bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated detection of the yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina) using an optical sensor with machine learning
Authors: Herrera Cayetano , Williams Mark , Encarnação Joao , Roura‐Pascual Núria , Faulhaber Bastian , Jurado‐Rivera José Antonio , Leza Mar
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

The yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is native to Southeast Asia and is an invasive alien species of concern in many countries. More effective management of populations of V. velutina could be achieved through more widespread and intensive monitoring in the field, however current methods are labor intensive and costly. To address this issue, we have assessed the performance of an optical sensor combined with a machine learning model to classify V. velutina and native wasps/hornets and bees. Our aim is to use the results of the present work as a step towards the development of a monitoring solution for V. velutina in the field.

RESULTS

We recorded a total 935 flights from three bee species: Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis; and four wasp/hornet species: Polistes dominula, Vespula germanica, Vespa crabro and V. velutina. The machine learning model achieved an average accuracy for species classification of 80.1 ± 13.9% and 74.5 ± 7.0% for V. velutina. V. crabro had the highest level of misclassification, confused mainly with V. velutina and P. dominula. These results were obtained using a 14‐value peak and valley feature derived from the wingbeat power spectral density.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the wingbeat recordings from a flying insect sensor can be used with machine learning methods to differentiate V. velutina from six other Hymenoptera species in the laboratory and this knowledge could be used to help develop a tool for use in integrated invasive alien species management programs. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Change in soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus after timber harvesting in northern hardwood forests
Authors: Puhlick Joshua J , Fernandez Ivan J.
Published: November 2022

Quantifying changes in soil carbon (C) and nutrient stocks after timber harvesting is needed to inform C management and to ensure that forest productivity is sustained over time. Our objective was to assess changes in soil C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) 1 year after timber harvesting in temperate northern hardwood forests. We established permanent plots in forest stands for measuring forest attributes before and after harvesting. We collected soils from quantitative soil pits, which were associated with permanent plots, to determine total C, total N, and extractable P stocks and concentrations. Mean post‐harvest fine fraction organic (O) horizon C was less than the pre‐harvest stock, but we did not detect a statistically significant change in total O horizon or mineral soil C stocks. For the fine fractions of the O horizon and mineral soil from the 0–5 and 5–30 cm depth increments of the B horizon, total N and extractable P stocks were positively correlated with total C stocks. For all of these soil components, extractable P stocks and concentrations declined over time, which could be related to post‐harvest stand conditions that favored microbial activity and immobilization of available P. These findings indicate that P availability could be a concern in these forests and that long‐term monitoring is needed to consider potential management actions for ensuring that forest productivity is sustained.
Glacial rock flour reduces the hydrophobicity of Greenlandic cultivated soils
Authors: Weber Peter L. , Hermansen Cecilie , Pesch Charles , Moldrup Per , Greve Mogens H. , Blaesbjerg Natasha H. , Romero Gabriela Moreno , Arthur Emmanuel , de Jonge Lis Wollesen
Published: November 2022

Soil water repellency (WR) is ubiquitous across Greenlandic cultivated fields, which may constrain agricultural production. Fine‐grained glacial rock flour (GRF) is available in the surrounding landscape, which could serve as a soil amendment. We tested whether the application of GRF (rates of 0, 50, 100, 300, and 500 ton ha−1) reduced the WR across two field trials in South Greenland. The field trials, Upernaviarsuk (UP) and South Igaliku (SI), differed in clay (UP: 0.05–0.11 kg kg−1; SI: 0.03–0.05 kg kg−1) and organic carbon (OC) contents (UP: 0.04–0.13 kg kg−1; SI: 0.01–0.03 kg kg−1). We measured WR across gravimetric water contents (W) from oven‐dry to the W where WR ceased (WNON) to obtain whole WR‐W curves. Most soils became hydrophilic around air‐dry conditions at application rates of ≥300 ton ha−1, likely due to increased clay:OC ratios. Application rates of ≥300 ton ha−1 generally reduced the trapezoidal integrated area of the WR‐W curve (WRAREA), WNON, and WR after heat treatments at 105°C (WR105) and 60°C (WR60). The WR105 was significantly reduced in both fields at 500 ton ha−1, while WR60 was significantly reduced in UP at application rates of ≥300 ton ha−1. The GRF effects were masked by texture and OC variations. Normalizing WRAREA to the water vapor sorption isotherms (utilizing the Campbell‐Shiozawa model) revealed that GRF consistently reduced the normalized WRAREA. The SI field showed the largest reduction in the normalized WRAREA, likely due to its lower OC and clay contents. Thus, GRF could reduce WR across two Greenlandic field trials.
Complete nasal obstruction caused by a dentigerous cyst in a 4‐year‐old pug
Authors: Martinez Irene , Rich Andrew , Haseler James , Mielke Benjamin
Published: November 2022

A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered pug was referred for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome evaluation. The patient had a history of exercise and warm weather intolerance, causing chronic clinical signs of nasal discharge and reverse sneezing. A computed tomography scan revealed an unerupted tooth within the left nasal cavity and rostral left nasal meatus with an associated cystic lesion, extending to the right side, causing complete obstruction of the nasal passage. The left maxillary canine tooth (204) was surgically extracted, and the surrounding cystic lining was extirpated. Histopathology identified the structure as a dentigerous cyst, with complete tissue margins, supporting a reduced likelihood of local recurrence. After 7 months, the patient had significantly improved and had no further episodes of nasal discharge.
Genotoxicity testing of nanomaterials
Authors: Landsiedel Robert , Honarvar Naveed , Seiffert Svenja Berit , Oesch Barbara , Oesch Franz
Published: November 2022

Nanomaterials have outstanding and unprecedented advantageous material properties but may also cause adverse effects in humans upon exposure. Testing nanomaterials for genotoxic properties is challenging because traditional testing methods were designed for small, soluble molecules and may not be easily applicable without modifications. This review critically examines available genotoxicity tests for use with nanomaterials, including DNA damage tests such as the comet assay, gene mutation tests such as the mouse lymphoma and hprt assay, and chromosome mutation tests such as the micronucleus test and the chromosome aberration test. It presents arguments for the relative usefulness of various tests, such as preferring the micronucleus test over the chromosome aberration test for scoring chromosome mutations and preferring mammalian cell gene mutation tests because the Ames test has limited utility. Finally, it points out the open questions and further needs in adapting genotoxicity tests for nanomaterials, such as validation, reference nanomaterials, and the selection of top test concentrations, as well as the relevance and applicability of test systems and the need to define testing strategies.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
Ergebnispräsentation
Authors: Gercke Marcus
Published: November 2022

Im ersten Teil der Analyse wurden Pearson-Korrelationen zwischen den fünf Einflussfaktoren (Einkommensungleichheit, Wohlstand, ethnische Fraktionalisierung, Vertrauen, Materialismusrate) und der Mordrate als Proxy für das Ausmaß von Gewalt in reichen Ländern geschätzt. Abbildungen 4.1 bis 4.3 zeigen die entsprechenden Ergebnisse für das gesamte und bereinigte Länderset. Der Vergleich zwischen den Ländersets zeigt, dass der Ausschluss von Ausreißen die Zusammenhänge in ihrer Höhe und Signifikanz durchaus beeinflusst.
An inequality on polarized endomorphisms
Authors: Hu Fei , Truong Tuyen Trung
Published: November 2022

We show that assuming the standard conjectures, for any smooth projective varietyXof dimensionnover an algebraically closed field, there is a constant$$c>0$$c>0such that for any positive rational numberrand any polarized endomorphismfofX, we have$$\begin{aligned} \Vert G_r \circ f \Vert \le c \deg (G_r \circ f), \end{aligned}$$‖Gr∘f‖≤cdeg(Gr∘f),where$$G_r$$Gris a correspondence ofXso that for each$$0\le i\le 2n$$0≤i≤2n, its pullback action on thei-th Weil cohomology group is the multiplication-by-$$r^i$$rimap. This inequality is known to imply the generalized Weil Riemann hypothesis and is a special case of a more general conjecture by the authors’ work Hu and Truong (A dynamical approach to generalized Weil’s Riemann hypothesis and semisimplicity.arXiv:2102.04405v3, 2021).
Rolle, Arbeitsweise und Empfehlungen der Ständigen Impfkommission (STIKO) im Kontext der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Vygen-Bonnet Sabine , Schlaberg Johanna , Koch Judith
Published: November 2022

Die Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) ist ein ehrenamtliches Gremium, dessen 18 ExpertInnen vom Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (BMG) berufen werden. Die wissenschaftliche Arbeit der STIKO wird durch eine Geschäftsstelle am Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) unterstützt. Die STIKO erarbeitet unabhängige Impfempfehlungen für Deutschland mit der Methodik der evidenzbasierten Medizin (EBM).

Während der COVID-19-Pandemie sah sich die STIKO mit großen Herausforderungen konfrontiert. Innerhalb kürzester Zeit wurden mehrere COVID-19-Impfstoffe z. T. neuer Technologien zugelassen. Die Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung wurde nach dem jeweils aktuellen Wissensstand durchgeführt. Die Impfempfehlungen mussten fortlaufend angepasst werden an die sich stetig ändernde Epidemiologie von SARS-CoV‑2, zunehmende Impfstoffverfügbarkeiten, neue Zulassungen, Indikationserweiterungen und neue Sicherheitssignale (z. B. Sinusvenenthrombosen nach Vektor-basierten Impfstoffen). Die STIKO hat ihre Arbeitsweise der Situation angepasst und während der Pandemie Beeindruckendes geleistet. Sie hat auch unter Zeitdruck die EBM-Prinzipien beachtet und Impfempfehlungen basierend auf der jeweils verfügbaren Evidenz erarbeitet. Jede Impfempfehlung wurde vor der endgültigen Beschlussfassung in ein Stellungnahmeverfahren mit den betroffenen Fachkreisen (z. B. med. Fachgesellschaften, Gesundheitsbehörden) gegeben. Dabei wurde trotz der kurzen Fristen umfassend und konstruktiv kommentiert und der STIKO die Möglichkeit gegeben, ihre Empfehlungen unter Berücksichtigung der Stellungnahmen zu diskutieren, anzupassen und somit auf breiten Konsens zu bauen.

Die zurückliegenden Monate haben gezeigt, dass es möglich und sinnvoll ist, Impfempfehlungen auch während einer Pandemie nach den Prinzipien der EBM zu erarbeiten. Ausreichende personelle Ressourcen in der STIKO-Geschäftsstelle sind dabei essentiell.
Shear traction‐separation laws of European beech under mode II loading by 3D digital image correlation
Authors: Gómez-Royuela José Luis , Majano-Majano Almudena , Lara-Bocanegra Antonio José , Xavier José , de Moura M. F. S. F.
Published: November 2022

An experimental and numerical study on mode II fracture behaviour of European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) in the RL and TL crack propagation systems is performed. It is a hardwood species that has attracted increasing interest for structural use in Europe in recent years. Three-point end notched flexure tests are performed. TheR-curves of both crack propagation systems are obtained, from which the critical strain energy release rate (GIIc) is derived by applying the compliance-based beam method. This data reduction scheme avoids crack length monitoring during its propagation, which is an advantage in wood. Using a direct method, the shear traction‐separation laws in mode II loading are determined. Full field displacements around the crack tip are monitored by 3D digital image correlation technique, and the crack tip shear displacements are analysed. The proposed method is numerically validated by finite element analysis. Cohesive zone models are developed implementing a shear traction–separation law with exponential damage evolution zone and the average value of the experimental elastic and fracture properties. The numerical results for the different properties including upper and lower limits represent well the experimental data.
Structural, morphological and magnetic properties of hexaferrite BaCo2Fe16O27 nanoparticles and their efficient lead removal from water
Authors: Arman M. M.
Published: November 2022

W-hexaferrite BaCo2Fe16O27 was prepared using the citrate nitrate combustion method. The sample was characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX and elemental mapping. XRD confirmed that the sample was synthesized in a single phase hexagonal structure with an average crystallite size 37.39 nm. SEM images of the sample show a spongy morphology with the agglomerated grain owing to dipole interaction between the crystallites. The magnetic properties of BaCo2Fe16O27 were studied using H-M hysteresis loop and the DC magnetic susceptibility. The sample has a ferrimagnetic behavior with saturation magnetization 64.133 emu/g. The magnetic properties of BaCo2Fe16O27 are originated from the Fe3+–O–Fe3+ superexchange. The synthesized sample is used as an adsorbent to remove the heavy metal Pb2+ from water. BaCo2Fe16O27 has Pb2+ removal efficiency 99% and 28% at pH 8 and 7 respectively. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to analyze the experimental data. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm fitted the experimental data well.
The neurocognitive disorder cohort RIFADE: Aims, methods, first results showing cognitive improvement in a subgroup
Authors: Baumann Bruno , Lipka Tim , Jänner Michaela , Kujovic Milenko
Published: November 2022

Background

The NCD cohort study RIFADE (RIsk FActors of DEmentia) investigates the interaction of risk factors and neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) due to Alzheimer’s disease (NCD-AD) and NCD of vascular type (NCD-vascular). Retrospective recruitment referred to a period from 2007 to 2018 in a single centre. In addition to the baseline visit, follow-up visits took place at 3, 6, 12 months followed by yearly visits. Visit times varied in part depending on adherence. The study also comprises an EEG bank and a bank with cerebral MRI (c-MRI).

Methods

Inclusion criteria were broad in order to cover a wide range of patterns of NCD. At baseline, patients underwent a large panel of assessments, e.g. including clinical history, diagnostic evaluation for NCD according to DSM-IV and NINDS AIREN criteria, a cognitive test battery including the DemTect, the clock drawing test and the Instrumental-Activities-of-Daily-Living-scale of Lawton and Brodie, EEG and c-MRI. At each follow-up visit, cognitive tests were repeated, in most cases also EEGs and in some cases c-MRIs. Numerous risk factors (RF) including vascular RF, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, sleep apnoea and lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyle, low cognitive style and smoking were evaluated for presence and for correction status at each visit, and modulation of uncorrected RF was initiated.

Results

Overall, 126 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of NCD were included (52% female, mean age 71 ± 10.6 years (range 35e86)), number of follow-up visits per subject 2.9 ± 2.4, observation time per subject 3.4 ± 2.8 years). Of these, 55/28/17% presented with the clinical stages subjective cognitive decline (SCD)/mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia (major NCD). Clinical diagnoses, retrospectively re-evaluated according to DSM-5, were 5/21/68/6% Alzheimer´s disease (NCD-AD)/vascular NCD (NCD-vascular) / mixed NCD (NCD-AD + NCD-vascular)/unspecified NCD. First longitudinal results revealed a mean DemTect score at baseline 12.6 ± 4.2 vs last visit 12.0 ± 4.8 (p = 0.08) and a clock drawing test score at baseline 1.9 ± 1.3 vs last visit 2.3 ± 1.5 (p < 0.0001). Of all subjects with MCI or major NCD (n = 57), 19 improved in the clinical stage from baseline to last visit (33.3%). Sixteen subjects progressed from SCD or MCI (n = 104) to major NCD (15.4%).

Conclusion

The German NCD cohort RIFADE comprises patients with all clinical stages of NCD. A considerable subgroup improved in clinical stage. Further analysis is needed to answer the question of whether modulation of multiple risk factors provides a favourable effect on cognitive outcome in NCD.
Real-life outcomes in biotypes of psychotic disorders based on neurocognitive performance
Authors: Molina Vicente , Fernández-Linsenbarth Inés , Queipo-de-Llano María , Jiménez-Aparicio María Teresa , Vallecillo-Adame Carmen , Aremy-Gonzaga Abril , de-Andrés-Lobo Celia , Recio-Barbero María , Díez Álvaro , Beño-Ruiz-de-la-Sierra Rosa M. , Martín-Gómez Carmen , Sanz-Fuentenebro Javier
Published: November 2022

Aiming at discerning potential biotypes within the psychotic syndrome, we have recently reported the possible existence of two clusters or biotypes across schizophrenia and bipolar disorder characterized by their cognitive performance using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) instrument and validated with independent biological and clinical indexes (Fernández-Linsenbarth et al. in Schizophr Res 229:102–111, 2021). In this previous work, the group with larger cognitive deficits (N = 93, including 69 chronic schizophrenia, 17 first episodes (FE) of schizophrenia and 7 bipolar disorder patients) showed smaller thalamus and hippocampus volume and hyper-synchronic electroencephalogram than the group with milder deficits (N = 105, including 58 chronic schizophrenia, 25 FE and 22 bipolar disorder patients). We predicted that if these biotypes indeed corresponded to different cognitive and biological substrates, their adaptation to real life would be different. To this end, in the present work we have followed up the patients’ population included in that work at 1st and 3rd years after the date of inclusion in the 2021 study and we report on the statistical comparisons of each clinical and real-life outcomes between them. The first cluster, with larger cognitive deficits and more severe biological alterations, showed during that period a decreased capacity for job tenure (1st and 3rd years), more admissions to a psychiatric ward (1st year) and a higher likelihood for quitting psychiatric follow-up (3rd year). Patients in the second cluster, with moderate cognitive deficits, were less compliant with prescribed treatment at the 3rd year. The differences in real-life outcomes may give additional external validity to that yielded by biological measurements to the described biotypes based on neurocognition.
Nano- and micro-structures in lunar zircon from Apollo 15 and 16 impactites: implications for age interpretations
Authors: Kusiak Monika A. , Kovaleva Elizaveta , Vanderliek Dennis , Becker Harry , Wilke Franziska , Schreiber Anja , Wirth Richard
Published: November 2022

Meteorite impact processes are ubiquitous on the surfaces of rocky and icy bodies in the Solar System, including the Moon. One of the most common accessory minerals, zircon, when shocked, produces specific micro-structures that may become indicative of the age and shock conditions of these impact processes. To better understand the shock mechanisms in zircon from Apollo 15 and 16 impact breccias, we applied transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and studied nano-structures in eight lunar zircons displaying four different morphologies from breccias 15455, 67915, and 67955. Our observations revealed a range of shock-related features in zircon: (1) planar and non-planar fractures, (2) “columnar” zircon rims around baddeleyite cores, (3) granular textured zircon, in most cases with sub-µm-size inclusions of monoclinic ZrO2(baddeleyite) and cubic ZrO2(zirconia), (4) silica-rich glass and metal inclusions of FeS and FeNi present at triple junctions in granular zircon and in baddeleyite, (5) inclusions of rutile in shocked baddeleyite, (6) amorphous domains, (7) recrystallized domains. In many grain aggregates, shock-related micro-structures overprint each other, indicating either different stages of a single impact process or multiple impact events. During shock, some zircons were transformed to diaplectic glass (6), and others (7) were completely decomposed into SiO2and Zr-oxide, evident from the observed round shapes of cubic zirconia and silica-rich glass filling triple junctions of zircon granules. Despite the highly variable effect on textures and Zr phases, shock-related features show no correlation with relatively homogeneous U–Pb or207Pb/206Pb ages of zircons. Either the shock events occurred very soon after the solidification or recrystallization of the different Zr phases, or the shock events were too brief to result in noticeable Pb loss during shock metamorphism.
Micro-analytical and molecular approaches for understanding the distribution, biochemistry, and molecular biology of selenium in (hyperaccumulator) plants
Authors: Pinto Irish Katherine , Harvey Maggie-Anne , Harris Hugh H. , Aarts Mark G. M. , Chan Cheong Xin , Erskine Peter D. , van der Ent Antony
Published: November 2022

Main conclusion

Micro-analytical techniques to untangle Se distribution and chemical speciation in plants coupled with molecular biology analysis enable the deciphering of metabolic pathways responsible for Se tolerance and accumulation.

Selenium (Se) is not essential for plants and is toxic at high concentrations. However, Se hyperaccumulator plants have evolved strategies to both tolerate and accumulate > 1000 µg Se g−1 DW in their living above-ground tissues. Given the complexity of the biochemistry of Se, various approaches have been adopted to study Se metabolism in plants. These include X-ray-based techniques for assessing distribution and chemical speciation of Se, and molecular biology techniques to identify genes implicated in Se uptake, transport, and assimilation. This review presents these techniques, synthesises the current state of knowledge on Se metabolism in plants, and highlights future directions for research into Se (hyper)accumulation and tolerance. We conclude that powerful insights may be gained from coupling information on the distribution and chemical speciation of Se to genome-scale studies to identify gene functions and molecular mechanisms that underpin Se tolerance and accumulation in these ecologically and biotechnologically important plants species. The study of Se metabolism is challenging and is a useful testbed for developing novel analytical approaches that are potentially more widely applicable to the study of the regulation of a wide range of metal(loid)s in hyperaccumulator plants.

Graphical Abstract
Development and validation of the Early Pediatric Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence questionnaire
Authors: Verkuijl Sanne J. , Trzpis Monika , Broens Paul M. A.
Published: November 2022

There are no compatible tools that assess bowel function in young children, older children, and adults. This precludes clinical follow-up and longitudinal scientific research. Our aim was therefore to develop and validate a bowel function questionnaire equivalent to the pediatric (8–17 years) and adult (≥ 18 years) Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence (DeFeC) questionnaires for children from the age of 1 month to 7 years. We developed, validated, and translated the Early Pediatric Groningen DeFeC (EP-DeFeC) questionnaire according to the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). The EP-DeFeC incorporates different validated bowel function scoring systems, including the Rome IV criteria that are also included in the pediatric and adult DeFeC. We assessed feasibility and reproducibility by a test–retest survey. The study population (N = 100) consisted of the parents/caregivers of children whose median age was 4.0 (IQR 2.0–5.0) years. The mean interval between testing and retesting was 2.7 ± 1.1 months. None of the respondents commented on ambiguities regarding the questions. The overall median time taken to complete the EP-DeFeC was 8.7 min (IQR 6.8–11.8). The overall observed agreement was 78.9% with an overall kappa coefficient of 0.51, indicating moderate agreement.

Conclusion: The EP-DeFeC is a feasible, reproducible, and validated questionnaire for assessing bowel function in children from the age of 1 month to 7 years. If used in combination with its pediatric (8–17 years) and adult (≥ 18 years) equivalents, this questionnaire enables longitudinal follow-up of bowel function from infancy to adulthood.

What is Known:• Bowel function problems are common among young children.• Unfortunately, there are no compatible tools that assess bowel function in young children, older children, and adults, which precludes clinical follow-up and longitudinal scientific research.

What is New:• The Early Pediatric Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence (EP-DeFeC) questionnaire is validated to assess bowel function in children from the age of 1 month to 7 years.• If used together with its pediatric and adult equivalents, longitudinal follow-up of bowel function from infancy to adulthood becomes possible.
FGFR2-amplified tumor clones are markedly heterogeneously distributed in carcinomas of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Albin Jan , Fahrig Luca , Siemanowski Janna , Rehkaemper Jan , Gebauer Florian , Zander Thomas , Buettner Reinhard , Bruns Christiane Josephine , Schroeder Wolfgang , Alakus Hakan , Hieggelke Lena , Quaas Alexander
Published: November 2022

Background

FGFR2 is a therapy-relevant target in tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and clinical trials are currently underway to test the efficacy of FGFR2 inhibitors. Tumor heterogeneity is one of the relevant causes of treatment failure. Almost nothing is known about the heterogeneous distribution of FGFR2-amplified clones in adenocarcinomas of the upper GIT.

Patients and methods

To assess FGFR2 gene copy number alteration and intratumoral heterogeneity of upper GIT adenocarcinomas, we analyzed 893 patient-derived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, including primary operated and neoadjuvant-treated tumors (462 gastric carcinomas and 429 esophageal adenocarcinomas) as well as complementary lymph node and distant metastasis by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

Twenty-six gastric tumors (5.6%) and 21 esophageal adenocarcinomas (4.9%) showed FGFR2 amplification. Overall, 93% of gastric carcinomas and 83% of esophageal carcinomas showed heterogeneous amplification. FGFR2 amplification was found in different histological growth patterns, including intestinal and diffuse type according to the Lauren classification. In the primary gastric carcinoma group, FGFR2 amplification was associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Homogeneous FGFR2 amplification in tumors of the upper GIT is the exception. This has highly relevant implications in the nature of FGFR2 diagnostics (sufficient tumor cell number, determination of amplification at metastasis versus primary tumor, etc.) and on the response probability of appropriate inhibitors. It is relevant that the often poorly treatable and aggressive subtype of diffuse carcinomas (poorly cohesive carcinomas) also shows FGFR2 amplification and that an individualized therapy option with FGFR2 inhibitors could be an option in this group.
Accounting for viscoelastic effects in a multiscale fatigue model for the degradation of the dynamic stiffness of short-fiber reinforced thermoplastics
Authors: Magino Nicola , Köbler Jonathan , Andrä Heiko , Welschinger Fabian , Müller Ralf , Schneider Matti
Published: November 2022

Under fatigue loading, the stiffness decrease in short-fiber reinforced polymers reflects the gradual degradation of the material. Thus, both measuring and modeling this stiffness is critical to investigate and understand the entire fatigue process. Besides evolving damage, viscoelastic effects within the polymer influence the measured dynamic stiffness. In this paper, we study the influence of a linear viscoelastic material model for the matrix on the obtained dynamic stiffness and extend an elastic multiscale fatigue-damage model to viscoelasticity. Our contribution is two-fold. First, we revisit the complex-valued elastic models known in the literature to predict the asymptotic periodic orbit of a viscoelastic material. For small phase shifts in an isotropic linear viscoelastic material, we show through numerical experiments that a real-valued computation of an “elastic”  material is sufficient to approximate the dynamic stiffness of a microstructure with a generalized Maxwell material and equal Poisson’s ratios in every element as matrix, reinforced by elastic inclusions. This makes standard solvers applicable to fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. Secondly, we propose a viscoelastic fatigue-damage model for the thermoplastic matrix based on decoupling of the time scales where viscoelastic and fatigue-damage effects manifest. We demonstrate the capability of the multiscale model to predict the dynamic stiffness evolution under fatigue loading of short-fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) by a validation with experimental results.
The prognostic role of systemic inflammatory markers in apparent early-stage ovarian cancer
Authors: Bizzarri Nicolò , D’Indinosante Marco , Marchetti Claudia , Tudisco Riccardo , Turchiano Francesca , Scambia Giovanni , Fagotti Anna
Published: November 2022

Background

Few studies analyzed the prognostic role of systemic inflammatory markers in early-stage ovarian cancer. The primary endpoint of the present study was to assess the prognostic impact of baseline inflammatory markers in early-stage ovarian cancer. The secondary endpoints were to compare the disease-free survival (DFS) of inflammatory markers with standard risk factors and to correlate these with BRCA mutational status.

Methods

Retrospective, single-center, observational study. Patients with FIGO-stage I–II and IIIA1 epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing primary surgery between 10/2012 and 12/2019 were included. Inflammatory markers were evaluated on the results of the complete blood count and coagulation tests, performed before ovarian cancer surgery. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of different baseline inflammatory biomarkers for the DFS analysis.

Results

Three hundred fifty-nine patients were included in the study period. Baseline neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 3 and systemic immune inflammation index (SII, defined as platelet x neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio) ≥ 1000 were associated with worse 3 year DFS and baseline SII ≥ 1000 was associated with worse 3 year OS. BRCA-mutated patients with SII ≥ 1000 and with NLR ≥ 3 had significantly worse DFS compared to SII < 1000 and with NLR < 3. FIGO stage > I was the only independent risk factor for higher risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

SII ≥ 1000 and NLR ≥ 3 were associated with worse 3 year DFS and SII ≥ 1000 was associated with worse 3 year OS. The subgroups of BRCA-mutated patients with higher inflammation markers (SII ≥ 1000 and NLR ≥ 3) were associated with worse DFS. These findings might be helpful to design personalized treatment and more intensive surveillance.
Querying a Clinical Data Warehouse for Combinations of Clinical and Imaging Data
Authors: Kaspar Mathias , Liman Leon , Morbach Caroline , Dietrich Georg , Seidlmayer Lea Katharina , Puppe Frank , Störk Stefan
Published: November 2022

This study aims to show the feasibility and benefit of single queries in a research data warehouse combining data from a hospital’s clinical and imaging systems. We used a comprehensive integration of a production picture archiving and communication system (PACS) with a clinical data warehouse (CDW) for research to create a system that allows data from both domains to be queried jointly with a single query. To achieve this, we mapped the DICOM information model to the extended entity–attribute–value (EAV) data model of a CDW, which allows data linkage and query constraints on multiple levels: the patient, the encounter, a document, and a group level. Accordingly, we have integrated DICOM metadata directly into CDW and linked it to existing clinical data. We included data collected in 2016 and 2017 from the Department of Internal Medicine in this analysis for two query inquiries from researchers targeting research about a disease and in radiology. We obtained quantitative information about the current availability of combinations of clinical and imaging data using a single multilevel query compiled for each query inquiry. We compared these multilevel query results to results that linked data at a single level, resulting in a quantitative representation of results that was up to 112% and 573% higher. An EAV data model can be extended to store data from clinical systems and PACS on multiple levels to enable combined querying with a single query to quickly display actual frequency data.
Assessing community readiness for overweight and obesity prevention among Ghanaian immigrants living in Greater Manchester, England
Authors: Osei-Kwasi Hibbah Araba , Jackson Peter , Akparibo Robert , Holdsworth Michelle , Nicolaou Mary , De Graft Aikins Ama , Griffiths Paula
Published: November 2022

Aim

This study assesses community readiness to prevent overweight/obesity among Ghanaian immigrants in Greater Manchester, England.

Subject and method

The Community Readiness Model (CRM) was applied using a semi-structured interview tool with 13 key informants (religious and other key community members) addressing five readiness dimensions. A maximum of 9 points per dimension (from 1 = no awareness to 9 = high level of community ownership), was assigned, alongside qualitative textual thematic analysis.

Results

The mean readiness score indicated that the study population was in the “vague awareness stage” (3.08 ± 0.98). The highest score was observed for community knowledge of the issue (4.42 ± 0.99) which was in the pre-planning phase, followed by community climate (vague awareness; 3.58 ± 0.62). The lowest scores were seen for resources (denial/resistance; 2.70 ± 0.61) and knowledge of efforts (no awareness; 1.53 ± 0.44). Findings identified structural barriers, including poor living conditions as a result of poorly paid menial jobs and high workload, contributing to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. Socio-cultural factors such as fatalism, hereditary factors, and social status were associated with acceptance of overweight.

Conclusion

Despite recognising overweight/obesity as an important health issue in these communities, especially among women, it is not seen as a priority for targeting change. To help these communities to become more ready for interventions that tackle overweight/obesity, the focus should initially be to address the structural barriers identified, including reducing poverty, alongside designing interventions that work with these structural barriers, and thereafter focus on the socio-cultural factors.
Estimation of the Surface Fluxes for Heat and Momentum in Unstable Conditions with Machine Learning and Similarity Approaches for the LAFE Data Set
Authors: Wulfmeyer Volker , Pineda Juan Manuel Valencia , Otte Sebastian , Karlbauer Matthias , Butz Martin V. , Lee Temple R. , Rajtschan Verena
Published: November 2022

Measurements of three flux towers operated during the land atmosphere feedback experiment (LAFE) are used to investigate relationships between surface fluxes and variables of the land–atmosphere system. We study these relations by means of two machine learning (ML) techniques: multilayer perceptrons (MLP) and extreme gradient boosting (XGB). We compare their flux derivation performance with Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) and a similarity relationship using the bulk Richardson number (BRN). The ML approaches outperform MOST and BRN. Best agreement with the observations is achieved for the friction velocity. For the sensible heat flux and even more so for the latent heat flux, MOST and BRN deviate from the observations while MLP and XGB yield more accurate predictions. Using MOST and BRN for latent heat flux, the root mean square errors (RMSE) are 107 Wm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

and 121 Wm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

, respectively, as well as the intercepts of the regression lines are $$\approx 110$$

≈
110

 Wm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

. For the ML methods, the RMSEs reduce to 31 Wm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

for MLP and 33 Wm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

for XGB as well as the intercepts to just 4 Wm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

for MLP and $$-1$$

-
1

 Wm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

for XGB with slopes of the regression lines close to 1, respectively. These results indicate significant deficiencies of MOST and BRN, particularly for the derivation of the latent heat flux. In fact, in contrast to the established theories, feature importance weighting demonstrates that the ML methods base their improved derivations on net radiation, the incoming and outgoing shortwave radiations, the air temperature gradient, and the available water contents, but not on the water vapor gradient. The results imply that further studies of surface fluxes and other turbulent variables with ML techniques provide great promise for deriving advanced flux parameterizations and their implementation in land–atmosphere system models.
New perspectives in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma? Evaluation of chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion as a palliative treatment option
Authors: Dewald Cornelia L. A. , Becker Lena S. , Meine Timo C. , Maschke Sabine K. , Wacker Frank K. , Saborowski Anna , Vogel Arndt , Hinrichs Jan B.
Published: November 2022

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are the second most common primary liver tumors and carry a dismal prognosis. Chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) is a palliative, intra-arterial therapeutic approach that provides a high dose chemotherapy of the liver with reduced systemic exposure. Aim of this retrospective, monocentric study was to analyze PHP as a palliative treatment for unresectable CCA. Toxicity, adverse events and complications were classified using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0). Overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST1.1). Median overall survival (mOS), median progression-free survival (mPFS) and hepatic mPFS (mhPFS) were computed using Kaplan–Meier estimation. In total 17 patients were treated with 42 PHP between 10/2014 and 09/2020. No significant complications occurred during the interventions. mOS was 27.6 (interquartile range (IQR) 16.5–37) months from first diagnosis and 9.9 (IQR 3.8–21) months from first PHP. mPFS was 4 (IQR 2–7) and mhPFS was 4 (IQR 3–10) months. ORR was 25% and DCR 75%. Significant, but transient hematotoxicity was frequent with grade 3/4 thrombopenia after 50%, leukopenia after 26% and anaemia after 21% of the interventions. An increase of transaminases (AST increase after 21% and ALT increase after 14% of the PHP) developed more often than a deterioration of the liver synthesis capacity. Salvage treatment with PHP has the potential to prolong life in selected patients with unresectable, refractory cholangiocarcinoma. The interventional procedure is safe. Post-interventional toxicity is frequent but manageable.
Molecular dynamics of epoxy nanocomposites filled with core–shell and hollow nanosilica architectures
Authors: Chaudhary Sunny , Vryonis Orestis , Vaughan Alun , Andritsch Thomas
Published: November 2022

Here we contrast the molecular dynamics of epoxy nanocomposites filled with three different types of silica-based nanoparticles with different architectures, namely solid core, core–shell and hollow and with varying degree of crystallinity. The samples are characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, broadband dielectric spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Widely known relaxations such as α, β, γ, normal mode and interfacial polarisation are observed and discussed. An additional relaxation named omega (ω) is also observed, whose dielectric strength is inversely correlated to the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. We suggest that this may be attributed to the polarizing interaction of the hydroxyl groups of silanols with the hydroxy ether groups of the polymer chain. The ω is absent in DMA confirming it as a polarisation phenomenon. At lower concentration of silanols, the ω largely overlaps with β, effectively becoming an integral part of it. Finally, two interfacial polarisation relaxations are observed in the case of core–shell structures, originating from the core–shell and shell–polymer interface but, due to the similar real permittivity values of the core, shell and the polymer, their dielectric strength is weak.
Swedish public and private housing companies’ access to the capital market for financing energy renovation
Authors: Mangold Mikael , Mjörnell Kristina
Published: November 2022

The financing of energy efficiency measures and renovations is key to reaching energy efficiency targets for the housing sector. The purpose of this article is to add the Swedish case of how capital market funds have become accessible and used by public and private housing companies, in particular for energy efficiency measures. The core of this article are interviews with representatives of Swedish housing companies made during the spring of 2021 with the purpose of mapping how public and larger private housing companies finance renovation and energy efficiency measures, and to what extent funds from the capital market are used for these purposes. In this article, we have found that capital market funds are commonly used by the Swedish public and the largest private housing companies. Bonds are less costly compared to bank loans, and green bonds are 0.02–0.03 percentage points less costly than conventional bonds. Furthermore, control systems that investigate the values of building portfolios as security for bonds are poor. A conclusion is that governmental control systems over the capital market issuing bonds for the housing market could be needed to avert future housing bubbles.
The moral permissibility of banishment
Authors: Sheng E. E.
Published: November 2022

This essay defends the moral permissibility, as a form of punishment, of banishment, namely the exclusion by a state of a citizen from its territory. I begin by outlining the prima facie case for banishment, consider for whom it may be appropriate, and acknowledge constraints on its permissibility. I then defend banishment against the main objections in the literature to banishment or the related measure of denationalization (stripping citizens of their citizenship): impermissible permanency; excessive severity; ineffectiveness; unfairness to those who are punished and the creation of two classes of citizens; unfairness among states; and that banishment without denationalization is incompatible with the nature of citizenship. I adopt a ‘cantilever strategy’: if incarceration is permissible notwithstanding a certain objection, so is banishment. In concluding, I sympathetically discuss the view that, despite the moral permissibility of banishment, the power to banish should not be instituted because of the risk of abuse.
An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to establish thresholds of within-individual meaningful change on a sleep disturbance numerical rating scale score in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Dias-Barbosa Carla , Puelles Jorge , Fofana Fatoumata , Gabriel Sylvie , Rodriguez Danielle , Chavda Rajeev , Piketty Christophe
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Establishing a meaningful within-individual change (MWIC) threshold is a key aspect for interpreting scores used as endpoints for evaluating treatment benefit. A new patient-reported outcome (PRO), a sleep disturbance numerical rating scale (SD NRS), was developed in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). This research aims to establish a MWIC threshold of the SD NRS score in the context of a drug development program.

Methods

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used to address the research objective. This mixed-methods design used phase IIb data and a stand-alone qualitative study. Quantitative anchor-based and distribution-based approaches supported by qualitative-based approaches were conducted, and results were triangulated to determine preliminary MWIC thresholds of the SD NRS score.

Results

Triangulation of results from both quantitative and qualitative approaches suggested that a 2- to 6-point decrease in the SD NRS score change constitutes a preliminary range of MWIC threshold estimates.

Conclusion

This research determined MWIC threshold estimates for the SD NRS score in both adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. This mixed-methods design provides interesting insights for establishing MWIC thresholds of a PRO score in the context of a drug development program.
Special Issue Introduction
Authors: Bucher Hannah , Stroppe Anne-Kathrin , Burger Axel M. , Faas Thorsten , Schoen Harald , Debus Marc , Roßteutscher Sigrid
Published: November 2022

The GLES Open Science Challenge 2021 was a pioneering initiative in quantitative political science. Aimed at increasing the adoption of replicable and transparent research practices, it led to this special issue. The project combined the rigor of registered reports—a new publication format in which studies are evaluated prior to data collection/access and analysis—with quantitative political science research in the context of the 2021 German federal election. This special issue, which features the registered reports that resulted from the project, shows that transparent research following open science principles benefits our discipline and substantially contributes to quantitative political science. In this introduction to the special issue, we first elaborate on why more transparent research practices are necessary to guarantee the cumulative progress of scientific knowledge. We then show how registered reports can contribute to increasing the transparency of scientific practices. Next, we discuss the application of open science practices in quantitative political science to date. And finally, we present the process and schedule of the GLES Open Science Challenge and give an overview of the contributions included in this special issue.
Evolution of γ′ Precipitation During the Early Stages of Industrial Forging of a Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Coyne-Grell A. , Blaizot J. , Rahimi S. , Violatos I. , Nouveau S. , Dumont C. , Nicolaÿ A. , Bozzolo N.
Published: November 2022

A sample of the Ni-based superalloy AD730 was heat treated at a supersolvus temperature (1160 °C) then slowly cooled through the solvus temperature (1110 °C) at 10 °C/hr down to 1080 °C, i.e., a rate representative of the cooling conditions of an industrial-scale billet undergoing controlled cooling. The γ′ precipitate distribution which forms during this cooling was investigated, and a mix of continuous and discontinuous precipitation was found. The discontinuous γ′ precipitates were imaged using 3D tomography, and were shown to present very different sizes, morphologies, and aspect ratios when observed in different 2D imaging planes. The interaction between different populations of γ′ precipitate and recrystallization was investigated, and it was found that the discontinuous precipitates present more of a barrier to recrystallization than the continuous ones. This has been explained based on the different inter-precipitate spacings observed for the two populations. In addition to these γ′ precipitates which form during slow cooling, a fine and dense distribution of approximately spherical γ′ precipitates was found to form dynamically, during subsequent subsolvus forging, within unrecrystallized grains.