bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Could COVID‐19 mark a turning point for global action on climate change?
Authors: Patel Riya Rameshkumar , Dickson Rebecca Jane Lynette
Published: August 2021

COVID‐19 and climate change are both threats of immense proportions, however, the differing perception of climate change as far‐off, projected and unpredictable, persists as a marked barrier to global action. COVID‐19 is increasing awareness of the connection between human actions and environmental consequences. The current slowdown of fossil fuel use has given a glimpse of the quitter, cleaner and more caring world that effective climate change could also achieve. Decisions made in coming months can either “lock in” economic development patterns that will do permanent and escalating damage to the ecological systems, or, if wisely taken, can promote a healthier and greener world.
Quality assessment of case reports in high‐impact urology journals using SCARE guideline
Authors: Moradi Asaad , Moghimian Mehran , Ghoreifi Alireza , Shakiba Behnam
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

The usefulness of case reports is dependent on the complete, consistent, and rigorous reporting of these cases. In order to provide a standard guideline for reporting surgical case reports, the SCARE (Surgical CAse REport) guidelines were developed in 2016. The present study evaluated the completeness and transparency of published case reports in high‐impact urology journals based on the SCARE guideline.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed on 100 case reports published in Urology, Urology Journal, BMC Urology, and Urology Case Reports journal. Two independent reviewers performed the scoring using the last version of SCARE statement. Each of the 34 items of SCARE guideline were classified as “yes” if the item was reported in the case report text. The SCARE items were classified as “no” when the authors of case reports had not reported that item or could not tell something about reporting the item. Completeness of reporting (COR) score was calculated for each case report. COR score (%) is defined as [“yes” answers/(“yes” answers + “no” answers)] × 100 for each case report.

Results

The mean COR score for all the assessed case reports was 49%, ranging from 21% to 79%. Topics with the highest mean COR score were introduction (77% ± 42%), additional information (75% ± 43%), patient information (65% ± 19%), and abstract (66% ± 24%). In contrast, topics with the lowest mean COR were patient perspective (1% ± 10%) and keywords (3% ± 17%).

Conclusion

The present study showed that case reports published in urology journals suffer from insufficient reporting. SCARE or CARE guidelines can provide a framework for assessing the reporting quality of case reports before publication. Nevertheless, further studies are highly recommended to better evaluate the efficacy of these guidelines' endorsement on the quality of case reports published in urology journals.
Assessment of the dietary input into a hospital diabetes clinic
Authors: Manning RM , Jung RT , Newton RW
Published: August 2021

To assess whether diabetes patients receive the dietary counselling that they require, 392 diabetic subjects completed a questionnaire on arrival at the hospital diabetes clinic. One hundred and seventy two (44%) had discussed their diet with the dietitian within the last year. Nineteen (5%) patients could not recall ever having seen the dietitian. One hundred and sixteen (30%) patients said that they would like to speak to the dietitian but only 15 actually asked despite being encouraged to do so on both the questionnaire and a poster displayed in the waiting room. A more positive approach is required to overcome patient inertia.
Associations between critical consciousness and well‐being in a national sample of college students during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Maker Castro Elena , Dull Brandon , Hoyt Lindsay T. , Cohen Alison K.
Published: August 2021

Critical consciousness (CC) may promote well‐being, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In a national survey of 707 college students conducted in April 2020, we first validated the Short Critical Consciousness Scale (ShoCCS) among youth groups not often specifically examined in CC measurement (i.e., Asian, immigrant‐origin, LGBQ+, and women youth). Next, we examined associations between ShoCCS subscales and validated measures of both anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7) and hopefulness (The Individual‐Differences Measure in Hopefulness). The ShoCCS achieved measurement invariance across racial/ethnic groups and immigrant‐origin status, and partial invariance among LGBQ+ and women‐identifying youth. We found critical reflection and action associated with anxiety for the full sample, but no evidence of moderation by sociodemographic factors. ShoCCS subscales were differentially associated with hopefulness for Asian youth and LGBQ+ youth. This study contributes to the evolution of CC measurement and extends the field by identifying well‐being associations during the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The protein kinase LKB1 promotes self‐renewal and blocks invasiveness in glioblastoma
Authors: Caja Laia , Dadras Mahsa Shahidi , Mezheyeuski Artur , Rodrigues‐Junior Dorival Mendes , Liu Sijia , Webb Anna Taylor , Gomez‐Puerto Maria Catalina , ten Dijke Peter , Heldin Carl‐Henrik , Moustakas Aristidis
Published: August 2021

The role of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) in glioblastoma (GBM) development remains poorly understood. LKB1 may regulate GBM cell metabolism and has been suggested to promote glioma invasiveness. After analyzing LKB1 expression in GBM patient mRNA databases and in tumor tissue via multiparametric immunohistochemistry, we observed that LKB1 was localized and enriched in GBM tumor cells that co‐expressed SOX2 and NESTIN stemness markers. Thus, LKB1‐specific immunohistochemistry can potentially reveal subpopulations of stem‐like cells, advancing GBM patient molecular pathology. We further analyzed the functions of LKB1 in patient‐derived GBM cultures under defined serum‐free conditions. Silencing of endogenous LKB1 impaired 3D‐gliomasphere frequency and promoted GBM cell invasion in vitro and in the zebrafish collagenous tail after extravasation of circulating GBM cells. Moreover, loss of LKB1 function revealed mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in decreased ATP levels. Treatment with the clinically used drug metformin impaired 3D‐gliomasphere formation and enhanced cytotoxicity induced by temozolomide, the primary chemotherapeutic drug against GBM. The IC50 of temozolomide in the GBM cultures was significantly decreased in the presence of metformin. This combinatorial effect was further enhanced after LKB1 silencing, which at least partially, was due to increased apoptosis. The expression of genes involved in the maintenance of tumor stemness, such as growth factors and their receptors, including members of the platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) family, was suppressed after LKB1 silencing. The defect in gliomasphere growth caused by LKB1 silencing was bypassed after supplementing the cells with exogenous PFDGF‐BB. Our data support the parallel roles of LKB1 in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, 3D‐gliomasphere survival, and hindering migration in GBM. Thus, the natural loss of, or pharmacological interference with LKB1 function, may be associated with benefits in patient survival but could result in tumor spread.
Phytochemical screening, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles, and antibacterial activity using seeds extract of Ricinus communis L
Authors: Rahman Taj Ur , Khan Hammad , Liaqat Wajiha , Zeb Muhammad Aurang
Published: August 2021

In the current research study, the phytochemical tests of the Ricinus communis L methanolic extract detected the presence of coumarin, reducing sugar, emodines, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids while water extract showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and soluble starch. The methanolic extract was further subjected to synthesize Au nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by UV–Vis through the appearance of a peak at 550 nm which correspond to the existence of Au nanoparticles. The size and morphology of synthesized nanoparticle were further studied by the dynamic light scattering technique which shows that nanoparticles were in the range of 100 nm which were further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles and extracts were tested against different bacterial strains. The results revealed that methanolic extract showed maximum inhibition of 19.5 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae and 20.33 mm against Bacillus cereus while water extract showed maximum inhibition of 18.16 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 19.33 mm against B. cereus. On the other hand, Au nanoparticles showed maximum inhibition of 18.5 mm against Escherichia coli.
Therapeutic interventions of remdesivir in diabetic and nondiabetic COVID‐19 patients: A prospective observational study conducted on Pakistani population
Authors: Qureshi Qiadat Hasnain , Ashraf Taimoor , Rehman Kanwal , Khosa Muhammad Kaleem , Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid
Published: August 2021

We aimed to investigate the interventions of remdesivir in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals who were suffering from a severe infection of novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between therapeutic effectiveness of remdesivir and complications of diabetes mellitus by observing the recovery period among diabetic and nondiabetic patients associated with COVID‐19 infection. A total of 850 COVID‐19 patients were recruited for this study, out of which 48% were diabetic and 52% were nondiabetics. The results of this study indicated that nondiabetic individuals administered with remdesivir recovered from COVID‐19 within 10 days showing a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.01), while the diabetic individuals recovered in 15 days. Nondiabetic patients administered with remdesivir exhibited higher chances of clinical improvement at 15th day than those who were associated with diabetes. Remdesivir administration improved the levels of various biochemical parameters, such as C‐reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, d‐Dimer, and ferritin both in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, a significant improvement (p < 0.01) was seen in the level of biochemical parameters among nondiabetic patients as compared to that of diabetic patients administered with remdesivir treatment. In the end, it was concluded that remdesivir could be considered as a possible therapeutic agent in the treatment of COVID‐19 both in diabetic and nondiabetic situations. However, diabetic patients showed a delayed recovery as compared with that of nondiabetic patients, in which the recovery rate was high.
Optimal neoadjuvant strategy for signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum—Is TNT the solution?
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Jain Divakar , Padhy Amita Sekhar , Menon Munita , Desouza Ashwin , Sukumar Vivek , Gori Jayesh , Ostwal Vikas , Ankathi Suman Kumar , Saklani Avanish
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The results of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) cannot be extrapolated to signet‐ring cell cancers (SRCC) that have an extremely aggressive biology.

Methods

A retrospective study comparing long course chemoradiation (CTRT) against short course radiation (SCRT) and 12 weeks of chemotherapy for high‐risk LARC. Primary endpoints were treatment failure and disease‐free survival (DFS)

Results

CTRT was given to 74 (59.7%) and SCRT/Chemotherapy to 50 patients (40.3%). Additional chemotherapy was required in 54.1% and 28%, respectively. Except for nodal staging, no other MRI parameter down‐staged. Treatment failures were seen in 33.9% and 25.8% had progression. The peritoneum was the commonest site of progression (59.4%). Of the patients that were surgically explored, 63.7% had R0 resections and pathological complete response was seen in 9.7%. At a median follow‐up of 35 months, 56.5% had DFS events with a 3‐year DFS of 39.5%. Recurrences were noted in 45.1% after curative resections and the 3‐year OS/DFS of these patients were 67.2%/56.4%. On multivariate regression, the type of preoperative therapy did not influence treatment failures or DFS.

Conclusions

SRCC is a very aggressive disease and none of the treatment strategies could show superiority over the other with very high peritoneal progression rates and relapses.
Mutations in circulating cell‐free tumour DNA: Predictors of survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Howell Jessica , Atkinson Stephen R. , Pinato David J. , Khan Shahid A , Minisini Rosalba , Burlone Michela E. , Leutner Monica , Pirisi Mario , Büttner Reinhard , Odenthal Margarete , Sharma Rohini
Published: August 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is increasing worldwide and prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed to guide treatment and reduce mortality. Circulating cell‐free DNA of tumour origin (ctDNA) is a novel, minimally invasive means of determining genetic alterations in cancer. We determined the utility of ctDNA as a prognostic biomarker of survival in HCC.

Methods

Plasma cell‐free DNA and matched germline DNA were isolated from patients with HCC (n = 51) and cirrhosis (n = 10). Targeted, multiplex PCR ultra‐deep sequencing was performed using a liver cancer‐specific primer panel for genes ALB, AMPH, APC, ARID1A, ARID2, ATM, AXIN1, BAZ2B, BRAF, CSMD3, CTNNB1, DSE, ERBB2, HNF1A, IGFR2, IGSF10, KEAP1, MET, TP53, UBR3, USP25, ZIC3 and ZNF226. Associations between mutations in ctDNA and overall survival were analysed using Cox proportional hazards modelling.

Results

114 putative mutations (70 unique) in were detected in plasma ctDNA in 35 of 51 patients with HCC (69%). On univariable analysis, CSMD3 gene mutations were associated with shorter overall survival (Logrank HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.14‐8.86, P = .027). The median survival time was 15.5 months (IQR 7.77‐16.5 months) in patients with CSMD3 mutations compared with the median survival of 26.5 months (IQR 16.93‐46.07 months) in patients without CSMD3 mutations. Other factors associated with overall survival were advanced BCLC stage (HR 16.52, 95% CI 2.22‐122.94, P = .006) and Child‐Pugh Class (CPC HR 7.98, 95% CI 2.31‐27.61, P = .001). Cox proportional hazards modelling showed mutations in CSMD3 remained a significant independent risk for shorter overall survival in HCC when adjusted for age, BCLC stage and Child‐Pugh class (HR 4.91, 95% CI 1.60‐15.02, P = .005).

Conclusion

Detection of CSMD3 mutations in plasma ctDNA is associated with reduced overall survival in HCC patients, adjusted for potential confounding factors.
An empirical model to predict methane production in inland water sediment from particular organic matter supply and reactivity
Authors: Grasset Charlotte , Moras Simone , Isidorova Anastasija , Couture Raoul‐Marie , Linkhorst Annika , Sobek Sebastian
Published: August 2021

The highest CH4 production rates can be found in anoxic inland water surface sediments however no model quantifies CH4 production following fresh particular organic matter (POM) deposition on anoxic sediments. This limits our capability of modeling CH4 emissions from inland waters to the atmosphere. To generate such a model, we quantified how the POM supply rate and POM reactivity control CH4 production in anoxic surface sediment, by amending sediment at different frequencies with different quantities of aquatic and terrestrial POM. From the modeled CH4 production, we derived parameters related to the kinetics and the extent of CH4 production. We show that the extent of CH4 production can be well predicted by the quality (i.e., C/N ratio) and the quantity of POM supplied to an anoxic sediment. In particular, within the range of sedimentation rates that can be found in aquatic systems, we show that CH4 production increases linearly with the quantity of phytoplankton‐derived and terrestrially derived POM. A high frequency of POM addition, which is a common situation in natural systems, resulted in higher peaks in CH4 production rates. This suggests that relationships derived from earlier incubation experiments that added POM only once, may result in underestimation of sediment CH4 production. Our results quantitatively couple CH4 production in anoxic surface sediment to POM sedimentation flux, and are therefore useful for the further development of mechanistic models of inland water CH4 emission.
Building responsive governance for learning networks
Authors: Porcaro Keith
Published: August 2021

Introduction

This article describes a strategic governance review of Improve Care Now (ICN), a learning health network focused on improving clinical outcomes for adolescents with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (IBD). ICN is organized around an “enhanced” patient registry and collaborative community of patients, parents, clinicians, and researchers.

Methods

The engagement included a review of ICN's governing documents, interviews and facilitated sessions with ICN stakeholders, and desk review to identify governance best practices that applied to ICN.

Results

The review made recommendations to establish a plan to transition ICN's governance to its community, build pipelines for future network leaders, escalate uncommon data‐sharing decisions, and design safe online spaces for community members.

Conclusions

Governance can provide the scaffolding to help networks grow: organizing structures that support consistent, well documented, and inclusive decision‐making.
Biodegradable Porous Microneedles for an Electric Skin Patch
Authors: Abe Hiroya , Matsui Yuuya , Kimura Natsumi , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: August 2021

An array of porous microneedles (PMNs) made of biodegradable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) is fabricated by a combination of molding and freeze‐drying methods. The optimized mixture of PLGA and 1,4‐dioxane is poured into a mold of a microneedle array, followed by the freezing and sublimation of the frozen particles of 1,4‐dioxane, a procedure that left an interconnecting porous structure in the PLGA with a porosity around 50%. The mechanical strength of the PMN made of PLGA (PLGA‐PMN) is reinforced by modification with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), resulting in sufficient strength enough for insertion into an excised porcine skin. The transdermal resistance is significantly decreased by the CMC‐modified PLGA‐PMN, which would improve the efficiency and safety of DC current‐based transdermal techniques, including the electrical monitoring of the skin condition and iontophoresis for drug delivery and medical diagnosis.
Incentives versus monitoring within the firm: Understanding Codes of Corporate Governance
Authors: Alonso‐Paulí Eduard
Published: August 2021

The paper analyzes the interaction between two different internal mechanisms of the firm: a performance‐based scheme and a monitoring device. We show that it is always optimal to use both instruments if available; the two instruments are complementary instruments. We also find that ownership structure becomes relevant in determining the optimal contract. Using these findings, we study the incentives to adopt a Code of Corporate Governance. The Code can be understood as an exogenous monitoring technology. We find that some firms may optimally choose not to adopt the Code because they are providing better incentives. Others may adopt it but not always use it to reach more efficient outcomes.
Board leadership, board meeting frequency and firm performance in two‐tier boards
Authors: Hossain Md Arafat , Oon Elaine Yen Nee
Published: August 2021

We examine how board leadership influences the frequency of supervisory board meetings and how meeting frequency, in turn, affects firm performance. Utilizing a 10‐year longitudinal dataset of German and Indonesian listed firms, we find that CEOs in both countries are more likely to foster lower board meeting frequency. However, in Germany, chairmen and female independent directors are more likely to promote higher board meeting frequency, while in Indonesia, affiliated directors and female independent directors have no significant influence. More frequent board meetings lead to better firm performance in Indonesia but not in Germany.
Has the past really passed? Strategic inertia and capital structure persistence
Authors: Huang Zhen , Gao Weiwei
Published: August 2021

Capital structure persistence is an important phenomenon in corporate finance, but we still know little about how strategic inertia influences firms' capital structure persistence. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms during 2004–2016, our results show that strategic inertia can facilitate the persistence of capital structure and confirm its information asymmetry channel. We also find that this effect is more pronounced when CEOs are without a financial background and CEOs have low ownership or long tenure, suggesting that the impact of strategic inertia on capital structure persistence depends on the CEO's financial background, tenure, and ownership characteristics. In addition, the effect of strategic inertia on capital structure persistence mainly exists in state‐owned firms rather than privately owned firms.
Parametric reduced order models based on a Riemannian barycentric interpolation
Authors: Oulghelou Mourad , Allery Cyrille , Mosquera Rolando
Published: August 2021

A new strategy for constructing parametric Galerkin reduced order models is presented in this article. This strategy is achieved thanks to the Riemannian manifold, quotient of the set of full‐rank matrices by the orthogonal group. Starting from a set of training parametrized subspaces of the same dimension, namely obtained by the proper orthogonal decomposition, the projection subspace for a new untrained parameter value is sought as the Karcher barycenter of the data points. The principal advantage of this strategy is that it leads to parametric reduced order models that are naturally flexible with respect to parameter variations. This property is a result of the simple expressions of the geodesic exponential and logarithmic mappings involved in the calculations of the approximated projection subspace. Confrontation with the usual interpolation in the tangent space to the Grassmann manifold is carried out for the flow problem past a circular cylinder and the flow in a lid‐driven cavity. Comparable results in terms of accuracy are obtained, while the proposed approach is shown to be computationally cheaper by allowing real‐time update of Galerkin projections.
Effect of mechanical treatments on orientation behavior and spectral properties of azoderivative dyes incorporated in poly(vinyl alcohol) films
Authors: Albu Raluca Marinica , Stoica Iuliana , Barzic Andreea Irina , Postolache Mihai , Angheluta Mihai‐Daniel , Dorohoi Dana Ortansa
Published: August 2021

Various azoderivative dyes were incorporated in uncolored poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH). One type of film was obtained by drying the layer of solution cast on glass plate. The other type was obtained by rubbing the PVOH layer before complete drying. Linear birefringence and dichroism of dyed polymer films were investigated as a function of stretching degree. An increase in the linear birefringence was found with increasing stretching degree for both uncolored and colored films. Dichroism of the PVOH films depends on the dye chemical structure and also on the stretching degree of both non‐rubbed and rubbed and dyed PVOH samples. Molecular modeling was used to examine interactions occurring between PVOH and the embedded dye molecule. These stretching degree dependencies were approximated mathematically, which was used to describe the behavior of some components of interference filters.
Organic Sonosensitizers for Sonodynamic Therapy: From Small Molecules and Nanoparticles toward Clinical Development
Authors: Li Dong , Yang Yang , Li Dengfeng , Pan Jie , Chu Chengchao , Liu Gang
Published: August 2021

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a novel noninvasive therapeutic modality that combines low‐intensity ultrasound and sonosensitizers. Versus photo‐mediated therapy, SDT has the advantages of deeper tissue penetration, high accuracy, and less side effects. Sonosensitizers are critical for therapeutic efficacy during SDT and organic sonosensitizers are important because of their clear structure, easy monitoring, evaluation of drug metabolism, and clinical transformation. Notably, nanotechnology can be used in the field of sonosensitizers and SDT to overcome the inherent obstacles and achieve sustainable innovation. This review introduces organic small molecule sonosensitizers, nano organic sonosensitizers, and their clinical translation by providing ideas and references for the design of sonosensitizers and SDT so as to promote its transformation to clinical applications in the future.
Design and Experimental Verification of Three‐Phase Medium‐Frequency Transformers for High‐Power DC‐DC Applications
Authors: Chen Bin , Qin Xiaobin , Liang Xu , Wan Nina , Tang Bo
Published: August 2021

The magnetically coupled three‐phase dual‐active‐bridge (DAB3) DC‐DC converter is highly suitable for high‐power applications. Although the converter has many advantages, the structure, working mode and electromagnetic effect of its key magnetic component—high‐power medium‐frequency three‐phase transformer (MFT3) is more complex, and the capacity, frequency, loss, temperature rise and leakage inductance restrict each other, forming a complex and systematic design problem. This paper focuses on the overall design method and performance of high‐power MFT3. Based on the analysis of steady‐state voltage and current waveforms of DAB3 converter, the expression of harmonic current is derived by using fundamental wave analysis, and the analytical calculation method of copper loss is proposed. According to the piecewise linear flux density waveform excited by six‐step voltage wave, the modified IGSE method is proposed to calculate the core loss. For MFT3 with three‐phase five column core topology, a lumped parameter thermal network model with 14 temperature nodes is established to obtain the temperature rise. The influence of winding arrangement on leakage inductance is analyzed, and the analytical expression of leakage inductance is presented. On this basis, the design method of high‐power MFT3 is proposed based on the free parameter scanning method. A 5 kHz, 15 kW MFT3 model with the nanocrystalline core material is made, and the leakage inductance, core loss, copper loss and temperature rise are extracted by finite element method (FEM) and experiment. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing the design results with the FEM simulation and experimental results. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development of a Roadway‐Crossing Simulator for Actual Walking and Evaluation of Pedestrian Behavior
Authors: Uchibori Yuta , Handa Naoto , Fujiwara Katsuya , Mitobe Kazutaka
Published: August 2021

Pedestrians accounted for 36.6% of traffic accident fatalities in Japan (2019). Elderly pedestrians are often involved in such accidents while crossing a road. In order to investigate the characteristics of pedestrians who are prone to such accidents, we developed a ‘Roadway‐Crossing Simulator for actual walking’. The simulator projects a virtual traffic environment that is accurately reproduced in size and shape by eight projectors on 8.0‐m‐wide screens placed on both sides of a pedestrian. The simulator can motion‐capture the head, center of the scapula, and hips of a crossing pedestrian. In this study, we measured and analyzed the crossing behaviors of 10 young and 20 elderly people in a 7.5‐m section from a roadside zone before entering the road to the other end of the crosswalk. We report from this virtual traffic scenario the ‘Traffic accident incidence rate’, ‘Walking speed’, ‘Distance to pedestrians and vehicles’, ‘Inter‐vehicle selection ratio’ and ‘Elapsed time at roadside zone and roadway’. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Comparison between computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings of the liver and spleen in dogs with confirmed hepatic or splenic lymphoma involvement
Authors: Mesquita Luis , Finotello Riccardo , Ferreira Amy , Maddox Thomas
Published: August 2021

Background

Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) may be used to assist staging in dogs with lymphoma. The imaging features of splenic and hepatic infiltration have never been directly compared in the same population of dogs.

Methods

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe and compare the CT and US findings of the liver and spleen in dogs with confirmed hepatic and/or splenic lymphoma and compare imaging and cytological diagnoses.

Results

CT and US studies of 18 dogs with multicentric lymphoma involving the liver and/or the spleen were retrospectively evaluated. US detected abnormalities more frequently than CT in the spleen with lymphoma, whereas CT detected abnormalities more frequently in the liver with lymphoma. The two diagnostic imaging modalities often disagreed in the findings, including the imaging classification of the organ as normal or abnormal.

Conclusion

US and CT often disagree in the imaging findings present in hepatic and splenic lymphoma. The results of this study suggest that cytologic evaluation of both the liver and spleen is advisable regardless of their US or CT appearance for detection of lymphoma.
A methodology for simulating perched conditions in multilayer aquifer systems with 2D variably saturated flow
Authors: Aguilera Héctor , Heredia Díaz Javier , de la Losa Román Almudena
Published: August 2021

Simulatingflow through multilayer aquifer systems is essential for groundwater management applications such evaluating natural recharge, assessing managed aquifer recharge (MAR), the characterization of surface water–groundwater interactions, and groundwater pollution risk analysis. However, dealing with flow through variably saturated porous media with perched water tables is a difficult task. Usual codes for groundwater flow modeling such as MODFLOW, TOUGH2, and FEFLOW require tedious procedures based on simplified assumptions and approximations. This paper presents a simple approach to simulate two‐dimensional flow through perched aquifers and aquitards in deep vadose zones by combining the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions that may apply to any code simulating unsaturated flow. The proposed approach is illustrated with the unsaturated flow code VS2DTI. The main strengths of the proposed methodology are (a) variably saturated flow in the multilayer system is solved using Richards’ equation, taking into account the lateral flow that sustains observed water levels in perched aquifers and variations in recharge; (b) a Dirichlet‐type boundary condition at the top perched water table is substituted by a Neumann‐type boundary condition, allowing for the representation of any disturbance (e.g., infiltration from ponds, pumping from wells, etc.), regardless of duration and intensity; and (c) the impact of the disturbance is evaluated by comparing the responses of the undisturbed and the disturbed systems. The versatility of this methodology is applied to a MAR case study of a deep aquifer in a sedimentary basin where aquitards limit its feasibility.
Cover Image, Volume 8, Issue 5
Authors: Li Kexin , Hu Jinming , Li Ting , Liu Feng , Tao Juan , Liu Jiang , Zhang Zejin , Luo Xia , Li Linfeng , Deng Yongcui , Che Rongxiao
Published: August 2021

The cover image is based on the Overview Microbial abundance and diversity investigations along rivers: Current knowledge and future directions by Kexin Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1547.

image
Assembly of multicomponent machines inRNAmetabolism: A common theme inmRNAdecay pathways
Authors: Machado de Amorim Alexandrina , Chakrabarti Sutapa
Published: August 2021

Multicomponent protein–RNA complexes comprising a ribonuclease and partner RNA helicase facilitate the turnover of mRNA in all domains of life. While these higher‐order complexes provide an effective means of physically and functionally coupling the processes of RNA remodeling and decay, most ribonucleases and RNA helicases do not exhibit sequence specificity in RNA binding. This raises the question as to how these assemblies select substrates for processing and how the activities are orchestrated at the precise moment to ensure efficient decay. The answers to these apparent puzzles lie in the auxiliary components of the assemblies that might relay decay‐triggering signals. Given their function within the assemblies, these components may be viewed as “sensors.” The functions and mechanisms of action of the sensor components in various degradation complexes in bacteria and eukaryotes are highlighted here to discuss their roles in RNA decay processes.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Recognition
Gender Difference in Households’ Expenditure on Higher Education: Evidence from Mongolia
Authors: Khajikhan Tansaya
Published: August 2021

The existing evidence suggests that there is a reverse gender gap in higher education in Mongolia. Prior studies on the reverse gender gap in education were based on the gross enrolment rates and did not delve deeper in terms of using empirical data analyzed over an extended time-period. This paper investigates gender bias in the households’ expenditure on higher education and tracks changes over the ten-year period from 2008 to 2018 using empirical data. In this regard, this study examines the factors and determinants responsible for the gender bias in the households’ expenditure on higher education. To address these questions, the study employs the Engel Curve approach (unconditional educational expenditure) and Hurdle model, which estimates bias in the enrolment decisions and bias in the conditional educational expenditure, both at the household and individual level in 2008 and 2018, using the Household Socio-Economic Survey of Mongolia. Its findings illustrate that gender bias in households’ expenditure on higher education does exist, and it favors girls over boys at the household and individual levels in 2008 and 2018. The findings show that households allocate a greater share of education expenditure to females aged 16–18 and 19–24 than to their male counterparts. Statistical analysis suggests that households’ residence and the occupation of household heads are two important factors affecting this gender bias. Thus, if a household resides in the countryside and its head is employed in the agricultural sector, female offspring are more likely to receive higher education than male offspring. Traditional gender roles and the Mongolian way of life, which centers around attending to livestock and requiring a male labor force and the wage gap, are contextual factors that help explain this gender bias.
Transitional Justice in Post-communist Societies—The Case Study of Albania
Authors: Stasa Ines
Published: August 2021

Post-communist and post-totalitarian Albania is an interesting case study in the framework of Transitional Justice (TJ) modelling, due to widespread “amnesia” since the start of regime change in the 1990s.
China and The OSCE’s Security Identity Crisis
Authors: Murat Assel , Muhamedov Rustam
Published: August 2021

This study attempts to explore how China as an external actor bordering the OSCE region facilitates and amplifies the norm contestation in the OSCE’s wider region. We argue that China can use the OSCE’s internal leadership and security crisis for its own strategic advantage by further weakening the OSCE participating States’ commitments in the human dimension and their support for democratic institutions. We discuss the aforementioned through the case of the persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang. The research findings indicate that China uses its policy tools to accomplish its objectives: it seeks to expand and strengthen the network of supporting states in regard to Xinjiang; it uses its diplomats as outlets of propaganda and disinformation to deny the persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang and to present China as a benign actor; it uses multilateral institutions such as Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a platform to build support for its alternative regional security governance model. We conclude that this policy posture undermines the work of the OSCE and trust in its values, norms, and practices.
The Power Shift from Government to Organized Crime in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Bakiev Erlan
Published: August 2021

Organized crime (OC) groups in Kyrgyzstan have reached a level where they are competing with governmental authorities and institutions. Leaders of OC groups can assign members of their groups into law enforcement positions and parliament. It is safe to claim that the absence of rule of law and legal gaps encourage organized crime groups to flourish. From an economic point of view, privatization and capitalization of the economic system in the process of democratization have been in the interest and favor of the development of criminal organizations. Organized crime gangs can easily fill their chests by benefiting from the legal gaps. For instance, all the jewelry store owners at the major markets in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan pay fees to an OC gang for their safety and security. Small business owners have been taken under control by organized crime to resolve economic disputes or just because they are in their area of control. Moreover, gangs and groups operating in the South Kyrgyzstan, as well as in Talas and Bishkek, deal with drug trafficking. The cultural aspect of this issue focuses on the importance of the clan ties and network connections in Kyrgyzstan and its use by organized crime. The networking used by the OC also includes utilization of the Internet and social media, consequently it became difficult to counter them during the process of globalization and the whole of society being integrated with the internet and social media, the fight against organized crime has become more difficult. Challenging existing socio-cultural structures, to increase law enforcement and combat clan-based subculture and informal law practices, such as the “thieves” “laws” and “brotherhood hierarchies” of organized crime, have been an almost impossible endeavor over the past 30 years. Consequently, breaking the network of OC and destroying its nationwide functions is a challenge, not only in Kyrgyzstan but in many post-soviet countries.
Identity and Power—The Discursive Transformation of the Former Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan
Authors: Aleef Dastan
Published: August 2021

The former Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) underwent a political transformation from an Islamist organization, partly responsible for armed mobilizations during the Civil War in Tajikistan (1992–1997), to a moderate and arguably democratic party from the early 2000s until 2015. The party defined and redefined its identity to fit both Islamic and secular democratic narratives. This research traced the evolution of the IRPT’s identity in light of critical events such as the change in leadership in 2006, and the Arab Spring. A discourse analysis of the IRPT’s main communication channel, Najot, from 2008 to 2015 has been conducted, which found three themes where strong articulations about identity were made: secularism, the Civil War, and the Islamic World. First, they challenged the core legislation regulating the triangular relationship of state, society, and religion; they justified political Islam; and they criticized what they called “secular extremism.” Second, the party produced a counter-narrative of Civil War actors and actions to that of the state. Third, they expressed solidarity with legal and controversial Islamic parties elsewhere, such as the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, or the Palestinian Hamas. This paper has found that the IRPT’s ideological transformation was limited due to the remaining Islamist elements in their discourse and the lack of clarity on the compatibility between Islamic and secular democratic programs.
The Energy-Energy Correlation in the back-to-back limit at N3LO and N3LL′
Authors: Ebert Markus A. , Mistlberger Bernhard , Vita Gherardo
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We present the analytic formula for the Energy-Energy Correlation (EEC) in electron-positron annihilation computed in perturbative QCD to next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) in the back-to-back limit. In particular, we consider the EEC arising from the annihilation of an electron-positron pair into a virtual photon as well as a Higgs boson and their subsequent inclusive decay into hadrons. Our computation is based on a factorization theorem of the EEC formulated within Soft-Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) for the back-to-back limit. We obtain the last missing ingredient for our computation — the jet function — from a recent calculation of the transverse-momentum dependent fragmentation function (TMDFF) at N3LO. We combine the newly obtained N3LO jet function with the well known hard and soft function to predict the EEC in the back-to-back limit. The leading transcendental contribution of our analytic formula agrees with previously obtained results in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. We obtain the N = 2 Mellin moment of the bulk region of the EEC using momentum sum rules. Finally, we obtain the first resummation of the EEC in the back-to-back limit at N3LL′ accuracy, resulting in a factor of ∼ 4 reduction of uncertainties in the peak region compared to N3LL predictions.
Economic evaluation of a complex intervention (Engager) for prisoners with common mental health problems, near to and after release: a cost-utility and cost-consequences analysis
Authors: Hunter Rachael Maree , Anderson Rob , Kirkpatrick Tim , Lennox Charlotte , Warren Fiona , Taylor Rod S. , Shaw Jenny , Haddad Mark , Stirzaker Alex , Maguire Mike , Byng Richard
Published: August 2021

Background

People in prison experience a range of physical and mental health problems. Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of prison-based interventions presents a number of methodological challenges. We present a case study of an economic evaluation of a prison-based intervention (“Engager”) to address common mental health problems.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty people were recruited from prisons in England and randomised to Engager plus usual care or usual care. Participants were followed up for 12 months following release from prison. The primary analysis is the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained of Engager compared to usual care from a National Health Service (NHS) perspective with QALYs calculated using the CORE 6 Dimension. A cost-consequences analysis evaluated cross-sectoral costs and a range of outcomes.

Results

From an NHS perspective, Engager cost an additional £2737 per participant (95% of iterations between £1029 and £4718) with a mean QALY difference of − 0.014 (95% of iterations between − 0.045 and 0.017). For the cost-consequences, there was evidence of improved access to substance misuse services 12 months post-release (odds ratio 2.244, 95% confidence Interval 1.304–3.861).

Conclusion

Engager provides a rare example of a cost-utility analysis conducted in prisons and the community using patient-completed measures. Although the results from this trial show no evidence that Engager is cost-effective, the results of the cost-consequences analysis suggest that follow-up beyond 12 months post-release using routine data may provide additional insights into the effectiveness of the intervention and the importance of including a wide range of costs and outcomes in prison-based economic evaluations.

Trial registration

(ISRCTN11707331).
A multiplicity result for a (p, q)-Schrödinger–Kirchhoff type equation
Authors: Ambrosio Vincenzo , Isernia Teresa
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study a class of (p, q)-Schrödinger–Kirchhoff type equations involving a continuous positive potential satisfying del Pino–Felmer type conditions and a continuous nonlinearity with subcritical growth at infinity. By applying variational methods, penalization techniques and Lusternik–Schnirelman category theory, we relate the number of positive solutions with the topology of the set where the potential attains its minimum values.
EU After COVID-19: An Opportunity for Policy Coordination
Authors: Díaz Antonia , Puch Luis A.
Published: August 2021

Despite all the difficulties inherent to our political organisation, the European Union has taken a bold step by doubling the EU budget for the next six years with the NGEU fund.
Debt Relief as a Last Resort for the Lender of Last Resort?
Authors: Hansen Arne , Meyer Dirk
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus crisis has led to a sharp increase in the debt-to-GDP ratios of the euro area member states. Without external support, access to the capital market could be seriously threatened in the medium term for Italy, but also for other member states. While the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme, which is designed as a monetary policy instrument, is regarded by some as a violation of the prohibition of monetary financing, the Next Generation EU recovery fund is likely to direct the fundamental structures of the European Union towards a fiscal union with considerable redistribution elements. This article analyses an alternative strategy, namely debt relief by the European System of Central Banks through an EU debt agency. Such a scheme would be possible without amending the EU treaties and would avoid negative equity at the central banks. The question is under what circumstances would this approach be suitable and proportionate?
Reducing the Mobility of SARS-CoV-2 Variants to Safeguard Containments
Authors: Hellwig Martin , Priesemann Viola , Wolff Guntram B.
Published: August 2021

Escape variants can cause new waves of COVID-19 outbreaks and put vaccination strategies at risk. To prevent or delay the global spread of these waves, virus mobility needs to be minimised through screening and testing strategies, which should also cover vaccinated people. The costs of these strategies are minimal compared to the costs to health, society and the economy from another wave.
Recovering From COVID-19: A Transatlantic Comparison of Fiscal Policy
Authors: Gros Daniel
Published: August 2021

A chasm has opened up across the Atlantic in terms of fiscal policy.
Automatic Edge Detection Applied to Cavitating Flow Analysis: Cavitation Cloud Dynamics and Properties Measured through Detected Image Regions
Authors: Hutli Ezddin , Petrović Petar B. , Nedeljkovic Milos , Legrady David
Published: August 2021

In a cavitating water jet, cavity clouds emerge and collapse with an unsteady, but periodic tendency where the frequencies depend on the working conditions. The presented work aims at examining and analyze the dynamic behavior and properties of the clouds under different circumstances. Computer vision and image processing were introduced as tools to define the cavitation clouds based on the Contour Recognition technique. A Canny operator and Otsu threshold fragmenting methods were used. The use of these methods allows for a better understanding of the cavitating jet clouds' behavior based on the pixel intensities and shows that for an arbitrary cloud the surface itself has a dynamic feature and depends on the cavity composition. The clouds' properties could be measured and correlated to the applied working conditions. Also, the oscillation frequencies of the area of the clouds could be determined. The analysis shows that the quality of the obtained results depends mainly on the input threshold values separating the foreground and background pixels. The difficulty of defining the threshold value is discussed in the paper, as well as the validity of using the Contour Recognition technique in this field.