bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with COVID‐19 and the effect on the severity of the disease
Authors: Sulaiman Tharwat , Algharawi Ali A , Idrees Marwan , Alzaidy Rafid H , Faris Kawthar , Cullingford Graham , Rasheed Jawad
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

COVID‐19 is a new pandemic disease recognized by the World Health Organization. It mainly affects the respiratory system, but it can also affect other systems. The gastrointestinal system has been found to be affected in many patients. This study investigated the COVID‐19‐related gastrointestinal manifestations and the effect of gastrointestinal involvement on the course and outcome of the disease.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted on 140 COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction‐positive symptomatic individuals admitted to Al‐Shafa Hospital – Medical City Complex in Baghdad, Iraq during the period 2 March 2020 to 12 May 2020. Demographic data and clinical presentation and laboratory data were extracted from the case sheets of the patients and were also obtained from direct communication with the patients, their families, and medical staff.

Results

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms alone were detected in 23.6% of the patients; 44.3% of the patients presented with only respiratory symptoms, and 32.1% presented with both respiratory and GI symptoms. Patients with only GI symptoms had less severe disease compared with those who had both GI and respiratory symptoms, who had more severe disease with higher mortality. Overall mortality was 8.6%, with no mortality in the GI symptoms alone group. The highest severity and mortality were in patients with both GI and respiratory symptoms (48.39 and 13.33%, respectively).

Conclusions

COVID‐19‐related gastrointestinal symptoms are common, and their presence alone carries a better prognosis, but their presence with respiratory symptoms is associated with higher morbidity and mortality.
Existential definability of modal frame classes
Authors: Perkov Tin , Mikec Luka
Published: September 2020

We prove an existential analogue of the Goldblatt‐Thomason Theorem which characterizes modal definability of elementary classes of Kripke frames using closure under model theoretic constructions. The less known version of the Goldblatt‐Thomason Theorem gives general conditions, without the assumption of first‐order definability, but uses non‐standard constructions and algebraic semantics. We present a non‐algebraic proof of this result and we prove an analogous characterization for an alternative notion of modal definability, in which a class is defined by formulas which are satisfiable under any valuation (the so‐called existential validity). Continuing previous work in which model theoretic characterization for this type of definability of elementary classes was proved, we give an analogous general result without the assumption of the first‐order definability. Furthermore, we outline relationships between sets of existentially valid formulas corresponding to several well‐known modal logics.
Effect of pearlite interlamellar spacing on fatigue property of a wheel steel
Authors: Wang X. , Wang J. , Liu P. , Ren X.
Published: September 2020

Different pearlite interlamellar spacings of 0.54 % carbon (C) wheel steel were obtained by heat treatment, and the influence of interlamellar spacing on fatigue behavior of the steel was studied through conducting the staircase method fatigue testing and decreasing/increasing stress intensity factor range (ΔK) fatigue crack growth tests. The results indicate that the fatigue endurance limit and fatigue threshold with smaller interlamellar spacing are higher than those with larger one, which can be well explained by dislocation slipping theory. Furthermore, the fatigue crack growth rates in the near‐threshold and Paris regions were found to reduce with decreasing the interlamellar spacing. The decreased growth rate is attributed to the deflected crack path induced crack closure effect, as evidenced by fatigue steps on the fatigue fracture surface. The present results show how to enhance the fatigue property of wheel steel through refining the pearlite interlamellar spacing.
Strain rate effects on tensile deformation behavior of Fe‐3.5Mn‐0.3C‐5Al ferritic based lightweight steel
Authors: He Z.P. , Yang H.Y. , He Y.L. , Zheng W.S. , Guan Z.W. , Li L.
Published: September 2020

Tensile deformation behavior of Fe‐3.5Mn‐0.3C‐5Al ferritic based lightweight steel was studied in a large range of strain rate (0.001 s−1–1200 s−1). Microstructures of the steel before and after tension were observed. The results show that Fe‐3.5Mn‐0.3C‐5Al lightweight steel has a good strength (820 MPa) and plasticity (40 %) and exhibits excellent combinations of specific strength and ductility (>32000 MPa %) at the strain‐rate of 0.001 s−1 after annealing at 850 °C for 5 minutes then directly quenching into water. The austenite in the steel tested was transformed into α′‐martensite during the tensile deformation process. With an increase in strain rate from 0.001 s−1 to 1200 s−1, tensile strength of the steel investigated increased from 820 MPa to 932 MPa, while its elongation first decreased from 40 % to 15 %, and then increased from 15 % to 29 %. At the strain rate of 1200 s−1, adiabatic heating resulted in temperature rising in matrix, suppressed the transformation of austenite to α′‐martensite. Comparing with transformation induced plasticity steel, the austenite in 3.5Mn lightweight steel is obviously unstable and cannot provide progressive phase transition.
Characterization of hot forged P285NH steel by metallurgical investigation and reliability analysis
Authors: Saklakoğlu N. , Çivi C. , Hocalar Ç. , Demirok S.
Published: September 2020

An extensive study was carried out to investigate the effect of cooling rate after hot forging process and normalization step on the hardness, strength and impact toughness and microstructure of P285NH steel. Understanding of the combined effect of cooling rate and normalization on the mechanical and microstructural properties of the steel would help to select conditions required to achieve optimum mechanical properties. The results indicated that the microstructures of all forging and cooling conditions were dominated by ferrite and pearlite phases with different morphologies and grain sizes according to various cooling rates. Conveyor cooling led to a formation of relatively fine acicular ferrite and pearlite grains in comparison to batch cooling which presented coarse polygonal ferrite with pearlite. Based on the data fluctuation of Charpy tests, the normal distribution provided a statistical analysis method for assessing the reliability. Through the statistical analysis of the distribution function, it can be concluded that normalization step is necessary for higher reliability. Both batch cooling and conveyor cooling did not give the required reliability level for safety components due to heterogeneities in the microstructure.
Optimal error estimates of the local discontinuous Galerkin method for nonlinear second‐order elliptic problems on Cartesian grids
Authors: Baccouch Mahboub
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) methods for two‐dimensional nonlinear second‐order elliptic problems of the type uxx + uyy = f(x, y, u, ux, uy), in a rectangular region Ω with classical boundary conditions on the boundary of Ω. Convergence properties for the solution and for the auxiliary variable that approximates its gradient are established. More specifically, we use the duality argument to prove that the errors between the LDG solutions and the exact solutions in the L2 norm achieve optimal (p + 1)th order convergence, when tensor product polynomials of degree at most p are used. Moreover, we prove that the gradient of the LDG solution is superclose with order p + 1 toward the gradient of Gauss–Radau projection of the exact solution. The results are valid in two space dimensions on Cartesian meshes using tensor product polynomials of degree p ≥ 1, and for both mixed Dirichlet–Neumann and periodic boundary conditions. Preliminary numerical experiments indicate that our theoretical findings are optimal.
Serial Assessment of Depression and Anxiety by Patients and Providers in Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Nakamura Zev M. , Deal Allison M. , Nyrop Kirsten A. , Chen Yi Tang , Quillen Laura J. , Brenizer Tucker , Muss Hyman B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Depression and anxiety are common in patients with breast cancer and associated with worse quality of life and treatment outcomes. Yet, these symptoms are often underrecognized and undermanaged in oncology practice. The objective of this study was to describe depression and anxiety severity and associated patient factors during adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with early breast cancer using repeated single-item reports.

Materials and Methods

Depression and anxiety were measured from consecutive patients and their clinicians during chemotherapy infusion visits. Associations between psychiatric symptoms and patient characteristics were assessed using Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and t tests for continuous variables. The joint relationship of covariates significant in unadjusted analyses was evaluated using log-binomial regression. Cohen's kappa was used to assess agreement between patient- and clinician-reported symptoms.

Results

In a sample of 256 patients, 26% reported at least moderately severe depression, and 41% reported at least moderately severe anxiety during chemotherapy, representing a near doubling in the prevalence of these symptoms compared with before chemotherapy. Patient-provider agreement was fair (depression: κ = 0.31; anxiety: κ = 0.28). More severe psychiatric symptoms were associated with being unmarried, having worse function, endorsing social activity limitations, using psychotropic medications, and having a mental health provider. In multivariable analysis, social activity limitations were associated with more severe depression (relative risk [RR], 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–3.45) and anxiety (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.05–2.09).

Conclusion

Oncologists frequently underestimate patients’ depression and anxiety and should consider incorporating patient-reported outcomes to enhance monitoring of mental health symptoms.

Implications for Practice

In this sample of 256 patients with breast cancer, depression and anxiety, measured using single-item toxicity reports completed by patients and providers, were very common during adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patient-reported depression and anxiety of at least moderate severity were associated with multiple objective indicators of psychiatric need. Unfortunately, providers underrecognized the severity of their patients’ mental health symptoms. The use of patient-reported, single-item toxicity reports can be incorporated into routine oncology practice and provide clinically meaningful information regarding patients’ psychological health.
Synthesis, characterization, and photopolymerization of (meth)acrylate‐functional polyisobutylene macromers produced by cleavage/alkylation of butyl rubber
Authors: Parada Corey M. , Yang Bin , Campbell C. Garrett , Storey Robson F.
Published: September 2020

Linear, multi‐functional polyisobutylene (PIB) macromers bearing pendent and terminal (meth)acrylate moieties were prepared via electrophilic cleavage/alkylation of butyl rubber in the presence of (3‐bromopropoxy)benzene, followed by displacement of the resulting bromide moieties with potassium (meth)acrylate. Number average functionality (Fn) ranged from 2.8–7.9; functional equivalent weights ranged from 2.3–4.7 kg/mol. For comparison, a three‐arm, end‐functional PIB triacrylate with equivalent weight of 3.3 kg/mol was also synthesized via living polymerization and end quenching with 4‐phenoxy‐1‐butyl acrylate. All polymers were photocured using Darocur 1173 photoinitiator, and curing kinetics were monitored by real time Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. All systems reached ~100% conversion by 1,800 s, but the linear macromers displayed slower curing rates compared to the PIB triacrylate. The curing rate of linear macromers increased as molecular weight decreased. Cured networks were characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Tensile strength varied from 0.15–0.80 MPa. Young's modulus varied from 0.13–1.8 MPa. Strain at break for most networks ranged from 34–54%, but the network derived from the lowest molecular weight PIB reached 113% at failure. Percent extractables, measured using solvent extraction, was about 2% for linear macromers and about 4% for PIB triacrylate.
Chemical modifications of tryptophan residues in peptides and proteins
Authors: Hu Jin‐Jian , He Pei‐Yang , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: September 2020

Chemical protein modifications facilitate the investigation of natural posttranslational protein modifications and allow the design of proteins with new functions. Proteins can be modified at a late stage on amino acid side chains by chemical methods. The indole moiety of tryptophan residues is an emerging target of such chemical modification strategies because of its unique reactivity and low abundance. This review provides an overview of the recently developed methods of tryptophan modification at the peptide and protein levels.
A deep learning network‐assisted bladder tumour recognition under cystoscopy based on Caffe deep learning framework and EasyDL platform
Authors: Du Yang , Yang Rui , Chen Zhiyuan , Wang Lei , Weng Xiaodong , Liu Xiuheng
Published: September 2020

Background

Cystoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis of bladder tumours. As a typical representative of the deep learning algorithm, the convolutional neural network has shown great advantages in the field of image recognition and segmentation.

Methods

One thousand two photographs of normal bladder tissue and 734 photos of bladder tumours under cystoscopy were taken from 175 patients. Caffe deep learning framework and EasyDL platform were used to structure and train the model. The trained model from the EasyDL platform was deployed on a mobile phone.

Results

The accuracy rate of the neural network to recognise the bladder cancer based on Caffe framework was 82.9%, and the data on the EasyDL platform were 96.9%. The model from EasyDL platform could discern bladder cancer accurately on the phone and website.

Conclusion

The deep learning network could recognise the bladder cancer accurately. Deploying that model on the mobile phone was useful for clinical use.
Covid‐19 and dengue: Double punches for dengue‐endemic countries in Asia
Authors: Harapan Harapan , Ryan Mirza , Yohan Benediktus , Abidin Rufika Shari , Nainu Firzan , Rakib Ahmed , Jahan Israt , Emran Talha Bin , Ullah Irfan , Panta Kritu , Dhama Kuldeep , Sasmono R. Tedjo
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is an international public health crisis with devastating effects. In particular, this pandemic has further exacerbated the burden in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where dengue fever, caused by dengue virus (DENV), is already endemic to the population. The similar clinical manifestations shared by Covid‐19 and dengue fever have raised concerns, especially in dengue‐endemic countries with limited resources, leading to diagnostic challenges. In addition, cross‐reactivity of the immune responses in these infections is an emerging concern, as pre‐existing DENV‐antibodies might potentially affect Covid‐19 through antibody‐dependent enhancement. In this review article, we aimed to raise the issue of Covid‐19 and dengue fever misdiagnosis, not only in a clinical setting but also with regards to cross‐reactivity between SARS‐CoV‐2 and DENV antibodies. We also have discussed the potential consequences of overlapping immunological cascades between dengue and Covid‐19 on disease severity and vaccine development.
Does the topology of the river network influence the delivery of riverine ecosystem services?
Authors: Karki Seema , Stewardson Michael J. , Webb James Angus , Fowler Keirnan , Kattel Giri Raj , Gilvear David J.
Published: September 2020

Riverine ecosystems provide important ecosystem services reflecting their unique forms and functions. While the effects of stressors such as land cover change, climate change and growing economies on riverine ecosystem services (RES) have been well researched, the effect of the structure of the river network itself is less understood. This paper compares the capacity of different river network topologies in the delivery of selected RES. For three contrasting synthetic river network topologies (Long Trellis Narrow; Coastal Dendritic; Inland Dendritic), we applied simple functional equations to model six RES: water supply, hydropower generation, sediment retention, nutrient uptake, flood attenuation and aquatic habitat provision. Results showed that the synthetic topologies deliver different levels of RES, driven by their differences in physical structure. For example, the Inland Dendritic network removed more nitrate and better attenuated flooding due to its relatively longer lower reaches but offered poorer prospects for water supply because the longer reaches were more susceptible to transmission losses (e.g., due to bed seepage). This study provides a valuable first step in understanding the effect of river network topology on RES delivery, and the relative strengths among network types. Understanding these effects can aid decision makers in the conservation and restoration of degraded river basins to preserve RES for future generations.
Elemental analysis of particulate matter in a metal workshop and of biological samples from exposed workers
Authors: Čargonja Marija , Mekterović Darko , Žurga Paula , Ravlić‐Gulan Jagoda , Bogdanović Radović Iva , Žauhar Gordana
Published: September 2020

During metal welding and cutting, large amounts of particulate matter (PM) are produced that might represent a significant health risk for the exposed workers. In the present pilot study, we performed an elemental analysis of fine PM collected in a metal workshop. Also, elemental analysis of the hair and nail samples collected from workers exposed to the workshop dust and control group was done. Concentrations of 15 elements in PM were measured with X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Particle Induced X‐ray Emission (PIXE), whereas inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) was used to determine 12 elements in hair and nail samples. Mean 8‐hr concentrations of PM2.5, Fe, and Mn in the vicinity of welders were up to 1803, 860, and 30 μg/m3, respectively, whereas in the nearby city, daily PM2.5 concentrations are on average 11 μg/m3. We found that several elements, especially Fe and Mn, had substantially higher concentrations in hair and nail samples of exposed workers than in the control group, which indicates the accumulation of metals in workers' tissues, although limit values were not exceeded.
Two-loop coefficient function for DVCS: vector contributions
Authors: Braun V. M. , Manashov A. N. , Moch S. , Schoenleber J.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Using the approach based on conformal symmetry we calculate the two-loop coefficient function for the vector flavor-nonsinglet contribution to deeply-virtual Compton scattering (DVCS). The analytic expression for the coefficient function in momentum fraction space is presented in the $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

scheme. The corresponding next-to-next-to-leading order correction to the Compton form factor ℋ for a simple model of the generalized parton distribution appears to be rather large: a factor two smaller than the next-to-leading order correction, approximately ∼ 10% of the tree level result in the bulk of the kinematic range, for Q2 = 4 GeV2.
Morphometric parameters of muscle and bone in critically ill patients
Authors: Malle Oliver , Maurer Dietmar , Wagner Doris , Schnedl Christian , Amrein Steven , Pieber Thomas , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid , Dimai Hans Peter , Amrein Karin
Published: September 2020

Background

Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass, quality and function, is a part of the frailty syndrome. In critical illness, sarcopenia has rarely been evaluated regarding clinical outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated the association of sarcopenia with both hospital length of stay (HLOS) and 6‑month mortality in critically ill patients using abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans.

Methods

In a post hoc analysis from the high dose vitamin D3 vs. placebo in adult vitamin D deficient patients (VITdAL-ICU) trial, we retrospectively reviewed all available abdominal CT scans (18 women, 19 men). We measured and calculated total psoas area (TPA), psoas muscle density (PMD), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) and analyzed the relation of these endpoints with HLOS and mortality. Defining sarcopenia we used cut-off values for TPA as 642.1 mm2/m2 in women and 784 mm2/m2 in men and PMD as 31.1 Hounsfield units (HU) in women and 33.3 HU in men, both measured at the level of L3, as well as for SMI (38.5 cm2/m2 in women and 52.4 cm2/m2 in men). Likely osteoporosis was defined by L1 trabecular attenuation of ≤110 HU. Values for TPA, PMD and SMI could not be obtained in 11 patients and BMD in 1 patient.

Results

Mean adjusted TPA was lower in women versus men (478 vs. 749 mm2/m2) as well as PMD (34.6 vs. 41.3 HU), SMI (62.36 vs. 76.81 cm2/m2) and BMD (141.1 vs. 157.2 HU). No significant influence on hospital length of stay and on 6‑month mortality was found, irrespective of the morphometric parameter used (TPA, PMD, SMI, BMD; p > 0.05). Survivors showed statistically nonsignificantly better values than nonsurvivors: TPA: 652 vs. 530 mm2/m2 (p = 0.27); PMD: 38.4 vs. 37.4 HU (p = 0.85); SMI: 70.32 vs. 69.54 cm2/m2 (p = 0.91); BMD: 156 vs. 145.8 HU (p = 0.81).

Conclusion

Although the study is limited by the small sample size, our data do not support a strong predictive value for TPA/PMD/SMI or BMD for HLOS or mortality in critically ill patients with vitamin D deficiency.
Optimal stopping time, consumption, labour, and portfolio decision for a pension scheme
Authors: Menoncin Francesco , Vergalli Sergio
Published: September 2020

In this work we solve in a closed form the problem of an agent who wants to optimise the inter-temporal recursive utility of both his consumption and leisure by choosing: (1) the optimal inter-temporal consumption, (2) the optimal inter-temporal labour supply, (3) the optimal share of wealth to invest in a risky asset, and (4) the optimal retirement age. The wage of the agent is assumed to be stochastic and correlated with the risky asset on the financial market. The problem is split into two sub-problems: the optimal consumption, labour, and portfolio problem is solved first, and then the optimal stopping time is approached. We compute the solution through both the so-called martingale approach and the solution of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman partial differential equation. In the numerical simulations we compare two cases, with and without the opportunity, for the agent, to work after retirement, at a lower wage rate.
Multitasking: incentivizing agents differing either in their work ethic or intrinsic motivation
Authors: Helm Carsten , Wirl Franz
Published: September 2020

Saint Thomas Aquinus ’agen autem non movet nisi ex intentione finis (an agent does not move except out of intention for an end, quoted from Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Antifragile, p. 169.)’. This paper uses the familiar multitasking framework in order to compare contracting with agents holding private information either about their work ethic or intrinsic motivation. Those characterizations are observation equivalent in the absence of incentives but matter once monetary incentives are offered. Indeed the difference is stark: First, incentives change the characterization of which types are efficient or inefficient. Second, contracts in terms of an agent’s work ethic are robust if constraints (ensuring sufficient effort for the unobservable task) are introduced while such constraints can render only fixed wages feasible for intrinsically motivated agents.
A Novel Strategy for Automatic Error Classification and Error Recovery for Robotic Assembly in Flexible Production
Authors: Kristiansen Ewa , Nielsen Emil Krabbe , Hansen Lasse , Bourne David
Published: September 2020

In this article, we develop a novel strategy for automatic error classification and recovery in robotic assembly tasks. The strategy does not require error diagnosis. It allows for effective reduction of an undetermined number of error states to 4, without the need for further operator updates of error space. The strategy integrates existing methods for computer vision, active vision and active manipulation. Our solution is implemented in a generic software framework, which is independent from software and hardware for implementing error detection and allows for application in other assembly types and components. The value of our strategy was experimentally validated on a simple case, where we inserted a battery into a cell phone. The experiment was performed on 1500 assembly attempts and included 500 detected errors. The whole experiment ran for 42 hours, with no need for operator assistance or supervision. The resulting classification rate is 99.6% and the resulting recovery rate is 98.8%. The 6 unrecovered errors were successfully resolved in a successive assembly attempt.
Accelerometer Measured Sedentary and Physical Activity Behaviors of Working Patients after Total Knee Arthroplasty, and their Compensation Between Occupational and Leisure Time
Authors: Hylkema T. H. , Brouwer S. , Kooijman C. M. , De Vries A. J. , Breukelman F. , Dekker H. , Almansa J. , Kuijer P. P. F. M. , Bulstra S. K. , Stevens M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose Objective measurements of sedentary and physical activity (PA) behavior are scarce among working-age patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Aim was to assess sedentary and PA behaviors using accelerometers and to identify compensation effects between occupational and leisure time of sedentary and PA behavior. Methods One year post-TKA, 51 patients wore an ActiGraph(GT3x) accelerometer for 7 days. Sedentary time, prolonged sedentary bouts (≥ 30 min) and PA (light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous PA) were examined. Compliance with the guideline of > 150 min moderate-to-vigorous PA per week was calculated. Compensation effects were analyzed using multilevel models, splitting effects into routine and within-day compensation, stratifying by physical and non-physical jobs. The routine compensation effects are the ones of interest, representing habitual compensation during a week. Results Participants spent 60% of time in sedentary bouts and 17% in prolonged sedentary bouts, with 37% of PA spent in light-intensity and 3% in moderate-to-vigorous activity. About 70% of patients met the PA guideline. Routine compensation effects were found for workers in physical jobs, who compensated for their occupational light-intensity PA with less light-intensity PA during leisure time. Workers in non-physical jobs did not compensate for their occupational prolonged sedentary bouts, as these continued during leisure time. Conclusion This study showed that working TKA patients are highly sedentary 1 year after surgery, but most met the PA guideline. Especially those with non-physical jobs do not compensate for their occupational prolonged sedentary bouts. This stresses the need to stimulate PA among TKA patients not complying with the guidelines and those with non-physical jobs.
The representational entity in physical computing
Authors: Stepney Susan , Kendon Viv
Published: September 2020

We have developed abstraction/representation (AR) theory to answer the question “When does a physical system compute?” AR theory requires the existence of a representational entity (RE), but the vanilla theory does not explicitly include the RE in its definition of physical computing.
Here we extend the theory by showing how the RE forms a linked complementary model to the physical computing model. We show that the RE does not need to be a human brain, by demonstrating its use in the case of intrinsic computing in a non-human RE: a bacterium.
A Selection of Benchmark Problems in Solid Mechanics and Applied Mathematics
Authors: Schröder Jörg , Wick Thomas , Reese Stefanie , Wriggers Peter , Müller Ralf , Kollmannsberger Stefan , Kästner Markus , Schwarz Alexander , Igelbüscher Maximilian , Viebahn Nils , Bayat Hamid Reza , Wulfinghoff Stephan , Mang Katrin , Rank Ernst , Bog Tino , D’Angella Davide , Elhaddad Mohamed , Hennig Paul , Düster Alexander , Garhuom Wadhah , Hubrich Simeon , Walloth Mirjam , Wollner Winnifried , Kuhn Charlotte , Heister Timo
Published: September 2020

In this contribution we provide benchmark problems in the field of computational solid mechanics. In detail, we address classical fields as elasticity, incompressibility, material interfaces, thin structures and plasticity at finite deformations. For this we describe explicit setups of the benchmarks and introduce the numerical schemes. For the computations the various participating groups use different (mixed) Galerkin finite element and isogeometric analysis formulations. Some programming codes are available open-source. The output is measured in terms of carefully designed quantities of interest that allow for a comparison of other models, discretizations, and implementations. Furthermore, computational robustness is shown in terms of mesh refinement studies. This paper presents benchmarks, which were developed within the Priority Programme of the German Research Foundation ‘SPP 1748 Reliable Simulation Techniques in Solid Mechanics—Development of Non-Standard Discretisation Methods, Mechanical and Mathematical Analysis’.
The Management of Foreign Body Displacement into the Maxillary Sinus as a Complication of Maxillofacial Interventions: Systematic Review
Authors: Wojtera Bartosz , Woźna Angelika , Komisarek Oskar
Published: September 2020

Displacement of foreign bodies into the maxillary sinus shows an increasing tendency, especially in regard to raising amount of dental implant installation procedures. The purpose of our study was to compare the efficiency and the rate of late complications among the methods of removal of foreign bodies from maxillary sinus. We performed a systematic review following PRISMA Checklist, searching Pubmed and Google Scholar databases for studies investigating the methods of removal of foreign bodies from maxillary sinus. The inclusion criteria embraced the examined group of at least 10 cases and the follow up period of minimum 3 months. We qualified 7 papers from 531 identified in primary search.
Among qualified studies functional endoscopic sinus surgery used in order to remove foreign body from maxillary sinus had no late complications, whereas they occurred in 0–5% cases of using replaceable or pedicled bone approaches and in 15–18% cases of Caldwell-Luc approach. FESS probably should become a gold standard in retrieving foreign bodies from maxillary sinus, however poor evidence requires further investigation, especially in prospective, randomized trials.
Pioneer of prostate cancer: past, present and the future of FOXA1
Authors: Teng Mona , Zhou Stanley , Cai Changmeng , Lupien Mathieu , He Housheng Hansen
Published: September 2020

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancers in North American men. While androgen deprivation has remained as the cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment, resistance ensues leading to lethal disease. Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) encodes a pioneer factor that induces open chromatin conformation to allow the binding of other transcription factors. Through direct interactions with the Androgen Receptor (AR), FOXA1 helps to shape AR signaling that drives the growth and survival of normal prostate and prostate cancer cells. FOXA1 also possesses an AR-independent role of regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In prostate cancer, mutations converge onto the coding sequence and cis-regulatory elements (CREs) of FOXA1, leading to functional alterations. In addition, FOXA1 activity in prostate cancer can be modulated post-translationally through various mechanisms such as LSD1-mediated protein demethylation. In this review, we describe the latest discoveries related to the function and regulation of FOXA1 in prostate cancer, pointing to their relevance to guide future clinical interventions.
Linear Variance, P-splines and Neighbour Differences for Spatial Adjustment in Field Trials: How are they Related?
Authors: Boer Martin P. , Piepho Hans-Peter , Williams Emlyn R.
Published: September 2020

Nearest-neighbour methods based on first differences are an approach to spatial analysis of field trials with a long history, going back to the early work by Papadakis first published in 1937. These methods are closely related to a geostatistical model that assumes spatial covariance to be a linear function of distance. Recently, P-splines have been proposed as a flexible alternative to spatial analysis of field trials. On the surface, P-splines may appear like a completely new type of method, but closer scrutiny reveals intimate ties with earlier proposals based on first differences and the linear variance model. This paper studies these relations in detail, first focussing on one-dimensional spatial models and then extending to the two-dimensional case. Two yield trial datasets serve to illustrate the methods and their equivalence relations. Parsimonious linear variance and random walk models are suggested as a good point of departure for exploring possible improvements of model fit via the flexible P-spline framework.
Die Harnröhrenstriktur des Mannes
Authors: Schmid Florian , Mack Michaela , Sulser Tullio
Published: September 2020

Die Harnröhrenstriktur des Mannes ist eine komplexe Erkrankung und geht mit einer signifikant eingeschränkten Lebensqualität sowie oftmals wiederkehrenden Behandlungen durch den Urologen einher. Abhängig vom Schweregrad und der Dauer seit der ersten Symptommanifestation kann sich das Krankheitsbild u. U. auch negativ auf den gesamten Harntrakt auswirken. Je nach anatomischer Lokalisation der Harnröhrenstriktur stehen zudem unterschiedliche Therapieoptionen zur Wahl. Daher ist es entscheidend, dass der Wahl des Therapiepfades eine saubere Diagnostik und eine ganzheitliche Aufklärung mit gemeinsamer Entscheidungsfindung zwischen Patient und Arzt vorausgehen. Nur so können, unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Präferenzen, die richtige Behandlung gewählt und ein befriedigendes Resultat herbeigeführt werden. In diesem zweiteiligen Review wird die Harnröhrenstriktur des Mannes von der Ätiologie über die Diagnostik bis hin zur, teils komplexen, operativen Behandlung ausgeleuchtet.
High-density cable sealing range is more area-efficient than traditional cable glands
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: September 2020

Sweden's Roxtec Group has further expanded its range of high-density cable transit devices for use in terminal boxes, cabinets and enclosures. The provider of modular-based cable and pipe seals recently developed two new versatile versions which, like previous designs, are more area-efficient than traditional cable glands and help reduce installation costs.
The end to testamentary freedom
Authors: Hedlund Richard
Published: September 2020

Total testamentary freedom in English law came to an end with the passage of the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1938, since replaced by the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The Act introduced the family provision rule, which allows disinherited family members to apply to court for a financial award out of the estate. This paper critically re-examines the parliamentary proceedings, held between 1928 and 1938, which debated the merits of testamentary freedom and the need to limit the doctrine by introducing the family provision rule, then already in force in many of the Dominions. There were strong social arguments in favour of redressing unjust disinheritances, pitted against core values of personal freedom and private ownership. The paper will show that there were compelling merits in introducing the family provision rule and the Act has stood the test of time.
Maize distillers dried grains with solubles alter dietary digestibility and improve intestine health of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus juveniles
Authors: Oliveira Katia Rodrigues Batista , Peres Helena , Oliva-Teles Aires , Marconi Joana Nize , Paulino Renan Rosa , Diógenes Alexandre Firmino , Viegas Elisabete Maria Macedo
Published: September 2020

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of soyabean meal replacement by maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for pacu juveniles. Five diets were formulated with 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g of DDGS/kg diet replacing up to total dietary soyabean meal. In trial 1, the experimental diets were fed to five groups of fish to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC). In trial 2, four groups of fish were fed each experimental diet for 100 d to evaluate the effects of these diets on digestive enzyme activity, intestine oxidative stress and intestine morphology. The ADC of DM and energy was reduced with dietary DDGS inclusion, while the ADC of lipids was increased, and no differences were observed for the ADC of protein. Independent of dietary treatment, pH increased from anterior to the distal intestine with dietary DDGS inclusion. Digestive enzyme activities were higher on anterior than the distal intestine. Dietary DDGS decreased lipase, amylase, chymotrypsin and trypsin activities, while no differences were observed for total protease activity. Intestine glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was reduced in fish fed the DDGS diets, while catalase activity increased. Lipid peroxidation was lower in fish fed DDGS diets than the control. Intestine histomorphology improved with dietary DDGS inclusion. Overall, the negative effects of soyabean meal could be decreased by dietary replacement with maize DDGS which may have a prebiotic effect, improving intestine health.
Another World, in This One: Teju Cole's Switzerland
Authors: CRAN RONA
Published: September 2020

In the summer of 2014, Teju Cole left his home in New York and travelled to Switzerland, the recipient of a residential fellowship from Literaturhaus Zürich. His residency came with a stipend, an apartment facing the distant mountains in a quiet part of the city, and the requirement that he reside in Switzerland for the better part of six months – though not necessarily in Zurich. Cole anticipated an opportunity for sustained absorption in his manuscript-in-progress, a nonfictional work about Lagos, where he grew up: “where better to write about chaotic, relentless, overpopulated Lagos than in modest, quietly industrious Zürich?” But what followed was a period less of writing than of mesmerized wandering and photography, through a country Cole evokes as “more different than others,” travelling by every available mode of public transport from the funicular to the ferry, with an old Yashica camera in his hands.
Host–parasite relationships between seabirds and the haemadipsid leechChtonobdella palmyrae(Annelida: Clitellata) inhabiting oceanic islands in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Nakano Takafumi , Suzuki Hajime , Suzuki Naoko , Kimura Yuichi , Sato Tatsuo , Kamigaichi Hiromi , Tomita Naoki , Yamasaki Takeshi
Published: September 2020

The duognathous haemadipsid leeches of the genusChtonobdellashow a trans-oceanic distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Although passive long-distance dispersal (LDD) ofChtonobdellaleeches by birds has been suggested, little is known about the host–parasite relationships between avian hosts andChtonobdellaleeches. In the current study, we investigatedChtonobdellaleech infestations of the eyes and other mucus membranes of migratory procellariiform seabirds,Pterodroma hypoleucaandOceanodroma tristrami, captured at six locations in the Bonin Islands, Honshu and Okinawa Island, Japan. Analyses of the partial sequences of 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) and morphological examination of the specimens demonstrated that theChtonobdellaleeches belonged toChtonobdella palmyrae, which is indigenous to Palmyra Atoll in the Northern Line Islands. A dominant COI sequence type was observed in samples from all six sites; therefore,C. palmyraealmost surely dispersed approximately 1000 km by infesting the eyes and mucus membranes of procellariiform seabirds. The host–parasite relationships between procellariiform seabirds andC. palmyraeprovide explicit evidence of the LDD of duognathous haemadipsid leeches. The taxonomic status ofHaemadipsa zeylanica ivosimaefrom the Volcano Islands is also briefly discussed.
Adaptive capacity of Arctic communities in the context of climate change and shipping growth: A review of Russian and Western literature
Authors: Olsen Julia
Published: September 2020

Throughout the past two decades, the number of studies examining the adaptive capacity of Arctic communities in the context of climate change has been increasing; however, little is known about Arctic communities’ ability to adapt to certain emerging changes, such as increased shipping activity. To address this knowledge gap, this study systematically analyses published scientific articles on community adaptive capacity in circumpolar Arctic, including articles published in Russian which may not be captured in English-only reviews. Throughout this review, the study focuses on three areas: the development of the adaptive capacity framework; the conditions that enable community adaption abilities; and the extent to which shipping developments are addressed in the literature. This study demonstrates that the adaptive capacity framework has been significantly developed both theoretically and methodologically and is broadly used to address new types of climatic and non-climatic changes. Though the impacts from the shipping development are discussed in some studies, there is a clear need for further examination of coastal communities’ ability to adapt to such changes. Additionally, the study reveals limitations in the application of the Western conceptual terminology when exploring community-based research by Russian scholars.
Schneider's first-rank symptoms have neither diagnostic value for schizophrenia nor higher clinical validity than other delusions and hallucinations in psychotic disorders
Authors: Peralta Victor , Cuesta Manuel J
Published: September 2020

The validity of studies on the diagnostic significance of first-rank symptoms (FRS) for schizophrenia has been put in doubt because of a poor compliance with Schneider's criterion for their definition and the lack of use of the phenomenological method for their assessment. In this study, using a rigorously phenomenological approach to elicit FRS, we examined (a) the degree to which unequivocally present FRS differentiated schizophrenia (n=513) from other psychotic disorders (n=633), and (b) the comparative validity between FRS and other reality-distortion symptoms against 16 external validators in the whole sample of psychotic disorders (n=1146). Diagnostic performance indices (with 95% CIs) of FRS for diagnosing schizophrenia were as follows: sensitivity=0.58 (0.54−0.61), specificity=0.65 (0.62−0.67), positive predictive value=0.57 (0.54−0.60) and negative predictive value=0.65 (0.63−0.68). While the overall association pattern of FRS and non-FRS scores with the validators was rather similar, three validators (premorbid social adjustment, number of hospitalizations and global assessment of functioning) were significantly related to non-FRS scores (p < 0.006) but not to FRS scores (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no validator was significantly related to FRS scores and unrelated to non-FRS scores, all of which indicates an overall better predictive validity for non-FRS delusions and hallucinations. These findings suggest that FRS do not have diagnostic value for diagnosing schizophrenia and that they do not meaningfully add to the external validity showed by other delusions and hallucinations. We believe that much of the misunderstanding about the diagnostic and clinical validity of FRS for schizophrenia is rooted in Schneider's confusing concept of the disorder.
Successional dynamics shape tree diversity in evergreen forests of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa
Authors: Adou Yao Constant Yves , Munoz François
Published: September 2020

Disturbances and successional dynamics shape the composition of tree communities, but data remain scarce for tropical forests of West Africa. We assessed the imprint of past disturbances on the composition of evergreen forests in an Ivorian National Park. We hypothesized that (i) Pioneer indices (PI) based on the relative proportion of pioneer and non-pioneer trees relate to changing floristic composition due to successional dynamics, (ii) local community richness peaks at an intermediate value of PI under the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) and (iii) early successional communities have higher beta diversity due to erratic founder effects. We performed a Correspondence Analysis of tree composition of 38 plots and examined how the main components of floristic variation related to environmental factors and PI. In addition, we tested the relationship between PI, local richness and beta diversity. The variation of PI better explained the main components of floristic variation than abiotic environmental variation, supporting a primary role of successional dynamics in shaping tree communities. We found a peak of richness at intermediate values of PI, supporting the IDH, with a mixture and earlier and later-successional species and more even abundances. The communities were very diverse and included many endemics and rare species. The results underline that the composition of early successional forests greatly varies depending on chance colonization events, while more similar old-growth communities are eventually observed after several decades. The findings should guide management practices for forest restoration, and for conservation of endangered species depending on their successional status.
X-ray powder diffraction data for eluxadoline nitrate monohydrate, C32H35N5O5⋅2HNO3⋅H2O
Authors: Wei Xin , Suo Zi Li , Zhang Man , Tang Pei Xiao , Li Hui
Published: September 2020

Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data, collected at room temperature, unit-cell parameters and space group for eluxadoline nitrate monohydrate, C32H35N5O5⋅2HNO3⋅H2O, are reported [a = 11.066(5) Å, b = 13.452(6) Å, c = 24.373(9) Å, unit-cell volume V = 3628.15 Å3, Z = 4, ρcal = 1.344 g⋅cm−3, and space group P212121]. All the diffraction peaks in the experimental pattern have been indexed and are consistent with the P212121 space group.
The Roles of Storminess and Sea Level Rise in Decadal Barrier Island Evolution
Authors: Passeri Davina L. , Dalyander P. Soupy , Long Joseph W. , Mickey Rangley C. , Jenkins Robert L. , Thompson David M. , Plant Nathaniel G. , Godsey Elizabeth S. , Gonzalez Victor M.
Published: September 2020

Models of alongshore sediment transport during quiescent conditions, storm‐driven barrier island morphology, and poststorm dune recovery are integrated to assess decadal barrier island evolution under scenarios of increased sea levels and variability in storminess (intensity and frequency). Model results indicate barrier island response regimes of keeping pace, narrowing, flattening, deflation (narrowing and flattening), and aggradation. Under lower storminess scenarios, more areas of the island experienced narrowing due to collision. Under higher storminess scenarios, more areas experienced flattening due to overwash and inundation. Both increased sea levels and increased storminess resulted in breaching when the majority of the island was not keeping pace and deflation was the dominant regime due to increased overtopping. Under the highest storminess scenario, the island was unable to recover elevation after storms and drowned in just 10 years.