bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can spot urine measurement be a substitute for 24‐hour urine measurement to estimate sodium intake in adolescents?
Authors: Dong Jie , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Dong Hongbo , Yan Yinkun , Mi Jie
Published: March 2021

Importance

Several methods have been established in recent decades that allow use of spot urine to estimate dietary sodium intake. However, their accuracies have been controversial in children.

Objective

To validate the performance of three commonly used methods—the Kawasaki, Tanaka, and International Cooperative Study on Salt, Other Factors, and Blood Pressure (INTERSALT) methods. Additionally, this study explored the accuracies of the Tanaka and INTERSALT methods by using spot urine samples taken at four separate times.

Method

Forty‐one adolescents aged 14 to 16 years completed two non‐consecutive 24‐hour urine collections and their mean values were used as reference data. The second‐morning urine was used for assessment with the Kawasaki method; a casual spot urine and spot urine samples taken at four separate times (morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight) were used for assessment with the Tanaka and INTERSALT methods.

Results

The mean differences were 1801 mg, 542 mg, 47 mg, and −31 mg for the Kawasaki, Tanaka, INTERSALT1 (with potassium), and INTERSALT2 (without potassium) methods with their required spot urine, respectively. The proportions of relative difference levels within ± 10% were 4.9% for the Kawasaki method, 19.5% for the Tanaka method, 36.6% for the INTERSALT1 method, and 36.6% for the INTERSALT2 method.

Interpretation

The INTERSALT method seemed to provide minimally biased estimations of mean population sodium intake with casual spot urine. However, there is a need to be cautious regarding inconsistencies in estimation among different levels of sodium intake. The methods assessed in this study were unable to accurately estimate sodium intake at the individual level.
Effectiveness of stenting and subsequent re‐implantation of disconnected pulmonary artery to restore the pulmonary hemodynamics
Authors: Khoshhal Saad , Al‐Mutairi Mansour , Morsy Mohamed , Kreary Nasser , Alnajjar Abdulhameed , Abo‐Haded Hany
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Early intervention in patients with congenitally disconnected pulmonary artery improves long‐term outcome.

Case presentation

We present 3 cases of isolated disconnected pulmonary artery in the absence of associated structural heart disease during a period of 3 years.

Conclusion

Transcatheter stenting of the feeding ductus arteriosus re‐established pulmonary artery flow and growth. Successful surgical repair was achieved, and normal perfusion and complete function of the ipsilateral lung were regained.
Surgical correction for scimitar syndrome by right thoracotomy and direct anastomosis in children
Authors: Cheng Wei , Li Zhiqiang , Zhu Yaobin , Ding Nan , Yan Daole , Yi Hanlu
Published: March 2021

Importance

Scimitar syndrome (SS) is a rare type of congenital heart disease characterized by total or partial anomalous venous drainage of the right lung to the inferior vena cava. However, the surgical repair techniques for SS vary according to patients’ anatomical and pathological features.

Objective

This study was performed to analyze the mid‐term results of a less invasive surgical correction technique for SS in children.

Methods

Eleven patients with SS who underwent surgical repair from January 2012 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The anomalous scimitar vein (SV) was directly reimplanted to the left atrium, and the concomitant atrial septal defect was simultaneously repaired with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Results

Three male and eight female patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 3.1 ± 1.3 years, and their mean body weight was 12.8 ± 3.0 kg. Most patients had symptoms, such as upper respiratory tract infection, dyspnea, and recurrent pneumonia, and two patients had pulmonary hypertension. None of the 11 patients who underwent direct SV reimplantation by right thoracotomy developed bleeding, arrhythmia, heart failure, or perioperative death, and no patients required reoperation during a mean follow‐up period of 36.6 ± 15.2 months. Postoperative echocardiography revealed no restenosis or obstruction of the anastomosis in any patients.

Interpretation

Surgical repair for SS by right thoracotomy and direct anastomosis of the SV to the posterior wall of the left atrium is safe and effective, with good long‐term patency of the reimplanted SV and a low mortality rate.
Deformation and failure kinetics of polyvinylidene fluoride: Influence of crystallinity
Authors: Pini Tommaso , van Drongelen Martin , Remmers Joris J. C. , Geers Marc G. D. , Govaert Leon E.
Published: March 2021

The present study investigates the effect of processing conditions on the yield kinetics, such as rate dependence of the yield stress and creep rupture, of polyvinilidene fluoride. Samples were compression molded with cooling rates varying from 100°C/s to 0.5°C/min, or isothermally crystallized at temperatures varying from 20 to 120°C. Deformation kinetics were studied over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures. It is shown that for all conditions the yield response is well represented by the Ree–Eyring model. Moreover, the activation volumes and activation energies are independent from the processing conditions. The effect of processing is fully covered by a simple relationship between the rate factors and the degree of crystallinity. Subsequently, the versatility of this relationship is demonstrated by experimental validation.
Did appellate court find disciplinary process flawed?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2021

A member of the University of Southern California football team dated Jane Roe, a member of the university's women's tennis team.
What goes around comes around: Nightmares and daily stress are bidirectionally associated in nurses
Authors: Garcia Odalis , Slavish Danica C. , Dietch Jessica R. , Messman Brett A. , Contractor Ateka A. , Haynes Patricia L. , Pruiksma Kristi E. , Kelly Kimberly , Ruggero Camilo , Taylor Daniel J.
Published: March 2021

Nurses may experience frequent nightmares due to stressful work environments. Nightmares may also exacerbate stress among nurses, although this has yet to be tested empirically. We examined daily bidirectional associations between stress severity and nightmares, and moderation by post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. 392 nurses (92% female; 78% White) completed 14 days of sleep diaries to assess previous‐day stress severity and nightmare occurrence and severity. PTSD symptoms were assessed at baseline. Multilevel models were used to examine bidirectional, within‐person associations between daily stress and nightmares, and cross‐level moderation by baseline PTSD symptoms. 47.2% of nurses reported at least one nightmare across the two weeks. Days with greater stress were associated with higher odds of experiencing a nightmare (OR = 1.22, p = 0.001), as well as greater nightmare severity (b = 0.09, p = 0.033). Nightmare occurrence was associated with greater next‐day stress severity (b = 0.15, p < 0.001). Daily stress and nightmare associations were similar for those with and without PTSD symptoms. Nightmares and stress may occur in a bidirectional fashion. Nurses face intense occupational demands and frequent exposure to potentially traumatic events. Studies should explore whether targeting nightmares and stress may improve nurses' health and well‐being.
Automated topology design of high‐rise diagrid buildings by genetic algorithm optimization
Authors: Orhan Talha , Taşkın Kıvanç
Published: March 2021

In this study, in order to determine the outer shell geometry of high‐rise diagrid structures by means of minimum structural material utilization, simplified strength‐ and stiffness‐based design methods are encoded in MATLAB with the help of SAP2000 OAPI (Open Application Programming Interface) codes and genetic algorithm (GA). The computer code is designed to get most of the inputs from the building model in SAP2000, to have minimal manual inputs that define diagrid shell geometry. The code is also built so that the engineer evaluates the optimum diagrid geometry for any rectangular plan building, which is modeled in SAP2000 software. Three different buildings, which consist of 30, 60, and 90 stories, are modeled in SAP2000 without diagrid shells on facades. Based on these models, the diagrid shell geometries are analyzed for both uniform angle (UA) and varying angle (VA) geometries. A different geometry approach to VA models is proposed, consisting of symmetry and continuum for the load distribution and asymmetry, achieving minimal weight. In order to evaluate the optimum VA topology, GA, is used. Predetermined dead, live, and wind loads are applied to the models based on minimum design loads according to American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7‐10, with corresponding load factors to be able to get more realistic results. Based on the resultant module diagonal cross‐sectional areas, an algorithm is developed and encoded in order to determine minimum required pipe section sizes according to buckling design of compression members as stated in American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 360‐10, to give the engineer an approximate idea of what the required sections should be. Additionally, the feasibility of the optimum models is compared by complexity index parameters. The results of the analyses show that optimum VA models are more efficient than UA models concerning the diagrid shell's total weight. However, UA models are more feasible, according to complexity index values.
Electrochemistry for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Isse Abdirisak Ahmed , Gennaro Armando
Published: March 2021

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) is the most powerful and most employed technology of Controlled Radical Polymerization (CRP) to produce polymers with well‐defined architecture, that is, composition, topology, and functionality. Several hundreds of papers are published every year on ATRP processes, mainly based on empiric experimental procedures. Electrochemistry powerfully entered in the field of ATRP about 10 years ago, providing important contributions both to the further development of the process and to a better understanding of its mechanism. Five main issues took advantage of electrochemistry and/or its synergism with ATRP: i) understanding the mechanism of ATRP activation; ii) determination of thermodynamic parameters; iii) determination of activation and deactivation rate constants; iv) the SARA ATRP vs SET‐LRP dispute: the role of Cu0; v) electrochemically‐mediated ATRP.
What Characterizes Comprehensible and Native‐like Pronunciation Among English‐as‐a‐Second‐Language Speakers? Meta‐Analyses of Phonological, Rater, and Instructional Factors
Authors: Saito Kazuya
Published: March 2021

The current study presents two meta‐analyses to explore what underlies the assessment and teaching of comprehensible and nativelike pronunciation among English‐as‐a‐Second‐Language speakers. In Study 1, listener studies (n = 37) were retrieved examining the influence of segmental, prosodic, and temporal features on listeners’ intuitive judgements of comprehensibility and nativelikeness/accentedness as per different listener backgrounds (expert, mixed, L2). In Study 2, training studies (n = 17) were retrieved examining the effects of segmental, prosodic, and temporal‐based instruction on ESL learners’ pronunciation. The results showed that (a) comprehensibility judgements were related to a range of segmental, prosodic, and temporal features; (b) accentedness judgements were strongly tied to participants’ correct pronunciation of consonants and vowels; and (c) instruction led to larger gains in comprehensibility than in nativelikeness. Moderator analyses demonstrated that expert listeners were more reliant on phonological information. Greater effects of instruction on comprehensibility than nativelikeness became clearer, especially when the treatment targeted prosodic accuracy. The findings suggest that ESL practitioners should prioritize suprasegemental practice to help students achieve comprehensible L2 pronunciation. The attainment of nativelike pronunciation, by contrast, may require an exclusive focus on the refinement of segmental accuracy, which is resistant to the influence of instruction.
Tumor models in various Drosophila tissues
Authors: Gong Shangyu , Zhang Yichi , Tian Aiguo , Deng Wu‐Min
Published: March 2021

The development of cancer is a complex multistage process. Over the past few decades, the model organism Drosophila melanogaster has been crucial in identifying cancer‐related genes and pathways and elucidating mechanisms underlying growth regulation in development. Investigations using Drosophila has yielded new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we describe various tumor models that have been developed in recent years using different Drosophila tissues, such as the imaginal tissue, the neural tissue, the gut, the ovary, and hematopoietic cells. We discuss underlying genetic alterations, cancer‐like characteristics, as well as similarities and key differences among these models. We also discuss how disruptions in stem cell division and differentiation result in tumor formation in diverse tissues, and highlight new concepts developed using the fly model to understand context‐dependent tumorigenesis. We further discuss the progress made in Drosophila to explore tumor–host interactions that involve the innate immune response to tumor growth and the cachexia wasting phenotype.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics

Cancer > Stem Cells and Development

Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Röntgendiagnostik bei Frakturen im Kindes- und Jugendalter – Konsensusbericht des Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitskreises der Sektion Kindertraumatologie der DGU
Authors:   Sektion Kindertraumatologie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU), Dresing Klaus , Fernández Francisco , Strohm Peter , Schmittenbecher Peter , Kraus Ralf
Published: March 2021

Seit Jahrzehnten ist die Projektionsradiographie Standard in der Diagnostik von Frakturen und Verletzungen auch bei Patienten im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Bei jeder Untersuchung mit Röntgenstrahlen sollen aber auch individuell Nutzen und Risiko gegeneinander abgewogen werden. Die Sektion Kindertraumatologie der DGU hat zu verschiedenen Aspekten der Bildgebung zu Diagnostik und Verlaufsbeurteilung, zu Einstellungsmöglichkeiten der intraoperativen Bildgebung, zum Röntgen der Gegenseite, zu Polytrauma und CT, zu postoperativen radiologischen Kontrollen und dem Einsatz der Sonographie ein Konsenspapier erarbeitet.
S2k-Leitlinie: Status Epilepticus im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Rosenow F. , Weber J. ,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN),   Österreichische Gesellschaft für Neurologie (ÖGN)
Published: March 2021

Diese S2k-Leitlinie (LL) zum Status epilepticus (SE) im Erwachsenenalter schreibt die letzte DGN-LL zum SE von 2012 fort. Neue Definitionen und Evidenz wurden bei der Erstellung der LL und des Clinical Pathway berücksichtigt. Jeder epileptische Anfall, der länger als 5 Minuten anhält (oder ≥ 2 Anfälle über einen Zeitraum von mehr als 5 Minuten ohne Wiedererlangen des neurologischen Ausgangsstatus), soll als SE behandelt werden.

In der Diagnostik sollte initial eine CCT oder, wenn möglich, eine MRT erfolgen. Das EEG spielt bei der Diagnosestellung und beim Therapiemonitoring von non-konvulsiven SE und zum Ausschluss bzw. Nachweis psychogener nichtepileptischer Anfälle eine wesentliche Rolle. Der prognostische Einfluss von insbesondere entzündlichen Begleiterkrankungen (z. B. Pneumonie) wurde besser belegt, weshalb entsprechende Laborparameter auch im Verlauf kontrolliert werden sollten und ggf. frühzeitig eine antibiotische Therapie initiiert werden sollte.

Die Therapie erfolgt in 4 Stufen: 1. Initialer SE: Gabe eines ausreichend hoch dosierten Benzodiazepins i. m., i. v. oder i. n.; 2. Benzodiazepin-refraktärer SE: 1. Wahl ist die i.v. Gabe von Levetiracetam oder Valproat; 3. Refraktärer SE (RSE) und 4. Superrefraktärer SE (SRSE): I.v. Propofol oder Midazolam alleine oder in Kombination oder Thiopental in anästhetischen Dosen. Beim fokalen non-konvulsiven RSE kann unter Umständen auf die Einleitung eines therapeutischen Komas verzichtet werden. Bei SRSE sollte die ketogene Diät zum Einsatz kommen. I.v. Ketamin oder inhalatives Isofluran kann erwogen werden. In Einzelfällen kann die elektrokonvulsive Therapie und, bei resektabler epileptogener Zone, ein Epilepsie chirurgischer Eingriff erwogen werden. I.v. Allopregnanolon oder die Hyperthermie sollen nicht eingesetzt werden.
Distributional differences in the time horizon of executive compensation
Authors: Haylock Michael
Published: March 2021

The aim of executive compensation plans is to incentivize executives to maximize long-term firm value. Past research shows that executives’ pay is determined by short-term stock performance to a substantial degree. This paper tests for distributional differences in the time horizon of the performance–pay relation, controlling for executive-firm fixed effects in a quantile regression framework. I identify short-term and long-term firm and industry performance using a filter and estimate distributional differences in the short-term and long-term performance–pay relation using method of moments–quantile regression (Machado and Santos Silva in J Econ 213:145–173, 2019). I find the right tail of the conditional total compensation distribution has a more long-term-oriented performance–pay relation than the left tail. By contrast, the right tail of the conditional accumulated wealth distribution has more short-term-oriented performance–pay relation than the left tail. Results show that asymmetry in short-term firm performance–pay relations may exist, but do not vary across the conditional distribution.
Connexin 43 phosphorylation by casein kinase 1 is essential for the cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Hirschhäuser Christine , Lissoni Alessio , Görge Philipp Maximilian , Lampe Paul D. , Heger Jacqueline , Schlüter Klaus-Dieter , Leybaert Luc , Schulz Rainer , Boengler Kerstin
Published: March 2021

Myocardial connexin 43 (Cx43) forms gap junctions and hemichannels, and is also present within subsarcolemmal mitochondria. The protein is phosphorylated by several kinases including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C (PKC), and casein kinase 1 (CK1). A reduction in Cx43 content abrogates myocardial infarct size reduction by ischemic preconditioning (IPC). The present study characterizes the contribution of Cx43 phosphorylation towards mitochondrial function, hemichannel activity, and the cardioprotection by IPC in wild-type (WT) mice and in mice in which Cx43-phosphorylation sites targeted by above kinases are mutated to non-phosphorylatable residues (Cx43MAPKmut, Cx43PKCmut, and Cx43CK1mut mice). The amount of Cx43 in the left ventricle and in mitochondria was reduced in all mutant strains compared to WT mice and Cx43 phosphorylation was altered at residues not directly targeted by the mutations. Whereas complex 1 respiration was reduced in all strains, complex 2 respiration was decreased in Cx43CK1mut mice only. In Cx43 epitope-mutated mice, formation of reactive oxygen species and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore were not affected. The hemichannel open probability was reduced in Cx43PKCmut and Cx43CK1mut but not in Cx43MAPKmut cardiomyocytes. Infarct size in isolated saline-perfused hearts after ischemia/reperfusion (45 min/120 min) was comparable between genotypes and was significantly reduced by IPC (3 × 3 min ischemia/5 min reperfusion) in WT, Cx43MAPKmut, and Cx43PKCmut, but not in Cx43CK1mut mice, an effect independent from the amount of Cx43 and the probability of hemichannel opening. Taken together, our study shows that alterations of Cx43 phosphorylation affect specific cellular functions and highlights the importance of Cx43 phosphorylation by CK1 for IPC’s cardioprotection.
Adjusting residual stresses by flexible stress superposition in incremental sheet metal forming
Authors: Maaß Fabian , Hahn Marlon , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: March 2021

Process-induced residual stresses significantly influence the mechanical properties of a formed component. A polymer pad is used as a flexible die in two-point incremental forming to induce compressive residual stresses in the component during the forming process. Experimental and numerical results illustrate the influence of compressive stress superposition on the component properties. It is shown that the active support, using a geometry-independent polyurethane die, causes beneficial compressive residual stresses on the tool side compared to the tensile residual stresses induced by the single-point incremental forming process without such a supporting die.
Anwendung der Induzierten Polarisation in der Graphitexploration
Authors: Flores-Orozco Adrián , Katona Timea , Aigner Lukas , Steiner Matthias , Römer Alexander
Published: March 2021

Diese Studie präsentiert die Anwendung der Induzierten Polarisation (IP) für die Charakterisierung einer Graphitlagerstätte. Basierend auf Labormessungen zeigen wir die Sensitivität von IP-Messungen hinsichtlich Veränderungen der Korngröße und der spezifischen Oberfläche von Graphit in Gesteinsproben und auf der Feldskala. Des Weiteren demonstrieren wir, dass IP-Feldmessungen eine klarere Abgrenzung von graphitreichen Untergrundbereichen ermöglichen als die alleinige Bestimmung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit.
Comparison of first-time microvascular decompression with percutaneous surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: long-term outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Noorani Imran , Lodge Amanda , Durnford Andrew , Vajramani Girish , Sparrow Owen
Published: March 2021

Objective

Common surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) include microvascular decompression (MVD) and percutaneous procedures (glycerol rhizolysis; thermocoagulation; and balloon compression). Although the efficacy of each procedure has been documented, direct comparisons of their relative efficacies for TN are lacking. We aimed to directly compare long-term outcomes after first-time MVD with percutaneous surgery in primary (idiopathic and classical) TN and identify predictors of outcome.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 185 patients undergoing MVD and 129 undergoing percutaneous surgery. Procedures were performed by one of two neurosurgeons in a single centre; an independent observer collected long-term follow-up data by interviews, using the same outcome measures for all procedures.

Results

MVD patients were younger than those undergoing percutaneous surgery (P <.001). MVD provided superior initial pain relief (P <.001): 87.0% had Barrow Neurological Institute class I or II pain scores after MVD compared with 67.2% after percutaneous surgery. The complication rate for percutaneous procedures was 35.7% and for MVDs was 24.9% (P =.04), including minor and transient complications. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that MVD provided longer pain relief than percutaneous procedures (P <.001); 25% of patients had recurrence at 96 months following MVD compared with 12 months after percutaneous surgery. Subgroup analysis showed that balloon compression provided more durable relief amongst percutaneous procedures. Multivariate analysis revealed that post-operative numbness and age were prognostic factors for percutaneous procedures (P =.03 and .01, respectively).

Conclusions

MVD provides better initial pain relief and longer durability of relief than percutaneous surgery, although carrying a small risk of major complications. Amongst percutaneous procedures, balloon compression gave the most durable relief from pain. Older age and post-operative numbness were predictors of good outcome from percutaneous surgery. These results can help clinicians to counsel patients with primary TN on neurosurgical treatment selection for pain relief.
Periodontal manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a systematic review
Authors: Difloe-Geisert Julia C. , Bernauer Selina A. , Schneeberger Noémie , Bornstein Michael M. , Walter Clemens
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To explore the evidence of periodontal manifestations and treatment modalities in patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).

Material and methods

A systematic literature search was performed and the criteria for PRISMA and risk of bias assessment were applied. Human clinical studies (≥10 patients) presenting patients with LCH and periodontal findings were considered for inclusion.

Results

From 298 titles identified, six case series with a total of 1278 patients suffering from LCH were included. In these studies, oral symptoms were reported in a frequency ranging from 10 to 100%. Overall, in 216 patients (17%), oral symptoms were observed. Out of these patients, 49–100% demonstrated periodontal symptoms. The most common oral findings were pain, swelling, tooth loss/mobility, and bone lesions. Specific periodontal findings comprised varying frequencies of gingival ulcerations, increased pocket depths, and gingival bleeding. Treatment measures constituted of surgical curettage of bone lesions, soft tissue excision and/or tooth extractions, radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. Healing without recurrence of oral lesions was reported in most of the cases.

Conclusions

The available evidence on periodontal manifestations in LCH patients is heterogeneous. Several oral and periodontal findings were reported and may occur as initial symptoms and/or at later stages of the disease.

Clinical relevance

The dentist should be aware of possible oral involvement of systemic diseases such as LCH, and these manifestations may mimic periodontal disease.
Synergistic Effects of Rooted Aquatic Vegetation and Drift Wrack on Ecosystem Multifunctionality
Authors: Austin Å. N. , Hansen J. P. , Donadi S. , Bergström U. , Eriksson B. K. , Sundblad G. , Eklöf J. S.
Published: March 2021

Ecosystem multifunctionality is an increasingly popular concept used to approximate multifaceted ecosystem functioning, which in turn may help advance ecosystem-based management. However, while experimental studies have shown a positive effect of diversity on multifunctionality, observational studies from natural systems—particularly aquatic—are scarce. Here, we tested the relative importance of species richness and cover of rooted aquatic vegetation, as well as cover of the loose-lying form of the macroalgae bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), for ecosystem multifunctionality in shallow bays along the western Baltic Sea coast. We estimated multifunctionality based on four indicators of functions that support ecosystem services: recruitment of large predatory fish, grazer biomass, inverted ‘nuisance’ algal biomass, and water clarity. Piecewise path analysis showed that multifunctionality was driven by high cover of rooted aquatic vegetation and bladderwrack, particularly when the two co-occurred. This synergistic effect was nearly three times as strong as a negative effect of land-derived nitrogen loading. Species richness of aquatic vegetation indirectly benefitted multifunctionality by increasing vegetation cover. Meanwhile, high bladderwrack cover tended to decrease vegetation species richness, indicating that bladderwrack has both positive and negative effects on multifunctionality. We conclude that managing for dense and diverse vegetation assemblages may mitigate effects of anthropogenic pressures (for example, eutrophication) and support healthy coastal ecosystems that provide a range of benefits. To balance the exploitation of coastal ecosystems and maintain their multiple processes and services, management therefore needs to go beyond estimation of vegetation cover and consider the diversity and functional types of aquatic vegetation.
Graceful extensibility in asset management: extending the capacity to adapt in managing cyber-physical railway systems
Authors: Moerman Jan-jaap , Schraagen Jan Maarten , Braaksma Jan , van Dongen Leo
Published: March 2021

Graceful extensibility has been recently introduced and can be defined as the ability of a system to extend its capacity to adapt when surprise events challenge its boundaries. It provides basic rules that govern adaptive systems. Railway transportation systems can be considered cyber-physical systems that comprise interacting digital, analog, physical, and human components engineered for safe and reliable railway transport. This enables autonomous driving, new functionalities to achieve higher capacity, greater safety, and real-time health monitoring. New rolling stock introductions require continuous adaptations to meet the challenges of these complex railway systems as an introduction takes several years to complete and deals with changing stakeholder demands, new technologies, and technical constraints which cannot be fully predicted in advance. To sustain adaptability when introducing new rolling stock, the theory of graceful extensibility might be valuable but needs further empirical testing to be useful in the field. This study contributes by assessing the proto-theorems of graceful extensibility in a case study in the railway industry by means of adopting pattern-matching analysis. The results of this study indicate that the majority of theoretical patterns postulated by the theory are corroborated by the data. Guidelines are proposed for further operationalization of the theory in the field. Furthermore, case results indicate the need to adopt management approaches that accept indeterminism as a complement to the prevailing deterministic perspective, to sustain adaptability and deal effectively with surprise events. As such, this study may serve other critical asset introductions dealing with cyber-physical systems in their push for sustained adaptability.
Pioneers of German-Polish inclusive exchange: Jaczewski’s and Kluge’s Europeanization in education despite the Iron Curtain
Authors: Toczyski Piotr , Broecher Joachim , Painter Janet
Published: March 2021

Historical and autobiographical approaches are combined with interviews to analyze the case of the Europa-Kontakt in pre-1989 Poland and West Germany within the framework of Europeanization. The international education encounters exemplify the tendencies to Europeanize, which emerged in both countries despite the Iron Curtain. The painful relationship between Poland and Germany is contrasted with the personal trust and cooperation between Polish and German exchange pioneers since the 1970s. Their pioneering work focused on multinational inclusion, participation, intercultural learning, gifted education, creativity, and building leadership skills. It merged German adaptation of the United States’ HighScope model with philosophy of encounters typical of scouting tradition, Janusz Korczak’s pedagogy, and Carl Rogers’ humanistic psychology, preparing ground for the 1989–2004 European Union enlargement process.
Creativity as a function of problem-solving expertise: posing new problems through investigations
Authors: Elgrably Haim , Leikin Roza
Published: March 2021

This study was inspired by the following question: how is mathematical creativity connected to different kinds of expertise in mathematics? Basing our work on arguments about the domain-specific nature of expertise and creativity, we looked at how participants from two groups with two different types of expertise performed in problem-posing-through-investigations (PPI) in a dynamic geometry environment (DGE). The first type of expertise—MO—involved being a candidate or a member of the Israeli International Mathematical Olympiad team. The second type—MM—was comprised of mathematics majors who excelled in university mathematics. We conducted individual interviews with eight MO participants who were asked to perform PPI in geometry, without previous experience in performing a task of this kind. Eleven MMs tackled the same PPI task during a mathematics test at the end of a 52-h course that integrated PPI. To characterize connections between creativity and expertise, we analyzed participants’ performance on the PPI tasks according to proof skills (i.e., auxiliary constructions, the complexity of posed tasks, and correctness of their proofs) and creativity components (i.e., fluency, flexibility and originality of the discovered properties). Our findings demonstrate significant differences between PPI by MO participants and by MM participants as reflected in the more creative performance and more successful proving processes demonstrated by MO participants. We argue that problem posing and problem solving are inseparable when MO experts are engaged in PPI.
Density Estimation of Nemopilema nomurai (Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae) Using a Drone
Authors: Choi Seo Yeol , Kim Hyeon Jung , Seo Min Ho , Soh Ho Young
Published: March 2021

Research to understand the distribution and density of jellyfish is actively being conducted using training ships, but this is hindered by the high cost of manpower and the limitations of the irradiation area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), however, provide cost-effective means for assessing marine animal populations. Therefore, we tested the application of UAVs in estimating jellyfish density and probed the altitude-dependent suitability of these devices. We analyzed images obtained by a drone as well as by manual counting and used ImageJ to measure the density of Nemopilema nomurai off Sang-Chuja Island, Jeju, South Korea. Analysis of the image obtained at altitudes of 5–120 m allowed for the identification of 2–173 individuals, while 1.49–9.09 individuals were identified per 100 m2. Jellyfish density data measured by manual count and by ImageJ did not show any difference below 90 m; however, a difference was presented at altitudes of 100 m (98%) and 120 m (95%). These results demonstrate the potential of drones for jellyfish monitoring and recommend an optimal altitude for observation.
Preconception expanded carrier screening: a focus group study with relatives of mucopolysaccharidosis type III patients and the general population
Authors: Conijn Thirsa , van Dijke Ivy , Haverman Lotte , Lakeman Phillis , Wijburg Frits A , Henneman Lidewij
Published: March 2021

Preconception expanded carrier screening (ECS) enables prospective parents to assess their risk of having a child with an autosomal recessive disorder. Knowledge on motivations, feelings, and considerations people have towards the offer and use of ECS is limited. To enrich the public and professional discussion on ECS implementation, this study explored the perspectives towards various aspects of ECS in seven focus groups compromising first- and second-degree relatives of MPS III patients (N=9, N=4, N=5, N=5) and members of the general Dutch population (N=6, N=7, N=5). The focus groups were audio recorded and the transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to identify themes. Both relatives of MPS III patients and participants from the general population supported offering ECS, in particular for severe, childhood-onset disorders. Important barriers identified for ECS were a lack of genetic knowledge and a perceived lack of personal relevance and awareness, as well as out-of-pocket costs of testing. The majority of participants would prefer full disclosure of individual test results instead of couple-based test results. Moreover, offering people a choice for the way of reporting was proposed. All participants agreed that more efforts, for example by governmental campaigns, should be made to increase awareness on the availability, potentials, and limitations of ECS. Educating prospective parents about ECS is essential for increasing awareness and informed decision making. This study provides valuable insights that can be used by governments and public health authorities when considering implementation of preconception ECS.
An Impulse-Regime Switching Game Model of Vertical Competition
Authors: Aïd René , Campi Luciano , Li Liangchen , Ludkovski Mike
Published: March 2021

We study a new kind of nonzero-sum stochastic differential game with mixed impulse/switching controls, motivated by strategic competition in commodity markets. A representative upstream firm produces a commodity that is used by a representative downstream firm to produce a final consumption good. Both firms can influence the price of the commodity. By shutting down or increasing generation capacities, the upstream firm influences the price with impulses. By switching (or not) to a substitute, the downstream firm influences the drift of the commodity price process. We study the resulting impulse-regime switching game between the two firms, focusing on explicit threshold-type equilibria. Remarkably, this class of games naturally gives rise to multiple potential Nash equilibria, which we obtain thanks to a verification-based approach. We exhibit three candidate types of equilibria depending on the ultimate number of switches by the downstream firm (zero, one or an infinite number of switches). We illustrate the diversification effect provided by vertical integration in the specific case of the crude oil market. Our analysis shows that the diversification gains strongly depend on the pass-through from the crude price to the gasoline price.
Electrohydrodynamic-induced interactions between droplets
Authors: Das Santanu Kumar , Dalal Amaresh , Tomar Gaurav
Published: March 2021

Dispersion of droplets in an emulsion is commonly seen in several chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries. Electric field has been shown to affect the stability of these dispersions. We study the dynamics of a pair of leaky dielectric droplets in a leaky dielectric liquid in the presence of an externally applied electric field. A pair of droplets may coalesce or repel each other in the presence of an electric field. Interactions between a pair of drops have been shown to be governed by the ratio

$\varepsilon _r/\sigma _r$

, where

$\varepsilon _r$

and

$\sigma _r$

are the ratios of drop to ambient fluid electric permittivities and conductivities, respectively. When inertia is neglected, the droplets approach each other if

$\varepsilon _r/\sigma _r > 1$

, whereas droplets repel when

$\varepsilon _r/\sigma _r < 1$

. However, inclusion of inertia permits interesting transient behaviour, where the droplets may attract due to the electrostatic dipole–dipole attraction even for

$\varepsilon _r/\sigma _r < 1$

. The approach velocity then is governed by the electrostatic forces and varies as

$1/h^4$

, where

$h$

is the separation distance between the droplets, in contrast to being hydrodynamically driven as predicted in the Stokes flow limit by Baygents et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 368, 1998, pp. 359–375). For compound droplets, interactions between droplets are essentially governed by the electrical properties of the outer droplet and the ambient fluid. However, transient dynamics may also result in the breakup of a compound droplet and lead to formation of single droplets.
Classification of Wines Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Barth Jackson , Katumullage Duwani , Yang Chenyu , Cao Jing
Published: March 2021

Classification of wines with a large number of correlated covariates may lead to classification results that are difficult to interpret. In this study, we use a publicly available dataset on wines from three known cultivars, where there are 13 highly correlated variables measuring chemical compounds of wines. The goal is to produce an efficient classifier with straightforward interpretation to shed light on the important features of wines in the classification. To achieve the goal, we incorporate principal component analysis (PCA) in the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classification to deal with the serious multicollinearity among the explanatory variables. PCA can identify the underlying dominant features and provide a more succinct and straightforward summary over the correlated covariates. The study shows that kNN combined with PCA yields a much simpler and interpretable classifier that has comparable performance with kNN based on all the 13 variables. The appropriate number of principal components is chosen to strike a balance between predictive accuracy and simplicity of interpretation. Our final classifier is based on only two principal components, which can be interpreted as the strength of taste and level of alcohol and fermentation in wines, respectively. (JEL Classifications: C10, Cl4, D83)
Interactions between dietary carbohydrate and thiamine: implications on the growth performance and intestinal mitochondrial biogenesis and function ofMegalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Xu Chao , Li Yuan-You , Brown Paul B. , Liu Wen-Bin , Gao Liu-Ling , Ding Zhi-Rong , Li Xiang-Fei , Xie Di-Zhi
Published: March 2021

A12-week experiment was conducted to evaluate the influences of thiamine ongrowth performance, and intestinal mitochondrial biogenesis and function of Megalobramaamblycephala fed a high-carbohydrate (HC) diet. Fish (24·73 (sem0·45) g) were randomly assigned to one of four diets: two carbohydrate (CHO) levels (30 and 45 %) and two thiamine levels (0 and 1·5 mg/kg). HC diets significantly decreased DGC, GRMBW, FIMBW, intestinal activities of amylase, lipase, Na+, K+-ATPase, CK, complexes I, III and IV, intestinal ML, number of mitochondrial per field, ΔΨm, the P-AMPK: T-AMPK ratio, PGC-1βprotein expression as well as the transcriptions of AMPKα1, AMPKα2, PGC-1β, mitochondrial transcription factor A, Opa-1, ND-1 and COX-1 and 2, while the opposite was true for ATP, AMP and reactive oxygen species, and the transcriptions of dynamin-related protein-1, fission-1 and mitochondrial fission factor. Dietarythiamine concentrations significantly increased DGC, GRMBW, intestinal activities of amylase, Na+, K+-ATPase, CK, complexes I and IV, intestinal ML, number of mitochondrial per field, ΔΨm, the P-AMPK:T-AMPK ratio, PGC-1βprotein expression as well as the transcriptions of AMPKα1, AMPKα2, PGC-1β, Opa-1, ND-1, COX-1 and 2, SGLT-1 and GLUT-2. Furthermore, a significant interaction between dietary CHO and thiamine was observed in DGC, GRMBW, intestinal activities of amylase, CK, complexes I and IV, ΔΨm, the AMP:ATP ratio, the P-AMPK:T-AMPK ratio, PGC-1βprotein expression as well as the transcriptions of AMPKα1, AMPKα2, PGC-1β, Opa-1, COX-1 and 2, SGLT-1 and GLUT-2. Overall, thiamine supplementation improved growth performance, and intestinal mitochondrial biogenesis and function ofM. amblycephalafed HC diets.
The city centre as an age-friendly shopping environment: a consumer perspective
Authors: Kohijoki Anna-Maija , Koistinen Katri
Published: March 2021

Urban population ageing has significant implications for city centres catering for an increasing number of older consumers. To guide world cities on taking action in response to population ageing, the World Health Organization (WHO) has addressed the universal features of the age-friendly city. This study applies the WHO guideline to the context of shopping. With an emphasis on older consumers, the perceptions of the city centre as a physical and social shopping environment are studied. Using a qualitative content analysis, older consumers’ perceptions (focus-group participants aged 64–94) are analysed based on the age-friendly city features. The perceptions are compared with those of younger consumers (qualitative-survey respondents aged 21–41). The study confirms the significance of older city shoppers, and suggests their needs and wants should be taken into account in urban development projects. The older consumers differ from younger consumers in their city-shopping behaviour and perceptions in many respects. The age groups highlighted the same themes, but mainly with dissimilar content. This indicates that measures to develop a city centre friendlier to older consumers also benefit their younger counterparts, but for different reasons. It is necessary to understand this disparity to create a city-centre shopping environment that is friendly for different ages. The study offers new perspectives on responding to the challenges that consumer ageing poses to Western cities.
Mind the evidence gap: the use of patient-based evidence to create “complete HTA” in the twenty-first century
Authors: Staniszewska Sophie , Söderholm Werkö Sophie
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to review the concept of patient-based evidence in health technology assessment (HTA), drawing on philosophical ideas of knowledge in order to judge whether current approaches to the use of evidence for HTA are complete. We draw on a number of key sources, including key papers and book chapters, discussion forums, agency reports, and conference presentations. We develop the potential dimensions of patient-based evidence, describe its key attributes, and consider its future development. Patient-based evidence has the potential to be a key concept in HTA, comprised of a series of related elements of importance to patients. We recognize that we raise more questions than can be answered, but as an emerging concept, recognition and understanding of patient-based evidence is still developing. The concepts and methods that support its application in HTA require urgent development. We conclude that clinical and economic forms of evidence are not enough for HTA. For HTA to be complete, we need to consider all relevant aspects of the phenomena, including patient-based evidence. There is now an urgent need for the global research and HTA community to work together to realize the full potential of patient-based evidence through conceptual and methodological development and wider recognition. We advocate that a task force be set up to address these urgent issues.
The contribution of French patient and consumer groups to health technology assessments over a 2-year period: an observational retrospective study
Authors: Gesbert Cedric , André-Vert Joëlle , Guerrier Marc , Galbraith Margaret , Devaud Christine , Dupont Jean-Claude K. , Mamzer Marie-France
Published: March 2021

Background

In 2017, The French National Authority for Health (HAS) created an open, online, systematic contribution process to enable patient and consumer groups (PCGs) to contribute to health technology assessment (HTA) carried out to aid public authorities in reimbursement and pricing decision making.

Objectives

This retrospective study analyzes how French PCGs contributed to the HTA process within the HAS for the first 2 years of this new mechanism.

Methods

PCG contributions received between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2018 and the recording of deliberations leading to reports of the corresponding HTAs were included. Analysis grids were designed by the investigators with 5 rounds of refinement tests on 10 random PCG contributions and the reports. Systematic data extraction was then performed separately by two investigators. PCG answers to the open-question templates and the related final HTA report published by the HAS were analyzed.

Results

Seventy-nine contributions from 44 PCGs were received and analyzed by the HAS for 78 out of the 592 HTAs performed for drugs or medical devices during the 2-year period. Twenty-five percent of the HTAs performed for drugs received at least one contribution. The contributions covered quality-of-life aspects, access to care, and personal and family impact. Membership and budget of the contributing PCGs varied greatly.

Conclusions

The experience gained in the first 2 years demonstrates the feasibility of the process and the fact that PCG contribution actually provides relevant input on the patient perspective for HTAs used for reimbursement decisions. The challenges identified on the side of PCGs were time constraints and human resources.