bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social support and well‐being of adolescents in worst‐stricken areas 10 years after Wenchuan Earthquake: A mediating role of resilience
Authors: Fu Haojie , Wang Bin , Xin Yong , Duh Shinchieh , Deng Yunke
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this current study is to find the characteristics and influence mechanism of the perceived social support (PSS) and general well‐being (GWB) of adolescents and to explore the mediating role of resilience on the relationship between PSS and GWB in the worst‐stricken areas 10 years after the Wenchuan Earthquake. This study was conducted in two secondary schools in Beichuan (N = 1969) using the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the General Well‐Being Scale. Results showed that PSS of adolescents in the worst‐stricken area significantly decreased compared to 10 years ago and their current PSS was lower than their peers' in developed cities. Significant correlations were observed between PSS, resilience, and GWB. PSS significantly predicted resilience and GWB, and resilience significantly predicted GWB with resilience having a partially mediating effect ratio of 16.39% between PSS and GWB. These results indicated that PSS not only directly affected GWB but also had a mediated effect on GWB through resilience. The present results suggest that interventions to strengthen resilience and social networks could be effective ways to enhance adolescents' general well‐being.
Global stabilization of stochastic feedforward low‐order nonlinear systems with time delays and unknown control directions
Authors: Shao Yu , Park Ju H. , Xu Shengyuan
Published: November 2021

In this article, the global stabilization issue is discussed for a class of stochastic continuous time‐delay nonlinear systems suffered from unknown control directions and disturbance. Instead of designing the adaptive law online, a control gain is invoked to adapt for the formidable scene of merely continuous but nonsmooth caused by the low‐order, and to deal with the negative effects of disturbance and multiple unknown nonlinear functions where both input and state time delays are taken into account. Then, by utilizing the homogenous domination approach, a delay‐independent controller is designed with a sign function to compensate for the negative impact generated from disturbance and maintain the global asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, a stochastic simulation is supplied to show the validity of the control scheme.
Dynamic output‐feedback control for discrete time‐delayed systems with actuator saturations under round‐robin communication protocol
Authors: Chen Yonggang , Wang Zidong , Alsaadi Fuad E. , Liu Hongjian
Published: November 2021

In this article, the dynamic output‐feedbackcontrol problem is investigated for discrete‐time state‐delay systems subject to exogenous disturbances and actuator saturations under the round‐robin communication protocol. Using the switched system approach, the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and the modified sector condition, sufficient conditions are first obtained under which the closed‐loop systems can achieve some desirable performance indices such as the boundedness, theperformance and the stability in the absence of disturbances. Then, the controller is explicitly characterized by means of the solvability of linear matrix inequalities. For the case without time delays, the corresponding conditions are also presented. Subsequently, the optimization problems about the performance indices are discussed. Finally, the benefit and effectiveness of the proposed results are specifically illustrated via two simulation examples.
A semiparametric Gumbel regression model for analyzing longitudinal data with non‐normal tails
Authors: Hyun Noorie , Couper David J. , Zeng Donglin
Published: November 2021

Abnormal longitudinal values in biomarkers can be a sign of abnormal status or signal development of a disease. Identifying new biomarkers for early and efficient disease detection is crucial for disease prevention. Compared to the majority of the healthy general population, abnormal values are located within the tails of the biomarker distribution. Thus, parametric regression models that accommodate abnormal values in biomarkers can better detect the association between biomarkers and disease. In this article, we propose semiparametric Gumbel regression models for (1) longitudinal continuous biomarker outcomes, (2) flexibly modeling the time‐effect on the outcome, and (3) accounting for the measurement error in biomarker measurements. We adopted the EM algorithm in combination with a two‐dimensional grid search to estimate regression parameters and a function of time‐effect. We proposed an efficient asymptotic variance estimator for regression parameter estimates. The proposed estimator is asymptotically unbiased in both theory and simulation studies. We applied the proposed model and two other models to investigate associations between fasting blood glucose biomarkers and potential risk factors from a diabetes ancillary study to the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. The real data application was illustrated by fitting the proposed regression model and graphically evaluating the goodness‐of‐fit value.
Electrically Conducting Elastomeric Fibers with High Stretchability and Stability
Authors: Zokaei Sepideh , Craighero Mariavittoria , Cea Claudia , Kneissl Lucas M. , Kroon Renee , Khodagholy Dion , Lund Anja , Müller Christian
Published: November 2021

Stretchable conducting materials are appealing for the design of unobtrusive wearable electronic devices. Conjugated polymers with oligoethylene glycol side chains are excellent candidate materials owing to their low elastic modulus and good compatibility with polar stretchable polymers. Here, electrically conducting elastomeric blend fibers with high stretchability, wet spun from a blend of a doped polar polythiophene with tetraethylene glycol side chains and a polyurethane are reported. The wet‐spinning process is versatile, reproducible, scalable, and produces continuous filaments with a diameter ranging from 30 to 70 µm. The fibers are stretchable up to 480% even after chemical doping with iron(III) p‐toluenesulfonate hexahydrate and exhibit an electrical conductivity of up to 7.4 S cm−1, which represents a record combination of properties for conjugated polymer‐based fibers. The fibers remain conductive during elongation until fiber fracture and display excellent long‐term stability at ambient conditions. Cyclic stretching up to 50% strain for at least 400 strain cycles reveals that the doped fibers exhibit high cyclic stability and retain their electrical conductivity. Finally, a directional strain sensing device, which makes use of the linear increase in resistance of the fibers up to 120% strain is demonstrated.
Highly Flexible Freestanding BaTiO3‐CoFe2O4 Heteroepitaxial Nanostructure Self‐Assembled with Room‐Temperature Multiferroicity
Authors: Zhong Gaokuo , An Feng , Qu Ke , Dong Yongqi , Yang Zhenzhong , Dai Liyufen , Xie Shuhong , Huang Rong , Luo Zhenlin , Li Jiangyu
Published: November 2021

Multiferroics with simultaneous electric and magnetic orderings are highly desirable for sensing, actuation, data storage, and bio‐inspired systems, yet developing flexible materials with robust multiferroic properties at room temperature is a long‐term challenge. Utilizing water‐soluble Sr3Al2O6 as a sacrificial layer, the authors have successfully self‐assembled a freestanding BaTiO3‐CoFe2O4 heteroepitaxial nanostructure via pulse laser deposition, and confirmed its epitaxial growth in both out‐of‐plane and in‐plane directions, with highly ordered CoFe2O4 nanopillars embedded in a single crystalline BaTiO3 matrix free of substrate constraint. The freestanding nanostructure enjoys super flexibility and mechanical integrity, not only capable of spontaneously curving into a roll, but can also be bent with a radius as small as 4.23 µm. Moreover, piezoelectricity and ferromagnetism are demonstrated at both microscopic and macroscopic scales, confirming its robust multiferroicity at room temperature. This work establishes an effective route for flexible multiferroic materials, which have the potential for various practical applications.
Oxide Nanoclusters on Ti3C2 MXenes to Deactivate Defects for Enhanced Lithium Ion Storage Performance
Authors: Hui Xiaobin , Zhao Danyang , Wang Peng , Di Haoxiang , Ge Xiaoli , Zhang Peng , Yin Longwei
Published: November 2021

The commercialization of MXenes as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries is largely impeded by low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and unfavorable cycling stability, which are closely associated with defects such as Ti vacancies (VTi) in Ti3C2 MXenes. Herein, an effective strategy is developed to deactivate VTi defects by in situ growing Al2O3 nanoclusters on MXenes to alleviate the irreversible electrolyte decomposition and Li dendrites formation trend induced by defects, improving ICE and cycling stability. Furthermore, it is revealed that excessively lithiophilic VTi defects would impede Li ions diffusion due to their strong adsorption, leading to a locally nonuniform Li flux to these “hot spots,” setting scene for the formation of Li dendrites. The Al2O3 nanoclusters anchored on VTi sites can not only improve Li diffusion kinetics but also promote the homogeneous solid electrolyte interphase formation with small charge transfer resistance, achieving uniform Li deposition in a smaller overpotential without formation of Li dendrites. As expected, Ti3C2@Al2O3‐11 electrode delivers a high ICE of 76.6% and an outstanding specific capacity of 285.5 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, which is much higher than that of pristine Ti3C2 sample. This work sheds light on modulating defects for high‐performance energy storage materials.
Pharmacological Chaperones for β‐Galactosidase Related to GM1‐Gangliosidosis and Morquio B: Recent Advances
Authors: Stütz Arnold E. , Thonhofer Martin , Weber Patrick , Wolfsgruber Andreas , Wrodnigg Tanja M.
Published: November 2021

A short survey on selected β‐galactosidase inhibitors as potential pharmacological chaperones for GM1‐gangliosidosis and Morquio B associated mutants of human lysosomal β‐galactosidase is provided highlighting recent developments in this particular area of lysosomal storage disorders and orphan diseases.
Relation‐Level User Behavior Modeling for Click‐Through Rate Prediction
Authors: Deng Hangyu , Tian Yanling , Luo Jia , Hu Jinglu
Published: November 2021

Many recent user behavior based click‐through rate models adopt a similar item‐level paradigm: learn the user representation from a list of item representations via a sequence model and/or a pooling mechanism. However, sequence models are usually sensitive to the exact order of the behavior sequence, while item‐level pooling mechanisms simply neglect the chronological information. In this paper, we balance the two approaches by decomposing the long item sequence into a group of extremely short sequences (item pairs) and conducting relational reasoning on them. More specifically, the relational reasoning mechanism consists of two parts, which are designed for capturing various transitional patterns in the behavior sequences. An attentive pooling layer is employed to emphasize those relation‐level signals that are highly related to the target item. Therefore, our approach is essentially a middle ground between the previous two approaches. To verify the effectiveness of our method, we conduct extensive experiments on three public datasets. Experimental results show that our methods achieve better performance than others. Besides, we explore the properties of our model and verify the effectiveness of each component by controlled experiments. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Closed‐form hydraulic conductivity equations for multimodal unsaturated soil hydraulic properties
Authors: Seki Katsutoshi , Toride Nobuo , Th. van Genuchten Martinus
Published: November 2021

Closed‐form expressions of the hydraulic conductivity function for linearly superposed subretention (multimodal) functions were derived for arbitrary sets of the Brooks and Corey (BC), van Genuchten (VG), and Kosugi (KO) water retention models. The generalized Mualem hydraulic conductivity model was evaluated using the mathematical approach of Priesack and Durner. Three types of modification to the multimodel were also proposed. Firstly, the derived conductivity equations can be simplified when the submodel parameters, for the BC model, for the VG model, and for the KO model have the same (common) value (denoted as CH). Secondly, as in the case of the modified single VG and KO models, a hypothetical air‐entry head near saturation can be introduced for the multimodal VG and KO models to prevent unrealistic reductions in the hydraulic conductivity near saturation when the VG n parameter approaches its lower limit of n = 1. Furthermore, the multimodal hydraulic conductivity functions become a simple sum of conductivity subfunctions when the exponent r is unity (such as for Burdine's model), which leads to independent tortuosity effects for each submodel. The models are illustrated for two soils: a highly aggregated Kumamoto Andisol and a relatively unimodal dune sand. The dual‐(BC, VG, KO) and the VG1BC2 models equally represented the water retention data of the Andisol, with similar hydraulic conductivity curves. The dual‐BC‐CH, dual‐VG‐CH, and VG1BC2‐CH models fitted the water retention data of the dune sand well, with the hydraulic conductivity curves of the dual‐porosity model being similar to those of the Fayer and Simmons (FS) model.
An Introduction to Climate-Smart Forestry in Mountain Regions
Authors: Tognetti Roberto , Smith Melanie , Panzacchi Pietro
Published: November 2021

The goal to limit the increase in global temperature below 2 °C requires reaching a balance between anthropogenic emissions and reductions (sinks) in the second half of this century. As carbon sinks, forests can potentially play an important role in carbon capture. The Paris Agreement (2015) requires signatory countries to reduce deforestation, while conserving and enhancing carbon sinks. Innovative approaches may help foresters take up climate-smart management methods and identify measures for scaling purposes. The EU’s funding instrument COST has supported the Action CLIMO (Climate-Smart Forestry in Mountain Regions – CA15226), with the aim of reorienting forestry in mountain areas to challenge the adverse impacts of climate change.

Funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020, CLIMO has brought together scientists and experts in continental and regional focus assessments through a cross-sectoral approach, facilitating the implementation of climate objectives. CLIMO has provided scientific analysis on issues including criteria and indicators, growth dynamics, management prescriptions, long-term perspectives, monitoring technologies, economic impacts, and governance tools. This book addresses different combinations of CLIMO’s driving/primary objectives and discusses smarter ways to develop forestry and monitor forests under current environmental changes, affecting forest ecosystems.
Continuous Monitoring of Tree Responses to Climate Change for Smart Forestry: A Cybernetic Web of Trees
Authors: Tognetti Roberto , Valentini Riccardo , Marchesini Luca Belelli , Gianelle Damiano , Panzacchi Pietro , Marshall John D.
Published: November 2021

Trees are long-lived organisms that contribute to forest development over centuries and beyond. However, trees are vulnerable to increasing natural and anthropic disturbances. Spatially distributed, continuous data are required to predict mortality risk and impact on the fate of forest ecosystems. In order to enable monitoring over sensitive and often remote forest areas that cannot be patrolled regularly, early warning tools/platforms of mortality risk need to be established across regions. Although remote sensing tools are good at detecting change once it has occurred, early warning tools require ecophysiological information that is more easily collected from single trees on the ground.

Here, we discuss the requirements for developing and implementing such a tree-based platform to collect and transmit ecophysiological forest observations and environmental measurements from representative forest sites, where the goals are to identify and to monitor ecological tipping points for rapid forest decline. Long-term monitoring of forest research plots will contribute to better understanding of disturbance and the conditions that precede it. International networks of these sites will provide a regional view of susceptibility and impacts and would play an important role in ground-truthing remotely sensed data.
National Forest Inventory Data to Evaluate Climate-Smart Forestry
Authors: Temperli Christian , Santopuoli Giovanni , Bottero Alessandra , Barbeito Ignacio , Alberdi Iciar , Condés Sonia , Gschwantner Thomas , Bosela Michal , Neroj Bozydar , Fischer Christoph , Klopčič Matija , Lesiński Jerzy , Sroga Radoslaw , Tognetti Roberto
Published: November 2021

National Forest Inventory (NFI) data are the main source of information on forest resources at country and subcountry levels. This chapter explores the strengths and limitations of NFI-derived indicators to assess forest development with respect to adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, that is, the criteria of Climate-Smart Forestry (CSF). We reflect on harmonizing NFI-based indicators across Europe, use literature to scrutinize available indicators to evaluate CSF, and apply them in 1) Switzerland, where CSF is evaluated for NFI records and simulation model projections with four management scenarios; 2) 43 selected European countries, for which the indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) are used. The indicators were aggregated to composite indices for adaptation and mitigation and to an overall CSF rating. The Swiss NFI records showed increased CSF ratings in mountainous regions, where growing stocks increased. Simulations under business-as-usual management led to a positive CSF rating, whereas scenarios of increased harvesting decreased either only adaptation or both mitigation and adaptation. European-level results showed increases in CSF ratings for most countries. Negative adaptation ratings were mostly due to forest damages. We discuss the limitations of the indicator approach, consider the broader context of international greenhouse gas reporting, and conclude with policy recommendations.
Efficacy of Trans-geographic Observational Network Design for Revelation of Growth Pattern in Mountain Forests Across Europe
Authors: Pretzsch H. , Hilmers T. , Uhl E. , del Río M. , Avdagić A. , Bielak K. , Bončina A. , Coll L. , Giammarchi F. , Stimm K. , Tonon G. , Höhn M. , Kašanin-Grubin M. , Tognetti R.
Published: November 2021

Understanding tree and stand growth dynamics in the frame of climate change calls for large-scale analyses. For analysing growth patterns in mountain forests across Europe, the CLIMO consortium compiled a network of observational plots across European mountain regions. Here, we describe the design and efficacy of this network of plots in monospecific European beech and mixed-species stands of Norway spruce, European beech, and silver fir.

First, we sketch the state of the art of existing monitoring and observational approaches for assessing the growth of mountain forests. Second, we introduce the design, measurement protocols, as well as site and stand characteristics, and we stress the innovation of the newly compiled network. Third, we give an overview of the growth and yield data at stand and tree level, sketch the growth characteristics along elevation gradients, and introduce the methods of statistical evaluation. Fourth, we report additional measurements of soil, genetic resources, and climate smartness indicators and criteria, which were available for statistical evaluation and testing hypotheses. Fifth, we present the ESFONET (European Smart Forest Network) approach of data and knowledge dissemination. The discussion is focussed on the novelty and relevance of the database, its potential for monitoring, understanding and management of mountain forests toward climate smartness, and the requirements for future assessments and inventories.

In this chapter, we describe the design and efficacy of this network of plots in monospecific European beech and mixed-species stands of Norway spruce, European beech, and silver fir. We present how to acquire and evaluate data from individual trees and the whole stand to quantify and understand the growth of mountain forests in Europe under climate change. It will provide concepts, models, and practical hints for analogous trans-geographic projects that may be based on the existing and newly recorded data on forests.
An Expressivist Disability Critique of the Expansion of Prenatal Genomics
Authors: Kaposy Chris
Published: November 2021

Prenatal genomics appears to be on an expansive trajectory toward universally-available, routine, whole-genome prenatal sequencing. But for people living with disabilities, this expansion of prenatal genomics may not be a welcome development. This chapter explores some of the objections arising from the community of people with disabilities, and articulates a defense of one particular form of objection: the claim that the expansion of prenatal genomics expresses negative messages about people with disabilities.
Networks of Global Social Policy Diffusion: The Effects of Culture, Economy, Colonial Legacies, and Geographic Proximity
Authors: Mossig Ivo , Windzio Michael , Besche-Truthe Fabian , Seitzer Helen
Published: November 2021

The introductory chapter to the volume by Mossig, Windzio, Seitzer and Besche-Truthe defines the core concepts, such as diffusion and contagion, and gives an example of an application diffusion and contagion in epidemiology. The most important underlying functions, namely the logistic density and cumulative logistic density function, are explained, followed by a very brief introduction to the core concepts of event history analysis. In the network diffusion model, contagion, or, in other words, the adoption of information or innovation, is based on the concept of exposure which will be elaborated in this chapter. Finally, after describing and visualizing the four different networks and their correlations, exponential random graph models are used to analyze structural and substantive properties of these networks. The introduction concludes with a brief overview of the chapters.
Critical Summary and Concluding Remarks
Authors: Schmitt Carina , Obinger Herbert
Published: November 2021

This chapter provides a summary and a systematic synopsis of the theoretical approaches and the empirical results. It gives a comparative overview over the temporal and spatial pattern of the diffusion process and critically reflects the theoretical approaches and the applied methods. A basic insight of this comparative conclusion is that the macro-quantitative approach of network diffusion event history analysis has great benefits for global studies on social policy diffusion, but in-depth case studies still remain important for revealing the diffusion mechanisms. Future research should more systematically combine both perspectives.
The Global Diffusion of Adult Basic Education
Authors: Besche-Truthe Fabian
Published: November 2021

Adult Basic Education is an essential tool of social policy. It aims at tackling unemployment, integrating marginalized groups, fostering development, etc. Despite the rising importance and attention to lifelong learning, past research barely investigated ABE as a specific (social) policy field. Mostly, this is due to the lack of systematic data and a focus on formal schooling. This chapter investigates which determinants are most influential on the adoption of policies concerning the basic education of adults. The contribution, thereby, adds to the understanding of diffusion processes of policies on widening the right to education for previously marginalized groups of people.
Origins of Family Policy: Prerequisites or Diffusion
Authors: Böger Tobias , Son Keonhi , Tonelli Simone
Published: November 2021

Various instruments to protect families with children from the consequences of industrialization have been introduced in modernizing nation-states at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. The global adoption of family policies, such as maternity leave, family allowances, and childcare facilities, followed a wide array of patterns. After being introduced by pioneering countries, some programs spread rapidly throughout Europe, some reached the peripheries of colonial empires and others were only introduced by the newly established nation-states populating world society after decolonization. We provide the first analysis of the disparate origins and spread of family policies, identifying the networks that facilitate their diffusion.
Improved DHOST Genesis
Authors: Zhu Mian , Zheng Yunlong
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We improve the DHOST Genesis proposed in [1], such that the near scale invariant scalar power spectrum can be generated from the model itself, without invoking extra mechanism like a string gas. Besides, the superluminality problem of scalar perturbation plagued in [1] can be rescued by choosing proper DHOST action.
Bio-fertilizer Affects Structural Dynamics, Function, and Network Patterns of the Sugarcane Rhizospheric Microbiota
Authors: Liu Qiang , Pang Ziqin , Yang Zuli , Nyumah Fallah , Hu Chaohua , Lin Wenxiong , Yuan Zhaonian
Published: November 2021

Fertilizers and microbial communities that determine fertilizer efficiency are key to sustainable agricultural development. Sugarcane is an important sugar cash crop in China, and using bio-fertilizers is important for the sustainable development of China’s sugar industry. However, information on the effects of bio-fertilizers on sugarcane soil microbiota has rarely been studied. In this study, the effects of bio-fertilizer application on rhizosphere soil physicochemical indicators, microbial community composition, function, and network patterns of sugarcane were discussed using a high-throughput sequencing approach. The experimental design is as follows: CK: urea application (57 kg/ha), CF: compound fertilizer (450 kg/ha), BF1: bio-fertilizer (1500 kg/ha of bio-fertilizer + 57 kg/ha of urea), and BF2: bio-fertilizer (2250 kg/ha of bio-fertilizer + 57 kg/ha of urea). The results showed that the bio-fertilizer was effective in increasing sugarcane yield by 3–12% compared to the CF treatment group, while reducing soil acidification, changing the diversity of fungi and bacteria, and greatly altering the composition and structure of the inter-root microbial community. Variance partitioning canonical correspondence (VPA) analysis showed that soil physicochemical variables explained 80.09% and 73.31% of the variation in bacteria and fungi, respectively. Redundancy analysis and correlation heatmap showed that soil pH, total nitrogen, and available potassium were the main factors influencing bacterial community composition, while total soil phosphorus, available phosphorus, pH, and available nitrogen were the main drivers of fungal communities. Volcano plots showed that using bio-fertilizers contributed to the accumulation of more beneficial bacteria in the sugarcane rhizosphere level and the decline of pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Leifsonia), which may slow down or suppress the occurrence of diseases. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and effect size analysis (LEfSe) searched for biomarkers under different fertilizer treatments. Meanwhile, support vector machine (SVM) assessed the importance of the microbial genera contributing to the variability between fertilizers, of interest were the bacteria Anaerolineace, Vulgatibacter, and Paenibacillus and the fungi Cochliobolus, Sordariales, and Dothideomycetes between CF and BF2, compared to the other genera contributing to the variability. Network analysis (co-occurrence network) showed that the network structure of bio-fertilizers was closer to the network characteristics of healthy soils, indicating that bio-fertilizers can improve soil health to some extent, and therefore if bio-fertilizers can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in the future alternative, it is important to achieve green soil development and improve the climate.
Randomized non-inferiority TrIal comParing reverse T And Protrusion versus double-kissing and crush Stenting for the treatment of complex left main bifurcation lesions
Authors: Olschewski Maximilian , Ullrich Helen , Knorr Maike , Makmur Giulio , Ahoopai Majid , Münzel Thomas , Gori Tommaso
Published: November 2021

Background

The treatment of left main bifurcation stenoses remains challenging.

Aims

We compare the “Reverse T and Protrusion” (reverse-TAP) technique to Double-Kissing and crush (DK-crush).

Methods

The study was designed as non-inferiority trial, the primary endpoint was percentage stent expansion in the ostial side branch at optical coherence tomography.

Results

52 consecutive patients (13 females, 17 diabetics, Syntax score 25 [22–29]) with complex coronary bifurcation lesions of the left main were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to Reverse-TAP or DK-crush stenting. The intervention was performed according to protocol in all patients in both randomization groups. Side branch stent expansion was 75 [67–90]% in the DK-crush group and 86 [75–95]% in the reverse-TAP group (one-sided 97.5% lower parametric confidence interval: − 0.28%; P < 0.01 for non-inferiority;P = 0.037 for superiority). Side branch balloon pressure during final kissing was higher in the DK-crush group (14 [12–16] vs. reverse-TAP: 13 [12–14];P = 0.043). Procedural time was shorter with reverse-TAP (DK-crush: 32 [24–44] min vs reverse–TAP: 25 [22–33] min;P = 0.044). Other procedural parameters were not different between groups. There was no difference in any of the safety endpoints up to 1 month.

Conclusions

A reverse-TAP strategy for the interventional treatment of complex coronary lesions was non-inferior and superior to DK-crush for the primary endpoint side branch expansion while requiring less time. A larger study testing long-term clinical outcomes is warranted.

Trail Registration

NCT: NCT03714750.

Graphical abstract
Changes in snow cover occurrence and the atmospheric circulation impact in Poznań (Poland)
Authors: Szyga-Pluta Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

The variability of occurrence of snow cover and the impact of atmospheric circulation on the snow cover occurrence in the period 1966/1967–2019/2020 in Poznań (Poland) have been examined. The implementation of the primary study objective covers the comprehensive analysis of the winter snow and thermal conditions using various indicators. This paper is based on daily data from the years 1966–2020 concerning the winter period. Winters in Poznań are highly variable and differentiated, considering the duration of particular seasons, number of days with snow cover, mean snow cover thickness, winter snowiness coefficient, or winter severity index. Negative trends concerning days with snow cover total snow cover depth winter snowiness coefficient and winter severity index in Poznań prove statistically significant. A higher probability of occurrence of snow cover was determined during cyclonic than anticyclonic circulation. The westerly and northerly types especially favoured the occurrence of days with snow cover. The increase of snow cover was associated with the northerly inflow mainly. Westerly types of circulation caused the decrease of snow cover predominantly.
Epilepsy surgery for low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumor of temporal lobe: a single-institution experience of 61 patients
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Jiang Hongjie , Wu Hemmings , Ding Yao , Wang Shuang , Ming Wenjie , Zhu Junming
Published: November 2021

Background

Low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumor (LEAT) is highly responsive to surgery in general. The appropriate surgical strategy remains controversial in temporal LEAT. The aim of this study is to analyze the surgical seizure outcome of temporal LEAT, focusing on the aspects of surgical strategy.

Methods

Sixty-one patients from a single epilepsy center with temporal LEAT underwent surgery. The surgical strategy was according to the multidisciplinary presurgical evaluation. Electrocorticogram (ECoG)-assisted resection was utilized. Surgical extent including lesionectomy and extended resection was described in detail. Seizure outcome was classified as satisfactory (Engel class I) and unsatisfactory (Engel classes II–IV).

Results

After a median follow-up of 36.0 (30.0) months, 83.6% of patients achieved satisfactory outcome, including 72.1% with Engel class Ia. There was 39.3% (24/61) of patients with antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal. Use of ECoG (χ2 = 0.000, P > 0.1), preresection spike (χ2 = 0.000, P = 0.763), or spike residue (P = 0.545) was not correlated with the seizure outcome. For lateral temporal LEAT, outcome from lesionectomy was comparable to extended resection (χ2 = 0.499, P > 0.1). For mesial temporal LEAT, 94.7% (18/19) of patients who underwent additional hippocampectomy were satisfactory, whereas only 25% (1/4) of patients who underwent lesionectomy were satisfactory (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Surgical treatment was highly effective for temporal LEAT. ECoG may not influence the seizure outcome. For lateral temporal LEAT, lesionectomy with or without cortectomy was sufficient in most patients. For mesial temporal LEAT, extended resection was recommended.
The role of cardiovascular autonomic failure in the differential diagnosis of α-synucleinopathies
Authors: Leys Fabian , Wenning Gregor K. , Fanciulli Alessandra
Published: November 2021

The α-synucleinopathies comprise a group of adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB,) and — as a restricted non-motor form — pure autonomic failure (PAF). Neuropathologically, the α-synucleinopathies are characterized by aggregates of misfolded α-synuclein in the central and peripheral nervous system. Cardiovascular autonomic failure is a common non-motor symptom in people with PD, a key diagnostic criterion in MSA, a supportive feature for the diagnosis of DLB and disease-defining in PAF. The site of autonomic nervous system lesion differs between the α-synucleinopathies, with a predominantly central lesion pattern in MSA versus a peripheral one in PD, DLB, and PAF. In clinical practice, overlapping autonomic features often challenge the differential diagnosis among the α-synucleinopathies, but also distinguish them from related disorders, such as the tauopathies or other neurodegenerative ataxias. In this review, we discuss the differential diagnostic yield of cardiovascular autonomic failure in individuals presenting with isolated autonomic failure, parkinsonism, cognitive impairment, or cerebellar ataxia.
Existence of an optimal domain for the buckling load of a clamped plate with prescribed volume
Authors: Stollenwerk Kathrin
Published: November 2021

We formulate the minimization of the buckling load of a clamped plate as a free boundary value problem with a penalization term for the volume constraint. As the penalization parameter becomes small, we show that the optimal shape problem with prescribed volume is solved. In addition, we discuss two different choices for the penalization term.
Gender Differences in Cardiac Chronotropic Control: Implications for Heart Rate Variability Research
Authors: Williams DeWayne P. , Joseph Nicholas , Gerardo Gina M. , Hill LaBarron K. , Koenig Julian , Thayer Julian F.
Published: November 2021

There is a continuing debate concerning “adjustments” to heart period variability [i.e., heart rate variability (HRV)] for the heart period [i.e., increases inter-beat-intervals (IBI)]. To date, such arguments have not seriously considered the impact a demographic variable, such as gender, can have on the association between HRV and the heart period. A prior meta-analysis showed women to have greater HRV compared to men despite having shorter IBI and higher heart rate (HR). Thus, it is plausible that men and women differ in the association between HRV and HR/IBI. Thus, the present study investigates the potential moderating effect of gender on the association between HRV and indices of cardiac chronotropy, including both HR and IBI. Data from 633 participants (339 women) were available for analysis. Cardiac measures were assessed during a 5-min baseline-resting period. HRV measures included the standard deviation of inter-beat-intervals, root mean square of successive differences, and autoregressive high frequency power. Moderation analyses showed gender significantly moderated the association between all HRV variables and both HR and IBI (each p < 0.05). However, results were not consistent when using recently recommended HRV variables “adjusted” for IBI. Overall, the current investigation provides data illustrating a differential association between HRV and the heart period based on gender. Substantial neurophysiological evidence support the current findings; women show greater sensitivity to acetylcholine compared to men. If women show greater sensitivity to acetylcholine, and acetylcholine increases HRV and the heart period, then the association between HRV and the heart period indeed should be stronger in women compared to men. Taken together, these data suggest that routine “adjustments” to HRV for the heart period are unjustified and problematic at best. As it relates to the application of future HRV research, it is imperative that researchers continue to consider the potential impact of gender.
Immune cell profiles of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients according to the sites of metastasis
Authors: Honkanen Tiia J. , Luukkainen Milla E. K. , Tikkanen Antti , Karihtala Peeter , Mäkinen Markus , Väyrynen Juha P. , Koivunen Jussi P.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Recent works have characterized that metastatic site can affect the tumour immune profiles and efficiency of cancer immunotherapies. The prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer is associated with the characteristics of the tumour immune microenvironment, with immunological cells playing a central role in efficiency of HER2-targeted antibodies. Here we investigated the prognostic significance of different metastatic sites and their correlation to tumour immune profiles in HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab.

Methods

We collected all (n = 54) HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab containing regimens at Oulu University Hospital 2009–2014. Pathological and clinical data were collected from electronic patient records. The tumour immune profiles were analysed from pre-treatment primary tumours using well-characterized immunological markers with computer-assisted immune cell counting.

Results

Of the metastatic sites, only liver metastases were associated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio 1.809, 95% confidence interval 1.004–3.262), especially when presented as the primary site of metastases. Of the other sites, pulmonary metastases characterized a patient profile with trend to improved survival. Of the studied tumour immunological markers, patients with liver metastases had low densities of CD3+ T cells (p = 0.030) and M1-like macrophages in their primary tumours (p = 0.025). Of the other studied markers and sites, patients with pulmonary metastases had low STAB1+-immunosuppressive macrophage density in their primary tumours.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the site of metastasis is associated with prognosis in HER2-positive breast cancer, highlighted by the poor prognosis of liver metastases. Furthermore, liver metastases were associated with adverse tumour immune cell profiles.
Population genetic structure of the Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) in Ireland: implications for conservation management
Authors: Reyne Marina , Dicks Kara , McFarlane Claire , Aubry Aurélie , Emmerson Mark , Marnell Ferdia , Reid Neil , Helyar Sarah
Published: November 2021

Molecular methods can play a crucial role in species management and conservation. Despite the usefulness of genetic approaches, they are often not explicitly included as part of species recovery plans and conservation practises. The Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is regionally Red-Listed as Endangered in Ireland. The species is declining and is now present at just seven sites within a highly restricted range. This study used 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to analyse the population genetic diversity and structure. Genetic diversity was high with expected heterozygosity between 0.55 and 0.61 and allelic richness between 4.77 and 5.92. Effective population sizes were small (Ne < 100 individuals), but not abnormal for pond breeding amphibians. However, there was no evidence of historical or contemporary genetic bottlenecks or high levels of inbreeding. We identified a positive relationship between Ne and breeding pond surface area, suggesting that environmental factors are a key determinant of population size. Significant genetic structuring was detected throughout the species’ range, and we identified four genetic entities that should be considered in the species’ conservation strategies. Management should focus on preventing further population declines and future loss of genetic diversity overall and within genetic entities while maintaining adequate local effective population size through site-specific protection, human-mediated translocations and head-start programs. The apparent high levels of genetic variation give hope for the conservation of Ireland’s rarest amphibian if appropriately protected and managed.
Influence of lead on the activity of soil microorganisms in two Beskidy landscape parks
Authors: Borgulat Jacek , Łukasik Włodzimierz , Borgulat Anna , Nadgórska-Socha Aleksandra , Kandziora-Ciupa Marta
Published: November 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the potential impact of lead on soil metabolism in two landscape parks localized in the Beskid Śląski and Beskid Żywiecki mountains which were affected, among others, by air pollution from the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, the largest industrial zone in Poland. The study was carried out in six locations with different lead levels in the soil environment. Each plot was equipped with four pairs of vacuum ceramic lysimeters to assess the mobility of Pb in the soil. The metabolic activity was assessed by measuring: soil enzyme activity, soil respiration and by studying community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) using Biolog EcoPlates technique. The soil to the examination was collected near the stands with the lysimeters from two soil horizons (A and B layer). The analyses carried out showed that the factors that had the greatest influence on lead mobility were the organic carbon content and the soil pH. The elevated lead level in the topsoil (layer A) could affect the functional biodiversity of soil microorganisms, but low soil pH was a more likely limiting factor. In the subsoil (layer B), lower lead content was found and its probable effect on soil microbial activity was small. In summary, it can be concluded that the assessment of the influence of heavy metals on soil metabolism is not easy, and the Biolog system has proven to be a sensitive tool for assessing the potential impact of heavy metals on the soil environment.
Biological and antimicrobial properties of the association Ambroxol and a water-soluble viscous liquid as a vehicle for a tricalcium silicate-based sealer
Authors: de Azevedo Queiroz Índia Olinta , Machado Thiago , Alves Camila Carneiro , Brito Victor Gustavo Balera , de Vasconcelos Bruno Carvalho , Gomes-Filho João Eduardo , Ervolino Edilson , de Oliveira Sandra Helena Penha , Duarte Marco Antonio Hungaro
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and biological properties of Ambroxol associated with glycerin (GLI), propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a possible vehicle for an experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, with the intention of developing a new biomaterial. Mouse undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD-21) were cultured, and the effects of different association on cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production were investigated. Antimicrobial adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to setting sealers at 2 h was evaluated. Polyethylene tubes containing experimental sealers and empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissues of 12 male 3- to 4-months-old Wistar rats (250–280 g). After 7 and 30 days, the tubes were removed and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction and ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for parametric data and Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn for nonparametric (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was dose-dependent, since all association were cytotoxic at higher concentrations; however, Ambroxol–PEG showed significantly higher cytotoxicity than other association (p < 0.05). In addition, irrespective of the association, no cytokine production was observed in vitro. Ambroxol–GLI reduced bacterial viability, whereas Ambroxol–PEG increased (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed no significant difference in the inflammatory response (p > 0.05) and mineralization ability in all association. Additionally, IL-1β and TNF-α were upregulated on Ambroxol–PEG in relation to Control at 07 days (p < 0.05). Ambroxol–GLI was the best vehicle for experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, as it promoted an increase in antimicrobial activity without altering the inflammatory response or mineralization ability.
Biocompatibility and feasibility of VisiPlate, a novel ultrathin, multichannel glaucoma drainage device
Authors: Kao Brandon W. , Meer Elana , Barbolt Thomas A. , Lewis Richard A. , Ahmed Iqbal Ike , Lee Vivian , Nicaise Samuel M. , Griggs Georgia , Miller-Ellis Eydie G.
Published: November 2021

Background

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma drainage devices and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) often present with tradeoffs in safety and durability of efficacy. Using a rabbit model, we examined the biocompatibility and feasibility of VisiPlate, a novel, ultrathin, tubeless subconjunctival shunt comprised of a network of microchannels.

Methods

Six naive female New Zealand White rabbits received implants (three only in the right eye with contralateral eye untreated and three in both eyes) composed of a 400-nm-thick aluminum oxide core coated with 2 µm of parylene-C, manufactured with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. Tonometry, slit lamp exam, clinical exam, fluorescein patency testing, and histopathology were performed.

Results

VisiPlate demonstrated IOP-lowering of 20–40% compared to baseline at each time point over the course of 3 months in the nine implanted eyes. All eyes developed blebs over the implant, and fluorescein testing demonstrated fluid patency at 22 days post-implantation. Slit lamp and clinical observations showed that VisiPlate was well tolerated, with low levels of conjunctival congestion, conjunctival swelling, aqueous flare, hyphema, and iris involvement from surgery that resolved over time. At sacrifice time points of 93 days and 180 days, the only notable observations were mild levels of conjunctival congestion in implanted eyes. Histopathology showed minimal tissue response and no obvious inflammation, fibrosis, or necrosis around the implant.

Conclusions

The results of this in vivo study demonstrate the biocompatibility and IOP-lowering effect of a multichannel, ultrathin subconjunctival shunt in a rabbit model. The data suggest that VisiPlate may safely enhance aqueous outflow and significantly reduce intraocular pressure.