bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of single and dual command operations in non-traditional warehouse design
Authors: Bortolini Marco , Galizia Francesco Gabriele , Gamberi Mauro , Gualano Francesco
Published: October 2020

Non-traditional warehouses rise as effective solutions to shorten the travelled distances to store and retrieve unit loads, adding aisles crossing the parallel racks. Multiple warehouse configurations are proposed by the literature discussing the enhancements toward standard layouts. In previous contributions, the authors introduced the diagonal cross-aisle model, concluding about its positive impact on the handling performances under single command operations. This paper extends the previous works, integrating dual command operations, through an original analytic model supporting the design of non-traditional warehouses with a couple of symmetric straight diagonal cross-aisles and random storage assignment strategy. The closed-form expressions to compute the expected cycle travel distances are provided, optimising the aisle position. An industrial case study applies the model, getting distance savings ranging from 11 to 17%, compared to standard layout and further considering the loss of storage space due to the presence of the additional aisles.
Long run trails of poverty, 1925–2010
Authors: Moatsos Michail
Published: October 2020

What use has a poverty line when we do not know what it actually allows for? I exploit this weaknesses of the dollar-a-day methodology to motivate a relatively more consistent alternative in global poverty measurement. Poverty lines targeting well-defined welfare levels are constructed as consumption baskets, following recommendation 15 of the World Bank Commission on Global Poverty which promotes the use of a cost of basic needs approach in global poverty measurement. Those baskets are priced locally and separately for each year, and account for basic nutrition, heating, housing, health, education and other expenses. This transparent method is here applied on long run poverty measurement for a group of eight countries. A second contribution is the error accounting approach using Monte Carlo technique for micro-simulations. This is in line with recommendation 5 for “total error” accounting, published in the recent Commission on Global Poverty report. Thus, statistical analysis of global poverty becomes possible. The evolution of the poverty profile in five key western countries along with three countries from Africa, seen from a broader global perspective, allows for a comparative analysis. Among this small group of countries, the Netherlands appear to be the champions in fighting extreme absolute poverty, with all poverty lines producing zero absolute poverty rates since 1987. An important caveat in interpreting these results is the use of sub-optimal distributional data for these estimates, in order to keep the quality of the underlying data comparable throughout the estimation period.
The image in $${\mathcal {M}}_g$$ of strata of meromorphic and quadratic differentials
Authors: Bud Andrei
Published: October 2020

We compute the dimension of the image of the map$$\pi _Z :Z \rightarrow {\mathcal {M}}_g$$πZ:Z→Mgforgetting the markings, whereZis a connected component of the stratum$${\mathcal {H}}^k_g(\mu )$$Hgk(μ)ofk-differentials with an assigned partition$$\mu $$μ, for the cases when$$k=1$$k=1with meromorphic partition and$$k=2$$k=2when the quadratic differentials have at worst simple poles.
Modification and validation of the Endopep-mass spectrometry method for botulinum neurotoxin detection in liver samples with application to samples collected during animal botulism outbreaks
Authors: Tevell Åberg Annica , Karlsson Ida , Hedeland Mikael
Published: October 2020

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent toxins known and they cause the paralytic disease botulism in humans and animals. In order to diagnose botulism, active BoNT must be detected in biological material. Endopep-MS is a sensitive and selective method for serum samples, based on antibody capture, enzymatic cleavage of target peptides, and detection of cleavage products using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). In many cases of animal botulism, serum samples are not available or they do not contain detectable amounts of BoNT and liver sampling is an alternative for postmortem examinations. However, the Endopep-MS method is impaired by the inherent protease activity of liver samples. In the presented study, the Endopep-MS method has been successfully modified and validated for analysis of cattle, horse, and avian liver samples, introducing a combination of a salt washing step and a protease inhibitor cocktail. These modifications resulted in a substantial decrease in interfering signals and increase in BoNT-specific signals. This led to a substantial improvement in sensitivity for especially BoNT-C and C/D which are among the most prominent serotypes for animal botulism. Botulism was diagnosed with the new method in liver samples from dead cattle and birds from outbreaks in Sweden.
Off-label use of dexmedetomidine in paediatric anaesthesiology: an international survey of 791 (paediatric) anaesthesiologists
Authors: van Hoorn Camille E. , Flint Robert B. , Skowno Justin , Davies Paul , Engelhardt Thomas , Lalwani Kirk , Olutoye Olutoyin , Ista Erwin , de Graaff Jurgen C.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this international study was to investigate prescribing practices of dexmedetomidine by paediatric anaesthesiologists.

Methods

We performed an online survey on the prescription rate of dexmedetomidine, route of administration and dosage, adverse drug reactions, education on the drug and overall experience. Members of specialist paediatric anaesthesia societies of Europe (ESPA), New Zealand and Australia (SPANZA), Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI) and the USA (SPA) were consulted. Responses were collected in July and August 2019.

Results

Data from 791 responders (17% of 5171 invitees) were included in the analyses. Dexmedetomidine was prescribed by 70% of the respondents (ESPA 53%; SPANZA 69%; APAGBI 34% and SPA 96%), mostly for procedural sedation (68%), premedication (46%) and/or ICU sedation (46%). Seventy-three percent had access to local or national protocols, although lack of education was the main reason cited by 26% of the respondents not to prescribe dexmedetomidine. The main difference in dexmedetomidine use concerned the age of patients (SPA primarily < 1 year, others primarily > 1 year). The dosage varied widely ranging from 0.2–5 μg kg−1 for nasal premedication, 0.2–8 μg kg−1 for nasal procedural sedation and 0–4 μg kg−1 intravenously as adjuvant for anaesthesia. Only ESPA members (61%) had noted an adverse drug reaction, namely bradycardia.

Conclusion

The majority of anaesthesiologists use dexmedetomidine in paediatrics for premedication, procedural sedation, ICU sedation and anaesthesia, despite the off-label use and sparse evidence. The large intercontinental differences in prescribing dexmedetomidine call for consensus and worldwide education on the optimal use in paediatric practice.
Condition-dependent differences in male vibratory pre-copulatory and copulatory courtship in a nuptial gift-giving spider
Authors: Eberhard Monika J. B. , Machnis Alexandra , Uhl Gabriele
Published: October 2020

Condition-dependent secondary sexual traits and signals are often crucial for mate choice decisions. Nuptial gifts, provided by the male to the female during mating, may represent an indicator of male condition, especially if production of the gift is energetically costly. Additionally, other signalling modalities may well play a role in mate choice in such systems. Females of the nursery web spiderPisaura mirabilispreferably mate with males that provide a prey item wrapped in silk. Apart from the nuptial gift, vibrational signals employed during courtship and mating may reveal additional information about male condition. We tested condition-dependence of male vibrational signals of well-fed versus starved males, when in contact with female dragline silk and during mating trials. Our results show that vibrational signals are produced inP. mirabilis, both during pre-copulatory courtship and during copulation. Male courtship signals were condition-dependent: males in good condition initiated signalling earlier and emitted more vibrational pulses than poor-condition males. They were also more likely to be accepted by the female for copulation. We additionally identified vibrational signals during copulation. These signals were different from pre-copulatory courtship vibrations but did not differ between the treatment groups. This study shows that vibrational communication plays an important role before and during copulation inP. mirabilis. It sets the stage for further experiments on spider biotremology associated with nuptial gift giving behaviour.

Significance statement

Male courtship behaviour can indicate a male’s condition and quality and be subject to female mate choice. Vibrational communication during mating plays a crucial role in many animal species. Spiders are known to be extremely sensitive towards vibrations, and there is evidence that vibratory signals are also used during courtship. Here, we study the nuptial gift-giving spiderPisaura mirabilisin which courtship entails providing a nuptial gift by the male to the female. The gift quality determines on the probability and duration of mating. We investigated the role of vibrational behaviour in this species by standardizing nuptial gifts. Our study demonstrates that vibratory signals comprise information about the male’s condition, that signals are also produced during mating and that courtship and copulatory signals are strikingly different. We suggest that vibrational communication provides important condition-dependent traits for female mate choice in addition to the nuptial gift.
In vivo 3D tomography of the lumbar spine using a twin robotic X-ray system: quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the lumbar neural foramina in supine and upright position
Authors: Falkowski Anna L. , Kovacs Balazs K. , Benz Robyn M. , Tobler Patrick , Schön Stephan , Stieltjes Bram , Hirschmann Anna
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Supine lumbar spine examinations underestimate body weight effects on neuroforaminal size. Therefore, our purpose was to evaluate size changes of the lumbar neuroforamina using supine and upright 3D tomography and to initially assess image quality compared with computed tomography (CT).

Methods

The lumbar spines were prospectively scanned in 48 patients in upright (3D tomographic twin robotic X-ray) and supine (30 with 3D tomography, 18 with CT) position. Cross-sectional area (CSA), cranio-caudal (CC), and ventro-dorsal (VD) diameters of foramina were measured by two readers and additionally graded in relation to the intervertebral disc height. Visibility of bone/soft tissue structures and image quality were assessed independently on a 5-point Likert scale for the 18 patients scanned with both modalities. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test (p < 0.05), and interreader reliability were calculated.

Results

Neuroforaminal size significantly decreased at all levels for both readers from the supine (normal intervertebral disc height; CSA 1.25 ± 0.32 cm2; CC 1.84 ± 0.24 cm2; VD 0.88 ± 0.16 cm2) to upright position (CSA 1.12 ± 0.34 cm2; CC 1.78 ± 0.24 cm2; VD 0.83 ± 0.16 cm2; each p < 0.001). Decrease in intervertebral disc height correlated with decrease in foraminal size (supine: CSA 0.88 ± 0.34 cm2; CC 1.39 ± 0.33 cm2; VD 0.87 ± 0.26 cm2; upright: CSA 0.83 ± 0.37 cm2, p = 0.010; CC 1.32 ± 0.33 cm2, p = 0.015; VD 0.80 ± 0.21 cm2, p = 0.021). Interreader reliability for area was fair to excellent (0.51–0.89) with a wide range for cranio-caudal (0.32–0.74) and ventro-dorsal (0.03–0.70) distances. Image quality was superior for CT compared with that for 3D tomography (p < 0.001; κ, CT = 0.66–0.92/3D tomography = 0.51–1.00).

Conclusions

The size of the lumbar foramina is smaller in the upright weight-bearing position compared with that in the supine position. Image quality, especially nerve root delineation, is inferior using 3D tomography compared to CT.

Key Points

• Weight-bearing examination demonstrates a decrease of the neuroforaminal size.

• Patients with higher decrease in intervertebral disc showed a narrower foraminal size.

• Image quality is superior with CT compared to 3D tomographic twin robotic X-ray at the lumbar spine.
Highly diverse mesophotic reef fish communities in Raja Ampat, West Papua
Authors: Andradi-Brown Dominic A. , Beer Angela J. E. , Colin Luigi , Hastuti  , Head Catherine E. I. , Hidayat Nur Ismu , Lindfield Steven J. , Mitchell Catherine R. , Pada Defy N. , Piesinger Nikola M. , Purwanto  , Ahmadia Gabby N.
Published: October 2020

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; reefs 30–150 m depth) are poorly studied, with existing research heavily geographically biased away from the most species-rich reef regions. Yet, MCEs are of high interest because of their unique species and potential to act as refuges from the impacts of fishing. Using baited remote underwater video systems, we surveyed reef fish communities from 2 to 85 m depths throughout the Raja Ampat archipelago in West Papua, Indonesia—an area considered the heart of the Coral Triangle where coral reef biodiversity is greatest. We sought to provide the first assessment of fish communities across this depth gradient in the region and identify whether human population density and market access differently affected fish abundance based on depth. Here we show that—similar to shallow reefs—Raja Ampat MCEs are exceptionally diverse, with 152 fish species recorded at depths greater than 40 m. We found that fish community structures were highly depth driven, with declines in fish abundance at increased depth. In contrast to previous studies elsewhere in the world, we found that the proportion of planktivores declined across the shallow reef to MCE depth gradient. While greater human population density correlated with lower Epinephelidae and Lutjanidae abundance (two key fisheries families), we did not find evidence that MCEs provide a depth refuge from fishing. Surprisingly, we also found that fish abundance declined at greater distances from the major regional market—likely caused by historical fisheries pressure in more remote areas. These results both expand upon and contrast some previously established MCE-depth patterns and human impact patterns on fish communities, suggesting that regional context and historical pressures matters. Our findings highlight the need for future MCE studies within the Coral Triangle region.
Preoperative quality of life as prediction for severe postoperative complications in gynecological cancer surgery: results of a prospective study
Authors: Sehouli Jalid , Heise Kathrin , Richter Rolf , Woopen Hannah , Anders Louise , Inci Melisa Guelhan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative quality of life (QoL) as a predictive tool for severe postoperative complications (POC) in gynecological cancer surgery.

Methods

This is a prospective study of patients undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery at an academic center in Germany. QoL was assessed by the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT). Several geriatric assessment tools have been applied. POC were graded using Clavien–Dindo criteria. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we identified predictive clinical characteristics for postoperative complications.

Results

Within 30 days of surgery, 40 patients (18%) experienced grade ≥ 3b complications including 9 patients (4%) who died. The dominant complication was anastomosis insufficiency with 13 patients (5.8%). In the multivariable stepwise logistic regression through all univariate significant variables, we found that impaired physical functioning was predictive of POC, defined by an EORTC score < 70 (OR 5.08, 95% CI 2.23–11.59, p < 0.001). Regarding symptoms nausea/vomiting assessed as an EORTC score > 20 (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.15–8.26, p = 0.025) indicated a significant predictive value. Being overweight or obese (BMI > 25) were also identified as predictive factors (OR 5.44, 95% CI 2.04–14.49, p = 0.001) as were reduced Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) results < 27 (OR 7.94, 95% CI 1.36–45.46, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Preoperative QoL measurements could help to predict postoperative complications in patients with gynecological cancer. Patients with limitations of mobility, debilitating symptoms and cognitive impairment have an increased risk for developing severe POC.
Outcome of half-dose photodynamic therapy in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy with fovea-involving atrophy
Authors: van Rijssen Thomas J. , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Scholz Paula , MacLaren Robert E. , Fauser Sascha , Downes Susan M. , Hoyng Carel B. , Boon Camiel J. F.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes after half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) patients with pre-existent fovea-involving atrophy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, cCSC patients who had a window defect of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) on fluorescein angiography (FA), compatible with RPE atrophy, prior to half-dose PDT were included.

Results

Thirty-four cCSC eyes with typical findings of cCSC on multimodal imaging, and fovea-involving RPE atrophy on FA, were included. At the first visit after PDT (at a median of 1.8 months after half-dose PDT), 20 eyes (59%) had a complete resolution of SRF (p < 0.001), while this was the case in 19 eyes (56%) at final visit (median of 11.3 months after half-dose PDT; p < 0.001). The mean BCVA in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters was 71. 2 ± 15.9 at last visit before PDT, which increased to 74.1 ± 14.1 at first visit after PDT (p = 0.093, compared with baseline), and changed to 73.0 ± 19.1 at final visit (p = 0.392, compared with baseline). Both at first visit after PDT and at final visit, a significant decrease in subfoveal choroidal thickness was observed (p = 0.032 and p = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusions

Half-dose PDT in cCSC patients with pre-existing fovea-involving atrophy may lead to anatomical changes, but not to functional improvements. Ideally, cCSC should be treated with half-dose PDT before the occurrence of such atrophy.
Towards systematic nomenclature for cell-free DNA
Authors: Bronkhorst Abel J. , Ungerer Vida , Diehl Frank , Anker Philippe , Dor Yuval , Fleischhacker Michael , Gahan Peter B. , Hui Lisa , Holdenrieder Stefan , Thierry Alain R.
Published: October 2020

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has become widely recognized as a promising candidate biomarker for minimally invasive characterization of various genomic disorders and other clinical scenarios. However, among the obstacles that currently challenge the general progression of the research field, there remains an unmet need for unambiguous universal cfDNA nomenclature. To address this shortcoming, we classify in this report the different types of cfDNA molecules that occur in the human body based on its origin, genetic traits, and locality. We proceed by assigning existing terms to each of these cfDNA subtypes, while proposing new terms and abbreviations where clarity is lacking and more precise stratification would be beneficial. We then suggest the proper usage of these terms within different contexts and scenarios, focusing mainly on the nomenclature as it relates to the domains of oncology, prenatal testing, and post-transplant surgery surveillance. We hope that these recommendations will serve as useful considerations towards the establishment of universal cfDNA nomenclature in the future. In addition, it is conceivable that many of these recommendations can be transposed to cell-free RNA nomenclature by simply exchanging “DNA” with “RNA” in each acronym/abbreviation. Similarly, when describing DNA and RNA collectively, the suffix can be replaced with “NAs” to indicate nucleic acids.
A novel downscaling procedure for compositional data in the Aitchison geometry with application to soil texture data
Authors: Gatti Federico , Menafoglio Alessandra , Togni Niccolò , Bonaventura Luca , Brambilla Davide , Papini Monica , Longoni Laura
Published: October 2020

In this work, we present a novel downscaling procedure for compositional quantities based on the Aitchison geometry. The method is able to naturally consider compositional constraints, i.e. unit-sum and positivity, accounting for the scale invariance and relative scale of these data. We show that the method can be used in a block sequential Gaussian simulation framework in order to assess the variability of downscaled quantities. Finally, to validate the method, we test it first in an idealized scenario and then apply it for the downscaling of digital soil maps on a more realistic case study. The digital soil maps for the realistic case study are obtained from SoilGrids, a system for automated soil mapping based on state-of-the-art spatial predictions methods.
Physical exercise for bone health in men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Bressi Barbara , Cagliari Maribel , Contesini Massimiliano , Mazzini Elisa , Bergamaschi Franco Antonio Mario , Moscato Alfredo , Bassi Maria Chiara , Costi Stefania
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a treatment used in men with prostate cancer (PCa); however it is responsible for many adverse effects, with negative impact on quality of life. ADT causes loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and skeletal muscle mass, alteration of body composition, and cognitive function, which altogether lead to increased risk of accidental falls and fractures. This systematic review analyses the effectiveness of physical exercise (PE) in preventing accidental falls and fractures and reducing the loss of BMD in men with PCa receiving ADT.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for articles between database inception and September 2, 2020. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of exercise on bone health in men with PCa receiving ADT.

Results

Nine RCTs were included. Experimental PE consisted in multicomponent programmes that involved aerobic, resistance, impact-loading exercise, and football training. None of the RCTs investigated the risk of accidental falls and fractures, while two trials reported beneficial effects of PE on lumbar spine, hip, and femoral shaft BMD. No further significant difference was detected in the outcomes investigated.

Conclusion

Evidence of the effectiveness of PE to prevent the risk of accidental falls and fractures and BMD loss is lacking. Nevertheless, clinical guidelines recommend PE as a part of the clinical management of men with PCa receiving ADT due to its known numerous health benefits. Research should focus on PE strategies to prevent accidental falls, a clinically relevant outcome in this vulnerable population.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, number CRD 42020158444) on 04/28/2020.