bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monopoly
Authors: Müller Matthias , Thiele Raphael
Published: May 2021

Die Spielidee des Monopoly-Spiels ist mehr als 100 Jahre alt. Ein Grund für den beständigen Erfolg ist die Anpassungsfähigkeit der Spielidee. Mittlerweile kann man über 1000 unterschiedliche Versionen unterscheiden. Die zentrale Gefängnis-Regel ist allen Versionen gemein. Unterschiedliche Aufenthaltswahrscheinlichkeiten der Spielfelder eines Spielplans sind die Folge. Ziel des Beitrages ist es, den Einfluss der Gefängnis-Regel auf die Aufenthaltswahrscheinlichkeiten in Abhängigkeit der Größe des Spielplans und der Anzahl an Würfeln beim Monopoly-Spiel zu untersuchen. Die Aufenthaltswahrscheinlichkeiten der 40 Felder des Spielplans der Classic-Version sind bekannt. Im Artikel wird ein allgemeines Modell des Spiels beschrieben, das eine Variation der Anzahl an Feldern und Würfeln erlaubt und eine Untersuchung des Einflusses auf die Aufenthaltswahrscheinlichkeiten der Spielfelder ermöglicht. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen den Einfluss der Gefängnis-Regel und das damit verbundene Ungleichgewicht der summierten Aufenthaltswahrscheinlichkeiten zwischen dem oberen und unteren Spielfeldbereich. Insgesamt lässt sich festhalten, dass eine Steigerung der Anzahl an Feldern des Spielplans bei gleichbleibender Anzahl an Würfeln den Einfluss der Gefängnis-Regel und das Ungleichgewicht zwischen den Bereichen des Spielplans vergrößert. Im Gegensatz dazu schwächt eine Erhöhung der Anzahl an Würfeln bei gleichbleibender Anzahl an Feldern den Einfluss der Gefängnis-Regel ab und führt zur Angleichung der summierten Aufenthaltswahrscheinlichkeiten der Spielfelbereiche.
Peri-implant bone preservation of a novel, self-cutting, and fully tapered implant in the healed crestal ridge of minipigs: submerged vs. transgingival healing
Authors: Francisco Helena , Finelle Gary , Bornert Fabien , Sandgren Rebecca , Herber Valentin , Warfving Nils , Pippenger Benjamin E.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of transgingival compared with submerged healing on peri-implant bone maintenance around a novel, fully tapered implant in a healed crestal ridge in minipigs.

Materials and methods

In each of 12 minipigs, two implants (Straumann® BLX, Roxolid® SLActive®, Ø 3.75 × 8 mm) were placed. Implants were either left for submerged or for transgingival healing for 12 weeks. Measurements performed were bone-to-implant contact (BIC), first bone-to-implant contact (fBIC), bone area to total area (BATA), perpendicular bone crest to implant shoulder (pCIS), bone height change from placement, and bone overgrowth (for submerged implants).

Results

No significant differences were found between transgingival and submerged healing in any of the measured parameters, except for BATA on the buccal aspect in which significantly more bone formation was found for the transgingival healing group. For both groups, there was a gain in crestal bone height during the 12-week healing period.

Conclusions

Loaded compared with unloaded implants displayed comparable levels of osseointegration and equivalent marginal bone levels. This qualifies the implant placement protocol with respect to the osteotomy dimensions and subcrestal placement protocol for immediate loading.

Clinical relevance

The here presented results related to osseointegration and crestal bone maintenance after submerged or transgingival healing have demonstrated a high level of consistency in the used in vivo translational model. The obtained results support the translation of the novel implant type in conjunction with the developed surgical workflow and placement protocol into further clinical investigation and use.
Modified Iterations for Data-Sparse Solution of Linear Systems
Authors: Hackbusch Wolfgang , Uschmajew André
Published: May 2021

A modification of standard linear iterative methods for the solution of linear equations is investigated aiming at improved data-sparsity with respect to a rank function. The convergence speed of the modified method is compared to the rank growth of its iterates for certain model cases. The considered general setup is common in the data-sparse treatment of high dimensional problems such as sparse approximation and low rank tensor calculus.
Hydrogeology and groundwater management in a coastal granitic area with steep slopes in Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Naves Acacia , Samper Javier , Pisani Bruno , Mon Alba , Dafonte Jorge , Montenegro Luis , García-Tomillo Aitor
Published: May 2021

Groundwater availability, management and protection are great challenges for the sustainability of groundwater resources in the scattered rural areas of the Atlantic regions of Europe where groundwater is the only option for water supply. This report presents a hydrogeological study of the coastal granitic area of Oia in northwestern Spain, which has unique geomorphological and hydrogeological features with steep slopes favoring the erosion of the weathered granite. The hydrogeological conceptual model of the study area includes: (1) the regolith layer, which is present only in the flat summit of the mountains; (2) the slope debris and the colluvial deposits, which are present in the intermediate and lowest parts of the hillside; (3) the marine terrace; and (4) the underlying fractured granite. Groundwater recharge from rainfall infiltration varies spatially due to variations in terrain slope, geology and land use. The mean annual recharge estimated with a hydrological water balance model ranges from 75 mm in the steepest zone to 135 mm in the lowest flat areas. Groundwater flows mostly through the regolith and the detrital formations, which have the largest hydraulic conductivities. Groundwater discharges in seepage areas, springs, along the main creeks and into the sea. The conceptual hydrogeological model has been implemented in a groundwater flow model, which later has been used to select the best pumping scenario. Model results show that the future water needs for domestic and tourist water supply can be safely provided with eight pumping wells with a maximum pumping rate of 700 m3/day.
Challenges of caregiving to neurological patients
Authors: Ransmayr Gerhard
Published: May 2021

A substantial number of neurological diseases lead to chronic impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) and physical or mental dependence. In Austria, homecare is provided mostly by female family members. Moreover, mainly female personnel, in the majority from southern and eastern European countries, contributes to care. Dependence and need for care vary between neurological diagnoses and accompanying diseases. Caregiver burden (CB) depends on patient- and caregiver-related and external factors, such as integrity of a family network, spatial resources, and socioeconomic factors. Depending on the neurological diagnosis, disease severity, and behavioral impairment and psychiatric symptoms, caregivers (CG) are at a significant risk of mental and somatic health problems because of limitations in personal needs, occupational and social obligations, financial burden, and restricted family life and leisure. Subjective and objective CB needs to be assessed in time and support should be provided on an individual basis. Recently, COVID-19 has caused additional multifactorial distress to dependent patients and informal and professional CG.
Airborne sub-pollen particles from rupturing giant ragweed pollen
Authors: Stone Elizabeth A. , Mampage Chamari B. A. , Hughes Dagen D. , Jones Lillian M.
Published: May 2021

Ragweed pollen is a prevalent allergen in late summer and autumn, worsening seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms. In the atmosphere, pollen can osmotically rupture to produce sub-pollen particles (SPP). Because of their smaller size, SPP can penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract than intact pollen grains and may trigger severe cases of asthma. Here we characterize airborne SPP forming from rupturing giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) pollen for the first time, using scanning electron microscopy and single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy. SPP ranged in diameter from 20 nm to 6.5 μm. Most SPP are capable of penetrating into the lower respiratory tract, with 82% of SPP < 1.0 μm, and are potential cloud condensation nuclei, with 50% of SPP < 0.20 μm. To support predictions of the health and environmental effects of SPP, we have developed a quantitative method to estimate the number of SPP generated per pollen grain ($${n}_{\mathrm{f}}$$

n
f

) based upon the principle of mass conservation. We estimate that one giant ragweed pollen grain generates 1400 SPP across the observed size range. The new measurements and method presented herein support more accurate predictions of SPP occurrence, concentration, and air quality impacts that can help to reduce the health burden of allergic airway diseases.

Graphic abstract

Rupturing ragweed pollen releasing cellular components (right), viewed by an inverted light microscope.
How to Frame Understanding in Mathematics: A Case Study Using Extremal Proofs
Authors: Carl Merlin , Cramer Marcos , Fisseni Bernhard , Sarikaya Deniz , Schröder Bernhard
Published: May 2021

The frame concept from linguistics, cognitive science and artificial intelligence is a theoretical tool to model how explicitly given information is combined with expectations deriving from background knowledge. In this paper, we show how the frame concept can be fruitfully applied to analyze the notion of mathematical understanding. Our analysis additionally integrates insights from the hermeneutic tradition of philosophy as well as Schmid’s ideal genetic model of narrative constitution. We illustrate the practical applicability of our theoretical analysis through a case study on extremal proofs. Based on this case study, we compare our analysis of proof understanding to Avigad’s ability-based analysis of proof understanding.
Cancer neoantigens as potential targets for immunotherapy
Authors: Ma Weijie , Pham Brian , Li Tianhong
Published: May 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand PD-L1 have increased the survival and cure rates for patients with many cancer types in various disease settings. However, only 10–40% of cancer patients benefited from these ICIs, of whom ~ 20% have treatment interruption or discontinuation due to immune-related adverse events that can be severe and even fatal. Current efforts in precision immunotherapy are focused on improving biomarker-based patient selection for currently available ICIs and exploring rationale combination and novel strategies to expand the benefit of immunotherapy to more cancer patients. Neoantigens arise from ~ 10% of the non-synonymous somatic mutations in cancer cells, are important targets of T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity for individual patients. Advances in next generation sequencing technology and computational bioinformatics have enable the identification of genomic alterations, putative neoantigens, and gene expression profiling in individual tumors for personal oncology in a rapid and cost-effective way. Among the genomic biomarkers, defective mismatch DNA repair (dMMR), microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) and high tumor mutational burden (H-TMB) have received FDA approvals for selecting patients for ICI treatment. All these biomarkers measure high neoantigen load and tumor antigenicity, supporting the current development of neoantigen-based personalized cancer vaccines for patients with high TMB tumor. Several studies have shown neoantigen vaccines are feasible, safe and have promising clinical activity in patients with high TMB tumors in both metastatic and adjuvant settings. This review summarizes the emerging data and technologies for neoantigen-based personalized immunotherapy.
Motivation-Achievement Cycles in Learning: a Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Vu TuongVan , Magis-Weinberg Lucía , Jansen Brenda R. J. , van Atteveldt Nienke , Janssen Tieme W. P. , Lee Nikki C. , van der Maas Han L. J. , Raijmakers Maartje E. J. , Sachisthal Maien S. M. , Meeter Martijn
Published: May 2021

The question of how learners’ motivation influences their academic achievement and vice versa has been the subject of intensive research due to its theoretical relevance and important implications for the field of education. Here, we present our understanding of how influential theories of academic motivation have conceptualized reciprocal interactions between motivation and achievement and the kinds of evidence that support this reciprocity. While the reciprocal nature of the relationship between motivation and academic achievement has been established in the literature, further insights into several features of this relationship are still lacking. We therefore present a research agenda where we identify theoretical and methodological challenges that could inspire further understanding of the reciprocal relationship between motivation and achievement as well as inform future interventions. Specifically, the research agenda includes the recommendation that future research considers (1) multiple motivation constructs, (2) behavioral mediators, (3) a network approach, (4) alignment of intervals of measurement and the short vs. long time scales of motivation constructs, (5) designs that meet the criteria for making causal, reciprocal inferences, (6) appropriate statistical models, (7) alternatives to self-reports, (8) different ways of measuring achievement, and (9) generalizability of the reciprocal relations to various developmental, ethnic, and sociocultural groups.
Rules, Equilibria and Virtual Control: How to Explain Persistence, Resilience and Fragility
Authors: Hindriks Frank
Published: May 2021

Institutions are often regarded either as rules or as equilibria sustained by self-interested agents. I ask how these two theories can be combined. According to Philip Pettit’s Virtual Control Theory, they explain different things: rules explain why regularities persist; self-interest why they are resilient. Thus, his theory reconciles the two theories by adjusting their domains of application. However, the available evidence suggests that rules and self-interest often combine as sources of motivation. Because of this, it is better to integrate the theories rather than to reconcile them. Inspired by Cristina Bicchieri’s theory of social norms, I incorporate the notion of rule-following into a game-theoretic account of institutions. According to the resulting Rules-and-Equilibrium Theory, institutions are rule- or norm-governed social practices. The theory does not only explain their persistence and resilience, but also their fragility, which provides another reason for preferring the proposed integration to Pettit’s reconciliation.
New characterizations of multivariate Max-domain of attraction and D-Norms
Authors: Falk Michael , Fuller Timo
Published: May 2021

In this paper we derive new results on multivariate extremes and D-norms. In particular we establish new characterizations of the multivariate max-domain of attraction property. The limit distribution of certain multivariate exceedances above high thresholds is derived, and the distribution of that generator of a D-norm on ${\mathbb R}^{d}$

ℝ

d

, whose components sum up to d, is obtained. Finally we introduce exchangeable D-norms and show that the set of exchangeable D-norms is a simplex.
The clinical features of polymerase proof-reading associated polyposis (PPAP) and recommendations for patient management
Authors: Palles Claire , Martin Lynn , Domingo Enric , Chegwidden Laura , McGuire Josh , Cuthill Vicky , Heitzer Ellen ,   The CORGI Consortium, Kerr Rachel , Kerr David , Kearsey Stephen , Clark Susan K. , Tomlinson Ian , Latchford Andrew
Published: May 2021

Pathogenic germline exonuclease domain (ED) variants of POLE and POLD1 cause the Mendelian dominant condition polymerase proof-reading associated polyposis (PPAP). We aimed to describe the clinical features of all PPAP patients with probably pathogenic variants. We identified patients with a variants mapping to the EDs of POLE or POLD1 from cancer genetics clinics, a colorectal cancer (CRC) clinical trial, and systematic review of the literature. We used multiple evidence sources to separate ED variants into those with strong evidence of pathogenicity and those of uncertain importance. We performed quantitative analysis of the risk of CRC, colorectal adenomas, endometrial cancer or any cancer in the former group. 132 individuals carried a probably pathogenic ED variant (105 POLE, 27 POLD1). The earliest malignancy was colorectal cancer at 14. The most common tumour types were colorectal, followed by endometrial in POLD1 heterozygotes and duodenal in POLE heterozygotes. POLD1-mutant cases were at a significantly higher risk of endometrial cancer than POLE heterozygotes. Five individuals with a POLE pathogenic variant, but none with a POLD1 pathogenic variant, developed ovarian cancer. Nine patients with POLE pathogenic variants and one with a POLD1 pathogenic variant developed brain tumours. Our data provide important evidence for PPAP management. Colonoscopic surveillance is recommended from age 14 and upper-gastrointestinal surveillance from age 25. The management of other tumour risks remains uncertain, but surveillance should be considered. In the absence of strong genotype–phenotype associations, these recommendations should apply to all PPAP patients.
Punishing Mothers for Men’s Violence: Failure to Protect Legislation and the Criminalisation of Abused Women
Authors: Singh Sarah
Published: May 2021

This article explores the gender dynamics of ‘causing or allowing a child to die’, contrary to the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, section 5. This offence was intended to allow for prosecution where a child had been killed and it was uncertain who had killed him/her, but also to allow for prosecution of non-violent defendants who failed to protect him/her. More women than men have been charged and convicted of this offence signifying a reversal of usual patterns of prosecution and conviction. This analysis interrogates how section 5 criminalises women who have experienced domestic abuse. Drawing on a case observation, reported cases and media reports of cases, I suggest this offence derives from and perpetuates patriarchal constructs of motherhood. Grounded in a feminist approach building on women’s concrete experiences of law, I conclude that section 5 should be amended so that it is only used where it cannot be ascertained which defendant actively harmed a child.
Changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness in myopic children with 0.01% atropine, orthokeratology, or their combination
Authors: Hao Qian , Zhao Qi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To compare the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) in myopic children treated with 0.01% atropine, orthokeratology (OK), or their combination in myopic children, and to study the connection between increase in SFChT and axial length (AL) elongation.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study. A total of 67 children were included; 22 patients were randomly assigned to the SA group (patients with spectacles and 0.01% atropine), 24 patients were randomly assigned to the OK group (OK), and 21 patients were randomly assigned to the OKA group (OK and 0.01% atropine). Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months.

Results

After 1 month, SFChT increased by 5.41 ± 1.65 μm in the SA group, 17.46 ± 2.79 μm in the OK group, and 20.19 ± 2.18 μm in the OKA group (P = 0.00), whereas AL was not significantly increased. After 12 months, the changes of SFChT were not increased significantly compared with that at 1 month; AL increased by 0.20 ± 0.03 mm in the SA group, 0.28 ± 0.03 mm in the OK group, and 0.14 ± 0.03 mm in the OKA group (P = 0.00). The change in SFChT at 12 month was negatively correlated with the change in AL at 12 months.

Conclusion

The control of AL elongation was better in SA group than OK group. The increase in SFChT was best in OKA group, followed by OK group, and the changes were significant after only 1 month. In addition, the increase in SFChT may influence AL elongation and myopia progression.
Equity in the Police Districting Problem: Balancing Territorial and Racial Fairness in Patrolling Operations
Authors: Liberatore Federico , Camacho-Collados Miguel , Quijano-Sánchez Lara
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The Police Districting Problem concerns the definition of patrol districts that distribute police resources in a territory in such a way that high-risk areas receive more patrolling time than low-risk areas, according to a principle of territorial fairness. This results in patrolling configurations that are efficient and effective at controlling crime but that, at the same time, might exacerbate racial disparity in police stops and arrests. In this paper, an Equitable Police Districting Problem that combines crime-reduction effectiveness with racial fairness is proposed. The capability of this model in designing patrolling configurations that find a balance between territorial and racial fairness is assessed. Also, the trade-off between these two criteria is analyzed.

Methods

The Equitable Police Districting Problem is defined as a mixed-integer program. The objective function is formulated using Compromise Programming and Goal Programming. The model is validated on a real-world case study on the Central District of Madrid, Spain, and its solutions are compared to standard patrolling configurations currently used by the police.

Results

A trade-off between racial fairness and crime control is detected. However, the experiments show that including the proposed racial criterion in the optimization of patrol districts greatly improves racial fairness with limited detriment to the policing effectiveness. Also, the model produces solutions that dominate the patrolling configurations currently in use by the police.

Conclusions

The results show that the model successfully provides a quantitative evaluation of the trade-off between the criteria and is capable of defining patrolling configurations that are efficient in terms of both racial and territorial fairness.
Universality for Persistence Exponents of Local Times of Self-Similar Processes with Stationary Increments
Authors: Mönch Christian
Published: May 2021

We show that $$\mathbb {P}( \ell _X(0,T] \le 1)=(c_X+o(1))T^{-(1-H)}$$

P

(

ℓ
X

(
0
,
T
]

≤
1
)

=

(

c
X

+
o

(
1
)

)

T

-
(
1
-
H
)

, where $$\ell _X$$

ℓ
X

is the local time measure at 0 of any recurrent H-self-similar real-valued process X with stationary increments that admits a sufficiently regular local time and $$c_X$$

c
X

is some constant depending only on X. A special case is the Gaussian setting, i.e. when the underlying process is fractional Brownian motion, in which our result settles a conjecture by Molchan [Commun. Math. Phys. 205, 97-111 (1999)] who obtained the upper bound $$1-H$$

1
-
H

on the decay exponent of $$\mathbb {P}( \ell _X(0,T] \le 1)$$

P
(

ℓ
X

(
0
,
T
]

≤
1
)

. Our approach establishes a new connection between persistence probabilities and Palm theory for self-similar random measures, thereby providing a general framework which extends far beyond the Gaussian case.
In Need of the Devil’s Advocate? The Impact of Cross-Cutting Exposure on Political Discussion
Authors: Schneider Frank M. , Weinmann Carina
Published: May 2021

Cross-cutting exposure (i.e., the exposure to dissonant views) is a central component of political discussion among citizens. Although political discussion is a crucial form of political engagement and a well-known source of dissonance, little is known about the impact of cross-cuttingness (vs. like-mindedness; CCLM) elicited by media news on political discussion. In the present pre-registered online experiment (N = 725), news stories were manipulated to induce CCLM and investigate its positive effect on political discussion via a specific path: deliberative thinking and the repertoire of arguments. Although no total effect of CCLM on participating in a political discussion (operationalized as discussion intent) was found, a structural equation model showed specific indirect positive effects via our hypothesized paths. Our study therefore lends support to the positive democratic implication of cross-cutting exposure. Data and material are publicly available via https://osf.io/cpnzy/.
On k-partitions of multisets with equal sums
Authors: Andrica Dorin , Bagdasar Ovidiu
Published: May 2021

We study the number of ordered k-partitions of a multiset with equal sums, having elements $$\alpha _1,\ldots ,\alpha _n$$

α
1

,
…
,

α
n

and multiplicities $$m_1,\ldots ,m_n$$

m
1

,
…
,

m
n

. Denoting this number by $$S_k(\alpha _1, \ldots , \alpha _n; m_1, \ldots , m_n)$$

S
k

(

α
1

,
…
,

α
n

;

m
1

,
…
,

m
n

)

, we find the generating function, derive an integral formula, and illustrate the results by numerical examples. The special case involving the set $$\{1,\dots ,n\}$$

{
1
,
⋯
,
n
}

presents particular interest and leads to the new integer sequences $$S_k(n)$$

S
k

(
n
)

, $$Q_k(n)$$

Q
k

(
n
)

, and $$R_k(n)$$

R
k

(
n
)

, for which we provide explicit formulae and combinatorial interpretations. Conjectures in connection to some superelliptic Diophantine equations and an asymptotic formula are also discussed. The results extend previous work concerning 2- and 3-partitions of multisets.
New aspects in the pathogenesis and management of subacute thyroiditis
Authors: Stasiak Magdalena , Lewiński Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a thyroid inflammatory disease, whose pathogenesis and determinants of the clinical course were unclear for many decades. The last few years have brought many clinically significant new data on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and management of SAT. Several human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles were demonstrated not only to increase the risk of SAT, but also to correlate with SAT clinical course and determine the risk of recurrence. The world-wide epidemic of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has provided new observations that the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be a potent SAT-triggering factor, and that the clinical course of SAT in patients affected by COVID-19 is different from a typical one. Additionally, many new trends in the clinical course are emerging. In the last years, painless course of SAT is more and more often described, constituting a special challenge in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Despite an excellent availability of diagnostic methods, several difficulties in SAT differential diagnosis can be currently encountered and the proper diagnosis and treatment is frequently delayed. False positive diagnoses of SAT in patients with malignancies of poor prognosis constitute a life-threatening problem. Taking into account all the new aspects of SAT pathogenesis and of its clinical course, the new – modified – SAT diagnosis criteria have been proposed.
COVID Health Structure Index: The Vulnerability of Brazilian Microregions
Authors: Ferraz Diogo , Mariano Enzo Barberio , Manzine Patricia Regina , Moralles Herick Fernando , Morceiro Paulo César , Torres Bruno Guimarães , de Almeida Mariana Rodrigues , Soares de Mello João Carlos , Rebelatto Daisy Aparecida do Nascimento
Published: May 2021

Many developing countries have highly unequal health systems across their regions. The pandemic of COVID-19 brought an additional challenge, as hospital structures equipped with doctors, intensive care units and respirators are not available to a sufficient extent in all regions. Using Data Envelopment Analysis, we create a COVID Index to verify whether the hospital structures in 543 Brazilian microregions are adequate to deal with COVID-19 and to verify whether public policies were implemented in the right direction. The results indicate that hospital structures in the poorest microregions were the most vulnerable, although the peak of COVID-19 occurred in the richest microregions (Sao Paulo). The Southeast states could relocate hospital resources or even patients between their regions. The relocation was not possible in many states in the Northeast, as the health system poorly assisted the interior of these states. These findings reveal that the heterogeneity of microregions’ hospital structures follows the patterns of socioeconomic inequalities. We conclude that it is easier for the wealthier regions to reallocate hospital resources internally than for the poorest regions. By using the COVID Index, policymakers and hospital managers have straightforward information to decide which regions must receive new investments and reallocate underutilized resources.
How Family Policy Context Shapes Mental Wellbeing of Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Nordenmark Mikael
Published: May 2021

Most studies show that parents have a lower level of wellbeing than non-parents. An interesting question is if this is true in different contexts, such for instance different family policy contexts. Although there are common family policy goals for all member states of the European Union there are still major differences between states regarding the implementation and contents of various family policy measures. The aim of the article is to study the importance of family policy context and gender for the negative influence of having children on mental wellbeing. Data is derived from an extensive cross-country data set named European Social Survey Program (ESS). Family policy context is measured through the different family policies contexts that each state represents, resulting in a Nordic cluster (representing an extensive family policy context) and two clusters, the conservative and liberal, representing less extensive family policy contexts. Results in general show that the level of mental wellbeing is lower among people with children living at home than among people with no children at home. However, separate analyses of the family policy contexts indicate that this difference between those with and without children only exists in the conservative and liberal family policy contexts. Further, separate analyses of women and men in different family policy contexts show that the negative association between the occurrence of children and mental wellbeing exist only among women in conservative and liberal contexts. This indicates that the family policy context is of importance for mother’s mental wellbeing but not for father’s.
Kinetics of Azanone (HNO) Reactions with Thiols: Effect of pH
Authors: Smulik-Izydorczyk Renata , Dębowska Karolina , Rostkowski Michał , Adamus Jan , Michalski Radosław , Sikora Adam
Published: May 2021

HNO (nitroxyl, IUPAC name azanone) is an electrophilic reactive nitrogen species of growing pharmacological and biological significance. Here, we present data on the pH-dependent kinetics of azanone reactions with the low molecular thiols glutathione and N-acetylcysteine, as well as with important serum proteins: bovine serum albumin and human serum albumin. The competition kinetics method used is based on two parallel HNO reactions: with RSH/RS− or with O2. The results provide evidence that the reaction of azanone with the anionic form of thiols (RS−) is favored over reactions with the protonated form (RSH). The data are supported with quantum mechanical calculations. A comprehensive discussion of the HNO reaction with thiolates is provided.
Mindful Construal Reflections: Reducing Unhealthier Eating Choices
Authors: Hussain Misba , Egan Helen , Keyte Rebecca , Mantzios Michail
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Regularly choosing unhealthy energy-dense foods can have negative health consequences. The present study tested whether a mindful eating–specific tool, namely Mindful Construal Reflection (MCR), would promote healthier eating behaviors.

Methods

Eighty-five university students were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness or control condition and were served M&Ms and grapes as an unhealthy and healthy option respectively.

Results

Participants in the mindfulness condition consumed significantly less M&Ms than those in the control condition, but no significant differences were found in the consumption of grapes between the two conditions. Furthermore, control participants ate significantly more M&Ms when displaying some hunger compared to those presenting no hunger, and although participants in the mindfulness condition also ate more when displaying some hunger, this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Together, these results suggest that the MCR may be effective in reducing consumption of unhealthy energy-dense foods. However, future research is warranted in developing the MCR to encourage consumption of healthier food options.
Shaping national plans and strategies for rare diseases in Europe: past, present, and future
Authors: Hedley Victoria , Bottarelli Valentina , Weinman Ariane , Taruscio Domenica
Published: May 2021

Addressing the many challenges posed by rare diseases to patients, families, and society at large demands a specific national (as well as transnational) focus. Historically, the practice of elaborating and adopting national plans and strategies for rare diseases, following a request from the European Commission in 2009, has been an essential means of ensuring this focus, with 25 European Member States having adopted a plan or strategy at some stage. However, from the vantage point of late 2020, there are signs that momentum and commitment to the development, implementation, and renewal of national plans is waning, in some cases. In this article, we examine the status quo and explore the trend for national plans and strategies to expire without clear commitments or timelines for replacement. We also examine the factors and institutions which supported the initial drive towards the adoption of national plans and strategies in Europe and consider the very different climate in which the next generation of national policies may—or may not—be shaped.
A Critical Review of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s “Burning and Peatlands” Position Statement
Authors: Ashby✉ Mark Andrew , Heinemeyer Andreas
Published: May 2021

Despite substantial contrary evidence, there has been a growing tendency to present prescribed vegetation burning as a management practice that is always damaging to peatland ecosystems in the UK. This is exemplified by the “Burning and Peatlands” position statement published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature UK Peatland Programme. Indeed, while we strongly agree with several of the statements made within this position statement, it also contains a series of unverified assertions and misleading arguments that seemingly serve to simplify the narrative and paint prescribed burning as a wholly damaging peatland management tool. Given that this position statement is published by one of the UK’s most prominent peatland conservation organisations, it is likely to be consulted when debating upland land use policy. Therefore, for the benefit of policymakers, we provide a point-by-point critical review of the “Burning and Peatlands” position statement. We also discuss several further points for researchers and policymakers to consider that are consistently ignored by those attempting to simplify the narrative about prescribed burning. Our aim in producing this discussion paper is to encourage the research and policy community to move towards an evidence-based position about prescribed burning impacts on UK peatlands.
Smoking Cigarettes, Marijuana, and the Transition to Marriage among Cohabiters in the USA
Authors: Roghani Ali , Nyarko Samuel H. , Potter Lloyd
Published: May 2021

Many studies have established that married people have lower rates of smoking than singles and cohabiters. However, there is still limited research showing whether this advantage also applies specifically to cohabiters before marriage. Hence, this study examines the association between cigarette and marijuana smoking and the transition to marriage among cohabiters in the USA. This study employs data from seventeen waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. Discrete-time logistic regression models are used to test whether lower rates of cigarette and marijuana smoking among cohabiters are associated with the transition to marriage. Results indicate that lower levels of marijuana and cigarette smoking are associated with the transition to marriage among male and female cohabiters. Not smoking cigarettes and marijuana is associated with a significantly higher odds of transition to marriage for both sexes. The findings show that smoking status may play a significant role in the odds of getting married during cohabitation. Pro-marital policies can focus on addressing smoking habits among cohabiters.
Capturing synergies and strengthening strategic geographies through cross-business collaboration
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: May 2021

As we have seen recently in the pages of this newsletter, Canada's H2O Innovation Inc has further strengthened its membrane speciality chemicals capabilities by acquiring remaining shares in Genesys Membrane Products SL. This brief article summarises two examples of successful initial collaboration of business lines – highlighting the synergies between the recently acquired subsidiary and other areas in which H2O Innovation is already involved.
A Protocol for Carotid Artery Stenting in COVID Times. A Single Canadian Centre Experience
Authors: Kiwan Ruba , Jukes Alistair , Mayich Michael , Boulton Melfort , Sharma Manas , Pelz David , Pandey Sachin
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in huge disruption to healthcare delivery worldwide. There is a need to balance the urgent needs of the neurovascular patient population with the desire to preserve critical inpatient hospital capacity. It is incumbent on neurointerventionalists to advocate for their patients to minimise future disability. Patients still require semiurgent carotid revascularisation after ischaemic embolic events. We present a review of a novel protocol for expediting patient flow through the carotid stenting process, in accordance with government directives to minimise nonessential inpatient admissions, ensure its efficacy, and evaluate its safety. We also evaluate the literature regarding complications with attention to the timing of these related to the procedure.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 45 consecutive carotid stenting cases performed at London Health Sciences Centre between March 2020 and March 2021 for symptomatic extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis utilising a default same-day discharge policy was performed. Complications were plotted as a function of time.

Results:

Twenty-four patients underwent carotid artery stenting with same-day discharge and 21 patients underwent stenting with an overnight inpatient stay. A single stent occlusion occurred 27 h post stenting.

Conclusion:

Simple modification of protocol for symptomatic carotid artery stenting during the COVID-19 outbreak with radial access as first approach appears to provide safe, efficacious care.
The EU Queries: A Form of Extra-Judicial Preliminary Reference in the Field of Maladministration?
Authors: Athanasiadou Natassa , Vogiatzis Nikos
Published: May 2021

This Article represents the first comprehensive study of the EU query process, a form of flexible extra-judicial cooperation between the European Ombudsman and the national ombud offices on the interpretation and application of EU law across member states. The way this cooperation is constructed brings imminently to mind the preliminary reference procedure: A national office submits a query within the scope of EU law to the European Ombudsman who, after consultation with the Commission—in the vast majority of cases—provides a reply. Upon closer examination, however, this Article illustrates key differences between the two procedures, while pointing out the added value of the EU query procedure compared to the preliminary reference. More specifically, while the interpretation that is provided is not authoritative or legally binding (among other differences), thanks to the flexibility of this instrument, interpretative guidance is provided at an early stage in case a problem in the interpretation and application of EU law arises, and thus litigation may be avoided. Furthermore, the EU query procedure serves as a reliable source of information for both the European and the national sides. However, this Article also identifies a number of challenges in relation to the transparency of the scheme, its effective functioning, as well as its interplay with other instruments, such as the infringement procedure.
Musculoskeletal system disorders and kinesiophobia in type 2 diabetes: A case–control study
Authors: Okur Ismail , Taspinar Betul , Kilit Turkan P. , Okur Eda O. , Taspinar Ferruh
Published: May 2021

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and musculoskeletal system disorders and kinesiophobia levels. Eighty-four participants (41 diabetics and 43 nondiabetic individuals) self-reported their musculoskeletal problems and levels of kinesiophobia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric Pearson’s Chi-Square testing, and Mann–Whitney U test. Results indicated the total Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire score was 190.55 ± 261.56 for the patients with T2DM and 98.11 ± 167.31 for the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale scores were higher for the T2DM group (p < 0.05). We conclude from these findings that T2DM is associated with a higher frequency of musculoskeletal system disorders and higher levels of kinesiophobia.
Anticipating the monsoon: the necessity and impossibility of the seasonal weather forecast for South Asia, 1886–1953
Authors: Carson Sarah
Published: May 2021

This article examines the most controversial of the activities of the India Meteorological Department (IMD): long-term seasonal forecasting for the South Asian subcontinent. Under the pressure of recurrent famines, in 1886 the imperial IMD commenced annual issue of monsoon predictions several months in advance, focused on one variable: rainfall. This state service was new to global late nineteenth-century meteorology, attempted first and most rigorously in India. Successive IMD leaders adapted the forecast in light of scientific and infrastructural developments, continuously revising the underlying methods of its production. All methods failed to achieve accurate prevision. Nevertheless, the imperatives of economic administration, empire and public demand compelled IMD scientists to continue annual publication of this unreliable product. This article contends that the seasonal forecast is best understood as an enduring ritual of good governance in a monsoonal environment. Through analysis of newspaper controversies, it suggests that although the seasonal forecast was the most compelling justification for the IMD's imperial and global importance, its limitations undercut popular trust in modern meteorology. Finally, this case illustrates the centrality of ‘tropical meteorology’ to the historical development of modern atmospheric science.
Associations between different measurements of sarcopenic obesity and health outcomes among non-frail community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan
Authors: Peng Tao-Chun , Chen Wei-Liang , Chen Yuan-Yuei , Chao Yuan-Ping , Wu Li-Wei , Kao Tung-Wei
Published: May 2021

The most important issue for the clinical application of sarcopenic obesity (SO) is the lack of a consensus definition. The aim of the present study was to determine the best measurement for SO by estimating the association between various definitions and the risk of falls and metabolic syndrome (MS). We studied a community of 765 adults aged 65 years and older in 2015–2017. Sarcopenia obesity was measured by sarcopenia (defined by low muscle mass with either low handgrip strength or low gait speed or both) plus obesity (defined by waist circumference, body fat percentage and BMI). The MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the relationships between sarcopenia obesity and risk of fall and MS. In the analysis of the fall risk with SO defined by waist circumference, the participants with non-sarcopenia/non-obesity were treated as the reference group. The OR to fall in participants with SO was 10·16 (95 % CI 2·71, 38·13) after adjusting for confounding covariates. In the analysis of the risk of the MS between participants with individual components of sarcopenia coupled with obesity defined by waist circumference, the risk was statistically significant for low gait speed (OR: 7·19; 95 % CI 3·61, 14·30) and low grip strength (OR: 9·19; 95 % CI 5·00, 16·91). A combination of low grip strength and abdominal obesity for identifying SO may be a more precise and practical method for predicting target populations with unfavourable health risks, such as falls risk and MS.
Peaking and interpolation by complex polynomials
Authors: MacGregor Thomas H. , Sterner Michael P.
Published: May 2021

Classical results about peaking from complex interpolation theory are extended to polynomials on a closed disk, and on the complement of its interior. New results are obtained concerning interpolation by univalent polynomials on a Jordan domain whose boundary satisfies certain smoothness conditions.
Two theorems on balanced braces
Authors: Rump Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Two theorems of Gateva-Ivanova [Set-theoretic solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation, braces and symmetric groups, Adv. Math. 338 (2018), 649–701] on square-free set-theoretic solutions to the Yang–Baxter equation are extended to a wide class of solutions. The square-free hypothesis is almost completely removed. Gateva-Ivanova and Majid's ‘cyclic’ condition ${\boldsymbol {\rm lri}}$ is shown to be equivalent to balancedness, introduced in Rump [A decomposition theorem for square-free unitary solutions of the quantum Yang-Baxter equation, Adv. Math. 193 (2005), 40–55]. Basic results on balanced solutions are established. For example, it is proved that every finite, not necessarily square-free, balanced brace determines a multipermutation solution.
A comparison of self-reported risk and protective factors and the death implicit association test in the prediction of future suicide attempts in adolescent emergency department patients
Authors: Brent D. A. , Grupp-Phelan J. , O'Shea B. A. , Patel S. J. , Mahabee-Gittens E. M. , Rogers A. , Duffy S. J. , Shenoi R. P. , Chernick L. S. , Casper T. C. , Webb M. W. , Nock M. K. , King C. A. ,   for Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: May 2021

Background

Concerns have been raised about the utility of self-report assessments in predicting future suicide attempts. Clinicians in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) often are required to assess suicidal risk. The Death Implicit Association Test (IAT) is an alternative to self-report assessment of suicidal risk that may have utility in ED settings.

Methods

A total of 1679 adolescents recruited from 13 pediatric emergency rooms in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network were assessed using a self-report survey of risk and protective factors for a suicide attempt, and the IAT, and then followed up 3 months later to determine if an attempt had occurred. The accuracy of prediction was compared between self-reports and the IAT using the area under the curve (AUC) with respect to receiver operator characteristics.

Results

A few self-report variables, namely, current and past suicide ideation, past suicidal behavior, total negative life events, and school or social connectedness, predicted an attempt at 3 months with an AUC of 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.84–0.90] in the entire sample, and AUC = 0.91, (95% CI 0.85–0.95) for those who presented without reported suicidal ideation. The IAT did not add significantly to the predictive power of selected self-report variables. The IAT alone was modestly predictive of 3-month attempts in the overall sample ((AUC = 0.59, 95% CI 0.52–0.65) and was a better predictor in patients who were non-suicidal at baseline (AUC = 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.79).

Conclusions

In pediatric EDs, a small set of self-reported items predicted suicide attempts within 3 months more accurately than did the IAT.