bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean‐square strong stability and stabilization of discrete‐time stochastic systems with multiplicative noises
Authors: Yan Zhiguo , Su Fangxu , Gao Zhiwei
Published: April 2022

This article investigates the mean‐square strong stability and stabilization of a discrete‐time stochastic system corrupted by multiplicative noises. First, the definition of the mean‐square (MS) strong stability is addressed to avoid overshoots in system dynamics, and two necessary and sufficient conditions for the MS‐strong stability are derived. Moreover, the relationship between MS‐strong stability and MS‐stability is given. Second, some necessary and sufficient conditions of the MS‐strong stabilization via state feedback (SF) and output feedback are obtained, respectively. Furthermore, analytical expressions of SF controller and static output feedback (SOF) controller are proposed, respectively. Finally, an equivalent design method for SOF controller and dynamic output feedback controller is presented.
High‐Efficiency Microcavity Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics with Simultaneously Improved Average Visible Transmittance and Color Rendering Index
Authors: Bai Yiming , Han Fei , Shi Rongkang , Wang Fuzhi , Jiang Shan , Wang Jun , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: April 2022

Semitransparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) with vivid colors offer attractive prospects in aesthetical power‐generating windows. Unfortunately, they still suffer from certain limitations since the common approach for generating different colors is to adopt various photoactive layers, which complicates production processes and results in process‐induced performance deviations. Additionally, efficient ST‐OSCs with simultaneously improved average visible transmittance (AVT) and color rendering index (CRI) remain still challenging due to the trade‐off between photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) and AVT besides the interdependent/interactive relations of AVT and CRI. Herein, Ag/MoO3/Ag microcavity structure is introduced to delicately tune the absorption spectra of PM6:Y6 active material. The Ag/MoO3/Ag microcavity endows freely tunable colors to devices and meanwhile functions as a hole‐collecting layer. Under the guidance of optical simulation, the rationally designed ST‐OSCs with Ag/MoO3/Ag microcavity and Hf(ACB1)4 electron collection layer display good eye comfort colors (purple, sky blue, cyan, green, and magenta) independently of the inherent color of PM6:Y6 active material, and show a close to 12% PCE with an AVT of 23.69% and a CRI of 92.5 for cyan devices. This work provides a practical way for achieving efficient ST‐OSCs with simultaneously improved AVT and CRI, and using them in building‐integrated photovoltaics as multicolored photovoltaic glass windows.
Micro‐IDE: A tool platform for generating efficient deployment alternatives based on microservices
Authors: Karabey Aksakallı Işıl , Çelik Turgay , Can Ahmet Burak , Tekinerdoğan Bedir
Published: April 2022

Microservice architecture (MSA) is a paradigm to design and develop scalable distributed applications using loosely coupled, highly cohesive components that can be deployed independently. The applications that realize the MSA may contain thousands of services that together form the overall system. Microservices interact with each other by producing and consuming data. Deploying frequently communicating services to the same physical resource would reduce network utilization, which is vital for reducing costs and improving scalability. Since the physical resources have limited capacity, it is not always possible to deploy communicating services to the same resource. Therefore, automated efficient deployment alternatives need to be generated for MSA in the design phase. To address this problem, we proposed an algorithmic approach to generate efficient microservice deployment configurations to available cloud resources in our previous study. In this study, a tool (Micro‐IDE) has been proposed to realize and evaluate this approach. The Micro‐IDE tool has been validated using a case study inspired by the Spotify application.
Characterization and in‐silico toxicity prediction of the oxidative degradation products of Pimozide
Authors: Chodankar Rahul , Mahajan Anand
Published: April 2022

The investigation's objective was to access the stability of the drug substance Pimozide under the stress conditions specified in the International Conference on Harmonization Q1A(R2) guideline and to separate, identify, and characterize the degradation products by using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry studies without isolating them from the reaction mixture. It was observed that the drug was susceptible to oxidative degradation (15% hydrogen peroxide, 48 h, room temperature) forming four novel degradation products while being stable under hydrolytic, Photolytic, and thermal conditions. The separation of the drug and the degradation products was achieved with good resolution on a Phenomenex C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) using gradient elution. The fragmentation pattern constructed from the liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time of flight mass spectrometry data was used for structural characterization of the degradation products. Lastly, the in‐silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties prediction was performed by using in‐silico tools like the pKCSM webserver, ToxTree, and OSIRIS property explorer. The primary screening through the pKCSM webserver exposed the hepatoxic and the mutagenic potential of Pimozide, 1‐(1‐(4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐phenylbutyl) piperidin‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐one (degradation product 3) and 1‐(4,4‐bis(4‐fluorophenyl)butyl)‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)piperidine 1‐oxide (degradation product 5) whereas, 1‐(1‐(4,4‐diphenylbutyl) piperidin‐4‐yl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐ol (degradation product 1) was predicted to only possess mutagenic potential. Secondary screening for mutagenicity was done by using ToxTree and OSIRIS property explorer.
Integration of all‐printed zinc ion microbattery and glucose sensor toward onsite quick detections
Authors: Jiang Kang , Wen Xi , Deng Yuxian , Zhou Zeyan , Weng Qunhong
Published: April 2022

Rational design of microsystems and efficient integration of various functional modules that can directly realize the aimed functions are very attractive for portable and onsite practical applications, which is also significant in developing miniaturized and intelligent electronics and equipment. Unlike the conventional electrochemical glucose sensors that always need auxiliary complex systems for power supply, signal processing, and feedbacks, we design an all‐printed glucose sensor integrated with a zinc ion microbattery (ZIMB) as a micropower source for portable and onsite quick glucose detections. The integrated glucose sensor (GS) and ZIMB (iGS‐ZIMB) system possesses a high areal energy density of 247.3 μWh/cm2 and power density of 1193 μW/cm2 and exhibits high sensitivity up to 464.2 μA/mM/cm2, wide linear range of 0.5–6.0 mM, and good reproducibility in glucose detections. Through a simple amplification circuit design, the glucose concentration signals could be displayed within a short response time of 1.6 s without the need of external auxiliary equipment. Such iGS‐ZIMB microsystem has prominent advantages in efficiency and cost and is promising for onsite medical and healthcare applications.
High‐resolution mapping of Yr78, an adult plant resistance gene to wheat stripe rust
Authors: Dang Chen , Zhang Junli , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: April 2022

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is responsible for significant yield losses worldwide, which can be minimized by the deployment of Pst resistance genes. Yr78 is an adult plant partial‐resistance gene that has remained effective against the post‐2000 virulent Pst races. In this study, we generated a high‐resolution map of Yr78 based on 6,124 segregating chromosomes. We mapped Yr78 within a 0.05‐cM interval on the short arm of chromosome 6B, which corresponds to an 11.16 Mb region between TraesCS6B02G116200 and TraesCS6B02G118000 in the ‘Chinese Spring’ Ref Seq. v1.1 genome. This interval is likely larger because it includes the unassembled NOR‐B2 region, which may have contributed to the low recombination rate detected in this region. The Yr78 candidate region includes 15 genes that were prioritized for future functional studies based on their annotated function and polymorphisms between susceptible and resistant genotypes. Using exome capture data, we identified five major haplotypes in the candidate gene region, with the H1 haplotype associated with Yr78. The H1 haplotype was not detected in tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) but was found in ∼30% of the common wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.), suggesting that the associated resistance to stripe rust may have favored the selection of this haplotype. We developed two diagnostic molecular markers for the H1 haplotype that will facilitate the deployment of Yr78 in wheat breeding programs.
Morbid obesity increases death and dropout from the liver transplantation waiting list: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Delacôte Claire , Favre Mathilde , El Amrani Medhi , Ningarhari Massih , Lemaitre Elise , Ntandja‐Wandji Line Carolle , Bauvin Pierre , Boleslawski Emmanuel , Millet Guillaume , Truant Stephanie , Mathurin Philippe , Louvet Alexandre , Canva Valérie , Lebuffe Gilles , Pruvot François René , Dharancy Sébastien , Lassailly Guillaume ,   The French ABM study group
Published: April 2022

Liver transplant (LT) candidates with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 kg/m2 have lower access to a liver graft without clear explanation. Thus, we studied the impact of obesity on the waiting list (WL) and aimed to explore graft proposals and refusal.

Method

Data between January 2007 and December 2017 were extracted from the French prospective national database: CRISTAL. Competing risk analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of receiving LT. Competitive events were (1) death/WL removal for disease aggravation or (2) improvement. The link between grade obesity, grafts propositions, and reason for refusal was studied.

Results

15,184 patients were analysed: 10,813 transplant, 2847 death/dropout for aggravation, 748 redirected for improvement, and 776 censored. Mortality/dropout were higher in BMI over 35 (18% vs. 14% 1 year after listing) than in other candidates. In multivariate analysis, BMI>35, age, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites were independent predictors of death/dropout. Candidates with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 had reduced access to LT, without differences in graft proposals. However, grafts refusal was more frequent especially for ‘morphological incompatibility’ (14.9% vs. 12.7% p < 0.01).

Conclusion

BMI over 35 kg/m2 reduces access to LT with increased risk of dropout and mortality. Increased mortality and dropout could be due to a lower access to liver graft secondary to increased graft refusal for morphological incompatibility.
Evaluation of Critical Structural Assemblies
Authors: Azinović Boris , Kilar Vojko , Koren David
Published: April 2022

The chapter presents the proposed evaluation methodology, which includes evaluation from the technical & structural, and environmental & energy-efficiency aspects. All the parameters and the evaluation criteria are described in detail, and guidelines for the design of structural energy-efficient buildings in earthquake-prone areas are provided. The methodology facilitates the separation of details that are more critical from the aspect of earthquake resistance and energy efficiency on the basis of simple engineering approaches.
The University Mission Before, During and After COVID
Authors: Benner Mats , Grant Jonathan , O’Kane Mary
Published: April 2022

This chapter outlines the background and theoretical assumptions of the book: that universities have evolved intertwined with societal development, and that the role of service to society has been ingrained in universities from their onset. The chapter introduces notions of disruption and rupture as characteristic of the university-society relationship, with the pandemic as only one of many instances in history. Finally, the chapter outlines a theory of power within universities to conceptualise how decisions are made and how the interface between universities and their surrounding society evolves.
The Lived Experience of Students During the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Benner Mats , Grant Jonathan , O’Kane Mary
Published: April 2022

This chapter is composed of short recollections of events during the pandemic, in particular how the experience of individual students coalesced with organisational dynamics in universities, and how each of the contributors responded to and was affected by the pandemic, both on a personal and a professional level. In this chapter, the experiences of students are showcased, and how they adapted in their ways of doing studies and relating to one another as a group, and how they aligned societal needs with professional development.
Closing Reflections and Lessons Learnt for the Future
Authors: Benner Mats , Grant Jonathan , O’Kane Mary
Published: April 2022

This chapter connects the theoretical assumptions with the institutional portraits and the individual autobiographies of the book, relating these observations to the future of universities and how they may reduce vulnerabilities, in society at large, in the academic system, and within themselves.
How Teachers and Students Conceive Music Education: Towards Changing Mentalities
Authors: Pérez Echeverría María Puy
Published: April 2022

For some time now Nieves has been pondering and turning things over in her mind about how to give her piano lessons. Although she has several years of experience as a teacher in the conservatory of music and as a pianist, lately she has not been satisfied with her students or the results they are getting from her teaching.
SAPEA: A System for the Analysis of Instrumental Learning and Teaching Practices
Authors: Pozo Juan Ignacio , Pérez Echeverría María Puy , López-Íñiguez Guadalupe , Casas-Mas Amalia
Published: April 2022

As we have just seen in previous chapters, ways of learning and teaching are determined by how teachers and students conceive of their learning and teaching functions: what do they think learning and teaching is? What are the goals they hope to achieve? What must the student do to learn and how can the teacher help them? what should evaluation consist of? etc.
Effective high-throughput isolation of enriched platelets and circulating pro-angiogenic cells to accelerate skin-wound healing
Authors: Erratico Silvia , Belicchi Marzia , Meregalli Mirella , Di Silvestre Dario , Tripodi Luana , De Palma Antonella , Jones Rebecca , Ferrari Emanuele , Porretti Laura , Trombetta Elena , Merlo Giorgio R. , Mauri Pierluigi , Torrente Yvan
Published: April 2022

Delayed wound healing and chronic skin lesions represent a major health problem. Over the past years, growth factors mediated by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and cell-based therapies were developed as effective and affordable treatment able to improve wound healing capacity. We have advanced existing concepts to develop a highly efficient high-throughput protocol with proven application for the isolation of PRP and pro-angiogenic cells (AngioPRP). This protocol outlines the effectiveness of AngioPRP in promoting the critical healing process including wound closure, re-epithelialization, granulation tissue growth, and blood vessel regeneration. We coupled this effect with normalization of mechanical properties of rescued mouse wounds, which is sustained by a correct arrangement of elastin and collagen fibers. Proteomic analysis of treated wounds demonstrated a fingerprint of AngioPRP based on the up-regulation of detoxification pathway of glutathione metabolism, correlated to a decrease in inflammatory response. Overall, these results have enabled us to provide a framework for how AngioPRP supports wound healing, opening avenues for further clinical advances.
Die informierte Entscheidung als Ziel von evidenzbasierten Gesundheitsinformationen: Das Beispiel Krebsfrüherkennung
Authors: Schröer-Günther Milly , Koch Klaus
Published: April 2022

Um Menschen eine informierte Entscheidung über die Teilnahme an Krebsfrüherkennungsuntersuchungen zu ermöglichen, müssen neben den Vorteilen auch Nachteile wie medizinische Risiken kommuniziert werden. Die in solchen Entscheidungshilfen enthaltenen Informationen sollten evidenzbasiert, neutral, ausgewogen und verständlich sowie in ihrem Umfang angemessen sein. Das Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWiG) wurde in den Jahren 2014 und 2015 vom Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (G-BA) beauftragt, Entscheidungshilfen in Form von Broschüren zur Teilnahme am Mammografie‑, Darmkrebs- und Zervixkarzinomscreening zu erstellen, die inzwischen im Einsatz sind.

In diesem Beitrag wird die Entwicklung der Entscheidungshilfen beschrieben, wobei der Fokus auf deren Inhalten und den Ergebnissen der extern durchgeführten Nutzertestungen liegt. Letztere ergaben, dass 10–20 % der Testerinnen und Tester nach dem Lesen ihre Einstellung zur Teilnahme an der Früherkennungsuntersuchung innerhalb der 3 Kategorien „teilnahmebereit“, „unentschlossen“ und „nicht teilnahmebereit“ geändert haben. Das weist darauf hin, dass eine informierte Entscheidung durch die Materialien unterstützt wird. Die Nutzertestungen trugen dazu bei, die Entscheidungshilfen noch besser an die Informationsbedürfnisse der angesprochenen Gruppen anzupassen.
Composition, thickness, and homogeneity of the coating of core–shell nanoparticles—possibilities, limits, and challenges of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Radnik Jörg , Knigge Xenia , Andresen Elina , Resch-Genger Ute , Cant David J. H. , Shard Alex G. , Clifford Charles A.
Published: April 2022

Core–shell nanoparticles have attracted much attention in recent years due to their unique properties and their increasing importance in many technological and consumer products. However, the chemistry of nanoparticles is still rarely investigated in comparison to their size and morphology. In this review, the possibilities, limits, and challenges of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for obtaining more insights into the composition, thickness, and homogeneity of nanoparticle coatings are discussed with four examples: CdSe/CdS quantum dots with a thick coating and a small core; NaYF4-based upconverting nanoparticles with a large Yb-doped core and a thin Er-doped coating; and two types of polymer nanoparticles with a poly(tetrafluoroethylene) core with either a poly(methyl methacrylate) or polystyrene coating. Different approaches for calculating the thickness of the coating are presented, like a simple numerical modelling or a more complex simulation of the photoelectron peaks. Additionally, modelling of the XPS background for the investigation of coating is discussed. Furthermore, the new possibilities to measure with varying excitation energies or with hard-energy X-ray sources (hard-energy X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) are described. A discussion about the sources of uncertainty for the determination of the thickness of the coating completes this review.
Electrochemical sensors based on sewage sludge–derived biochar for the analysis of anthocyanins in berry fruits
Authors: Sfragano Patrick Severin , Laschi Serena , Renai Lapo , Fichera Michelangelo , Del Bubba Massimo , Palchetti Ilaria
Published: April 2022

The reutilization of waste and the reduction of the general environmental impact of every production are fundamental goals that must be achieved in the framework of a circular economy. Recycled carbon-rich materials may represent a promising alternative to other less-sustainable carbonaceous materials used in the production of electrochemical sensing platforms. Herein, we propose an innovative carbon paste electrode (CPE) composed of biochar derived from biological sludge obtained from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. The physicochemical properties of the biochar after a chemical treatment with an acidic solution obtained from industrial by-products were investigated. The electrode surface characterization was carried out by analyzing common redox probes and multiple phenols bearing varying numbers of –OH and –OCH3 groups in their structure. Furthermore, the CPE was also tested on the evaluation of the phenolic fingerprints of Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uliginosum subsp. gaultherioides, and Fragaria × ananassa. Standard anthocyanin mixtures and extracts of the aforementioned fruits were analyzed to provide a phenolic characterization of real samples. The obtained results show that the sewage sludge–derived biochar can be a promising material for the development of electroanalytical sensors.

Graphical abstract
Occurrence and Temporal Variation of Technology-Critical Elements in North Sea Sediments—A Determination of Preliminary Reference Values
Authors: Klein Ole , Zimmermann Tristan , Ebeling Anna , Kruse Madita , Kirchgeorg Torben , Pröfrock Daniel
Published: April 2022

As interest in the investigation of possible sources and environmental sinks of technology-critical elements (TCEs) continues to grow, the demand for reliable background level information of these elements in environmental matrices increases. In this study, a time series of ten years of sediment samples from two different regions of the German North Sea were analyzed for their mass fractions of Ga, Ge, Nb, In, REEs, and Ta (grain size fraction < 20 µm). Possible regional differences were investigated in order to determine preliminary reference values for these regions. Throughout the investigated time period, only minor variations in the mass fractions were observed and both regions did not show significant differences. Calculated local enrichment factors ranging from 0.6 to 2.3 for all TCEs indicate no or little pollution in the investigated areas. Consequently, reference values were calculated using two different approaches (Median + 2 median absolute deviation (M2MAD) and Tukey inner fence (TIF)). Both approaches resulted in consistent threshold values for the respective regions ranging from 158 µg kg−1 for In to 114 mg kg−1 for Ce. As none of the threshold values exceed the observed natural variation of TCEs in marine and freshwater sediments, they may be considered baseline values of the German Bight for future studies.

Graphical Abstract
Iconic but Invasive: The Public Perception of the Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) in Switzerland
Authors: Tonellotto Matteo , Fehr Vincent , Conedera Marco , Hunziker Marcel , Pezzatti Gianni Boris
Published: April 2022

Biological invasions strongly increased during the last centuries and are challenging environmental managers worldwide. In this context, public acceptance of management measures is a key factor determining the long-term success of the control of invasive species. However, in the case of charismatic and iconic invasive species, the public has often been unwilling to accept strict management measures. Here, we studied the public perception of the Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) in Switzerland, which is declared as invasive in southern Switzerland but also recognized as iconic. We conducted a nation-wide online survey in the multilingual and multicultural context of Switzerland, investigating the influence of social and cultural factors on the knowledge of, the attitude toward, and the willingness to control the invasive T. fortunei. Results confirm that the knowledge and perception of invasive plants have a strong social and cultural component and may vary greatly as a function of the cultural background, education level, age, and other social characteristics. Furthermore, information on the invasiveness of the focal species provided during the survey significantly affected informants’ perceptions, which are closely related to the acceptance of possible management and control measures. This allows us to highlight the importance of a holistic approach that includes targeted public information when dealing with biological invasions, especially in the case of charismatic and iconic species. Based on the obtained results, we suggest avenues for refining management and control strategies of T. fortunei in Switzerland, many of which generally applicable to other cases of invasive species.
Consensus on intratympanic drug delivery for Menière’s disease
Authors: Li Shuna , Pyykkö Ilmari , Zhang Qing , Yang Jun , Duan Maoli
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Intratympanic (IT) drug delivery receives attention due to its effectivity in treatment for Menière’s disease (MD). Due to the release of the consensuses and new evidence on IT drug delivery for MD have been published, the review with a view to supplementing the details of IT treatment of MD is indispensable.

Methods

The literatures on IT injection for MD treatment over the last two decades are retrieved, International consensus (ICON) on treatment of Menière’s disease (2018), Clinical Practice Guideline (2020) and European Position statement on Diagnosis and Treatment of Meniere’s Disease (2018) are taken into account for reference, and follow advice from experts from Europe, USA and China.

Results

Experts agree on the following: (1) The effectiveness of IT methylprednisolone (ITM) on vertigo control seems to be somewhat better than that of IT dexamethasone (ITD), and ITM can restore hearing in some cases. (2) Due to the ototoxicity of aminoglycosides, the application of intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) in MD patients with good hearing is conservative. However, some studies suggest that ITG with low doses has no significant effect on hearing, which needs to be further proved by clinical studies with high levels of evidence. (3) Currently, generally accepted treatment endpoint of ITG is no vertigo attack in a 12-month period or a vestibular loss in objective tests in the affected ear.

Conclusion

More studies with high level of evidence are needed to evaluate the drug type, efficacy, and therapeutic endpoint of IT therapy for MD.
Variants in genes encoding the SUR1-TRPM4 non-selective cation channel and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): potentially increased risk for cerebral edema
Authors: Qu Dong , Schürmann Peter , Rothämel Thomas , Dörk Thilo , Klintschar Michael
Published: April 2022

Increasing evidence suggests that brain edema might play an important role in the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and that variants of genes for cerebral water channels might be associated with SIDS. The role of the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1)–transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) non-selective cation channel in cerebral edema was demonstrated by extensive studies. Therefore, we hypothesized that variants at genes of the SUR1-TRPM4 channel complex might be linked to SIDS. Twenty-four polymorphisms in candidate genes involved in the SUR1-TRPM4 non-selective cation channel were investigated in 185 SIDS cases and 339 controls. One (rs11667393 in TRPM4) of these analyzed SNPs reached nominal significance regarding an association with SIDS in the overall analysis (additive model: p = 0.015, OR = 1.438, 95% CI = 1.074–1.925; dominant model: p = 0.036; OR = 1.468, 95% CI = 1.024–2.106). In the stratified analysis, further 8 variants in ABCC8 (encoding SUR1) or TRPM4 showed pronounced associations. However, none of the results remained significant after correction for multiple testing. This preliminary study has provided the first evidence for a genetic role of the SUR1-TRPM4 complex in the etiology of SIDS, and we suggest that our initial results should be evaluated by further studies.
Cycling under the influence of alcohol-criminal offenses in a German metropolis
Authors: Bothorn Jan-Bernd , Schwender Holger , Graw Matthias , Kienbaum Peter , Hartung Benno
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Real or simulated cycling tests under the influence of alcohol might be biased by laboratory settings. Accident analyses consider incidents with injuries only. Herein, criminal offenses consisting of drunk cycling are evaluated in detail to fill this gap.

Material and methods

All police-recorded cases of cycling under the influence of alcohol that took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 2009 to 2018 were identified. A total of 388 respective prosecutor’s files were available for analyses.

Results

Mean blood alcohol concentrations were approximately 2 g/kg in both men and women. Men were overrepresented (6:1). Almost 60% of the cases were recorded between Friday and Sunday (the “weekend”). The average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at night (01:00–05:59) was 0.39 g/kg lower than that during the day (06:00–17:59). Drinking after cycling allegations appear almost irrelevant among (German) cyclists. On average, the legal outcomes show 33 daily rates (median: 30). Additionally, the presented data raise doubts about whether the utilized medical tests or the ways in which they are carried out reliably discriminate between different grades of intoxication. Negative tests did not exclude high BACs, nor did positive tests correlate well with BACs.

Discussion/Conclusion

In practice, CUI is seen with BACs above 1.60 g/kg in most cases. BACs below 1.60 g/kg either seem to be a minor problem or they have been incompletely addressed thus far. In summary, to be prosecuted, drunk cyclists have to ride their bikes in either a highly insecure or rude manner or they must cause an accident.
Intravitreal dexamethasone: variation of surgical technique and prevention of ocular complications with ASOCT follow-up
Authors: Nuzzi Raffaele , Rossi Alessandro , Nuzzi Alessia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To verify the correct decision-making procedure on performing an intravitreal injection by investigating the in vivo wound morphology and evolution of 22-gauge wounds after dexamethasone oblique injection with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Design

Prospective, observational consecutive case series.

Methods

Subjects underwent a dexamethasone injection at University Eye Clinic of Turin. All the injections have been performed in an oblique (aka beveled or angled) fashion. Patients were divided according to the number of injections already performed with dexamethasone. Group 1 consisted of patients at the first injection, group 2 of patients at a second or more injection always in the same quadrant, and group 3 of patients at the second or more injection in a different quadrant. The incisions were imaged with the Heidelberg SPECTRALIS OCT device on postoperative days 1, 8, and 15. The main outcome measure was wound structure/characteristics (e.g., presence of gaping) as evaluated with OCT. Surgical and ocular parameters were also recorded.

Results

Thirty-three consecutive patients were investigated. OCT demonstrated closed wounds in all eyes on postoperative days 1, 8, and 15. In all patients, the external (entry) side of the incision was seen as a gape; however, the rest of the wound was closed. No complications were recorded in the different patients during the follow-up. In patients of group 1, we identified the scleral pathway in 10 eyes at day 1. At 8 days in 9 of 10 eyes, the sclera had returned to its restitutio ad integrum. In patients of group 2, the scleral pathway was recognizable on the first day of control; in 7 patients, this was accompanied by the presence of intrascleral edema with peri-wound fluid. At the 8-day checkup, 3 eyes still showed signs attributable to the intrascleral pathway accompanied by peri-wound edema. In group 3, it was possible to identify the intrascleral pathway in 8 patients. There were no signs of intrascleral peri-wound edema or other anatomical changes in 9 patients as early as the first day. In the 8-day follow-up, the signs of scleral edema were absent in the single patient who presented them. At 15 days, there were no signs of scleral pathway in all eyes analyzed.

Conclusions

Speaking of intravitreal injections of slow-release dexamethasone, the technique that involves moving the conjunctiva and a beveled or angled sclerotomy after a careful choice of the injection site, paying attention to vary the quadrant involved with each puncture, reduces the number of days of closure of the sclera via and the scleral damage, thus protecting the patient from complications. For the future, it is hoped that the operating microscope and intraoperative OCT will be used on every occasion.
Font effects on reading parameters: comparing Radner Reading Charts printed in Helvetica and Times Roman
Authors: Radner Wolfgang , Radner Michael , Daxer Barbara , Benesch Thomas , Ettl Armin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To investigate the effect of font choice on reading parameters by using the RADNER Reading Charts printed in two fonts (Helvetica vs. Times Roman) equalized in terms of x-height.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 40 participants with healthy eyes (18 to 60 years of age; mean: 42.13 ± 12.28 years). Reading performance was evaluated binocularly with RADNER Reading Charts printed in either Helvetica Neue (T1) Roman sans serif (Adobe) or Times New Roman PS Roman serif (Adobe). The test distance was 40 cm. Reading charts were presented in random order. Reading acuity (RA), mean reading speed of all sentences read (MEAN-ALL RS), mean reading speed from 0.8 logRAD to 0.3 logRAD (MEAN-RS), maximum reading speed (MAX-RS), and critical print size (CPS) were compared.

Results

The RA values obtained for the Helvetica and Times Roman fonts (in full logarithmic units of 0.1 logRAD) did not differ between the two fonts (mean for both fonts: − 0.128 ± 0.064 logRAD; 95% CI for both: − 0.148; − 0.107 logRAD). The differences in all other reading parameters between the two fonts were small and not statistically significant. The analyses revealed narrow confidence intervals and good coefficients of reliability. Except for the CPS (r = 0.49) and RA (equal for Helvetica and Times Roman), the correlations for all parameters were high, ranging from r = 0.92 to r = 0.98.

Conclusion

The equivalent reading performance obtained with Helvetica and Times Roman (when equalized in x-height and layout) makes these font types interchangeable as standards for reading charts.
A bi-level model for the design of dynamic electricity tariffs with demand-side flexibility
Authors: Beraldi Patrizia , Khodaparasti Sara
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the electricity pricing problem with demand-side flexibility. The interaction between an aggregator and the prosumers within a coalition is modeled by a Stackelberg game and formulated as a mathematical bi-level program where the aggregator and the prosumer, respectively, play the role of upper and lower decision makers with conflicting goals. The aggregator establishes the pricing scheme by optimizing the supply strategy with the aim of maximizing the profit, prosumers react to the price signals by scheduling the flexible loads and managing the home energy system to minimize the electricity bill. The problem is solved by a heuristic approach which exploits the specific model structure. Some numerical experiments have been carried out on a real test case. The results provide the stakeholders with informative managerial insights underlining the prominent roles of aggregator and prosumers.
Stem cell transplantation patients receiving a novel oral care protocol for oral mucositis prevention and treatment: patient-reported outcomes and quality of life
Authors: Guberti Monica , Botti Stefano , Fusco Andrea , Caffarri Cristiana , Cavuto Silvio , Savoldi Luisa , Serra Nicola , Merli Francesco , Piredda Michela , De Marinis Maria Grazia
Published: April 2022

Background

Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most debilitating effects of toxicity due to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) conditioning regimens. The aim of this secondary analysis of the data of a phase II study designed to assess the efficacy of a novel oral care protocol containing bovine colostrum and aloe vera to prevent oral mucositis was to compare outcomes reported by patients with those collected by healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Method

Data on oral mucositis severity, duration, time of onset and related pain were collected from patients using the Oral Mucositis Daily Questionnaire (OMDQ). HCPs assessed the same outcomes using the World Health Organization oral mucositis scale and pain numerical rating scale. Quality of life was assessed with the 3-level EuroQol-5 dimensions.

Results

Fifty-nine autologous/allogeneic graft patients were recruited, 46 of whom (78.0%) experienced OM. Mean onset was 9.1 (SD ± 3.5) days after conditioning initiation, mean duration was 10.4 (SD ± 4.3) days, and the average maximum pain score was 3.7 (SD ± 2.7). Self-administration of the OMDQ detected oral symptoms at least 1 day sooner compared to objective assessments (p = 0.025). Significant differences were observed between the patient-reported and the HCP-assessment data on oral mucositis severity grading distribution (p < 0.0001) and highest pain score (p < 0.0001). Quality of life score variations were correlated with changes in oral mucositis severity during patients’ hospital stay.

Conclusions

Further studies are necessary to improve the understanding of these findings; a randomised controlled trial is being set up at our institution.
Bio-plausible digital implementation of a reward modulated STDP synapse
Authors: Quintana Fernando M. , Perez-Peña Fernando , Galindo Pedro L.
Published: April 2022

Reward-modulated Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (R-STDP) is a learning method for Spiking Neural Network (SNN) that makes use of an external learning signal to modulate the synaptic plasticity produced by Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP). Combining the advantages of reinforcement learning and the biological plausibility of STDP, online learning on SNN in real-world scenarios can be applied. This paper presents a fully digital architecture, implemented on an Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), including the R-STDP learning mechanism in a SNN. The hardware results obtained are comparable to the software simulations results using the Brian2 simulator. The maximum error is of 0.083 when a 14-bits fix-point precision is used in realtime. The presented architecture shows an accuracy of 95% when tested in an obstacle avoidance problem on mobile robotics with a minimum use of resources.
An ANN-Fuzzy Cognitive Map-Based Z-Number Theory to Predict Flyrock Induced by Blasting in Open-Pit Mines
Authors: Hosseini Shahab , Poormirzaee Rashed , Hajihassani Mohsen , Kalatehjari Roohollah
Published: April 2022

Blasting is widely employed as an accepted mechanism for rock breakage in mining and civil activities. As an environmental side effect of blasting, flyrock should be investigated precisely in open-pit mining operations. This paper proposes a novel integration of artificial neural network and fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) with Z-number reliability information to predict flyrock distance in open-pit mine blasting. The developed model is called the artificial causality-weighted neural networks, based on reliability (ACWNNsR). The reliability information of Z-numbers is used to eliminate uncertainty in expert opinions required for the initial matrix of FCM, which is one of the main advantages of this method. FCM calculates weights of input neurons using the integration of nonlinear Hebbian and differential evolution algorithms. Burden, stemming, spacing, powder factor, and charge per delay are used as the input parameters, and flyrock distance is the output parameter. Four hundred sixteen recorded basting rounds are used from a real large-scale lead–zinc mine to design the architecture of the models. The performance of the proposed ACWNNsR model is compared with the Bayesian regularized neural network and multilayer perceptron neural network and is proven to result in more accurate prediction in estimating blast-induced flyrock distance. In addition, the results of a sensitivity analysis conducted on effective parameters determined the spacing as the most significant parameter in controlling flyrock distance. Based on the type of datasets used in this study, the presented model is recommended for flyrock distance prediction in surface mines where buildings are close to the blasting site.
Effect of clinical and histologic features on time to malignancy in 224 cases of oral leukoplakia treated by surgery
Authors: Bagan Jose , Martorell Miguel , Cebrián Jose L. , Rubert Andrea , Bagán Leticia , Mezquida Carlos , Hervás David
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Our main purpose and research question were to analyze and quantify whether there were significant differences in the time to develop cancer among patients with oral leukoplakia (OL), comparing the more susceptible cases to those with the least susceptibility to malignancy.

Materials and methods

We followed 224 cases of OL after surgical or CO2 laser treatment for a mean time of 6.4 years. A Bayesian mixture cure model based on the Weibull distribution was used to model the relationship between our variables and cancer risk. In this model type, the population is considered a mixture of individuals who are susceptible or non-susceptible to developing cancer. The statistical model estimates the probability of cure (incidence model) and then infers the time to malignancy. The model was adjusted using the R-package INLA using default priors.

Results

Histology type (moderate or severe dysplasia) and tongue location showed hazard ratios (HR) of 3.19 (95% CI [1.05–8.59]) and 4.78 (95% CI [1.6–16.61]), respectively. Both variables increased the risk of malignant transformation, thus identifying a susceptible subpopulation with reduced time required to develop cancer, as with non-homogeneous leukoplakias. The median time for cancer development was 4 years and 5 months, with a minimum of 9 months after the diagnosis of OL and a maximum of 15 years and 2 months.

Conclusions

Susceptible patients with non-homogeneous leukoplakia, dysplasia, or leukoplakia in the tongue develop cancer earlier than those with homogeneous OL and those without dysplasia.

Clinical relevance

The novel contribution of this research is that, until now, the time it took for oral leukoplakias to develop cancer based on whether they were homogeneous or non-homogeneous, and if they have or not epithelial dysplasia, had not been comparatively described and quantified. As a final result, the time to malignant transformation in non-homogeneous and dysplastic leukoplakias is significantly shorter.
Diverse Effects of Climate, Land Use, and Insects on Dung and Carrion Decomposition
Authors: Englmeier Jana , Mitesser Oliver , Benbow M. Eric , Hothorn Torsten , von Hoermann Christian , Benjamin Caryl , Fricke Ute , Ganuza Cristina , Haensel Maria , Redlich Sarah , Riebl Rebekka , Rojas Botero Sandra , Rummler Thomas , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Stengel Elisa , Tobisch Cynthia , Uhler Johannes , Uphus Lars , Zhang Jie , Müller Jörg
Published: April 2022

Land-use intensification and climate change threaten ecosystem functions. A fundamental, yet often overlooked, function is decomposition of necromass. The direct and indirect anthropogenic effects on decomposition, however, are poorly understood. We measured decomposition of two contrasting types of necromass, rat carrion and bison dung, on 179 study sites in Central Europe across an elevational climate gradient of 168–1122 m a.s.l. and within both local and regional land uses. Local land-use types included forest, grassland, arable fields, and settlements and were embedded in three regional land-use types (near-natural, agricultural, and urban). The effects of insects on decomposition were quantified by experimental exclusion, while controlling for removal by vertebrates. We used generalized additive mixed models to evaluate dung weight loss and carrion decay rate along elevation and across regional and local land-use types. We observed a unimodal relationship of dung decomposition with elevation, where greatest weight loss occurred between 600 and 700 m, but no effects of local temperature, land use, or insects. In contrast to dung, carrion decomposition was continuously faster with both increasing elevation and local temperature. Carrion reached the final decomposition stage six days earlier when insect access was allowed, and this did not depend on land-use effect. Our experiment identified different major drivers of decomposition on each necromass form. The results show that dung and carrion decomposition are rather robust to local and regional land use, but future climate change and decline of insects could alter decomposition processes and the self-regulation of ecosystems.
The resin sealed column (RESECO) setup for flow-through experiments on solid rocks under high temperature and high pore pressure conditions
Authors: Grifka Jasmin , Heinze Thomas , Licha Tobias
Published: April 2022

High-pressure flow-through experiments on solid rock samples are commonly conducted with experimental setups using a confining pressure to restrict the flow to the rock. These setups are often spacious, costly, and difficult to replicate by other researchers due to their individual nature. This work presents the RESECO (resin sealed column) setup which allows flow-through experiments on solid rock without a confining pressure. The column setup is only slightly larger than the sample size and has material costs per sample of a few Euros. The fluid flow is confined to the rock by a cast of epoxy resin using a metal column as an outer casing. The functionality was verified by comparing experimental results with a conventional triaxial cell. Four different rock types with varying hydraulic properties were tested and proven compatible with the setup. Additional endurance tests were performed to investigate the physical limits with regard to pore pressure and temperature. The RESECO setup can be operated with pore pressures of at least 40 MPa and temperatures up to 95 °C, and is therefore suitable for many high-pressure, high-temperature experiments, while being easily reproducible.
Performance of Idylla™ RAS-BRAF mutation test for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of colorectal cancer
Authors: Makutani Yusuke , Sakai Kazuko , Yamada Masahiro , Wada Toshiaki , Chikugo Takaaki , Satou Takao , Iwasa Yoko , Yamamoto Hidekazu , de Velasco Marco A. , Nishio Kazuto , Kawamura Junichiro
Published: April 2022

Background

The Biocartis Idylla™ platform is a fully automated, real-time PCR-based diagnostic system. The Idylla™KRAS and NRAS-BRAF Mutation Tests have been developed for the qualitative detection of mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes, facilitating the genomic profiling of patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical performances of these tests in Japan.

Methods

The RAS and BRAF mutation statuses of 253 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) colorectal cancer tissues were analyzed using the Investigational Use Only Idylla™KRAS Mutation Test and the Idylla™NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test and an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) kit (MEBGEN RASKET™-B kit).

Results

The success rate for obtaining a valid mutational data without retest of the Idylla tests was 97.6% (247/253): 111 KRAS mutations (43.8%), 9 NRAS mutations (3.6%), and 36 BRAF V600E mutations (14.2%) were detected using the Idylla tests. Compared with the MEBGEN RASKET-B results, the positive concordance rate was 97.4%, the negative concordance rate was 95.7%, and the overall concordance rate was 95.3% (κ = 0.919, 95% CI 0.871–0.967). The average turnaround time to Idylla™KRAS and NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test was 5.6 working days (range: 3–11 days).

Conclusion

This result demonstrates a high concordance between the Idylla™KRAS and NRAS-BRAF Mutation Tests and an existing IVD kit. In this manner, the Idylla™ mutation tests were validated for the detection of clinically significant KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations in FFPE samples from colorectal cancer patients.