bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Interpretation of Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Abdulkhaliq Altaf , Alotaibi Manal
Published: January 2021

Generally the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is based on a set of clinical, serological, and radiological measures. The discovery of a novel test that appears to be considerably more disease-specific and preferably sensitive would be of value for the early diagnosis and immediate, effective therapy to prevent joint deterioration, functional disability, and unfavorable disease outcome [1].
Sub-leading structures in superconformal indices: subdominant saddles and logarithmic contributions
Authors: González Lezcano Alfredo , Hong Junho , Liu James T. , Pando Zayas Leopoldo A.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We systematically study various sub-leading structures in the superconformal index of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with SU(N) gauge group. We concentrate in the superconformal index description as a matrix model of elliptic gamma functions and in the Bethe-Ansatz presentation. Our saddle-point approximation goes beyond the Cardy-like limit and we uncover various saddles governed by a matrix model corresponding to SU(N) Chern-Simons theory. The dominant saddle, however, leads to perfect agreement with the Bethe-Ansatz approach. We also determine the logarithmic correction to the superconformal index to be log N, finding precise agreement between the saddle-point and Bethe-Ansatz approaches in their respective approximations. We generalize the two approaches to cover a large class of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superconformal theories. We find that also in this case both approximations agree all the way down to a universal contribution of the form log N. The universality of this last result constitutes a robust signature of this ultraviolet description of asymptotically AdS5 black holes and could be tested by low-energy IIB supergravity.
Variations and obstacles in the use of coagulation factor concentrates for major trauma bleeding across Europe: outcomes from a European expert meeting
Authors: Černý Vladimir , Maegele Marc , Agostini Vanessa , Fries Dietmar , Leal-Noval Santiago R. , Nardai Gábor , Nardi Giuseppe , Östlund Anders , Schöchl Herbert
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Trauma is a leading cause of mortality, with major bleeding and trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) contributing to negative patient outcomes. Treatments for TIC include tranexamic acid (TXA), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and coagulation factor concentrates (CFCs, e.g. prothrombin complex concentrates [PCCs] and fibrinogen concentrate [FCH]). Guidelines for TIC management vary across Europe and a clear definition of TIC is still lacking.

Methods

An advisory board involving European trauma experts was held on 02 February 2019, to discuss clinical experience in the management of trauma-related bleeding and recommendations from European guidelines, focusing on CFC use (mainly FCH). This review summarises the discussions, including TIC definitions, gaps in the guidelines that affect their implementation, and barriers to use of CFCs, with suggested solutions.

Results

A definition of TIC, which incorporates clinical (e.g. severe bleeding) and laboratory parameters (e.g. low fibrinogen) is suggested. TIC should be treated immediately with TXA and FCH/red blood cells; subsequently, if fibrinogen ≤ 1.5 g/L (or equivalent by viscoelastic testing), treatment with FCH, then PCC (if bleeding continues) is suggested. Fibrinogen concentrate, and not FFP, should be administered as first-line therapy for TIC. Several initiatives may improve TIC management, with improved medical education of major importance; generation of new and stronger data, simplified clinical practice guidance, and improved access to viscoelastic testing are also critical factors.

Conclusions

Management of TIC is challenging. A standard definition of TIC, together with initiatives to facilitate effective CFC administration, may contribute to improved patient care and outcomes.
Einsatz chirurgischer Simulatoren in der Weiterbildung – eine deutschlandweite Analyse
Authors: Brunner Stefanie , Kröplin Juliane , Meyer Hans-Joachim , Schmitz‑Rixen Thomas , Fritz Tobias
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Die chirurgische Facharztweiterbildung erfordert neben dem Erlernen theoretischen Wissens ebenfalls den Erwerb praktisch-chirurgischer Kompetenzen. Eine Alternative zur Aus- und Weiterbildung am Patienten stellen simulationsbasierte Lehrkonzepte dar. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Analyse der Verteilung und des Einsatzes chirurgischer Simulatoren in deutschen Kliniken.

Methoden

Die Datenanalyse erfolgte auf Basis eines individuellen Onlinefragebogens mit insgesamt 19 standardisierten Fragen. Dieser wurde über die E‑Mail-Verteiler der deutschen chirurgischen Fachgesellschaften an die leitenden chirurgischen Klinikärzte versendet.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 267 vollständige Antwortdatensätze wurden analysiert (Rücklaufquote 12,0 %). 84,0 % der Teilnehmer gaben ihre Tätigkeit an einem Lehrkrankenhaus an. Zum Zeitpunkt der Untersuchung waren 143 chirurgische Simulatoren an 35,0 % der in die Auswertung eingeschlossenen Kliniken vorhanden. Regional zeigten sich deutliche Unterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Bundesländern. 21,1 % der Teilnehmer, an deren Klinik kein Simulator zur Verfügung steht, planten eine Neubeschaffung. Studierende (41,1 %) und Ärzte in Weiterbildung (ÄiW, 32,5 %) nutzten das Simulationstraining am häufigsten. Eine Integration in die chirurgische Weiterbildung bestand zu 81,8 % nicht. 94,0 % der beteiligten Kliniken zeigten Interesse an einer zukünftigen Integration in die chirurgische Facharztweiterbildung.

Schlussfolgerung

Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse bestätigen die besondere Bedeutung des simulationsbasierten Trainings für die chirurgische Weiterbildung an deutschen Kliniken. Gleichzeitig bestehen deutliche Informationsdefizite über das Nutzungsverhalten sowie eine defizitär empfundene Integration des Simulationstrainings in die chirurgische Weiterbildung.
Employing machine learning techniques to assess requirement change volatility
Authors: Hein Phyo Htet , Kames Elisabeth , Chen Cheng , Morkos Beshoy
Published: January 2021

Lack of planning when changing requirements to reflect stakeholders’ expectations can lead to propagated changes that can cause project failures. Existing tools cannot provide the formal reasoning required to manage requirement change and minimize unanticipated change propagation. This research explores machine learning techniques to predict requirement change volatility (RCV) using complex network metrics based on the premise that requirement networks can be utilized to study change propagation. Three research questions (RQs) are addressed: (1) Can RCV be measured through four classes namely, multiplier, absorber, transmitter, and robust, during every instance of change? (2) Can complex network metrics be explored and computed for each requirement during every instance of change? (3) Can machine learning techniques, specifically, multilabel learning (MLL) methods be employed to predict RCV using complex network metrics? RCV in this paper quantifies volatility for change propagation, that is, how requirements behave in response to the initial change. A multiplier is a requirement that is changed by an initial change and propagates change to other requirements. An absorber is a requirement that is changed by an initial change, but does not propagate change to other requirements. A transmitter is a requirement that is not changed by an initial change, but propagates change to other requirements. A robust requirement is a requirement that is not changed by an initial change and does not propagate change to other requirements. RCV is determined using industrial data and requirement network relationships obtained from previously developed Refined Automated Requirement Change Propagation Prediction (R-ARCPP) tool. Useful complex network metrics in highest performing machine learning models are discussed along with the limitations and future directions of this research.
Effects of iron limitation on carbon balance and photophysiology of the Antarctic diatom Chaetoceros cf. simplex
Authors: Bozzato Deborah , Jakob Torsten , Wilhelm Christian , Trimborn Scarlett
Published: January 2021

In the Southern Ocean (SO), iron (Fe) limitation strongly inhibits phytoplankton growth and generally decreases their primary productivity. Diatoms are a key component in the carbon (C) cycle, by taking up large amounts of anthropogenic CO2 through the biological carbon pump. In this study, we investigated the effects of Fe availability (no Fe and 4 nM FeCl3 addition) on the physiology of Chaetoceros cf. simplex, an ecologically relevant SO diatom. Our results are the first combining oxygen evolution and uptake rates with particulate organic carbon (POC) build up, pigments, photophysiological parameters and intracellular trace metal (TM) quotas in an Fe-deficient Antarctic diatom. Decreases in both oxygen evolution (through photosynthesis, P) and uptake (respiration, R) coincided with a lowered growth rate of Fe-deficient cells. In addition, cells displayed reduced electron transport rates (ETR) and chlorophyll a (Chla) content, resulting in reduced cellular POC formation. Interestingly, no differences were observed in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) or in the ratio of gross photosynthesis to respiration (GP:R). Furthermore, TM quotas were measured, which represent an important and rarely quantified parameter in previous studies. Cellular quotas of manganese, zinc, cobalt and copper remained unchanged while Fe quotas of Fe-deficient cells were reduced by 60% compared with High Fe cells. Based on our data, Fe-deficient Chaetoceros cf. simplex cells were able to efficiently acclimate to low Fe conditions, reducing their intracellular Fe concentrations, the number of functional reaction centers of photosystem II (RCII) and photosynthetic rates, thus avoiding light absorption rather than dissipating the energy through NPQ. Our results demonstrate how Chaetoceros cf. simplex can adapt their physiology to lowered assimilatory metabolism by decreasing respiratory losses.
Small single perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma: comparisons of radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation by using propensity score analysis
Authors: An Chao , Li Wang-Zhong , Huang Zhi-Mei , Yu Xiao-Ling , Han Yu-Zhi , Liu Fang-Yi , Wu Song-Song , Yu Jie , Liang Ping , Huang Jinhua
Published: January 2021

Objectives

We aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) as first-line therapies in patients with small single perivascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 144 eligible patients with small (≤ 3 cm) single perivascular (proximity to hepatic and portal veins) HCC who underwent RFA (N= 70) or MWA (N= 74) as first-line treatment were included. The overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local tumor progression (LTP) rates between the two ablation modalities were compared. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used to reduce selection bias. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of hepatic vessels.

Results

After a median follow-up time of 38.2 months, there were no significant differences in OS (5-year OS: RFA 77.7% vs. MWA 74.6%;p= 0.600) and DFS (5-year DFS: RFA 24.7% vs. MWA 40.4%;p= 0.570). However, a significantly higher LTP rate was observed in the RFA group than the MWA group (5-year LTP: RFA 24.3% vs. MWA 8.4%;p= 0.030). IPTW-adjusted analyses revealed similar results. The treatment modality (RFA vs. MWA: HR 7.861, 95% CI 1.642–37.635,p= 0.010) was an independent prognostic factor for LTP. We observed a significant interaction effect of ablation modality and type of peritumoral vessel on LTP (p= 0.034). For patients with periportal HCC, the LTP rate was significantly higher in the RFA group than in the MWA group (p= 0.045). However, this difference was not observed in patients with perivenous HCC (p= 0.116).

Conclusions

In patients with a small single periportal HCC, MWA exhibited better tumor control than RFA.

Key Points

• Microwave ablation exhibited better local tumor control than radiofrequency ablation for small single periportal hepatocellular carcinoma.

• There was a significant interaction between the treatment effect of ablation modality and type of peritumoral vessel on local tumor progression.

• The type of peritumoral vessel is vital in choosing ablation modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Air-Sea interaction over the Gulf Stream in an ensemble of HighResMIP present climate simulations
Authors: Bellucci Alessio , Athanasiadis P. J. , Scoccimarro E. , Ruggieri P. , Gualdi S. , Fedele G. , Haarsma R. J. , Garcia-Serrano J. , Castrillo M. , Putrahasan D. , Sanchez-Gomez E. , Moine M.-P. , Roberts C. D. , Roberts M. J. , Seddon J. , Vidale P. L.
Published: January 2021

A dominant paradigm for mid-latitude air-sea interaction identifies the synoptic-scale atmospheric “noise” as the main driver for the observed ocean surface variability. While this conceptual model successfully holds over most of the mid-latitude ocean surface, its soundness over frontal zones (including western boundary currents; WBC) characterized by intense mesoscale activity, has been questioned in a number of studies suggesting a driving role for the small scale ocean dynamics (mesoscale oceanic eddies) in the modulation of air-sea interaction. In this context, climate models provide a powerful experimental device to inspect the emerging scale-dependent nature of mid-latitude air-sea interaction. This study assesses the impact of model resolution on the representation of air-sea interaction over the Gulf Stream region, in a multi-model ensemble of present-climate simulations performed using a common experimental design. Lead-lag correlation and covariance patterns between sea surface temperature (SST) and turbulent heat flux (THF) are diagnosed to identify the leading regimes of air-sea interaction in a region encompassing both the Gulf Stream system and the North Atlantic subtropical basin. Based on these statistical metrics it is found that coupled models based on “laminar” (eddy-parameterised) and eddy-permitting oceans are able to discriminate between an ocean-driven regime, dominating the region controlled by the Gulf Stream dynamics, and an atmosphere-driven regime, typical of the open ocean regions. However, the increase of model resolution leads to a better representation of SST and THF cross-covariance patterns and functional forms, and the major improvements can be largely ascribed to a refinement of the oceanic model component.
Are some patient-perceived migraine triggers simply early manifestations of the attack?
Authors: Karsan Nazia , Bose Pyari , Newman Jayde , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To study the agreement between self-reported trigger factors and early premonitory symptoms amongst a group of migraineurs in both spontaneous and pharmacologically provoked attacks.

Methods

Fifty-three subjects with migraine with and without aura, with ≤ 22 headache days/month, with spontaneous premonitory symptoms associated with migraine attacks were recruited nationally. A detailed history was taken by a study investigator to confirm diagnosis and extended phenotyping was performed to identify patient-reported triggers for migraine attacks, premonitory symptom phenotype and headache characteristics, using a standardised physician-administered questionnaire. The same subjects were exposed to a 0.5 mcg/kg/min nitroglycerin infusion over 20 min, to determine if similar migraine symptoms could be triggered. The triggered attacks were phenotyped in the same way as spontaneous ones. Percentage agreement and Cohen’s kappa measure of agreement were used to identify concordance between patient-reported triggers and the corresponding spontaneous and triggered premonitory symptoms. Percentage agreement of > 60% and/or a kappa value > 0.3 with P < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

There was statistically significant agreement between perception of light as a migraine trigger and spontaneous premonitory photophobia; perception of sound as a trigger and triggered premonitory phonophobia; skipping meals as a trigger and spontaneous premonitory food cravings; and food triggers and spontaneous premonitory food cravings. There was good agreement between stress and premonitory triggered mood change.

Conclusions

At least some patient-reported triggers, such as light, sound, foods and skipping meals, may represent early brain manifestations of the premonitory phase of the migraine attack.
Morphological findings in frozen non-neoplastic kidney tissues of patients with kidney cancer from large-scale multicentric studies on renal cancer
Authors: Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Nasrollahzadeh Dariush , Egevad Lars , Banks Rosamonde E. , Vasudev Naveen , Holcatova Ivana , Povysil Ctibor , Foretova Lenka , Janout Vladimir , Mates Dana , Jinga Viorel , Petrescu Amelia , Milosavljevic Sasa , Ognjanovic Miodrag , Ognjanovic Simona , Viksna Juris , Warren Anne Y. , Lathrop Mark , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Carreira Christine , Chanudet Estelle , McKay James , Brennan Paul , Scélo Ghislaine
Published: January 2021

There are unexplained geographical variations in the incidence of kidney cancer with the high rates reported in Baltic countries, as well as eastern and central Europe. Having access to a large and well-annotated collection of “tumor/non-tumor” pairs of kidney cancer patients from the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, UK, and Russia, we aimed to analyze the morphology of non-neoplastic renal tissue in nephrectomy specimens. By applying digital pathology, we performed a microscopic examination of 1012 frozen non-neoplastic kidney tissues from patients with renal cell carcinoma. Four components of renal parenchyma were evaluated and scored for the intensity of interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis, and arterial wall thickening, globally called chronic renal parenchymal changes. Moderate or severe changes were observed in 54 (5.3%) of patients with predominance of occurrence in Romania (OR = 2.67, CI 1.07–6.67) and Serbia (OR = 4.37, CI 1.20–15.96) in reference to those from Russia. Further adjustment for comorbidities, tumor characteristics, and stage did not change risk estimates. In multinomial regression model, relative probability of non-glomerular changes was 5.22 times higher for Romania and Serbia compared to Russia. Our findings show that the frequency of chronic renal parenchymal changes, with the predominance of chronic interstitial nephritis pattern, in kidney cancer patients varies by country, significantly more frequent in countries located in central and southeastern Europe where the incidence of kidney cancer has been reported to be moderate to high. The observed association between these pathological features and living in certain geographic areas requires a larger population-based study to confirm this association on a large scale.
Impact of the weekend effect on outcome after microsurgical clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Goertz Lukas , Kabbasch Christoph , Pflaeging Muriel , Pennig Lenhard , Laukamp Kai Roman , Timmer Marco , Styczen Hanna , Brinker Gerrit , Goldbrunner Roland , Krischek Boris
Published: January 2021

Background

The “weekend effect” describes the assumption that weekend and/or on-call duty admission of emergency patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. For aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, we investigated, whether presentation out of regular working hours and microsurgical clipping at nighttime correlates with worse patient outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients that underwent microsurgical clipping of an acutely ruptured aneurysm at our institution between 2010 and 2019. Patients admitted during (1) regular working hours (Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:59) and (2) on-call duty and microsurgical clipping performed during (a) daytime (Monday–Sunday, 08:00–17:59) and (b) nighttime were compared regarding the following outcome parameters: operation time, treatment-related complications, vasospasm, functional outcome, and angiographic results.

Results

Among 157 enrolled patients, 104 patients (66.2%) were admitted during on-call duty and 48 operations (30.6%) were performed at nighttime. Admission out of regular hours did not affect cerebral infarction (p = 0.545), mortality (p = 0.343), functional outcome (p = 0.178), and aneurysm occlusion (p = 0.689). Microsurgical clipping at nighttime carried higher odds of unfavorable outcome at discharge (OR: 2.3, 95%CI: 1.0–5.1, p = 0.039); however, there were no significant differences regarding the remaining outcome parameters. After multivariable adjustment, clipping at nighttime did not remain as independent prognosticator of short-term outcome (OR: 2.1, 95%CI: 0.7–6.2, p = 0.169).

Conclusions

Admission out of regular working hours and clipping at nighttime were not independently associated with poor outcome. The adherence to standardized treatment protocols might mitigate the “weekend effect.”
Precipitation cycles in Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Erkan , Akdi Yılmaz , Uğurca Esra , Çiçek İhsan , Atakan Cemal
Published: January 2021

Turkey is located in the temperate zone; thus, it is influenced by regionally different air masses during summers and winters, resulting in different precipitation regimes. Often, systems with varying masses of air repeatedly affect Turkey; however, at times, these periods are disrupted and difficult to predict. This study analyzes whether a certain periodicity exists in the seasonal and annual total precipitation of 74 meteorological stations in Turkey using periodograms. The analyses conducted herein showed more than one period in the series; therefore, this study was extended, and the first six periods were examined. As a result, we found 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year precipitation cycles (PCs) in the short term; 6-, 7-, and 8-year PCs in the medium term; and 11-, 12-, 14-, 17-, and 21-year PCs in the long term in Turkey’s PC. While seasonal distributions exhibited similarities, there were significant differences in the seasonal frequencies owing to seasonal variations in the systems affecting Turkey. The cycles vary by region, and some of these cycles can be found in each region. Three cycles have been identified in Turkey according to frequency and length, namely: (1) short-term cycle across Turkey; (2) Eastern and Central Anatolia, the Black Sea, and Aegean regions; and (3) borders of Central Anatolian and the eastern Mediterranean region. A cluster identifies unrelated locations as the affected local factors. Cycles are connected to the NAO, whereas solar activity is observed throughout Turkey. The analysis showed that certain cycles were repeated and were not dominant in each period, with the best example of this cycle as the 7–14–21 consecutive cycles.
Quantifying the parameter dependent basin of the unsafe regime of asymmetric Lévy-noise-induced critical transitions
Authors: Ma Jinzhong , Xu Yong , Li Yongge , Tian Ruilan , Ma Shaojuan , Kurths J.
Published: January 2021

In real systems, the unpredictable jump changes of the random environment can induce the critical transitions (CTs) between two non-adjacent states, which are more catastrophic. Taking an asymmetric Lévy-noise-induced tri-stable model with desirable, sub-desirable, and undesirable states as a prototype class of real systems, a prediction of the noise-induced CTs from the desirable state directly to the undesirable one is carried out. We first calculate the region that the current state of the given model is absorbed into the undesirable state based on the escape probability, which is named as the absorbed region. Then, a new concept of the parameter dependent basin of the unsafe regime (PDBUR) under the asymmetric Lévy noise is introduced. It is an efficient tool for approximately quantifying the ranges of the parameters, where the noise-induced CTs from the desirable state directly to the undesirable one may occur. More importantly, it may provide theoretical guidance for us to adopt some measures to avert a noise-induced catastrophic CT.
Can HRV Biofeedback Improve Short-Term Effort Recovery? Implications for Intermittent Load Sports
Authors: Perez-Gaido Mauro , Lalanza Jaume F. , Parrado Eva , Capdevila Lluis
Published: January 2021

As intensity and physical demands continue to rise in sport competition, faster and better recovery becomes essential. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of HRV biofeedback (HRVB) while recovering from a submaximal aerobic exercise. Ten physically-active graduate students participated in the study, which was conducted in four sessions: exercise with free-breathing recovery, first resonance frequency (RF) detection, second RF detection, and exercise applying HRVB during recovery. Measurements included time spent running and recovering, HRV parameters, and recovery/exertion perceptions. The results indicate that using HRVB during recovery improves cardiac variability (RRmean, SDNN, RMSSD and LF; p < 0.01). HRVB also lowers recovery time (p < 0.05) and seems to be improving the perception of recovery (p = 0.087). Moreover, time spent exercising (p < 0.01) and perceived physical exertion (p < 0.05) were higher when applying HRVB. The improvement in the psychophysiological adaptation after intensive aerobic exercise provided by the HRVB is a valuable benefit, not only for competition-driven athletes, but also for the general population.
Estimate of turbulent energy dissipation rate using free-fall and CTD-attached fast-response thermistors in weak ocean turbulence
Authors: Yasuda Ichiro , Fujio Shinzou , Yanagimoto Daigo , Lee KeungJong , Sasaki Yusuke , Zhai Shuo , Tanaka Mamoru , Itoh Sachihiko , Tanaka Takahiro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Goto Yasutaka , Sasano Daisuke
Published: January 2021

The measurement of turbulence is necessary to quantify the vertical, diapycnal transport of heat, water and substances influencing climate, nutrient supply and marine ecosystems. As specialist instrumentation and ship-time are required to conduct microstructure measurements to quantify turbulence intensity, there is a need for more inexpensive and easy measurement methods. This study demonstrated that the turbulent energy dissipation rate, ε, estimated from fast-response thermistors Fastip Probe model 07 (FP07) with the depth-average of a > 10 m depth interval well agreed with those from current shear probes to a range of 10–11 W/kg (m2s−3) in the two casts of the most accurate and stable free-fall vertical microstructure profiler, VMP6000 in the Oyashio water. This range cannot be measured with velocity shear probes equipped in smaller profilers in which the lower limit of ε > O (10–10) W/kg. These results extend turbulence measurements using the FP07 to 10–11 W/kg. They may be especially useful for turbulence observations in deep oceans where ε is generally weak (< 10–10 W/kg). As FP07 are much less sensitive to instrument vibrations than current shear and may be attached to various observational platforms such as temperature-conductivity-depth (CTD) profilers and floats. The CTD-attached FP07 observations near the VMP6000 profiles demonstrated their capabilities in the ε range of 10–11–10–8 W/kg by data screening using a $${W}_{\mathrm{sd}}>0.1(W-0.3)$$

W
sd

>
0.1

(
W
-
0.3
)

criterion (1 s mean lowering rate $$W$$
W
m/s and its standard deviation $${W}_{\mathrm{sd}}$$

W
sd

) under rough conditions where the cast-mean $${W}_{\mathrm{sd}}>$$

W
sd

>

0.07 m/s and the standard deviation of $${W}_{\mathrm{sd}}$$

W
sd

in each cast $$\sigma$$
σ
>0.05 m/s.
What Explains Gender Gaps in Household Food Security? Evidence from Maize Farm Households in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebre Girma Gezimu , Isoda Hiroshi , Amekawa Yuichiro , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Nomura Hisako , Watanabe Takaaki
Published: January 2021

Using primary data collected from 560 farm households in Dawuro zone, southern Ethiopia, this study analyzes the gender gaps in food security among male, female, and joint decision-making farm households. It examines the factors inducing gender gaps among the households of those three categories. The results show that female decision-making households have a lower probability of ensuring food-security and a higher probability of being transitionally and chronically food-insecure. Joint decision-making households showed a higher probability of falling into the chronically food-insecure category. The decomposition results show significant gender gaps between male and female decision-making households in terms of food-secure, transitory food-insecure, and chronically food-insecure categories. Overall, both the endowment and return effects account for the gaps; however, the magnitude of the effect from the return is higher than from the endowment on significant gaps in the food-secure, transitory, and chronically food-insecure categories. Hence, there is a need for policies that not only ensure equal levels of productive resources but also help households build their capacity in order to improve both transitory and chronically food insecure situations.
The tensile root strength of Spartina patens declines with exposure to multiple stressors
Authors: Hollis Lauris O. , Turner R. Eugene
Published: January 2021

Coastal wetlands may be subjected to numerous biotic and abiotic stressors from natural and anthropogenic forces in the landscape. The influx of nutrients, inorganic compounds and xenobiotics are suspected of degrading the belowground biomass of coastal macrophytes. Spartina patens acts as an ecosystem engineer for lower salinity coastal marshes and its biomechanical properties are vital to the stability and resilience of coastal wetlands. S.patens was exposed to one natural (flooding) and two anthropogenic stressors (atrazine and nutrient addition) in a greenhouse experiment to test the hypothesis that these three stressors reduce the tensile root strength of S. patens. A one-way Welch’s analysis of variance revealed that the tensile root strength S. patens significantly declined after exposure to two flood duration regimes, three levels of atrazine exposure, and two levels of nutrient addition that consisted of nitrogen-phosphorus combinations. A one-way ANOVA of tensile root strength with an atrazine-flood duration-nutrient addition combination treatment as the main effect resulted in a 52 to 63% loss in tensile strength, while the individual atrazine, flooding, and nutrient treatments produced 40, 39, and 37% losses in tensile root strength, respectively. These results indicate that the effects of multiple natural and/or anthropogenic stressors may degrade the tensile root strength of S. patens, which could facilitate coastal erosion and subsequent collapse of the wetland ecosystem.
Emerging molecular subtypes and therapeutic targets in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Dai Yuting , Wu Liang , Zhang Ming , Ouyang Wen , Huang Jinyan , Chen Saijuan
Published: January 2021

B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is characterized by genetic alterations with high heterogeneity. Precise subtypes with distinct genomic and/or gene expression patterns have been recently revealed using high-throughput sequencing technology. Most of these profiles are associated with recurrent non-overlapping rearrangements or hotspot point mutations that are analogous to the established subtypes, such as DUX4 rearrangements, MEF2D rearrangements, ZNF384/ZNF362 rearrangements, NUTM1 rearrangements, BCL2/MYC and/or BCL6 rearrangements, ETV6-RUNX1-like gene expression, PAX5alt (diverse PAX5 alterations, including rearrangements, intragenic amplifications, or mutations), and hotspot mutations PAX5 (p.Pro80Arg) with biallelic PAX5 alterations, IKZF1 (p.Asn159Tyr), and ZEB2 (p.His1038Arg). These molecular subtypes could be classified by gene expression patterns with RNA-seq technology. Refined molecular classification greatly improved the treatment strategy. Multiagent therapy regimens, including target inhibitors (e.g., imatinib), immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, are transforming the clinical practice from chemotherapy drugs to personalized medicine in the field of risk-directed disease management. We provide an update on our knowledge of emerging molecular subtypes and therapeutic targets in BCP-ALL.
The design fluency test: a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of game intelligence?
Authors: Finkenzeller Thomas , Krenn Björn , Würth Sabine , Amesberger Günter
Published: January 2021

The design fluency test (DFT) has been reported to predict successful sports performance of soccer players and has therefore been in the spotlight of sport psychology research. There is, however, a lack of research regarding the psychometric properties of the DFT in elite sports. Thus, the aim of this research was to provide findings of test–retest reliability, practice effects and the diagnostic power of the DFT. Multiple studies of youth and adult elite athletes, as well as nonathlete students, were conducted in applied settings. Test–retest relationship demonstrated poor to acceptable short-term and long-term correlations. Furthermore, significant changes between test and retest were obtained in some variables that differed among samples. The differential value of the DFT was corroborated by significant differences between adolescent students and adolescent elite soccer players. Regarding the prospective value, significant partial correlation coefficients were found between DFT scores and volleyball performance in adult elite players. Although our research partially confirmed previous findings on the differential and prospective power of the DFT, the findings on test–retest reliability indicate that the DFT cannot be recommended for application in sports. The psychometric properties—in particular the findings on test–retest reliability—of the DFT have to be improved before research can be carried out on the application for the selection of team sport athletes and for the prediction of future success in team sports. Further research is needed to develop a scientific instrument for the assessment of game intelligence.
Cognitive training in elite soccer players: evidence of narrow, but not broad transfer to visual and executive function
Authors: Scharfen Hans-Erik , Memmert Daniel
Published: January 2021

Visual and executive functions have been suggested to be crucial in high-demanding team sports. Consequently, the interest in evaluating training possibilities of these functions is relatively high. However, easily applicable training tools, as well as evidence of their efficacy, especially in the present group of age (i.e. 17–21 years) and performance level, are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and transfer of an essential cognitive training tool (i.e. NeuroTracker [NT] three dimensional [3D] multiple-object tracking [MOT]) in youth elite soccer players. Visual and executive functions were analyzed in a pre–post test design with an intervention and a control group after 10 weeks of training twice a week. Physical activity was included as a possible covariate. Results show meaningful benefits in the trained ability (i.e. MOT) besides small but negligible improvements in visual clarity and inhibition for the intervention group. Consequently, strict single-task NT 3D-MOT seems to have little transfer to other visual or executive functions. However, future studies should investigate the effects of sport-specific dual-task NT 3D-MOT to analyze possible multitasking adaptations further.
Determinants of pro-environmental behavior among voluntary sport club members
Authors: Thormann Tim F. , Wicker Pamela
Published: January 2021

Environmental sustainability and climate change have become increasingly important in public debates and politics. This study examines the determinants of sport club members’ pro-environmental behavior in Germany. Theoretically, we draw on the theory of planned behavior, ecofeminism, and the luxury good hypothesis to explain the effects of individuals’ environmental consciousness, gender, and income on their pro-environmental behavior, respectively. Data collection took place in 2019 and 2020 via a nationwide online survey of active sport club members in five team/racket sports (n = 3038). Regression analyses were estimated to examine the determinants of two indicators of pro-environmental behavior, i.e., the monthly carbon footprint resulting from traveling to training sessions and pro-environmental actions. The results reveal that environmentally consciousness members behave more environmentally friendly, supporting the theory of planned behavior. Women have a significantly higher carbon footprint, but only in the model including the interaction with environmental consciousness, indicating that female gender only works in conjunction with environmental attitudes. Income is associated with a significantly higher carbon footprint for training, while it has no effect on pro-environmental actions related to club sport. The findings have implications for sport managers and policy makers.
Effective Parameter of Nano-CuO Coating on CO Gas-Sensing Performance and Heat Transfer Efficiency
Authors: Mahmood M. H. , Maleque M. A.
Published: January 2021

The high gas-sensing performance of semiconductors is mainly due to the high surface-to-volume ratio because it permits a large exposed surface area for gas detection. This paper presents an evaluation study for the effects of nano-CuO coating parameters on the CO gas-sensing performance. The effects on gas-sensing performance and heat transfer efficiency of CuO coating were evaluated by investigating the effects of coating parameters (concentration, temperature, and solution speed) on thickness, grain size, and porosity. The CuO nanoparticle coatings were synthesized using the oxidation method at various operating conditions. Coating characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and electrical resistivity meter. The average coating thickness, grain size, and porosity were around 13 μm, 48 nm, and 30%, respectively. The thermal transfer and gas-sensing properties of CuO coating were evaluated according to the total surface area of the coating formed at various operating conditions. The gas-sensing and thermal transfer performance were obtained from the optimization of coating parameters based on the coating morphology to achieve the highest contact surface area. The coating’s surface area was increased by 350 times, which improved the heat transfer efficiency of 96.5%. The result shows that the coating thickness increased with the increase in solution concentration and decrease the temperature. The results also show that the sensitivity of the coating for CO gas was increased by 50% due to the reduction of coatings grain size.
An elementary derivation of Hattendorff’s theorem
Authors: Shiu Elias S. W. , Xiong Xiaoyi
Published: January 2021

For a general fully continuous life insurance model, the variance of the loss-at-issue random variable is the expectation of the square of the discounted value of the net amount at risk at the moment of death. In 1964 Jim Hickman gave an elementary and elegant derivation of this result by the method of integration by parts. One might expect that the method of summation by parts could be used to treat the fully discrete case. However, there are two difficulties. The summation-by-parts formula involves shifting an index, making it somewhat unwieldy. In the fully discrete case, the variance of the loss-at-issue random variable is more complicated; it is the expectation of the square of the discounted value of the net amount at risk at the end of the year of death times a survival probability factor. The purpose of this note is to show that one can indeed use the method of summation by parts to find the variance of the loss-at-issue random variable for a fully discrete life insurance policy.
Particle swarm optimization algorithm for the optimization of rescue task allocation with uncertain time constraints
Authors: Geng Na , Chen Zhiting , Nguyen Quang A. , Gong Dunwei
Published: January 2021

This paper focuses on the problem of robot rescue task allocation, in which multiple robots and a global optimal algorithm are employed to plan the rescue task allocation. Accordingly, a modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, referred to as task allocation PSO (TAPSO), is proposed. Candidate assignment solutions are represented as particles and evolved using an evolutionary process. The proposed TAPSO method is characterized by a flexible assignment decoding scheme to avoid the generation of unfeasible assignments. The maximum number of successful tasks (survivors) is considered as the fitness evaluation criterion under a scenario where the survivors’ survival time is uncertain. To improve the solution, a global best solution update strategy, which updates the global best solution depends on different phases so as to balance the exploration and exploitation, is proposed. TAPSO is tested on different scenarios and compared with other counterpart algorithms to verify its efficiency.
Single-stage and two-stage total failure-based group-sampling plans for the Weibull distribution under neutrosophic statistics
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Srinivasa Rao G. , Khan Nasrullah
Published: January 2021

If the sample or population has vague, inaccurate, unidentified, deficient, indecisive, or fuzzy data, then the available sampling plans could not be suitable to use for decision-making. In this article, an improved group-sampling plan based on time truncated life tests for Weibull distribution under neutrosophic statistics (NS) has been developed. We developed improved single and double group-sampling plans based on the NS. The proposed design neutrosophic plan parameters are obtained by satisfying both producer’s and consumer’s risks simultaneously under neutrosophic optimization solution. Tables are constructed for the selected shape parameter of Weibull distribution and various combinations of neutrosophic group size. The efficiency of the proposed group-sampling plan under the neutrosophic statistical interval method is also compared with the crisp method grouped sampling plan under classical statistics.
The Origins of AIDS
Authors: Pépin Jacques
Published: January 2021

It is now forty years since the discovery of AIDS, but its origins continue to puzzle doctors, scientists and patients. Inspired by his own experiences working as a physician in a bush hospital of Zaire, Jacques Pépin looks back to the early twentieth-century events in central Africa that triggered the emergence of HIV/AIDS and traces its subsequent development into the most dramatic and destructive epidemic of modern times. He shows how the disease was first transmitted from chimpanzees to man and then how military interventions, urbanisation, prostitution and large-scale colonial medical campaigns intended to eradicate tropical diseases combined to disastrous effect to fuel the spread of the virus from its origins in Léopoldville to the rest of Africa, the Caribbean and ultimately worldwide. This is an essential perspective on HIV/AIDS and on the lessons that must be learned as the world faces another pandemic.
“Paz sí, pero no así”?Voter Profiles and Attitudes Toward the 2016 Colombian Peace Agreement
Authors: Muñoz Manuela , Pachón Mónica
Published: January 2021

In October 2016, the proposed peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was narrowly defeated in a referendum that sought its public approval. This article examines how previous structured political predispositions and attitudes shape voters’ preferences in a referendum. In a combined survey—a face-to-face sample in Bogotá and an online sample—conducted before the plebiscite, it identifies voter cleavages using principal component analysis (PCA). It finds three consistent components with profiles reflecting whether an individual is a progovernment citizen, a right-conservative voter, and a citizen with an evangelical religious identity. The findings suggest that voters are heterogeneous and that different predispositions and attitudes cluster in specific types of voters, which shaped these voters’ willingness to endorse the proposed peace agreement.
Obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 but not death: a dose−response meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Linyan , Zhang Jiaoyue , Wang Mengyuan , Chen Lulu
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is spreading globally. Studies revealed that obesity may affect the progression and prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The aim of the meta-analysis is to identify the prevalence and impact of obesity on COVID-19. Studies on obese COVID-19 patients were obtained by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library databases and Web of Science databases, up to date to 5 June 2020. And the prevalence rate and the odds ratio (OR) of obesity with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as comprehensive indicators for analysis using a random-effects model. A total of 6081 patients in 11 studies were included. The prevalence of obesity in patients with COVID-19 was 30% (95% CI 21–39%). Obese patients were 1.79 times more likely to develop severe COVID-19 than non-obese patients (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.52–2.11, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). However obesity was not associated with death in COVID-19 patients (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.65–1.71, P = 0.84, I2 = 66.6%). In dose−response analysis, it was estimated that COVID-19 patients had a 16% increased risk of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10–1.23, P < 0.0001) and a 20% increased risk of admission to ICU (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11–1.30, P < 0.0001) per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI. In conclusion, obesity in COVID-19 patients is associated with severity, but not mortality.
AMA Issues Statement on Anencephalics as Living Organ Donors
Authors: R.B.
Published: January 2021

On May 24, 1995, the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs issued a rather controversial opinion that it is ethically permissible to use anencephalic infants as living organ donors. Approximately 1,000 to 2,000 infants are born each year in the United States with anencephaly, a congenital birth defect whereby the infant has no forebrain and cerebrum. Without higher brain functions, the infants can never experience consciousness, thoughts, emotions, or pain. Fewer than half survive more than a day, and more than 90 percent die within one week. However, by the time brain death occurs in anencephalic infants, their organs are no longer suitable for donor purposes because they have deteriorated beyond use.

In 1988, the AMA Council declared that it is ethical to use the infants as organ donors only after they have died. Now the Council has revised that opinion, and it proposes to allow removal of organs before death, as long as the parents consent and two doctors concur in the diagnosis of anencephaly.
Third and Eighth Circuits Rule on Medicaid-Funded Abortions
Authors: A.S.
Published: January 2021

The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has followed the prevailing view in the federal courts by holding that state Medicaid funds must cover the same kinds of abortions as provided for under the 1994 Hyde Amendment. On July 25, 1995, the court held that a Pennsylvania law was preempted to the extent that it restricted Medicaid funding for abortions beyond the limits set by federal law (Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center for Women v. Knoll, No. 94-1954 (3d Cir. July 25, 1995)) by imposing additional procedures not prescribed by the Hyde Amendment.

Particularly, the court held that the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Acts (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. §§ 3201-20 (1983 & Supp. 1994)), whch requires victims of rape and incest to report the crime to law enforcement officials before Medicaid abortion funding is made available, exceeded the reporting requirements set by the Hyde Amendment, which provides a waiver for patients who are physically or mentally unable to comply with the reporting requirement.