bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells for Building Integration and Tandem Photovoltaics: Design Strategies and Challenges
Authors: Giuliano Giuliana , Bonasera Aurelio , Arrabito Giuseppe , Pignataro Bruno
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, halide perovskite systems have captured widespread attention among researchers since their exceptional photovoltaic (PV) performance is disclosed. The unique combination of optoelectronic properties and solution processability shown by these materials has enabled perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to reach efficiencies higher than 25% at low fabrication costs. Moreover, PSCs display enormous potential for modern unconventional PV applications, since they can be made lightweight, semitransparent (ST), and/or flexible by means of appropriate design strategies. In particular, by enabling transparency and high efficiency simultaneously, ST‐PSCs hold great promise for future versatile utilization in the context of building‐integrated PVs (BIPVs) or as top cells to be coupled with conventional lower‐bandgap bottom cells in tandem PV devices. The present review aims to provide a detailed overview of latest research about ST‐PSCs for BIPVs and tandems, by critically reporting on the most updated and effective design strategies in view of these two possible future applications. The differences and similarities between the available approaches are punctually highlighted, emphasizing the importance of a rigorous application‐orientated ST‐PSC design. Finally, the main challenges and issues about device design, operation, and stability that need to be addressed before commercialization are thoroughly scanned.
Understanding Printed Hexagonal Contacts for Large Area Solar Cells through Simulation and Experiments
Authors: Solak Selen , Shishegaran Sara , Hübler Arved C. , MacKenzie Roderick C. I.
Published: October 2021

Since their conception, organic electronic semiconductors have promised large area optoelectronic devices that can be mass produced at a fraction of the cost and embodied energy of devices made from traditional semiconductors. However, upscaling from small area lab‐scale fabrication techniques to large area roll‐to‐roll (R2R) production has proved a substantial challenge. At the heart of this upscaling problem is the need for low cost, reliable contacts which can be readily printed. Device performance is often limited by the contacts, in terms of charge extraction efficiency and morphological compatibility of the sequentially deposited layers. Herein, high‐speed R2R flexographic and gravure printing are combined with numerical device modeling to understand the performance of printed silver hexagonal contacts, and how contact design can affect final device performance. A strategy is presented which we dub “virtual upscaling” whereby the performance of the printed contact is virtually evaluated with an active layer material/device structure before the full device stack is printed. Through this methodology, a set of general design rules is developed which can be applied when experimentally optimizing contacts of optoelectronic devices. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce the number of design iterations and thus print runs when upscaling a structure.
Increased Hepatitis C virus screening, diagnosis and linkage to care rates among people who use drugs through a patient‐centered program from Italy
Authors: Mangia Alessandra , Rina Maria Franca , Canosa Antonio , Piazzolla Valeria , Squillante Maria Maddalena , Agostinacchio Ernesto , Cocomazzi Giovanna , Visaggi Egidio , Augello Nazario , Iannuzziello Camilla , Falcone Mattia , De Giorgi Angelo , Campanozzi Fausto
Published: October 2021

Background

Rates of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and diagnosis are variable among people who use drugs (PWUD). In Puglia in 2018, of 871 subjects screened, 38% had HCV antibodies (HCVAb). Despite sustained virologic response at week 12 Sustained virologic response (SVR12) rates >95%, addiction centers in Italy are not allowed to prescribe direct‐acting antivirals (DAA).

Aim

To increase testing and linkage to care a dedicated program including “ad hoc” transportation and fast‐track access to care was offered to PWUD from Puglia.

Methods

Over 12 months, 1,470 individuals seen at 15 Services for Dependence (SERDs) underwent screening. For HCVAb positive, a fast‐track evaluation was offered at our Hepatology Unit. Patients were subsequently taken to their pharmacists to receive the prescribed DAA regimen. Treatment and adherence were supervised by SERDs physicians, SVR12 assessed at our unit. The scalability of the process was based on both, number of patients screened in our region in 2018, and number of PWUD diagnosed and treated at our center during 2018–2019.

Results

Of 1,470 individuals screened, 634 (43.1%) tested HCVAb positive. Overall, 231 were RNA positive, 54% of whom on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and 32% with cirrhosis. Median interval between RNA assessment and treatment start was 22 days (0–300). Patients received 12‐week sofosbuvir/velpatasvir regimen without Ribavirin; in 220 patients who completed treatment, SVR12 was 98.6%. Among GT3, SVR12 was 98%. No re‐infection was observed. Improvements in screening, and linkage to care were registered.

Conclusions

A PWUD‐tailored service led to HCV care cascade improvement and high SVR12 rates. Despite history of drug addiction, social instability and logistic barriers, micro‐elimination programs providing dedicated care are key drivers of success.
A thorough investigation of the crystal structure of willemite‐type Zn2GeO4
Authors: Breternitz Joachim , Fritsch Daniel , Franz Alexandra , Schorr Susan
Published: October 2021

The thermodynamically stable phase of Zn2GeO4 contains tetrahedrally coordinated cations only and crystallizes isostructurally to Zn2SiO4 (willemite, space group
, no. 148). While this material is considered for a plethora of energy‐related applications, such as transparent conducting oxide, battery material and photocatalyst, cation ordering in the crystal structure has not been investigated thoroughly. We have therefore re‐determined the crystal structure of Zn2GeO4 using a combination of X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction. The additional neutron diffraction study helps to distinguish between the isoelectronic Zn2+ and Ge4+ cations and yields valuable information about a partial or complete cation permutation in this material. The experimental study is supported by first‐principles calculations on the structural properties of Zn2GeO4 utilizing a standard generalized gradient approximation, and the more accurate hybrid functional HSE06. In order to better understand cation permutations, additional calculations including defective Zn2GeO4 have been performed based on a supercell approach. Our results show that, with the preparation conditions applied, cation permutation is unlikely to occur in our samples.
The effect of initial stress and rotation on a nonlocal fiber‐reinforced thermoelastic medium with a fractional derivative heat transfer
Authors: Said Samia M. , Abd‐Elaziz Elsayed M. , Othman Mohamed I.A.
Published: October 2021

In the present paper, the theory of multi‐phase‐lags with fractional derivative heat transfer thermoelasticity was used to study the wave propagation on a nonlocal fiber‐reinforced thermoelastic medium. The exact expressions for the displacement components, temperature, and stress components are obtained by using the Fourier and Laplace transforms. The comparisons are shown graphically to explore the effects of rotation, initial stress and fractional order parameters as well as a nonlocal parameter on different physical quantities. Numerical computations are carried out with the help of Matlab software.
An Actuary’s Opinion: How to Get Through a Pandemic
Authors: Schiller Frank
Published: October 2021

We discuss in this chapter how the insights and methods presented in the previous chapters can be effectively and practically implemented to manage and mitigate pandemics. The findings are not only analysed for the current COVID-19 crisis, but we also present some insights that could be gained for future pandemics and other extreme events. Coming from an actuarial background, the main focus lies on practical and technical aspects of the presented articles, namely on data, models and possible risk mitigation through (re)insurance, capital markets and similar approaches.
A Mortality Model for Pandemics and Other Contagion Events
Authors: Venter Gary
Published: October 2021

The crisis caused by COVID-19 has had various impacts on the mortality of different sexes, age groups, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and requires improved mortality models. Here a very simple model extension is proposed: add a proportional jump to mortality rates that is a constant percent increase across the ages and cohorts but which varies by year. Thus all groups are affected, but the higher-mortality groups get the biggest increases in number dying. Every year gets a jump factor, but these can be vanishingly small for the normal years. Statistical analysis reveals that even before considering pandemic effects, mortality models are often missing systemic risk elements which could capture unusual or even extreme population events. Adding a provision for annual jumps, stochastically dispersed enough to include both tiny and pandemic risks, improves the results and incorporates the systemic risk in projection distributions. Here the mortality curves across the age, cohort, and time parameters are fitted using regularised smoothing splines, and cross-validation criteria are used for fit quality. In this way, we get more parsimonious models with better predictive properties. Performance of the proposed model is compared to standard mortality models existing in the literature.
Access to CRISPR Genome Editing Technologies: Patents, Human Rights and the Public Interest
Authors: Matthews Duncan
Published: October 2021

While detailed debates are underway about the scientific and ethical implications of genome editing, this chapter argues that greater attention should be paid to the patent policy issues that these technologies raise. The chapter argues that WTO Members need to consider urgently the implications of patenting genome editing inventions for human rights and the public interest, taking into account Article 27.2 of the TRIPS Agreement, which provides that Members may exclude from patentability inventions, the prevention within their territory of the commercial exploitation of which is necessary to protectordre publicor morality. Furthermore, while genome editing has great potential to transform healthcare and the wellbeing in society across a broad range of scientific fields, the granting of patent rights for these technologies will have profound implications for affordability and access, particularly for people living with chronic lifelong illnesses and for future generations not yet born who are at risk of inheriting preventable medical conditions from their parents. The chapter argues that WTO Members need to consider carefully the impact of granting of genome editing patents, balancing the need to reward inventorship while at the same time having regard to implications for affordability, access and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
Arzneimittelpreise aus gesellschaftlicher Perspektive
Authors: Witte Julian , Greiner Wolfgang
Published: October 2021

Aufgrund der vermehrten Zulassung von Hochpreistherapien ist die mit Einführung der nutzenbasierten Preisbildungin Deutschland vorgesehene Orientierung an Vergleichspreiskorridoren nicht mehr bzw. nur noch sehr eingeschränkt umsetzbar. Der Hintergrund dafür ist, dass diese neuartigen Therapien vielfach keine Vergleichsreferenzen im Markt haben. Diskutiert wird, ob die derzeitigen Preisbildungskriterien und -mechanismen ausreichen, um die Erstattung hochpreisiger Arzneimittel auch zukünftig in einem fairen Interessenausgleich sicherzustellen, oder ob es ergänzender Regulierungsansätze bedarf. Aus gesundheitsökonomischer Perspektive fehlt es vor allem an einer strukturierten Berücksichtigung ökonomischer Evidenz im Rahmen von Bewertung und Preisfindung neuer Arzneimittel. Zudem ist zu erwarten, dass sich die Preisbildung für neue Arzneimitteldurch adaptive Preisbildungsmodelle zukünftig stärker in Prozesse verschiebt, die den Verhandlungen nachgelagert sind, um neben der preis- insbesondere die mengenadjustierte Ausgabensteuerung zu ermöglichen. Damit eine solche mengenbezogene Preisadjustierung innerhalb der nutzenbasierten Preisbildungslogik, bestehend aus differenzierten Vergleichstherapien und Teilpopulationen, praktikabel und prozedural fair umsetzbar ist, bedarf es einer verbesserten Datenbasis.
Reformbedarf für angemessene Arzneimittelpreise aus Sicht der gesetzlichen Krankenkasse
Authors: Richard Sabine , Jablonka Sabine , Bogum Jana , Opitz Gina , Wolf Constanze
Published: October 2021

Neue Arzneimittel sind in Deutschland unmittelbar für die Patientinnen und Patienten verfügbar: Nach der Zulassung werden die Arzneimittel automatisch von der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV) erstattet – zum vom pharmazeutischen Unternehmer frei festgelegten Preis. Dies steht im Gegensatz zum Vorgehen in vielen anderen europäischen Ländern mit weitergehenden Regulierungen des Markt- und damit Erstattungszuganges.Der frei festgelegte Marktpreis wird erst in Preisverhandlungen zum Erstattungsbetrag in der GKV auf Basis der vom Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (G-BA) beschlossenen Nutzenbewertung angepasst und gilt ab dem 13. Monat nach Marktzugang. Krankenkassen und Ärztinnen und Ärzte sind mit einer zunehmenden Zahl hochpreisiger Arzneimittel konfrontiert, die durch beschleunigte Zulassungsverfahren eine eingeschränkte Datenbasis für eine Bewertung ihres Zusatznutzens mitbringen. Gesetzliche Änderungen sind dringend geboten, um die hohe Qualität der Gesundheitsversorgung und deren Finanzierbarkeit zu sichern. Dabei können die Einführung eines Interimspreises statt des frei festgelegten Marktpreises, ein rückwirkend geltender Erstattungsbetrag, eine Stärkung des Wettbewerbs auch unter Patentarzneimitteln sowie der gezielte, qualitätsgesicherte Einsatz von Arzneimitteln mit eingeschränkter Datenlage nur in spezialisierten Behandlungseinrichtungen, die sich an der Generierung von Wirksamkeits- und Sicherheitsdaten beteiligen, geeignete Schritte sein. Zudem wäre eine Stärkung der europäischen Zusammenarbeit für angemessene Erstattungspreise neuer Arzneimittel anzustreben.
Hochpreisige Arzneimittel – Herausforderungen und Perspektiven aus Sicht der Vertragsärzteschaft
Authors: Steiner Sibylle , Bickel Britta , Schulz Maike
Published: October 2021

Die Ergebnisse der frühen Nutzenbewertungkönnen das ärztliche Verordnungsverhalten bei hochpreisigen Arzneimitteln beeinflussen. Diese These soll anhand von Verordnungsdaten näher analysiert und beschrieben werden. Die Zusatznutzenbewertung kann als Maßstab für eine evidenzbasierte Verordnungsentscheidung dienen. Dennoch bleibt einschränkend festzuhalten, dass die Bewertung des Zusatznutzens eines neuen Arzneimittels gegenüber einer zweckmäßigen Vergleichstherapie (zVT)zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt erfolgt und damit eine Momentaufnahme darstellt. Der Behandlungsstandard kann sich insbesondere bei Indikationen mit raschem Therapiefortschritt schnell ändern. In diesen Fällen ist die Berücksichtigung des Bewertungszeitpunkts zur Einschätzung der Bedeutung des Zusatznutzens erforderlich. Darüber hinaus gibt es Therapiesituationen, in denen neue Arzneimittelin Anwendungsgebieten auch ohne belegten Zusatznutzeneine relevante Therapieoption darstellen können. Anhand von Verordnungsdatenkann gezeigt werden, dass die Vertragsärztinnen und -ärzte diese differenzierte Betrachtung des Zusatznutzens bei ihren Verordnungsentscheidungen nachvollziehen. Inwiefern der Preis die ärztliche Verordnungsentscheidung – sofern damit die Qualität einer indikationsgerechten Therapie unverändert bleibt – beeinflussen kann, zeigt sich am Beispiel der Verordnung von Biosimilars. Arzneimittelinformationen und Instrumente zur evidenzbasierten Verordnungssteuerung werden über die Praxissoftware zur Verfügung gestellt. Hierzu zählt die Information über die Beschlüsse des AMNOG-Verfahrens, das für einen qualitätsgesicherten, frühzeitigen Zugang zu neuen Arzneimitteltherapien für Ärztinnen und Ärzte sowie Patientinnen und Patienten gleichermaßen – und dies auch im Vergleich zu anderen europäischen Ländern – sorgt. Wichtig dabei ist, dass auch Limitationen akzeptiert werden und Weiterentwicklungsbedarf erkannt wird.
Internationale Sicht. Gut sind nur Medikamente, die auch verfügbar sind
Authors: Schaaber Jörg
Published: October 2021

Die Auseinandersetzung um den Zugang zu Covid-19-Impfstoffen im Frühjahr 2021 hat ein Schlaglicht auf die Schieflage in der globalen Arzneiversorgung geworfen. Zu einem Zeitpunkt, als in Industrieländern schon jede:r Vierte geimpft war, hatte in Afrika gerade mal eine von 500 Personen eine Impfung erhalten. Dabei ist der fehlende Zugang zu lebensrettenden Medikamenten in ärmeren Ländern beileibe kein neues Phänomen. Trotz jahrzehntelangen Versuchen vieler Länder des globalen Südens, eine rationale Arzneimittelversorgung zu erreichen, scheitert dies immer wieder an neuen hochpreisigen Medikamenten. Aids, Krebs oder Hepatitis C stehen stellvertretend für Krankheiten, bei denen es in ärmeren Ländern große Behandlungslücken gab oder gibt. Eine zentrale Barriere sind Patente, die es Herstellern erlauben, durch ein befristetes Monopol beliebig hohe Preise durchzusetzen. Die Behauptung, Patente förderten den medizinischen Fortschritt, wird in diesem Kontext zu einer hohlen Phrase. Schlimmer noch, sie bieten keinerlei Anreiz, Medikamente gegen vernachlässigte Krankheiten zu entwickeln. Deshalb sind neue Forschungsmodelle und eine Abkoppelung der Entwicklungskosten vom Verkaufspreis wichtige Perspektiven für eine global gerechte Arzneimittelversorgung.
Die Bedeutung der Pharmaindustrie in Deutschland
Authors: Kirchhoff Jasmina
Published: October 2021

Eine starke innovative Pharmaindustrie ist wichtig für die Zukunftsfähigkeit des deutschen Wirtschaftsstandorts und ein starker Wirtschaftsstandort Deutschland ist wichtig für eine global wettbewerbsfähige Pharmaindustrie vor Ort. Pharmazeutische Unternehmen sind in Deutschland auf allen Stufen der pharmazeutischen Wertschöpfungskette tätig. Mit ihren wirtschaftlichen Aktivitäten und ihrer Exportstärke schaffen sie hochwertige Arbeitsplätze, erwirtschaften eine überdurchschnittliche Wertschöpfung und leisten mit ihren Innovationen und über ihre Einbindung in nationale und internationale Forschungs- und Produktionsnetzwerke einen positiven gesamtwirtschaftlichen Beitrag zu Wohlstand und Beschäftigung. Für eine auch in Zukunft wettbewerbsfähige Arzneimittelentwicklung und -produktion in Deutschland braucht es eine klug aufgestellte Industriepolitik. Pharmazeutische Unternehmen müssen sich darauf verlassen können, dass sie ihre Produkte langfristig wirtschaftlich auf dem deutschen und europäischen Markt absetzen können, wenn sie die hohen Investitionen für den Aufbau neuer Forschungs- und Produktionsanlagen vor Ort aufbringen.
David Pines and Me
Authors: Nishimura Kazuo
Published: October 2021

When a large number of elements are interrelated and the entire system exhibits complex behavior, the behavior of the individual elements often does not explain the behavior of the whole. This phenomenon is common not only in life, the global environment, and throughout the universe, but also in many other fields, including economy and society and is called the complexity. The author has been studying the complexity in economics since receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. This chapter looks back over events linking the Santa Fe Institute, the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter, and Kyoto University, in addition to establishment and activities of the International Research Unit of Integrated Complex System Science (IRU-ICSS), beginning with his encounter with David Pines. Pines was one of the founders of the Santa Fe Institute, the Mecca of complex systems research. In addition, the author reflects on the activities he has been involved in to improve science and mathematics education with Pines and the complex systems researchers at Kyoto University who are members of IRU-ICSS. The education system is also an example of a complex system.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthy blood donors from the state of Tyrol, Austria, in summer 2020
Authors: Siller Anita , Wachter Gregor A. , Neururer Sabrina , Pfeifer Bernhard , Astl Manfred , Borena Wegene , Kimpel Janine , Elmer Sebastian , Spöck Franziska , Vales Anja , Mühlbacher Annelies , Gaber Manfred , Willeit Peter , Schennach Harald
Published: October 2021

Background

Seroepidemiological studies provide important insight into the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV‑2) in our society. We aimed to determine seropositivity of SARS-CoV‑2 antibodies and its cross-sectional correlates in a large cohort of blood donors.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we tested healthy blood donors residing in Tyrol, Austria, for SARS-CoV‑2 antibodies using the Abbott SARS-CoV‑2 IgG chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. We estimated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of seroprevalences using bootstrapping and tested for differences by participant characteristics using logistic regression.

Findings

Between 8 June and 4 September 2020, we screened 5345 healthy individuals at local blood donor sessions (mean age 42.7 years, SD 13.5 years, 46.7% female). Overall seroprevalence was 3.1% (95% CI 2.7–3.6%, 165 cases), which is 5.1-fold higher (95% CI 4.5–6.0%) than the case number identified by the health authorities in the state-wide testing program (0.6%; 4536 out of 757,634). Seroprevalence was higher in the district Landeck (16.6%, P < 0.001) and in individuals aged < 25 years (4.7%, P = 0.043), but did not differ by gender, blood types, or medication intake. The odds ratio for seropositivity was 2.51 for participants who had travelled to Ischgl (1.49–4.21, P = 0.001), 1.39 who had travelled to other federal states (1.00–1.93, P = 0.052), and 2.41 who had travelled abroad (1.61–3.63, P < 0.001). Compared to participants who had a suspected/confirmed SARS-CoV‑2 infection but were seronegative, seropositive participants more frequently reported loss of smell (odds ratio = 2.49, 1.32–4.68, P = 0.005) and taste (odds ratio = 2.76, 1.54–4.92, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In summer 2020, SARS-CoV‑2 seroprevalence in Tyrolean blood donors was 3.1%. Our study revealed regional variation and associations with young age, travel history and specific symptoms.
Treiber und Hemmnisse betrieblicher Effizienzmaßnahmen – Vernetzung als Erfolgsfaktor
Authors: Preiß Marlene
Published: October 2021

Produzierende Unternehmen können durch betriebliche Effizienzmaßnahmen einerseits einen Beitrag zur Minderung des Klimawandels leisten und andererseits ökonomische Vorteile generieren. Hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz wurde bereits umfangreich bestätigt, dass verschiedene Hemmnisse die Umsetzung von Maßnahmen verhindern. Als Gegenstück wurden Treiber ausgemacht, die Energieeffizienzmaßnahmen begünstigen. Bezüglich Materialeffizienz sind solche Untersuchungen noch selten, dennoch kann auch hier von Treibern und Hemmnissen ausgegangen werden. Da Energie- und Materialeffizienz im betrieblichen Kontext nicht strikt getrennt werden können und sich oft bedingen, stellt sich die Frage, welche Unterschiede es zwischen beiden Bereichen hinsichtlich Treibern und Hemmnissen gibt und wie sich diese bei Ressourceneffizienzmaßnahmen, die beide Bereiche kombinieren, verhalten. Anhand von Erkenntnissen hierzu können geeignete Strategien entwickelt werden. Daher wurden erfolgreich umgesetzte Energieeffizienz- und Materialeffizienzmaßnahmen sowie Maßnahmen, die in beiden Bereichen zu Steigerungen führten, hinsichtlich ihrer Treiber und Hemmnisse untersucht und verglichen. Hierfür wurde eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse von Fallbeispielbeschreibungen durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die Hemmnisse der untersuchten Beispiele hinsichtlich der Effizienzbereiche nicht wesentlich unterscheiden, wohl aber die Treiber. So waren für alle Effizienzbereiche ökonomische Vorteile ausschlaggebend, Material- und Ressourceneffizienzmaßnahmen waren zudem stark von ökologischen Bestrebungen getrieben. Vernetzung innerhalb der Unternehmen und entlang der Wertschöpfungskette, die hauptsächlich in Studien zu Materialeffizienz als Treiber thematisiert wurde, erwies sich in den Beispielen für alle Effizienzbereiche als wichtiger Erfolgsfaktor.
Update zur Sekundärprophylaxe nach ischämischem Schlaganfall
Authors: Fandler-Höfler Simon , Kneihsl Markus , Gattringer Thomas
Published: October 2021

Schlaganfallpatient*innen haben ein substanzielles Risiko, einen Rezidivschlaganfall oder andere vaskuläre Erkrankungen zu erleiden, wobei dieses Risiko vor allem in den ersten Wochen bis Monaten nach dem Schlaganfall signifikant erhöht ist. Neben einer allgemeinen Risikofaktorenkontrolle (Lebensstiländerung inkl. regelmäßiger Bewegung, Verzicht auf Zigarettenrauchen, konsequente Blutdruckeinstellung, LDL-Cholesterin-Zielwerterreichung, Diabetes-mellitus-Einstellung etc.) haben Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre dazu beitragen, das Rezidivrisiko nach Schlaganfall weiter zu senken und Risikopopulationen zu identifizieren, die eine intensivierte Therapie benötigen. Demnach stützt sich eine optimale Sekundärprophylaxe zunehmend auf eine ätiologiebasierte, individuelle Schlaganfallnachsorge und -behandlung. Dieser Artikel liefert einen Überblick über moderne sekundärprophylaktische Therapieprinzipien nach ischämischem Schlaganfall und beleuchtet sowohl medikamentöse als auch interventionelle/operative Strategien.
Did desmid assemblages in Dutch moorland pools recover from acidification in the past century?
Authors: van Dam Herman , Meesters Koos
Published: October 2021

In order to monitor recovery from acidification caused by acid atmospheric deposition, desmids and water chemistry were sampled in three Dutch moorland pools regularly from 1978 to 2014. Reference desmid samples from the early twentieth century were retrieved from old collections. Changes of the desmid assemblages were assessed by analyses of traits, including indicator values for pH and total phosphate, conservation value, cell volume and surface/volume (s/v) ratio. Direct correspondence analysis (DCA) traced relations between desmids and environmental variables. Between 1916 and 2014, species composition altered due to changes in acidifying atmospheric deposition: The change was most pronounced in pools with relatively flat shores exposed to the atmosphere in extremely dry summers. After the dry summer of 1921, changes were slight, but after the dry summer of 1976, changes were dramatic, when the sulphur and nitrogen compounds stored in the water bottom oxidized and acidified the water. The conservation value declined sharply but increased again until the 1990s, partly due to the decrease in acidifying deposition. Although the acid atmospheric deposition continued to decline until the early 21th century, the conservation value declined again, as did the stability of the desmid assemblages. It is likely that internal eutrophication (nutrients), presence of toxic substances (such as hydrogen sulphide), the decline of aquatic macrophytes (substrate), shading by afforestation (light) and/or reduced supply of carbon dioxide (due to decreased local seepage) play a role. The chemical dynamics due to the large stock of sulphur and nitrogen compounds will hamper the development of rare desmids, bound to stable environmental conditions.
The Etruscans: Setting New Agendas
Authors: Potts Charlotte R. , Smith Christopher J.
Published: October 2021

The Etruscans, who dominated central Italy for much of the first half of the first millennium BC, are ripe for new analysis: the quantity of data for their culture is now substantial, wide ranging, and qualifies for large-scale comparison. In this paper, we survey how research in the last decade has affected our understanding of settlements, of changing models of the transfer of ideas, and of Etruscan religious behavior, among other topics. We place them into complex spatial, architectural, and economic narratives to show that the interplay between microhistorical case studies and macrohistorical trends has now achieved what ought to be a paradigmatic status. Despite the continuous flow of specialist publications and an industry of exhibitions, however, the Etruscans have not broken through into mainstream archaeological awareness. We argue that this could be achieved if future research becomes more thematic and agenda driven and embraces comparative study.
Exploring the energy landscape of a SAM-I riboswitch
Authors: Manz Christoph , Kobitski Andrei Yu , Samanta Ayan , Nienhaus Karin , Jäschke Andres , Nienhaus Gerd Ulrich
Published: October 2021

SAM-I riboswitches regulate gene expression through transcription termination upon binding a S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) ligand. In previous work, we characterized the conformational energy landscape of the full-length Bacillus subtilis yitJ SAM-I riboswitch as a function of Mg2+ and SAM ligand concentrations. Here, we have extended this work with measurements on a structurally similar ligand, S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH), which has, however, a much lower binding affinity. Using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) microscopy and hidden Markov modeling (HMM) analysis, we identified major conformations and determined their fractional populations and dynamics. At high Mg2+ concentration, FRET analysis yielded four distinct conformations, which we assigned to two terminator and two antiterminator states. In the same solvent, but with SAM added at saturating concentrations, four states persisted, although their populations, lifetimes and interconversion dynamics changed. In the presence of SAH instead of SAM, HMM revealed again four well-populated states and, in addition, a weakly populated ‘hub’ state that appears to mediate conformational transitions between three of the other states. Our data show pronounced and specific effects of the SAM and SAH ligands on the RNA conformational energy landscape. Interestingly, both SAM and SAH shifted the fractional populations toward terminator folds, but only gradually, so the effect cannot explain the switching action. Instead, we propose that the noticeably accelerated dynamics of interconversion between terminator and antiterminator states upon SAM binding may be essential for control of transcription.
Multicenter Experience of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in WHIM Syndrome
Authors: Laberko Alexandra , Deordieva Ekaterina , Krivan Gergely , Goda Vera , Bhar Saleh , Kawahara Yuta , Rao Kanchan , Worth Austen , McDermott David H. , Balashov Dmitry , Maschan Alexey , Shcherbina Anna
Published: October 2021

Purpose

WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis) syndrome is a rare disease, caused by CXCR4 gene mutations, which incorporates features of combined immunodeficiency, congenital neutropenia, and a predisposition to human papillomavirus infection. Established conventional treatment for WHIM syndrome does not fully prevent infectious complications in these patients. Only single case reports of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) efficacy in WHIM have been published.

Methods

To summarize current information on HSCT efficacy in disease treatment, seven pediatric patients with WHIM syndrome who underwent allogeneic HSCT were identified in five centers worldwide.

Results

All patients presented early after birth with neutropenia. Two of seven patients exhibited severe disease complications: poorly controlled autoimmunity (arthritis and anemia) in one and progressive myelofibrosis with recurrent infections in the other. The remaining patients received HSCT to correct milder disease symptoms (recurrent respiratory infections, progressing thrombocytopenia) and/or to preclude severe disease course in older age. All seven patients engrafted but one developed graft rejection and died of infectious complications after third HSCT. Three other patients experienced severe viral infections after HSCT (including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in one) which completely resolved with therapy. At last follow-up (median 6.7 years), all six surviving patients were alive with full donor chimerism. One patient 1.4 years after HSCT had moderate thrombocytopenia and delayed immune recovery; the others had adequate immune recovery and were free of prior disease symptoms.

Conclusion

HSCT in WHIM syndrome corrects neutropenia and immunodeficiency, and leads to resolution of autoimmunity and recurrent infections, including warts.
The impact of thermal reprocessing of 3D printable polymers on their mechanical performance and airborne pollutant profiles
Authors: Väisänen Antti Juho Kalevi , Alonen Lauri , Ylönen Sampsa , Lyijynen Isa , Hyttinen Marko
Published: October 2021

The alterations in volatile organic compound (VOC) and ultrafine particulate (UFP) matter emission profiles following thermal reprocessing of multiple materials were examined. Additionally, mechanical performance of the materials was studied. The VOCs were identified by collecting air samples with Tenax® TA tubes and analyzing them with a GC–MS system. UFP concentrations were monitored with a portable ultrafine particle counter. Total VOC emissions of all materials were reduced by 28–68% after 5 thermal cycles (TCs). However, slight accumulation of 1,4-dioxane was observed with poly(lactic acid) materials. UFP emissions were reduced by 45–88% for 3D printing grade materials over 5 TCs but increased by 62% in the case of a waste plastic material over 3 TCs. The mechanical performance of the materials was investigated by measuring their tensile strengths (TSs) and elastic moduli (EM) with an axial-torsion testing system. The reprocessed materials expressed fluctuations in their 3D printing qualities and mechanical performances. The mechanical performances were observed to reduce only slightly after 5 TCs, and the trend was observable only after the data was mass-normalized. The TSs of the samples were reduced by 10–24%, while the EM were reduced by 1–9% after 5 TCs. The TS and EM of one material were increased by 14 and 33%, respectively. In conclusion, recycled polymers are plausible 3D printing feedstock alternatives as they possess acceptable mechanical performance and low emittance according to this study. Furthermore, non-3D printing grade polymers may be applied in a 3D printer with caution.
Close Social Networks Among Older Adults: The Online and Offline Perspectives
Authors: Gil-Clavel Sofia , Zagheni Emilio , Bordone Valeria
Published: October 2021

Qualitative studies have found that the use of Information and Communication Technologies is related to an enhanced quality of life for older adults, as these technologies might act as a medium to access social capital regardless of geographical distance. In order to quantitatively study the association between older people’s characteristics and the likelihood of having a network of close friends offline and online, we use data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe and data from Facebook. Using a novel approach to analyze aggregated and anonymous Facebook data within a regression framework, we show that the associations between having close friends and age, sex, and being a parent are the same offline and online. Migrants who use internet are less likely to have close friends offline, but migrants who are Facebook users are more likely to have close friends online, suggesting that digital relationships may compensate for the potential lack of offline close friendships among older migrants.
Nonlinear Inequalities with Double Riesz Potentials
Authors: Ghergu Marius , Liu Zeng , Miyamoto Yasuhito , Moroz Vitaly
Published: October 2021

We investigate the nonnegative solutions to the nonlinear integral inequality u ≥ Iα ∗((Iβ ∗ up)uq) a.e. in ${\mathbb R}^{N}$

ℝ

N

, where α, β ∈ (0, N), p, q > 0 and Iα, Iβ denote the Riesz potentials of order α and β respectively. Our approach relies on a nonlocal positivity principle which allows us to derive optimal ranges for the parameters α, β, p and q to describe the existence and the nonexistence of a solution. The optimal decay at infinity for such solutions is also discussed.
P, but you don’t know that P
Authors: Willard-Kyle Christopher
Published: October 2021

Unlike first-person Moorean sentences, it’s not always awkward to assert, “p, but you don’t know that p.” This can seem puzzling: after all, one can never get one’s audience to know the asserted content by speaking thus. Nevertheless, such assertions can be conversationally useful, for instance, by helping speaker and addressee agree on where to disagree. I will argue that such assertions also make trouble for the growing family of views about the norm of assertion that what licenses proper assertion is not the initiating epistemic position of the speaker but the (potential) resulting epistemic position of the audience.
Divergent regulation of lncRNA expression by ischemia in adult and aging mice
Authors: Kaucsár Tamás , Róka Beáta , Tod Pál , Do Phuong Thanh , Hegedűs Zoltán , Szénási Gábor , Hamar Péter
Published: October 2021

Elderly patients have increased susceptibility to acute kidney injury (AKI). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are key regulators of cellular processes, and have been implicated in both aging and AKI. Our aim was to study the effects of aging and ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) on the renal expression of lncRNAs. Adult and old (10- and 26–30-month-old) C57BL/6 N mice were subjected to unilateral IRI followed by 7 days of reperfusion. Renal expression of 90 lncRNAs and mRNA expression of injury, regeneration, and fibrosis markers was measured by qPCR in the injured and contralateral control kidneys. Tubular injury, regeneration, and fibrosis were assessed by histology. Urinary lipocalin-2 excretion was increased in old mice prior to IRI, but plasma urea was similar. In the control kidneys of old mice tubular cell necrosis and apoptosis, mRNA expression of kidney injury molecule-1, fibronectin-1, p16, and p21 was elevated. IRI increased plasma urea concentration only in old mice, but injury, regeneration, and fibrosis scores and their mRNA markers were similar in both age groups. AK082072 and Y lncRNAs were upregulated, while H19 and RepA transcript were downregulated in the control kidneys of old mice. IRI upregulated Miat, Igf2as, SNHG5, SNHG6, RNCR3, Malat1, Air, Linc1633, and Neat1 v1, while downregulated Linc1242. LncRNAs H19, AK082072, RepA transcript, and Six3os were influenced by both aging and IRI. Our results indicate that both aging and IRI alter renal lncRNA expression suggesting that lncRNAs have a versatile and complex role in aging and kidney injury. An Ingenuity Pathway Analysis highlighted that the most downregulated H19 may be linked to aging/senescence through p53.
Effect of White Mud Addition on Desulfurization Rate of Molten Steel
Authors: Jeong Tae Su , Oh Min Kyo , Chung Yongsug , Park Joo Hyun
Published: October 2021

Fluorspar (CaF2) is commonly used to control the fluidity of slag in ladle-refining of steel. However, because it is desirable to reduce CaF2 consumption because of its environmental impacts, the industrial waste material such as white mud (WM) was investigated as a potential substitute for fluorspar. Steel sample (Fe-0.3C-0.9Mn-0.3Si-0.03Al-0.05S, mass pct) was melted in a high-frequency induction furnace, followed by additions of ladle slag (CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-5MgO-xCaF2, CaO/Al2O3=3, x = 0 to 10 mass pct) and fluxing agent (WM) at 1823 K (1550 °C). The desulfurization experiments were carried out by reducing CaF2 content in the ladle slag and increasing the addition of WM. Ladle slag with added WM showed an overall mass transfer coefficient of sulfur (k
O) equivalent to or higher than that of conventional 10 mass pct CaF2-containing ladle slag. In a slag melting experiment based on DIN 51730 standard, the melting rate of mixed slag increased with the amount of WM added, which is considered to have a positive effect on the initial desulfurization rate. In addition, adding WM provided sulfide capacity of the slag equivalent to that of CaF2-containing slag. Consequently, the use of WM yielded slag having

$$k_{{\text{O}}}$$

k
O

equivalent to or higher than that of conventional ladle slag with 10 pct CaF2, and thus, WM shows promise as a partial replacement for fluorspar.
Values and inductive risk in machine learning modelling: the case of binary classification models
Authors: Karaca Koray
Published: October 2021

I examine the construction and evaluation of machine learning (ML) binary classification models. These models are increasingly used for societal applications such as classifying patients into two categories according to the presence or absence of a certain disease like cancer and heart disease. I argue that the construction of ML (binary) classification models involves an optimisation process aiming at the minimization of the inductive risk associated with the intended uses of these models. I also argue that the construction of these models is underdetermined by the available data, and that this makes it necessary for ML modellers to make social value judgments in determining the error costs (associated with misclassifications) used in ML optimization. I thus suggest that the assessment of the inductive risk with respect to the social values of the intended users is an integral part of the construction and evaluation of ML classification models. I also discuss the implications of this conclusion for the philosophical debate concerning inductive risk.
Indication to dynamic and invasive testing in Cushing’s disease according to different neuroradiological findings
Authors: Ferrante E. , Barbot M. , Serban A. L. , Ceccato F. , Carosi G. , Lizzul L. , Sala E. , Daniele A. , Indirli R. , Cuman M. , Locatelli M. , Manara R. , Arosio M. , Boscaro M. , Mantovani G. , Scaroni C.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Dynamic testing represents the mainstay in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. However, in case of undetectable or detectable lesion < 6 mm on MRI, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) is suggested by current guidelines. Aim of this study was to analyze the performance of CRH, desmopressin and high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome as well as the impact of invasive and noninvasive tests on surgical outcome in patients affected by Cushing’s disease (CD).

Methods

Retrospective analysis on 148 patients with CD and 26 patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome.

Results

Among CD patients, negative MRI/lesion < 6 mm was detected in 97 patients (Group A); 29 had a 6–10 mm lesion (Group B) and 22 a macroadenoma (Group C). A positive response to CRH test, HDSST and desmopressin test was recorded in 89.4%, 91·4% and 70.1% of cases, respectively. Concordant positive response to both CRH/HDDST and CRH/desmopressin tests showed a positive predictive value of 100% for the diagnosis of CD. Among Group A patients with concordant CRH test and HDDST, no difference in surgical outcome was found between patients who performed BIPSS and those who did not (66.6% vs 70.4%, p = 0.78).

Conclusions

CRH, desmopressin test and HDDST have high accuracy in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent CS. In patients with microadenoma < 6 mm or non-visible lesion, a concordant positive response to noninvasive tests seems sufficient to diagnose CD, irrespective of MRI finding. In these patients, BIPSS should be reserved to discordant tests.
The interplay between communities and homophily in semi-supervised classification using graph neural networks
Authors: Hussain Hussain , Duricic Tomislav , Lex Elisabeth , Helic Denis , Kern Roman
Published: October 2021

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) are effective in many applications. Still, there is a limited understanding of the effect of common graph structures on the learning process of GNNs. To fill this gap, we study the impact of community structure and homophily on the performance of GNNs in semi-supervised node classification on graphs. Our methodology consists of systematically manipulating the structure of eight datasets, and measuring the performance of GNNs on the original graphs and the change in performance in the presence and the absence of community structure and/or homophily. Our results show the major impact of both homophily and communities on the classification accuracy of GNNs, and provide insights on their interplay. In particular, by analyzing community structure and its correlation with node labels, we are able to make informed predictions on the suitability of GNNs for classification on a given graph. Using an information-theoretic metric for community-label correlation, we devise a guideline for model selection based on graph structure. With our work, we provide insights on the abilities of GNNs and the impact of common network phenomena on their performance. Our work improves model selection for node classification in semi-supervised settings.
Ethnic Differences in Context: Does Emotional Conflict Mediate the Effects of Both Team- and Individual-Level Ethnic Diversity on Emotional Strain?
Authors: Kößler Franziska J. , Fujishiro Kaori , Veit Susanne , Hoppe Annekatrin
Published: October 2021

Work teams are becoming increasingly heterogeneous with respect to their team members’ ethnic backgrounds. Two lines of research examine ethnic diversity in work teams: The compositional approach views team-level ethnic heterogeneity as a team characteristic, and relational demography views individual-level ethnic dissimilarity as an individual member’s relation to their team. This study compares and contrasts team-level ethnic heterogeneity and individual-level ethnic dissimilarity regarding their effects on impaired well-being (i.e., emotional strain) via team- and individual-level emotional conflict. Fifty teams of retail chain salespeople (n = 602) participated in our survey at two points of measurement. Based on the ethnic background of team members, we calculated team-level ethnic heterogeneity that applied to all members, and individual-level ethnic dissimilarity within the team that varied according to each member’s ethnic background. Multilevel path modeling showed that high levels of team-level ethnic heterogeneity were related to high levels of emotional strain via team-level emotional conflict. However, the opposite was found for individual-level ethnic dissimilarity. We discussed this difference by contextualizing individual-level ethnic dissimilarity in the team-level heterogeneity and social status of ethnic groups in society at large. Our findings suggest that the social status of the ethnic group to which team members belong may impact how ethnic diversity relates to team processes and well-being.
Reinforcement learning-based radar-evasive path planning: a comparative analysis
Authors: Hameed R.U. , Maqsood A. , Hashmi A.J. , Saeed M.T. , Riaz R.
Published: October 2021

This paper discusses the utilisation of deep reinforcement learning algorithms to obtain optimal paths for an aircraft to avoid or minimise radar detection and tracking. A modular approach is adopted to formulate the problem, including the aircraft kinematics model, aircraft radar cross-section model and radar tracking model. A virtual environment is designed for single and multiple radar cases to obtain optimal paths. The optimal trajectories are generated through deep reinforcement learning in this study. Specifically, three algorithms, namely deep deterministic policy gradient, trust region policy optimisation and proximal policy optimisation, are used to find optimal paths for five test cases. The comparison is carried out based on six performance indicators. The investigation proves the importance of these reinforcement learning algorithms in optimal path planning. The results indicate that the proximal policy optimisation approach performed better for optimal paths in general.