bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tongue cancer following hematopoietic cell transplantation for Fanconi anemia
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Mattia , Anesi Alexandre , Pellacani Arrigo , Negrello Sara , Natale Annalisa , Figurelli Sabina , Vaddinelli Doriana , Angelini Stefano , Chiarini Luigi , Nocini Riccardo , Di Bartolomeo Paolo
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence and the clinical outcome of tongue cancer (TC) in patients affected by Fanconi anemia (FA) who received an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Materials and methods

The patient database from the Bone Marrow Transplant Center of Pescara was reviewed to enroll FA patients. Patients’, donors’, HCT’s, and screening’s data were collected as well to look for the incidence and the treatment of TC.

Results

Twelve patients affected by FA were identified. Three patients died for transplant-related causes. Five of nine surviving patients were diagnosed with TC at a median of 21.7 years since transplantation and at a median age of 32.10 years. Interestingly, no patient manifested graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD). The 28-year cumulative incidence function of TC was 46.9% (95% CI, 36.9–56.9%). Two patients were treated with chemotherapy alone, two patients were treated with surgery alone, and one with surgery followed by chemotherapy. Overall, 4 patients with TC showed a clinical course characterized by a marked aggressiveness of the tumor disease which led to death due to cancer progression between 2 and 13 months. One patient is surviving 8 months after diagnosis of TC.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the high incidence of tumors and in particular tongue tumors in allotransplanted FA patients. A careful screening has to be life-long maintained.

Clinical relevance

Considering the rarity of FA and the frailty of FA patients, this study may add important information for the cancer management of these patients.
Towards hierarchical affiliation resolution: framework, baselines, dataset
Authors: Backes Tobias , Hienert Daniel , Dietze Stefan
Published: May 2022

Author affiliations provide key information when attributing academic performance like publication counts. So far, such measures have been aggregated either manually or only to top-level institutions, such as universities. Supervised affiliation resolution requires a large number of annotated alignments between affiliation strings and known institutions, which are not readily available. We introduce the task ofunsupervised hierarchical affiliation resolution, which assigns affiliations to institutions on all hierarchy levels (e.g. departments), discovering the institutions as well as their hierarchical ordering on the fly. From the corresponding requirements, we derive a simple conceptual framework based on the subset partial order that can be extended to account for the discrepancies evident in realistic affiliations from theWeb of Science. We implement initial baselines and provide datasets and evaluation metrics for experimentation. Results show that mapping affiliations to known institutions and discovering lower-level institutions works well with simple baselines, whereas unsupervised top-level- and hierarchical resolution is more challenging. Our work provides structured guidance for further in-depth studies and improved methodology by identifying and discussing a number of observed difficulties and important challenges that future work needs to address.
Simultaneous gut colonization by Klebsiella grimontii and Escherichia coli co-possessing the blaKPC-3-carrying pQil plasmid
Authors: Campos-Madueno Edgar I. , Mauri Carola , Meroni Elisa , Paseiro Pablo Porragas , Consonni Alessandra , Luzzaro Francesco , Endimiani Andrea
Published: May 2022

Only two plasmid-mediated carbapenemases (KPC-2 and VIM-1) are reported in Klebsiella grimontii. Here, we report two blaKPC-3-positive isolates that were identified as K. oxytoca and E. coli by MALDI-TOF MS in the same rectal swab. Whole-genome sequencing indicated that K. oxytoca was actually K. grimontii of ST391, whereas E. coli was of ST10. In both, blaKPC-3 was carried by a pQil conjugative plasmid. The core-genome analysis identified additional blaKPC-positive K. grimontii strains from public databases, most of which were misidentified as K. oxytoca. Since K. grimontii represents an emerging reservoir of resistance traits, routine tools should improve their ability to detect this species.
The double exponential runtime is tight for 2-stage stochastic ILPs
Authors: Jansen Klaus , Klein Kim-Manuel , Lassota Alexandra
Published: May 2022

We consider fundamental algorithmic number theoretic problems and their relation to a class of block structured Integer Linear Programs (ILPs) called 2-stage stochastic. A 2-stage stochastic ILP is an integer program of the form $$\min \{c^T x \mid {\mathcal {A}} x = b, \ell \le x \le u, x \in {\mathbb {Z}}^{r + ns} \}$$

min
{

c
T

x
∣
A
x
=
b
,
ℓ
≤
x
≤
u
,
x
∈

Z

r
+
n
s

}

where the constraint matrix $${\mathcal {A}} \in {\mathbb {Z}}^{nt \times r +ns}$$

A
∈

Z

n
t
×
r
+
n
s

consists of n matrices $$A_i \in {\mathbb {Z}}^{t \times r}$$

A
i

∈

Z

t
×
r

on the vertical line and n matrices $$B_i \in {\mathbb {Z}}^{t \times s}$$

B
i

∈

Z

t
×
s

on the diagonal line aside. We show a stronger hardness result for a number theoretic problem called Quadratic Congruences where the objective is to compute a number $$z \le \gamma $$

z
≤
γ

satisfying $$z^2 \equiv \alpha \bmod \beta $$

z
2

≡
α

mod

β

for given $$\alpha , \beta , \gamma \in {\mathbb {Z}}$$

α
,
β
,
γ
∈
Z

. This problem was proven to be NP-hard already in 1978 by Manders and Adleman. However, this hardness only applies for instances where the prime factorization of $$\beta $$
β
admits large multiplicities of each prime number. We circumvent this necessity proving that the problem remains NP-hard, even if each prime number only occurs constantly often. Using this new hardness result for the $$\textsc {Quadratic Congruences}$$

Q

U
A
D
R
A
T
I
C
C
O
N
G
R
U
E
N
C
E
S

problem, we prove a lower bound of $$2^{2^{\delta (s+t)}} |I|^{O(1)}$$

2

2

δ
(
s
+
t
)

|
I
|

O
(
1
)

for some $$\delta > 0$$

δ
>
0

for the running time of any algorithm solving 2-stage stochastic ILPs assuming the Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH). Here, |I| is the encoding length of the instance. This result even holds if r, $$||b||_{\infty }$$

|
|
b
|
|

∞

, $$||c||_{\infty }, ||\ell ||_{\infty }$$

|
|
c
|
|

∞

,
|
|
ℓ
|
|

∞

and the largest absolute value $$\varDelta $$
Δ
in the constraint matrix $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
are constant. This shows that the state-of-the-art algorithms are nearly tight. Further, it proves the suspicion that these ILPs are indeed harder to solve than the closely related $$n$$
n
-fold ILPs where the constraint matrix is the transpose of $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
.
Comparison of surgical techniques for optimal lead placement in sacral neuromodulation: a cadaver study
Authors: Dawoud C. , Reissig L. , Müller C. , Jahl M. , Harpain F. , Capek B. , Weninger W. J. , Riss S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a common treatment for patients with urinary and faecal incontinence. A close contact of the tined lead electrode with the targeted nerve is likely to improve functional outcome.

The aim of this study was to compare the position of the SNM lead in relation to the sacral nerve by comparing different implantation techniques.

Methods

This cadaver study was conducted at the Division of Anatomy of Vienna's Medical University in October 2020. We dissected 10 cadavers after bilateral SNM lead implantation (n = 20), using two different standardized implantation techniques. The cadavers were categorized as group A (n = 10), representing the conventional guided implantation group and group B (n = 10), where SNM implantation was conducted with the novel fluoroscopy-guided “H”-technique. The primary goal was to assess the distance between the sacral nerve and the lead placement.

Results

The electrodes were inserted at a median angle of 58.5° (46–65°) in group A and 60° (50–65°) in group B, without reaching statistical significance. In 8 cadavers, the lead entered the S3 foramen successfully.

The median distance of the lead to the nerve did not show a significant difference between both groups (E0: Group A: 0.0 mm vs. Group B: 0.0 mm, p = 0.969; E1: Group A: 0.0 mm vs. Group B: 0.5 mm p = 0.754; E2: Group A: 2.5 mm vs. Group B: 2.5 mm p = 1.000; E3: Group A: 3.5 mm vs. Group B: 4.0 mm p = 0.675). In 2 cases (20%) of the conventional group A, the lead was misplaced and located at the gluteal muscle.

Perforation of the presacral fascia was observed in one lead placement in group A and in two placements in group B.

Conclusions

Both standardized implantation techniques may ensure close electrode proximity to the targeted nerve. Misplacement of the electrode was more often observed with the conventional implantation technique.
Towards more effective visualisations in climate services: good practices and recommendations
Authors: Terrado Marta , Calvo Luz , Christel Isadora
Published: May 2022

Visualisations are often the entry point to information that supports stakeholders’ decision- and policy-making processes. Visual displays can employ either static, dynamic or interactive formats as well as various types of representations and visual encodings, which differently affect the attention, recognition and working memory of users. Despite being well-suited for expert audiences, current climate data visualisations need to be further improved to make communication of climate information more inclusive for broader audiences, including people with disabilities. However, the lack of evidence-based guidelines and tools makes the creation of accessible visualisations challenging, potentially leading to misunderstanding and misuse of climate information by users. Taking stock of visualisation challenges identified in a workshop by climate service providers, we review good practices commonly applied by other visualisation-related disciplines strongly based on users’ needs that could be applied to the climate services context. We show how lessons learned in the fields of user experience, data visualisation, graphic design and psychology make useful recommendations for the development of more effective climate service visualisations. This includes applying a user-centred design approach, using interaction in a suitable way in visualisations, paying attention to information architecture or selecting the right type of representation and visual encoding. The recommendations proposed here can help climate service providers reduce users’ cognitive load and improve their overall experience when using a service. These recommendations can be useful for the development of the next generation of climate services, increasing their usability while ensuring that their visual components are inclusive and do not leave anyone behind.
Anti-invasive effects of minoxidil on human breast cancer cells: combination with ranolazine
Authors: Qiu Shiwen , Fraser Scott P. , Pires Wayne , Djamgoz Mustafa B. A.
Published: May 2022

A plethora of ion channels have been shown to be involved systemically in the pathophysiology of cancer and ion channel blockers can produce anti-metastatic effects. However, although ion channels are known to frequently function in concerted action, little is known about possible combined effects of ion channel modulators on metastatic cell behaviour. Here, we investigated functional consequences of pharmacologically modulating ATP-gated potassium (KATP) channel and voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) activities individually and in combination. Two triple-negative human breast cancer cell lines were used: MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, the latter mainly for comparison. Most experiments were carried out on hypoxic cells. Electrophysiological effects were studied by whole-cell patch clamp recording. Minoxidil (a KATP channel opener) and ranolazine (a blocker of the VGSC persistent current) had no effect on cell viability and proliferation, alone or in combination. In contrast, invasion was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner by clinical concentrations of minoxidil and ranolazine. Combining the two drugs produced significant additive effects at concentrations as low as 0.625 μM ranolazine and 2.5 μM minoxidil. Electrophysiologically, acute application of minoxidil shifted VGSC steady-state inactivation to more hyperpolarised potentials and slowed recovery from inactivation, consistent with inhibition of VGSC activation. We concluded (i) that clinically relevant doses of minoxidil and ranolazine individually could inhibit cellular invasiveness dose dependently and (ii) that their combination was additionally effective. Accordingly, ranolazine, minoxidil and their combination may be repurposed as novel anti-metastatic agents.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within households: a remote prospective cohort study in European countries
Authors: Verberk Janneke D. M. , de Hoog Marieke L. A. , Westerhof Ilse , van Goethem Sam , Lammens Christine , Ieven Greet , de Bruin Erwin , Eggink Dirk , Bielicki Julia A. , Coenen Samuel , van Beek Janko , Bonten Marc J. M. , Goossens Herman , Bruijning-Verhagen Patricia C. J. L.
Published: May 2022

Household transmission studies are useful to quantify SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics. We conducted a remote prospective household study to quantify transmission, and the effects of subject characteristics, household characteristics, and implemented infection control measures on transmission. Households with a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 index case were enrolled < 48 h following test result. Follow-up included digitally daily symptom recording, regular nose-throat self-sampling and paired dried blood spots from all household members. Samples were tested for virus detection and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Secondary attack rates (SARs) and associated factors were estimated using logistic regression. In 276 households with 920 participants (276 index cases and 644 household members) daily symptom diaries and questionnaires were completed by 95%, and > 85% completed sample collection. 200 secondary SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected, yielding a household SAR of 45.7% (95% CI 39.7–51.7%) and per-person SAR of 32.6% (95%CI: 28.1-37.4%). 126 (63%) secondary cases were detected at enrollment. Mild (aRR = 0.57) and asymptomatic index cases (aRR = 0.29) were less likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2, compared to index cases with an acute respiratory illness (p = 0.03 for trend), and child index cases (< 12 years aRR = 0.60 and 12-18 years aRR = 0.85) compared to adults (p = 0.03 for trend). Infection control interventions in households had no significant effect on transmission. We found high SARs with the majority of transmissions occuring early after SARS-CoV-2 introduction into the household. This may explain the futile effect of implemented household measures. Age and symptom status of the index case influence secondary transmission. Remote, digitally-supported study designs with self-sampling are feasible for studying transmission under pandemic restrictions.
What is the value of explicit priority setting for health interventions? A simulation study
Authors: Barlow Euan , Morton Alec , Dabak Saudamini , Engels Sven , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Teerawattananon Yot , Chalkidou Kalipso
Published: May 2022

Many countries seek to secure efficiency in health spending through establishing explicit priority setting institutions (PSIs). Since such institutions divert resources from frontline services which benefit patients directly, it is legitimate and reasonable to ask whether they are worth the money. We address this question by comparing, through simulation, the health benefits and costs from implementing two alternative funding approaches – one scenario in which an active PSI enables cost-effectiveness-threshold based funding decisions, and a counterfactual scenario where there is no PSI. We present indicative results for one dataset from the United Kingdom (published in 2015) and one from Malawi (published in 2018), which show that the threshold rule reliably resulted in decreased health system costs, improved health benefits, or both. Our model is implemented in Microsoft Excel and designed to be user-friendly, and both the model and a user guide are made publicly available, in order to enable others to parameterise the model based on the local setting. Although inevitably stylised, we believe that our modelling and results offer a valid perspective on the added value of explicit PSIs.
Asexual propagation of Asparagopsis armata gametophytes: fragmentation, regrowth and attachment mechanisms for sea-based cultivation
Authors: Wright Jeffrey T. , Kennedy Elysha J. , de Nys Rocky , Tatsumi Masayuki
Published: May 2022

The red algal genus Asparagopsis produces secondary metabolites that when fed to ruminants reduce methane production by up to 98%. However, cultivation methods for Asparagopsis are nascent and fundamental information on reproduction, which is essential for large-scale cultivation, is lacking. In this study we examined asexual propagation in Asparagopsis armata, the regrowth of fragments and mechanisms of attachment to assess the potential for fragments to be used in sea-based cultivation. Asparagopsis armata gametophytes grow specialised structures, barbs, that hook fragments onto substrata. Surveys revealed barbs were abundant occurring at ~ 1 barb every 3–4 cm on gametophyte branches. Barbs did not regrow, but fronds did, either when attached to a barb or on their own. In contrast, fronds doubled in size with most developing barbs within 4 weeks. Barbs were, however, critical for the reattachment of fragments: barbs attached to substrata at four times the rate of frond fragments without barbs and they also attached in higher proportions to mussel rope than polypropylene rope, and two types of net. Utilising fragmentation for the propagation of A. armata gametophytes in sea-based cultivation requires that fragments can attach to a substratum and regrow once attached. We have shown that A. armata fragments in Tasmania require barbs for attachment and frond tissue for growth, which has implications for cultivation. Optimising fragmentation, attachment and out-planting methods are important future steps in establishing fragmentation as a method for sea-based cultivation in A. armata.
Machine learning and deep learning based predictive quality in manufacturing: a systematic review
Authors: Tercan Hasan , Meisen Tobias
Published: May 2022

With the ongoing digitization of the manufacturing industry and the ability to bring together data from manufacturing processes and quality measurements, there is enormous potential to use machine learning and deep learning techniques for quality assurance. In this context, predictive quality enables manufacturing companies to make data-driven estimations about the product quality based on process data. In the current state of research, numerous approaches to predictive quality exist in a wide variety of use cases and domains. Their applications range from quality predictions during production using sensor data to automated quality inspection in the field based on measurement data. However, there is currently a lack of an overall view of where predictive quality research stands as a whole, what approaches are currently being investigated, and what challenges currently exist. This paper addresses these issues by conducting a comprehensive and systematic review of scientific publications between 2012 and 2021 dealing with predictive quality in manufacturing. The publications are categorized according to the manufacturing processes they address as well as the data bases and machine learning models they use. In this process, key insights into the scope of this field are collected along with gaps and similarities in the solution approaches. Finally, open challenges for predictive quality are derived from the results and an outlook on future research directions to solve them is provided.
Spin generalizations of the Benjamin–Ono equation
Authors: Berntson Bjorn K. , Langmann Edwin , Lenells Jonatan
Published: May 2022

We present new soliton equations related to theA-type spin Calogero–Moser (CM) systems introduced by Gibbons and Hermsen. These equations are spin generalizations of the Benjamin–Ono (BO) equation and the recently introduced non-chiral intermediate long-wave (ncILW) equation. We obtain multi-soliton solutions of these spin generalizations of the BO equation and the ncILW equation via a spin-pole ansatz where the spin-pole dynamics is governed by the spin CM system in the rational and hyperbolic cases, respectively. We also propose physics applications of the new equations, and we introduce a spin generalization of the standard intermediate long-wave equation which interpolates between the matrix Korteweg-de Vries equation, the Heisenberg ferromagnet equation, and the spin BO equation.
Vineyard establishment under exacerbated summer stress: effects of mycorrhization on rootstock agronomical parameters, leaf element composition and root-associated bacterial microbiota
Authors: Cardinale Massimiliano , Minervini Fabio , De Angelis Maria , Papadia Paride , Migoni Danilo , Dimaglie Matteo , Dinu Daniel Grigorie , Quarta Claudio , Selleri Filippo , Caccioppola Alessandro , Vacca Mirco , Rustioni Laura
Published: May 2022

Aims

Climate change imposes adaptation of viticulture in risk areas, such as the Mediterranean. Mycorrhization is a valid tool to reduce the impact of the expected temperature/drought increase. Aim of this work was to test the effects of mycorrhization on grapevine vegetative growth, element composition of soil/leaves, and microbiota of bulk soil/rhizosphere/endorhiza, in the field, under exacerbated summer stress conditions obtained by planting the rootstocks in June.

Methods

118 rooted cuttings of 1103-Paulsen (Vitis berlandieri×Vitis rupestris) were planted in Salento (Apulia, Southern Italy); about half of them were mycorrhized. Leaf Area Index, shoot growth and survival rate were monitored across two growing seasons. Leaf/shoot weight, chemical analysis of 25 elements, and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding of bulk soil/rhizosphere/endorhiza were performed on subsamples.

Results

Mycorrhized plants showed significantly higher survival rate and growth, and accumulated significantly higher amounts of 18 elements. 27 endorhizal OTUs (representing ~20% of total sequences) were differently distributed (20 OTUs more abundant in mycorrhized plants); in the rhizosphere, instead, 12 OTUs (~2.5% of total sequences) were differently distributed. A few Actinobacterial OTUs were enriched by mycorrhization in the root endosphere; the same OTUs were the most correlated with the chemical elements, suggesting a role in element dynamics. These OTUs were not hub taxa of the co-occurrence network.

Conclusions

This work shed light onto the interactions between mycorrhiza and microbiome, in the context of plant element dynamics, which is useful to identify potential target candidates for biotechnological applications, thus moving towards a more sustainable, ecosystem-based viticulture.
No Place for Poor Men: On the Asymmetric Effect of Urbanization on Life Satisfaction
Authors: Lenzi Camilla , Perucca Giovanni
Published: May 2022

The literature on the geography of subjective well-being largely converges in pointing out the occurrence, at least in developed countries, of an urban/rural divide: people living in the most urbanized regions tend to be significantly less satisfied than those living in rural areas. This paper aims at reassessing this statement by taking into consideration an important aspect, frequently overlooked in the literature, i.e. people-based characteristics. Individuals are not alike and may differently experience and appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of urbanisation. Characteristics such as the level of education, the type of occupation and, more generally, the income level can mediate the capacity to reap urbanisation advantages (as the accessibility to advanced services and diversified job markets) and mitigate urbanization disadvantages (such as cost of living and congestion). Additionally, but based on the same reasoning, more educated and affluent individuals (negatively) value distance from top rank centres more than less educated and affluent ones. We test and prove these propositions in a study on the subjective well-being of more than 250,000 individuals living in European cities, defined as NUTS3 regions, in the period 2004–2010.
A BLIS-like matrix multiplication for machine learning in the RISC-V ISA-based GAP8 processor
Authors: Ramírez Cristian , Castelló Adrián , Quintana-Ortí Enrique S.
Published: May 2022

We address the efficient realization of matrix multiplication (gemm), with application in the convolution operator for machine learning, for the RISC-V core present in the GreenWaves GAP8 processor. Our approach leverages BLIS (Basic Linear Algebra Instantiation Software) to develop an implementation that (1) re-organizes the gemm algorithm adapting its micro-kernel to exploit the hardware-supported dot product kernel in the GAP8; (2) explicitly orchestrates the data transfers across the hierarchy of scratchpad memories via DMA (direct memory access); and (3) operates with integer arithmetic.
Modeling oil price uncertainty effects on economic growth in Mexico: a sector-level analysis
Authors: Rodríguez-Benavides Domingo , Andrés-Rosales Roldán , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Irfan Muhammad
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes the impact of international oil price uncertainty on the different economic sectors (primary, secondary, and tertiary) in Mexico in the period 1993:1–2020:4 through a bivariate structural vector autoregressive (VAR) model with a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) in mean to capture the impact of oil volatility on economic growth at the sectoral level of economic activity. The results show that the uncertainty of the international price of oil has a differentiated effect on the different sectors of economic activity in Mexico since it does not influence the primary sector; it negatively impacts the secondary sector, and there is mixed evidence in the tertiary sector. Additionally, evidence is provided that both positive and negative shocks to the international oil price have asymmetric effects at the sectoral level in Mexico. The results highlight the need to implement public policies, at the country level, that help mitigate the effect of uncertainty in the oil market and promote economic stability at the sector level.
Mechanical assessment of energy wall in the long term
Authors: Dai Quanwei , Zhang Dongmei , Li Zili
Published: May 2022

Embedded retaining walls equipped with ground heat exchangers is one kind of energy geostructures, harvesting the shallow ground energy for heating and cooling buildings. However, past investigations mainly focus on the thermal assessment of energy walls, but pay limited attention to mechanical wall behavior and associated ground response. At present, there is no standard preliminary code for assessing the long-term mechanical performance of energy walls. In this study, a comprehensive literature review is conducted to summarize the existing studies on the long-term mechanical behavior of both conventional retaining walls and thermo-active ones, respectively. The review identifies three most critical mechanical factors for energy walls (i.e., horizontal wall movement, ground settlement, and basement heave), while their permissible values can be referred to standard preliminary design criteria of conventional retaining walls in the short-term and limited long-term field measurements. For elaborating the application of design criteria, a parametric study is implemented to evaluate the long-term mechanical performance of energy walls in stiff clay under various thermal conditions, including the influence of thermal solicitations, station temperature and asymmetrical operation mode. The vivid assessing results show that the thermal-induced mechanical movements due to geothermal operation may cause unfavorable serviceability issues (e.g., cracks), but are unlikely to bring critical damages to the structural performance. The identified critical mechanical factors and evaluation of thermal influences in this study provide some guidance for the mechanical assessment of long-term energy wall behavior, particularly in the light of limited field measurements and demonstration cases.
Cloud-Based Optimal Control of Individual Borehole Heat Exchangers in a Geothermal Field
Authors: Stoffel Phillip , Kümpel Alexander , Müller Dirk
Published: May 2022

Integrating renewable energy sources is a crucial component in reducing CO2 emissions in the building sector. In particular, shallow geothermal energy is expected to play a significant role in the regenerative energy supply of buildings. An effective control strategy for the geothermal field is crucial to reduce the overall energy consumption. This paper analyzes the benefits of controlling an existing field’s individual borehole heat exchangers (BHE) using nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) and moving horizon estimation. The considered geothermal field consists of 41 BHEs and is used for heating and cooling. Each BHE is equipped with temperature sensors for in- and outflow and has individually controllable valves, while a central hydraulic pump feeds all BHEs. The sensor measurements are accessed through a cloud platform, enabling also set point writing for the pump speed and the valve positions. To control the BHEs individually, we propose a two-stage process. In the calibration stage, a moving horizon estimator estimates the actual borehole and ground temperatures for each BHE. In the second stage, first, a nonlinear model predictive controller optimizes the number of active BHEs necessary to meet the buildings’ energy demand. With the estimated ground temperatures as a basis, it is determined which BHEs shall be (de)-activated. The active BHEs are fed with a fixed volume flow of 24 L/min to ensure turbulent heat transfer. To reduce the power usage of the pumps, an optimal control problem based on a simple hydraulic model of the geothermal field is used. The methodology is analyzed through simulations first and then validated experimentally. The results show that half or more of the BHEs could be deactivated most of the time, leading to 67% savings in electricity consumption by the hydraulic pump.

The experimental validation confirms the high energy saving potential of the proposed methodology, reducing the consumption of electrical energy by 71%. Additionally, the deactivated BHEs regenerate faster and improve the field’s long-term behavior. In conclusion, the proposed strategy improves the short and long-term performance of the geothermal field.
Machine Learning for Cataract Classification/Grading on Ophthalmic Imaging Modalities: A Survey
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Qing , Hu Yan , Xiao Zun-Jie , Fang Jian-Sheng , Higashita Risa , Liu Jiang
Published: May 2022

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness globally. Over the years, researchers have achieved significant progress in developing state-of-the-art machine learning techniques for automatic cataract classification and grading, aiming to prevent cataracts early and improve clinicians’ diagnosis efficiency. This survey provides a comprehensive survey of recent advances in machine learning techniques for cataract classification/grading based on ophthalmic images. We summarize existing literature from two research directions: conventional machine learning methods and deep learning methods. This survey also provides insights into existing works of both merits and limitations. In addition, we discuss several challenges of automatic cataract classification/grading based on machine learning techniques and present possible solutions to these challenges for future research.
Paradigm Shift in Natural Language Processing
Authors: Sun Tian-Xiang , Liu Xiang-Yang , Qiu Xi-Peng , Huang Xuan-Jing
Published: May 2022

In the era of deep learning, modeling for most natural language processing (NLP) tasks has converged into several mainstream paradigms. For example, we usually adopt the sequence labeling paradigm to solve a bundle of tasks such as POS-tagging, named entity recognition (NER), and chunking, and adopt the classification paradigm to solve tasks like sentiment analysis. With the rapid progress of pre-trained language models, recent years have witnessed a rising trend of paradigm shift, which is solving one NLP task in a new paradigm by reformulating the task. The paradigm shift has achieved great success on many tasks and is becoming a promising way to improve model performance. Moreover, some of these paradigms have shown great potential to unify a large number of NLP tasks, making it possible to build a single model to handle diverse tasks. In this paper, we review such phenomenon of paradigm shifts in recent years, highlighting several paradigms that have the potential to solve different NLP tasks.
Evaluation of the Interaction of Sex Hormones and Cardiovascular Function and Health
Authors: Willemars Myrthe M. A. , Nabben Miranda , Verdonschot Job A. J. , Hoes Martijn F.
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

Sex hormones drive development and function of reproductive organs or the development of secondary sex characteristics but their effects on the cardiovascular system are poorly understood. In this review, we identify the gaps in our understanding of the interaction between sex hormones and the cardiovascular system.

Recent Findings

Studies are progressively elucidating molecular functions of sex hormones in specific cell types in parallel with the initiation of crucial large randomized controlled trials aimed at improving therapies for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) associated with aberrant levels of sex hormones.

In contrast with historical assumptions, we now understand that men and women show different symptoms and progression of CVDs. Abnormal levels of sex hormones pose an independent risk for CVD, which is apparent in conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and menopause. Moreover, sex hormone–based therapies remain understudied and may not be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Neural Control of Action Selection Among Innate Behaviors
Authors: Jiang Xinyu , Pan Yufeng
Published: May 2022

Nervous systems must not only generate specific adaptive behaviors, such as reproduction, aggression, feeding, and sleep, but also select a single behavior for execution at any given time, depending on both internal states and external environmental conditions. Despite their tremendous biological importance, the neural mechanisms of action selection remain poorly understood. In the past decade, studies in the model animalDrosophila melanogasterhave demonstrated valuable neural mechanisms underlying action selection of innate behaviors. In this review, we summarize circuit mechanisms with a particular focus on a small number of sexually dimorphic neurons in controlling action selection among sex, fight, feeding, and sleep behaviors in both sexes of flies. We also discuss potentially conserved circuit configurations and neuromodulation of action selection in both the fly and mouse models, aiming to provide insights into action selection and the sexually dimorphic prioritization of innate behaviors.
Social skills and sports: Pupils of an elite school of sports are more competitive and cooperative
Authors: Haas André , Wäsche Hagen , Wittelsberger Rita , Nieken Petra , Woll Alexander
Published: May 2022

It is frequently observed that individuals who actively practice sports also do well in other domains of life, e.g., the labor market. While the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it is often argued that sports participation is embedded in a setting which fosters qualities which prove advantageous beyond sports. In the present paper, we examine competitive and cooperative behavior in children aged 10–13 years. Rather than on individual levels of sports participation, the focus is on the institutional setting of an elite school of sports (ESS) as compared to regular upper secondary schools. To obtain measures for competitiveness and cooperativeness, we utilize experimental methods which are established in economics. Our results show that ESS students are both more competitive and more cooperative than their counterparts at regular schools.
Geometric algebra for sets with betweenness relations
Authors: Jost Jürgen , Wenzel Walter
Published: May 2022

Given a betweenness relation on a nonempty set E, a certain abelian group $${\mathbb {T}}= {{\mathbb {T}}}_E$$

T
=

T
E

given in terms of generators and relations is investigated. This group controls the given betweenness relation in an algebraic form. That is, the group structure algebraically unfolds geometric relations, and in turn allows us to read off geometric properties from algebraic relations emerging from them. The most important examples for betweenness relations arise from ordered sets on the one side and from intervals in metric spaces on the other side. The structure of $${\mathbb {T}}$$
T
will be determined completely in case of totally ordered sets as well as for several classes of metric spaces.
Boron-modified perhydropolysilazane towards facile synthesis of amorphous SiBN ceramic with excellent thermal stability
Authors: Zhan Ying , Li Wei , Jiang Tianshu , Fasel Claudia , Ricohermoso Emmanuel , Bernauer Jan , Yu Zhaoju , Wu Zhenghao , Müller-Plathe Florian , Molina-Luna Leopoldo , Grottenmüller Ralf , Riedel Ralf
Published: May 2022

SiBN ceramics are widely considered to be the most promising material for microwave-transparent applications in harsh environments owing to its excellent thermal stability and low dielectric constant. This work focuses on the synthesis and ceramization of single-source precursors for the preparation of SiBN ceramics as well as the investigation of the corresponding microstructural evolution at high temperatures including molecular dynamic simulations. Carbon- and chlorine-free perhydropolysilazanes were reacted with borane dimethyl sulfide complex at different molar ratios to synthesize single-source precursors, which were subsequently pyrolyzed and annealed under N2atmosphere (without ammonolysis) to prepare SiBN ceramics at 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C with high ceramic yield in contrast to previously widely-used ammonolysis synthesis process. The obtained amorphous SiBN ceramics were shown to have remarkably improved thermal stability and oxidation resistance compared to amorphous silicon nitride. Particularly, the experimental results have been combined with molecular dynamics simulation to further study the amorphous structure of SiBN and the atomic-scale diffusion behavior of Si, B, and N at 1300 °C. Incorporation of boron into the Si—N network is found to suppress the crystallization of the formed amorphous silicon nitride and hence improves its thermal stability in N2atmosphere.
Sex differences and associations between zinc deficiency and anemia among hospitalized adolescents and young adults with eating disorders
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Bojorquez-Ramirez Paola , Nguyen Anthony , Ganson Kyle T. , McDonald Christine M. , Machen Vanessa I. , Downey Amanda , Buckelew Sara M. , Garber Andrea K.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To determine sex differences in and associations between zinc deficiency and anemia among adolescents and young adults hospitalized for medical complications of eating disorders.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of 601 patients aged 9–25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical instability, between May 2012 and August 2020. Descriptive statistics, crude, and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between zinc deficiency (< 55 mcg/dL) and anemia (< 13.6 g/dL in males [M] and < 11.8 g/dL in females [F]).

Results

A total of 87 males and 450 females met eligibility criteria (age 15.98 ± 2.81, 59.4% anorexia nervosa; admission body mass index 17.49 ± 2.82). In unadjusted comparisons, plasma zinc in males and females were not statistically different (M 64.88 ± 14.89 mcg/dL vs F 63.81 ± 13.96 mcg/dL, p = 0.517); moreover, there were no differences in the percentage of males and females with zinc deficiency (M 24.14% vs F 24.89%). However, a greater percentage of males than females were anemic (M 50.00% vs F 17.61%, p < 0.001), with similar findings in the subgroup with anorexia nervosa. In logistic regression models stratified by sex and eating disorder diagnosis, zinc deficiency was significantly associated with anemia in males (AOR 3.43, 95% CI 1.16, 10.13), but not females (AOR 1.47, 95% CI 0.86, 2.54).

Conclusions

For the first time, we demonstrate that zinc deficiency is equally severe in males compared to females hospitalized with medical complications from eating disorders, with nearly a quarter of inpatients experiencing zinc deficiency. Anemia is more common in males than females hospitalized with eating disorders.

Level of evidence

Level V: descriptive cross-sectional study.
The effect of ageing on fat infiltration of thigh and paraspinal muscles in men
Authors: Engelke Klaus , Ghasemikaram Mansour , Chaudry Oliver , Uder Michael , Nagel Armin M. , Jakob Franz , Kemmler Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

Background

Myosteatosis, skeletal muscle fat infiltration, is associated with inflammation and fibrosis. The age-related increase of myosteatosis is an important characteristic of sarcopenia and contributes to fragility.

Aims

To investigate the impact of healthy aging on intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and muscle fat fraction (FF) in the thigh and the paraspinal muscles in males.

Methods

In 54 healthy males (age 20–70), all active hobby golfers, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to determine volume of IMAT, volume of muscle tissue (MT) and of percentage of FF.

Results

Between ages 20–70, at the thigh, IMAT/MT volume and MT FF increased annually by 2.9% and 1.3%, respectively. At the psoas IMAT/Psoas volume did not change with age. MT FF increased by 1.5% annually. At the erector spinae IMAT/Erector volume decreased by 0.3% and MT FF increased by 2.8% annually.

Discussion

With increasing age, in males, thigh muscle atrophied, muscle tissue was partly replaced by adipose tissue and remaining muscle tissue also contained more fat. Similar effects were observed in the erector spinae. The psoas muscle did not atrophy, although MT FF also increased with age. Overall correlations with age were weak to moderate with higher correlations observed in the paraspinal muscles.

Conclusions

Age-related increases of muscle fat infiltration were observed in the thigh and in the spine. Muscle atrophy did not occur in the psoas. In cross-sectional studies, an adjustment of volumetric parameters by muscle volume is advisable when comparing age-dependent results.
Racial Disparities in Climate Change-Related Health Effects in the United States
Authors: Berberian Alique G. , Gonzalez David J. X. , Cushing Lara J.
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

Climate change is causing warming over most parts of the USA and more extreme weather events. The health impacts of these changes are not experienced equally. We synthesize the recent evidence that climatic changes linked to global warming are having a disparate impact on the health of people of color, including children.

Recent Findings

Multiple studies of heat, extreme cold, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires find evidence that people of color, including Black, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Asian communities are at higher risk of climate-related health impacts than Whites, although this is not always the case. Studies of adults have found evidence of racial disparities related to climatic changes with respect to mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular disease, mental health, and heat-related illness. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, and infants and children of color have experienced adverse perinatal outcomes, occupational heat stress, and increases in emergency department visits associated with extreme weather.

The evidence strongly suggests climate change is an environmental injustice that is likely to exacerbate existing racial disparities across a broad range of health outcomes.
The use of deep learning methods in low-dose computed tomography image reconstruction: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Minghan , Gu Sai , Shi Yuhui
Published: May 2022

Conventional reconstruction techniques, such as filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR), which have been utilised widely in the image reconstruction process of computed tomography (CT) are not suitable in the case of low-dose CT applications, because of the unsatisfying quality of the reconstructed image and inefficient reconstruction time. Therefore, as the demand for CT radiation dose reduction continues to increase, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in image reconstruction has become a trend that attracts more and more attention. This systematic review examined various deep learning methods to determine their characteristics, availability, intended use and expected outputs concerning low-dose CT image reconstruction. Utilising the methodology of Kitchenham and Charter, we performed a systematic search of the literature from 2016 to 2021 in Springer, Science Direct, arXiv, PubMed, ACM, IEEE, and Scopus. This review showed that algorithms using deep learning technology are superior to traditional IR methods in noise suppression, artifact reduction and structure preservation, in terms of improving the image quality of low-dose reconstructed images. In conclusion, we provided an overview of the use of deep learning approaches in low-dose CT image reconstruction together with their benefits, limitations, and opportunities for improvement.
Multiple Andreev reflections effect spectroscopy of LiFeAs single crystals: three superconducting order parameters and their temperature evolution
Authors: Kuzmichev Svetoslav , Kuzmicheva Tatiana , Morozov Igor , Boltalin Alexander , Shilov Andrey
Published: May 2022

The structure of the superconducting order parameter of LiFeAs is studied by incoherent multiple Andreev reflections effect (IMARE) spectroscopy. The high transparent superconductor–thin normal metal–superconductor (SnS) contacts are created by a planar “break-junction” technique. Below $$T_c \approx 17.5$$

T
c

≈
17.5

 K, the obtained I(V) and dI(V)/dV characteristics of SnS junctions show a presence of at least three bulk superconducting order parameters in LiFeAs. We directly determine the magnitudes, characteristic ratios, and temperature dependences of the superconducting gaps and discuss their symmetry.
Land use/land cover change analysis using geospatial techniques: a case of Geba watershed, western Ethiopia
Authors: Moisa Mitiku Badasa , Dejene Indale Niguse , Hinkosa Lachisa Busha , Gemeda Dessalegn Obsi
Published: May 2022

Land use/land cover change is a global environmental problem that significantly affects sustainable development and environmental quality. Anthropogenic activities are one of the main driving forces of land use/land cover change in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study is conducted in the Geba watershed in southwestern parts of Ethiopia. This study aimed to analyze the land use/land cover change over the past thirty years using geospatial technologies. The present study uses Landsat TM 1990, Landsat ETM + 2003, and OLI/TIRS 2020 to examine the land use/land cover change between 1990 and 2020. Land use/land cover classes are classified using a supervised classification method with the maximum likelihood technique. Results show that the agricultural land increased significantly, from 1786.6 km2 (37.2%) in 1990 to 3163.2 km2 (65.8%) in 2020, representing an increased rate of 45.9 km2/year. On the other hand, dense forest has declined from 2129.2 km2 (44.3%) in 1990 to 1127.8 km2 (23.5%) in 2020, which declines by the rate of 33.4 km2/year. Our findings suggest that sustainable land use planning and management are critically important in the study area.