bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Find me strength in things: Fear can explain materialism
Authors: Longmire Sierra J. , Chan Eugene Y. , Lawry C. Aaron
Published: July 2021

Individuals feel fear when they face potential dangers and threats. It causes individuals to take actions and make choices that help them face the threat, such as by seeking out others because there is “strength in numbers.” We conjecture that fear also increases materialism in individuals because there is “strength in things.” The results from four experiments illustrate that situationally felt fear can increase materialistic orientation (Study 1) because of a desire for safety (Study 2). Importantly, fear increases preference for material and not experiential goods (Study 3). Finally, consistent with our theoretical account, having more material products (vs. experiences) can reduce fear (Study 4). Together, our findings across four studies suggest that fear increases materialism. Our findings also offer unique insights into another precursor or antecedent to materialism, a human value related to both possessiveness and selfishness and that restricts individuals' pursuit of true happiness.
Pattern‐based conditioning enhances sub‐seasonal prediction skill of European national energy variables
Authors: Bloomfield Hannah C. , Brayshaw David J. , Gonzalez Paula L. M. , Charlton‐Perez Andrew
Published: July 2021

Sub‐seasonal forecasts are becoming more widely used in the energy sector to inform high‐impact, weather‐dependent decisions. Using pattern‐based methods (such as weather regimes) is also becoming commonplace, although until now an assessment of how pattern‐based methods perform compared with gridded model output has not been completed. We compare four methods to predict weekly‐mean anomalies of electricity demand and demand‐net‐wind across 28 European countries. At short lead times (days 0–10) grid‐point forecasts have higher skill than pattern‐based methods across multiple metrics. However, at extended lead times (day 12+) pattern‐based methods can show greater skill than grid‐point forecasts. All methods have relatively low skill at weekly‐mean national impact forecasts beyond day 12, particularly for probabilistic skill metrics. We therefore develop a method of pattern‐based conditioning, which is able to provide windows of opportunity for prediction at extended lead times: when at least 50% of the ensemble members of a forecast agree on a specific pattern, skill increases significantly. The conditioning is valuable for users interested in particular thresholds for decision‐making, as it combines the dynamical robustness in the large‐scale flow conditions from the pattern‐based methods with local information present in the grid‐point forecasts.
Different trajectories in upper limb and gross motor function in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Coratti Giorgia , Pera Maria Carmela , Montes Jacqueline , Pasternak Amy , Scoto Mariacristina , Baranello Giovanni , Messina Sonia , Dunaway Young Sally , Glanzman Allan M. , Duong Tina , De Sanctis Roberto , Mazzone Elena Stacy , Milev Evelin , Rohwer Annemarie , Civitello Matthew , Pane Marika , Antonaci Laura , Frongia Anna Lia , Sframeli Maria , Vita Gian Luca , DʼAmico Adele , Mizzoni Irene , Albamonte Emilio , Darras Basil T. , Bertini Enrico , Sansone Valeria A. , Bovis Francesca , Day John , Bruno Claudio , Muntoni Francesco , De Vivo Darryl C. , Finkel Richard , Mercuri Eugenio
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) and the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) have been widely used in natural history studies and clinical trials. Our aim was to establish how the scales relate to each other at different age points in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2 and 3, and to describe their coherence over 12 mo.

Methods

The study was performed by cross‐sectional and longitudinal reanalysis of previously published natural history data. The longitudinal analysis of the 12‐mo changes also included the analysis of concordance between scales with changes grouped as stable (±2 points), improved (>+2) or declined (>−2).

Results

Three hundred sixty‐four patients were included in the cross‐sectional analysis, showing different trends in score and point of slope change for the two scales. For type 2, the point of slope change was 4.1 y for the HFMSE and 5.8 for the RULM, while for type 3, it was 6 y for the HFMSE and 7.3 for the RULM. One‐hundred‐twenty‐one patients had at least two assessments at 12 mo. Full concordance was found in 57.3% of the assessments, and in 40.4% one scale remained stable and the other changed. Each scale appeared to be more sensitive to specific age or functional subgroups.

Discussion

The two scales, when used in combination, may increase the sensitivity to detect clinically meaningful changes in motor function in patients with SMA types 2 and 3.
Nash game‐based adaptive robust control design optimization for the underactuated mechanical system with fuzzy evidence theory
Authors: Zheng Yunjun , Zhao Han , He Chunsheng
Published: July 2021

This article proposes a novel Nash game‐theoretical optimal adaptive robust control design approach to address the constraint‐following control problem for the uncertain underactuated mechanical systems with fuzzy evidence theory. First, the uncertainty is considered bounded and the bound is unknown but lies in a specified fuzzy evidence number. Second, a deterministic adaptive robust control scheme is proposed based on the servo constraint following control method, which renders the uncertain underactuated mechanical system to follow the specified constraints accurately with deterministic performance (guarantee uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness). It is shown that the designed self‐adjusting leakage‐type adaptive law can compensate for the uncertainty and avoid overcompensation. Third, based on the performance analysis and the fuzzy evidence description of uncertainty, the Nash game theory is introduced into the multi‐parameter optimization design for the two tunable control gains selected as two players. The cost functions for two players are relevant to the system constraint‐following performance and control cost. Then we can obtain the optimal control gains by seeking the Nash equilibrium which is always proved to exist. Ultimately, the simulation results on the two‐wheeled self‐balancing robot demonstrate the availability of the proposed control scheme and the optimal design approach for the underactuated mechanical systems with uncertainties.
A quantitative systems pharmacology modeling platform for evaluating triglyceride profiles in patients with high triglycerides receiving evinacumab
Authors: Khaksar Toroghi Masood , Bosley Jim , Powell Lyn M. , Zhang Yi , Yang Feng , Pu Xia , Davis John D. , Al‐Huniti Nidal
Published: July 2021

A model to quantitatively characterize the effect of evinacumab, an investigational monoclonal antibody against angiopoietin‐like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) on lipid trafficking is needed. A quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) approach was developed to predict the transient responses of different triglyceride (TG)‐rich lipoprotein particles in response to evinacumab administration. A previously published hepatic lipid model was modified to address specific queries relevant to the mechanism of evinacumab and its effect on lipid metabolism. Modifications included the addition of intermediate‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein compartments to address the modulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity by evinacumab, ANGPTL3 biosynthesis and clearance, and a target‐mediated drug disposition model. A sensitivity analysis guided the creation of virtual patients (VPs). The drug‐free QSP model was found to agree well with clinical data published with the initial hepatic liver model over simulations ranging from 20 to 365 days in duration. The QSP model, including the interaction between LPL and ANGPTL3, was validated against clinical data for total evinacumab, total ANGPTL3, and TG concentrations as well as inhibition of apolipoprotein CIII. Free ANGPTL3 concentration and LPL activity were also modeled. In total, seven VPs were created; the lipid levels of the VPs were found to match the range of responses observed in evinacumab clinical trial data. The QSP model results agreed with clinical data for various subjects and was shown to characterize known TG physiology and drug effects in a range of patient populations with varying levels of TGs, enabling hypothesis testing of evinacumab effects on lipid metabolism.
Improved Performance of Titanium Oxide/Silicon Oxide Electron‐Selective Contacts by Implementation of Magnesium Interlayers
Authors: Nakagawa Yuta , Gotoh Kazuhiro , Inoue Tetsuya , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Usami Noritaka
Published: July 2021

The impact of the implementation of magnesium interlayer and the layer thickness (tTiOx) of titanium oxide on the electrical properties of TiOx/SiOy/Si heterojunctions is investigated to improve electron transport for use in silicon heterojunction solar cells. The passivation performance is improved with increasing tTiOx. For the samples with Mg interlayer, ohmic contact can be attained for the thicker TiOx layer compared with the sample without Mg interlayer. Schottky contact is mitigated by the TiOx/SiOy stacking layers and Mg interlayer, attributed to the reduction of interfacial energy level by TiOx/SiOy stacking layers and enhanced downward band bending by Mg interlayer. The open‐circuit voltage and fill factor of the solar cells are improved by inserting the TiOx/SiOy stack and the Mg interlayer, indicating that the electron selectivity is enhanced. Excellent surface passivation and transport properties can be achieved by controlling TiOx layer thickness and using the Mg interlayer.
Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Support the ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Orticelli Valentina , Papait Andrea , Vertua Elsa , Bonassi Signoroni Patrizia , Romele Pietro , Di Pietro Lorena , Magatti Marta , Teofili Luciana , Silini Antonietta Rosa , Parolini Ornella
Published: July 2021

Currently, more than 30 000 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantations have been performed for the treatment of hematological and nonhematological diseases using HSC from umbilical cord blood (CB). However, the wide utilization of CB as a source of HSC is limited by the low number of cells recovered. One strategy to expand ex vivo CB-HSC is represented by the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) as a feeder to enhance HSC proliferation while maintaining HSC stemness. Indeed, BM-MSCs have been recognized as one of the most relevant players in the HSC niche. Thus, it has been hypothesized that they can support the ex vivo expansion of HSC by mimicking the physiological microenvironment present in the hematopoietic niche. Due to the role of placenta in supporting fetal hematopoiesis, MSC derived from the amniotic membrane (hAMSC) of human term placenta could represent an interesting alternative to BM-MSC as a feeder layer to enhance the proliferation and maintain HSC stemness. Therefore, in this study we investigated if hAMSC could support the ex vivo expansion of HSC and progenitor cells. The capacity of hAMSCs to support the ex vivo expansion of CB-HSC was evaluated in comparison to the control condition represented by the CB-CD34+ cells without a feeder layer. The coculture was performed at two different CD34+:MSC ratios (1:2 and 1:8) in both cell-to-cell contact and transwell setting. After 7 days, the cells were collected and analyzed for phenotype and functionality. Our results suggest that hAMSCs represent a valuable alternative to BM-MSC to support: (a) the ex vivo expansion of CB-HSC in both contact and transwell systems, (b) the colony forming unit ability, and (c) long-term culture initiating cells ability. Overall, these findings may contribute to address the unmet need of high HSC content in CB units available for transplantation.
The Appreciative Inquiry Method: From knowledge elicitation to organisational inquiry
Authors: Stowell Frank
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of the development of the Appreciative Inquiry Method (AIM) from its origins as a method for knowledge elicitation to its use as a method of organisational inquiry. In the paper, I describe the contributions that research and practice have made as it evolved into a soft method of inquiry. Although it is clear that Vickers notions of appreciative systems and soft systems methodology are major influences, there are some important practical differences which, in certain circumstances, might be better suited to a situation where access is limited in some way.
Teil I: Darstellung wichtiger Grundlagen und Klärung relevanter Begriffe
Authors: Karl Katrin Bente
Published: July 2021

Dieses Kapitel soll eine solide Basis für die folgenden Ausführungen in diesem Band schaffen, indem wichtige Grundlagen dargestellt und die relevantesten Begriffe für unseren Kontext erklärt werden. Es handelt sich hier um Hintergrundwissen, auf das im Laufe des Buches an unterschiedlichen Stellen immer wieder verwiesen wird. Um für ein entsprechendes Verständnis und Möglichkeit der Einordnung zu sorgen, sollen hier die zentralsten Konzepte, Begrifflichkeiten und Krankheitsbilder vorgestellt und erläutert werden. Um zugleich die Lesbarkeit zu erhöhen, wird hier auf eine umfangreiche Diskussion und Erläuterung unterschiedlicher Verwendungsweisen der Terminologie in der Forschung verzichtet.
Teil II: Mehrsprachige in der Pflegebedürftigkeit
Authors: Karl Katrin Bente
Published: July 2021

Dieser Teil widmet sich einer ausführlichen Darstellung der Situation mehrsprachiger Pflegebedürftiger in Deutschland. Dafür soll zunächst ein Einblick in demografische Zahlen die Relevanz und auch zugleich die Heterogenität der Gruppe verdeutlichen. Im Anschluss werden besondere Bedarfe herausgearbeitet, die dann zu einer genaueren Darstellung der (sprachlichen) Situation mehrsprachiger Menschen in deutschsprachigen Pflegeheimen überführen. Anhand von drei Fallbeispielen werden unterschiedliche sprachliche Konstellationen beschrieben, wobei ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Folgen der sprachlichen Situation für die Pflegebedürftigen gelegt wird.
Teil V: Forschungseinblicke in studentische Arbeiten
Authors: Karl und Studierende Katrin Bente
Published: July 2021

Dieser Teil des Bandes liefert Einblicke in Forschungsarbeiten von studentischen Teilnehmerinnen, die im Zusammenhang mit dem Projekt UnVergessen entstanden sind. Dabei handelt es sich sowohl um Forschungsberichte, die Teil der Projektteilnahme sind als auch um vertiefende Abhandlungen, die aus entsprechend thematisch ausgerichteten Qualifizierungsarbeiten hervorgegangen sind.
Entwicklung der stationären Versorgungsqualität operativ behandelter Patienten mit einer proximalen Femurfraktur in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Authors: Neumann C. J. , Schulze-Raestrup U. , Müller-Mai C. M. , Smektala R.
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Pro Jahr erleiden in Deutschland über 100.000 Menschen, überwiegend höheren Alters, eine proximale Femurfraktur. Steigende Fallzahlen im Zusammenhang mit einer alternden Bevölkerung und eine relativ große Zahl behandlungsbedürftiger Begleiterkrankungen erschweren die alltägliche Versorgung. Daher ist die Beobachtung der Versorgungsqualität dieser Patienten anhand relevanter Qualitätsparameter von großer Bedeutung, um Implikationen für die alltägliche Behandlungspraxis ableiten zu können.

Material und Methoden

Die Daten der externen stationären Qualitätssicherung aus Nordrhein-Westfalen der Jahre 2007 und 2008 sowie 2017 und 2018 wurden analysiert und die Zeiträume vergleichend gegenübergestellt. Zusätzlich wurde anhand der dokumentierten Nebendiagnosen und weiterer Einflussparameter eine Risikoadjustierung mithilfe eines logistischen Regressionsmodells in Bezug auf die Zielgrößen der allgemeinen und chirurgischen Komplikationen sowie der Letalität durchgeführt. Es wurden sowohl osteosynthetisch als auch endoprothetisch versorgte Patienten berücksichtigt. Insgesamt konnten 61.249 Fälle in die Studie eingeschlossen werden.

Ergebnisse

Positive Entwicklungen konnten im Bereich der chirurgischen Komplikationen und der Wundinfektionen mit Rückgängen um 1,2 % bzw. 0,8 % beobachtet werden. Bei Vorliegen einer Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankung war das Outcome der Patienten besonders schlecht. Hierbei zeigten sich für die allgemeinen Komplikationen im Verlauf Verbesserungen in der Subkategorie der kardiovaskulären Ereignisse. Die Letalität lag unverändert bei 6 %. Deutlich gesteigert wurde die operative Tätigkeit an den Wochenenden. Patienten, deren Krankenhausaufnahme in zeitlichem Bezug zum Wochenende lag, wiesen kein erhöhtes Komplikations- oder Letalitätsrisiko auf. Obwohl der Anteil der erst nach über 48 h operierten Patienten von 11,4 % auf 8,2 % gesenkt werden konnte, verzögert sich die Operation (> 24 h) immer noch in 26,8 % der Fälle.

Schlussfolgerungen

Vor dem Hintergrund steigender Leistungsanforderungen an das Gesundheitssystem dokumentieren die Ergebnisse Verbesserungen in einigen zentralen Bereichen der stationären Behandlung. Dennoch ist die Entwicklung von Strategien zur weiteren Reduktion der präoperativen Liegezeiten in medizinisch vertretbarer Weise zu fordern. Internistische Begleiterkrankungen beeinflussen das Outcome der Patienten maßgeblich. Somit ist eine adäquate Behandlung des multimorbiden Patientenkollektivs auf der Grundlage einer engen Kooperation zwischen alterstraumatologischen und geriatrisch-internistischen Fachabteilungen in der Alltagspraxis zu etablieren.
Identification of N-glycans with GalNAc-containing antennae from recombinant HIV trimers by ion mobility and negative ion fragmentation
Authors: Harvey David J. , Behrens Anna-Janina , Crispin Max , Struwe Weston B.
Published: July 2021

Negative ion collision-induced dissociation (CID) of underivatized N-glycans has proved to be a simple, yet powerful method for their structural determination. Recently, we have identified a series of such structures with GalNAc rather than the more common galactose capping the antennae of hybrid and complex glycans. As part of a series of publications describing the negative ion fragmentation of different types of N-glycan, this paper describes their CID spectra and estimated nitrogen cross sections recorded by travelling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIMS). Most of the glycans were derived from the recombinant glycoproteins gp120 and gp41 from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), recombinantly derived from human embryonic kidney (HEK 293T) cells. Twenty-six GalNAc-capped hybrid and complex N-glycans were identified by a combination of TWIMS, negative ion CID, and exoglycosidase digestions. They were present as the neutral glycans and their sulfated and α2→3-linked sialylated analogues. Overall, negative ion fragmentation of glycans generates fingerprints that reveal their structural identity.
Absolute serum neurofilament light chain levels and its early kinetics predict brain injury after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Adler Christoph , Onur Oezguer A. , Braumann Simon , Gramespacher Hannes , Bittner Stefan , Falk Steffen , Fink Gereon R. , Baldus Stephan , Warnke Clemens
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To test if the early kinetics of neurofilament light (NFL) in blood adds to the absolute values of NFL in the prediction of outcome, and to evaluate if NFL can discriminate individuals with severe hypoxic–ischemic brain injury (sHIBI) from those with other causes of poor outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Design and setting

Monocentric retrospective study involving individuals following non-traumatic OHCA between April 2014 and April 2016. NFL concentrations were determined on a SiMoA HD-1 device using NF-Light Advantage Kits.

Participants

Of 73 patients screened, 53 had serum samples available for NFL measurement at three timepoints (after 3, 24, and 48 h of admission). Of these 53 individuals, 43.4% had poor neurologic outcome at discharge as assessed by Glasgow–Pittsburgh cerebral performance categories, and, according to a current prognostication algorithm, poor outcome due to sHIBI in 20.7%.

Main outcome measure

Blood NFL and its early kinetics for prognostication of outcome and prediction of sHIBI after OHCA.

Results

An absolute NFL > 508.6 pg/ml 48 h after admission, or a change in NFL > 494 pg/ml compared with an early baseline value predicted outcome, and discriminated severe sHIBI from other causes of unfavorable outcome after OHCA with high sensitivity (100%, 95%CI 70.0–100%) and specificity (91.7%, 95%CI 62.5–100%).

Conclusions

Not only absolute values of NFL, but also early changes in NFL predict the outcome following OHCA, and may differentiate sHIBI from other causes of poor outcome after OHCA with high sensitivity and specificity. Our study adds to published data, overall corroborating that NFL measured in blood should be implemented in prognostication algorithms used in clinical routine.
The Role of Rock Matrix Permeability in Controlling Hydraulic Fracturing in Sandstones
Authors: Fazio Marco , Ibemesi Peter , Benson Philip , Bedoya-González Diego , Sauter Martin
Published: July 2021

A concomitant effect of a hydraulic fracturing experimenting is frequently fluid permeation into the rock matrix, with the injected fluid permeating through the porous rock matrix (leak-off) rather than contributing to the buildup of borehole pressure, thereby slowing down or impeding the hydro-fracturing process. Different parameters, such as low fluid viscosity, low injection rate and high rock permeability, contribute to fluid permeation. This effect is particularly prominent in highly permeable materials, therefore, making sleeve fracturing tests (where an internal jacket separates the injected fluid in the borehole from the porous rock matrix) necessary to generate hydraulic fractures. The side effect, however, is an increase in pressure breakdown, which results in higher volume of injected fluid and in higher seismic activity. To better understand this phenomenon, we report data from a new comparative study from a suite of micro-hydraulic fracturing experiments on highly permeable and on low-permeability rock samples. Experiments were conducted in both sleeve fracture and direct fluid fracture modes using two different injection rates. Consistent with previous studies, our results show that hydraulic fracturing occurred only with low permeation, either due to the intrinsic low permeability or due to the presence of an inner silicon rubber sleeve. In particular, due to the presence of quasi-impermeable inner sleeve or borehole skin in the sleeve fracturing experiment, fracturing occurs, with the breakdown pressure supporting the linear elastic approach considering poroelastic effects, therefore, with low stress drop and consequently low microseismicity. Rock matrix permeability also controls the presence of precursory Acoustic Emission activity, as this is linked to the infiltration of fluids and consequent expansion of the pore space. Finally, permeability is shown to mainly control fracturing speed, because the permeation of fluid into the newly created fracture via the highly permeable rock matrix slows down its full development. The application of these results to the field may help to reduce induced seismicity and to conduct well stimulation in a more efficient way.
Burr hole craniostomy versus minicraniotomy in chronic subdural hematoma: a comparative cohort study
Authors: Zolfaghari Shaian , Bartek Jiri , Strom Isabelle , Djärf Felix , Wong San-San , Ståhl Nils , Jakola Asgeir S. , Nittby Redebrandt Henrietta
Published: July 2021

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical diseases. In surgical management of CSDH, there is a lack of standardized guidelines concerning surgical techniques and a lack of consensus on which technique(s) are optimal. Neurosurgical centers have shown a wide variation in surgical techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare two different surgical techniques, one burr hole craniostomy with an active subgaleal drain (BHC) and minicraniotomy with a passive subdural drain (MC).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study at two neurosurgical centers in Sweden which included patients with unilateral CSDHs that received surgical treatment with either BHC or MC. The primary outcomes in comparison of the techniques were 30-day mortality, recurrence rate, and complications according to the Landriel Ibañez grading system for complications.

Results

A total of 1003 patients were included in this study. The BHC subgroup included 560 patients, and the MC subgroup included 443 patients. A 30-day mortality when comparing BHC (2.3%) and MC (2.7%) was similar (p = 0.701). Comparing recurrence rate for BHC (8.9%) and MC (10.8%) showed no significant difference (p = 0.336). We found that medical complications were significantly more common in the MC group (p = 0.001). Surgical complications (type IIb) was also associated with the MC group (n = 10, p = 0.003). Out of the 10 patients with type IIb complications in the MC group, 8 had postoperative acute subdural hematomas.

Conclusions

BHC was comparable to MC concerning 30-day mortality rate and recurrence rates. We did, however, find that MC was significantly associated with medical complications and serious surgical postoperative complications.
Micro-displacement monitoring in caves at the Southern Alps–Dinarides–Southwestern Pannonian Basin junction
Authors: Šebela Stanka , Stemberk Josef , Briestenský Miloš
Published: July 2021

In situ micro-displacement monitoring in caves at the seismically active junction of the Southern Alps, Dinarides and Southwestern Pannonian Basin revealed active tectonic micro-deformations. The largest total vertical movement of 0.35 mm (2008–2018) occurred at Kostanjeviška Jama (Southwestern Pannonian Basin–Dinarides). Two abrupt displacements observed at that cave location correspond to pre- and post-seismic episodes in 2014 and 2015. At Pološka Jama (Southern Alps), more gradual and continuous displacement on a monitored bedding plane of 0.13 mm down-slip (2008–2018) was observed. This movement is attributed to slope relaxation as well as tectonic activity on the Julian Alps thrust fault and the seismogenic Ravne Fault, which generated earthquakes atMw = 5.6 in 1998 andMw = 5.2 in 2004. At Jama pri Svetih Treh Kraljih in Dinarides, activity on the Ravne Fault was shown as sinistral-horizontal (0.1 mm) and vertical (0.15 mm) movement along an E–W-oriented tectonic structure. This shallowly buried site also experienced cyclic seasonal displacements. At Županova Jama, multiple short-term horizontal dextral and sinistral strike-slip pulses (2016–2018) demonstrated active tectonic micro-deformations within the wider zone of the Dobrepolje and Želimlje faults. At Postojnska Jama, two episodes of vertical movement on a NW–SE-oriented fault are associated with earthquake swarms: the first episode was in 2010 (MLV = 3.7) and the second in 2014 (MLV = 4.3). In-cave flood events do not coincide with periods of micro-displacement activity in the studied caves, and therefore are not the drivers of the micro-displacement.
Measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in hyperhidrosis: a systematic review
Authors: Gabes Michaela , Knüttel Helge , Kann Gesina , Tischer Christina , Apfelbacher Christian J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To critically appraise, compare and summarize the quality of all existing PROMs that have been validated in hyperhidrosis to at least some extend by applying the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology. Thereby, we aim to give a recommendation for the use of PROMs in future clinical trials in hyperhidrosis.

Methods

We considered studies evaluating, describing or comparing measurement properties of PROMs as eligible. A systematic literature search in three big databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science) was performed. We assessed the methodological quality of each included study using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Furthermore, we applied predefined quality criteria for good measurement properties and finally, graded the quality of the evidence.

Results

Twenty-four articles reporting on 13 patient-reported outcome measures were included. Three instruments can be further recommended for use. They showed evidence for sufficient content validity and moderate- to high-quality evidence for sufficient internal consistency. The methodological assessment showed existing evidence gaps for eight other PROMs, which therefore require further validation studies to make an adequate decision on their recommendation. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Measure-Axillary (HDSM-Ax) and the short-form health survey with 36 items (SF-36) were the only questionnaires not recommended for use in patients with hyperhidrosis due to moderate- to high-quality evidence for insufficient measurement properties.

Conclusion

Three PROMs, the Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index (HidroQoL), the Hyperhidrosis Questionnaire (HQ) and the Sweating Cognitions Inventory (SCI), can be recommended for use in future clinical trials in hyperhidrosis. Results obtained with these three instruments can be seen as trustworthy. Nevertheless, further validation of all three PROMs is desirable.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020170247
A mechanism that realizes strong emergence
Authors: van Hateren J. H.
Published: July 2021

The causal efficacy of a material system is usually thought to be produced by the law-like actions and interactions of its constituents. Here, a specific system is constructed and explained that produces a cause that cannot be understood in this way, but instead has novel and autonomous efficacy. The construction establishes a proof-of-feasibility of strong emergence. The system works by utilizing randomness in a targeted and cyclical way, and by relying on sustained evolution by natural selection. It is not vulnerable to standard arguments against strong emergence, in particular ones that assume that the physical realm is causally closed. Moreover, it does not suffer from epiphenomenalism or causal overdetermination. The system uses only standard material components and processes, and is fully consistent with naturalism. It is discussed whether the emergent cause can still be viewed as ‘material’ in the way that term is commonly understood.
A note on the exact boundary controllability for an imperfect transmission problem
Authors: Monsurrò S. , Nandakumaran A. K. , Perugia C.
Published: July 2021

In this note, we consider a hyperbolic system of equations in a domain made up of two components. We prescribe a homogeneous Dirichlet condition on the exterior boundary and a jump of the displacement proportional to the conormal derivatives on the interface. This last condition is the mathematical interpretation of an imperfect interface. We apply a control on the external boundary and, by means of the Hilbert Uniqueness Method, introduced by J. L. Lions, we study the related boundary exact controllability problem. The key point is to derive an observability inequality by using the so called Lagrange multipliers method, and then to construct the exact control through the solution of an adjoint problem. Eventually, we prove a lower bound for the control time which depends on the geometry of the domain, on the coefficients matrix and on the proportionality between the jump of the solution and the conormal derivatives on the interface.
FTLD Patient–Derived Fibroblasts Show Defective Mitochondrial Function and Accumulation of p62
Authors: Leskelä Stina , Hoffmann Dorit , Rostalski Hannah , Huber Nadine , Wittrahm Rebekka , Hartikainen Päivi , Korhonen Ville , Leinonen Ville , Hiltunen Mikko , Solje Eino , Remes Anne M. , Haapasalo Annakaisa
Published: July 2021

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a clinically, genetically, and neuropathologically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative syndromes, leading to progressive cognitive dysfunction and frontal and temporal atrophy. C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (C9-HRE) is the most common genetic cause of FTLD, but pathogenic mechanisms underlying FTLD are not fully understood. Here, we compared cellular features and functional properties, especially related to protein degradation pathways and mitochondrial function, of FTLD patient–derived skin fibroblasts from C9-HRE carriers and non-carriers and healthy donors. Fibroblasts from C9-HRE carriers were found to produce RNA foci, but no dipeptide repeat proteins, and they showed unchanged levels of C9orf72 mRNA transcripts. The main protein degradation pathways, the ubiquitin–proteasome system and autophagy, did not show alterations between the fibroblasts from C9-HRE-carrying and non-carrying FTLD patients and compared to healthy controls. An increase in the number and size of p62-positive puncta was evident in fibroblasts from both C9-HRE carriers and non-carriers. In addition, several parameters of mitochondrial function, namely, basal and maximal respiration and respiration linked to ATP production, were significantly reduced in the FTLD patient–derived fibroblasts from both C9-HRE carriers and non-carriers. Our findings suggest that FTLD patient–derived fibroblasts, regardless of whether they carry the C9-HRE expansion, show unchanged proteasomal and autophagic function, but significantly impaired mitochondrial function and increased accumulation of p62 when compared to control fibroblasts. These findings suggest the possibility of utilizing FTLD patient–derived fibroblasts as a platform for biomarker discovery and testing of drugs targeted to specific cellular functions, such as mitochondrial respiration.
Automation and sectoral reallocation
Authors: Hutschenreiter Dennis C. , Santini Tommaso , Vella Eugenia
Published: July 2021

Empirical evidence in Dauth et al. (J Eur Econ Assoc, 2021) suggests that industrial robot adoption in Germany has led to a sectoral reallocation of employment from manufacturing to services, leaving total employment unaffected. We rationalize this evidence through the lens of a general equilibrium model with two sectors, matching frictions and endogenous participation. Automation induces firms to create fewer vacancies and job seekers to search less in the automatable sector (manufacturing). The service sector expands due to the sectoral complementarity in the production of the final good and a positive wealth effect for the household. Analysis across steady states shows that the reduction in manufacturing employment can be offset by the increase in service employment. The model can also replicate the magnitude of the decline in the ratio of manufacturing employment to service employment in Germany between 1994 and 2014.
The Effects of Anhedonia in Social Context
Authors: Barkus Emma
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom comprising reduced subjective reward or pleasure. Anhedonia influences subjective anticipation and in-the-moment experiences. This review draws together affective learning and engagement evidence for anhedonia affecting subjective experiences of social environments.

Recent Findings

While social engagement is diminished consistently, subjective appraisals of social contexts vary across different mental health disorders. Low positive affect during social experiences or stimuli is reported in PTSD, mood, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Diminished neural reward networks underpin the anticipation of social experiences in ADHD, schizophrenia spectrum, and autistic spectrum disorders. Multiple theories exist to explain how anhedonia might interfere with social environments.

Anhedonia is a barrier to engagement, motivation, and enjoyment of social contexts. While many studies characterize experiences during social contexts, learning theories provide the most promise for developing targeted interventions.
Modelling of temperature and strain rate dependent behaviour of pearlitic steel in block braked railway wheels
Authors: Esmaeili Ali , Ahlström Johan , Ekh Magnus , Nikas Dimitrios , Vernersson Tore
Published: July 2021

Block braked railway wheels are subjected to thermal and rolling contact loading. The thermal loading results in high temperatures and thermal stresses which cause slow time dependent processes such as creep, relaxation and static recovery of the wheel material. At the same time, the rolling contact loading implies a very fast mechanical load application. This paper is focused on material modeling of pearlitic steel for a wide range of loading rates at elevated temperatures. The starting point is a viscoplasticity model including nonlinear isotropic and kinematic hardening. The Delobelle overstress function is employed to capture strain rate dependent response of the material. The model also includes static recovery of the hardening to capture slower viscous (diffusion dominated) behaviour of the material. Experiments for the pearlitic wheel steel ER7 in terms of cyclic strain-controlled uniaxial tests with hold-time, uniaxial ratchetting tests including rapid cycles and biaxial cyclic tests with tension/compression and torsion are used to calibrate the material model. These experiments were performed under isothermal conditions at different temperatures. In the ratchetting tests, higher loading rates are obtained and these have been used to calibrate the high strain rate response of the viscoplasticity model. The paper is concluded with a numerical example of a block braked wheel where the importance of accounting for the viscoplasticity in modelling is highlighted.
Probabilistic network sparsification with ego betweenness
Authors: Kaveh Amin , Magnani Matteo , Rohner Christian
Published: July 2021

Sparsification is the process of decreasing the number of edges in a network while one or more topological properties are preserved. For probabilistic networks, sparsification has only been studied to preserve the expected degree of the nodes. In this work we introduce a sparsification method to preserve ego betweenness. Moreover, we study the effect of backboning and density on the resulting sparsified networks. Our experimental results show that the sparsification of high density networks can be used to efficiently and accurately estimate measures from the original network, with the choice of backboning algorithm only partially affecting the result.
„Die Errettung der äußeren Wirklichkeit durch den Film“? Optische Erlösungsmomente im Werk Siegfried Kracauers zwischen Metaphysik und populärer Kultur
Authors: Heinze Carsten
Published: July 2021

Der Beitrag setzt sich mit dem Zusammenhang von Religion und Metaphysik auf der einen und Kino, Film und Fotografie als Ausdruck populärer Kultur auf der anderen Seite im Werk Siegfried Kracauers auseinander. Es wird gezeigt, dass Kracauers Zugänge zum Film und die Bedeutung, die er visuellen Medien wie der Fotografie und dem Film für die Kultur der Moderne zuschreibt, sich mit seinen frühen Arbeiten zu Metaphysik und Religion spannungsreich in Beziehung setzen lassen und dieses Spannungsverhältnis sich auch in seinen späteren Auseinandersetzungen mit dem Film fortschreibt. Dem Film werden verschiedene Funktionen, vor allem ein „Erlösungsmoment“, in diesem Spannungsverhältnis zugeschrieben, das vor dem Hintergrund seiner frühen metaphysischen Schriften zu verstehen ist. Es wird gezeigt, dass dieses „Erlösungsmoment“ auch in seinem letzten großen Werk, das sich der Geschichte widmet, noch einmal aufgegriffen, problematisiert und verarbeitet wird.
Pseudo-Riemannian geometry encodes information geometry in optimal transport
Authors: Wong Ting-Kam Leonard , Yang Jiaowen
Published: July 2021

Optimal transport and information geometry both study geometric structures on spaces of probability distributions. Optimal transport characterizes the cost-minimizing movement from one distribution to another, while information geometry originates from coordinate invariant properties of statistical inference. Their relations and applications in statistics and machine learning have started to gain more attention. In this paper we give a new differential-geometric relation between the two fields. Namely, the pseudo-Riemannian framework of Kim and McCann, which provides a geometric perspective on the fundamental Ma–Trudinger–Wang (MTW) condition in the regularity theory of optimal transport maps, encodes the dualistic structure of statistical manifold. This general relation is described using the framework of c-divergence under which divergences are defined by optimal transport maps. As a by-product, we obtain a new information-geometric interpretation of the MTW tensor on the graph of the transport map. This relation sheds light on old and new aspects of information geometry. The dually flat geometry of Bregman divergence corresponds to the quadratic cost and the pseudo-Euclidean space, and the logarithmic $$L^{(\alpha )}$$

L

(
α
)

-divergence introduced by Pal and the first author has constant sectional curvature in a sense to be made precise. In these cases we give a geometric interpretation of the information-geometric curvature in terms of the divergence between a primal-dual pair of geodesics.
Can Parametric Microinsurance Improve the Financial Resilience of Low-Income Households in the United States?
Authors: Kousky Carolyn , Wiley Helen , Shabman Len
Published: July 2021

Natural disaster risk is escalating around the globe and in the United States. A large body of research has found that lower-income households disproportionally suffer from disasters and are less likely to recover. Poorer households often lack the financial resources for rebuilding, endangering other aspects of wellbeing. Parametric microinsurance has been used in many developing countries to improve the financial resilience of low-income households. This paper presents a review of the evidence for implementing parametric microinsurance in the U.S., with spillover lessons for other highly developed countries. We discuss the benefits and the challenges of microinsurance in a US context and explore 4 possible distribution models that could help overcome difficulties, with policies being provided: (1) by an aggregator, (2) through a mobile-based technology, (3) by linking to other products or retailers, or (4) through a public sector insurer.
Implication of pulsar timing array experiments on cosmological gravitational wave detection
Authors: Yokoyama Jun’ichi
Published: July 2021

Gravitational waves provide a new probe of the Universe which can reveal a number of cosmological and astrophysical phenomena that cannot be observed by electromagnetic waves. Different frequencies of gravitational waves are detected by different means. Among them, precision measurements of pulsar timing provides a natural detector for gravitational waves with light-year scale wavelengths. In this review, first a basic framework to detect a stochastic gravitational wave background using pulsar timing array is introduced, and then possible interpretations of the latest observational result of 12.5-year NANOGrav data are described.
An outbreak of serotype 19A pneumococcal pneumonia in a relief facility in Japan
Authors: Nagano Kei , Kawasaki Satoshi , Moro Hiroshi , Chang Bin , Bamba Yuuki , Yamamoto Ayako , Morita Masatomo , Ohnishi Makoto , Shibata Satoshi , Koizumi Takeshi , Aoki Nobumasa , Honma Yasuo , Abe Tetsuya , Koya Toshiyuki , Aoki Nobuki , Kikuchi Toshiaki
Published: July 2021

An outbreak of serotype 19A Streptococcus pneumoniae occurred among the residents of a relief facility. Pneumonia developed in 5 of 99 residents (attack rate, 5.1%). We obtained pharyngeal specimens from non-onset residents, and S. pneumoniae was isolated from 6 individuals (6.4%), 5 of whom had serotype 19A.
Efforts to regulate antibiotic misuse in hospitals: A history
Authors: Kazanjian Powel H.
Published: July 2021

Today, most hospitals have implemented regulatory programs designed to curtail the antimicrobial misuse that has fueled resistance. In this paper, I trace the history of resistance and efforts to mitigate antibiotic overuse in the hospital. Medical investigators in the 1950s argued that the difficulties posed by resistant bacteria in the hospital were even more worrisome than the problems that antibiotics were intended to solve. These investigators sought to reform physician habits that they believed, left unchecked, would accelerate resistance and hasten the end of the antibiotic era. When their methods of education failed to change physician’s prescribing habits voluntarily, external restrictions were imposed. Today’s antimicrobial stewardship programs represent the newest version of a series of efforts that began in the mid-twentieth century to reform antibiotic misuse and to control resistant microbes in the hospital.
Association between Clostridioides difficile infection testing results and decision to treat
Authors: Evans Martin E. , McCauley Brian P. , Simbartl Loretta A.
Published: July 2021

We sought to determine how often patients with a negative toxin enzyme immunoassay following a positive nucleic acid amplification test for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) were treated for CDI in Veterans Affairs facilities. From October 2018 through March 2021, 702 (29.5%) of 2,374 unique patients with these test results were treated.
Capturing causation in political science: the perspective of research design
Authors: Curini Luigi , Damonte Alessia
Published: July 2021

In the last decades, ‘research design’ has become a strategic topic across political science. An emerging discourse relies on it to encompass paradigmatic oppositions and cultivate a pluralist approach to causation. As an introduction to the special issue on the topic, we offer an outline of the roles that the discipline recognizes to design in its relation to models and contend that, in a time of fascination for predictors, political science pluralism allows for balancing interpretability and validity of findings at once.
Tracking changes in body composition: comparison of methods and influence of pre-assessment standardisation
Authors: Tinsley Grant M. , Harty Patrick S. , Stratton Matthew T. , Smith Robert W. , Rodriguez Christian , Siedler Madelin R.
Published: July 2021

The present study reports the validity of multiple assessment methods for tracking changes in body composition over time and quantifies the influence of unstandardised pre-assessment procedures. Resistance-trained males underwent 6 weeks of structured resistance training alongside a hyperenergetic diet, with four total body composition evaluations. Pre-intervention, body composition was estimated in standardised (i.e. overnight fasted and rested) and unstandardised (i.e. no control over pre-assessment activities) conditions within a single day. The same assessments were repeated post-intervention, and body composition changes were estimated from all possible combinations of pre-intervention and post-intervention data. Assessment methods included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography, three-dimensional optical imaging, single- and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, bioimpedance spectroscopy and multi-component models. Data were analysed using equivalence testing, Bland–Altman analysis, Friedman tests and validity metrics. Most methods demonstrated meaningful errors when unstandardised conditions were present pre- and/or post-intervention, resulting in blunted or exaggerated changes relative to true body composition changes. However, some methods – particularly DXA and select digital anthropometry techniques – were more robust to a lack of standardisation. In standardised conditions, methods exhibiting the highest overall agreement with the four-component model were other multi-component models, select bioimpedance technologies, DXA and select digital anthropometry techniques. Although specific methods varied, the present study broadly demonstrates the importance of controlling and documenting standardisation procedures prior to body composition assessments across distinct assessment technologies, particularly for longitudinal investigations. Additionally, there are meaningful differences in the ability of common methods to track longitudinal body composition changes.