bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DRPLA: understanding the natural history and developing biomarkers to accelerate therapeutic trials in a globally rare repeat expansion disorder
Authors: Chaudhry Aiysha , Anthanasiou-Fragkouli Alkyoni , Houlden Henry
Published: October 2020

Dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansions in the atrophin-1 gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. There are currently no disease-modifying treatments available. The broad development of therapies for DRPLA, as well as other similar rare diseases, has hit a roadblock due to the rarity of the condition and the wide global distribution of patients and families, consequently inhibiting biomarker development and therapeutic research. Considering the shifting focus towards diverse populations, widespread genetic testing, rapid advancements in the development of clinical and wet biomarkers for Huntington’s disease (HD), and the ongoing clinical trials for antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies, the prospect of developing effective treatments in rare disorders has completely changed. The awareness of the HD ASO program has prompted global collaboration for rare disorders in natural history studies and the development of biomarkers, with the eventual goal of undergoing treatment trials. Here, we discuss DRPLA, which shares similarities with HD, and how in this and other repeat expansion disorders, neurogenetics groups like ours at UCL are gearing up for forthcoming natural history studies to accelerate future ASO treatment trials to hopefully emulate the progress seen in HD.
Correction to: Patient perspectives on the therapeutic profile of botulinum neurotoxin type A in cervical dystonia
Authors: Comella Cynthia , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Pain Emilie , Azoulai Marion , Om Savary
Published: October 2020

The article Patient perspectives on the therapeutic profile of botulinum neurotoxin type A in cervical dystonia, written by Cynthia Comella, Joaquim J. Ferreira, Emilie Pain, Marion Azoulai and Savary Om, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 16 September 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 25 September 2020 to © The Authors 2020 and this article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made
The neurological sequelae of pandemics and epidemics
Authors: Valerio Fernanda , Whitehouse Daniel P. , Menon David K. , Newcombe Virginia F. J.
Published: October 2020

Neurological manifestations in pandemics frequently cause short and long-term consequences which are frequently overlooked. Despite advances in the treatment of infectious diseases, nervous system involvement remains a challenge, with limited treatments often available. The under-recognition of neurological manifestations may lead to an increase in the burden of acute disease as well as secondary complications with long-term consequences. Nervous system infection or dysfunction during pandemics is common and its enduring consequences, especially among vulnerable populations, are frequently forgotten. An improved understanding the possible mechanisms of neurological damage during epidemics, and increased recognition of the possible manifestations is fundamental to bring insights when dealing with future outbreaks. To reverse this gap in knowledge, we reviewed all the pandemics, large and important epidemics of human history in which neurological manifestations are evident, and described the possible physiological processes that leads to the adverse sequelae caused or triggered by those pathogens.
Suppose your bus broke down and nobody came
Authors: Mirnig Alexander G. , Gärtner Magdalena , Füssl Elisabeth , Ausserer Karin , Meschtscherjakov Alexander , Wallner Vivien , Kubesch Moritz , Tscheligi Manfred
Published: October 2020

The absence of a human driver creates novel challenges for fully automated public transport. Passengers are likely to have different expectations, needs, or even fears when traveling without a driver in potentially dangerous situations. We present the results from two field studies in which we explored incident management in a driverless shuttle bus. We explored participant’s behavior and willingness to assist in solving problems in a variety of scenarios where the bus suddenly stops for technical reasons or a hypothesized situation of harassment. In a follow-up study, we focused on auditory remote assistance and investigated problem solving through the passengers. We found that diffusion of responsibility is an existent barrier, when passengers are involved in the resolving of potentially dangerous situations. It can be overcome, when incident-relevant instructions are designed explicitly, briefly, timely, distinguishable from regular on-trip information, and address auditory and visual sensory channels alike.
Correction to: Software engineering whispers: The effect of textual vs. graphical software design descriptions on software design communication
Authors: Jolak Rodi , Savary-Leblanc Maxime , Dalibor Manuela , Wortmann Andreas , Hebig Regina , Vincur Juraj , Polasek Ivan , Le Pallec Xavier , Gérard Sébastien , Chaudron Michel R. V.
Published: October 2020

To fulfill the contractual requirement of the Sweden Compact agreement, the following funding note has to be added and placed in the Funding section of the original article: Open access funding provided by University of Gothenburg.
Acute effects of gas supersaturation on Atlantic salmon smolt in two Norwegian rivers
Authors: Stenberg Sondre Kvalsvik , Velle Gaute , Pulg Ulrich , Skoglund Helge
Published: October 2020

Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation downstream of hydropower plants may cause gas bubble disease (GBD) and harmful effects in fish. Little is known about tolerance levels of TDG supersaturation on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarLinnaeus, 1758) in natural rivers. The present study investigated the effects of TDG supersaturation on the survival of Atlantic salmon smolts at two field sites in Norway. Here, we kept smolts in cages at increasing distances from hydropower plants known to cause TDG supersaturation and at control sites. We recorded fish mortality and examined for GBD using a stereo microscope. Mortality and symptoms of GBD commenced in fish exposed to an average of 108.3% TDG (maximum 111.0%, water depth 0.55 m) for 2 days. Significant differences in time before mortality at the control sites and test sites commenced at 110.2% TDG (maximum 111.8%) for 3 days. The study indicates that Atlantic salmon may be more vulnerable to TDG supersaturation than Pacific salmonids, which are considered at risk when the TDG is above 110%. In addition, the study provides important data to link effects caused by TDG in the laboratory and in the field.
Demand for Space: Elderly Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People, Healthcare, and Theological Ethics
Authors: Wirth Mathias
Published: October 2020

Visibility for transgender and gender nonconforming people and the elderly is growing; however, thus far the overlap of the two groups has rarely been considered. Trans persons therefore remain largely invisible in the context of older people’s care and medicine. The discrimination faced by this group is at least twofold: they are the targets of aggression incited by transphobia, and also by ageism. Although older trans and gender nonconforming people exist as a greatly marginalized group within another already marginalized group, even the field of theological ethics has neglected to grant them ethical attention. This leads to especially harsh consequences for elderly transgender and gender nonconforming people due to their specific vulnerabilities. There are reports from trans persons who have resolved never to make use of health services again due to regular experiences of transphobia in medical settings. There are religious components within transgender and gender nonconforming issues that should not be overlooked in this context. On the one hand, medical staff, in the name of their Christian beliefs, have refused to provide trans persons with basic medical care. On the other hand, demands for places of visibility, and spaces for the individual, are regularly made in trans-positive studies, and can be linked to discussions within theological ethics about giving space. Some ethical formulas within the Hebrew and Christian traditions focus on the creation of space in which other beings may exist, as found in concepts like brother–sisterhood, friendship, and Sabbath. By casting light on elderly trans and gender nonconforming people, and on their demands for space, via reflections on ethical concepts of space-making, this study develops a specific understanding of space for elderly trans persons. The paper aims to develop an understanding of trans-positive spaces within theological ethics and applied ethics. Spaces that assume a withdrawal or contraction by all those who have previously taken up trans spaces through ignorance, contempt, or violence, should not thereby become spaces of absence: indeed, elderly trans and gender nonconforming people might be in need of both kinds of spaces, those where otherness enables withdrawal, and those where the helping presence of others continues.
Felids, forest and farmland: identifying high priority conservation areas in Sumatra
Authors: Haidir Iding Achmad , Kaszta Żaneta , Sousa Lara L. , Lubis Muhammad I. , Macdonald David W. , Linkie Matthew
Published: October 2020

Context

Effective planning for protected areas and wildlife population management requires a firm understanding of the location of the species’ core habitat patches, the dispersal corridors connecting them, and the risk they face from key threats, notably deforestation.

Objectives

To quantify and map core habitat patches and dispersal corridors for Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi diardi), Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) across the 16,000 km2 tropical rainforest Kerinci Seblat landscape, Sumatra. Also, to model future forest loss and fragmentation and its effect on landscape connectivity for populations of these threatened species.

Methods

Using data from camera trap (671 sites/55,856 trap nights), and occupancy modelling, we developed habitat use maps and converted these into species-specific landscape resistance layers. We applied cumulative resistant kernels to map core areas and we used factorial least-cost paths to define dispersal corridors. A 17-year deforestation dataset was used to predict deforestation risk towards the integrity of corridors and core areas.

Results

The occupancy estimates of the three cats were similar (0.18–0.29), with preference shown for habitats with dense tree cover, medium elevation and low human disturbance. The overlap between core areas and corridors across the three species was moderate, 7–11% and 10%, respectively. We predicted future loss of 1052 km2 of forest in the landscape, of which 2–4% and 5% in highly importance core areas and corridors.

Conclusions

This study provides a valuable guidance for identifying priority areas in need of urgent protection within and outside the protected area network, and where infrastructure development planning can incorporate wildlife conservation goals.
Plurals and Mereology
Authors: Florio Salvatore , Nicolas David
Published: October 2020

In linguistics, the dominant approach to the semantics of plurals appeals to mereology. However, this approach has received strong criticisms from philosophical logicians who subscribe to an alternative framework based on plural logic. In the first part of the article, we offer a precise characterization of the mereological approach and the semantic background in which the debate can be meaningfully reconstructed. In the second part, we deal with the criticisms and assess their logical, linguistic, and philosophical significance. We identify four main objections and show how each can be addressed. Finally, we compare the strengths and shortcomings of the mereological approach and plural logic. Our conclusion is that the former remains a viable and well-motivated framework for the analysis of plurals.
Number-based noun classification
Authors: Kouneli Maria
Published: October 2020

Nilo-Saharan languages are well-known for their complicated system of nominal number marking, which features a variety of singulative and plural affixes (Dimmendaal 2000). Even though these systems have received some attention in the typological literature, there has been limited theoretical work on their implications for the morphosyntax of number cross-linguistically. The goal of this paper is to fill this gap, by providing an analysis of nominal number morphology in Kipsigis (Nilotic, Kenya), based on data from original fieldwork. First, I show that singulatives in Kipsigis are true allomorphs of singular number, unlike singulatives with a classifier function in languages like Ojibwe (Mathieu 2012). The descriptive term ‘singulative’ is therefore misleading, as it corresponds to two very different types of morphemes. Second, I claim that the tripartite system of number marking of Kipsigis and other Nilo-Saharan languages is due to the classification of nouns into morphosyntactic classes defined by the presence of inherent number features on littlen; the interaction of these features with interpretable number features on the functional projection Num (Ritter 1991 a.o.) in the post-syntactic component gives rise to the exponence pattern that we observe. Finally, my analysis corroborates the existence of noun classification based on number, which has only been argued for Kiowa-Tanoan before (Harbour 2007). The existence of three number classes in Kipsigis can only be explained by reference to bivalent number features; number-based noun classification systems thus strongly support the view that number features are bivalent and not privative, which is also argued by Harbour (2007, 2011) for Kiowa.
Interest Groups, NGOs or Civil Society Organisations? The Framing of Non-State Actors in the EU
Authors: Schoenefeld Jonas J.
Published: October 2020

Scholars have used varying terminology for describing non-state entities seeking to influence public policy or work with the EU’s institutions. This paper argues that the use of this terminology is not and should not be random, as different ‘frames’ come with different normative visions about the role(s) of these entities in EU democracy. A novel bibliometric analysis of 780 academic publications between 1992 and 2020 reveals that three frames stand out: The interest group frame, the NGO frame, as well as the civil society organisation frame; a number of publications also use multiple frames. This article reveals the specific democratic visions contained in these frames, including a pluralist view for interest groups; a governance view for NGOs as ‘third sector’ organisations, and participatory and deliberative democracy contributions for civil society organisations. The use of these frames has dynamically changed over time, with ‘interest groups’ on the rise. The results demonstrate the shifting focus of studies on non-state actors in the EU and consolidation within the sub-field; the original visions of European policy-makers emerging from the 2001 White Paper on governance may only partially come true.
Improving Comparative Effectiveness Research of Complex Health Interventions: Standards from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Authors: Esmail Laura C. , Barasky Rebecca , Mittman Brian S. , Hickam David H.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Complex health interventions (CHIs) are increasingly studied in comparative effectiveness research (CER), and there is a need for improvements in CHI research practices. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Methodology Committee (MC) launched an effort in 2016 to develop formal guidance on this topic.

Objective

To develop a set of minimal standards for scientifically valid, transparent, and reproducible CER studies of CHIs. The standards are intended to apply to research examining a broad range of healthcare interventions including delivery system, behavior change, and other non-pharmacological interventions.

Methods

We conducted a literature review, reviewed existing methods guidance, and developed standards through an iterative process involving the MC, two panels of external research methods experts, and a 60-day public comment period. The final standards were approved by the PCORI MC and adopted by the PCORI Board of Governors on April 30, 2018.

Results

The final standards include the following: (1) fully describe the intervention and comparator and define their core functions, (2) specify the hypothesized causal pathways and their theoretical basis, (3) specify how adaptations to the form of the intervention and comparator will be allowed and recorded, (4) plan and describe a process evaluation, and (5) select patient outcomes informed by the causal pathway.

Discussion

The new standards offer three major contributions to research: (1) they provide a simple framework to help investigators address the major methodological features of a CHI study, (2) they emphasize the importance of the causal model and the need to understand how a CHI achieves its effects rather than simply measuring these effects, and (3) they require description of a CHI using the concepts of core functions and forms. While these standards apply formally to PCORI-funded CER studies, they have broad applicability.
Microstructure and Damage Evolution During Thermal Cycling of Sn-Ag-Cu Solders Containing Antimony
Authors: Belyakov S. A. , Coyle R. J. , Arfaei B. , Xian J. W. , Gourlay C. M.
Published: October 2020

Antimony is attracting interest as an addition to Pb-free solders to improve thermal cycling performance in harsher conditions. Here, we investigate microstructure evolution and failure in harsh accelerated thermal cycling (ATC) of a Sn-3.8Ag-0.9Cu solder with 5.5 wt.% antimony as the major addition in two ball grid array (BGA) packages. SbSn particles are shown to precipitate on both Cu6Sn5and as cuboids in β-Sn, with reproducible orientation relationships and a good lattice match. Similar to Sn-Ag-Cu solders, the microstructure and damage evolution were generally localised in the β-Sn near the component side where localised β-Sn misorientations and subgrains, accelerated SbSn and Ag3Sn particle coarsening, and β-Sn recrystallisation occurred. Cracks grew along the network of recrystallised grain boundaries to failure. The improved ATC performance is mostly attributed to SbSn solid-state precipitation within β-Sn dendrites, which supplements the Ag3Sn that formed in a eutectic reaction between β-Sn dendrites, providing populations of strengthening particles in both the dendritic and eutectic β-Sn.
The effect of plasma functionalization on the print performance and time stability of graphite nanoplatelet electrically conducting inks
Authors: Claypole Andrew , Claypole James , Claypole Tim , Gethin David , Kilduff Liam
Published: October 2020

Carbon-based pastes and inks are used extensively in a wide range of printed electronics because of their widespread availability, electrical conductivity and low cost. Overcoming the inherent tendency of the nano-carbon to agglomerate to form a stable dispersion is necessary if these inks are to be taken from the lab scale to industrial production. Plasma functionalization of graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) adds functional groups to their surface to improve their interaction with the polymer resin. This offers an attractive method to overcome these problems when creating next generation inks. Both dynamic and oscillatory rheology were used to evaluate the stability of inks made with different loadings of functionalized and unfunctionalized GNP in a thin resin, typical of a production ink. The rheology and the printability tests showed the same level of dispersion and electrical performance had been achieved with both functionalized and unfunctionalized GNPs. The unfunctionalized GNPs agglomerate to form larger, lower aspect particles, reducing interparticle interactions and particle–medium interactions. Over a 12-week period, the viscosity, shear thinning behavior and viscoelastic properties of the unfunctionalized GNP inks fell, with decreases in viscosity at 1.17 s−1 of 24, 30, 39% for the ϕ = 0.071, 0.098, 0.127 GNP suspensions, respectively. However, the rheological properties of the functionalized GNP suspensions remained stable as the GNPs interacted better with the polymer in the resin to create a steric barrier which prevented the GNPs from approaching close enough for van der Waals forces to be effective.
COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: the role of social identification and social and political trust on well-being and distress
Authors: Paolini Daniele , Maricchiolo Fridanna , Pacilli Maria Giuseppina , Pagliaro Stefano
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly become a global health crisis, leading people to change their interpersonal behaviours to contain the spread of the virus. Italy has rapidly become the country hit second hardest in the world by the COVID-19 pandemic and the first one in Western countries. To reduce the spread of the COVID-19, people are required to change their interpersonal behaviours, reducing their social interactions in close contacts. The lockdown impact on the economy as well as on social and psychological processes is relevant, we conducted an exploratory study to examine which social factors are associated with the psychological reactions of Italians during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants (n = 690) self-reported their social identification on three levels (i.e., Italians, Europeans and humankind), their trust toward social and political actors, and their level of welbeing, interdependent-happiness, and distress. Results showed that the relation between trust and the level of wellbeing and distress was mediated by identification with Italians and humankind, only the identification with humankind mediated the relationship between trust and the level of interdependent-happiness. The identification with Europeans did not emerge as a mediator in such relationships. The implications for dealing with COVID-19 lockdown in Italy are discussed.
50 nm Scale Alignment Method for Hybrid Manufacturing Processes for Full 3D Structuring
Authors: Jang Ki-Hwan , Yoon Hae-Sung , Lee Hyun-Taek , Kim Eunseob , Ahn Sung-Hoon
Published: October 2020

In micro-/nano-scale, multi-material three-dimensional (3D), structuring has been a major research area for making various applications. To overcome dimensional and material limitations, several hybrid processes have been proposed. The hybrid processes were performed in the same or different numerically controlled stages. If the stages differed, the substrate was moved and locked to the stage before fabrication. During the locking, alignment error occurred. This error became problematic because this significantly compromised the quality of final structures. Here, an alignment method for a hybrid process consisted of a focused ion beam milling, aerodynamically focused nanoparticle printing, and micro-machining was developed. Two sets of collinear marks were placed at the edges of the substrate. Rotational and translational errors were calculated and compensated using the marks. Processes having different scales were bridged through this alignment method. Various materials were utilized, and accuracy was less than 50 nm when the length of the substrate was less than 13 mm. The alignment method was employed to fabricate a V-shaped structure and step-shaped structure using polymer, ceramic, and metal.
Gut microbiota and artificial intelligence approaches: A scoping review
Authors: Iadanza Ernesto , Fabbri Rachele , Bašić-ČiČak Džana , Amedei Amedeo , Telalovic Jasminka Hasic
Published: October 2020

This article aims to provide a thorough overview of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in studying the gut microbiota and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of some important diseases. The association between microbiota and diseases, together with its clinical relevance, is still difficult to interpret. The advances in AI techniques, such as Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL), can help clinicians in processing and interpreting these massive data sets. Two research groups have been involved in this Scoping Review, working in two different areas of Europe: Florence and Sarajevo. The papers included in the review describe the use of ML or DL methods applied to the study of human gut microbiota. In total, 1109 papers were considered in this study. After elimination, a final set of 16 articles was considered in the scoping review. Different AI techniques were applied in the reviewed papers. Some papers applied ML, while others applied DL techniques. 11 papers evaluated just different ML algorithms (ranging from one to eight algorithms applied to one dataset). The remaining five papers examined both ML and DL algorithms. The most applied ML algorithm was Random Forest and it also exhibited the best performances.
Soldering of steel sheets and zinc-coated aluminum by hybrid composite forging
Authors: Bick T. , Treutler K. , Wesling V.
Published: October 2020

In lightweight construction, light metals like aluminum are used in addition to high-strength steels. However, a welded joint of aluminum and steel leads to the precipitation of brittle, intermetallic phases and contact corrosion. Nevertheless, to use the advantages of this combination in terms of weight saving, composite hybrid forging has been developed. In this process, an aluminum solid part and a steel sheet were formed in a single step and joined at the same time with zinc as brazing material. For this purpose, the zinc was applied by hot dipping on the aluminum in order to produce a Brazing via these layers in a forming process, under pressure and heat. Due to the formed intermediate layer of zinc, the formation of the Fe-Al intermetallic phases and the contact corrosion are excluded. By determining the mathematical relationships between joining parameters and the mechanical properties of the joint, the strength of a specific joint geometry could be adjusted to reach the level of conventional joining techniques. In addition to the presentation of the joint properties, the influence of the joining process on the structure of the involved materials will be shown. Furthermore, the failure behavior under static tensile and shear stress will be shown.
Management of a Hospital-Wide COVID-19 Outbreak Affecting Patients and Healthcare Workers
Authors: Höring Steffen , Fussen René , Neusser Johannes , Kleines Michael , Laurentius Thea , Bollheimer Leo Cornelius , Keller Doris , Lemmen Sebastian
Published: October 2020

To the best of our knowledge, here, we describe the first hospital-wide outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 that occurred in Germany in April 2020. We aim to share our experience in order to facilitate the management of nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare facilities. All patients and hospital workers were screened for SARS-CoV-2 repeatedly. An infection control team on the side was installed. Strict spatial separation of patients and intensified hygiene training of healthcare workers (HCW) were initiated. By the time of reporting, 26 patients and 21 hospital workers were infected with a cluster of cases in the geriatric department. Fourteen patients developed COVID-19 consistent symptoms and five patients with severe pre-existing medical conditions died. The outbreak was successfully contained after intensified infection control measures were implemented and no further cases among patients were detected over a period of 14 days. Strict application of standard infection control measures proved to be successful in the management of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.
From tunnel NMO to layered polymorphs oxides for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Nuti Michele , Spada Daniele , Quinzeni Irene , Capelli Stefano , Albini Benedetta , Galinetto Pietro , Bini Marcella
Published: October 2020

The search for highly performing cathode materials for sodium batteries is a fascinating topic. Unfortunately, Na0.44MnO2 (NMO), the well-known cathode material with good electrochemical performances, suffers from structural degradation due to reduction of Mn4+ to the Jahn–Teller Mn3+ ion, limiting the long-term cyclability. The cation substitution can be a useful way to mitigate the problem, thanks to the possible stabilization of mixtures of different polymorphs. In this paper, NMO was first substituted with Fe ions, obtaining Na0.44Mn0.5Fe0.5O2, with layered structure, then Al, Si and Cu (10% atom) were substituted on both Mn and Fe ions. Mixtures of P3 type phases, in different amount depending on dopant, were obtained and quantified by Rietveld refinements, and relationships between chemical composition, polymorph type and morphology were proposed. Cyclic voltammetry showed broad peaks, due to the complex structural transitions consequent to the intercalation/deintercalation of sodium. Charge discharge cycles disclosed the superior performances of Cu doped sample, which also benefits from improved air stability, a well-known issue of layered compounds. Discharge capacity values of about 63 mAh/g were detected at 1C, and after 50 cycles at C/2, capacities of about 80 mAh/g are obtained, with a capacity retention of 86%.
Medicare Accountable Care Organizations and the Adoption of New Surgical Technology
Authors: Modi Parth K. , Kaufman Samuel R. , Caram Megan EV. , Ryan Andrew M. , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND:

Dissemination of new surgical technology is a major contributor to healthcare spending growth. Accountable care organization (ACO) policy aims to control spending while maintaining quality. As a result, ACOs provide incentive for hospitals to selectively adopt newer procedures with high value.

STUDY DESIGN:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a 20% sample of national Medicare claims from 2010 to 2015. We identified hospitals that performed 1 of 6 sets of procedures: abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve replacement, carotid endarterectomy or stent, lung lobectomy, colectomy, and prostatectomy. We identified hospitals participating in a Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO and a set of matched non-ACO control hospitals. We used a difference-in-differences approach to compare rate of surgical treatment and use of newer surgical technology for each set of procedures in ACO and non-ACO hospitals.

RESULTS:

We included 707 ACO-hospitals and 1,770 control hospitals. ACO hospitals performed surgery for carotid stenosis at a lower rate than non-ACO hospitals. There was no difference in the rate of surgical treatment for all other procedure sets. ACO hospitals were less likely to use an endovascular approach for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (85.2% vs 88.2%, p < 0.001) and more likely to use a minimally invasive approach for lung lobectomy (42.2% vs 34.7%, p = 0.004) than non-ACO hospitals. In difference-in-differences analysis, ACO participation was not associated with any significant difference in use of surgical care for any of the 6 procedure sets, nor with any significant difference in use of newer surgical technology.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite ACO policy incentives to selectively adopt newer surgical technology, ACO participation was not associated with differences in rate of surgery or use of newer surgical technology for 6 major surgical procedures.
Thoughts on the Future Medical Care Pattern of Pediatrics in China Based on the Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Hui , Wang Li
Published: October 2020

The outbreak of pneumonia known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has occurred in China since December 2019 and spread rapidly across the world. Pediatric medical workers have a serious imbalance doctor–patient ratio in China; they have accumulated experience during the fight against COVID-19; however, some flaws were revealed in their current medical system. Meanwhile, these problems were also reported in other countries. Thus far, the outbreak of COVID-19 is still rampant across the world. The experience from anti-COVID-19 could be useful and teach us to provide better medical services for Chinese children and prepare for similar public emergencies in the future. Furthermore, it also provides guidance for pediatric medical staff in managing COVID-19 in other developing countries.
Changes in antimicrobial utilization during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic after implementation of a multispecialty clinical guidance team
Authors: Staub Milner B. , Beaulieu Ronald M. , Graves John , Nelson George E.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Evaluate changes in antimicrobial use during COVID-19 and after implementation of a multispecialty COVID-19 clinical guidance team compared to pre–COVID-19 antimicrobial use.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Setting:

Tertiary-care academic medical center.

Participants:

Internal medicine and medical intensive care unit (MICU) provider teams and hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

Difference-in-differences analyses of antibiotic days of therapy per 1,000 patient days present (DOT) for internal medicine and MICU teams treating COVID-19 patients versus teams that did not were performed for 3 periods: before COVID-19, initial COVID-19 period, and after implementation of a multispecialty COVID-19 clinical guidance team which included daily, patient-specific antimicrobial stewardship recommendations. Patient characteristics associated with antibiotic DOT were evaluated using multivariable Poisson regression.

Results:

In the initial COVID-19 period, compared to the pre–COVID-19 period, internal medicine and MICU teams increased weekly antimicrobial use by 145.3 DOT (95% CI, 35.1–255.5) and 204.0 DOT (95% CI, −16.9 to 424.8), respectively, compared to non–COVID-19 teams. In the intervention period, internal medicine and MICU COVID-19 teams both had significant weekly decreases of 362.3 DOT (95% CI, −443.3 to −281.2) and 226.3 DOT (95% CI, −381.2 to –71.3). Of 131 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 86 (65.6%) received antibiotics; no specific patient factors were significantly associated with an expected change in antibiotic days.

Conclusions:

Antimicrobial use initially increased for COVID-19 patient care teams compared to pre–COVID-19 levels but significantly decreased after implementation of a multispecialty clinical guidance team, which may be an effective strategy to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use.
An initial examination of the psychometric properties of the Diagnostic Instrument for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO-11) in a clinical sample of children with a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Anglim Margo , Conway Emma Victoria , Barry Myra , Kashif Muhammad , Ackermann Pauline , Moran Aoife , O’Connell Anne Sophie , Guerin Suzanne
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

The diagnostic interview for social and communication disorders (DISCO – 11; Wing 2006), is a semi-structured, interview-based instrument used in the diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This paper explores the psychometric properties of the DISCO-11 used in a specialist Paediatric clinical setting. Two key research questions were examined; (1) Does the factor structure of the DISCO-11 reflect the diagnostic and statistical manual 5th edition (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013) dyad of impairment in ASD? (2) Is there evidence of diagnostic stability over time using the DISCO?

Methods:

Review assessments of 65 children with ASD were carried out using standardised measures including the DISCO-11 and the autism diagnostic observation schedule.

Results:

The results revealed two factors resembling the DSM-5 algorithms, as used in DISCO-11, which were named as social-communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviours. The reliability, for the overall DISCO score was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.78). The social communication and social interaction subscale showed good reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.77) as did the restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities subscale (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.74). Acceptable internal reliability was found for the overall DISCO score and the subscales of social communication and social interaction and the restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Test–retest showed good stability of diagnosis over time.

Discussion:

This study supports that the DISCO-11 shows potential as a valid and reliable instrument that can be used both for clinical and research purposes.
ON THE COMPLEXITY OF CLASSIFYING LEBESGUE SPACES
Authors: BROWN TYLER A. , MCNICHOLL TIMOTHY H. , MELNIKOV ALEXANDER G.
Published: October 2020

Computability theory is used to evaluate the complexity of classifying various kinds of Lebesgue spaces and associated isometric isomorphism problems.
COMPUTABILITY OF POLISH SPACES UP TO HOMEOMORPHISM
Authors: HARRISON-TRAINOR MATTHEW , MELNIKOV ALEXANDER , MENG NG KENG
Published: October 2020

We study computable Polish spaces and Polish groups up to homeomorphism. We prove a natural effective analogy of Stone duality, and we also develop an effective definability technique which works up to homeomorphism. As an application, we show that there is a $\Delta ^0_2$ Polish space not homeomorphic to a computable one. We apply our techniques to build, for any computable ordinal $\alpha $, an effectively closed set not homeomorphic to any $0^{(\alpha )}$-computable Polish space; this answers a question of Nies. We also prove analogous results for compact Polish groups and locally path-connected spaces.
The Idea of Islamic Media: The Qur'an and the Decolonization of Mass Communication
Authors: Moll Yasmin
Published: October 2020

The emergence of Islamic television in the Arab Middle East is usually explained as part of a Saudi media empire fueled by neoliberal petro-dollars. This article, by contrast, takes seriously the role ideas played alongside changing political economies in the origins of the world’s first Islamic television channel, Iqraa. Focusing on the intellectual and institutional career of “Islamic media” (al-i’lām al-Islāmī) as a category from the late sixties onwards in Egypt, I argue that Islamic television is part of a broader decolonization struggle involving the modern discipline of mass communication. Pioneering Arab communication scholars mounted a quest for epistemic emancipation in which the question of how to mediate Islam became inextricable from the question of what made media Islamic. Drawing on historical and ethnographic research, I show how the idea of Islamic media involved a radical reconceptualization of the Qur'an as mass communication from God and of Islam as a mediatic religion. This positing of an intimate affinity between Islam and media provoked secular skepticism and religious criticism that continue to this day. I conclude by reflecting on how the intellectual history of Islamic media challenges dominant framings of epistemological decolonization as a question of interrogating oppressive universalisms in favor of liberatory pluralisms.
Commodity Production and Indigenous Institutions in Southeast Asian Long-Run Economic Development
Authors: de Zwart Pim
Published: October 2020

The Making of a Peripherymakes three important claims. First, commodity export production does not necessarily result in peripheralization, which is defined as economic stagnation, depressed wages and impoverishment. Second, peripheralization is instead influenced by the specific mode of production of export commodities. Third, the mode of production is crucially determined by demographic growth and patron-client relationships. This essay investigates these claims using a variety of economic and demographic data on Southeast Asia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It is shown that specialization in primary commodity exports does lower long-term economic growth rates and that indigenous institutions regarding family systems and property rights play an important role in the patterns of economic development.
Transmitting Theodore to the Church of the East: The Contribution of Thomas of Edessa
Authors: POSSEKEL UTE
Published: October 2020

Thomas of Edessa (d. c. 540), author of Explanations of the Nativity and of Epiphany, flourished as a teacher at the School of Nisibis in Sasanid Persia. By analysing his understanding of salvation history, exegesis and the idea of the human being as ‘bond of creation’, this article shows how Thomas took up and popularised concepts central to the theology of Theodore of Mopsuestia. The article posits that the Nisibene school theology of Thomas and others constituted – alongside liturgy, canonical decrees and biblical commentaries – one of the principal avenues by which Theodore's theology was transmitted to the Church of the East.
Modal descent
Authors: Cherubini Felix , Rijke Egbert
Published: October 2020

Any modality in homotopy type theory gives rise to an orthogonal factorization system of which the left class is stable under pullbacks. We show that there is a second orthogonal factorization system associated with any modality, of which the left class is the class of ○-equivalences and the right class is the class of ○-étale maps. This factorization system is called the modal reflective factorization system of a modality, and we give a precise characterization of the orthogonal factorization systems that arise as the modal reflective factorization system of a modality. In the special case of the n-truncation, the modal reflective factorization system has a simple description: we show that the n-étale maps are the maps that are right orthogonal to the map
$${\rm{1}} \to {\rm{ }}{{\rm{S}}^{n + 1}}$$
. We use the ○-étale maps to prove a modal descent theorem: a map with modal fibers into ○X is the same thing as a ○-étale map into a type X. We conclude with an application to real-cohesive homotopy type theory and remark how ○-étale maps relate to the formally etale maps from algebraic geometry.
Why Do States Privatize their Prisons? The Unintended Consequences of Inmate Litigation
Authors: Gunderson Anna
Published: October 2020

The United States has witnessed privatization of a variety of government functions over the last three decades. Media and politicians often attribute the decision to privatize to ideological commitments to small government and fiscal pressure. These claims are particularly notable in the context of prison privatization, where states and the federal government have employed private companies to operate and manage private correctional facilities. I argue that state prison privatization is not a function of simple ideological or economic considerations. Rather, prison privatization has been an unintended consequence of the administrative and legal costs associated with litigation brought by prisoners. I assemble an original database of prison privatization in the United States and demonstrate that the privatization of prisons is best predicted by the legal pressure on state corrections systems, rather than the ideological orientation of a state government.
Superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Klein-Weigel Peter Franz , Elitok Saban , Ruttloff Andreas , Reinhold Sabine , Nielitz Jessika , Steindl Julia , Hillner Birgit , Rehmenklau-Bremer Lars , Wrase Christian , Fuchs Heiko , Herold Thomas , Beyer Lukas
Published: October 2020

Summary: The superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is caused by compression, invasion, and/or thrombosis of the superior vena cava and/or the brachiocephalic veins. Benign SVCS is separated from malignant SVCS. SVCS comprises a broad clinical spectrum reaching from asymptomatic cases to rare life-threatening emergencies with upper airway obstruction and increased intracranial pressure. Symptoms are correlated to the acuity and extent of the venous obstruction and inversely correlated to the development of the venous collateral circuits. Imaging is necessary to determine the exact underlying cause and to guide further interventions. Interventional therapy has widely changed the therapeutic approach in symptomatic patients. This article provides an overview over this complex syndrome and focuses on interventional therapeutic methods and results.
Evaluating Zr/Rb Ratio From XRF Scanning as an Indicator of Grain‐Size Variations of Glaciomarine Sediments in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Wu Li , Wilson David J. , Wang Rujian , Yin Xuebo , Chen Zhihua , Xiao Wenshen , Huang Mengxue
Published: October 2020

The ln(Zr/Rb) count ratio derived from X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanning holds potential as a high‐resolution tracer for grain‐size variations of glaciomarine sediments, and hence current strength. To evaluate this approach, we conducted high‐resolution grain‐size measurements, together with Rb and Zr measurements by XRF core scanning and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), on a series of sediment cores from different regions of the Southern Ocean. Downcore changes of the ln(Zr/Rb) count ratio from XRF core scanning are consistent with Zr/Rb concentration ratios derived from ICP‐MS analyses, even though Rb and Zr counts deviate significantly from concentrations due to specimen and matrix effects. The ln(Zr/Rb) count ratio displays discrepancies with the bulk mean grain‐size, but correlates well with the mean grain‐size of the sediment fractions that do not include unsorted sand delivered by ice‐rafting. These observations are supported by evidence from a grain‐size separation experiment, which indicates that Zr and Rb are concentrated in different grain‐size fractions. Consistent with its lack of sensitivity to coarse grain‐size fractions derived from ice‐rafting, the ln(Zr/Rb) ratio records similar trends to the sortable silt percent (SS%) and sortable silt mean () grain‐size. Universal gradients exist in plots of SS% versus ln(Zr/Rb), and versus ln(Zr/Rb), such that the ln(Zr/Rb) ratio provides a convenient way to estimate the magnitude of changes in SS% and . Overall, our results support the use of the ln(Zr/Rb) ratio as an indicator of bottom current strength in cases where the sediment is current‐sorted.
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Transport in the Surface‐Mixed Layer of the Louisiana Shelf in Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Anderson M. M. , Maiti K. , Xue Z. George , Ou Y.
Published: October 2020

Rivers and wetlands are a major source of terrestrial derived carbon for coastal ocean margins. This results in a net loss of terrestrial carbon into the shelf water and their subsequent transport to interior ocean basin. This study investigates the transport of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the surface‐mixed layer of Louisiana Shelf in northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) adjacent to the Wax Lake Delta (WLD) and Barataria Bay (BB), which represent contrasting net land gain and net land loss areas in this region. DIC samples were collected, in conjunction with short‐lived radium isotopes 224Ra (t1/2 = 3.66 days) and 223Ra (t1/2 = 11.43 days) samples during June and September 2019, to quantify shelf transport of DIC in the surface‐mixed layer during period of high and low river flow, respectively. Radium distribution implied shelf mixing rates of 140–6,759 and 63–2,724 m2 s−1 for WLD and BB regions, respectively, with more than tenfold decrease in rates between the two seasons. Net shelf transport of DIC was found to be highest for the WLD region in June, highlighting the importance of freshwater discharge in exporting DIC. An upscaling of our study for the entire Louisiana Shelf indicates that 1.54–20.19 × 109 mol C d−1 transported in June 2019 and 0.34–8.12 × 109 mol C d−1 in the form of DIC was exported across the shallow region of the shelf during high and low river flow seasons, representing an important source of DIC to the NGOM.