bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogels with Controlled Mechanics Affect Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation Relevant to Growth Plate Injuries
Authors: Stager Michael A. , Thomas Stacey M. , Rotello‐Kuri Nicholas , Payne Karin A. , Krebs Melissa D.
Published: July 2022

The growth plate is a complex cartilage structure in long bones that mediates growth in children. When injured, the formation of a “bony bar” can occur which impedes normal growth and can cause angular deformities or growth arrest. Current treatments for growth plate injuries are limited and result in poor patient outcomes, necessitating research toward novel treatments that can prevent bony bar formation and stimulate cartilage regeneration. This study investigates alginate‐chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogels as an injectable biomaterial system to prevent bony bar formation. Biomaterial properties including stiffness and degradation are quantified, and the effect that material properties have on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) fate is quantified in vitro. Specifically, this study aims to elucidate the effectiveness of biomaterial‐based control over the differentiation behavior of MSCs toward osteogenic or chondrogenic lineages using biochemical metabolite assays and quantitative real time PCR. Further, the PEC hydrogels are employed in a rat growth plate injury model to determine their effectiveness in preventing bony bar formation in vivo. Results indicate that hydrogel composition and material properties affect the differentiation tendency of MSCs in vitro, and the PEC hydrogels show promise as an injectable biomaterial for growth plate injuries.
A Superabsorbent Sodium Polyacrylate Printing Resin as Actuator Material in 4D Printing
Authors: Hiendlmeier Lukas , Teshima Tetsuhiko F. , Zurita Francisco , Url Heike , Rinklin Philipp , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: July 2022

Superabsorbent polymers are materials that exhibit a high swelling behavior in liquids and can hold the absorbed liquid even against externally applied pressure. They are commercially used, for example, in baby diapers, fake snow, or swellable children's toys. Most commercially available superabsorbent polymers are based on polymerized and crosslinked sodium acrylate. Here, a material formulation to create 3D objects using stereolithographic printing of sodium acrylate is demonstrated. The material shows typical superabsorbent properties that cannot be reached with conventional 3D printing materials. The printed structures swell strongly (up to 20 times in weight) in aqueous environments and still show 65% of the swelling under an external load of 100 kPa. This swelling can be used for 3D printed parts that can automatically change their size or shape when exposed to water. To show the versatility of this approach, selected structures are 3D printed, including a ship and a medical stent. Also the applicability of actuation by printing a structure is demonstrated, which deforms to a self‐closing container upon exposure to water.
Bioinspired Polyacrylamide/(polyvinyl alcohol‐copper acetate) Hydrogel with Cooling‐Triggered Shape Memory, Color Changing, and Self‐Healing Behavior
Authors: Yin Feng , Liu Jinguo , Hu Jun , Ju Yong
Published: July 2022

Inspired by many living creatures with adjustment of shape and color in an ever‐changing environment, color changeable shape memory hydrogels are designed and expected to be potential candidates in the fields spanning from anti‐counterfeiting to biomedical devices. However, they normally require complex synthesis, and more importantly, the cooling‐induced shape recovery hydrogel is still rare and in its infancy so far. Herein, a unique color changeable shape memory hydrogel by simply incorporating polyvinylalcohol and copper acetate into covalent polyacrylamide network is developed. As core functional element, copper ions serve as reversible crosslinks after heating to achieve excellent cooling‐triggered shape memory effect, color shifting and self‐healing behavior, showing significant potential in diverse applications like grabbing, information encryption, and biomimetic designs. This work may guide the development of cooling‐triggered smart hydrogels for practical applications.
The experiences and acceptability of a novel multimodal programme for the management of fibromyalgia: A qualitative service evaluation
Authors: McIlroy Suzanne , Vaughan Bethany , Crowe Heather , Bearne Lindsay
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Fibromyalgia guidelines recommend multi‐modal, non‐pharmacological interventions but there is limited evidence on the optimal programme. The Fibromyalgia Active Management and Exercise programme (FAME) aimed to improve function and quality of life. It consisted of 12 sessions delivered by a multidisciplinary team and incorporated education, exercise, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness approaches.

This qualitative service evaluation explored the experience and acceptability of FAME from the perspective of the patients' and healthcare practitioners' (HCP).

Methods

All patients and HCP involved in the first FAME programme were invited to attend either one audio‐recorded focus group or an individual semi‐structured interview. Topic guides were developed a priori. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

Thirteen participants (six HCP (three physiotherapists, two nurses, one psychologist)) and seven patients (mean age 46 (7.5) years, all female,) were enroled. FAME was acceptable to HCP participants but not to all patient participants. Where patient participants understood and anticipated the aims of FAME, the programme was found to be acceptable. Whereas, patient participants who did not fully understand the aims of the programme reported lower acceptability. Three themes were generated: expectations and preparation for FAME, the value of social support, and FAME as a learning opportunity. The themes could be explained by five constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Conclusion

FAME was acceptable to HCPs but not to all patient participants. Patient and HCP participants valued social support and regarded this as central to their learning. Further adaptation of FAME is required to optimise acceptability.
Stocking Density Effects on Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Hatchery Performance in Algal-Bacterial Biofloc Systems
Authors: Chen Hu-wei , Sun Da-chuan , Liu Wen-chang , Li Shuang , Tan Hong-xin
Published: July 2022

The effects of stocking density of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei from hatchery stages nauplius 5 (N5) through postlarval 5 (PL5) were evaluated in algal–bacterial biofloc systems. Triplicate stocking densities of 200 (D200), 300 (D300), and 400 (D400) shrimp larvae/L were used. No water exchange or additional carbon source was conducted during the 14-d experiment. Compared with other groups, the D400 stocking density had significantly higher concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite-nitrogen (0.55 and 0.66 mg/L, respectively). Nitrate-nitrogen and total nitrogen continuously accumulated throughout the experiment, with no significant difference among the three groups. The chlorophyll-a concentration, alkalinity, and pH of all three groups showed a downward trend in the later stage of the experiment. Shrimp larvae at the lowest stocking density had a higher survival during the rearing. Total Vibrio spp. count in the D200 group was lower than that of the other two but was not significantly different. In conclusion, we found that a stocking density of 200 shrimp larvae/L resulted in better survival and water quality conditions in the rearing systems tested.
Bycatch of Loons Assessed in Coastal Arctic Char Fisheries in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Mallory Mark L. , Robertson Gregory J. , Keegan Shane , Pollet Ingrid L. , Harris Les N. , Jivan Tyler , Provencher Jennifer F.
Published: July 2022

Bycatch in fisheries remains one of the biggest conservation threats to seabirds globally, but there has been limited attention given to bycatch in the Arctic. Here, we worked with Inuit commercial fishers in the Cambridge Bay region of Nunavut to record bycatch of birds as part of a fish bycatch reporting initiative, in weir and gill-net fisheries that target anadromous Arctic Char Salvelinus alpinus. Weir fisheries, and one of the gill-net fisheries (executed in freshwater), had no bird bycatch, but 291 loons (family Gavidae) were captured over 5 years in one estuarine–marine fishery, yielding an exceptionally high bycatch rate of 15.7 birds/1,000 net-meter-days. One of the species caught, the yellow-billed loon Gavia adamsii, is considered near threatened, but data on the population status of this species is insufficient to determine whether bycatch forms a significant threat. Nonetheless, deterrence efforts or other conservation options are needed in estuarine gill-net fisheries to reduce bird bycatch.
Theoretical perspectives for developing antiracist teaching dispositions and practices in preservice teacher education
Authors: Madkins Tia C. , Nazar Christina Restrepo
Published: July 2022

For some time, scholars who are guided by critical theories and perspectives have called out how white supremacist ideologies and systemic racism work to (re)produce societal inequities and educational injustices across science learning contexts in the United States. Given the sociopolitical nature of society, schooling, and science education, it is important to address the racist and settled history of scientific disciplines and science education. To this end, we take an antiracist stance on science teaching and learning and seek to disrupt forms of systemic racism in science classrooms. Since teachers do much of the daily work of transforming science education for minoritized learners, we advocate for preparing teachers who understand what it means to engage in antiracist, justice‐oriented science teaching. In this article, we share our framework for supporting preservice teachers in understanding, developing, and implementing antiracist teaching dispositions and instructional practices. In alignment with other researchers in teacher education who emphasize the importance of anchoring teacher education practice and research in prominent educational theory, we highlight the theories undergirding our approach to antiracist science teaching. We offer considerations for how researchers and science teacher educators can use this framework to transform science teacher education.
Envelope‐based partial partial least squares with application to cytokine‐based biomarker analysis for COVID‐19
Authors: Park Yeonhee , Su Zhihua , Chung Dongjun
Published: July 2022

Partial least squares (PLS) regression is a popular alternative to ordinary least squares regression because of its superior prediction performance demonstrated in many cases. In various contemporary applications, the predictors include both continuous and categorical variables. A common practice in PLS regression is to treat the categorical variable as continuous. However, studies find that this practice may lead to biased estimates and invalid inferences (Schuberth et al., 2018). Based on a connection between the envelope model and PLS, we develop an envelope‐based partial PLS estimator that considers the PLS regression on the conditional distributions of the response(s) and continuous predictors on the categorical predictors. Root‐n consistency and asymptotic normality are established for this estimator. Numerical study shows that this approach can achieve more efficiency gains in estimation and produce better predictions. The method is applied for the identification of cytokine‐based biomarkers for COVID‐19 patients, which reveals the association between the cytokine‐based biomarkers and patients' clinical information including disease status at admission and demographical characteristics. The efficient estimation leads to a clear scientific interpretation of the results.
The Role of Cutaneous Manifestations in the Diagnosis of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
Authors: Stembridge Natasha , Doolan Brent J. , Lavallee Mark E. , Hausser Ingrid , Pope F. Michael , Seneviratne Suranjith L. , Winship Ingrid M. , Burrows Nigel P.
Published: July 2022

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) comprise a group of inherited connective tissue disorders presenting with features of skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, abnormal scarring and fragility of skin, blood vessels and some organs. The disease is generally diagnosed through the cluster of clinical features, though the addition of genetic analysis is the gold standard for diagnosis of most subtypes. All subtypes display skin manifestations, which are essential to the accurate clinical diagnosis of the condition. Furthermore, cutaneous features can be the first and/or only presenting feature in some cases of EDS and thus understanding these signs is vital for diagnosis. This review focuses on particular cutaneous features of each EDS subtype and their clinical importance. Provision of a specific diagnosis is important for management, prognosis and genetic counselling, often for family members beyond the individual.
2D MOF Nanosensor‐Integrated Digital Droplet Microfluidic Flow Cytometry for In Situ Detection of Multiple miRNAs in Single CTC Cells
Authors: Chen Junyue , Oudeng Gerile , Feng Hongtao , Liu Sixi , Li Hung‐Wing , Ho Yi‐Ping , Chen Yan , Tan Ying , Yang Mo
Published: July 2022

Current circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection strategies based on surface epithelial markers suffer from low specificity in distinguishing between CTCs and epithelial cells in hematopoietic cell population. Tumor‐associated miRNAs within CTCs are emerging as new biomarkers due to their high correlation with tumor development and progress. However, in‐situ simultaneous analysis of multiple miRNAs in single CTC cell is still challenging. To overcome this limitation, a digital droplet microfluidic flow cytometry based on biofunctionalized 2D metal‐organic framework nanosensor (Nano‐DMFC) is developed for in situ detection of dual miRNAs simultaneously in single living breast cancer cells. Here, 2D MOF‐based fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) nanosensors are established by conjugating dual‐color fluorescence dye‐labeled DNA probes on MOF nanosheet surface. In the Nano‐DMFC, 2D MOF‐based nanoprobes are precisely microinjected into each single‐cell encapsulated droplets to achieve dual miRNA characterization in single cancer cell. This Nano‐DMFC platform successfully detects dual miRNAs at single‐cell resolution in 10 mixed positive MCF‐7 cells out of 10 000 negative epithelial cells in serum biomimic samples. Moreover, this Nano‐DMFC platform shows good reproductivity in the recovery experiment of spiked blood samples, which demonstrate the high potential for CTC‐based cancer early diagnosis and prognosis.
Composition, Morphology, and Interface Engineering of 3D Cauliflower‐Like Porous Carbon‐Wrapped Metal Chalcogenides as Advanced Electrocatalysts for Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Rasal Akash S. , Lee Ting‐Ying , Kao Pei‐Yun , Gatechew Girum , Wibrianto Aswandi , Dirersa Worku Batu , Ghule Anil V. , Chang Jia‐Yaw
Published: July 2022

Designing a low‐cost, highly efficient, and stable electrocatalyst that can synergistically speed up the reduction of polysulfide electrolytes while operative for long periods in the open air is critical for the practical application of quantum dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), but it remains a challenging task. Herein, a simple, straightforward, and two‐step nanocomposite engineering approach that simultaneously combines metallic copper chalcogenides (MC) either Cu2−xS or Cu2−xSe with S, N dual‐doped carbon (SNC) sources for devising high‐quality counter electrode (CE) film are reported. First, the hierarchically assembled MC nanostructures are obtained using microwave‐assisted synthesis. Second, these MCs are embedded within an ordered macro–meso–microporous carbon matrix to obtain Cu2−xS@C or Cu2−xSeS@C CE. These CEs are demonstrated to have composition dependents crystal structure, surface morphologies, photovoltaic performance, and electrochemical properties. In terms of power conversion efficiency (PCE), the Cu2−xSeS@C (9.89%) and Cu2−xS@C‐CE (8.96%) constructed QDSSCs outperform both Cu2−xSe (8.96%) and Cu2−xS‐constructed (7.79%) QDSSCs, respectively. The enhanced PCE could be attributed to the synergistic interaction of S and N dopants with MC interfaces that can not only enrich electric conductivity, and a higher surface‐to‐volume ratio but also offers a 3D network for superior charge transport at the interface.
Room‐temperature phosphorescence materials from crystalline to amorphous state
Authors: Xu Zixuan , He Yixiao , Shi Huifang , An Zhongfu
Published: July 2022

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in metal‐free organic materials has attracted considerable attention due to its rich excited state properties, high quantum efficiency, long luminescence lifetimes, etc., showing great potential in organic optoelectronic devices, bioimaging, information anti‐counterfeiting, and so forth. The crystals have excellent rigidity and clear molecular packing patterns, which can effectively avoid non‐radiative transitions of excitons for phosphorescence enhancement. In the early stages, researchers paid great attention to the regulation of RTP performance in crystalline states. However, due to the complex preparation and poor processability of crystals, amorphous materials with RTP features have become a new research topic recently. This perspective aims to summarize the recent advances of RTP materials from crystalline to amorphous states, and analyze their molecular design strategies and luminescence mechanisms in detail. Finally, we prospect the future research directions of amorphous RTP materials. This perspective will provide a guideline for the future study of advanced RTP materials.
Hydrogen Bond‐Induced Cathode Engineering Enables Binary All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells with 15.88% Efficiency and Enhanced Thermostability
Authors: Cao Luye , Du Xiaoyang , Li Xinrui , He Zeyu , Lin Hui , Zheng Caijun , Yang Gang , Chen Zhenhua , Tao Silu
Published: July 2022

All‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (ASM‐OSCs) have the advantages of simple structure, easy purification, and small‐batch variation, thus showing broad prospects for commercialization. However, less research has been conducted on the transport layer of ASM‐OSCs, resulting in a low match between the active and transport layers, which limits the increase of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device. Therefore, an electron transport layer (ETL) optimization strategy is proposed to improve device performance by introducing 1,8‐Octanediol (DOH) into the conventional ETL of PDINN to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which can reduce the work function of the electrode and accelerate the electron transport. By depositing the optimized ETL on BTR‐Cl:Y6‐based active layer, the ASM‐OSC achieves a champion PCE of 15.88% with excellent thermostability. Moreover, DOH‐doped PDINN endows the ASM‐OSC with good tolerance to the film thickness of the ETL. When the thickness of the ETLs is increased from 10 to 50 nm, the PCE of the optimized device still maintains at 81.68% of the highest value, demonstrating great potential for large‐area and industrial production. These results suggest that the hydrogen bond‐based interface optimization strategy is a simple and efficient way to enhance the performance of ASM‐OSCs.
Prediction of Blast Furnace Fuel Ratio Based on Back‐Propagation Neural Network and K‐Nearest Neighbor Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Longyao , Jiao Kexin , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jianliang , Sun Minmin , Zhou Zhenhao , Zheng Anyang
Published: July 2022

In recent years, CO2emissions from the industry have gradually become a major concern, with CO2from blast furnace production processes being an important source. If the key factors affecting the fuel ratio in the production process can be found and predicted, it can effectively guide the blast furnace production and reduce CO2emissions. Herein, 55 production parameters that are important in the operation of a blast furnace are analyzed, and high‐correlation filtering and reverse feature elimination to find the four parameters that have the most influence on the fuel ratio of the blast furnace are used. These parameters are oxygen enrichment rate, raceway flame temperature, per ton of iron blast consumption, and coke ratio. Finally, two models, back propagation (BP) neural network andk‐nearest neighbor are used to predict the fuel ratio using these four parameters. Using BP is more effective than using K‐nearest neighbor (KNN); the accuracy of BP is 93.02%, and KNN is 90.48% when the error is within 2%.
Hydrogen Embrittlement and Microstructure Characterization of 1500 MPa Martensitic Steel
Authors: Si Yu , Tang Yuanshou , Xu Zhengmeng , Yu Shuoshuo , Zhou Xin , Li Kejian , Cao Pengjun , Ma Yilong
Published: July 2022

The application of ultrahigh‐strength martensitic steel in automotive key parts can achieve automotive lightweight. However, the hydrogen embrittlement sensitivity of ultrahigh‐strength martensitic steel is widely concerned by the industry. This article compares the microstructure and the hydrogen brittleness resistance of two 1500 MPa martensitic steels. The grain boundary, the grain size, the martensitic lath, and the precipitate phase in martensitic steel are analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The hydrogen desorption curves of the two steels are measured by thermal desorption analysis, and the phenomenon of hydrogen trapping in the materials is analyzed. A U‐bend test is used to compare the hydrogen embrittlement of these two samples. The results demonstrate that the thickness of the martensitic lath and the dislocation are directly related to the diffuse hydrogen concentration in the material. In addition, the Cu‐rich nanoparticles show a better hydrogen trapping effect, which is beneficial in improving the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of the material.
Elucidation of improving effects of a traditional Japanese herbal formula, hochuekkito, comprising Atractylodis rhizoma, on T‐cell‐mediated intestinal mucositis in mice
Authors: Endo Mari , Utagawa Shiori , Nagai Takayuki , Hanawa Toshihiko , Odaguchi Hiroshi , Kiyohara Hiroaki
Published: July 2022

Aim

Hochuekkito has been used for gastrointestinal immune depression. Among its 10 herbal components, Atractylodis rhizoma (AtR) and Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma (ALR), and also Hedysari radix (HR) and Astragali radix (AR), can be interchanged based on the patient's symptoms. However, the difference between these formulas for improving gastrointestinal immune depression is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of AtR‐ and ALR‐hochuekkkito on a T‐cell‐mediated systemic and small intestinal mucosal inflammation model. We also analyzed the active ingredients and mechanism of action of AtR‐hochuekkito on the antiapoptotic effect in the Fas/FasL‐mediated signaling cascade on intestinal epithelial cells.

Methods

The effects of hochuekkito, lipophilic ingredients, and oligosaccharides on the systemic and small intestinal mucosal inflammation induced by anti‐CD3 antibody were analyzed. The effect of the AtR formula on mRNA expression of molecules related to the apoptotic signaling cascade was analyzed.

Results

AtR‐hochuekkito improved intestinal mucosal inflammation even if HR and AR were interchanged. Meanwhile, only the ALR formula suppressed systemic inflammation, whereas the AtR formula failed to improve it even if HR was replaced with AR. AtR formula administration increased gene mRNA expression of antiapoptotic regulatory adapter molecules in the small intestine of anti‐CD3 administered mice. The lipophilic ingredients in the AtR formula improved the effect on the small intestinal mucosal inflammation; liquiritin was an active ingredient. The intermediate‐size inulo‐oligosaccharides suppressed the recruitment of cytotoxic CD8 lymphocytes in the small intestine.

Conclusion

AtR‐hochuekkito is suitable for the treatment of small intestinal mucosal inflammation induced by spontaneous activation of T lymphocytes.
Separation sign: novel ultrasound sign for ruling out diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Allwood R. X. , Self A. , Collins S. L.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess the performance of the ‘separation sign’ as a predictor of normal placental separation in a large cohort of women at risk for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and in a high‐risk subgroup with placenta previa or anterior low‐lying placenta and at least one previous Cesarean delivery.

Methods

This was a prospective study of women at risk for PAS referred to a specialist clinic at between 22 and 38 weeks' gestation. All women underwent ultrasound assessment for the presence of the separation sign, which detects the difference in elasticity between the myometrium and the placenta, characterized by different rates of rebound after an ultrasound probe is used to apply pressure over the uteroplacental interface. When the sign is positive, the placenta appears to move relative to the myometrium, leading to the appearance or enhancement of the clear zone. The predictive performance of the separation sign for normal spontaneous placental separation at delivery was assessed.

Results

Of the 194 included women, 163 had a positive separation sign, all of whom went on to have normal placental separation at delivery. Of the 24 women with a negative separation sign, three (12.5%) had normal placental separation and 21 (87.5%) were diagnosed with PAS. This yielded a sensitivity of 98.2% (95% CI, 94.8–99.6%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 83.9–100%). In the high‐risk cohort (n = 35), a positive separation sign remained a reliable predictor of normal placental separation, with a positive predictive value of 100%, sensitivity of 88.9% (95% CI, 65.3–98.6%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 80.5–100%).

Conclusions

The separation sign could be a useful tool in women considered to be at risk for PAS, as it can facilitate the prediction of normal placental separation at delivery. This may prevent overtreatment, the associated iatrogenic morbidity and unnecessary allocation of clinical resources. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Numerical investigation on light non–aqueous phase liquid flow in the vadose zone considering porosity effects on soil hydraulic properties
Authors: Yu Jia‐ren , Zhou Chao , Mu Qing Yi
Published: July 2022

In the management of light non–aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL)‐contaminated ground, numerical simulation is widely used to analyze LNAPL flow in the unsaturated soil (vadose) zone. Porosity effects on the hydraulic properties of unsaturated soils are highly simplified in existing mathematical models. Some important features, such as the nonlinear relation between porosity and permeability/displacement pressure, cannot be well captured. To address this problem, a new mathematical model was developed in this study, considering porosity effects on hydraulic properties of soils, including the retention behavior and permeability function of LNAPL and water. The newly developed model was implemented in MATLAB using the finite difference method and then verified by the results of a centrifuge test. Then, parametric studies were conducted to investigate the flow of LNAPL upon an active leakage at the ground surface. Based on the computed results, the influence of several factors, such as porosity magnitude, porosity distribution, and soil layering, was revealed. In particular, an increase in the porosity leads to a significant increase in the volume of LNAPL leaked into the ground, the vertical front depth, and the area of contaminated ground. This is mainly because the porosity affects not only the intrinsic permeability but also the relative permeability because (a) the intrinsic permeability of soils is larger at a higher porosity (b) when the porosity is higher, the equilibrium water saturation at a given capillary pressure is smaller. Consequently, LNAPL can achieve a larger degree of saturation and higher relative permeability.
Introduction
Authors: Butler Catherine
Published: July 2022

This introductory chapter outlines the book’s central concern with energy poverty and sets the context for the arguments addressed and advanced through its pages. A significant existing literature has examined issues of energy poverty, with key interventions using concepts of energy vulnerability, precarity, and capabilities. But an equally large body of work has examined problems of reducing energy demand by focusing on the importance of reshaping and shifting practices. Though these two major literatures on energy demand issues occasionally intersect, they have rarely been brought into direct conversation with one another. The book examines issues of energy poverty with focus on advancing conceptual debates by engaging with ideas that span these two areas, principally those concerning capabilities, precarity, and practice. In doing so, it contributes to the frontiers of energy poverty research and responds to critiques of practice-informed analyses of energy demand that highlight the limited attention given to inequalities within such work.
Master integrals for mixed QCD-QED corrections to charged-current Drell-Yan production of a massive charged lepton
Authors: Long Ming-Ming , Zhang Ren-You , Ma Wen-Gan , Jiang Yi , Han Liang , Li Zhe , Wang Shuai-Shuai
Published: July 2022

Abstract

The master integrals for the mixed QCD-QED two-loop virtual corrections to the charged-current Drell-Yan process $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

′ → ℓν are computed analytically by using the differential equation method. A suitable choice of master integrals makes it successful to cast the differential equation system into the canonical form. We keep the dependence on charged lepton mass in the building of differential equations and then expand the system against the ratio of small charged lepton mass to large W-boson mass. In such a way the final results will contain large logarithms of the form log($$ {m}_{\ell}^2 $$

m
ℓ
2

/$$ {m}_W^2 $$

m
W
2

). Finally, all the canonical master integrals are given as Taylor series around d = 4 spacetime dimensions up to order four, with coefficients expressed in terms of Goncharov polylogarithms up to weight four.
Standardkonzentrationen für Dauerinfusionen – Ergebnisse einer bundesweiten Befragung auf deutschen Erwachsenenintensivstationen
Authors: Kreysing Lutz , Waydhas Christian , Ittner Karl Peter , Schubert Sebastian , Krämer Irene
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Intensivpatienten erhalten zahlreiche Arzneimittel (AM) als Dauerinfusion appliziert. In Deutschland fehlt bisher für die als Dauerinfusion applizierten AM eine einheitliche Liste mit Standardkonzentrationen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel war es, bundesweit repräsentative Informationen zu Standardkonzentrationen von als Dauerinfusion mittels Spritzenpumpe oder Infusionspumpe applizierten AM auf den Intensivstationen zu gewinnen.

Material und Methoden

Zur Ermittlung der Akzeptanz und Präferenz für Dauerinfusionen von ausgewählten AM wurde ein Fragenkatalog in einem online- Umfragetool entwickelt und von der DIVI an die jeweils verantwortlichen Leiter*innen von 1816 Intensivstationen versendet. Die Umfrage umfasste Vorschläge zu 59 AM mit insgesamt 73 Konzentrationen. Ergänzend konnten die Teilnehmer in Freitextfeldern eigene Vorschläge zu AM und entsprechenden Konzentrationen angeben. Die Häufigkeit der Verwendung der Arzneimittel als Dauerinfusion und der präferierten Standardkonzentrationen wurde bezogen auf die Zahl der Antworten pro Arzneimittel berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Die Umfrage wurde von 312 (17 %) Intensivstationen beantwortet. Die Akzeptanzrate für das Prinzip der geschwindigkeitsgesteuerten Dauerinfusion in Standardkonzentrationen ist deutschlandweit sehr hoch, Die Top 10 bzw. 25 der vorgeschlagenen AM werden von über 90 % bzw. 50 % der Teilnehmer regelmäßig als Dauerinfusion eingesetzt. Für viele dieser AM konnte eine oder mehrere präferierte Konzentrationen identifiziert werden.

Diskussion

Die Top-37-Arzneimittel und die präferierten Konzentrationen sind als Grundlage für eine bundesweit geltende Standardliste mit Standardkonzentrationen für Dauerinfusionen (in der Regel 50 ml) geeignet. Die damit befassten Fachgesellschaften können basierend auf den Umfrageergebnissen eine bundeseinheitliche Standardliste konsentieren.
Verordnungsverhalten von bayerischen Hausärzt*innen an der stationär-ambulanten Schnittstelle vor dem Hintergrund der Bayerischen Wirkstoffvereinbarung – Qualitative Ergebnisse der WirtMed-Studie
Authors: Zeschick Nikoletta , Gollnick Julia , Muth Julia , Hörbrand Franziska , Killian Peter , Krombholz Wolfgang , Donner-Banzhoff Norbert , Kühlein Thomas , Sebastião Maria
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund und Ziel

Zur transparenten Steuerung der Arzneimittelausgaben im Rahmen des Wirtschaftlichkeitsgebots (§ 12 Fünftes Buch Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB V)) hat die Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Bayerns im Jahr 2014 die Wirkstoffvereinbarung (WSV) eingeführt. Diese hat die Richtgrößensystematik abgelöst. Mit Bezug auf die Rolle der WSV werden im Artikel die Gründe der Hausärzt*innen (HÄ) für oder gegen eine Weiterverordnung von Arzneimitteln aus dem Krankenhaus beschrieben.

Material und Methode

In einem qualitativen Studiendesign wurden im Zeitraum 11/2019 bis 03/2020 mit bayerischen HÄ Einzelinterviews (n = 18) und 2 Fokusgruppen (n = 10) durchgeführt und nach der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Mit der Einführung der WSV nahmen die Regresssorgen der HÄ insgesamt ab. Große Bedeutung bei Verordnungen haben – vor der Wirtschaftlichkeit – die patient*innenorientierte Versorgung und fachliche Richtigkeit von Therapieentscheidungen. Mit der Entlassmedikation ergeben sich wirtschaftliche Herausforderungen, besonders mit dem Leitsubstanzziel der oralen Antikoagulation, den Generikazielen bei Antidiabetika und bei Therapeutika für das Herz-Kreislauf-System. Allgemein kritisiert werden Rabattverträge, die oft zu Umstellungen von Arzneimitteln führen. Vereinzelt wird von einer „Vormachtstellung“ der Klinikärzt*innen berichtet, die dem hausärztlichen wirtschaftlichen Handeln entgegenstehen. Es fehlt laut HÄ eine sektorenübergreifende Kostenverantwortung.

Diskussion

Ein reibungsloser Schnittstellenübergang ist aus Sicht der HÄ trotz des Rahmenvertrags Entlassmanagement und der neuen Steuerungssystematik der WSV im ambulanten Sektor noch nicht vorhanden. Für eine wirtschaftliche Arzneimittelversorgung bedarf es weiterhin einer sektorenübergreifenden, aber auch bundesländerübergreifenden politischen Diskussion.
Cut-off values for diagnosis of G6PD deficiency by flow cytometry in Thai population
Authors: Thedsawad Anchalee , Wanachiwanawin Wanchai , Taka Orathai , Hantaweepant Chattree
Published: July 2022

In heterozygous females, X-inactivation causes a change in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity from normal to deficient. Most G6PD screening tests are used to accurately diagnose hemizygous males, but they are less reliable for diagnosing heterozygous females. This study established flow cytometric cut-off values for screening of G6PD deficiency in hemizygous males and heterozygous or homozygous females. We studied 205 (125 females, 80 males) leftover blood samples from quantitative methemoglobin reduction (MR) screening. G6PD gene mutations determined by multiplex amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing were used as the gold standard reference. Accuracy of the test, including the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, was analyzed using MedCalc software. The optimal cut-off values for classification of %red blood cells with normal G6PD activity or %bright cells into homozygous normal, heterozygous, and homozygous deficiency in females were 85.4–100%, 6.3–85.3%, and 0–6.2%, respectively (sensitivity 93.2%, specificity 100%). The cut-offs for classification into hemizygous normal and hemizygous deficiency in males were 76.5–100% and 0–76.4%, respectively (sensitivity 100%, specificity 96.5%). Flow cytometry can be used to differentiate heterozygous females with intermediate phenotype from homozygous females, but cannot distinguish between heterozygous females with extreme phenotype and homozygous females. By flow cytometry, heterozygous and homozygous deficiency was detected in 29.6% and 3.2% of females, respectively. Among males, hemizygous deficiency was found in 31.3%. Flow cytometry can be used to screen patients with G6PD deficiency, and reliably and efficiently identify heterozygous and homozygous females, and hemizygous males based on cellular G6PD activity.
The impact of bicuspid aortic valve morphology on von Willebrand factor function in patients with severe aortic stenosis and its change after TAVI
Authors: Roth Nastasia , Heidel Carolin , Xu Congde , Hubauer Ute , Wallner Stefan , Meindl Christine , Holzamer Andreas , Hilker Michael , Creutzenberg Marcus , Sossalla Samuel , Maier Lars , Jungbauer Carsten , Debl Kurt
Published: July 2022

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) can cause acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) and valve replacement has been shown to lead to von Willebrand factor (vWF) recovery. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of AVWS in different severe AS phenotypes and its course after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

143 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI were included in the study. vWF function was assessed at baseline, 6 and 24 h after TAVI. AVWS was defined as a reduced vWF:Ac/Ag ratio ≤ 0.7. Phenotypes were classified by tricuspid (TAV) and bicuspid (BAV) valve morphology, mean transvalvular gradient (Pmean), stroke volume index (SVI), ejection fraction (EF) and indexed effective orifice area (iEOA).

Results

AVWS was present in 36 (25.2%) patients before TAVI. vWF:Ac/Ag ratio was significantly lower in high gradient compared to low-gradient severe AS [0.78 (IQR 0.67–0.86) vs. 0.83 (IQR 0.74–0.93), p < 0.05] and in patients with BAV compared to TAV [0.70 (IQR 0.63–0.78) vs. 0.81 (IQR 0.71–0.89), p < 0.05]. Normalization of vWF:Ac/Ag ratio was achieved in 61% patients 24 h after TAVI. As in the overall study cohort, vWF:Ac/Ag ratio increased significantly in all severe AS subgroups 6 h after TAVI (each p < 0.05). Regarding binary logistic regression analysis, BAV was the only significant predictor for AVWS.

Conclusions

BAV morphology is a strong predictor for AVWS in severe AS. TAVI restores vWF function in most patients with severe AS independently of AS phenotype and valve morphology.

Graphical abstract
Awareness, offer, and use of psychosocial services by breast cancer survivors in Germany: a prospective multi-centre study
Authors: Singer Susanne , Janni Wolfgang , Kühn Thorsten , Flock Felix , Felberbaum Ricardo , Schwentner Lukas , Leinert Elena , Wöckel Achim , Schlaiß Tanja ,   for the BRENDA study group
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study examined the pattern of psychosocial care in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

In a prospective study with measurements before surgery, 1 month, 8 months, and 5 years thereafter, we examined the proportion of breast cancer survivors who were aware about, had been offered and received various types of psychosocial services from psychologists, social workers, doctors, self-help groups etc. The degree of helpfulness per service among users was ascertained with Likert scales. Determinants of awareness, offer and use were investigated using binary logistic regression analyses. How the services are inter-related was tested with principal component analyses.

Results

Among 456 breast cancer survivors who participated until 5 years, psychological services were known by 91%, offered to 68%, and used by 55% of patients. Social services were known by 86%, offered to 65%, and used by 51%. Women ≥ 65 years were less likely to be informed about (odds ratio (OR) 0.2) and get offers for psychosocial services (OR 0.4 for social and 0.5 for psychological services) than women < 65 years. The services rated most helpful were social services in the hospital, psychological counselling by a consultant and psychotherapy in private practices.

Conclusion

These findings underline the importance of psychosocial support by physicians in addition to the "professional" mental health and social care providers. They also show that elderly women in need for support might be in danger of not being well-informed about the services available.
Evaluations of heat action plans for reducing the health impacts of extreme heat: methodological developments (2012–2021) and remaining challenges
Authors: Dwyer Ian J. , Barry Sarah J. E. , Megiddo Itamar , White Christopher J.
Published: July 2022

The recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is stark in its warnings about the changing climate, including future increases in the frequency and intensity of extremely hot weather. The well-established impacts of extreme heat on human health have led to widespread implementation of national and city-wide heat plans for mitigating such impacts. Evaluations of the effectiveness of some heat plans have been published, with previous reviews highlighting key methodological challenges. This article reviews methods used since and that address those challenges, so helping to set an agenda for improving evaluations of heat plans in terms of their effectiveness in reducing heat-health impacts. We examined the reviews that identified the methodological challenges and systematically searched the literature to find evaluations that had since been conducted. We found 11 evaluations. Their methods help address the key challenge of identifying study control groups and address other challenges to a limited extent. For future evaluations, we recommend: utilising recent evaluation methodologies, such as difference-in-differences quasi-experimental designs where appropriate; cross-agency working to utilise data on morbidity and confounders; adoption of a proposed universal heat index; and greater publication of evaluations. More evaluations should assess morbidity outcomes and be conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Evaluations of heat plans globally should employ robust methodologies, as demonstrated in existing studies and potentially transferrable from other fields. Publication of such evaluations will advance the field and thus help address some of the health challenges resulting from our changing climate.
Deep learning for volatility forecasting in asset management
Authors: Petrozziello Alessio , Troiano Luigi , Serra Angela , Jordanov Ivan , Storti Giuseppe , Tagliaferri Roberto , La Rocca Michele
Published: July 2022

Predicting volatility is a critical activity for taking risk- adjusted decisions in asset trading and allocation. In order to provide effective decision-making support, in this paper we investigate the profitability of a deep Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network for forecasting daily stock market volatility using a panel of 28 assets representative of the Dow Jones Industrial Average index combined with the market factor proxied by the SPY and, separately, a panel of 92 assets belonging to the NASDAQ 100 index. The Dow Jones plus SPY data are from January 2002 to August 2008, while the NASDAQ 100 is from December 2012 to November 2017. If, on the one hand, we expect that this evolutionary behavior can be effectively captured adaptively through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) flexible methods, on the other, in this setting, standard parametric approaches could fail to provide optimal predictions. We compared the volatility forecasts generated by the LSTM approach to those obtained through use of widely recognized benchmarks models in this field, in particular, univariate parametric models such as the Realized Generalized Autoregressive Conditionally Heteroskedastic (R-GARCH) and the Glosten–Jagannathan–Runkle Multiplicative Error Models (GJR-MEM). The results demonstrate the superiority of the LSTM over the widely popular R-GARCH and GJR-MEM univariate parametric methods, when forecasting in condition of high volatility, while still producing comparable predictions for more tranquil periods.
Bilateral comparison of primary reference materials (PRMs) containing methanol, ethanol and acetone in nitrogen
Authors: Worton D. R. , Moreno S. , Brewer P. J. , Li J. , Baldan A. , van der Veen A. M. H.
Published: July 2022

A range of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) are present in the atmosphere as a result of direct emissions and as products of atmospheric oxidation. Long-term measurements are important to understand changes to these emission sources and atmospheric oxidation processes. Accurate and stable traceable gaseous primary reference materials are needed to underpin rigorous quality assurance and quality control at monitoring stations such as those organised by the World Meteorological Organization Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO-GAW) programme. The development of a capability for providing traceable primary reference materials (PRMs) of OVOCs is of paramount importance due to the increasing prevalence of these compounds in the urban atmosphere and also because there is currently no Central Calibration Laboratory (CCL) for these components within the WMO-GAW programme. This EURAMET bilateral comparison demonstrates the measurement compatibility (≤ 3%) for three OVOCs (methanol, ethanol and acetone) at nominally 5 µmol mol−1 between two National Metrology Institutes: the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK and the Van Swinden Laboratorium (VSL), the Netherlands. The comparison shows that a gravimetric method for value assignment is applicable to acetone but that a more complicated procedure must be employed to value assign methanol and ethanol due to corrections for adsorption effects, which can be as large as 10 % of the nominal value. This work demonstrates the importance of making appropriate corrections to ensure the accuracy of these reference materials. NPL and VSL used different approaches to make these corrections providing confidence and independent verification. This work supports new calibration and measurement capabilities for methanol, ethanol and acetone in the range of 1 μmol mol−1 –10 μmol mol−1 with expanded uncertainties of 6.9 % (3 %), 7.3 % (3 %) and 1.7 % (2 %) for NPL (VSL), respectively, to be realized in the key comparison database and supports the development of the required traceability infrastructure to underpin long-term global measurements of these OVOCs.
Effect of microbial-induced calcite precipitation towards strength and permeability of peat
Authors: Phang Ignatius Ren Kai , Wong Kwong Soon , Chan Yen San , Lau Sie Yon
Published: July 2022

Peat is known as problematic ground with low bearing capacity and extensively high compressibility. Bio-cementation or commonly known as microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has been recently introduced as a ground improvement alternative for peat under waterlogged condition. Using isolated bacteria strains P19 and P21 from tropical peat, it is found that unconfined compression strength (UCS) increases with bacteria concentration at a reducing rate. A maximum unconfined compressive strength of 82.05 kPa was measured with bacteria strain P21 at 108 CFU/mL. For the range of cementation reagent varying from 0.1 to 4.0 mol/kg, the largest strength improvement occurred at 1 mol/kg and 2 mol/kg using indigenous bacteria and bacteria strain P21, respectively, for peat with sand content of 25%. At 4.0 mol/kg, the cementation reagent has detrimental effect to MICP resulting in significant reduction in strength. Due to MICP, the UCS of peat increases with sand content. Calcium carbonate precipitation results in a reduction of permeability and an increment of strength of peat–sand mixture under a submerged condition up to 28 days.