polizeibedienstete der Schutz- und Kriminalpolizei aus Baden-Württemberg befragt (n = 2228, 28,2 % weiblich, 71,8 % männlich), wie sie diese Kontakte erleben.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt schätzen Polizeibedienstete 18,2 % ihrer Kontaktpersonen als psychisch krank ein. Die häufigsten Kontakte hatte diese Berufsgruppe nach eigenen Angaben zu Personen mit Suchterkrankungen, Depressionen und Schizophrenie. Suchterkrankungen werden in der polizeilichen Wahrnehmung am häufigsten verknüpft mit Eigentumsdelikten, Schizophrenie mit Gewalt- und Körperverletzungsdelikten, Depressionen mit Suiziden oder Suizidversuchen. Die beiden größten beruflichen Herausforderungen sehen die Befragten in der durch sie eingeschätzten Gefährlichkeit der Personen sowie in der schwierigen Vorhersagbarkeit des Verhaltens von psychisch erkrankten Menschen. Für mehr als die Hälfte der befragten Polizeibediensteten (56,7 %) stellen Reaktionsweisen wie beruhigen, empathisch sein, Kommunikation, ruhig bleiben sowie Vertrauen aufbauen im direkten polizeilichen Kontakt zu psychisch erkrankten Menschen eine Herausforderung dar. Polizeibedienstete äußern den deutlichen Wunsch nach Fortbildung bezüglich des Umgangs mit psychisch kranken Menschen (50,4 %) sowie verbesserter Vernetzung zu professionellen Helferinnen und Helfern (39,1 %).

Schlussfolgerung

Etwa jeder fünfte Kontakt im beruflichen Alltag von Polizeibediensteten erfolgt zu einem psychisch kranken Menschen. Aus Sicht der Polizei stellen psychisch kranke Menschen einerseits eine besonders gefährliche und im Verhalten schwer vorhersagbare Personengruppe dar, andererseits scheint es deutlichen Bedarf an Fortbildung und professioneller Vernetzung zu geben. Eine Thematik, der multiprofessionell begegnet werden sollte.
Community-Arbeit aus der Krise
Authors: O’Brien-Coker Ella , O’Brien-Coker Noelle
Published: July 2021

Ob ein Zustand als Krise wahrgenommen wird, hängt u. a. von der Position derjenigen ab, die sie ausrufen. Für Perspektiven, die von derweißenund cis-heteronormativen Mehrheitsgesellschaft abweichen, kann dies bedeuten, dass für sie zentrale Krisenzustände nicht ausreichend oder nachhaltig von Verantwortungsträger_innen adressiert werden.
A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to identify isotype 1 β-tubulin locus SNPs in synthetic double-stranded Haemonchus contortus DNA
Authors: Costa-Junior Livio M. , Chaudhry Umer N. , Skuce Philip J. , Stack Seamus , Sargison Neil D.
Published: July 2021

Development of sustainable gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control strategies depends on the ability to identify the frequencies of drug-susceptible and resistant genotypes in GIN populations arising from management practices undertaken on individual farms. Resistance to BZ drugs in GINs has been shown to be conferred by the presence of defined SNPs in the isotype 1 β-tubulin locus. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays are amenable to use on a range of DNA templates and are potentially adaptable to use in practical, cost-effective, pen-side diagnostic platforms that are needed to detect anthelmintic resistance in the field. In this study, we designed primers and examined LAMP assays to detect each of the three major isotype 1 β-tubulin SNPs conferring genetic susceptibility to BZ drugs. We used artificial pools of synthetic DNA, containing different proportions of susceptible and resistant SNPs to determine reproducibility of the assays. We demonstrated the detection of each of the isotype 1 β-tubulin SNPs conferring susceptibility to BZ drugs using the optimal LAMP assay. Isotype 1 β-tubulin SNP typing was effective in detecting BZ susceptibility, but the accuracy was reduced in samples with less than 60 % susceptible DNA. Our results show the potential for LAMP SNP typing to detect genetic susceptibility or resistance to anthelmintic drugs in livestock GINs, and some of the limitations in our approach that will need to be overcome in order to evaluate this assay using field samples.
Blocking Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Attenuates Vasospasm and Neuron Cell Apoptosis in Rats Subjected to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Chung Chia-Li , Wu Chieh-Hsin , Huang Yu-Hua , Wu Shu-Chuan , Chai Chee-Yin , Tsai Hung-Pei , Kwan Aij-Lie
Published: July 2021

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an important subcategory of stroke due to its unacceptably high mortality rate as well as the severe complications it causes, such as cerebral vasospasm, neurological deficits, and cardiopulmonary abnormality. Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a growth factor related to normal development and is involved in liver development and regeneration. This study explored the relationship between SAH and HDGF. Sixty rats were divided into five groups (n = 12/group): (A) control group; (B) rHDGF ab only group [normal animals treated with 50 µM recombinant HDGF antibodies (rHDGF ab)]; (C) SAH group; (D) SAH + pre-rHDGF ab group (SAH animals pre-treated with 50 µM rHDGF ab into the subarachnoid space within 24 h before SAH); and (E) SAH + post-rHDGF ab group (SAH animals post-treated with 50 µM rHDGF ab into the subarachnoid space within 24 h after SAH). At 48 h after SAH, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected to measure the levels of pro-inflammatory factors by ELISA, and rat cortex tissues were used to measure protein levels by western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining for Iba-1, GFAP, TUNEL, and NeuN was detected proliferation of microglia and astrocyte and apoptosis of neuron cells. Neurological outcome was assessed by ambulation and placing/stepping reflex responses. Morphology assay showed that pre-treatment and post-treatment with rHDGF ab attenuated vasospasm after SAH. SAH up-regulated the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both the CSF and serum samples, and both pre- and post-treatment with rHDGF ab inhibited the up-regulation of these pro-inflammatory factors, except for the serum IL-6 levels. Western blot analysis demonstrated that SAH up-regulated pro-BDNF and NFκB protein levels, and both pre- and post-treatment with rHDGF ab significantly reduced the up-regulation. The result from immunofluorescence staining showed that SAH induced proliferation of microglia and astrocyte and apoptosis of neuron cells. Both pre- and post-treatment with rHDGF ab significantly attenuated proliferation of microglia and astrocyte and inhibited apoptosis of neuron cells. Furthermore, treatment with rHDGF ab significantly improved neurological outcome. Blocking HDGF attenuates neuron cell apoptosis and vasospasm through inhibiting inflammation in brain tissue at early phase after SAH.
K-means clustering for SAT-AIS data analysis
Authors: Mieczyńska Marta , Czarnowski Ireneusz
Published: July 2021

The paper deals with a problem of automatic identification system (AIS) data analysis, especially eliminating the impact of AIS packet collision and detecting existing outliers in AIS data. To solve this problem, a clustering-based approach is proposed. AIS is a system that supports the exchange of information between vessels about their trajectories, e.g. position, speed or course. However, SAT-AIS, which enables the system to work on a global scale, struggles against packet collisions due to the fact that the satellite, which receives AIS data from ships, has a field of view that covers multiple areas that are not synchronized among themselves. As a result, the received data is difficult to process by AIS receivers, because most of the messages have a character of noise. In this paper, results of a computational experiment using k-means algorithm for packet recovery and for dealing with noise have been presented. The outcome proves that a clustering-based approach could be used as an initial step in AIS packet reconstruction, when the original data is incorrect.
The trajectory of hybrid and hydrogen technologies in North American heavy haul operations
Authors: Oldknow Kevin , Mulligan Kyle , McTaggart-Cowan Gordon
Published: July 2021

The central aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date snapshot of hybrid and hydrogen technology-related developments and activities in the North American heavy haul railway setting, placed in the context of the transportation industry more broadly. An overview of relevant alternative propulsion technologies is provided, including a discussion of applicability to the transportation sector in general and heavy haul freight rail specifically. This is followed by a discussion of current developments and research in alternative and blended fuels, discussed again in both general and specific settings. Key factors and technical considerations for heavy haul applications are reviewed, followed by a discussion of non-technical and human factors that motivate a move toward clean energy in North American Heavy Haul systems. Finally, current project activities are described to provide a clear understanding of both the status and trajectory of hybrid and hydrogen technologies in the established context.
A study of academic achievement in mathematics after the transition from primary to secondary education
Authors: Ryan Veronica , Fitzmaurice Olivia , O’Donoghue John
Published: July 2021

A successful transition from primary to secondary school is central to student confidence and the sustainment of student interest and passion for learning. The literature indicates that difficult transitions can result in decreased levels of motivation, negative attitudes towards school, decreased levels of confidence and disengagement particularly in relation to mathematics. This study investigated student performance in mathematics after the transition from primary to secondary education in Ireland. It comes in the aftermath of major educational reform in mathematics in Ireland at both primary and secondary level and is the first Irish study to examine the effect of the transition on mathematical achievement. Academic achievement in mathematics was measured using a standardised test at the end of the final year of primary school and the end of first year of secondary education. Progress in mathematics was measured over the transition by comparing these two test results for 249 students. On average, students’ raw scores decreased by 7% from sixth class (final year of primary school) to the end of first year of secondary education despite an additional year of instruction and extensive overlap of both syllabi. The results showed statistically significant losses in each strand area and in each process skill. This academic transition is not unique to Ireland and the findings from this research study will be of interest to the mathematics education community internationally since it extends the evidence base for studies in school transition.
Negative findings of the handwriting legibility effect: the explanatory role of spontaneous task-specific debiasing
Authors: Ruusuvirta Timo , Sievänen Helena , Vehkamäki Marjo
Published: July 2021

Teachers’ assessments of students’ academic performance are susceptible to various cognitive biases. The evidence for higher grades given for legibly than illegibly handwritten texts—the handwriting legibility effect—is partially negative in the literature, however. Three explanations for the negative evidence could be offered. First, the variation in handwriting legibility could simply fail to implicitly affect the graders’ behaviour. Secondly, the graders could intuitively associate handwriting illegibility with males and legibility with females. The presumed males’ texts could thereby receive higher grades than females’ texts, hiding the handwriting legibility effect proper. Third, the graders could spontaneously and selectively inhibit the handwriting legibility effect. In the present experiment, forty second-year teacher students graded fifth-grade students’ handwritten test answers. The answers varied independently in content quality and handwriting legibility. Handwriting legibility did not measurably vary the grades. Nevertheless, handwriting legibility became gender-stereotyped and, at a trend level, varied grading confidence. However, the gender stereotypes were not measurably reflected in the grades. This set of findings is best explained by the participants’ spontaneous and selective inhibition of the handwriting legibility effect. Spontaneous task-specific debiasing may, therefore, explain at least some of the previous negative findings of this effect in the literature.
Towards an AI-driven framework for multi-scale urban flood resilience planning and design
Authors: Ye Xinyue , Wang Shaohua , Lu Zhipeng , Song Yang , Yu Siyu
Published: July 2021

Climate vulnerability is higher in coastal regions. Communities can largely reduce their hazard vulnerabilities and increase their social resilience through design and planning, which could put cities on a trajectory for long-term stability. However, the silos within the design and planning communities and the gap between research and practice have made it difficult to achieve the goal for a flood resilient environment. Therefore, this paper suggests an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-driven platform to facilitate the flood resilience design and planning. This platform, with the active engagement of local residents, experts, policy makers, and practitioners, will break the aforementioned silos and close the knowledge gaps, which ultimately increases public awareness, improves collaboration effectiveness, and achieves the best design and planning outcomes. We suggest a holistic and integrated approach, bringing multiple disciplines (architectural design, landscape architecture, urban planning, geography, and computer science), and examining the pressing resilient issues at the macro, meso, and micro scales.
Airway Management with Leksell Frame in situ with or without Frontal Bar: A Mannequin Study
Authors: Dalby Tara , Iorio-Morin Christian , Kalia Suneil , Venkatraghavan Lashmi , Dinsmore Michael
Published: July 2021

Background:

The use of stereotactic headframes for neurosurgical procedures requiring targeted localization continues to grow with new advancements in technology and treatment modalities. A configuration of the Leksell stereotactic G frame with a straight front bar, useful in epilepsy and laser cases, almost completely obscures oral access and presents a significant airway challenge for the anesthetist. Although previous papers have suggested that the entire headframe should be removed during an airway emergency, we describe a novel method to remove only the front bar.

Methods:

We performed an observational mannequin study. Anesthesia personnel from a single center were asked to intubate a mannequin with the Leksell frame fully in situ and again with the front bar removed. In addition, the time to remove the entire frame versus only the front bar was investigated.

Results:

Eighteen anesthesia personnel participated in the study as well as four neurosurgeons. The average time to intubate the mannequin in the frame was 23.5 (11.4) seconds and with the front bar removed, 10.9 (2.5) seconds (p < 0.001). The average time taken to remove just the front bar by the neurosurgeons was 35.4 (7.3) seconds compared to an average of 83.3 (18.6) seconds to remove the headframe entirely (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates that intubating with the Leksell front bar in situ is possible with videolaryngoscopy under an ideal situation. More importantly, the removal of just the front bar is a simpler more streamlined approach requiring statistically less time to secure an airway.
Correlation between tympanometry volume and three-dimensional computed tomography mastoid volumetry in tympanoplasty candidates
Authors: Epprecht L , Qingsong L , Stenz N , Hashimi S , Linder T
Published: July 2021

Objective

Ventilation of the middle ear and mastoid air cells is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic ear disease. Traditionally, ventilation is assessed by computed tomography. However, this exposes patients to cumulative radiation injury. In cases with a perforation in the tympanic membrane, tympanometry potentially presents a non-invasive alternative to measure the ventilated middle-ear and mastoid air cell volume. This study hypothesised that total tympanometry volume correlates with ventilated middle-ear and mastoid air cell volume.

Method

Total tympanometry volume was compared with ventilated middle-ear and mastoid air cell volume on computed tomography scans in 20 tympanic membrane perforations.

Results

There was a high correlation between tympanometry and computed tomography volumes (r = 0.78; p < 0.001). A tympanometry volume more than 2 ml predicted good ventilation on computed tomography.

Conclusion

These results may help reduce the need for pre-operative computed tomography in uncomplicated cases with tympanic membrane perforations.
Blocking the Future: New Solutions for Old Problems in Historical Social Science
Authors: Bearman Peter , Faris Robert , Moody James
Published: July 2021

The only true voyage would be not to travel through a hundred different lands with the same pair of eyes, but to see the same land with a hundred different pairs of eyes.

Marcel Proust

Although it may turn out to be otherwise, this is an early article in what is hoped to be a larger series of studies in the application of network methods to historical problems. This article explores some new solutions to old problems in historical social science and history more generally and provides some templates for thinking about an old problem in a new light. The old problem is the problem that arises when one considers how we know what historical events mean and how we can have confidence in our interpretations. For many social science historians, the problem of meaning is secondary to the problem of making causal arguments. And often the practical reality of much historical work is that more mundane problems of data and evidence often consume an unusual amount of time and energy, drawing attention away from the luxurious concerns discussed in this article — concerns with what things actually mean. Despite the recognition that the problem of meaning may not lurk around every corner for all social science historians, the goal of this article is to propose some new strategies for determining what things mean in historical context.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among employees of a university hospital in Belgium during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak (COVEMUZ-study)
Authors: De Geyter Deborah , Vancutsem Ellen , Van Laere Sven , Piérard Denis , Lacor Patrick , Weets Ilse , Allard Sabine D.
Published: July 2021

Between 19 May and 12 June 2020, employees of the UZ Brussel were recruited in this study aiming to document the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence, to investigate the potential work-related risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and to estimate the proportion of asymptomatic infections. In total, 2662 participants were included of whom 7.4% had immunoglobulin G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Of the participants reporting a positive polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2, 89% had antibodies at the time of blood sampling. Eleven per cent of the antibody positive participants reported no recent symptoms suggestive of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Participants reporting fever, chest pain and/or anosmia/ageusia were significantly more frequently associated with the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The presence of antibodies was highest in the group that had had contact with COVID-19-infected individuals outside the hospital with or without using appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) (P < 0.001). Inside the hospital, a statistically significant difference was observed for the employees considered as low-risk exposure compared to the intermediate-risk exposure group (P = 0.005) as well as the high-risk exposure group compared to the intermediate exposure risk group (P < 0.001). These findings highlight the importance of using correct PPE.
The Impact of Sanctions Imposed by the European Union against Iran on their Bilateral Trade: General versus Targeted Sanctions
Authors: Ghodsi Mahdi , Karamelikli Huseyin
Published: July 2021

The European Union (EU) has been using economic sanctions both as a foreign policy tool and as a liberal alternative to military action. Since 2006, it has been implementing general sanctions against the whole economy of Iran, affecting their trade relations, and since 2007, following the imposition of sanctions by the UN Security Council, it has also been using smart sanctions targeting Iranian entities and natural persons associated with the country's military activities. In a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model, this paper investigates the impact of general and targeted EU sanctions against Iran on quarterly bilateral trade values between the 19 members of the euro area (EA19) and Iran between the first quarter of 1999 and the fourth quarter of 2018. In a robustness NARDL specification, trade between Iran and the 28 members of the EU is analysed. In addition, a gravity model of bilateral trade between Iran and the EU member states is run in a robustness check. The results indicate that the EU's general sanctions have strongly hampered trade flows between the two trading partners in almost all sectors, except for the primary sectors. Furthermore, our study finds that the impact of smart sanctions targeting Iranian entities and natural persons is much smaller than the impact of general sanctions on total trade values and the trade values of many sectors. Smart sanctions affect the exports of most sectors from the EA19 and the EU28 to Iran, while they are statistically insignificant for the imports of many sectors from Iran. Thus, this paper provides evidence of the motivations behind smart sanctions, which target specific individuals and entities rather than the whole economy, unlike general sanctions, which have a negative impact on ordinary people.