bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Data Technologies in DataBio
Authors: Södergård Caj , Mildorf Tomas , Berre Arne J. , Tsalgatidou Aphrodite , Charvát Karel
Published: August 2021

In this introductory chapter, we present the technological background needed for understanding the work in DataBio. We start with basic concepts of Big Data including the main characteristics volume, velocity and variety. Thereafter, we discuss data pipelines and the Big Data Value (BDV) Reference Model that is referred to repeatedly in the book. The layered reference model ranges from data acquisition from sensors up to visualization and user interaction. We then discuss the differences between open and closed data. These differences are important for farmers, foresters and fishermen to understand, when they are considering sharing their professional data. Data sharing is significantly easier, if the data management conforms to the FAIR principles. We end the chapter by describing our DataBio platform that is a software development platform. It is an environment in which a piece of software is developed and improved in an iterative process providing a toolset for services in agriculture, forestry and fishery. The DataBio assets are gathered on the DataBio Hub that links to content both on the DataBio website and to Docker software repositories on clouds.
Big Data Visualisation
Authors: Esbrí Miguel Ángel , Klien Eva , Charvát Karel , Zinke-Wehlmann Christian , Hitado Javier , Södergård Caj
Published: August 2021

In this chapter, we introduce the topic of big data visualization with a focus on the challenges related to geospatial data. We present several efficient techniques to address these challenges. We then provide examples from the DataBio project of  visualisation solutions. These examples show that there are many technologies and software components available for  big data visualisation, but they also point to limitations and the need for further research and development.
Introduction of Smart Agriculture
Authors: Zinke-Wehlmann Christian , Charvát Karel
Published: August 2021

Smart agriculture is a rising area bringing the benefits of digitalization through big data, artificial intelligence and linked data into the agricultural domain. This chapter motivates the use and describes the rise of smart agriculture.
Genomic Prediction and Selection in Support of Sorghum Value Chains
Authors: Habyarimana Ephrem , Michailidou Sofia
Published: August 2021

Genomic prediction and selection models (GS) were deployed as part of DataBio project infrastructure and solutions. The work addressed end-user requirements, i.e., the need for cost-effectiveness of the implemented technologies, simplified breeding schemes, and shortening the time to cultivar development by selecting for genetic merit. Our solutions applied genomic modelling in order to sustainably improve productivity and profits. GS models were implemented in sorghum crop for several breeding scenarios. We fitted the best linear unbiased predictions data using Bayesian ridge regression, genomic best linear unbiased predictions, Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and BayesB algorithms. The performance of the models was evaluated using Monte Carlo cross-validation with 70% and 30%, respectively, as training and validation sets. Our results show that genomic models perform comparably with traditional methods under single environments. Under multiple environments, predicting non-field evaluated lines benefits from borrowing information from lines that were evaluated in other environments. Accounting for environmental noise and other factors, also this model gave comparable accuracy with traditional methods, but  higher compared to the single environment model. The GS accuracy was comparable in genomic selection index, aboveground dry biomass yield and plant height, while it was lower for the dry mass fraction of the fresh weight. The genomic selection model performances obtained in our pilots are high enough to sustain sorghum breeding for several traits including antioxidants production and allow important genetic gains per unit of time and cost.
Monitoring of Bark Beetle Forest Damages
Authors: Lukeš Petr
Published: August 2021

In this chapter, we present a multi-source remote sensing approach for country-wise monitoring of bark beetle calamity to support government decision making processes. In the first part, we describe the forest health monitoring system, which is based on the analysis of satellite big data–Sentinel-2 observations collected every five days. We propose an automated processing chain for high-quality cloud-free image synthesis for user-defined acquisition periods. Such a processing chain is applied to yield yearly cloud-free images of the entire Czech Republic from 2015 onwards. Based on this data, we assess forest health trends using Sentinel-2 derived vegetation indices and in situ data of forest status. Finally, we demonstrate the benefits of multi-source remote sensing for timely and objective mapping of bark beetle spread by combining several data sources, including planet high-resolution satellite data, Sentinel-2 forest health maps and other maps of forest conditions. Detected bark beetle sanitary logging and dead standing wood polygons are used by the Ministry of Agriculture of Czech Republic in their decision processes regarding the management of affected forest areas.
The Potential of Big Data for Improving Pelagic Fisheries Sustainability
Authors: Reite Karl-Johan , Fernandes Jose A. , Uriondo Zigor , Quincoces Iñaki
Published: August 2021

The use of big data methods and tools are expected to have a profound effect on the pelagic fisheries sustainability and value creation. The potential impact on fuel consumption, planning and fish stock assessments is demonstrated in six different pilot cases. These cases cover the Spanish tropical tuna fisheries in Indian Ocean and the Norwegian small pelagic fisheries in the North Atlantic Ocean. The areas encompassed by these pilots have  an annual capture production above 13 million tonnes.
Sensor Data
Authors: Rogotis Savvas , Fournier Fabiana , Charvát Karel , Kepka Michal
Published: August 2021

The chapter describes the key role that sensor data play in the DataBio project. It introduces the concept of sensing devices and their contribution in the evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT). The chapter outlines how IoT technologies have affected bioeconomy sectors over the years. The last part outlines key examples of sensing devices and IoT data that are exploited in the context of the DataBio project.
Remote Sensing
Authors: Esbrí Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2021

In this chapter we present the concepts of remote sensing and Earth Observation and, explain why several of their characteristics (volume, variety and velocity) make us consider Earth Observation as Big Data. Thereafter, we discuss the most commonly open data formats used to store and share the data. The main sources of Earth Observation data are also described, with particular focus on the constellation of Sentinel satellites, Copernicus Hub and its six thematic services, as well as other private initiatives like the five Copernicus-related Data and Information Access Services and  Sentinel Hub. Next, we present an overview of representative software technologies for efficiently describing, storing, querying and accessing Earth Observation datasets. The chapter concludes with a summary of the Earth Observation datasets used in each DataBio pilot.
Linked Data Usages in DataBio
Authors: Palma Raul , Brahma Soumya , Zinke-Wehlmann Christian , Kirschenbaum Amit , Charvát Karel , Charvat Karel , Reznik Tomas
Published: August 2021

One of the main goals of DataBio was the provision of solutions for big data management enabling, among others, the harmonisation and integration of a large variety of data generated and collected through various applications, services and devices. The DataBio approach to deliver such capabilities was based on the use of Linked Data as a federated layer to provide an integrated view over (initially) disconnected and heterogeneous datasets. The large amount of data sources,  ranging from mostly static to highly dynamic, led to the design and implementation of Linked Data Pipelines. The goal of these pipelines is to automate as much as possible the process to transform and publish different input datasets as Linked Data. In this chapter, we describe these pipelines and how they were applied to support different uses cases in the project, including the tools and methods used to implement them.
Continuity of eigenvalues and shape optimisation for Laplace and Steklov problems
Authors: Girouard Alexandre , Karpukhin Mikhail , Lagacé Jean
Published: August 2021

We associate a sequence of variational eigenvalues to any Radon measure on a compact Riemannian manifold. For particular choices of measures, we recover the Laplace, Steklov and other classical eigenvalue problems. In the first part of the paper we study the properties of variational eigenvalues and establish a general continuity result, which shows for a sequence of measures converging in the dual of an appropriate Sobolev space, that the associated eigenvalues converge as well. The second part of the paper is devoted to various applications to shape optimization. The main theme is studying sharp isoperimetric inequalities for Steklov eigenvalues without any assumption on the number of connected components of the boundary. In particular, we solve the isoperimetric problem for each Steklov eigenvalue of planar domains: the best upper bound for thek-th perimeter-normalized Steklov eigenvalue is$$8\pi k$$8πk, which is the best upper bound for the$$k^{\text {th}}$$ktharea-normalised eigenvalue of the Laplacian on the sphere. The proof involves realizing a weighted Neumann problem as a limit of Steklov problems on perforated domains. For$$k=1$$k=1, the number of connected boundary components of a maximizing sequence must tend to infinity, and we provide a quantitative lower bound on the number of connected components. A surprising consequence of our analysis is that any maximizing sequence of planar domains with fixed perimeter must collapse to a point.
Lärmbelästigung in der deutschen Allgemeinbevölkerung
Authors: Hahad Omar , Beutel Manfred , Michal Matthias , Schulz Andreas , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gianicolo Emilio , Lackner Karl , Wild Philipp , Daiber Andreas , Münzel Thomas
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Lärmbelästigung, insbesondere durch Verkehrslärm, stellt ein massives Problem in der Bevölkerung dar und ist mit gesundheitlichen Einschränkungen assoziiert.

Ziel der Arbeit

Anhand von Daten der bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Gutenberg-Gesundheitsstudie (GHS) werden die Prävalenz der Lärmbelästigung durch verschiedene Quellen sowie relevante Determinanten bestimmt.

Material und Methoden

Die GHS ist eine populationsbasierte, prospektive Kohortenstudie in Deutschland, die Personen im Alter von 35 bis 74 Jahren einbezieht. 15.010 Probanden aus der Stadt Mainz und dem Landkreis Mainz-Bingen wurden von 2007 bis 2012 befragt, inwiefern sie sich in letzter Zeit durch Flug‑, Straßen‑, Schienen‑, Industrie- und Nachbarschaftslärm belästigt gefühlt haben (Angaben von „überhaupt nicht“ bis „äußerst“). Es wurde jeweils zwischen der Lärmbelästigung am Tag sowie während des Schlafens differenziert. Um die Beziehungen zwischen soziodemographischen Variablen, kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren sowie Erkrankungen und Lärmbelästigung zu untersuchen, wurden multivariable logistische Regressionsmodelle verwendet.

Ergebnisse

Etwa 80 % der Probanden fühlten sich durch Lärm belästigt. Fluglärmbelästigung am Tag stellte die vorherrschende Lärmbelästigungsquelle mit der höchsten Prävalenz stark (9,6 %) und äußerst lärmbelästigter Probanden dar (5,4 %), gefolgt von Straßenverkehrs- (stark: 4,0 %; äußerst: 1,6 %) und Nachbarschaftslärmbelästigung (stark: 3,5 %; äußerst: 1,3 %). Die Lärmbelästigung nahm eher mit zunehmender Altersdekade ab. Relevante Determinanten der Lärmbelästigung umfassten mitunter Geschlecht, Alter, sozioökonomischen Status, Depression, Angststörung, Schlafstörung und Vorhofflimmern.

Diskussion

Lärmbelästigung betrifft einen Großteil der Bevölkerung und ist assoziiert mit soziodemographischen Variablen und kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren sowie Erkrankungen.
The association between income inequality and adult mental health at the subnational level—a systematic review
Authors: Tibber Marc S. , Walji Fahreen , Kirkbride James B. , Huddy Vyv
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A systematic review was undertaken to determine whether research supports: (i) an association between income inequality and adult mental health when measured at the subnational level, and if so, (ii) in a way that supports the Income Inequality Hypothesis (i.e. betweenhigherinequality andpoorermental health) or the Mixed Neighbourhood Hypothesis (higherinequality andbettermental health).

Methods

Systematic searches of PsycINFO, Medline and Web of Science databases were undertaken from database inception to September 2020. Included studies appeared in English-language, peer-reviewed journals and incorporated measure/s ofobjectiveincome inequality and adult mental illness. Papers were excluded if they focused onhighlyspecialised population samples. Study quality was assessed using a custom-developed tool and data synthesised using the vote-count method.

Results

Forty-two studies met criteria for inclusion representing nearly eight million participants and more than 110,000 geographical units. Of these, 54.76% supported the Income Inequality Hypothesis and 11.9% supported the Mixed Neighbourhood Hypothesis. This held for highest quality studies and after controlling for absolute deprivation. The results were consistent across mental health conditions, size of geographical units, and held for low/middle and high income countries.

Conclusions

A number of limitations in the literature were identified, including a lack of appropriate (multi-level) analyses and modelling of relevant confounders (deprivation) in many studies. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that area-level income inequality is associated with poorer mental health, and provides support for the introduction of social, economic and public health policies that ameliorate the deleterious effects of income inequality.

Clinical registration number

PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020181507.
Sensor-integrated tap holder for process uncertainty detection based on tool vibration and axial length compensation sensors
Authors: Öztürk Tuğrul , Sarıkaya Erkut , Weigold Matthias
Published: August 2021

The tapping process is one of the most widespread manufacturing processes for internal threads, usually carried out at the end of the value chain. Any non-compliance with required quality standards or even the destruction of the thread due to process uncertainty in the tapping process is therefore subjected to high rework costs. Possible process uncertainties in the tapping process can be triggered by synchronization errors between feed rate and spindle speed, axis offset, faulty core holes and wear of the tapping tool. In order to detect process uncertainties during tapping and thus provide a basis for initiating countermeasures, a sensor-integrated tap holder was developed. This paper presents the realized concept of a rotating telemetry unit for signal processing, data acquisition and wireless data transmitting via WiFi standard on basis of low-cost embedded systems. Furthermore, two unique sensor concepts for measuring close-to-tool vibrations and the axial length compensation of the tapping tool are shown. Based on the sensor data in combination with feature engineering methods, process uncertainty during tapping are detected.
What’s behind 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake in primary prostate cancer PET? Investigation of histopathological parameters and immunohistochemical PSMA expression patterns
Authors: Rüschoff Jan H. , Ferraro Daniela A. , Muehlematter Urs J. , Laudicella Riccardo , Hermanns Thomas , Rodewald Ann-Katrin , Moch Holger , Eberli Daniel , Burger Irene A. , Rupp Niels J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-) PET has become a promising tool in staging and restaging of prostate carcinoma (PCa). However, specific primary tumour features might impact accuracy of PSMA-PET for PCa detection. We investigated histopathological parameters and immunohistochemical PSMA expression patterns on radical prostatectomy (RPE) specimens and correlated them to the corresponding 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET examinations.

Methods

RPE specimens of 62 patients with preoperative 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET between 2016 and 2018 were analysed. WHO/ISUP grade groups, growth pattern (expansive vs. infiltrative), tumour area and diameter as well as immunohistochemical PSMA heterogeneity, intensity and negative tumour area (PSMA%neg) were correlated with spatially corresponding SUVmax on 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET in a multidisciplinary analysis.

Results

All tumours showed medium to strong membranous (2–3 +) and weak to strong cytoplasmic (1–3 +) PSMA expression. Heterogeneously expressed PSMA was found in 38 cases (61%). Twenty-five cases (40%) showed at least 5% and up to 80% PSMA%neg. PSMA%neg, infiltrative growth pattern, smaller tumour area and diameter and WHO/ISUP grade group 2 significantly correlated with lower SUVmax values. A ROC curve analysis revealed 20% PSMA%neg as an optimal cutoff with the highest sensitivity and specificity (89% and 86%, AUC 0.923) for a negative PSMA-PET scan. A multiple logistic regression model revealed tumoural PSMA%neg (p < 0.01, OR = 9.629) and growth pattern (p = 0.0497, OR = 306.537) as significant predictors for a negative PSMA-PET scan.

Conclusions

We describe PSMA%neg, infiltrative growth pattern, smaller tumour size and WHO/ISUP grade group 2 as parameters associated with a lower 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake in prostate cancer. These findings can serve as fundament for future biopsy-based biomarker development to enable an individualized, tumour-adapted imaging approach.
The Effect of Minimally Invasive Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer on Postoperative Gallstone Formation
Authors: Ikegame Ko , Hikage Makoto , Fujiya Keiichi , Kamiya Satoshi , Tanizawa Yutaka , Bando Etsuro , Notsu Akifumi , Terashima Masanori
Published: August 2021

Background

Gallstones are known to occur quite frequently after gastrectomy. Most of the studies about postoperative cholelithiasis have focused on open gastrectomy, whereas laparoscopic gastrectomy has recently gained popularity as a type of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Hence, the efficacy of MIS in preventing post‐gastrectomy gallstone formation remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of gallstone formation after MIS for clinical stage I/IIA gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 1166 patients undergoing gastrectomy for clinical stage I/IIA gastric cancer between 2009 and 2016 were included in this study. Gallstones were detected on abdominal ultrasound and/or computed tomography. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with postoperative gallstone formation.

Results

Gallstone formation was observed in 174 patients (15%), of whom 22 (2%) experienced symptomatic cholelithiasis. In multivariate analysis, the following were identified as risk factors for post‐gastrectomy gallstone formation: open approach with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.670 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.110–2.510 (P = 0.014), older age (OR 1.880; 95% CI 1.290–2.730; P < 0.001), high body mass index (OR 1.660; 95% CI 1.140–2.420; P = 0.008), Roux‐en‐Y (RY) reconstruction (OR 1.770; 95% CI 1.230–2.530; P = 0.002), hepatic branch vagotomy (OR 1.600; 95% CI 1.050–2.440; P = 0.029), and intra‐abdominal infectious complications (OR 3.040; 95% CI 1.680–5.490; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study suggested that MIS along with the preservation of the hepatic vagus nerve and non‐RY reconstruction could help prevent post‐gastrectomy gallstone development.
Aerodynamics of inclined cylindrical bodies free-flying in a hypersonic flowfield
Authors: Seltner Patrick M. , Willems Sebastian , Gülhan Ali , Stern Eric C. , Brock Joseph M. , Aftosmis Michael J.
Published: August 2021

The influence of the flight attitude on aerodynamic coefficients and static stability of cylindrical bodies in hypersonic flows is of interest in understanding the re/entry of space debris, meteoroid fragments, launch-vehicle stages and other rotating objects. Experiments were therefore carried out in the hypersonic wind tunnel H2K at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne. A free-flight technique was employed in H2K, which enables a continuous rotation of the cylinder without any sting interferences in a broad angular range from 0$$^{\circ }$$

∘

to 90$$^{\circ }$$

∘

. A high-speed stereo-tracking technique measured the model motion during free-flight and high-speed schlieren provided documentation of the flow topology. Aerodynamic coefficients were determined in careful post-processing, based on the measured 6-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) motion data. Numerical simulations by NASA’s flow solvers Cart3D and US3D were performed for comparison purposes. As a result, the experimental and numerical data show a good agreement. The inclination of the cylinder strongly effects both the flowfield and aerodynamic loads. Experiments and simulations with concave cylinders showed marked difference in aerodynamic behavior due to the presence of a shock–shock interaction (SSI) near the middle of the model.

Graphic abstract
Strukturierung des Notfallmanagements in Pflegeheimen: Ergebnisse interprofessioneller Fokusgruppeninterviews
Authors: Schwabe Sven , Bleidorn Jutta , Günther Andreas , Krause Olaf , Schneider Nils , Poeck Juliane
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Notfallsituationen in Pflegeeinrichtungen führen zu einer steigenden Zahl von Rettungsdiensteinsätzen und Krankenhauszuweisungen, die häufig als vermeidbar eingeordnet werden und oft nicht den Behandlungswünschen der Bewohner entsprechen. Der Umgang mit Notfallsituationen wird durch strukturelle Bedingungen, Unsicherheiten und Kommunikationsschwierigkeiten zwischen den behandelnden Akteuren beeinträchtigt.

Ziel

Im Innovationsfonds-Projekt NOVELLE wird interprofessionell eine Musterhandlungsempfehlung für Pflegefachpersonen zur Strukturierung des Notfallmanagements in Pflegeeinrichtungen entwickelt.

Material und Methoden

Der qualitative Forschungsprozess wurde nach der Grounded Theory als iteratives Wechselspiel zwischen Datenerhebung, -auswertung und Konzeptentwicklung organisiert. Zwischen Januar und April 2021 wurden 6 Fokusgruppeninterviews mit insgesamt 24 Pflegefachpersonen, Ärzten sowie Medizinethikern und ein Interview mit einer Medizinjuristin durchgeführt. Diese fanden als Videokonferenzen statt, wurden digital aufgezeichnet, wörtlich transkribiert und mit MAXQDA kodiert und ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Handlungsempfehlungen zu Verbesserung und Strukturierung des Notfallmanagements lassen sich gliedern in: 1) Ersteinschätzung; 2) Assessment mit pflegefachlicher Beurteilung und Einbindung des Bewohnerwillens; 3) Organisation der Weiterversorgung. Die Bausteine enthalten Maßnahmen, Ergebnisse und Entscheidungen und lassen sich in Form eines Algorithmus anordnen.

Diskussion

Handlungsempfehlungen zur Verbesserung des Notfallmanagements sollten die Kompetenzen der Pflegefachpersonen stärken, eine strukturierte Einbindung des Bewohnerwillens ermöglichen, die Kontextbedingungen berücksichtigen und bei der Kommunikation mit Weiterversorgern unterstützen.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with a small aortic annulus: performance of supra-, intra- and infra-annular transcatheter heart valves
Authors: Voigtländer Lisa , Kim Won-Keun , Mauri Victor , Goßling Alina , Renker Matthias , Sugiura Atsushi , Linder Matthias , Schmidt Tobias , Schofer Niklas , Westermann Dirk , Reichenspurner Hermann , Nickenig Georg , Blankenberg Stefan , Hamm Christian , Conradi Lenard , Adam Matti , Sinning Jan-Malte , Seiffert Moritz
Published: August 2021

Background

A small aortic annulus is associated with increased risk of prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Whether specific transcatheter heart valve (THV) designs yield superior hemodynamic performance in these small anatomies remains unclear.

Methods

Data from 8411 consecutive patients treated with TAVI from May 2012 to April 2019 at four German centers were retrospectively evaluated. A small aortic annulus was defined as multidetector computed tomography-derived annulus area < 400 mm2. TAVI was performed with a balloon-expanding intra-annular (Sapien-3, n = 288), self-expanding intra-annular (Portico, n = 110), self-expanding supra-annular (Evolut, n = 179 and Acurate-Neo, n = 428) and mechanically expanding infra-annular (Lotus, n = 64) THV according to local practice. PPM was defined as indexed effective orifice area ≤ 0.85cm2/m2.

Results

A small annulus was found in 1069 (12.7%) patients. PPM was detected in 38.3% overall with a higher prevalence after implantation of a balloon-expanding intra-annular or mechanically expanding infra-annular THV compared to self-expanding intra- and supra-annular THV. Multivariable analysis linked self-expanding THV (Evolut: Odds ratio [OR] 0.341, Acurate-Neo: OR 0.436, Portico: OR 0.291), postdilatation (OR 0.648) and age (OR 0.968) to lower rates of PPM, while aortic valve calcification was associated with an increased risk (OR 1.001). Paravalvular regurgitation > mild was more frequent after TAVI with self-expanding THV (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In this large contemporary multicenter patient population, a substantial number of patients with a small aortic anatomy were left with PPM after TAVI. Self-expanding supra- and intra-annular THV demonstrated superior hemodynamics in these patients at risk, however at the cost of higher rates of residual paravalvular regurgitation.

Graphic abstract
A Modified Calculation Improves the Accuracy of Predicted Postoperative Lung Function Values in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Schlachtenberger G. , Doerr F. , Menghesha H. , Hagmeyer L. , Leschczyk T. , Gaisendrees C. , Michel M. , Wahlers T. , Hekmat K. , Heldwein M. B.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Preoperative pulmonary function testing is mandatory for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) surgery. The predicted postoperative FEV1 (ppoFEV1) is used for further risk stratification. We compared the ppoFEV1 with the postoperative FEV1 (postFEV1) in order to improve the calculation of the ppoFEV1.

Methods

87 patients voluntarily received an FEV1 assessment 1 year after surgery. ppoFEV1 was calculated according to the Brunelli calculation. Baseline characteristics and surgical procedure were compared in a uni- and multivariate analysis between different accuracy levels of the ppoFEV1. Parameters which remained significant in the multinominal regression analysis were evaluated for a modification of the ppoFEV1 calculation.

Results

Independent factors for a more inaccurate ppoFEV1 were preoperative active smoking (odds ratio (OR) 4.1, confidence interval (CI) 3.6–6.41; p = 0.01), packyears (OR 4.1, CI 3.6–6.41; p = 0.008), younger age (OR 1.1, CI 1.01–1.12; p = 0.03), and patients undergoing pneumectomy (OR 5.55, CI 1.35–23.6; p = 0.01). For the customized ppoFEV1 we excluded pneumonectomies. For patients < 60 years, an additional lung segment was added to the calculation. ppoFEV1 = preFEV1 × $$1-\left(\frac{\text{Lung segments resected} + 1}{\text{Total number of segments}}\right)$$

1
-

Lung segments resected
+
1

Total number of segments

. For actively smoking patients with more than 30 packyears we subtracted one lung segment from the calculation ppoFEV1 = PreFEV1 × $$1-\left(\frac{\text{Lung segments resected} - 1}{\text{Total number of segments}}\right)$$

1
-

Lung segments resected
-
1

Total number of segments

.

Conclusion

We were able to enhance the predictability of the ppoFEV1 with modifications. The modified ppoFEV1 (1.828 l ± 0.479 l) closely approximates the postFEV1 of 1.823 l ± 0.476 l, (0.27%) while the original ppoFEV1 calculation is at 1.78 l ± 0.53 (2.19%). However, if patients require pneumectomy, more complex techniques to determine the ppoFEV1 should be included to stratify risk.
Efficacy and safety of N-acetyl-l-leucine in Niemann–Pick disease type C
Authors: Bremova-Ertl Tatiana , Claassen Jens , Foltan Tomas , Gascon-Bayarri Jordi , Gissen Paul , Hahn Andreas , Hassan Anhar , Hennig Anita , Jones Simon A. , Kolnikova Miriam , Martakis Kyriakos , Raethjen Jan , Ramaswami Uma , Sharma Reena , Schneider Susanne A.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy ofN-acetyl-l-leucine (NALL) on symptoms, functioning, and quality of life in pediatric (≥ 6 years) and adult Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) patients.

Methods

In this multi-national, open-label, rater-blinded Phase II study, patients were assessed during a baseline period, a 6-week treatment period (orally administered NALL 4 g/day in patients ≥ 13 years, weight-tiered doses for patients 6–12 years), and a 6-week post-treatment washout period. The primary Clinical Impression of Change in Severity (CI-CS) endpoint (based on a 7-point Likert scale) was assessed by blinded, centralized raters who compared randomized video pairs of each patient performing a pre-defined primary anchor test (8-Meter Walk Test or 9-Hole Peg Test) during each study periods. Secondary outcomes included cerebellar functional rating scales, clinical global impression, and quality of life assessments.

Results

33 subjects aged 7–64 years with a confirmed diagnosis of NPC were enrolled. 32 patients were included in the primary modified intention-to-treat analysis. NALL met the CI-CS primary endpoint (mean difference 0.86, SD = 2.52, 90% CI 0.25, 1.75,p = 0.029), as well as secondary endpoints. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

NALL demonstrated a statistically significant and clinical meaningfully improvement in symptoms, functioning, and quality of life in 6 weeks, the clinical effect of which was lost after the 6-week washout period. NALL was safe and well-tolerated, informing a favorable benefit-risk profile for the treatment of NPC.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT03759639.
Extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach for tentorial arteriovenous fistula associated with a giant venous ectasia: how I do it
Authors: Papadimitriou Kyriakos , Belouaer Amani , Starnoni Daniele , Daniel Roy Thomas
Published: August 2021

Background

Surgery of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) associated with large ectatic vein remains challenging due to the intimate neurovascular relationships in the incisural space. Interruption of the arterialized vein requires a good knowledge of the regional anatomy and a precise preoperative evaluation.

Methods

We describe the key steps extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial (ELSI) approach for tentorial DAVF with a video illustration. The surgical anatomy is described along with the advantages and limitations of this approach.

Conclusions

In cases of tentorial DAVF where the foot of the arterialized vein is located in the infratentorial compartment, ELSI offers good surgical exposure and outcomes.
Intracranial pulse pressure waveform analysis using the higher harmonics centroid
Authors: Zakrzewska Agnieszka P. , Placek Michał M. , Czosnyka Marek , Kasprowicz Magdalena , Lang Erhard W.
Published: August 2021

Background

The pulse waveform of intracranial pressure (ICP) is its distinctive feature almost always present in the clinical recordings. In most cases, it changes proportionally to rising ICP, and observation of these changes may be clinically useful. We introduce the higher harmonics centroid (HHC) which can be defined as the center of mass of harmonics of the ICP pulse waveform from the 2nd to 10th, where mass corresponds to amplitudes of these harmonics. We investigate the changes in HHC during ICP monitoring, including isolated episodes of ICP plateau waves.

Material and methods

Recordings from 325 patients treated between 2002 and 2010 were reviewed. Twenty-six patients with ICP plateau waves were identified. In the first step, the correlation between HHC and ICP was examined for the entire monitoring period. In the second step, the above relation was calculated separately for periods of elevated ICP during plateau wave and the baseline.

Results

For the values averaged over the whole monitoring period, ICP (22.3 ± 6.9 mm Hg) correlates significantly (R = 0.45, p = 0.022) with HHC (3.64 ± 0.46). During the ICP plateau waves (ICP increased from 20.9 ± 6.0 to 53.7 ± 9.7 mm Hg, p < 10−16), we found a significant decrease in HHC (from 3.65 ± 0.48 to 3.21 ± 0.33, p = 10−5).

Conclusions

The good correlation between HHC and ICP supports the clinical application of pressure waveform analysis in addition to the recording of ICP number only. Mean ICP may be distorted by a zero drift, but HHC remains immune to this error. Further research is required to test whether a decline in HHC with elevated ICP can be an early warning sign of intracranial hypertension, whether individual breakpoints of correlation between ICP and its centroid are of clinical importance.
Investigation of gene–environment interactions in relation to tic severity
Authors: Abdulkadir Mohamed , Yu Dongmei , Osiecki Lisa , King Robert A. , Fernandez Thomas V. , Brown Lawrence W. , Cheon Keun-Ah , Coffey Barbara J. , Garcia-Delgar Blanca , Gilbert Donald L. , Grice Dorothy E. , Hagstrøm Julie , Hedderly Tammy , Heyman Isobel , Hong Hyun Ju , Huyser Chaim , Ibanez-Gomez Laura , Kim Young Key , Kim Young-Shin , Koh Yun-Joo , Kook Sodahm , Kuperman Samuel , Leventhal Bennett , Madruga-Garrido Marcos , Maras Athanasios , Mir Pablo , Morer Astrid , Münchau Alexander , Plessen Kerstin J. , Roessner Veit , Shin Eun-Young , Song Dong-Ho , Song Jungeun , Visscher Frank , Zinner Samuel H. , Mathews Carol A. , Scharf Jeremiah M. , Tischfield Jay A. , Heiman Gary A. , Dietrich Andrea , Hoekstra Pieter J.
Published: August 2021

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder with involvement of genetic and environmental factors. We investigated genetic loci previously implicated in Tourette syndrome and associated disorders in interaction with pre- and perinatal adversity in relation to tic severity using a case-only (N = 518) design. We assessed 98 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from (I) top SNPs from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of TS; (II) top SNPs from GWASs of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD); (III) SNPs previously implicated in candidate-gene studies of TS; (IV) SNPs previously implicated in OCD or ASD; and (V) tagging SNPs in neurotransmitter-related candidate genes. Linear regression models were used to examine the main effects of the SNPs on tic severity, and the interaction effect of these SNPs with a cumulative pre- and perinatal adversity score. Replication was sought for SNPs that met the threshold of significance (after correcting for multiple testing) in a replication sample (N = 678). One SNP (rs7123010), previously implicated in a TS meta-analysis, was significantly related to higher tic severity. We found a gene–environment interaction for rs6539267, another top TS GWAS SNP. These findings were not independently replicated. Our study highlights the future potential of TS GWAS top hits in gene–environment studies.
Static analysis of composite beams on variable stiffness elastic foundations by the Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Doeva Olga , Masjedi Pedram Khaneh , Weaver Paul M.
Published: August 2021

New analytical solutions for the static deflection of anisotropic composite beams resting on variable stiffness elastic foundations are obtained by the means of the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The method provides a closed-form series solution for the problem described by a non-homogeneous system of coupled ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients and one variable coefficient reflecting variable stiffness elastic foundation. Analytical solutions are obtained based on two different algorithms, namely conventional HAM and iterative HAM (iHAM). To investigate the computational efficiency and convergence of HAM solutions, the preliminary studies are performed for a composite beam without elastic foundation under the action of transverse uniformly distributed loads considering three different types of stacking sequence which provide different levels and types of anisotropy. It is shown that applying the iterative approach results in better convergence of the solution compared with conventional HAM for the same level of accuracy. Then, analytical solutions are developed for composite beams on elastic foundations. New analytical results based on HAM are presented for the static deflection of composite beams resting on variable stiffness elastic foundations. Results are compared to those reported in the literature and those obtained by the Chebyshev Collocation Method in order to verify the validity and accuracy of the method. Numerical experiments reveal the accuracy and efficiency of the Homotopy Analysis Method in static beam problems.
Contextual movement models based on normalizing flows
Authors: Fadel Samuel G. , Mair Sebastian , da Silva Torres Ricardo , Brefeld Ulf
Published: August 2021

Movement models predict positions of players (or objects in general) over time and are thus key to analyzing spatiotemporal data as it is often used in sports analytics. Existing movement models are either designed from physical principles or are entirely data-driven. However, the former suffers from oversimplifications to achieve feasible and interpretable models, while the latter relies on computationally costly, from a current point of view, nonparametric density estimations and require maintaining multiple estimators, each responsible for different types of movements (e.g., such as different velocities). In this paper, we propose a unified contextual probabilistic movement model based on normalizing flows. Our approach learns the desired densities by directly optimizing the likelihood and maintains only a single contextual model that can be conditioned on auxiliary variables. Training is simultaneously performed on all observed types of movements, resulting in an effective and efficient movement model. We empirically evaluate our approach on spatiotemporal data from professional soccer. Our findings show that our approach outperforms the state of the art while being orders of magnitude more efficient with respect to computation time and memory requirements.
Emulator-based global sensitivity analysis for flow-like landslide run-out models
Authors: Zhao Hu , Amann Florian , Kowalski Julia
Published: August 2021

Landslide run-out modeling involves various uncertainties originating from model input data. It is therefore desirable to assess the model’s sensitivity to these uncertain inputs. A global sensitivity analysis that is capable of exploring the entire input space and accounts for all interactions often remains limited due to computational challenges resulting from a large number of necessary model runs. We address this research gap by integrating Gaussian process emulation into landslide run-out modeling and apply it to the open-source simulation tool r.avaflow. The feasibility and efficiency of our approach is illustrated based on the 2017 Bondo landslide event. The sensitivity of aggregated model outputs, such as the angle of reach, impact area, and spatially resolved maximum flow height and velocity, to the dry-Coulomb friction coefficient, turbulent friction coefficient, and the release volume is studied. The results of first-order effects are consistent with previous results of common one-at-a-time sensitivity analyses. In addition to that, our approach allows us to rigorously investigate interactions. Strong interactions are detected on the margins of the flow path where the expectation and variation of maximum flow height and velocity are small. The interactions generally become weak with an increasing variation of maximum flow height and velocity. Besides, there are stronger interactions between the two friction coefficients than between the release volume and each friction coefficient. In the future, it is promising to extend the approach for other computationally expensive tasks like uncertainty quantification, model calibration, and smart early warning.
Learning and planning with logical automata
Authors: Araki Brandon , Vodrahalli Kiran , Leech Thomas , Vasile Cristian-Ioan , Donahue Mark , Rus Daniela
Published: August 2021

We introduce a method to learn policies from expert demonstrations that are interpretable and manipulable. We achieve interpretability by modeling the interactions between high-level actions as an automaton with connections to formal logic. We achieve manipulability by integrating this automaton into planning via Logical Value Iteration, so that changes to the automaton have predictable effects on the learned behavior. These qualities allow a human user to first understand what the model has learned, and then either correct the learned behavior or zero-shot generalize to new, similar tasks. Our inference method requires only low-level trajectories and a description of the environment in order to learn high-level rules. We achieve this by using a deep Bayesian nonparametric hierarchical model. We test our model on several domains of interest and also show results for a real-world implementation on a mobile robotic arm platform for lunchbox-packing and cabinet-opening tasks.
Multiple roles of cardiac macrophages in heart homeostasis and failure
Authors: Moskalik Aneta , Niderla-Bielińska Justyna , Ratajska Anna
Published: August 2021

Macrophages are essential components of the immune system and play a role in the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Depending on their origin and phenotype, cardiac macrophages perform various functions. In a steady-state, these cells play a beneficial role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis by defending the body from pathogens and eliminating apoptotic cells, participating in electrical conduction, vessel patrolling, and arterial tone regulation. However, macrophages also take part in adverse cardiac remodeling that could lead to the development and progression of heart failure (HF) in such HF comorbidities as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and myocardial infarction. Nevertheless, studies on detailed mechanisms of cardiac macrophage function are still in progress, and could enable potential therapeutic applications of these cells. This review aims to present the latest reports on the origin, heterogeneity, and functions of cardiac macrophages in the healthy heart and in cardiovascular diseases leading to HF. The potential therapeutic use of macrophages is also briefly discussed.
NBAS Variants Are Associated with Quantitative and Qualitative NK and B Cell Deficiency
Authors: Lenz Dominic , Pahl Jens , Hauck Fabian , Alameer Seham , Balasubramanian Meena , Baric Ivo , Boy Nikolas , Church Joseph A. , Crushell Ellen , Dick Anke , Distelmaier Felix , Gujar Jidnyasa , Indolfi Giuseppe , Lurz Eberhard , Peters Bianca , Schwerd Tobias , Serranti Daniele , Kölker Stefan , Klein Christoph , Hoffmann Georg F. , Prokisch Holger , Greil Johann , Cerwenka Adelheid , Giese Thomas , Staufner Christian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Biallelic pathogenic NBAS variants manifest as a multisystem disorder with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes such as recurrent acute liver failure, growth retardation, and susceptibility to infections. This study explores how NBAS-associated disease affects cells of the innate and adaptive immune system.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory parameters were combined with functional multi-parametric immunophenotyping methods in fifteen NBAS-deficient patients to discover possible alterations in their immune system.

Results

Our study revealed reduced absolute numbers of mature CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells. Notably, the residual NK cell population in NBAS-deficient patients exerted a lower potential for activation and degranulation in response to K562 target cells, suggesting an NK cell–intrinsic role for NBAS in the release of cytotoxic granules. NBAS-deficient NK cell activation and degranulation was normalized upon pre-activation by IL-2 in vitro, suggesting that functional impairment was reversible. In addition, we observed a reduced number of naïve B cells in the peripheral blood associated with hypogammaglobulinemia.

Conclusion

In summary, we demonstrate that pathogenic biallelic variants in NBAS are associated with dysfunctional NK cells as well as impaired adaptive humoral immunity.
Outcome of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in patients with Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Diseases
Authors: Radwan Nesrine , Nademi Zohreh , Lum Su Han , Flood Terry , Abinun Mario , Owens Stephen , Williams Eleri , Gennery Andrew R. , Hambleton Sophie , Slatter Mary A.
Published: August 2021

Predisposition to mycobacterial infection is a key presenting feature of several rare inborn errors of intrinsic and innate immunity. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be curative for such conditions, but published reports are few. We present a retrospective survey of the outcome of 11 affected patients (7 males, 4 females) who underwent HSCT between 2007 and 2019. Eight patients had disseminated mycobacterial infection prior to transplant. Median age at first transplant was 48 months (9 -192); three patients were successfully re-transplanted due to secondary graft failure. Donors were matched family (1), matched unrelated (3), and mismatched unrelated and haploidentical family (5 each). Stem cell source was peripheral blood (9), bone marrow (4), and cord blood (1). TCRαβ/CD19 + depletion was performed in 6. Conditioning regimens were treosulfan, fludarabine (4), with additional thiotepa (in 8), and fludarabine, melphalan (2); all had serotherapy with alemtuzumab (8) or anti T-lymphocyte globulin (6). Median hospital stay was 113 days (36–330). Three patients developed acute grade I-II skin and one grade IV skin graft versus host disease. Four patients had immune-reconstitution syndrome. Two reactivated cytomegalovirus (CMV), 1 Epstein-Barr virus, and 3 adenovirus post HSCT. Nine are alive, 1 died early post-transplant from CMV, and the other was a late death from pneumococcal sepsis. Patients with active mycobacterial infection at HSCT continued anti-mycobacterial therapy for almost 12 months. In conclusion, HSCT is a successful treatment for patients with mycobacterial susceptibility even with disseminated mycobacterial infection and in the absence of an HLA matched donor.