bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Correlations and Causal Relations Between Intraspinal Pressure, Spinal Cord Perfusion Pressure, Lactate-to-Pyruvate Ratio, and Limb Power
Authors: Hogg Florence R. A. , Kearney Siobhan , Zoumprouli Argyro , Papadopoulos Marios C. , Saadoun Samira
Published: May 2020

Background/Objective

We have recently developed monitoring from the injury site in patients with acute, severe traumatic spinal cord injuries to facilitate their management in the intensive care unit. This is analogous to monitoring from the brain in patients with traumatic brain injuries. This study aims to determine whether, after traumatic spinal cord injury, fluctuations in the monitored physiological, and metabolic parameters at the injury site are causally linked to changes in limb power.

Methods

This is an observational study of a cohort of adult patients with motor-incomplete spinal cord injuries, i.e., grade C American spinal injuries association Impairment Scale. A pressure probe and a microdialysis catheter were placed intradurally at the injury site. For up to a week after surgery, we monitored limb power, intraspinal pressure, spinal cord perfusion pressure, and tissue lactate-to-pyruvate ratio. We established correlations between these variables and performed Granger causality analysis.

Results

Nineteen patients, aged 22–70 years, were recruited. Motor score versus intraspinal pressure had exponential decay relation (intraspinal pressure rise to 20 mmHg was associated with drop of 11 motor points, but little drop in motor points as intraspinal pressure rose further, R2 = 0.98). Motor score versus spinal cord perfusion pressure (up to 110 mmHg) had linear relation (1.4 motor point rise/10 mmHg rise in spinal cord perfusion pressure, R2 = 0.96). Motor score versus lactate-to-pyruvate ratio (greater than 20) also had linear relation (0.8 motor score drop/10-point rise in lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, R2 = 0.92). Increased intraspinal pressure Granger-caused increase in lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, decrease in spinal cord perfusion, and decrease in motor score. Increased spinal cord perfusion Granger-caused decrease in lactate-to-pyruvate ratio and increase in motor score. Increased lactate-to-pyruvate ratio Granger-caused increase in intraspinal pressure, decrease in spinal cord perfusion, and decrease in motor score. Causality analysis also revealed multiple vicious cycles that amplify insults to the cord thus exacerbating cord damage.

Conclusion

Monitoring intraspinal pressure, spinal cord perfusion pressure, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, and intervening to normalize these parameters are likely to improve limb power.
Statistical Tauberian theorems for Cesàro integrability mean based on post-quantum calculus
Authors: Parida P. , Paikray S. K. , Jena B. B.
Published: May 2020

The notion of statistical convergence is more general than the classical convergence. Tauberian theorems via different ordinary summability means have been established by many researchers. In the present work, we have established some new Tauberian theorems based on post-quantum calculus via statistical Cesàro summability mean of real-valued continuous function of one variable under oscillating behavior and De la vallée Poussin mean of a single integral. Moreover, some remarks and corollaries are provided here to support our theorems.
Introducing ORTO-R: a revision of ORTO-15
Authors: Rogoza Radosław , Donini Lorenzo M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Orthorexia nervosa has attracted significant attention in the field, however, alongside increasing knowledge, more and more gaps are being identified. One of the fundamental problems concerns measurement of orthorexia nervosa. The most commonly used self-report measure, the ORTO-15, demonstrated an unstable factorial structure across different populations. Therefore, one might question whether the knowledge obtained from past research using ORTO-15 is valid or not. The aim of the present paper is to re-analyse original data used for the validation of ORTO-15 to assess its factorial structure and propose its revision, the ORTO-R.

Methods

The description of the sample and procedure corresponds to the one reported in Donini et al. (Eat Weight Disord 10:28–32, 2005). N = 525 subjects were enrolled. To evaluate whether the factorial structure of ORTO-15, we used confirmatory factor analysis. The results revealed that the ORTO-15 indeed does not capture the structure of orthorexia nervosa adequately and revision is needed. The ORTO-R contains six items from ORTO-15, which were identified as the best markers of orthorexia nervosa.

Discussion and conclusion

In the current paper, we present a refined measure of orthorexia nervosa—the ORTO-R. It is based on a frequently used ORTO-15, overcoming its main limitations. We strongly believe that the current work will act as a bridge, linking past with the future research, and that alongside a new measure, the field of research on orthorexia nervosa will move forward.

Level of evidence

Level V, descriptive study.
Circular Slit Maps of Multiply Connected Regions with Application to Brain Image Processing
Authors: Sangawi Ali W. K. , Murid Ali H. M. , Lee Khiy Wei
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present a fast boundary integral equation method for the numerical conformal mapping and its inverse of bounded multiply connected regions onto a disk and annulus with circular slits regions. The method is based on two uniquely solvable boundary integral equations with Neumann-type and generalized Neumann kernels. The integral equations related to the mappings are solved numerically using combination of Nyström method, GMRES method, and fast multipole method. The complexity of this new algorithm is $$O((M + 1)n)$$

O
(
(
M
+
1
)
n
)

, where $$M+1$$

M
+
1

stands for the multiplicity of the multiply connected region and n refers to the number of nodes on each boundary component. Previous algorithms require $$O((M+1)^3 n^3)$$

O
(

(
M
+
1
)

3

n
3

)

operations. The numerical results of some test calculations demonstrate that our method is capable of handling regions with complex geometry and very high connectivity. An application of the method on medical human brain image processing is also presented.
Relationship Between Metabolic Fitness and Performance in Police Occupational Tasks
Authors: Canetti Elisa F. D. , Dawes J. Jay , Drysdale Phoebe H. , Lockie Robert , Kornhauser Charlie , Holmes Ryan , Schram Ben , Orr Robin M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To determine the relationship between metabolic fitness test scores and performance in police occupational tasks.

Methods

Retrospective data from 106 law enforcement officers who completed two metabolic fitness assessments [anaerobic: a 20-m (10-m and 20-m splits) sprint, aerobic: 20 m Multi-Stage Fitness Test (20 m-MSFT)] and three routine occupational tasks [1.22 m Fence jump (FJ), 8.5 m Victim Drag (VD with 102.3 kg) and “Get-up” (GU)] were collected. A Person’s correlation coefficient and a standard multiple regression were used to assess the relationship between and predictive ability of, respectively, the fitness tests scores and performance on occupational tasks.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between the 10-m sprint scores and FJ (r = 0.524,P < 0.001), VD (r = 0.528,P < 0.001) and GU (r = 0.486,P < 0.001). Similarly, the 20-m sprint scores were significantly and moderately correlated with FJ (r = 0.573,P < 0.001), VD (r = 0.603,P < 0.001) and GU (r = 0.533,P < 0.001). These anaerobic tests’ scores predicted approximately 40% of the performance in the occupational tasks analysed. The MSFT fitness assessment had a small, albeit significant negative correlation with the three tasks: FJ (r = − 0.360,P < 0.001), VD (r = − 0.266,P = 0.012) and GU (r = − 0.375,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

High levels of metabolic fitness correlated with faster performance in police officer occupational tasks, particularly ones of an anaerobic nature (i.e. the maximal sprint tests). In addition to typical aerobic fitness conditioning, anaerobic fitness conditioning could be vital for optimal performance in physically demanding tasks required of police officer.
The importance of brands, commitment, and influencers on purchase intent in the context of online relationships
Authors: Khodabandeh Afsaneh , Lindh Cecilia
Published: May 2020

This study aims to investigate the external input of influencers and the internal input of commitment in online relationships as antecedents for purchase intent with consideration of the mediating role of brand image. Data were gathered from a survey of 730 international online consumers, and results were analyzed using LISREL. The result shows the importance of the brand image for the purchase intent in online relationships, and also finds that the brand mediates an effect from influencers and commitment on purchase intent. Companies working to strengthen their relationships concerning their brand can learn that it is meaningful to also work with relationship commitment (to encourage customers to be part of a continuous relationship) and to find influencers appropriate to showcase the product. Also, even if strong relationships build brands, carefulness concerning the brands offered in the online store is strategically important. This study adds to the literature by extending research on brand importance in online relationships, specifically by adding the concepts of commitment and influencers’ influence into the model. The latter expands knowledge of how complex the online environment is in terms of factors to consider for online marketers.
Penile Size Dissatisfaction
Authors: Pastoor Hester , Gregory Angela
Published: May 2020

Background

Men concerned about their penis size often consult professionals working in urology, andrology, surgery, and sexual medicine.

Aim

To inform professionals in the sexual medicine field about small penis syndrome as a clinical syndrome and to provide recommendations for treatment.

Methods

This was an overview of the existing literature combined with our extensive clinical experience.

Results

Small penis syndrome is a syndrome with psychiatric comorbidities and social consequences that impair life. Men with these concerns tend to be susceptible for treatment that is not evidence based and potentially harmful.

Clinical Implications

Treatment of men with concerns about penis size should start with a thorough biopsychosocial assessment, followed by extensive psychoeducation, counselling, and psychological interventions, even if surgery is being considered.

Strengths & Limitations

The strength of this study is the concise overview of the existing literature combined with clinical experience which leads to important recommendations. Limitation is that this is not a systematic review.

Conclusion

Complaints about penis size should be taken seriously, and a thorough biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary assessment is required.
Psychosexual Outcome, Sexual Function, and Long-Term Satisfaction of Adolescent and Young Adult Men After Childhood Hypospadias Repair
Authors: Tack Lloyd J.W. , Springer Alexander , Riedl Stefan , Tonnhofer Ursula , Weninger Julia , Hiess Manuela , Van Laecke Erik , Hoebeke Piet , Spinoit Anne-Françoise , Cools Martine , Van Hoecke Eline
Published: May 2020

Background

The psychosexual outcome in adolescents and young adults (AYA) men born with hypospadias is precarious. However, the factors responsible for impaired outcome in some AYA men have been understudied.

Aim

To explore the outcome after hypospadias repair in childhood of AYA men aged 16–21 years and examine their opinion and their parents’ opinion about this type of surgery.

Methods

Cross-sectional assessment of 193 AYA men born with hypospadias and 50 male controls was performed. Questionnaires such as the Decision Regret Scale, Pediatric Penile Perception Score, Sexual Quality of Life–Male, International Index of Erectile Function, and a custom-made questionnaire were used. The Decision Regret Scale and a custom-made questionnaire were also completed by the participants' parents. Physical examination including Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation and measuring stretched penile length was performed.

Outcomes

This study reports the psychosexual functioning (ie, social, relational, and sexual), erectile and sexual function after childhood hypospadias repair, using ad hoc measures. In addition, the opinion about hypospadias repair of patients and their parents is represented.

Results

The number of surgeries and satisfaction regarding penile appearance were the most important factors associated with the opinion on hypospadias repair and the psychosexual outcome. Most AYA men were more satisfied with their penile appearance than the physician. 80% of men were satisfied with having had a childhood hypospadias repair, even though they had not been able to consent to surgery themselves. Erectile and ejaculation problems were mild and seen in approximately 10% of the population.

Clinical Implications

Based on our data, deferring hypospadias repair until the patient can decide himself is not warranted. However, physicians who accept a suboptimal esthetic outcome and withdraw from repeated surgery may contribute importantly to the patient's well-being, especially in proximal forms of hypospadias.

Strengths & Limitations

This is one of the rare studies addressing the AYA's psychosexual outcome after childhood hypospadias repair. Strengths include the combination of clinical and psychosexual data from a very large cohort of men and their parents to provide a more holistic view. By entering this study, participants might have a different comfort level regarding their sexuality or have a different body image than the overall population of young men.

Conclusion

Uncomplicated hypospadias surgery results in equal psychosexual outcome as controls and in high satisfaction rates; multiple surgeries are a risk factor for poorer outcomes. 80% of men are satisfied with childhood hypospadias repair.
A closer look at Optima 3D and the 3D weaving industry
Authors:   Optima 3D
Published: May 2020

A revolutionary 3D weaving system that redefines current industry standards – deploying cutting edge technology both in concept & design.
Products in a Pandemic: Liability for Medical Products and the Fight against COVID-19
Authors: FAIRGRIEVE Duncan , FELDSCHREIBER Peter , HOWELLS Geraint , PILGERSTORFER Marcus
Published: May 2020

A multitude of medical products are being developed and produced as part of efforts to tackle COVID-19. They are varied in nature and range from test kits to tracing apps, protective equipment, ventilators, medicines and, of course, vaccines. The design, testing and manufacture of many of these products differs from production in normal times due to the urgency of the situation and the rapid increase in demand created by the pandemic. This article considers the legal issues arising as a result of the production of emergency products, particularly from a products liability perspective. To what extent do existing concepts under the European Product Liability Directive, such as defect, causation and the various defences, permit the pandemic to be taken into account when a Court is considering issues of liability? What is the impact on liability of the modified regulatory regime? In light of that discussion, the case for alternative responses is examined from a comparative and European perspective, including the issue of Government indemnities for the manufacturers of products, legal exemptions from liability and alternative no-fault compensation schemes.
PERIOD IDENTITIES OF CM FORMS ON QUATERNION ALGEBRAS
Authors: CHAN CHARLOTTE
Published: May 2020

Waldspurger’s formula gives an identity between the norm of a torus period and an$L$-function of the twist of an automorphic representation on GL(2). For any two Hecke characters of a fixed quadratic extension, one can consider the two torus periods coming from integrating one character against the automorphic induction of the other. Because the corresponding$L$-functions agree, (the norms of) these periods—which occur on different quaternion algebras—are closely related. In this paper, we give a direct proof of an explicit identity between the torus periods themselves.
INTEGERS REPRESENTED BY REVISITED
Authors: BENNETT MICHAEL A.
Published: May 2020

We sharpen earlier work of Dabrowski on near-perfect power values of the quartic form $x^{4}-y^{4}$, through appeal to Frey curves of various signatures and related techniques.
Identification of bacterial hazards in the production of artisan fresh cheese in Cuba
Authors: Martínez Ailin , Montes de Oca Nivian , Armenteros Mabelín , Uffo Odalys , Riverón Yamilka , González Dayaimi , Remón Dianys , Benone Paes Severino , Adrião Manoel , Farías de Andrade Soraya , Villoch Alejandra
Published: May 2020

Artisan fresh cheese producing farms from six provinces of Cuba were studied to identify the presence of bacterial hazards and the results are presented in this research communication. The bacterial hazards identified in milk and cheese respectively were: Listeria spp. (9.5 and 18.9%), Bacillus cereus (23.2 and 24.2%), Escherichia coli O157 (12.6 and 13.7%), Salmonella spp. (10.5 and 17.9%), and Staphylococcus aureus (29.5 and 51.6%). Listeria monocytogenes was not detected. Nine Salmonella serotypes corresponding to Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae were isolated, whereas Salmonella Anatum was present most often. Biofilm formation by the isolated species and enterotoxin production by S. aureus strains demonstrated the pathogenic potential of the identified bacterial hazards. Results proved the presence of bacterial hazards in the raw milk and cheeses analyzed, so that good manufacturing practices must be accomplished throughout the entire production process in order to avoid the occurrence of foodborne diseases in the population.
What and who is an Antarctic ambassador?
Authors: Alexander Karen A. , Liggett Daniela , Leane Elizabeth , Nielsen Hanne E. F. , Bailey Jennifer L. , Brasier Madeline J. , Haward Marcus
Published: May 2020

The term “Antarctic ambassadorship” is increasingly used to represent an individual’s connection to Antarctica and their subsequent advocacy. However, there is little clarity regarding the concept. To address this, we combined a literature review with an expert elicitation workshop. We argue that (i) the concept of Antarctic ambassador has been understood in myriad ways; (ii) Antarctic ambassadors have a connection to, knowledge of and passion for Antarctica; (iii) they also have a commitment to defending and advancing Antarctic values and (iv) Antarctic ambassadorship is about more than advocacy. We propose the first comprehensive definition of Antarctic ambassadorship. We hope this will provide a cornerstone upon which future research, and a more informed governance of Antarctic tourism, can be built.
The prevalence and influencing factors in anxiety in medical workers fighting COVID-19 in China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Liu Chen-Yun , Yang Yun-zhi , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Xu Xinying , Dou Qing-Li , Zhang Wen-Wu , Cheng Andy S. K.
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2 virus) has been sustained in China since December 2019, and has become a pandemic. The mental health of frontline medical staff is a concern. In this study, we aimed to identify the factors influencing medical worker anxiety in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of anxiety among medical staff in China from 10 February 2020 to 20 February 2020 using the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) to assess anxiety, with the criteria of normal (⩽49), mild (50–59), moderate (60–70) and severe anxiety (⩾70). We used multivariable linear regression to determine the factors (e.g. having direct contact when treating infected patients, being a medical staff worker from Hubei province, being a suspect case) for anxiety. We also used adjusted models to confirm independent factors for anxiety after adjusting for gender, age, education and marital status. Of 512 medical staff in China, 164 (32.03%) had had direct contact treating infected patients. The prevalence of anxiety was 12.5%, with 53 workers suffering from mild (10.35%), seven workers suffering from moderate (1.36%) and four workers suffering from severe anxiety (0.78%). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, education and marital status), medical staff who had had direct contact treating infected patients experienced higher anxiety scores than those who had not had direct contact (β value = 2.33, confidence interval (CI) 0.65–4.00; P = 0.0068). A similar trend was observed in medical staff from Hubei province, compared with those from other parts of China (β value = 3.67, CI 1.44–5.89; P = 0.0013). The most important variable was suspect cases with high anxiety scores, compared to non-suspect cases (β value = 4.44, CI 1.55–7.33; P = 0.0028). In this survey of hospital medical workers during the COVID-19 outbreak in China, we found that study participants experienced anxiety symptoms, especially those who had direct clinical contact with infected patients; as did those in the worst affected areas, including Hubei province; and those who were suspect cases. Governments and healthcare authorities should proactively implement appropriate psychological intervention programmes, to prevent, alleviate or treat increased anxiety.
Remaining Cervical Spine Movement Under Different Immobilization Techniques
Authors: Uzun Davut D. , Jung Matthias K. , Weerts Jeronimo , Münzberg Matthias , Grützner Paul A. , Häske David , Kreinest Michael
Published: May 2020

Background:

Immobilization of the cervical spine by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel is a standard procedure. In most EMS, multiple immobilization tools are available.

The aim of this study is the analysis of residual spine motion under different types of cervical spine immobilization.

Methods:

In this explorative biomechanical study, different immobilization techniques were performed on three healthy subjects. The test subjects’ heads were then passively moved to cause standardized spinal motion. The primary endpoints were the remaining range of motion for flexion, extension, bending, and rotation measured with a wireless human motion detector.

Results:

In the case of immobilization of the test person (TP) on a straight (0°) vacuum mattress, the remaining rotation of the cervical spine could be reduced from 7° to 3° by additional headblocks. Also, the remaining flexion and extension were reduced from 14° to 3° and from 15° to 6°, respectively. The subjects’ immobilization was best on a spine board using a headlock system and the Spider Strap belt system (MIH-Medical; Georgsmarienhütte, Germany). However, the remaining cervical spine extension increased from 1° to 9° if a Speedclip belt system was used (Laerdal; Stavanger, Norway). The additional use of a cervical collar was not advantageous in reducing cervical spine movement with a spine board or vacuum mattress.

Conclusions:

The remaining movement of the cervical spine is minimal when the patient is immobilized on a spine board with a headlock system and a Spider Strap harness system or on a vacuum mattress with additional headblocks. The remaining movement of the cervical spine could not be reduced by the additional use of a cervical collar.
The Effect of Implementation of the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline PreAct Algorithm for Prehospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Activation on the Rate of “False Positive” Activations
Authors: Tolles Juliana , Bosson Nichole , Kaji Amy H. , Henry Timothy D. , French William J. , Gausche-Hill Marianne , Andruss Kevin , McNeil Nathan , Nakkim Eric C. , Thomas Gregory S. , Gunderson Michael R. , Lewis Roger J.
Published: May 2020

Hypothesis:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems have developed protocols for prehospital activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory for patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to decrease first-medical-contact-to-balloon time (FMC2B). The rate of “false positive” prehospital activations is high. In order to decrease this rate and expedite care for patients with true STEMI, the American Heart Association (AHA; Dallas, Texas USA) developed the Mission Lifeline PreAct STEMI algorithm, which was implemented in Los Angeles County (LAC; California USA) in 2015. The hypothesis of this study was that implementation of the PreAct algorithm would increase the positive predictive value (PPV) of prehospital activation.

Methods:

This is an observational pre-/post-study of the effect of the implementation of the PreAct algorithm for patients with suspected STEMI transported to one of five STEMI Receiving Centers (SRCs) within the LAC Regional System. The primary outcome was the PPV of cardiac catheterization laboratory activation for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The secondary outcome was FMC2B.

Results:

A total of 1,877 patients were analyzed for the primary outcome in the pre-intervention period and 405 patients in the post-intervention period. There was an overall decrease in cardiac catheterization laboratory activations, from 67% in the pre-intervention period to 49% in the post-intervention period (95% CI for the difference, -14% to -22%). The overall rate of cardiac catheterization declined in post-intervention period as compared the pre-intervention period, from 34% to 30% (95% CI, for the difference -7.6% to 0.4%), but actually increased for subjects who had activation (48% versus 58%; 95% CI, 4.6%-15.0%). Implementation of the PreAct algorithm was associated with an increase in the PPV of activation for PCI or CABG from 37.9% to 48.6%. The overall odds ratio (OR) associated with the intervention was 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.8). The effect of the intervention was to decrease variability between medical centers. There was no associated change in average FMC2B.

Conclusions:

The implementation of the PreAct algorithm in the LAC EMS system was associated with an overall increase in the PPV of cardiac catheterization laboratory activation.
Schizophrenia phenomenology revisited: positive and negative symptoms are strongly related reflective manifestations of an underlying single trait indicating overall severity of schizophrenia
Authors: Almulla Abbas F. , Al-Hakeim Hussein K. , Maes Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

To examine whether negative symptoms, psychosis, hostility, excitation, and mannerism (PHEM symptoms), formal thought disorders (FTD) and psychomotor retardation (PMR) are interrelated phenomena in major neurocognitive psychosis (MNP) or deficit schizophrenia and whether those domains belong to an underlying latent vector reflecting general psychopathology.

Methods

In this study, we recruited 120 patients with MNP or deficit schizophrenia and 54 healthy subjects and measured the above-mentioned symptom domains.

Results

In MNP, there were significant associations between negative and PHEM symptoms, FTD and PMR. A single latent trait, which is essentially unidimensional, underlies these key domains of schizophrenia and MNP and additionally shows excellent internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and predictive relevance. Confirmatory Tedrad Analysis indicates that this latent vector fits a reflective model. The lack of discriminant validity shows that positive (and PHEM or psychotic) and negative symptoms greatly overlap and probably measure the same latent construct. Soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) shows that MNP (diagnosis based on negative symptoms) is better modeled using PHEM symptoms, FTD, and PMR than negative symptoms.

Conclusions

In stable phase MNP, which is a restricted sample of the schizophrenia population, negative and PHEM symptoms, FTD and PMR belong to one underlying latent vector reflecting overall severity of schizophrenia (OSOS). The bi-dimensional concept of “positive” and “negative” symptoms cannot be validated and, therefore, future research in stable phase schizophrenia should consider that the latent phenomenon OSOS as well as its reflective manifestations are the key factors of schizophrenia phenomenology.
It Ain't Over ‘Til It's Over: The WTO Case Law of 2018
Authors: Bown Chad P. , Mavroidis Petros C.
Published: May 2020

Our annual gathering in Florence (8 and 9 July 2019), generously sponsored by the European University Institute, amidst the crisis at the WTO, was business as usual. Trading nations continue to entrust the WTO dispute settlement system with the adjudication of their disputes. The conference covered a very healthy number of disputes across different subject matter, ranging from antidumping duties to protection of public health.
When economic and cultural interests align: the anti-immigration voter coalitions driving far right party success in Europe
Authors: Halikiopoulou Daphne , Vlandas Tim
Published: May 2020

This article contests the view that the strong positive correlation between anti-immigration attitudes and far right party success necessarily constitutes evidence in support of the cultural grievance thesis. We argue that the success of far right parties depends on their ability to mobilize a coalition of interests between their core supporters, that is voters with cultural grievances over immigration and the often larger group of voters with economic grievances over immigration. Using individual level data from eight rounds of the European Social Survey, our empirical analysis shows that while cultural concerns over immigration are a stronger predictor of far right party support, those who are concerned with the impact of immigration on the economy are important to the far right in numerical terms. Taken together, our findings suggest that economic grievances over immigration remain pivotal within the context of the transnational cleavage.
Erfassung des Selbstkonzepts von Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Perri Daniela , Dose Christina , Görtz-Dorten Anja , Woitecki Katrin , Breuer Dieter , Döpfner Manfred
Published: May 2020

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Das Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) ist international weit verbreitet und erhebt das Selbstkonzept von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Fragestellung: Die psychometrischen Eigenschaften einer modifizierten Version werden für eine deutsche klinische Stichprobe ( N = 195; Altersbereich 6 – 18 Jahre) geprüft. Methode: Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen, Reliabilitäts- sowie Validitätsanalysen zur divergenten, konvergenten und differentiellen Validität werden durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Das Bifaktormodell und das Modell mit fünf korrelierten Faktoren zeigen die besten Fit-Indizes. Die internen Konsistenzen der Skalen sind zufriedenstellend. Die Omega-Statistiken verdeutlichen psychometrische Schwächen der Subskalen. Hinweise zur konvergenten, divergenten und differentiellen Validität werden gefunden. Schlussfolgerungen: Die modifizierte Fassung des SPPC ist für die Erfassung des Selbstkonzepts von Kindern und Jugendlichen einer klinischen Stichprobe geeignet; Adaptionen zur Optimierung der Güte werden diskutiert.
Kurzversion des Bielefelder Fragebogens zu Partnerschaftserwartungen (BFPE-12)
Authors: Altmann Uwe , Brähler Elmar , Zenger Markus , Tibubos Ana Nanette , Brenk-Franz Katja , Strauss Bernhard
Published: May 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Kurzfassung des Bielefelder Fragebogens zu Partnerschaftserwartungen (BFPE-12) ist ein Selbstrating zur Messung partnerschaftsbezogener Bindungsaspekte. Neben der Messung der Dimensionen Akzeptanzprobleme, Öffnungsbereitschaft und Zuwendungsbedürfnis können Personen Bindungsmustern zugewiesen werden. Die vorliegende Studie evaluiert Faktorenstruktur und psychometrische Eigenschaften des Instruments anhand einer aktuellen bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Stichprobe. Die Stichprobe umfasst N = 1574 Personen. Es wurden soziodemographische Variablen, der BFPE-12, die Kurzform des Depressive Experiences Questionnaire Self-Criticism sowie der Patient Health Questionnaire-4 erhoben. Es wurden explorative und konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen durchgeführt und interne Konsistenz, Itemstatistiken und Korrelationen mit Außenkriterien bestimmt. Explorative und konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse bestätigten die angenommene Faktorenstruktur (RMSEA < .08). Die interne Konsistenz der drei Skalen war akzeptabel (α > .7). Starke Akzeptanzprobleme und geringe Öffnungsbereitschaft korrelierten hypothesenkonform mit Selbstkritik, Ängstlichkeit und Depressivität. z-Werte, t-Werte und Prozentränge werden berichtet. Insgesamt kann für den BFPE-12 konstatiert werden, dass er eine mehrfach evaluierte Faktorenstruktur und akzeptable psychometrische Eigenschaften aufweist.
The Impact of Suicide on Life Expectancy
Authors: Yip Paul S. F. , Zheng Yan
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Background: In Hong Kong, there have been significant changes in suicide rates during the period 1996–2015. Aim: We aimed to assess the impact of change in suicide rates on life expectancy in Hong Kong. Method: A decomposition method was used to quantify the impact of suicide on life expectancy in Hong Kong. Results: During 1996–2003, the increase in total suicide rate made negative contributions to the increase in life expectancy in Hong Kong (−0.15 years), with incidence component and age component accounting for −0.17 years and 0.02 years, respectively. However, during 2003–2015, the decrease in the number of suicide deaths contributed to the life expectancy by 0.16 years, with the incidence component still playing a predominant role. Furthermore, the contribution mechanism of suicide varied across suicide methods and gender. Limitations: Apart from suicide, the change in life expectancy could be affected by various factors, which needs to be considered. Moreover, conclusions of the study were made at the population level rather than the individual level. Conclusion: Suicide has a non-negligible impact on life expectancy in Hong Kong. Understanding the contribution pattern of suicide and sustaining effective strategies for suicide intervention would contribute positively to improvements in Hong Kong life expectancy.
Determining the Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Contribution to the Observed Intensification of Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Paik Seungmok , Min Seung‐Ki , Zhang Xuebin , Donat Markus G. , King Andrew D. , Sun Qiaohong
Published: May 2020

This study conducts a detection and attribution analysis of the observed changes in extreme precipitation during 1951–2015. Observed and CMIP6 multimodel simulated changes in annual maximum daily and consecutive 5‐day precipitation are compared using an optimal fingerprinting technique for different spatial scales from global land, Northern Hemisphere extratropics, tropics, three continental regions (North America and western and eastern Eurasia), and global “dry” and “wet” land areas (as defined by their average extreme precipitation intensities). Results indicate that anthropogenic greenhouse gas influence is robustly detected in the observed intensification of extreme precipitation over the global land and most of the subregions considered, all with clear separation from natural and anthropogenic aerosol forcings. Also, the human‐induced greenhouse gas increases are found to be a dominant contributor to the observed increase in extreme precipitation intensity, which largely follows the increased moisture availability under global warming.
Experimental Investigation of Natural Fracture Stiffness and Flow Properties in a Faulted CO2Bypass System (Utah, USA)
Authors: Skurtveit Elin , Sundal Anja , Bjørnarå Tore Ingvald , Soldal Magnus , Sauvin Guillaume , Zuchuat Valentin , Midtkandal Ivar , Braathen Alvar
Published: May 2020

Fracture stiffness and flow properties have been measured in the laboratory using naturally fractured fault rock samples from the Little Grand Wash fault, Utah, USA. We compare fracture closure and related flow change during isotropic loading of two fractures which have been subject to various amounts of paleoreactive flow. The two tested fractures are described as (i) a small‐aperture fracture (0.1 mm) with negligible geochemical alterations of the fracture surface and (ii) a large‐aperture fracture (0.53 mm) where precipitates are observed on the fracture surface. X‐ray imaging is used for quantification of fracture aperture and fracture surface contact distribution. The petrographical characterization using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction is performed pretest and describes burial and uplift diagenesis as well as pulses of reactive fluid flow within the fault. The stress‐dependent flow and deformation experiment provides new data on fracture stiffness and flow for naturally developed fractures in siliciclastic rock. Fracture stiffness is found to be highest for the small‐aperture fracture due to its high‐fracture contact ratio and well‐developed surface mating during closure. For the naturally altered and rougher, large‐aperture fracture, fracture stiffness is lower and a highly stress dependent decay in flow is observed during initial closure. The results illustrate that a natural fracture with high contact ratio and well‐mated surfaces will close during loading, whereas a fracture associated with high flow rates and affected by previous geochemical alteration maintains a high flow rate compared to the host rock during similar loading.
Simulation and Prediction of Storm Surges and Waves Using a Fully Integrated Process Model and a Parametric Cyclonic Wind Model
Authors: Ding Yan , Ding Taide , Rusdin Andi , Zhang Yaoxin , Jia Yafei
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a fully integrated coastal process model and a simple parametric cyclonic wind‐pressure model for simulation of wind, storm surges, waves, tidal currents, and river flows. By sharing one computational grid within all those process modules and no need for switching executable codes from one module to another, this full‐coupling feature eliminates possible errors and loss of information due to interpolation and extrapolation of variables between different grids. To generate better cyclonic wind speed and barometric pressure, this parametric wind model includes nonlinear decay effect on wind intensity after hurricane's landfall. By implementing a new wind energy source term, the wave action model is capable of computing wave growth, propagation, and deformation through a regional‐scale domain from deepwater to shallow waters. Model validation and model skill assessment were performed by hindcasting wind, storm surges, waves, and river flows during Hurricane Gustav (2008) by using a high‐resolution grid covering the northern Gulf Coast. With improved wind fields estimated by the new parametric wind model, this fully integrated process model produced high‐quality wavefields in deep and shallow waters and storm tidal levels in the northern Gulf Coasts. Because of computing efficiency provided by seamless integration of process modules and optimized numerical solution schemes, faster‐than‐real‐time predictions of storm surges for the advisories during Hurricane Isaac (2012) were achieved by running the validated model in a desktop computer.
McEnroe Receives 2019 William Gilbert Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: May 2020

Suzanne A. McEnroe received the 2019 William Gilbert Award at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2019 Honors Ceremony, held 9–13 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “outstanding and unselfish work in magnetism of Earth materials and of the Earth and planets.”
How Rapidly Do the Southern Subtropical Oceans Respond to Wind Stress Changes?
Authors: Waugh Darryn W. , Haine Thomas W. N.
Published: May 2020

The response time of the southern subtropical oceans to an increase in the wind stress is examined in a climate model simulation where there is an abrupt increase in the wind stress. The ocean response time is shown to vary among fields: The intensification of the gyres and vertical movement of isopycnals happens over 5–10 years, while the change in ideal age, temperature, and salinity in mode and intermediate waters occurs much slower, with the response time exceeding 100 years at depths of 500–1,000 m. While the response time for ideal age is longer than that for the surface circulation, it is notable that it is much younger than the ideal age itself. The different response times indicate that changes in the winds over the southern oceans and in the horizontal circulation/density structure will occur near simultaneously, but there may be a substantial lag in subsurface changes from wind changes, and these changes may persist for decades even if no further changes in the winds occur.
The R2R3-MYB transcription factor GhMYB1a regulates flavonol and anthocyanin accumulation in Gerbera hybrida
Authors: Zhong Chunmei , Tang Yi , Pang Bin , Li Xukun , Yang Yuping , Deng Jing , Feng Chengyong , Li Lingfei , Ren Guiping , Wang Yaqin , Peng Jianzong , Sun Shulan , Liang Shan , Wang Xiaojing
Published: May 2020

Anthocyanins and flavonols have vital roles in flower coloration, plant development, and defense. Because anthocyanins and flavonols share the same subcellular localization and common biosynthetic substrates, these pathways may compete for substrates. However, the mechanism regulating this potential competition remains unclear. Here, we identified GhMYB1a, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor involved in the regulation of anthocyanin and flavonol accumulation in gerbera (Gerberahybrida). GhMYB1a shares high sequence similarity with that of other characterized regulators of flavonol biosynthesis. In addition, GhMYB1a is also phylogenetically grouped with these proteins. The overexpression of GhMYB1a in gerbera and tobacco (Nicotianatabacum) resulted in decreased anthocyanin accumulation and increased accumulation of flavonols by upregulating the structural genes involved in flavonol biosynthesis. We further found that GhMYB1a functions as a homodimer instead of interacting with basic helix-loop-helix cofactors. These results suggest that GhMYB1a is involved in regulating the anthocyanin and flavonol metabolic pathways through precise regulation of gene expression. The functional characterization of GhMYB1a provides insight into the biosynthesis and regulation of flavonols and anthocyanins.
Effects of climate and land-use changes on fish catches across lakes at a global scale
Authors: Kao Yu-Chun , Rogers Mark W. , Bunnell David B. , Cowx Ian G. , Qian Song S. , Anneville Orlane , Beard T. Douglas , Brinker Alexander , Britton J. Robert , Chura-Cruz René , Gownaris Natasha J. , Jackson James R. , Kangur Külli , Kolding Jeppe , Lukin Anatoly A. , Lynch Abigail J. , Mercado-Silva Norman , Moncayo-Estrada Rodrigo , Njaya Friday J. , Ostrovsky Ilia , Rudstam Lars G. , Sandström Alfred L. E. , Sato Yuichi , Siguayro-Mamani Humberto , Thorpe Andy , van Zwieten Paul A. M. , Volta Pietro , Wang Yuyu , Weiperth András , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Young Joelle D.
Published: May 2020

Globally, our knowledge on lake fisheries is still limited despite their importance to food security and livelihoods. Here we show that fish catches can respond either positively or negatively to climate and land-use changes, by analyzing time-series data (1970–2014) for 31 lakes across five continents. We find that effects of a climate or land-use driver (e.g., air temperature) on lake environment could be relatively consistent in directions, but consequential changes in a lake-environmental factor (e.g., water temperature) could result in either increases or decreases in fish catch in a given lake. A subsequent correlation analysis indicates that reductions in fish catch was less likely to occur in response to potential climate and land-use changes if a lake is located in a region with greater access to clean water. This finding suggests that adequate investments for water-quality protection and water-use efficiency can provide additional benefits to lake fisheries and food security.
Publisher Correction: Thin-film composite membrane breaking the trade-off between conductivity and selectivity for a flow battery
Authors: Dai Qing , Liu Zhiqiang , Huang Ling , Wang Chao , Zhao Yuyue , Fu Qiang , Zheng Anmin , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Survival chances of a prey swarm: how the cooperative interaction range affects the outcome
Authors: Chakraborty Dipanjan , Bhunia Sanchayan , De Rumi
Published: May 2020

A swarm of prey, when attacked by a predator, is known to rely on their cooperative interactions to escape. Understanding such interactions of collectively moving prey and the emerging patterns of their escape trajectories still remain elusive. In this paper, we investigate how the range of cooperative interactions within a prey group affects the survival chances of the group while chased by a predator. As observed in nature, the interaction range of prey may vary due to their vision, age, or even physical structure. Based on a simple theoretical prey-predator model, here, we show that an optimality criterion for survival can be established on the interaction range of prey. Very short-range or long-range interactions are shown to be inefficient for the escape mechanism. Interestingly, for an intermediate range of interaction, the survival probability of the prey group is found to be maximum. Our analysis also shows that the nature of the escape trajectories strongly depends on the range of interactions between prey and corroborates with the naturally observed escape patterns. Moreover, we find that the optimal survival interaction regime varies depending on the prey group size and also on the strength of the predator and the prey interactions.
Environmental DNA can act as a biodiversity barometer of anthropogenic pressures in coastal ecosystems
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Reimer James D. , Stat Michael , Masucci Giovanni D. , Biondi Piera , De Brauwer Maarten , Wilkinson Shaun P. , Chariton Anthony A. , Bunce Michael
Published: May 2020

Loss of biodiversity from lower to upper trophic levels reduces overall productivity and stability of coastal ecosystems in our oceans, but rarely are these changes documented across both time and space. The characterisation of environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediment and seawater using metabarcoding offers a powerful molecular lens to observe marine biota and provides a series of ‘snapshots’ across a broad spectrum of eukaryotic organisms. Using these next-generation tools and downstream analytical innovations including machine learning sequence assignment algorithms and co-occurrence network analyses, we examined how anthropogenic pressures may have impacted marine biodiversity on subtropical coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan. Based on 18 S ribosomal RNA, but not ITS2 sequence data due to inconsistent amplification for this marker, as well as proxies for anthropogenic disturbance, we show that eukaryotic richness at the family level significantly increases with medium and high levels of disturbance. This change in richness coincides with compositional changes, a decrease in connectedness among taxa, an increase in fragmentation of taxon co-occurrence networks, and a shift in indicator taxa. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the ability of eDNA to act as a barometer of disturbance and provide an exemplar of how biotic networks and coral reefs may be impacted by anthropogenic activities.
Publisher Correction: Mixed-Dimensional Naphthylmethylammonium-Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskites with Improved Thermal Stability
Authors: Chaudhary Bhumika , Koh Teck M. , Febriansyah Benny , Bruno Annalisa , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Soci Cesare
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.