bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An adaptive sparse grid rational Arnoldi method for uncertainty quantification of dynamical systems in the frequency domain
Authors: Römer Ulrich , Bollhöfer Matthias , Sreekumar Harikrishnan , Blech Christopher , Christine Langer Sabine
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we address discrete linear systems in the frequency domain, where both frequency and random parameters are considered. Sampling such a system many times is computationally challenging if the size is too large, which is often the case for a finite element discretization of partial differential equations. We propose an adaptive method, steered by dual error indicators, which combines rational Arnoldi model order reduction and sparse grid interpolation with hierarchical Leja nodes. At each Leja node, a reduced order model (ROM) is constructed such that the ROM‐error in the frequency domain is balanced with the sparse grid error in the random parameter domain. Both the ROM basis and the sparse grid set are enlarged in a hierarchical manner to achieve a prescribed accuracy in statistical moments. Moreover, parameter sensitivities over the frequency range can be easily extracted from the combined reduced order‐surrogate model. In the numerical tests considered in the paper, the method employs sampling sets, which are reduced by at least an order of magnitude, compared to Monte Carlo simulation. Additionally, for an example from vibroacoustics, building a ROM reduces the system size by roughly a factor of 100, while still providing an acceptable accuracy.
Outcomes of adult patients in the intensive care unit with Pseudomonasaeruginosa pneumonia who received an active anti‐pseudomonal β‐lactam: Does “S” equal success in the presence of resistance to other anti‐pseudomonal β‐lactams?
Authors: Lodise Thomas P. , Puzniak Laura A. , Chen Lie H. , Tian Yun , Wei Rong , Im Theresa M. , Tartof Sara Y.
Published: June 2021

Study Objectives

The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for patients with hospital‐acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) and ventilator‐associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP) due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the conventional anti‐pseudomonal β‐lactams (APBLs) (ie, ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem, or piperacillin‐tazobactam). Similar resistance mechanisms in P. aeruginosa affect the APBLs, and it is unclear if resistance to one APBL can affect the effectiveness of other APBLs. This exploratory, hypothesis‐generating analysis evaluates the impact of APBL resistance among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) with P. aeruginosa HABP/VABP who initially receive a microbiologically active APBL.

Design

A retrospective cohort [GJ1] [LT2] study.

Setting

Kaiser Permanente Southern California members (01/01/2011‐12/31/2017).

Patients

The study included adult patients admitted to the ICU with a monomicrobial P. aeruginosa HABP/VABP who received a microbiologically active APBL within 2 days of index P. aeruginosa respiratory culture.

Intervention

Patients were stratified by presence of resistance to APBL on index P. aeruginosa (0 vs. ≥1 resistant APBL).

Measurements

Primary outcomes were 30‐day mortality and discharge to home.

Main Results

Overall, 553 patients were included. Thirty‐day mortality was 28%, and 32% of patients were discharged home. Eighty‐eight patients (16%) had a P. aeruginosa HABP/VABP that was resistant to ≥1 APBL (other than active empiric treatment). Relative to patients with no APBL resistance, patients with resistance to ≥1 APBL had a higher 30‐day mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.65 [1.02–2.66]) and were less likely to be discharged home (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) [95% CI]: 0.50 [0.29–0.85]).

Conclusion

Further study is needed, but this exploratory analysis suggests that the full APBL susceptibility profile should be considered when selecting therapy for patients with P. aeruginosa HABP/VABP.
Addressing opioid tolerance and opioid‐induced hypersensitivity: Recent developments and future therapeutic strategies
Authors: Khan Faris , Mehan Aman
Published: June 2021

Opioids are a commonly prescribed and efficacious medication for the treatment of chronic pain but major side effects such as addiction, respiratory depression, analgesic tolerance, and paradoxical pain hypersensitivity make them inadequate and unsafe for patients requiring long‐term pain management. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the outcomes of chronic opioid administration to lay the foundation for the development of novel pharmacological strategies that attenuate opioid tolerance and hypersensitivity; the two main physiological mechanisms underlying the inadequacies of current therapeutic strategies. We also explore mechanistic similarities between the development of neuropathic pain states, opioid tolerance, and hypersensitivity which may explain opioids’ lack of efficacy in certain patients. The findings challenge the current direction of analgesic research in developing non‐opioid alternatives and we suggest that improving opioids, rather than replacing them, will be a fruitful avenue for future research.
Pd3Pb Nanosponges for Selective Conversion of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol under Mild Condition
Authors: Jun Minki , Yang Heesu , Kim Dongyong , Bang Gi Joo , Kim Minah , Jin Haneul , Kwon Taehyun , Baik Hionsuck , Sohn Jeong‐Hun , Jung Yousung , Kim Heejin , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: June 2021

Alloy structures with high catalytic surface areas and tunable surface energies can lead to high catalytic selectivity and activities. Herein, the synthesis of sponge‐like Pd3Pb multiframes (Pd3Pb MFs) is reported by using the thermodynamically driven phase segregation, which exhibit high selectivity (93%) for the conversion of furfural to furfuryl alcohol (FOL) under mild conditions. The excellent catalytic performance of the Pd3Pb MF catalysts is attributed to the high surface area and optimized surface energy of the catalyst, which is associated with the introduction of Pb to Pd. Density functional theory calculations show that the binding energy of FOL to the surface energy‐tuned Pd3Pb MF is sufficiently lowered to prevent side reactions such as over‐hydrogenation of FOL.
Lived Nation: Histories of Experience and Emotion in Understanding Nationalism
Authors: Kivimäki Ville , Suodenjoki Sami , Vahtikari Tanja
Published: June 2021

The chapter introduces the concept of “lived nation” as a new perspective on studying nations and nationalism. By employing theories and methodologies from the histories of experience and emotions, the authors suggest a framework for analyzing how nations form and renew contexts for experiencing and feeling, and how the nations themselves are constructed in this process. Experiences and emotions are seen as mediators between different personal, social, cultural, and political spheres. Linked to discussions on everyday nationalism, personal nationalism, and national indifference, the chapter points toward future steps to be taken in nationalism studies, steps which will pay growing attention to historically varying bodily, material, and spatial contexts of experiencing.
Lived Historiography: National History as a Script to the Past
Authors: Haapala Pertti
Published: June 2021

The chapter studies the role of historiography in experiencing the past. Haapala analyzes how written history and its conceptualizations offered people a framework for understanding, defining, and living the past emotionally, and understanding how their present experiences became connected to history. It is claimed here that academic historiography often played a major role in creating historical and national identities by providing a script, as well as intellectual and emotional tools, to live the past. National history was invented by nineteenth-century intellectuals and it became a powerful, imagined narrative for the nation for two centuries. That success can be explained only by realizing the societal and political role of history writing as an autobiography of a society.
Guardians of the Land? Smallholders Living Their Nation in Interwar Finland
Authors: Markkola Pirjo , Östman Ann-Catrin
Published: June 2021

This chapter relates small-scale landowning to the lived nation by exploring what it meant to become a landowner. Pirjo Markkola and Ann-Catrin Östman study how smallholders in peripheral areas encountered civil-society organizations promoting modernization in the 1920s. Focusing mainly on the work of the Ruth Foundation, this chapter shows how smallholders made use of opportunities to keep and maintain their farms and what kind of emotions, ambitions and calculations were attached to landowning. By investigating the encounters between smallholders and various organizations, Markkola and Östman explore classed and gendered everyday practices on a grassroots level. A small corpus of ego-documents, read in the context of economic development programs represented by the organizations, deepens our knowledge of smallholders living and practicing their nation in the 1920s.
The History of Money Creation
Authors: Stellinga Bart , de Hoog Josta , van Riel Arthur , de Vries Casper
Published: June 2021

The dominance of deposit money means commercial banks play a leading role in money creation. This chapter puts this situation in a historical context. The functioning of our financial monetary system and the role of banks have changed fundamentally over time. The chapter reveals that what we take for granted today was often far from self-evident yesterday. We focus on the Netherlands and discuss four periods in turn: (1) the ‘long nineteenth century’ up to the First World War, with an emphasis on the 1870−1914 period, (2) the interwar period (1918−1939), (3) the Bretton Woods period (1944−1973) and (4) the decades leading up to the latest financial crisis (1973−2008).
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Sovereign Money System
Authors: Stellinga Bart , de Hoog Josta , van Riel Arthur , de Vries Casper
Published: June 2021

This chapter considers the advantages and disadvantages of the sovereign money system. It is structured following the four goals of any well-functioning financial monetary system that we identified in Chap.4: its contribution to the economy; stability; fairness in the distribution of costs, benefits and risks; and legitimacy. We also address issues related to the international dimension, the transition, and system dynamics and innovation.
Multilokalität in ländlichen Räumen als Herausforderung für Stadt- und Regionalplanung
Authors: Othengrafen Frank , Greinke Lena , Lange Linda , Seitz Annette
Published: June 2021

Multilokalität bedeutet das gleichzeitige Leben an mehreren Orten. Dabei verteilen multilokal lebende Personen ihren Lebensalltag auf zwei oder mehr Orte, die sie mehr oder weniger funktionsteilig in unterschiedlichen Zeiträumen nutzen. Dieses Kapitel fokussiert multilokale Lebenspraktiken und zeigt ihre Bedeutung für ländliche Räume auf.
Multilokalität und gleichwertige Lebensverhältnisse: Handlungsansätze von Regionalplanung und -management
Authors: Othengrafen Frank , Greinke Lena , Danielzyk Rainer
Published: June 2021

Das Phänomen der multilokalen Lebensweisen wird bislang losgelöst von der Leitvorstellung gleichwertiger Lebensverhältnisse als Herausforderung der Raumplanung und des Regionalmanagements diskutiert. Dieser Beitrag thematisiert potenzielle Handlungsfelder von Regionalplanung und -management in den Themenbereichen a) Bewusstseinsförderung und Ansprechstrukturen, b) Wohnen und Infrastrukturen, c) bürgerschaftliches Engagement sowie d) Arbeit und regionale Wirtschaft. Zudem wird Multilokalität als Chance oder Risiko für die Regionalentwicklung in unterschiedlich charakterisierte Typen ländlicher Räume reflektiert. Zum Schluss wird die „Gretchenfrage“ diskutiert, ob Multilokalität gefördert oder Multilokale dauerhaft sesshaft gemacht werden sollten.
Pentagon integrals to arbitrary order in the dimensional regulator
Authors: Syrrakos Nikolaos
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We analytically calculate one-loop five-point Master Integrals, pentagon integrals, with up to one off-shell leg to arbitrary order in the dimensional regulator in d = 4−2𝜖 space-time dimensions. A pure basis of Master Integrals is constructed for the pentagon family with one off-shell leg, satisfying a single-variable canonical differential equation in the Simplified Differential Equations approach. The relevant boundary terms are given in closed form, including a hypergeometric function which can be expanded to arbitrary order in the dimensional regulator using the Mathematica package HypExp. Thus one can obtain solutions of the canonical differential equation in terms of Goncharov Polylogartihms of arbitrary transcendental weight. As a special limit of the one-mass pentagon family, we obtain a fully analytic result for the massless pentagon family in terms of pure and universally transcendental functions. For both families we provide explicit solutions in terms of Goncharov Polylogartihms up to weight four.
Fragmentation function of g → $$ Q\overline{Q} $$(3$$ {S}_1^{\left[8\right]} $$) in soft gluon factorization and threshold resummation
Authors: Chen An-Ping , Jin Xiao-Bo , Ma Yan-Qing , Meng Ce
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We study the fragmentation function of the gluon to color-octet 3S1 heavy quark-antiquark pair using the soft gluon factorization (SGF) approach, which expresses the fragmentation function in a form of perturbative short-distance hard part convoluted with one-dimensional color-octet 3S1 soft gluon distribution (SGD). The short distance hard part is calculated to the next-to-leading order in αs and all orders in velocity expansion. By deriving and solving the renormalization group equation of the SGD, threshold logarithms are resummed to all orders in perturbation theory. The comparison with gluon fragmentation function calculated in NRQCD factorization approach indicates that the SGF formula resums a series of velocity corrections in NRQCD which are important for phenomenological study.
Herausforderungen von Evidenzlevel-1-Studien in der Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie
Authors: Günther Daniel , Herbst Elmar , Laky Brenda , Lattermann Christian , Mathis Dominic T. , Rössler Philip , Schüttler Karl Friedrich , Wafaisade Arasch , Kopf Sebastian ,   Research-Komitee der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Arthroskopie (AGA)
Published: June 2021

Randomisierte kontrollierte klinische Studien stellen für chirurgische Fachdisziplinen eine Herausforderung dar. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Besonderheiten und Schwierigkeiten solcher Studien. Wann immer möglich, sollte das höchste Evidenzlevel angestrebt werden. Ist ein hohes Evidenzlevel allerdings methodisch nicht korrekt erreichbar, sollte das bestmögliche nächste Evidenzlevel erzielt werden. Die Bewertung, auch im Hinblick auf die Kostenerstattung, sollte daher gerade in chirurgischen Disziplinen nicht ausschließlich am Evidenzlevel festgemacht werden. Vielmehr sollte im Rahmen von Expertengremien und unter Zuhilfenahme der besten, verfügbaren Evidenz beurteilt werden.
Eosinophilic esophagitis—established facts and new horizons
Authors: Biedermann Luc , Straumann Alex , Greuter Thomas , Schreiner Philipp
Published: June 2021

Despite dramatic advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis and course of disease in the relatively short timeframe since the discovery and first description of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) less than three decades ago, many open questions remain to be elucidated. For instance, we will need to better characterize atypical clinical presentations of EoE and other forms of esophageal inflammatory conditions with often similar clinical presentations, nut fulfilling current diagnostic criteria for EoE and to determine their significance and interrelationship with genuine EoE. In addition, the interrelationship of EoE with other immune-mediated diseases remains to be clarified. Hopefully, a closer look at the role of environmental factors and their interaction with genetic susceptibility often in context of atopic predisposition may enable identifying the candidate substances/agents/allergens and potentially earlier (childhood) events to trigger the condition. It appears plausible to assume that in the end—comparable to current concepts in other immune-mediated chronic diseases, such as for instance inflammatory bowel disease or asthma bronchiale—we will not be rewarded with the identification of a “one-and-only” underlying pathogenetic trigger factor, with causal responsibility for the disease in each and every EoE patient. Rather, the relative contribution and importance of intrinsic susceptibility, i.e., patient-driven factors (genetics, aberrant immune response) and external trigger factors, such as food (or aero-) allergens as well as early childhood events (e.g., infection and exposure to antibiotics and other drugs) may substantially differ among given individuals with EoE. Accordingly, selection and treatment duration of medical therapy, success rates and extent of required restriction in dietary treatment, and the need for mechanical treatment to address strictures and stenosis require an individualized approach, tailored to each patient. With the advances of emerging treatment options, the importance of such an individualized and patient-centered assessment will increase even further.
Long time behavior and stable patterns in high-dimensional polarity models of asymmetric cell division
Authors: Morita Yoshihisa , Seirin-Lee Sungrim
Published: June 2021

Asymmetric cell division is one of the fundamental processes to create cell diversity in the early stage of embryonic development. During this process, the polarity formation in the cell membrane has been considered as a key process by which the entire polarity formation in the cytosol is controlled, and it has been extensively studied in both experiments and mathematical models. Nonetheless, a mathematically rigorous analysis of the polarity formation in the asymmetric cell division has been little explored, particularly for bulk-surface models. In this article, we deal with polarity models proposed for describing the PAR polarity formation in the asymmetric cell division of a C. elegans embryo. Using a simpler but mathematically consistent model, we exhibit the long time behavior of the polarity formation of a bulk-surface cell. Moreover, we mathematically prove the existence of stable polarity solutions of the model equation in an arbitrary high-dimensional domain and analyse how the boundary position of polarity domain is determined. Our results propose that the existence and dynamics of the polarity in the asymmetric cell division can be understood universally in terms of basic mathematical structures.
Disentangling interoceptive abilities in alexithymia
Authors: Scarpazza Cristina , Zangrossi Andrea , Huang Yu-Chun , Sartori Giuseppe , Massaro Sebastiano
Published: June 2021

In recent years, research on interoceptive abilities (i.e., sensibility, accuracy, and awareness) and their associations with emotional experience has flourished. Yet interoceptive abilities in alexithymia—a personality trait characterized by a difficulty in the cognitive interpretation of emotional arousal, which impacts emotional experience—remain under-investigated, thereby limiting a full understanding of subjective emotional experience processing. Research has proposed two contrasting explanations thus far: in one model, the dimensions of interoceptive sensibility and accuracy in alexithymia would increase; in the other model, they would decrease. Surprisingly, the contribution of interoceptive awareness has been minimally researched. In this study (N = 182), the relationship between participants’ level of alexithymia and the three interoceptive dimensions was tested. Our results show that the higher the level of alexithymia is, the higher interoceptive accuracy and sensibility (R2 = 0.29 andR2 = 0.14); conversely, the higher the level of alexithymia is, the lower interoceptive awareness (R2 = 0.36). Moreover, an ROC analysis reveals that interoceptive awareness is the most accurate predictor of alexithymia, yielding over 92% accuracy. Collectively, these results support a coherent understanding of interoceptive abilities in alexithymia, whereby the dissociation of interoceptive accuracy and awareness may explain the underlying psycho-physiological mechanisms of alexithymia. A possible neurocognitive mechanism is discussed which suggests insurgence of psychosomatic disorders in alexithymia and related psychotherapeutic approaches.
Geastrum dolomiticum, a new earthstar species from Central Europe
Authors: Finy Péter , Papp Viktor , Knapp Dániel G. , Bóka Károly , Kovács Gábor M. , Dima Bálint
Published: June 2021

The recently revised Geastrum minimum species complex in sect. Geastrum subsect. Quadrifida revealed that the name G. minimum is a nomen ambiguum and dubium and was collectively used for at least two European species (viz. G. granulosum and G. marginatum). During the morphological revision of the Hungarian materials labelled as G. minimum, different crystal structures were found on the endoperidial body of some specimens than those of characteristic for G. granulosum and G. marginatum. These collections were exclusively found on open rocky grassy vegetation on dolomite bedrock in Hungary. Multigene phylogenetic analyses involving nrITS, nrLSU, rpb1, atp6 and tef1-α sequences of the collections with unique crystal morphology and ecology revealed that these form a distinct clade in close relationship with G. granulosum s.l. (i.e. specimens from Europe and North America). Based on molecular evidence, macro- and micromorphology as well as X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) characterisation of the mesoperidial crystals, here we propose the new species Geastrum dolomiticum.
Outcomes of mid-term and long-term degradable biosynthetic meshes in single-stage open complex abdominal wall reconstruction
Authors: Claessen J. J. M. , Timmer A. S. , Atema J. J. , Boermeester M. A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess clinical outcomes in patients that underwent open single-stage complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) with biosynthetic mesh.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of two prospectively registered series of consecutive patients undergoing CAWR with either long-term degradable (LTD) Phasix™ or mid-term degradable (MTD) BIO-A® biosynthetic mesh in a single institution between June 2016 and December 2019.

Results

From 169 patients with CAWR, 70 consecutive patients were identified who underwent CAWR with either LTD or MTD biosynthetic mesh. More than 85% of patients had an incisional hernia that could be classified as moderately complex to major complex due to a previous wound infection (67%), one or more complicating comorbidities (87.1%), one or more complicating hernia characteristics (75.7%) or contaminated or dirty defects (37.1%). Concomitant component separation was performed in 43 of 70 patients (61.4%). Overall surgical site infection (SSI) rate in these CAWR patients was 45.7%. Seventeen of 70 patients (24.3%) had computed tomography (CT) - and culture-confirmed SSI in direct contact of mesh, suspicious of mesh infection. Mesh removal for persistent local infection occurred in 10% (7 of 70) after a median of 229 days since surgery. Salvage rate of mesh after direct contact with infection was 58.8%. All removed meshes were in the LTD group. Seven patients (10%) had a recurrence; four patients in the LTD group (10%) had a recurrence at a median follow-up of 35 months and three patients in the MTD group (10%) at a median follow-up of 11 months. Three of the seven recurrences occurred in patients with SSI in persistent and direct contact with mesh.

Conclusions

Comorbid patients undergoing open complex abdominal wall reconstruction are at high risk of postoperative wound complications regardless of which type of biosynthetic mesh is used. When in persistent and direct contact with infection, long-term biodegradable biosynthetic meshes may need to be removed, whereas mid-term biodegradable biosynthetic meshes can be salvaged.
Evolution of health care utilization and expenditure during the year before death in 2015 among people with cancer: French snds-based cohort study
Authors: Tanguy-Melac Audrey , Verboux Dorian , Pestel Laurence , Fagot-Campagna Anne , Tuppin Philippe , Gastaldi-Ménager Christelle
Published: June 2021

Background

Cancer patients have one of the highest health care expenditures (HCE) at the end of life. However, the growth of HCE at the end of life remains poorly documented in the literature.

Objective

To describe monthly reimbursed expenditure during the last year of life among cancer patients, by performing detailed analysis according to type of expenditure and the person’s age.

Method

Data were derived from the Système national des données en santé (SNDS) [national health data system], which comprises information on ambulatory and hospital care. Analyses focused on general scheme beneficiaries (77% of the French population) treated for cancer who died in 2015.

Results

Average reimbursed expenditure during the last year of life was €34,300 per person in 2015, including €21,100 (62%) for hospital expenditure. "Short-stays hospital" and "rehabilitation units" stays expenditure were €14,700 and €2000, respectively. Monthly expenditure increased regularly towards the end of life, increasing from 12 months before death €2000 to €5200 1 month before death. The highest levels of expenditure did not concern the oldest people, as average reimbursed expenditure was €50,300 for people 18–59 years versus €25,600 for people 80–90 years. Out-of-pocket payments varied only slightly according to age, but increased towards the end of life.

Conclusion

A marked growth of HCE was observed during the last 4 months of life, mainly driven by hospital expenditure, with a more marked growth for younger people.
Extensions and corona decompositions of low-dimensional intrinsic Lipschitz graphs in Heisenberg groups
Authors: Di Donato Daniela , Fässler Katrin
Published: June 2021

This note concerns low-dimensional intrinsic Lipschitz graphs, in the sense of Franchi, Serapioni, and Serra Cassano, in the Heisenberg group $${\mathbb {H}}^n$$

H

n

, $$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

. For $$1\leqslant k\leqslant n$$

1
⩽
k
⩽
n

, we show that every intrinsic L-Lipschitz graph over a subset of a k-dimensional horizontal subgroup $${\mathbb {V}}$$
V
of $${\mathbb {H}}^n$$

H

n

can be extended to an intrinsic $$L'$$

L
′

-Lipschitz graph over the entire subgroup $${\mathbb {V}}$$
V
, where $$L'$$

L
′

depends only on L, k, and n. We further prove that 1-dimensional intrinsic 1-Lipschitz graphs in $${\mathbb {H}}^n$$

H

n

, $$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

, admit corona decompositions by intrinsic Lipschitz graphs with smaller Lipschitz constants. This complements results that were known previously only in the first Heisenberg group $${\mathbb {H}}^1$$

H

1

. The main difference to this case arises from the fact that for $$1\leqslant k<n$$

1
⩽
k
<
n

, the complementary vertical subgroups of k-dimensional horizontal subgroups in $${\mathbb {H}}^n$$

H

n

are not commutative.
Depth integrated modelling of submarine landslide evolution
Authors: Zhang Wangcheng , Puzrin Alexander M.
Published: June 2021

Submarine landslides are a major geohazard among worldwide continental slopes, posing significant threats to offshore infrastructure, marine animal habitats and coastal urban centres. This study establishes an original numerical package for time-efficient modelling of the entire submarine landslide evolution covering the pre-failure shear band propagation, slab failure and post-failure dynamics. The numerical scheme is based on the conservation of mass and the conservation of momentum and combines the shear band propagation theory and the depth-integrated method, with the consideration of the drag force from the ambient water. Shear band propagation in the weak layer and slab failure in the sliding layer are controlled by the strain softening and rate dependency of the corresponding undrained strength parameters. The post-failure behaviour in the sliding layer, such as retrogression upslope and frontally confined and frontally emergent mechanisms downslope, is also simulated. The numerical results from the proposed method are comparable to the analytical solutions and the large deformation finite element analysis. Application of this method to a back analysis of the St. Niklausen slide in Lake Lucerne reproduced the observed shape of the mass transport deposits, the position of the main scar and the travel distance. Because of its easy implementation and efficiency, the proposed numerical method for modelling of submarine landslides seems promising for practical applications.
ANEGMA: an automated negotiation model for e-markets
Authors: Bagga Pallavi , Paoletti Nicola , Alrayes Bedour , Stathis Kostas
Published: June 2021

We present a novel negotiation model that allows an agent to learn how to negotiate during concurrent bilateral negotiations in unknown and dynamic e-markets. The agent uses an actor-critic architecture with model-free reinforcement learning to learn a strategy expressed as a deep neural network. We pre-train the strategy by supervision from synthetic market data, thereby decreasing the exploration time required for learning during negotiation. As a result, we can build automated agents for concurrent negotiations that can adapt to different e-market settings without the need to be pre-programmed. Our experimental evaluation shows that our deep reinforcement learning based agents outperform two existing well-known negotiation strategies in one-to-many concurrent bilateral negotiations for a range of e-market settings.
Properties of humic acids depending on the land use in different parts of Slovakia
Authors: Banach-Szott Magdalena , Debska Bozena , Tobiasova Erika
Published: June 2021

Many studies report organic carbon stabilization by clay minerals, but the effects of land use and soil type on the properties of humic acids (HAs) are missing. The aim of the paper is to determine the effects of land use and soil types on the characteristics of HAs, which have a considerable influence on organic matter quality. It was hypothesised that the effect of the land use on HAs properties depends on the particular size distribution. The research was performed in three ecosystems: agricultural, forest, and meadow, located in Slovakia. From each of them, the samples of 4 soil types were taken: Chernozem, Luvisol, Planosol, and Cambisol. The soil samples were assayed for the content of total organic carbon (TOC) and the particle size distribution. HAs were extracted with the Schnitzer method and analysed for the elemental composition, spectrometric parameters in the UV-VIS range, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, and the infrared spectra were produced. The research results have shown that the properties of HAs can be modified by the land use and the scope and that the direction of changes depends on the soil type. The HAs of Chernozem and Luvisol in the agri-ecosystem were identified with a higher “degree of maturity”, as reflected by atomic ratios (H/C, O/C, O/H), absorbance coefficients, and the FT-IR spectra, as compared with the HAs of the meadow and forest ecosystem. However, as for the HAs of Cambisol, a higher “degree of maturity” was demonstrated for the meadow ecosystem, as compared with the HAs of the agri- and forest ecosystem. The present research has clearly identified that the content of clay is the factor determining the HAs properties. Soils with a higher content of the clay fraction contain HAs with a higher “degree of maturity”.
Global AM fungi are dominating mycorrhizal communities in a tropical premontane dry forest in Laipuna, South Ecuador
Authors: Haug Ingeborg , Setaro Sabrina , Suárez Juan Pablo
Published: June 2021

Tropical dry forests are an intricate ecosystem with special adaptations to periods of drought. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are essential for plant survival in all terrestrial ecosystems but might be of even greater importance in dry forests as plant growth is limited due to nutrient and water deficiency during the dry season. Tropical dry forests in Ecuador are highly endangered, but studies about AMF communities are scarce. We investigated the AMF community of a premontane semi-deciduous dry forest in South Ecuador during the dry season. We estimated AMF diversity, distribution, and composition of the study site based on operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and compared the results to those from the tropical montane rainforest and páramo in South Ecuador. OTU delimitation was based on part of the small ribosomal subunit obtained by cloning and Sanger sequencing. Nearly all OTUs were Glomeraceae. The four frequent OTUs were Glomus, and comparison with the MaarjAM database revealed these to be globally distributed with a wide range of ecological adaptations. Several OTUs are shared with virtual taxa from dry forests in Africa. Ordination analysis of AMF communities from the tropical dry and montane rainforests in South Ecuador revealed a unique AMF community in the dry forest with only few overlapping OTUs. Most OTUs that were found in both dry and rainforests and on the two continents were globally distributed Glomus.
Proportionality’s Lower Bound
Authors: Manwaring James
Published: June 2021

Many philosophers have raised difficulties for any attempt to proportion punishment severity to crime seriousness. One reason for this may be that offering a full theory of proportionality is simply too ambitious. I suggest a more modest project: setting a lower bound on proportionate punishment. That is, I suggest a metric to measure when punishment is not disproportionately severe. I claim that punishment is not disproportionately severe if it imposes costs on a criminal wrongdoer which are no greater than the costs which they intentionally caused to others. I flesh out the implications of this Lower bound by discussing how to measure the costs of crime. Methodologically, I claim that different costs should be compared by considering preferences. Substantively, I claim that many proportionality judgements undercount the costs of crime by focusing only on the marginal and not the average cost. I suggest that we may hold defendants causally responsible for their contribution to the costs of that type of crime.
A country-specific FRAX model for Botswana
Authors: Kebaetse M. , Nkhwa S. , Mogodi M. , Masunge J. , Gureja Y. P. , Ramabu M. , Mmopelwa T. , Sharif I. , Orford A. , Harvey N. C. , McCloskey E. V. , Cauley J. A. , Kanis J. A. , Johansson H.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Hip fracture rates in Botswana were used to create a FRAX® model for fracture risk assessment.

Objective

This paper describes the development and characteristics of a country-specific FRAX model for Botswana.

Methods

Age-specific and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture and national mortality rates was incorporated into a FRAX model for Botswana. Ten-year fracture probabilities were compared with those from African countries having a FRAX model and African Americans from the USA.

Results

The probabilities of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fracture were low compared with those from South Africa (Black and Coloured) and US Blacks. Probabilities were marginally higher than for Tunisia.

Conclusion

The creation of a FRAX model is expected to help guide decisions about the prevention and treatment of fragility fractures in Botswana.
Conceptual Development and Content Validation of a Multicultural Instrument to Assess the Normalization of Gender-Based Violence against Women
Authors: Rodelli Maddalena , Koutra Kleio , Thorvaldsdottir Karen Birna , Bilgin Hulya , Ratsika Nikoleta , Testoni Ines , Saint Arnault Denise M.
Published: June 2021

The normalization of gender-based violence (GBV) consists of all those cultural beliefs and values that sustain, justify, or minimize GBV perpetration. Acknowledging the lack of instruments addressing the normalization of GBV and its constitutive sociocultural dimensions, this article presents the conceptual development and initial validation of the Normalization of gender-based violence against women scale. This 18-item instrument could be used to assess the normalization of violence against women in GBV survivors of various cultural contexts. The scale has been developed through a sizeable mixed-methods study. This paper reports the qualitative portion of the study that allowed the development of the instrument and assessment of its content and face validity. In particular, the method section details the process by which the assessed scale’s domain has been identified through an expert panel workshop, the analysis of GBV survivor’s interviews, and the review of existing scales. The assessment of face and content validity, trough expert judges’ evaluation and Cognitive Interviewing, is presented. This instrument is the first normalization scale developed by a multicultural team for use with violence survivors. The techniques used to construct this scale aimed to capture cultural aspects of normalization that might be shared across women from diverse groups. Therefore, its use could enable social or health care providers worldwide to program or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to contrast GBV by promoting a clearer understanding of cultural and social norms that sustain the acceptance and normalization of violence.
[18F]FEDAC translocator protein positron emission tomography–computed tomography for early detection of mitochondrial dysfunction secondary to myocardial ischemia
Authors: Luo Rui , Wang Lei , Ye Fei , Wang Yan-Rong , Fang Wei , Zhang Ming-Rong , Wang Feng
Published: June 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the biodistribution and kinetics of [18F]FEDAC targeting the translocator protein TSPO in the myocardium, and to explore its use for the identification of mitochondrial dysfunction. We also assessed the feasibility of [18F]FEDAC for the early detection of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with myocardial ischemia (MI).

Methods

The radiochemical purity and stability of [18F]FEDAC were analyzed by radio-high-performance liquid chromatography (radio-HPLC). Its biodistribution and kinetics were evaluated by dissection and dynamic imaging using micro-positron emission tomography–computed tomography (micro-PET–CT) in healthy mice. [18F]FEDAC was also applied in an MI rat model and in sham-operated controls. Mitochondrial changes were observed by immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy.

Results

Radioactivity levels (%ID/g) in the myocardium in normal mice, determined by [18F]FEDAC, were 8.32 ± 0.80 at 5 min and 2.40 ± 0.10 at 60 min. PET showed significantly decreased uptake by injured cardiac tissue in MI rats, with maximal normal-to-ischemic uptake ratios of 10.47 ± 3.03 (1.5 min) and 3.92 ± 1.12 (27.5 min) (P = 0.025). Immunohistochemistry confirmed that TSPO expression was decreased in MI rats. Mitochondrial ultrastructure demonstrated significant swelling and permeability.

Conclusion

[18F]FEDAC uptake is reduced in the injured myocardium, consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction. These results may provide new evidence to aid the early detection of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with myocardial ischemic injury.
Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Wild Type and Marfan hiPSCs-Derived Embryoid Bodies
Authors: Spitalieri Paola , Marini Mario , Scioli Maria Giovanna , Murdocca Michela , Longo Giuliana , Orlandi Augusto , Novelli Giuseppe , Sangiuolo Federica
Published: June 2021

Background

Mechanical unloading in microgravity is thought to induce tissue degeneration by various mechanisms, including the inhibition of regenerative stem cell differentiation. In this work, we investigate the effects of microgravity simulation on early lineage commitment of hiPSCs from healthy and Marfan Syndrome (MFS; OMIM #154700) donors, using the embryoid bodies model of tissue differentiation and evaluating their ultra-structural conformation. MFS model involves an anomalous organization of the extracellular matrix for a deficit of fibrillin-1, an essential protein of connective tissue.

Methods

In vitro models require the use of embryoid bodies derived from hiPSCs. A DRPM was used to simulate microgravity conditions.

Results

Our data suggest an increase of the stemness of those EBs maintained in SMG condition. EBs are still capable of external migration, but are less likely to distinguish, providing a measure of the remaining progenitor or stem cell populations in the earlier stage. The microgravity response appears to vary between WT and Marfan EBs, presumably as a result of a cell structural component deficiency due to fibrillin-1 protein lack. In fact, MFS EBs show a reduced adaptive capacity to the environment of microgravity that prevented them from reacting and making rapid adjustments, while healthy EBs show stem retention, without any structural changes due to microgravity conditions.

Conclusion

EBs formation specifically mimics stem cell differentiation into embryonic tissues, this process has also significant similarities with adult stem cell-based tissue regeneration. The use of SMG devices for the maintenance of stem cells on regenerative medicine applications is becoming increasingly more feasible.
The effects of antidiabetic agents on heart failure
Authors: Wijnen M. , Duschek E. J. J. , Boom H. , van Vliet M.
Published: June 2021

In the Netherlands, approximately 250,000 people are living with heart failure. About one-third of them have comorbid diabetes mellitus type 2. Until recently, the effects of antidiabetic agents on heart failure were largely unknown. This changed after an observed increased risk of heart failure and ischaemic heart disease associated with thiazolidinediones that prompted the requirement for cardiovascular outcome trials for new glucose-lowering drugs. In the past decade, three new classes of antidiabetic agents have become available (i.e. dipeptidyl peptidase‑4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide‑1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter‑2 (SGLT2) inhibitors). Although the first two classes demonstrated no beneficial effects on heart failure compared to placebo in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, SGLT2 inhibitors significantly and consistently lowered the risk of incident and worsening heart failure. Two recent trials indicated that these favourable effects were also present in non-diabetic patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, resulting in significantly lower risks of hospitalisation for heart failure and presumably also cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to be benefit on top of recommended heart failure therapy including sacubitril/valsartan and may also prove beneficial for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In this review, we discuss the effects of antidiabetic agents on heart failure.
Design and In-orbit Demonstration of REGULUS, an Iodine electric propulsion system
Authors: Bellomo Nicolas , Magarotto Mirko , Manente Marco , Trezzolani Fabio , Mantellato Riccardo , Cappellini Lorenzo , Paulon Devis , Selmo Antonio , Scalzi Davide , Minute Marco , Duzzi Matteo , Barbato Alessandro , Schiavon Alessandro , Di Fede Simone , Souhair Nabil , De Carlo Paola , Barato Francesco , Milza Fabiana , Toson Elena , Pavarin Daniele
Published: June 2021

REGULUS is an Iodine-based electric propulsion system. It has been designed and manufactured at the Italian company Technology for Propulsion and Innovation SpA (T4i). REGULUS integrates the Magnetically Enhanced Plasma Thruster (MEPT) and its subsystems, namely electronics, fluidic, and thermo-structural in a volume of 1.5 U. The mass envelope is 2.5 kg, including propellant. REGULUS targets CubeSat platforms larger than 6 U and CubeSat carriers. A thrust T = 0.60 mN and a specific impulse Isp = 600 s are achieved with an input power of P = 50 W; the nominal total impulse is Itot = 3000 Ns. REGULUS has been integrated on-board of the UniSat-7 satellite and its In-orbit Demonstration (IoD) is currently ongoing. The principal topics addressed in this work are: (i) design of REGULUS, (ii) comparison of the propulsive performance obtained operating the MEPT with different propellants, namely Xenon and Iodine, (iii) qualification and acceptance tests, (iv) plume analysis, (v) the IoD.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Simulator Equipped with Eye Tracking Based Performance Assessment Capabilities: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zimmermann Jan Michael , Arduini Mattia , Vicentini Luca , Maisano Francesco , Meboldt Mirko
Published: June 2021

Background

The increase in cardiovascular disease cases that require minimally invasive treatment is inducing a new need to train physicians to perform them safely and effectively. Nevertheless, adaptation to simulation-based training has been slow, especially for complex procedures.

Objectives

We describe a newly developed mitral valve repair (MVR) simulator, equipped with new objective performance assessment methods, with an emphasis on its use for training the MitraClip™ procedure.

Methods

The MVR contains phantoms of all anatomical structures encountered during mitral valve repair with a transvenous, transseptal approach. In addition, several cameras, line lasers, and ultraviolet lights are used to mimic echocardiographic and fluoroscopic imaging and with a remote eye tracker the cognitive behaviour of the operator is recorded. A pilot study with a total of 9 interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and technical experts was conducted. All participants performed the MitraClip procedure on the MVR simulator using standard interventional tools. Subsequently, each participant completed a structured questionnaire to assess the simulator.

Results

The simulator functioned well, and the implemented objective performance assessment methods worked reliably. Key performance metrics such as x-ray usage were comparable with results from studies assessing these metrics in real interventions. Fluoroscopy imaging is realistic for the transseptal puncture but reaches its limits during the final steps of the procedure.

Conclusion

The functionality and objective performance assessment of the MVR simulator were demonstrated. Especially for complex procedures such as the MitraClip procedure, this simulator offers a suitable platform for risk-free training and education.
The continuum of simulator-based maritime training and education
Authors: Kim Tae-eun , Sharma Amit , Bustgaard Morten , Gyldensten William C. , Nymoen Ole Kristian , Tusher Hasan Mahbub , Nazir Salman
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the maritime supply chain and called for accelerated adoption of digital technologies in various aspects of maritime operations, including the area of maritime education and training (MET). This paper aims to discuss the current maritime simulator-based training and educational practices that forms an integral part in seafarer training and competency development. The study provides a review of the existing simulators in use in MET, and discusses upon the technological and pedagogical advancement of maritime simulator-based training interventions with predictions regarding the future MET practices with use of virtual reality and cloud-based simulators. This study—by focusing on ship’s bridge operations—highlights the characteristics of various types of simulators and also discusses the role of instructors, challenges, and opportunities involving future simulator-based MET due to accelerated adoption of digital technologies and the need to comply with pandemic-related restrictions for MET institutes. The analysis generated in the paper may contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the future of simulator-based MET and the fulfillment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 in the maritime sector.