bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratification of prostate cancer patients into low‐ and high‐grade groups using multiparametric magnetic resonance radiomics with dynamic contrast‐enhanced image joint histograms
Authors: Urakami Akimasa , Arimura Hidetaka , Takayama Yukihisa , Kinoshita Fumio , Ninomiya Kenta , Imada Kenjiro , Watanabe Sumiko , Nishie Akihiro , Oda Yoshinao , Ishigami Kousei
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the potential of stratification of prostate cancer patients into low‐ and high‐grade groups (GGs) using multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMR) radiomics in conjunction with two‐dimensional (2D) joint histograms computed with dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) images.

Methods

A total of 101 prostate cancer regions extracted from the MR images of 44 patients were identified and divided into training (n = 31 with 72 cancer regions) and test datasets (n = 13 with 29 cancer regions). Each dataset included low‐grade tumors (International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] GG ≤ 2) and high‐grade tumors (ISUP GG ≥ 3). A total of 137,970 features consisted of mpMR image (16 types of images in four sequences)‐based and joint histogram (DCE images at 10 phases)‐based features for each cancer region. Joint histogram features can visualize temporally changing perfusion patterns in prostate cancer based on the joint histograms between different phases or subtraction phases of DCE images. Nine signatures (a set of significant features related to GGs) were determined using the best combinations of features selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Further, support vector machine models with the nine signatures were built based on a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation for the training dataset and evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The signature showing the best performance was constructed using six features derived from the joint histograms, DCE original images, and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. The areas under the ROC curves for the training and test datasets were 1.00 and 0.985, respectively.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the proposed approach with mpMR radiomics in conjunction with 2D joint histogram computed with DCE images could have the potential to stratify prostate cancer patients into low‐ and high‐GGs.
Prevalence of adverse pathology features in grade group 2 prostatectomy specimens with syn‐ or metachronous metastatic disease
Authors: Ma Christopher , Downes Michelle , Jain Rahi , Ientilucci Marc , Fleshner Neil , Perlis Nathan , van der Kwast Theodorus
Published: December 2021

Background

To validate the importance of recently established adverse histopathology features (cribriform pattern and intraductal carcinoma) as contra‐indication for deferred treatment of Gleason score 7 (3 + 4) (grade group [GG] 2) prostate cancer, we investigated their frequency in GG2 radical prostatectomies with syn‐ or metachronous metastatic disease.

Methods

GG2 prostatectomy specimens of patients with concomitant lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis at follow‐up were identified in a clinical database of a tertiary care center and their pathology was reviewed for pathological stage, lymphovascular invasion, Gleason grade 4 subpatterns, presence of tertiary grade 5, and ductal adenocarcinoma histology. A control group of 99 GG2 prostatectomy specimens who had no metastatic disease (controls) was reviewed for the same adverse pathological features.

Results

Of 1860 GG2 prostatectomy specimens (operated between 2002 and 2020), 45 (2.4%) had concurrent regional lymph node metastases or distant metastases at follow‐up. Pathological stage distribution of cases and controls was 24% and 79% pT2, 42% and 15% pT3a, 33% and 6.1% pT3b ‐T4, respectively (p < 0.001). Eleven of 45 cases (24%) had ≤10% Gleason grade 4 component. Cribriform pattern or intraductal carcinoma was present in 84% of cases versus 34% of controls (p < 0.001), tertiary grade 5 in 16% of cases versus 5% controls (p = 0.05) and ductal adenocarcinoma in 16% of cases versus 2% of controls (p = 0.004). Among the seven cases without cribriform or intraductal carcinoma, two displayed ductal adenocarcinoma features.

Conclusions

Well‐established unfavorable histopathologic features (intraductal and cribriform pattern carcinoma, ductal adenocarcinoma) are represented in about 90% of GG2 prostate cancers with local or distant metastatic disease and are much less common (38%) in those without metastatic disease. Strikingly, about 25% of GG2 prostatectomy cases with metastatic disease had an organ‐confined disease and/or a small percentage of Gleason grade 4 pattern. This further emphasizes the relative importance of these adverse histopathological features (cribriform, intraductal, and ductal adenocarcinoma) rather than percentage Gleason grade 4 as contra‐indicator of deferred treatment for patients with GG2 prostate cancer.
Development of a model‐based clinical trial simulation platform to optimize the design of clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lingineni Karthik , Aggarwal Varun , Morales Juan Francisco , Conrado Daniela J. , Corey Diane , Vong Camille , Burton Jackson , Larkindale Jane , Romero Klaus , Schmidt Stephan , Kim Sarah ,   the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group investigators and Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium members
Published: December 2021

Early clinical trials of therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal genetic X‐linked pediatric disease, have been designed based on the limited understanding of natural disease progression and variability in clinical measures over different stages of the continuum of the disease. The objective was to inform the design of DMD clinical trials by developing a disease progression model‐based clinical trial simulation (CTS) platform based on measures commonly used in DMD trials. Data were integrated from past studies through the Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium founded by the Critical Path Institute (15 clinical trials and studies, 1505 subjects, 27,252 observations). Using a nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach, longitudinal dynamics of five measures were modeled (NorthStar Ambulatory Assessment, forced vital capacity, and the velocities of the following three timed functional tests: time to stand from supine, time to climb 4 stairs, and 10 meter walk‐run time). The models were validated on external data sets and captured longitudinal changes in the five measures well, including both early disease when function improves as a result of growth and development and the decline in function in later stages. The models can be used in the CTS platform to perform trial simulations to optimize the selection of inclusion/exclusion criteria, selection of measures, and other trial parameters. The data sets and models have been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency; have been accepted into the Fit‐for‐Purpose and Qualification for Novel Methodologies pathways, respectively; and will be submitted for potential endorsement by both agencies.
Theoretical study on the thermal dissociation of FOX‐7 promoted by NO2
Authors: Zhu Qiong , Zhou Panwang , Liu Jianyong , Yin Shuhui
Published: December 2021

1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene (FOX‐7) is a novel energetic material with high performance and low sensitivity. In order to deeply understand the reaction mechanism in the initiation “hot spots” of FOX‐7 and reveal the growth mechanism of these initiation “hot spots” in the explosion process, the detailed mechanisms of bimolecular reaction of NO2and FOX‐7, as well as the subsequent reactions have been investigated by the quantum chemical calculations. The mechanism of NO2and FOX‐7 bimolecular reaction and the catalytic effect of NO2were revealed by three key dissociation paths. It is demonstrated that the NO2molecule plays an important role in promoting the decomposition of the FOX‐7 molecule, and the main exothermic pathways were the reactions between oxidizing intermediates (NO, NO2), and reducing intermediates (CO, NH3).
Evaluation of cooking effects on otolith stable carbon and oxygen isotope values of teleostean fish Pomadasys kaakan (Cuvier, 1830)
Authors: Wang Yen‐Chun , Chang Yi‐Jay , Wang Pei‐Ling , Shiao Jen‐Chieh
Published: December 2021

Rationale

For years, archaeologists, climatologists, and ecologists have used stable oxygen isotope values (δ13C, δ18O) in fish otoliths from archaeological sites to reconstruct the habitats, paleo‐temperature, and seasonality of the fish captures. Otoliths from archaeological sites might have been heated when ancient people cooked the fish for food. Therefore, there are debates as to whether the cooking behaviors would cause further isotopic fractionations of the carbonate in the otoliths.

Methods

In this study, we have evaluated the effects of the cooking methods on the otolith δ13C and δ18O values by comparing the otoliths of the javelin grunter (Pomadasys kaakan) from the same individuals, with the left otoliths taken out before the different cooking processes. Otolith sections of the fish were then made and several subsamples were milled along the microstructures visible in the otolith pairs, mostly annual check rings, followed by the stable isotope analyses.

Results

There were no morphological changes between the cooked and uncooked otoliths. The δ13C and δ18O values were highly consistent for the otolith subsamples between the cooked and uncooked pairs, suggesting none or trivial effects of the cooking processes on the isotopic values of the otoliths. In addition, some javelin grunters showed lower δ13C (−5‰ to −6‰) and δ18O (−4‰ to −5‰) values deposited in the wide translucent zone of the otoliths, suggesting seasonal migration of the fish to estuaries during the summer.

Conclusions

This study suggests that cooking processes do not change otolith stable isotopic compositions and will therefore allow for future research to use the otolith δ13C and δ18O values to better understand the life history and used habitats of the preserved fish remains in the middens.
Smart Solar–Metal–Air Batteries Based on BiOCl Photocorrosion for Monolithic Solar Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Lan Yalin , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Li Peng , Qian Bingzhi , Bu Degang , Zhao Qin , Huang Hongwei , Sun Wenping , Zhang Yu , Ma Tianyi , Song Xi‐Ming , Jia Baohua
Published: December 2021

Herein, a BiOCl hydrogel film electrode featuring excellent photocorrosion and regeneration properties acts as the anode to construct a novel type of smart solar–metal–air batteries (SMABs), which combines the characteristics of solar cells (direct photovoltaic conversion) and metal–air batteries (electric energy storage and release interacting with atmosphere). The cyclic photocorrosion processes between BiOCl (Bi3+) and Bi can simply be achieved by solar light illumination and standing in the dark. Upon illumination, the device takes open‐circuit configuration to charge itself from the sunlight. Notably, in this system, the converted solar energy can be stored in the SMABs without the need of external assistance. In the discharging process in the dark, Bi0 spontaneously turns back to Bi3+ producing electrons to induce the oxygen reduction reaction. With an illumination of 15 min, the battery with an electrode area of 1 cm2 can be continuously discharged for ≈3000 s. Taking elemental Bi as the calculation object, the theoretical capacity of the SMABs is 384.75 mAh g‐1, showing its potential application in energy storage. This novel type of SMABs is developed based on the unique photocorrosive and self‐oxidation reaction of BiOCl to achieve photochemical energy generation and storage.
2D Palladium Sulphate for Visible‐Light‐Driven Optoelectronic Reversible Gas Sensing at Room Temperature
Authors: Alkathiri Turki , Xu Kai , Zhang Bao Yue , Khan Muhammad Waqas , Jannat Azmira , Syed Nitu , Almutairi Ahmed F. M. , Ha Nam , Alsaif Manal M. Y. A. , Pillai Naresha , Li Zhong , Daeneke Torben , Ou Jian Zhen
Published: December 2021

2D metal sulphides (MSs) have attracted enormous amounts of attention in developing high‐performance gas sensors. 2D noble metal sulphides and their derivatives, however, have been less studied due to their predominant nonlayered crystal structures for inefficient exfoliation, despite their surface and peculiar optoelectronic properties. Herein, we successfully synthesize 2D palladium sulphate (PdSO4) from palladium sulphide (PdS) bulk crystals by liquid‐phase exfoliation, in which the presence of oxygen species in the exfoliation solvent plays a key role in the sulphate transformation. Ultrathin 2D PdSO4planar nanosheets, with thicknesses of ≈3 nm and submicrometer lateral dimensions, exhibit a broad absorption across the visible spectrum, a narrow bandgap of ≈1.35 eV, and a nanosecond scaled long exciton lifetime, which are all suitable for the visible‐light‐driven optoelectronic gas sensing applications. The 2D PdSO4‐based sensor demonstrates a reversible, selective, and sensitive response toward ppb‐leveled NO2gas at blue light irradiation, featuring a response factor of ≈3.28% for 160 ppb NO2, a low limit of detection of 1.84 ppb, anda > 3 times response factor enhancement over other gases. Herein, the possibility of realizing 2D ultrathin noble metal sulphide compounds from their nonlayered crystal structures and strong potentials in developing high‐performance chemical sensors is explored.
Beta hemolysin gene of Staphylococcus phage 3AJ_2017 genome is a suitable molecular marker for identification and characterization of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Miruka Silviane A. , Aboge Gabriel O. , Macharia Rosaline W. , Obiero George O. , Omwenga Isaac M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Staphylococcus aureus cause diseases both in humans and animals. These diseases range from mild to fatal infections thus necessitating development of a specific molecular method for detection of pathogenic S. aureus.

Objectives

To identify and analyze genetic profile of pathogenic S. aureus using bacteriophage based genetic biomarkers.

Methods

Using culture and biochemical methods, 148 S. aureus (87 %) were isolated from 170 raw milk samples taken from 10 dairy farms in Marsabit and Isiolo counties in Northern Kenya between June 2016 and February 2017. The samples were collected directly from dairy lactating cows previously diagnosed with S. aureus in a follow‐up study. The isolates were analyzed by PCR and sequencing of beta hemolysin (hlb) gene. The genetic relationship between five Kenyan S. aureus isolates and five isolates previously identified was inferred.

Results

From the 96 isolates screened for hlb gene, 75 (78.1%) tested positive. Some of the positive isolates yielded a band size of 975 bp, while others 1100 bp. Through Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search analysis, the two different band sizes (975 bp and 1100 bp) were both confirmed to be hlb gene from S. aureus isolates indicating that the difference in band size may have been due to deletions that were detected in the 975 bp hlb gene. Some S. aureus isolates from Kenya appeared to be closely related to isolates from other parts of the world, while some showed a distant relationship.

Conclusions

Phage‐derived hlb gene is a suitable molecular marker for detection of pathogenic S. aureus.
Emotional pathways to climate change responses
Authors: Davidson Debra J. , Kecinski Maik
Published: December 2021

The first trigger to any form of personal and collective change begins with emotions. They influence whether and how our attention is drawn to stimuli, how we reflect upon those stimuli, and how we choose courses of action. Emotions are thus at the center of social responses to climate change. We offer a selective, interdisciplinary review of emotions research to inform the development of a hypothetical emotion–cognition model of climate change response, followed by exploration of the emotional precedents supporting three prevailing behavioral responses which support inaction: apathy, denial, and withdrawal. We then review research that can inform emotion triggers to pro‐climate adaptive and mitigative action. We conclude with a discussion of two key research needs: intersectionality and interdisciplinarity. Addressing these needs will enhance our ability to respond to the climate emergency.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses
Invasion of Eastern Deciduous Forests by the Spotted Wing Drosophila: Impacts and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Roche Daniel P. , Stoleson Scott H. , Lituma Christopher M.
Published: December 2021

Invasion of forest ecosystems by non‐native invasive insect pests (NNIIPs) can alter native animal and plant communities by disrupting species interactions. However, little is known about how fruit‐targeting NNIIPs may alter forest ecosystems. Recently introduced to the western United States, spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii; SWD) is a parasite of soft‐skinned fruits. The ability of SWD to parasitize still‐ripening fruits of many plant species led to rapid expansion in agricultural systems across North America. Recent surveys have documented widespread SWD parasitism of wild fruits in forests, although impacts of parasitism remain unexplored. We investigated how SWD may produce ecological changes to eastern forests through several mechanisms: 1) disruption of plant–animal seed dispersal interactions; 2) subsequent alterations to plant community composition; and 3) changes in fruit consumption by wildlife. Parasitism of fruits by SWD may reduce attractiveness to potential seed dispersers, reducing overall consumption and shifting future plant communities away from fruit‐producing species. Invasion by SWD may therefore have both short‐term and long‐term consequences for food resources for wildlife and ecosystem function. We highlighted frugivorous birds because of their importance as consumers and dispersers of fruits in eastern North America and their well‐documented rejection of parasitized fruits. We proposed several critical avenues of research and call for a large‐scale collaborative effort to understand the complex relationship SWD may play with plants and wildlife in forest ecosystems. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Schools of Democracy? Giving Circles and the Civic and Political Participation of Collaborative Philanthropists
Authors: Eikenberry Angela M.
Published: December 2021

Social transformations around the world have increased the need for philanthropy and motivated people to become more active at the local level. Giving circles have emerged from this context, providing a hands-on, “do-it-yourself” approach to philanthropy. They involve individuals collaborating to support causes of mutual interest and frequently include social, educational, and engagement opportunities for members. In this research, I focus on understanding if participation in these new forms of philanthropic voluntary association lead to greater civic and political participation. That is, do giving circles serve as schools of democracy? I draw on survey data from current and past members of giving circles and donors outside these circles, as well as interviews with giving circle members, in the U.S. and U.K. The findings suggest that giving circles have a positive impact on giving, volunteering, and efforts to address problems in the community, but little effect on participation in changing government policy or other political activities.
Towards Software Compliance Specification and Enforcement Using TOSCA
Authors: Mubarkoot Mohammed , Altmann Jörn
Published: December 2021

According to the laws of software evolution, the size and complexity of software systems continue to increase over time and, simultaneously, if not maintained rigorously, the quality decreases. Quality degradation typically happens due to changes in policies, regulations, and industry requirements, which, in turn, complicates compliance management over time. Among the key challenges in managing the evolution of software are the modelling and the enforcement of compliance rules. Moreover, the gap between compliance experts and software engineers has worsened the problem. The topology and orchestration specifications for cloud applications (TOSCA), which is an OASIS standard, has the potential to offer a relief by enabling different levels of abstractions for modeling and enforcing compliance policies. This work aims at investigating the potential of using TOSCA service templates for modelling and enforcing non-functional requirements and policies. Then, it proposes an approach that maximizes involvement of stakeholders in modeling and auditing such requirements and policies. Findings can help enterprises and policy makers achieve better governance and compliance on software services.
Architecture for Orchestrating Containers in Cloud Federations
Authors: Gebrealif Yodit , Mubarkoot Mohammed , Altmann Jörn , Egger Bernhard
Published: December 2021

Containerization technology helps achieving not only better portability and interoperability but also better performance and efficiency on various cloud computing arrangements. Such technology is expected to empower cloud federations by enhancing portability and scalability across the federation. In this paper, we propose an architecture by adding two subcomponents to the NIST reference architecture for identifying resources and managing container orchestration in cloud federation environments. The architecture adds two subcomponents to the NIST reference architecture. The proposed two new sub-components enable resource identification and container orchestration across cloud federation members. These names of the two subcomponents are the Resource Identifier and the Container Orchestrator, respectively. The Resource Identifier component identifies the appropriate federated member for allocating tasks based on previous experience and current status. The Container Orchestrator facilitates the management and orchestration of containers at the federation level. We also identified several techniques, which can be used for resource identification. Among those, linear regression technique is selected for resource provisioning and identification of federation members. Further, these techniques are also expected to learn from log files from previous executions and prioritize resources based on the current resource status and previous experience.
Holographic M5 branes in AdS7 × S4
Authors: Gupta Varun
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We study classical M5 brane solutions in the probe limit in the AdS7× S4 background geometry that preserve the minimal amount of supersymmetry. These solutions describe the holography of codimension-2 defects in the 6d boundary dual $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) supersymmetric gauge theories. The general solution is described in terms of holomorphic functions that satisfy a scaling condition. We show the behavior of the world-volume of a special class of BPS solutions near the AdS boundary region can be characterized by general equations, which describe it as intersections of the zeros of holomorphic functions in three complex variables with a 5-sphere.
Factorized class S theories and surface defects
Authors: Ergun Behzat , Hao Qianyu , Neitzke Andrew , Yan Fei
Published: December 2021

Abstract

It is known that some theories of class S are actually factorized into multiple decoupled nontrivial four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories. We propose a way of constructing examples of this phenomenon using the physics of half-BPS surface defects, and check that it works in one simple example: it correctly reproduces a known realization of two copies of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal SU(2) QCD, describing this factorized theory as a class S theory of type A3 on a five-punctured sphere with a twist line. Separately, we also present explicit checks that the Coulomb branch of a putative factorized class S theory has the expected product structure, in two examples.
Leptogenesis and fermion mass fit in a renormalizable SO(10) model
Authors: Mummidi V. Suryanarayana , Patel Ketan M.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

A non-supersymmetric renormalizable SO(10) model is investigated for its viability in explaining the observed fermion masses and mixing parameters along with the baryon asymmetry produced via thermal leptogenesis. The Yukawa sector of the model consists of complex 10H and $$ {\overline{126}}_H $$

126
¯

H

scalars with a Peccei-Quinn like symmetry and it leads to strong correlations among the Yukawa couplings of all the standard model fermions including the couplings and masses of the right-handed (RH) neutrinos. The latter implies the necessity to include the second lightest RH neutrino and flavor effects for the precision computation of leptogenesis. We use the most general density matrix equations to calculate the temperature evolution of flavoured leptonic asymmetry. A simplified analytical solution of these equations, applicable to the RH neutrino spectrum predicted in the model, is also obtained which allows one to fit the observed baryon to photon ratio along with the other fermion mass observables in a numerically efficient way. The analytical and numerical solutions are found to be in agreement within a factor of $$ \mathcal{O}(1) $$
O

1

. We find that the successful leptogenesis in this model does not prefer any particular value for leptonic Dirac and Majorana CP phases and the entire range of values of these observables is found to be consistent. The model specifically predicts (a) the lightest neutrino mass $$ {m}_{v_1} $$

m

v
1

between 2–8 meV, (b) the effective mass of neutrinoless double beta decay mββ between 4–10 meV, and (c) a particular correlation between the Dirac and one of the Majorana CP phases.
Desinfektionsmittel in der COVID-19-Pandemie: eine Herausforderung
Authors: Eggers Maren , Baumann Anna , Lilienthal Nils , Steinmann Eike , Steinmann Jochen , Hübner Nils-Olaf , Rabenau Holger F. , Weinheimer Viola , Schwebke Ingeborg
Published: December 2021

Durch die COVID-19-Pandemie haben Desinfektionsmaßnahmen auch in Deutschland an Bedeutung gewonnen. Der erhöhte Bedarf an Desinfektionsmitteln zu Beginn der Pandemie erforderte es, vorübergehende rechtliche Regelungen zu treffen, um einerseits ausreichend Mittel für die notwendige Desinfektion im medizinischen Bereich und andererseits für den zusätzlichen Bedarf in der Bevölkerung zur Verfügung zu haben. Dazu wurden vom Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM) und der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) Allgemeinverfügungen erlassen, die in diesem Beitrag näher erläutert werden. Im Vordergrund stehen dabei die Maßnahmen für die hygienische Händedesinfektion. Aber auch weitere Anwendungen wie die Flächendesinfektion im Zusammenhang mit pandemischen Atemwegserkrankungen werden erörtert. Die Erfahrungen bei der Sicherstellung der Versorgung mit wirksamen und in der Anwendung sicheren Desinfektionsmitteln sollten für die Vorbereitung weiterer Pandemien genutzt werden.
Who gets prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors and why? A drug-utilization study with claims data in Bavaria, Germany, 2010–2018
Authors: Rückert-Eheberg Ina-Maria , Nolde Michael , Ahn Nayeon , Tauscher Martin , Gerlach Roman , Güntner Florian , Günter Alexander , Meisinger Christa , Linseisen Jakob , Amann Ute , Baumeister Sebastian-Edgar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The German annual drug prescription-report has indicated overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for many years; however, little was known about the characteristics of people using PPIs. This study aimed to provide comprehensive utilization data and describe frequencies of potential on- and off-label PPI-indications in Bavaria, Germany.

Methods

Claims data of statutorily insured people from 2010 to 2018 were used. Defined daily doses (DDDs) of PPIs by type of drug, prevalence of PPI-use and DDDs prescribed per 1000 insured people/day were analyzed. For 2018, proportions of users and DDDs per 1000 insured people were calculated by age and sex. To elucidate changes in prescribing practices due to a suspected drug-drug interaction, we examined co-prescribing of clopidogrel and PPIs between 2010 and 2018. For PPI new users, sums of DDDs and frequencies of potential indications were examined.

Results

PPI prescribing increased linearly from 2010 to 2016 and gradually decreased from 2016 to 2018. In 2018, 14.7% of women and 12.2% of men received at least one prescription, and 64.8 DDDs (WHO-def.) per 1000 insured people/day were prescribed. Overall, omeprazole use decreased over the observation period and was steadily replaced by pantoprazole, especially when co-prescibed with clopidogrel. An on-label PPI-indication was not reported at first intake in 52.0% of new users.

Conclusions

The utilization of prescribed PPIs has decreased since 2016. However, a large proportion of new PPI-users had no documentation of a potential indication, and the sums of DDDs prescribed often seemed not to comply with guidelines.
Evaluation of Water Provision Ecosystem Services Associated with Land Use/Cover and Climate Variability in the Winike Watershed, Omo Gibe Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Aneseyee Abreham Berta , Soromessa Teshome , Elias Eyasu , Noszczyk Tomasz , Feyisa Gudina Legese
Published: December 2021

The provision of freshwater is essential for sustaining human life. Understanding the water provision modelling associated with the Land Use/Cover (LUC) change and climatic factors is vital for landscape water resource management. The Winike watershed is the largest tributary in the upper Omo Gibe basin of Ethiopia. This research aims to analyze the spatial and temporal change in the water yield to investigate the water yield contribution from the watershed based on the variation in input parameters. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs Tool (InVEST) water yield model was used to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of the water yield in different years (1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018). The data required for this model include LUC data from satellite images, reference evapotranspiration, root depth, plant available water, precipitation, season factor (Z), and a biophysical table. The analysis of LUC change shows a rapid conversion of grazing land, shrubland, and forest land into cultivated land. There has been a significant variation in water provision, which increased from 1.83 × 109 m3 in 1988 to 3.35 × 109 m3 in 2018. Sub-watersheds 31, 32, and 39 in the eastern part of the watershed contributed more water due to higher precipitation and lower reference evapotranspiration. The major increase in the contribution of water yield was in built-up land by 207.4%, followed by bare land, 148.54%, and forest land by 63%. Precipitation had a greater impact on water yield estimation compared with the other input parameters. Hence, this research helps decision-makers to make informed decisions regarding new policies for LUC change improvement to maintain the water resources in the Winike watershed.
Derivation of continuum models from discrete models of mechanical forces in cell populations
Authors: Lötstedt Per
Published: December 2021

In certain discrete models of populations of biological cells, the mechanical forces between the cells are center based or vertex based on the microscopic level where each cell is individually represented. The cells are circular or spherical in a center based model and polygonal or polyhedral in a vertex based model. On a higher, macroscopic level, the time evolution of the density of the cells is described by partial differential equations (PDEs). We derive relations between the modelling on the micro and macro levels in one, two, and three dimensions by regarding the micro model as a discretization of a PDE for conservation of mass on the macro level. The forces in the micro model correspond on the macro level to a gradient of the pressure scaled by quantities depending on the cell geometry. The two levels of modelling are compared in numerical experiments in one and two dimensions.
Understanding past and future sea surface temperature trends in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Dutheil C. , Meier H. E. M. , Gröger M. , Börgel F.
Published: December 2021

The Baltic Sea is one of the fastest-warming semi-enclosed seas in the world over the last decades, yielding critical consequences on physical and biogeochemical conditions and on marine ecosystems. Although long-term trends in sea surface temperature (SST) have long been attributed to trends in air temperature, there are however, strong seasonal and sub-basin scale heterogeneities of similar magnitude than the average trend which are not fully explained. Here, using reconstructed atmospheric forcing fields for the period 1850–2008, oceanic climate simulations were performed and analyzed to identify areas of homogenous SST trends using spatial clustering. Our results show that the Baltic Sea can be divided into five different areas of homogeneous SST trends: the Bothnian Bay, the Bothnian Sea, the eastern and western Baltic proper, and the southwestern Baltic Sea. A classification tree and sensitivity experiments were carried out to analyze the main drivers behind the trends. While ice cover explains the seasonal north/south warming contrast, the changes in surface winds and air-sea temperature anomalies (along with changes in upwelling frequencies and heat fluxes) explain the SST trends differences between the sub-basins of the southern part of the Baltic Sea. To investigate future warming trends climate simulations were performed for the period 1976–2099 using two RCP scenarios. It was found that the seasonal north/south gradient of SST trends should be reduced in the future due to the vanishing of sea ice, while changes in the frequency of upwelling and heat fluxes explained the lower future east/west gradient of SST trend in fall. Finally, an ensemble of 48 climate change simulations has revealed that for a given RCP scenario the atmospheric forcing is the main source of uncertainty. Our results are useful to better understand the historical and future changes of SST in the Baltic Sea, but also in terms of marine ecosystem and public management, and could thus be used for planning sustainable coastal development.
Independent DSG4 frameshift variants in cats with hair shaft dystrophy
Authors: Kiener Sarah , Rostaher Ana , Rüfenacht Silvia , Jagannathan Vidhya , Sundberg John P. , Welle Monika , Leeb Tosso
Published: December 2021

Investigations of hereditary phenotypes in spontaneous mutants may help to better understand the physiological functions of the altered genes. We investigated two unrelated domestic shorthair cats with bulbous swellings of the hair shafts. The clinical, histopathological, and ultrastructural features were similar to those in mice with lanceolate hair phenotype caused by loss-of-function variants in Dsg4 encoding desmoglein 4. We sequenced the genomes from both affected cats and compared the data of each affected cat to 61 control genomes. A search for private homozygous variants in the DSG4 candidate gene revealed independent frameshift variants in each case, c.76del or p.Ile26fsLeu*4 in case no. 1 and c.1777del or p.His593Thrfs*23 in case no. 2. DSG4 is a transmembrane glycoprotein located primarily in the extracellular part of desmosomes, a complex of adhesion molecules responsible for connecting the keratin intermediate filaments of neighbouring epithelial cells. Desmosomes are essential for normal hair shaft formation. Both identified DSG4 variants in the affected cats lead to premature stop codons and truncate major parts of the open-reading frame. We assume that this leads to a complete loss of DSG4 function, resulting in an incorrect formation of the desmosomes and causing the development of defective hair shafts. Together with the knowledge on the effects of DSG4 variants in other species, our data suggest that the identified DSG4 variants cause the hair shaft dystrophy. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of pathogenic DSG4 variants in domestic animals.
Robust output regulation of the linearized Boussinesq equations with boundary control and observation
Authors: Huhtala Konsta , Paunonen Lassi , Hu Weiwei
Published: December 2021

We study a temperature and velocity output tracking problem for a two-dimensional room model with the fluid dynamics governed by the linearized translated Boussinesq equations. Additionally, the room model includes finite-dimensional models for actuation and sensing dynamics; thus, the complete model dynamics are governed by an ODE–PDE–ODE cascade. As the main contribution, we design a low-dimensional internal model-based controller for robust output tracking of the room model. The controller’s performance is demonstrated through a numerical example.
What matters to patients and clinicians when discussing the impact of cancer medicines on health-related quality of life? Consensus-based mixed methods approach in prostate cancer
Authors: Dunlop Emma , Ferguson Aimee , Mueller Tanja , Baillie Kelly , Clarke Julie , Laskey Jennifer , Kurdi Amanj , Wu Olivia , Jones Rob , Glen Hilary , Bennie Marion
Published: December 2021

Objective

To identify what matters to clinicians and patients when discussing cancer medicines’ impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

A framework of HRQoL domain/domain elements was developed, informed by analysis of published patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), applicable to prostate cancer. Using mixed methods (eDelphi, Nominal Group Technique and questionnaire), prostate cancer clinicians and patients attending prostate cancer clinics and support groups were asked which domains/domain elements would be important to them when discussing the impact prostate cancer medicines have on their HRQoL.

Results

Twenty-one clinicians and 71 patients participated from the West of Scotland. Clinicians and patients identified 53/62 domain elements across seven domains as important, of which 32 (60%) were common to both groups. Clinicians placed more importance than patients on Mood & Emotion; in contrast, patients placed importance on a broader range of Symptoms & Side Effects, being informed about their care, and having effective healthcare professional collaboration.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the similarities and differences between what clinicians and patients think is important when discussing the impact of cancer medicines on HRQoL. Future research should involve exploring the potential for consistency of medicines PROMs across different cancer types to support patient-clinician communication and drive improvements in care.
Factor structure and internal consistency of the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) on a sample of persons with psychotic disorders in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Kulenović Alma Džubur , Mešević Eldina Smajic , Ribić Emina , Repišti Selman , Radojičić Tamara , Jovanović Nikolina
Published: December 2021

The assessment of negative symptoms is crucial for development of adequate therapeutic interventions. This is a challenging task due to complex clinical presentation and lack of reliable and valid instruments. This study examined the psychometric characteristics of the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS). The sample consisted of 81 persons with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder recruited from two health institutions in the Sarajevo Canton: the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo and the Psychiatric Hospital of the Sarajevo Canton. The 13 CAINS items grouped into four factors (expression, motivation and satisfaction in the recreational domain, motivation and satisfaction with social relationships, motivation and satisfaction with job and education). The four-factor solution accounted for 87.83% of the variance of manifest items. The reliabilities of extracted factors were as follows: for motivation and satisfaction with social relationships α = 0.897, for motivation and satisfaction with job and education α = 0.961, for Motivation and satisfaction in the recreation domain α = 0.981, and for expression α = 0.938. The highest correlation between factors was found between Motivation and satisfaction with recreation and Motivation and satisfaction with social relationships. On the other hand, the lowest correlation was found between motivation and satisfaction with social relations and motivation and satisfaction with job and education. In conclusion, the study showed that the latent structure of CAINS is adequate, clearly interpretable, and consisted of four factors. The measure can be used for assessment of the negative symptoms in outpatients with psychosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prokaryotic communities in the historic silver mine Reiche Zeche
Authors: Haferburg Götz , Krichler Tobias , Hedrich Sabrina
Published: December 2021

The research and education mine “Reiche Zeche” in Freiberg (Saxony, Germany) represents one of the most famous mining facilities reminiscent to the century-long history of silver production in the Ore Mountains. The mine was set up at the end of the fourteenth century and became part of the “Bergakademie Freiberg” in 1919. Galena, pyrite, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite are the most common minerals found in the mine. As acid mine drainage is generated from the dissolution of sulfidic ores, the microbial habitats within the adits and galleries are characterized by low pH and high concentrations of metal(loid)s. The community composition was investigated at locations characterized by biofilm formation and iron-rich bottom pools. Amplicon libraries were sequenced on a MiSeq instrument. The taxonomic survey yielded an unexpected diversity of 25 bacterial phyla including ten genera of iron-oxidizing taxa. The community composition in the snottites and biofilms only slightly differed from the communities found in acidic bottom pools regarding the diversity of iron oxidizers, the key players in most investigated habitats. Sequences of the Candidate Phyla Radiation as, e.g., Dojkabacteria and Eremiobacterota were found in almost all samples. Archaea of the classes Thermoplasmata and Nitrososphaeria were detected in some biofilm communities.
Ausmaß und Entwicklung der Messerkriminalität in Deutschland: empirische Erkenntnisse und kriminalpolitische Implikationen
Authors: Rausch Elena , Hatton Whitney , Brettel Hauke , Rettenberger Martin
Published: December 2021

Messerkriminalität steht seit einiger Zeit in der medialen und politischen Diskussion. Dabei wurde in der jüngeren Vergangenheit insbesondere über die Frage eines Anstiegs dieser Kriminalitätsform sowie über einen mutmaßlichen Zusammenhang mit der Staatsangehörigkeit der Täter/-innen diskutiert. Trotz der intensiven Debatten existieren bis heute vergleichsweise wenige gesicherte Daten hierzu. Der vorliegende Beitrag berichtet aktuelle empirische Ergebnisse über das Phänomen der Messerkriminalität anhand von Daten aus Rheinland-Pfalz. Ausgehend von einer Erhebung des rheinland-pfälzischen Ministeriums der Justiz wurden zu diesem Zweck Urteilstexte von insgesamt 519 rechtskräftig wegen schwerer Gewaltkriminalität abgeurteilten Personen ausgewertet, die sich auf Aburteilungen des Jahres 2013 (n = 253) und des Jahres 2018 (n = 266) beziehen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass es keinen statistisch signifikanten Unterschied zwischen Messerkriminalität und schwerer Gewaltkriminalität insgesamt hinsichtlich der untersuchten Variablen, insbesondere der Staatsangehörigkeit, gibt. Auch ein massiver Anstieg der Messergewalt von 2013 auf 2018 konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden. Lediglich der Unterschied zwischen Messerkriminalität und genereller schwerer Gewaltkriminalität hinsichtlich der Schuldfähigkeitsbeurteilung war für beide Jahrgänge hochsignifikant. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse lassen zusammenfassend deshalb nicht auf einen unmittelbaren kriminalpolitischen Handlungsbedarf schließen.
Eine biografische Perspektive auf Radikalisierungsverläufe
Authors: Meier Jana , Bögelein Nicole , Neubacher Frank
Published: December 2021

Dieser Text rekonstruiert auf Basis längsschnittlicher biografischer Interviews mit (ehemals) rechtsextremen Männern vier Idealtypen biografischer Selbstbeschreibung von Radikalisierungsprozessen. In der ersten Selbstbeschreibung erzählen die Biografen von ihrer radikalen Familie, in die sie hineingeboren werden und deren ideologische Normen und Werte sie unhinterfragt übernehmen. Die zweite Selbstbeschreibung erklärt eine Suche nach Halt und Gemeinschaft als handlungsleitend. Die Ideologie spielt dabei anfangs eine untergeordnete Rolle, das Eingebundensein in Kameradschaften und Gewalt gehören aber dazu. In der dritten Selbstbeschreibung beziehen sich die Biografen auf ihre deutsche Abstammung und verherrlichen den Nationalsozialismus. Sie sehen sich als Hüter der völkisch-deutschen Gemeinschaft und verteidigen diese Idee auch unter Anwendung von Gewalt. Die vierte Selbstbeschreibung sieht die Hinwendung zum Rechtsextremismus als Ventil, um empfundene gesellschaftliche Benachteiligungen zu bewältigen. Abschließend prüfen wir, ob die Idealtypen auch auf Selbstbeschreibungen islamistisch eingestellter Interviewpartner übertragbar sind. Tatsächlich beschreiben diese ihren Weg in die Radikalisierung in ähnlicher Weise.
A Remark on the Bank Cases
Authors: Barz Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

Since their formulation by Keith DeRose (1992), the so-called bank cases have played a major role in the discussion about whether knowledge depends on practical factors. According to the proponents of pragmatic encroachment, the proper conclusion to be drawn from the bank cases and similar examples is that knowledge of a proposition p does not supervene on one’s evidence for or against p. In my view, this conclusion is ill-founded. The reason is that the bank cases and similar examples suffer from an ambiguity concerning the known proposition — an ambiguity that has so far been overlooked. When this ambiguity is made explicit, it becomes clear that the conclusion does not follow.
Molecular fossils within bitumens and kerogens from the ~ 1 Ga Lakhanda Lagerstätte (Siberia, Russia) and their significance for understanding early eukaryote evolution
Authors: Duda Jan-Peter , König Hannah , Reinhardt Manuel , Shuvalova Julia , Parkhaev Pavel
Published: December 2021

The emergence and diversification of eukaryotes during the Proterozoic is one of the most fundamental evolutionary developments in Earth’s history. The ca. 1-billion-year-old Lakhanda Lagerstätte (Siberia, Russia) contains a wealth of eukaryotic body fossils and offers an important glimpse into their ecosystem. Seeking to complement the paleontological record of this remarkable lagerstätte, we here explored information encoded within sedimentary organic matter (total organic carbon = 0.01–1.27 wt.%). Major emphasis was placed on sedimentary hydrocarbons preserved within bitumens and kerogens, including molecular fossils (or organic biomarkers) that are specific to bacteria and eukaryotes (i.e. hopanes and regular steranes, respectively). Programmed pyrolysis and molecular organic geochemistry suggest that the organic matter in the analyzed samples is about peak oil window maturity and thus sufficiently well preserved for detailed molecular fossil studies that include hopanes and steranes. Together with petrographic evidence as well as compositional similarities of the bitumens and corresponding kerogens, the consistency of different independent maturity parameters establishes that sedimentary hydrocarbons are indigenous and syngenetic to the host rock. The possible presence of trace amounts of hopanes and absence of steranes in samples that are sufficiently well preserved to retain both types of compounds evidences an environment dominated by anaerobic bacteria with no or very little inputs by eukaryotes. In concert with the paleontological record of the Lakhanda Lagerstätte, our study adds to the view that eukaryotes were present but not significant in Mesoproterozoic ecosystems.