bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Patterned Flexible 4T Perovskite‐Cu(In,Ga)Se2Tandem Mini‐module with Over 18% Efficiency
Authors: Kothandaraman Radha K. , Lai Huagui , Aribia Abdessalem , Nishiwaki Shiro , Siegrist Severin , Krause Maximilian , Zwirner Yannick , Sevilla Galo Torres , Artuk Kerem , Wolff Christian M. , Carron Romain , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Fu Fan
Published: June 2022

Perovskite‐Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) thin‐film tandem technology provides an exciting prospect to achieve low‐cost high‐efficiency photovoltaic devices by high throughput roll‐to‐roll processing on flexible substrates. However, no report on flexible perovskite‐CIGS mini‐modules has been published due to scribing‐related challenges in realizing near‐infrared (NIR)‐transparent perovskite mini‐modules on flexible substrates. Herein, an NIR‐transparent flexible perovskite mini‐module with an efficiency of 10.8% and an NIR‐transparency of over 75% is reported. All‐laser scribed interconnection approach is used to realize monolithic interconnection of mini‐modules on thermally sensitive soft flexible substrate. An analytical method is utilized to optimize the mini‐module layout and achieve a geometric fill factor of over 93%. Further, as a proof of concept, a flexible perovskite‐CIGS tandem mini‐module with an efficiency of 18.4% on an aperture area of 2.03 cm2is demonstrated. To conclude, pathways for improving the efficiency of flexible NIR‐transparent perovskite mini‐modules are discussed.
Single left superior vena cava: antenatal diagnosis, associated anomalies and outcomes
Authors: Lopes K. R. M. , Bartsota M. , Doughty V. , Carvalho J. S.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To describe the associated cardiac and extracardiac findings and estimate the prevalence of single left superior vena cava (LSVC) among fetuses referred for fetal echocardiography.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of fetuses diagnosed with situs solitus and single LSVC at the Brompton Centre for Fetal Cardiology, London, UK, from October 2006 to December 2020. Prenatal and postnatal outcome data were collected. Prenatal diagnosis was based on abnormal vessel alignment at the three‐vessel view and/or three‐vessel‐and‐trachea view, showing a vessel to the left of the pulmonary artery (i.e. the LSVC) and absence of the usual vessel to the right of the ascending aorta (i.e. the right superior vena cava), and further visualization of the LSVC draining into the coronary sinus.

Results

Of 19 968 fetal echocardiograms performed during the study period, 34 cases of single LSVC were identified (a prevalence of 0.17%). Of these, 32 pregnancies had a live birth, one was lost to follow‐up and one resulted in intrauterine demise. Single LSVC was isolated in 79.4% of cases. No major congenital heart disease was identified. One fetus showed mild isthmus hypoplasia, with no aortic coarctation postnatally. Two fetuses had umbilical vessel abnormalities. A genetic abnormality was found in one case (15q24.1‐q24.2 deletion).

Conclusions

Antenatal diagnosis of single LSVC in the setting of situs solitus is usually a benign isolated finding. Nevertheless, investigation of other cardiac, extracardiac and genetic disorders should be considered. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Tetrazine Chelate Ligands Bridging Two [Ru(acac)2] Fragments: Mixed Valency and Radical Complex Formation
Authors: Kaim Wolfgang , Löw Isabell , Ringenberg Mark R. , Schwederski Brigitte , Filippou Vasileios , Fiedler Jan
Published: June 2022

Using bis(3‐methyl‐2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine 1, 3‐(2‐pyrimidyl)‐6‐methyl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine 2 and bis(2‐pyrimidyl)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine=bmtz as ligands, the complexes 3=[Ru(acac)2(1)], 4={[Ru(acac)2]2(1)], 5={[Ru(acac)2]2(bmtz)], and 6={[Ru(acac)2]2(2)] were prepared and identified by structure analysis of crystallized material. The one‐electron oxidized form 6(PF6) was also studied structurally, suggesting a Class II mixed‐valent situation. The neutral dinuclear systems exhibit two reversible oxidation processes with comproportionation constants 109.2<Kc<1014.1 and one reduction which were analyzed UV/vis/NIR and EPR spectroscopically. Oxidation produces largely metal‐based mixed‐valent cations with very weak intervalence absorptions in the near IR whereas the electron uptake occurs at the tetrazine acceptor.
Processing kinetics and thermomechanical responses of a melt‐infiltrated piezoelectric ceramic composite
Authors: Jin Zhihe , Yang Jiashi
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a poro‐thermo‐piezoelectricity model to investigate infiltration processing of an interpenetrating phase piezoelectric ceramic composite and the thermomechanical responses of the piezoelectric matrix during infiltration by a molten reinforcement phase. Governing equations for fluid‐infiltrated porous piezoelectric materials are first formulated based on the theories of thermoporoelasticity and piezoelectricity. Similarity solutions of temperature distribution, infiltration kinetics, pore melt pressure, melt content variation, and stress/strain fields are obtained for infiltration of a porous piezoelectric matrix under one‐dimensional strain and flow conditions. Numerical results for infiltration of a long porous PZT bar by a liquid polymer indicate that the infiltration kinetics and pore fluid pressure are similar to those under isothermal processing conditions. The melt content variation in the PZT, however, is dramatically affected by the difference between the inlet melt temperature and initial matrix temperature. A relatively lower inlet melt temperature results in positive melt content variation implying that more melt in the pores of the piezoelectric matrix is available to compensate solidification shrinkage of the molten reinforcement phase thereby reducing the solidification induced microdefects in the composite. The stresses in the piezoelectric matrix during the infiltration are compressive with the magnitudes on the order of the applied inlet melt pressure. The axial strain may become tensile near the inlet when the inlet melt temperature is above the initial matrix temperature.
Irregular Migration
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Triandafyllidou Anna
Published: June 2022

Irregular migration is a multifaceted, dynamic phenomenon that has attracted disproportionate media and political attention since the early 2000s. It has been at the forefront of the political debate in most of the European Union’s Member States since the outbreak of the so-called ‘migration crisis’ of 2015. Indeed, the political attention paid to irregular migration is disproportionate to its volume. Migrants are estimated to represent 3.3% of the world’s population (IOM, 2017, from UNDESA, 2017) with migrants in an irregular situation between 15% and 20% of them. This is approximately 1% of the global population, some 30–40 million individuals worldwide (UN OHCHR, 2014; ILO, 2015). In the USA, the undocumented population was estimated in 2015 to be 11 million (Rosenblum & Ruiz Soto, 2015); while in Europe it was estimated to be 1.9–3.8 million in 2008 (Kovacheva & Vogel, 2009); and between 2.9 and 3.8 million in 2018 (Pew Research Centre, 2019).
Quantitative Methods in Migration Research
Authors: Salamońska Justyna
Published: June 2022

This chapter engages with social surveys and experimental research as examples of quantitative approaches to studying migration. Surveys have been a much more popular choice among migration researchers than experiments, but it is the juxtaposition of the two types of research that highlights their specificities, advantages, and limitations. Further, the chapter discusses in more detail two topics: cross-national designs and longitudinal data. Cross-national and longitudinal studies are not the most prevalent, but they are perhaps the most challenging in quantitative research on migration and important because of the particular insights they can offer. Necessarily, quantitative methods in migration research cover a broader range of issues that this chapter will address. However—with non-specialist language for non-quantitative researchers—this chapter will aim to gently introduce the described topics whilst pointing to literature for further exploration.
How to Predict Future Migration: Different Methods Explained and Compared
Authors: de Valk Helga A. G. , Acostamadiedo Eduardo , Guan Qing , Melde Susanne , Mooyaart Jarl , Sohst Rhea Ravenna , Tjaden Jasper
Published: June 2022

How many people will likely move in the decades to come? And where will they come from and move to? Policymakers worldwide have a keen interest in these questions. While long-term developments in international migration patterns are relevant for the demography and economy of a country, sudden flows—for example, in the case of humanitarian emergencies—pose institutional challenges regarding reception capacities, health systems, housing, education, and training programs amongst others. This chapter reviews key concepts related to migration scenarios and forecasting. It outlines different qualitative and quantitative approaches, compares different studies, and discusses the potential use of various techniques for academic and policy audiences.
Migration Forms: What Forms of Migration Can Be Distinguished?
Authors: Talleraas Cathrine
Published: June 2022

This chapter addresses the question: whatformsof migration can be distinguished? This topic is closely tied to the issues addressed in the previous chapters, concerning why and how people migrate. Central to the discourse on migration forms—also called categories, types, or flows—lies another important question: whoaremigrants? This chapter dives into these questions. While the topic of migrant typologies itself would merit its own full-fledged analysis, this is beyond the scope of this chapter. The reflections herein rather seek to summarise some of the main arguments and questions pertaining to the debates on categorisation in migration studies.
A two-vertex theorem for normal tilings
Authors: Domokos Gábor , Horváth Ákos G. , Regős Krisztina
Published: June 2022

We regard a smooth, $$d=2$$

d
=
2

-dimensional manifold $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
and its normal tiling M, the cells of which may have non-smooth or smooth vertices (at the latter, two edges meet at 180 degrees.) We denote the average number (per cell) of non-smooth vertices by $$\bar{v}^{\star }$$

v

¯

⋆

and we prove that if M is periodic then $$\bar{v}^{\star } \ge 2$$

v

¯

⋆

≥
2

. We show the same result for the monohedral case by an entirely different argument. Our theory also makes a closely related prediction for non-periodic tilings. In 3 dimensions we show a monohedral construction with $$\bar{v}^{\star }=0$$

v

¯

⋆

=
0

.
Integrating intracellular nanovesicles into integrin trafficking pathways and beyond
Authors: Larocque Gabrielle , Royle Stephen J.
Published: June 2022

Membrane traffic controls the movement of proteins and lipids from one cellular compartment to another using a system of transport vesicles. Intracellular nanovesicles (INVs) are a newly described class of transport vesicles. These vesicles are small, carry diverse cargo, and are involved in multiple trafficking steps including anterograde traffic and endosomal recycling. An example of a biological process that they control is cell migration and invasion, due to their role in integrin recycling. In this review, we describe what is known so far about these vesicles. We discuss how INVs may integrate into established membrane trafficking pathways using integrin recycling as an example. We speculate where in the cell INVs have the potential to operate and we identify key questions for future investigation.
The Black Angel deposit, Greenland: a Paleoproterozoic evaporite-related Mississippi Valley-type Zn–Pb deposit
Authors: Rosa Diogo , Leach David , Guarnieri Pierpaolo , Bekker Andrey
Published: June 2022

The Paleoproterozoic Mârmorilik Formation in the Karrat basin of West Greenland hosts the Black Angel Zn–Pb deposit. Chlorine-rich scapolite, zones with vuggy porosity and quartz nodules in the ore-bearing marble are herein interpreted to represent metamorphosed, vanished, and replaced evaporites, respectively. Mineralization is closely associated with anhydrite with δ34S values (5.2–12.6‰) broadly comparable to published values for Paleoproterozoic seawater sulfate. Considering the fundamental attributes of the mineralization and host sequence, a Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) model is the most obvious explanation for mineralization. Overlying the ore-bearing sequence are organic-rich semipelites and massive calcitic marbles, which may have served as seals for hydrocarbon or reduced sulfur and acted as chemical traps for deposition of the sulfidic ore. The Mârmorilik Formation contained an interlayered sulfate-rich evaporite-carbonate sequence, a common setting for MVT deposits in the late Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic, but unique among the few known MVT deposits in the Paleoproterozoic. This ca. 1915 Ma evaporite-carbonate platform is younger than sulfate evaporites deposited during and immediately after the ca. 2220–2060 Ma Lomagundi carbon isotope excursion and records a significant seawater sulfate level during a time interval when it was assumed that it had been too low to form extensive evaporite deposits. Therefore, MVT and clastic-dominated (CD) Zn–Pb deposits in the geological record might progressively fill the apparent gap in marine sulfate evaporites and provide unique insights into Proterozoic seawater sulfate level. Considering the sequence of tectonic events that affected the Karrat basin, the mineralization took place between Nagssugtoqidian collision (< 1860 Ma) and Rinkian metamorphism (ca. 1830 Ma).
AI for the public. How public interest theory shifts the discourse on AI
Authors: Züger Theresa , Asghari Hadi
Published: June 2022

AI for social good is a thriving research topic and a frequently declared goal of AI strategies and regulation. This article investigates the requirements necessary in order for AI to actually serve a public interest, and hence be socially good. The authors propose shifting the focus of the discourse towards democratic governance processes when developing and deploying AI systems. The article draws from the rich history of public interest theory in political philosophy and law, and develops a framework for ‘public interest AI’. The framework consists of (1) public justification for the AI system, (2) an emphasis on equality, (3) deliberation/ co-design process, (4) technical safeguards, and (5) openness to validation. This framework is then applied to two case studies, namely SyRI, the Dutch welfare fraud detection project, and UNICEF’s Project Connect, that maps schools worldwide. Through the analysis of these cases, the authors conclude that public interest is a helpful and practical guide for the development and governance of AI for the people.
S-Duality and the Universal Isometries of q-Map Spaces
Authors: Cortés Vicente , Tulli Iván
Published: June 2022

The tree-level q-map assigns to a projective special real (PSR) manifold of dimension $$n-1\ge 0$$

n
-
1
≥
0

, a quaternionic Kähler (QK) manifold of dimension $$4n+4$$

4
n
+
4

. It is known that the resulting QK manifold admits a $$(3n+5)$$

(
3
n
+
5
)

-dimensional universal group of isometries (i.e. independently of the choice of PSR manifold). On the other hand, in the context of Calabi–Yau compactifications of type IIB string theory, the classical hypermultiplet moduli space metric is an instance of a tree-level q-map space, and it is known from the physics literature that such a metric has an $$\mathrm {SL}(2,{\mathbb {R}})$$

SL
(
2
,
R
)

group of isometries related to the $$\mathrm {SL}(2,{\mathbb {Z}})$$

SL
(
2
,
Z
)

S-duality symmetry of the full 10d theory. We present a purely mathematical proof that any tree-level q-map space admits such an $$\mathrm {SL}(2,{\mathbb {R}})$$

SL
(
2
,
R
)

action by isometries, enlarging the previous universal group of isometries to a $$(3n+6)$$

(
3
n
+
6
)

-dimensional group G. As part of this analysis, we describe how the $$(3n+5)$$

(
3
n
+
5
)

-dimensional subgroup interacts with the $$\mathrm {SL}(2,{\mathbb {R}})$$

SL
(
2
,
R
)

-action, and find a codimension one normal subgroup of G that is unimodular. By taking a quotient with respect to a lattice in the unimodular group, we obtain a quaternionic Kähler manifold fibering over a projective special real manifold with fibers of finite volume, and compute the volume as a function of the base. We furthermore provide a mathematical treatment of results from the physics literature concerning the twistor space of the tree-level q-map space and the holomorphic lift of the $$(3n+6)$$

(
3
n
+
6
)

-dimensional group of universal isometries to the twistor space.
Predictors of successful emergency shock wave lithotripsy for acute renal colic
Authors: Kurkar Adel , Elderwy Ahmad A. , Osman Mahmoud M. , Abdelkawi Islam F. , Shalaby Mahmoud M. , Abdelhafez Mohamed F.
Published: June 2022

The role of emergency shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in persistent pain control in patients with ureteral stones is not well established. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy as well as the predicting variables for successful early SWL patients with symptomatic ureteral stones. Eighty-six patients with a persistent renal colic secondary to single ureteral stone (6–12 mm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. SWL was performed within 24 h of the onset of flank pain. Pain control and stone-free rate after emergency SWL session were 58.1% and 44.2%, respectively. Seven patients required post-SWL ureteroscopy and ureteral stent placement for uncontrolled pain. The overall 3-month stone-free rate after SWL monotherapy was 83.7%. On multivariate analysis, predictors for pain relief after emergency SWL were lower Hounsfield (HU) stone density, mild hydronephrosis (HN) at presentation and presentation during the first colic episode. Lower HU stone density was the single predictor of successful stone clearance after single emergency SWL session on multivariate analysis. In conclusion, early SWL is feasible and effective in management of ureteral stones presented by renal colic with low HU.
Lactate modulates microglia polarization via IGFBP6 expression and remodels tumor microenvironment in glioblastoma
Authors: Longhitano Lucia , Vicario Nunzio , Forte Stefano , Giallongo Cesarina , Broggi Giuseppe , Caltabiano Rosario , Barbagallo Giuseppe Maria Vincenzo , Altieri Roberto , Raciti Giuseppina , Di Rosa Michelino , Caruso Massimo , Parenti Rosalba , Liso Arcangelo , Busi Federica , Lolicato Marco , Mione Maria Caterina , Li Volti Giovanni , Tibullo Daniele
Published: June 2022

Lactic acidosis has been reported in solid tumor microenvironment (TME) including glioblastoma (GBM). In TME, several signaling molecules, growth factors and metabolites have been identified to induce resistance to chemotherapy and to sustain immune escape. In the early phases of the disease, microglia infiltrates TME, contributing to tumorigenesis rather than counteracting its growth. Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6 (IGFBP6) is expressed during tumor development, and it is involved in migration, immune-escape and inflammation, thus providing an attractive target for GBM therapy. Here, we aimed at investigating the crosstalk between lactate metabolism and IGFBP6 in TME and GBM progression. Our results show that microglia exposed to lactate or IGFBP6 significantly increased the Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) expression together with genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism. We, also, observed an increase in the M2 markers and a reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels, suggesting a role of lactate/IGFBP6 metabolism in immune-escape activation. GBM cells exposed to lactate also showed increased levels of IGFBP6 and vice-versa. Such a phenomenon was coupled with a IGFBP6-mediated sonic hedgehog (SHH) ignaling increase. We, finally, tested our hypothesis in a GBM zebrafish animal model, where we observed an increase in microglia cells and igfbp6 gene expression after lactate exposure. Our results were confirmed by the analysis of human transcriptomes datasets and immunohistochemical assay from human GBM biopsies, suggesting the existence of a lactate/IGFBP6 crosstalk in microglial cells, so that IGFBP6 expression is regulated by lactate production in GBM cells and in turn modulates microglia polarization.
Event-based imaging velocimetry: an assessment of event-based cameras for the measurement of fluid flows
Authors: Willert Christian E. , Klinner Joachim
Published: June 2022

Contrary to conventional frame-based imaging, event-based vision or dynamic vision sensing asynchronously records binary signals of intensity changes for given pixels with microsecond resolution. The present work explores the possibilities of harnessing the potential of event-based vision for fluid flow measurement. The described implementations of event-based imaging velocimetry rely on imaging small particles that are illuminated by a laser light sheet which is similar to classical two-dimensional, two-component (2d–2c) PIV with the difference that a continuously operating laser light sheet is used without modulation of the laser or camera. The moving particles generate continuous time-stamped events on the detector that are later used to infer their velocity using patch-wise processing schemes. Two flow estimation algorithms are proposed; one uses a “motion compensation” that maximizes the local contrast and the other is based on a sum-of-correlations approach. The underlying motion detection schemes in combination with the complete absence of background signal allow straightforward retrieval of the events associated with individual particles thereby allowing the reconstruction of individual particle tracks. Alternatively, the event data can be processed with conventional PIV algorithms using images reconstructed from the event data stream. The concepts are demonstrated on simple flows in water and air.

Graphic abstract
Importance of Air-Sea Coupling in Simulating Tropical Cyclone Intensity at Landfall
Authors: Lok Charlie C. F. , Chan Johnny C. L. , Toumi Ralf
Published: June 2022

An atmosphere-only model system for making seasonal prediction and projecting future intensities of landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) along the South China coast is upgraded by including ocean and wave models. A total of 642 TCs have been re-simulated using the new system to produce a climatology of TC intensity in the South China Sea. Detailed comparisons of the simulations from the atmosphere-only and the fully coupled systems reveal that the inclusion of the additional ocean and wave models enable differential sea surface temperature responses to various TC characteristics such as translational speed and size. In particular, interaction with the ocean does not necessarily imply a weakening of the TC, with the coastal bathymetry possibly playing a role in causing a near-shore intensification of the TC. These results suggest that to simulate the evolution of TC structure more accurately, it is essential to use an air-sea coupled model instead of an atmosphere-only model.
Maternal left ventricular function and adverse neonatal outcomes in women with cardiac disease
Authors: Eggleton Elizabeth J. , Bhagra Catriona J. , Patient Charlotte J. , Belham Mark , Pickett Janet , Aiken Catherine E.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between maternal left ventricular systolic function, utero-placental circulation, and risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in women with cardiac disease.

Methods

119 women managed in the pregnancy heart clinic (2019–2021) were identified. Women were classified by their primary cardiac condition. Adverse neonatal outcomes were: low birth weight (< 2500 g), small-for-gestational-age (< 10th birth-weight centile), pre-term delivery (< 37 weeks’ gestation), and fetal demise (> 20 weeks’ gestation). Parameters of left ventricular systolic function (global longitudinal strain, radial strain, ejection fraction, average S’, and cardiac output) were calculated and pulsatility index was recorded from last growth scan.

Results

Adverse neonatal outcomes occurred in 28 neonates (24%); most frequently in valvular heart disease (n = 8) and cardiomyopathy (n = 7). Small-for-gestational-age neonates were most common in women with cardiomyopathy (p = 0.016). Early pregnancy average S’ (p = 0.03), late pregnancy average S’ (p = 0.02), and late pregnancy cardiac output (p = 0.008) were significantly lower in women with adverse neonatal outcomes than in those with healthy neonates. There was a significant association between neonatal birth-weight centile and global longitudinal strain (p = 0.04) and cardiac output (p = 0.0002) in late pregnancy. Pulsatility index was highest in women with cardiomyopathy (p = 0.007), and correlated with average S’ (p < 0.0001) and global longitudinal strain (p = 0.03) in late pregnancy.

Conclusion

Women with cardiac disease may not tolerate cardiovascular adaptations required during pregnancy to support fetal growth. Adverse neonatal outcomes were associated with reduced left ventricular systolic function and higher pulsatility index. The association between impaired systolic function and reduced fetal growth is supported by insufficient utero-placental circulation.
Gunshot residues found at the exit wound: a case report
Authors: Weber Anja , Kneubuehl Beat P. , Rabl Walter
Published: June 2022

Gunshot residues (GSRs) play an important role in forensic investigations of gun-related violence. The presence of GSRs has been described to help to identify the bullet entry area, as it was supposed not to be found at exit wounds. This report details the suicidal headshot of an 84-year-old male where unburned tube-like, cuboid and flake-formed powder particles have been found not only at the inside of the muzzle but also circular around the exit wound. With very short-barrelled weapons, it must be expected that part of the propellant charge leaves the barrel unburned behind the bullet. In contrast to that, the barrel length of the used weapon should lead to a complete burn-up of powder particles. The surprisingly large number of unburned powder particles present at the exit wound of the injury gave reason for further investigation to understand the underlying ballistic aspects and outlines the importance of having a close look at incidence scene photos during an investigation.
STR typing of skin swabs from individuals after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: von Máriássy Dagmar , Reibke Roland , Verbeek Mareike , Gätjens Britta , Schiller Roberta , Anslinger Katja
Published: June 2022

One of the pre-requisites for forensic DNA analysis is the fact that all nucleated cells of a person carry the same genetic information. However, this is not the case for individuals who have received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplantation, as all new cells formed by the bone marrow no longer show the genetic information of the recipient but that of the donor, while all other cells still carry the original information before transplantation. Thus, STR typing of a blood sample after successful transplantation yields a DNA profile that differs from the recipient’s original profile and corresponds to the donor genotype instead. Evidence from a routine case suggests that transplanted individuals may show donor alleles in skin swabs, as well. In order to examine this issue more closely, various skin swabs from 28 patients who have received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were examined in this study. Swabs from the right and left palm, the back of the hand, one of the two upper arms, and the neck were collected from each person. Ninety-one of the 140 resulting swabs delivered useful results. All of those samples showed mixtures of recipient and donor DNA with different mixture ratios and the proportions of donor and recipient alleles revealed inter- and intra-individual differences. Those results were discussed with respect to graft versus host disease.
The impact of COVID-19 on autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: A single-centre, qualitative evaluation study
Authors: Camilleri Marquita , Bekris Georgios , Sidhu Govundeep , Buck Caroline , Elsden Esma , McCourt Orla , Horder Jackie , Newrick Fiona , Lecat Catherine , Sive Jonathan , Papanikolaou Xenofon , Popat Rakesh , Lee Lydia , Xu Ke , Kyriakou Charalampia , Rabin Neil , Yong Kwee , Fisher Abigail
Published: June 2022

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard of care in biologically fit, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, offering better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life (QoL). However, with the UK’s 1st national lockdown on 23/03/2020, several guidelines recommended deferring ASCT due to risks of infection, with resource limitations forcing some units to suspend ASCT entirely. Such changes to patients’ treatment plans inevitably altered their lived experience during these uncertain times with expected impact on QoL. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to gain insight into MM patients’ understanding of their disease, initial therapy and ASCT, and their response to therapy changes. A clinical snapshot of how COVID-19 affected the MM ASCT service in a single UK institution is also provided, including changes to chemotherapy treatment plans, timing, and prioritisation of ASCT. Framework analysis identified 6 overarching themes: (1) beliefs about ASCT, (2) perceptions of information provided about MM and ASCT, (3) high levels of fear and anxiety due to COVID-19, (4) feelings about ASCT disruption or delay due to COVID-19, (5) perceptions of care, and (6) importance of social support. Example subthemes were beliefs that ASCT would provide a long-remission/best chance of normality including freedom from chemotherapy and associated side-effects, disappointment, and devastation at COVID-related treatment delays (despite high anxiety about infection) and exceptionally high levels of trust in the transplant team. Such insights will help us adjust our service and counselling approaches to be more in tune with patients’ priorities and expectations.
Trying to Serve Two Masters is Easy, Compared to Three: Identity Multiplicity Work by Christian Impact Investors
Authors: Smith Brett R. , Lawson Amanda , Jones Jessica , Holcomb Tim , Minnich Aimee
Published: June 2022

While research has focused on financial and social goals in impact investing, we add to the limited research that focuses on how individuals manage identity multiplicity, defined as three or more role identities. Based on our qualitative study of Christian impact investors, we develop a model of identity multiplicity work, explaining how individuals manage their multiple role identities (financial, social, and religious) to reduce identity tensions during the process of impact investing. We find individuals engaged in an interactive, ongoing three-step process of identity multiplicity work: prioritizing one of their salient identities, managing their identity multiplicity interrelationships, and reinforcing their prioritized identity. Investors generally prioritized an identity that was neither financial nor social, but rather religious. We also find this identity work implemented through three novel mechanisms: shadowing, one identity casts a shadow over another thereby enabling the simultaneous pursuit of related goals; distinguishing, all identities are retained and at least a minimum threshold of role expectations are met; and surrendering, partial sacrificing of goals of one (or more) identity in favor of another identity based on an individual’s self-reflective importance of the role. Our findings offer new insights to multiple identities, impact investing and business ethics literatures.
Fast and parallel decomposition of constraint satisfaction problems
Authors: Gottlob Georg , Okulmus Cem , Pichler Reinhard
Published: June 2022

Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSP) are notoriously hard. Consequently, powerful decomposition methods have been developed to overcome this complexity. However, this poses the challenge of actually computing such a decomposition for a given CSP instance, and previous algorithms have shown their limitations in doing so. In this paper, we present a number of key algorithmic improvements and parallelisation techniques to compute so-called Generalized Hypertree Decompositions (GHDs) faster. We thus advance the ability to compute optimal (i.e., minimal-width) GHDs for a significantly wider range of CSP instances on modern machines. This lays the foundation for more systems and applications in evaluating CSPs and related problems (such as Conjunctive Query answering) based on their structural properties.
Improving Zinc and Iron Biofortification in Wheat through Genomics Approaches
Authors: Wani Shabir Hussain , Gaikwad Kiran , Razzaq Ali , Samantara Kajal , Kumar Manjeet , Govindan Velu
Published: June 2022

Globally, about 20% of calories (energy) come from wheat. In some countries, it is more than 70%. More than 2 billion people are at risk for zinc deficiency and even more, people are at risk of iron deficiency, nearly a quarter of all children underage group of 5 are physically and cognitively stunted, and lack of dietary zinc is a major contributing factor. Biofortified wheat with elevated levels of zinc and iron has several potential advantages as a delivery vehicle for micronutrients in the diets of resource-poor consumers who depend on cereal-based diets. The conventional breeding strategies have been successful in the introduction of novel alleles for grain Zn and Fe that led to the release of competitive Zn enriched wheat varieties in South Asia. The major challenge over the next few decades will be to maintain the rates of genetic gains for grain yield along with increased grain Zn/Fe concentration to meet the food and nutritional security challenges. Therefore, to remain competitive, the performance of Zn-enhanced lines/varieties must be equal or superior to that of current non-biofortified elite lines/varieties. Since both yield and Zn content are invisible and quantitatively inherited traits except few intermediate effect QTL regions identified for grain Zn, increased breeding efforts and new approaches are required to combine them at high frequency, ensuring that Zn levels are steadily increased to the required levels across the breeding pipelines. The current review article provides a comprehensive list of genomic regions for enhancing grain Zn and Fe concentrations in wheat including key candidate gene families such NAS, ZIP, VLT, ZIFL, and YSL. Implementing forward breeding by taking advantage of the rapid cycling trait pipeline approaches would simultaneously introgress high Zn and Fe QTL into the high Zn and normal elite lines, further increasing Zn and Fe concentrations.
Panel data and descriptor for energy econometrics – an efficiency, resilience and innovation analysis
Authors: Aldieri Luigi , Gatto Andrea , Vinci Concetto Paolo
Published: June 2022

The work at hand presents a new extensive panel dataset for energy economics, econometrics and policy. The referred dataset is made of 5000 observations circa, including 6 energy economics variables and the majority of the world’s countries (n = 136), extended for 6 years (2009–2014). Data can be used for diverse energy econometrics studies, especially for socioeconomic and environmental aspects of energy innovation and efficiency investigations. The analysed data can be exploited for further analyses to improve our understanding of resilience and vulnerability aspects of the domestic industry, examined at the global scale. To this end, several databases were chosen from the IEA, the World Bank and their partners. Data were collected, cleaned, treated, harmonised and analysed to return a new panel dataset. Both the new data organisation and the descriptor can be used as tools and guidance to perform sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurial inquiries and analyses, focusing on energy economics, econometrics and development policy.
Mechanical and biodeterioration behaviours of a clayey soil strengthened with combined carrageenan and casein
Authors: Ni Jing , Li Shan-Shan , Geng Xue-Yu
Published: June 2022

In the last decade, biopolymers have been used as organic soil binders in ground improvement and earthen construction material modification. Although biopolymer-treated soils have substantially enhanced mechanical strength, the deformation characteristics under external loads and material durability (e.g. biodeterioration due to microbial activity) have not yet been fully understood, which limits the in situ practical application of the biopolymer-based soil treatment technology. This study investigated the efficiency of combined carrageenan and casein in strengthening a clayey soil with the biodeterioration consideration. Both mechanical tests (e.g. unconfined compressive strength and one-dimensional consolidation) and biological tests (e.g. high throughput sequencing and rating of mould growth) were conducted. Results indicated that the usage of the carrageenan–casein mixture induced a higher soil compressive strength compared with either carrageen or casein, due to the formation of a three-dimensional gel network. In addition, carrageenan–casein mixture and casein decreased the compressibility of the clayey soil, which might be attributed to the casein’s peculiarity of self-associating into micelles, leading to minimal interactions with water molecules. Carrageenan, due to its affinity for water, increased the soil compressibility. Under the impact of microbial activity, the biopolymer-treated soils underwent deterioration in both surface appearance (i.e. coloured stains and patches caused by mould growth) and compressive strength. A linear relationship was proposed, in which a reduction in compressive strength by approximately 11% is expected while the rating of mould growth is increased by one in a five-rating system. The current research demonstrates that the soil reinforcement with combined carrageenan and casein is able to improve both soil strength and deformation behaviours. It is also suggested to take into account the biodeterioration considerations in the design and implementation of biopolymer-based soil reinforcement practices.
Automated segmentation of head CT scans for computer-assisted craniomaxillofacial surgery applying a hierarchical patch-based stack of convolutional neural networks
Authors: Steybe David , Poxleitner Philipp , Metzger Marc Christian , Brandenburg Leonard Simon , Schmelzeisen Rainer , Bamberg Fabian , Tran Phuong Hien , Kellner Elias , Reisert Marco , Russe Maximilian Frederik
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Computer-assisted techniques play an important role in craniomaxillofacial surgery. As segmentation of three-dimensional medical imaging represents a cornerstone for these procedures, the present study was aiming at investigating a deep learning approach for automated segmentation of head CT scans.

Methods

The deep learning approach of this study was based on the patchwork toolbox, using a multiscale stack of 3D convolutional neural networks. The images were split into nested patches using a fixed 3D matrix size with decreasing physical size in a pyramid format of four scale depths. Manual segmentation of 18 craniomaxillofacial structures was performed in 20 CT scans, of which 15 were used for the training of the deep learning network and five were used for validation of the results of automated segmentation. Segmentation accuracy was evaluated by Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), surface DSC, 95% Hausdorff distance (95HD) and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD).

Results

Mean for DSC was 0.81 ± 0.13 (range: 0.61 [mental foramen] – 0.98 [mandible]). Mean Surface DSC was 0.94 ± 0.06 (range: 0.87 [mental foramen] – 0.99 [mandible]), with values > 0.9 for all structures but the mental foramen. Mean 95HD was 1.93 ± 2.05 mm (range: 1.00 [mandible] – 4.12 mm [maxillary sinus]) and for ASSD, a mean of 0.42 ± 0.44 mm (range: 0.09 [mandible] – 1.19 mm [mental foramen]) was found, with values < 1 mm for all structures but the mental foramen.

Conclusion

In this study, high accuracy of automated segmentation of a variety of craniomaxillofacial structures could be demonstrated, suggesting this approach to be suitable for the incorporation into a computer-assisted craniomaxillofacial surgery workflow. The small amount of training data required and the flexibility of an open source-based network architecture enable a broad variety of clinical and research applications.
Somatic Mutations and Clonal Hematopoiesis as Drivers of Age-Related Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Haring Bernhard , Wissel Stephanie , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of Review

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has been identified as a novel cardiovascular risk factor. Here we review the relationship of lifestyle and environmental risk factors predisposing to somatic mutations and CHIP and provide an overview on age-related cardiovascular outcomes.

Recent Findings

CHIP has been associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in both epidemiological and experimental studies. The most commonly mutated candidate driver genes are DNMT3A, TET2, JAK2, and ASXL1. The underlying mechanisms appear predominantly related to inflammatory pathways. Although age is the dominant risk factor for developing CHIP, emerging evidence suggests that other factors such as smoking, obesity/type 2 diabetes, or an unhealthy diet play a role in the occurrence of somatic mutations.

Evidence suggests a strong link between vascular risk factors, somatic hematopoietic mutations, and age-related cardiovascular disease. Further studies on CHIP biology are required to identify targeted interventions for risk reduction in patients with CHIP and inform the utility of screening strategies.
Epidemiology and outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis: an Australian multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tan Natassia , Ngu N. , Worland T. , Lee T. , Abrahams T. , Pandya K. , Freeman E. , Hannah N. , Gazelakis K. , Madden R. G. , Lynch K. D. , Valaydon Z. , Sood S. , Dev A. , Bell S. , Thompson A. , Ding J. , Nicoll A. J. , Liu K. , Gow P. , Lubel J. , Kemp W. , Roberts S. K. , Majeed A. ,   the Melbourne Liver Group
Published: June 2022

Background and aims

Little is known regarding the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in Australia. We, therefore, evaluated the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of PSC in a large cohort of Australian patients and compared these to the general population.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, retrospective cohort study of PSC patients at nine tertiary liver centers across three Australian states, including two liver transplant centers.

Results

A total of 413 PSC patients with 3,285 person-years of follow-up were included. Three hundred and seventy-one (90%) patients had large duct PSC and 294 (71%) had associated inflammatory bowel disease. A total of 168 (41%) patients developed cirrhosis (including 34 at the time of PSC diagnosis) after a median of 15.8 (95% CI 12.4, NA) years. The composite endpoint of death or liver transplantation occurred in 49 (12%) and 78 (19%) patients, respectively, with a median transplant-free survival of 13.4 (95% CI 12.2–15) years. Compared to the general population, PSC accounted for a 240-fold increased risk of development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and CCA-related death. CCA risk was increased with older age of PSC diagnosis, presence of dominant stricture and colectomy. Compared to same-aged counterparts in the general population, PSC patients who were diagnosed at an older age or with longer disease duration had reduced relative survival.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective cohort study of PSC patients in Australia, increased age and time from diagnosis was associated with increased mortality and morbidity particularly from CCA and development of cirrhosis, necessitating need for liver transplant.
Automated machine learning pipeline for geochemical analysis
Authors: Alférez Germán H. , Esteban Oscar A. , Clausen Benjamin L. , Ardila Ana María Martínez
Published: June 2022

Biplot diagrams are traditionally used for rock discrimination using geochemical data from samples. However, this approach has limitations when facing a high number of variables. Machine learning has been proposed as an alternative to analyze multivariate data for more than 70 years. However, the application of machine learning by geoscientists is still complicated since there are no tools that propose a pipeline that can be followed from preparing the data to evaluating the models. Automated machine learning aims to face this issue by automating the creation and evaluation of machine learning models. The contribution of this work is twofold. First, we propose a methodology that follows a pipeline for the application of supervised and unsupervised learning to geochemical data. Both methods were applied to a dataset of granitic rock samples from 6 blocks in the Peninsular Ranges and the Transverse Ranges Provinces in Southern California. For supervised learning, the Decision Trees model offered the best values to classify the samples from this region: accuracy: 87%; precision: 89%; recall: 89%; and F-score: 81%. For unsupervised learning, 2 components were related to pressure effects, and another 2 could be related to water effects. As a second contribution, we propose a web application that follows the proposed methodology to analyze geochemical data using automated machine learning. It allows data preparation using techniques such as imputation and upsampling, the application of supervised and unsupervised learning, and the evaluation of the models. All this without the need to program.
The most salient global predictors of adolescents’ subjective Well-Being: parental support, peer support, and anxiety
Authors: Wu Yi-Jhen , Lee Jihyun
Published: June 2022

The present study examined the globally relevant predictors of adolescents’ subjective well-being (SWB) using data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 Student Questionnaire. Guided by the social-cognitive-behavior model (Suldo et al., 2008) and self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000), nine variables were selected and subjected to a statistical procedure of decision tree modeling (DTM). Our results showed that parent and peer support were the most salient predictors of adolescents’ SWB across all eight world regions under investigation, followed by anxiety and gender. However, we also noted some variations in the relative importance of parent and peer support and multiple pathways that lead to SWB. The study concludes with practical implications.