bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of current advances in survival analysis and frailty models
Authors: Govindarajulu Usha S. , D'Agostino Ralph B.
Published: March 2020

In this article, we have presented a review of existing methods and trends in survival analysis and frailty models. The background has been presented for each topic discussed for survival and frailty models where the presentation flows from original methods to more advanced methods. This article has also shown various current methodologies that exist among survival and frailty models. The advantages and disadvantages of more recent methodologies are presented and discussed in this review.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Survival Models

Statistical Models > Semiparametric Models
Sociology: An Exploration into the Discipline's Relationship with Leadership Education
Authors: Lorr Michael J.
Published: March 2020

As a discipline, sociology examines cultural and organizational dimensions of human interactions in society that provide the foundation for leadership studies as well as inform the development of leaders.
A Coordination Polymer based on Interconnection of Thioantimonate(III) and [Mn(terpy)]2+ Complexes: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of {[(Mn(terpy))2Sb4S8]·0.5H2O}n
Authors: Danker Felix , Anderer Carolin , Näther Christian , Terraschke Huayna , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: March 2020

Applying Schlippe's salt, Na3SbS4·9H2O, in the presence of the in‐situ formed [Mn(terpy)]2+ complex (terpy = 2,2':6',2''‐terpyridine) the new compound {[(Mn(terpy))2Sb4S8]·0.5H2O}n (I) could be obtained under solvothermal conditions. Interestingly, in the crystal structure the two unique Mn2+ cations adopt different environments to form a MnN3S3 octahedron and a MnN3S2 trigonal pyramid. The trigonal pyramidal SbS33– anions share common edges yielding a Sb8S8 ring. Covalent bonds between Mn2+ and S2– generate MnSb2S3 and Mn2Sb4S6 heterocycles. The Sb8S8 and Mn2Sb4S6 rings are condensed to form a chain. The MnN3S3 octahedron and the MnN3S2 polyhedron share a common S2– anion and antiferromagnetic properties are observed mediated by superexchange interactions. {[(Mn(terpy))2Sb4S8]·0.5H2O}n shows luminescence in the blue‐green spectral range, assigned to combined contributions from Mn2+ ions and from the organic ligand.
TMEM16A drives renal cyst growth by augmenting Ca2+ signaling in M1 cells
Authors: Cabrita Ines , Buchholz Björn , Schreiber Rainer , Kunzelmann Karl
Published: March 2020

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) leads to continuous decline of renal function by growth of renal cysts. Enhanced proliferation and transepithelial chloride secretion through cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Ca2+-activated TMEM16A Cl− channels is thought to cause an increase in cyst volume. Recent work shows the pro-proliferative role of the Ca2+ activated Cl− channel TMEM16A (anoctamin 1), and demonstrates the essential contribution of TMEM16A to CFTR-dependent Cl− secretion. The present data demonstrate an increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signals and Cl− secretion by TMEM16A, in renal collecting duct principle cells from dog (MDCK) and mouse (M1) as well as primary tubular epithelial cells from PKD1−/− knockout mice. M1 organoids proliferated, increased expression of TMEM16A, and secreted Cl− upon knockdown of endogenous polycystin 1 or 2 (PKD1,2), by retroviral transfection with shPKD1 and shPKD2, respectively. Knockdown of PKD1 or PKD2 increased basal intracellular Ca2+ levels and enhanced purinergic Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, ryanodine receptors were found not to be expressed in mouse renal epithelial cells and caffeine had no effects on [Ca2+]i. Ca2+ signals, proliferation, and Cl− secretion were largely reduced by knockdown or blockade of TMEM16A. TMEM16A may be therefore important for enhanced Ca2+ release from IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores in polycystic kidney disease.

Key messages

• ADPKD leads to continuous decline of renal function by growth of renal cysts.

• Knockdown of PKD1 or PKD2 increases TMEM16A expression.

• TMEM16A enhanced intracellular Ca2+ signals, Cl− secretion, and proliferation.

• TMEM16A contributes to cyst growth in ADPKD.
Trendy e-cigarettes enter Europe: chemical characterization of JUUL pods and its aerosols
Authors: Mallock Nadja , Trieu Hai Linh , Macziol Miriam , Malke Sebastian , Katz Aaron , Laux Peter , Henkler-Stephani Frank , Hahn Jürgen , Hutzler Christoph , Luch Andreas
Published: March 2020

The popularity and the high nicotine content of the American pod e-cigarette JUUL have raised many concerns. To comply with European law, the nicotine concentration in the liquids of the European version, which has been recently released on the market, is limited to below 20 mg/mL. This limit can possibly be circumvented by technological adjustments that increase vaporization and consequently, elevate nicotine delivery. In this study, we compare vapor generation and nicotine delivery of the initial European version, a modified European version, and the original American high-nicotine variant using a machine vaping set-up. Additionally, benzoic acid and carbonyl compounds are quantified in the aerosol. Further, concentrations of nicotine, benzoic acid, propylene glycol, and glycerol, along with the density and pH value of JUUL e-liquids have been assessed. Whereas the initial European version did not compensate for the low nicotine content in the liquid, we provide evidence for an increased vaporization by the modified European version. As a consequence, nicotine delivery per puff approximates the American original. Notably, this is not associated with an increased generation of carbonyl compounds. Our data suggest a similar addictiveness of the enhanced European version and the original American product.
Pseudo-Symmetric Assembly of Protodomains as a Common Denominator in the Evolution of Polytopic Helical Membrane Proteins
Authors: Youkharibache Philippe , Tran Alexander , Abrol Ravinder
Published: March 2020

The polytopic helical membrane proteome is dominated by proteins containing seven transmembrane helices (7TMHs). They cannot be grouped under a monolithic fold or superfold. However, a parallel structural analysis of folds around that magic number of seven in distinct protein superfamilies (SWEET, PnuC, TRIC, FocA, Aquaporin, GPCRs) reveals a common homology, not in their structural fold, but in their systematic pseudo-symmetric construction during their evolution. Our analysis leads to guiding principles of intragenic duplication and pseudo-symmetric assembly of ancestral transmembrane helical protodomains, consisting of 3 (or 4) helices. A parallel deconstruction and reconstruction of these domains provides a structural and mechanistic framework for their evolutionary paths. It highlights the conformational plasticity inherent to fold formation itself, the role of structural as well as functional constraints in shaping that fold, and the usefulness of protodomains as a tool to probe convergent vs divergent evolution. In the case of FocA vs. Aquaporin, this protodomain analysis sheds new light on their potential divergent evolution at the protodomain level followed by duplication and parallel evolution of the two folds. GPCR domains, whose function does not seem to require symmetry, nevertheless exhibit structural pseudo-symmetry. Their construction follows the same protodomain assembly as any other pseudo-symmetric protein suggesting their potential evolutionary origins. Interestingly, all the 6/7/8TMH pseudo-symmetric folds in this study also assemble as oligomeric forms in the membrane, emphasizing the role of symmetry in evolution, revealing self-assembly and co-evolution not only at the protodomain level but also at the domain level.
Termination rates and histological reclassification of active surveillance patients with low- and early intermediate-risk prostate cancer: results of the PREFERE trial
Authors: Albers Peter , Wiegel Thomas , Schmidberger Heinz , Bussar-Maatz Roswitha , Härter Martin , Kristiansen Glen , Martus Peter , Meisner Christoph , Wellek Stefan , Grozinger Klaus , Renner Peter , Burmester Martin , Schneider Fried , Stöckle Michael
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Active surveillance (AS) strategies for patients with low- and early intermediate-risk prostate cancer are still not consistently defined. Within a controlled randomized trial, active surveillance was compared to other treatment options for patients with prostate cancer. Aim of this analysis was to report on termination rates of patients treated with AS including different grade groups.

Methods

A randomized trial comparing radical prostatectomy, active surveillance, external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy was performed from 2013 to 2016 and included 345 patients with low- and early intermediate-risk prostate cancer (ISUP grade groups 1 and 2). The trial was prematurely stopped due to slow accrual. A total of 130 patients were treated with active surveillance. Among them, 42 patients were diagnosed with intermediate-risk PCA. Reference pathology and AS quality control were performed throughout.

Results

After a median follow-up time of 18.8 months, 73 out of the 130 patients (56%) terminated active surveillance. Of these, 56 (77%) patients were histologically reclassified at the time of rebiopsy, including 35% and 60% of the grade group 1 and 2 patients, respectively. No patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at the time of reclassification had radical prostatectomy specimens ≥ grade group 3.

Conclusion

In this prospectively analyzed subcohort of patients with AS and conventional staging within a randomized trial, the 2-year histological reclassification rates were higher than those previously reported. Active surveillance may not be based on conventional staging alone, and patients with grade group 2 cancers may be recommended for active surveillance in carefully controlled trials only.
‘Minimal symptom expression’ in patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive refractory generalized myasthenia gravis treated with eculizumab
Authors:   The REGAIN study group, Vissing John , Jacob Saiju , Fujita Kenji P. , O’Brien Fanny , Howard James F.
Published: March 2020

Background

The efficacy and tolerability of eculizumab were assessed in REGAIN, a 26-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), and its open-label extension.

Methods

Attainment of ‘minimal symptom expression’ was evaluated using patient-reported outcome measures of gMG symptoms [MG activities of daily living scale (MG-ADL), 15-item MG quality of life questionnaire (MG-QOL15)] at the completion of REGAIN and during the open-label extension. ‘Minimal symptom expression’ was defined as MG-ADL total score of 0–1 or MG-QOL15 total score of 0–3.

Results

At REGAIN week 26, more eculizumab-treated patients achieved ‘minimal symptom expression’ versus placebo [MG-ADL: 21.4% vs 1.7%; difference 19.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.5, 31.0; p = 0.0007; MG-QOL15: 16.1% vs 1.7%; difference 14.4%; 95% CI 4.3, 24.6; p = 0.0069]. During the open-label extension, the proportion of patients in the placebo/eculizumab group who achieved ‘minimal symptom expression’ increased after initiating eculizumab treatment and was sustained through 130 weeks of open-label eculizumab (MG-ADL: 1.7 to 27.8%; MG-QOL15: 1.7 to 19.4%). At extension study week 130, similar proportions of patients in the eculizumab/eculizumab and placebo/eculizumab groups achieved ‘minimal symptom expression’ (MG-ADL: 22.9% and 27.8%, respectively, p = 0.7861; MG-QOL15: 14.3% and 19.4%, respectively, p = 0.7531). The long-term tolerability of eculizumab was consistent with previous reports.

Conclusions

Patients with AChR+ refractory gMG who receive eculizumab can achieve sustained ‘minimal symptom expression’ based on patient-reported outcomes. ‘Minimal symptom expression’ may be a useful tool in measuring therapy effectiveness in gMG.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01997229, NCT02301624.
The impact of the Tokyo emissions trading scheme on office buildings: what factor contributed to the emission reduction?
Authors: Arimura Toshi H. , Abe Tatsuya
Published: March 2020

Tokyo ETS is the first emissions trading scheme to control GHG emissions from office buildings. Although the Tokyo government claimed that Tokyo ETS had been successful, some argued that the emission reduction under Tokyo ETS was actually the result of electricity price increases triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Using a facility-level data set for Japanese office buildings, we conducted an econometric analysis to examine the impact of Tokyo ETS. We found that half of the emission reduction is a result of the ETS, while the rest of the reduction is due to the electricity price increase. Another unique feature of Tokyo ETS is that an accurate permit price is not publicly available due to its design. Using our estimated model, we found that the price is approximately $50 per ton of CO2 in the early phase.
Potential biodiversity change in Central Asian grasslands: scenarios for the impact of climate and land-use change
Authors: Nunez Sarahi , Alkemade Rob , Kok Kasper , Leemans Rik
Published: March 2020

Central Asian grasslands are extensively used for pastoral livestock grazing. This traditional land use is nowadays characterized by intensifying grasslands into more productive pastures. This change affects biodiversity and diminishes grasslands’ ecological role. Biodiversity impacts are probably also exacerbated by climate change. These changes in biodiversity are poorly studied in Central Asia. Here, we estimated potential biodiversity changes in the Central Asian grasslands using the latest shared socio-economic pathways and the representative concentration pathways (i.e., SSP-RCP scenario framework). We selected scenarios with contrasting socio-economic and climate conditions (i.e., SSP1-RCP4.5, SSP3-RCP8.5, SSP4-RCP4.5, and SSP5-RCP8.5) and further detailed the land-use scenarios for the region using stakeholders’ input. We indicated future biodiversity by the mean species abundance indicator. The contrasting scenario combinations showed that grasslands’ biodiversity will decline under each scenario. The strongest impact on biodiversity is expected in SSP5-RCP8.5, where half of the grasslands are likely to lose most of their local originally occurring species by 2100. The lowest impact is expected in SSP4-RCP4.5. Our study stresses the potential vulnerability of this region to increasing land-use intensity and climate change. These impact projections can help regional decision makers to develop and implement better biodiversity-conservation and sustainable management policies for these grasslands.
Physical activity of physiotherapists in Germany: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elsner Bernhard , Völker Daniel , Heinzmann Mario , Rähmer Vera , Kugler Joachim , Mehrholz Jan
Published: March 2020

Aim

We aimed to quantify the work-related physical activity of physiotherapists in Germany.

Subjects and methods

We included working physiotherapists aged between 18 and 65 years in Germany. We excluded physiotherapists working less than 20 h a week. We measured our primary outcome, work-related physical activity, by the average number of steps taken daily during work, standardized on an 8-h working day. We controlled the main outcome for potential confounders, such as working hours per week, age, weekday, and clinical setting (outpatient vs. inpatient), by multivariate linear regression analysis. We used R statistics for all statistical analyses.

Results

We included 35 participants (7 outpatient and 28 inpatient), with a median age category of 20–29 years. Our participants had a mean work-related physical activity of 6614 steps (95% confidence interval, CI [6118; 7111]) per workday. Higher age, outpatient clinical setting, and working full time were associated with lower step count, but these associations were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The work-related physical activity of physiotherapists in Germany is comparable with results from other countries and can be regarded as ‘low’. Our result, however, might be affected by volunteer bias and gender effects. Further research should identify high-risk groups in the profession for cost-effective prevention.
Effect of natural weathering on water absorption and pore size distribution in thermally modified wood determined by nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Cai Chenyang , Javed Muhammad Asadullah , Komulainen Sanna , Telkki Ville-Veikko , Haapala Antti , Heräjärvi Henrik
Published: March 2020

Thermally modified wood (TMW) is widely used in outdoor applications due to its advanced properties towards weathering stresses. Although the structure changes of TMW from weather factors have been reported, investigation of the quantitative analysis of water states and cell wall structure of TMW after weathering is limited. In this work, the amount of bound water, fiber saturation point (FSP), cell wall pores, and free water distribution of thermally modified Scots pine, Norway spruce, and European ash were measured before and after a 2-year natural weathering via NMR relaxometry, cryoporometry, and magnetic resonance imaging. The results show that weathering increased T2 relaxation time of lumens, indicating the degradation of tracheids and vessels, especially in TMW compared to unmodified wood. The amounts of bound water, FSP value, and cell wall pores were increased after weathering; however, an increase in thermal modification intensity resulted in lower FSP and limited the increase in number of pores. In summary, TMW showed better performance than unmodified wood after weathering.
An Observational Study of Social Interaction Skills and Behaviors in Cornelia de Lange, Fragile X and Rubinstein-Taybi Syndromes
Authors: Ellis Katherine , Oliver Chris , Stefanidou Chrysi , Apperly Ian , Moss Jo
Published: March 2020

We directly assessed the broader aspects of sociability (social enjoyment, social motivation, social interaction skills and social discomfort) in individuals with Cornelia de Lange (CdLS), fragile X (FXS) and Rubinstein-Taybi syndromes (RTS), and their association with autism characteristics and chronological age in these groups. Individuals with FXS (p < 0.01) and RTS (p < 0.01) showed poorer quality of eye contact compared to individuals with CdLS. Individuals with FXS showed less person and more object attention than individuals with CdLS (p < 0.01). Associations between sociability and autism characteristics and chronological age differed between groups, which may indicate divergence in the development and aetiology of different components of sociability across these groups. Findings indicate that individuals with CdLS, FXS and RTS show unique profiles of sociability.
Pituitary metastases: presentation and outcomes from a pituitary center over the last decade
Authors: Lithgow K. , Siqueira I. , Senthil L. , Chew H. S. , Chavda S. V. , Ayuk J. , Toogood A. , Gittoes N. , Matthews T. , Batra R. , Meade S. , Sanghera P. , Khan N. , Ahmed S. , Paluzzi A. , Tsermoulas G. , Karavitaki N.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Highlight and characterize manifestations, diagnostic/management approaches and outcomes in a contemporary cohort of patients with pituitary metastases (PM) from a large European pituitary center—over 10 years.

Methods

Retrospective review of PM cases between 1/2009 and 12/2018. Clinical, laboratory, imaging data at PM detection and during follow-up were analysed.

Results

18 cases were identified (14 females; median age at diagnosis 61.5 years). Most common primary malignancies were lung (39%) and breast (32%). Most frequent presenting manifestation was visual dysfunction (50%). Gonadotrophin, ACTH, TSH deficiency were diagnosed in 85%, 67%, 46% of cases, respectively; diabetes insipidus (DI) was present in 17%. 33% of cases were detected during investigation for symptoms unrelated to PM. PM management included radiotherapy (44%), transsphenoidal surgery (17%), transsphenoidal surgery and radiotherapy (6%) or monitoring only (33%). One-year survival was 49% with median survival from PM detection 11 months (range 2–47).

Conclusions

In our contemporary series, clinical presentation of PM has evolved; we found increased prevalence of anterior hypopituitarism, decreased rates of DI and longer survival compared with older literature. Increased availability of diagnostic imaging, improvements in screening and recognition of pituitary disease and longer survival of patients with metastatic cancer may be contributing factors.
Characterisation of the ERF102 to ERF105 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana and their role in the response to cold stress
Authors: Illgen Sylvia , Zintl Stefanie , Zuther Ellen , Hincha Dirk K. , Schmülling Thomas
Published: March 2020

Key message

The four phylogenetically closely related ERF102 to ERF105 transcription factors of Arabidopsis thaliana are regulated by different stresses and are involved in the response to cold stress.

The ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERF) genes of Arabidopsis thaliana form a large family encoding plant-specific transcription factors. Here, we characterise the four phylogenetically closely related ERF102/ERF5, ERF103/ERF6, ERF104 and ERF105 genes. Expression analyses revealed that these four genes are similarly regulated by different hormones and abiotic stresses. Analyses of tissue-specific expression using promoter:GUS reporter lines revealed their predominant expression in root tissues including the root meristem (ERF103), the quiescent center (ERF104) and the root vasculature (all). All GFP-ERF fusion proteins were nuclear-localised. The analysis of insertional mutants, amiRNA lines and 35S:ERF overexpressing transgenic lines indicated that ERF102 to ERF105 have only a limited impact on regulating shoot and root growth. Previous work had shown a role for ERF105 in the cold stress response. Here, measurement of electrolyte leakage to determine leaf freezing tolerance and expression analyses of cold-responsive genes revealed that the combined activity of ERF102 and ERF103 is also required for a full cold acclimation response likely involving the CBF regulon. These results suggest a common function of these ERF genes in the response to cold stress.
Effect of Different Methods of Thermal Treatment on Starch and Bioactive Compounds of Potato
Authors: Narwojsz Agnieszka , Borowska Eulalia Julitta , Polak-Śliwińska Magdalena , Danowska-Oziewicz Marzena
Published: March 2020

The study examined the effects of various methods of thermal treatment of Lord cultivar potato tubers on changes in starch, polyphenols, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, and mineral compounds. Following heat treatment in order to determine further transformations of starch, the potatoes were stored at 2 °C/24 h. Changes in starch, bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties varied depending on the treatment method. In general, higher retention of bioactive compounds was noted for tubers treated with “dry” methods, such as microwaving or grilling than for tubers treated with “wet” methods, e.g., boiling in water, steam cooking or cooking in a combi oven. These samples were also characterised by a higher resistant starch content. Cold storage resulted in an increase in the proportion of resistant starch. Total phenols content ranged from 210.96 (boiling) to 348.46 mg/100 g DW (grilling) and vitamin C content ranged from 43.79 (boiling) to 68.83 mg/100 g DW (microwaving). DPPH radical scavenging activity was the highest for the grilled tubers. The results indicate microwaving and grilling as the most favourable thermal treatments of potato.
Chapter model systems in heterogeneous catalysis at the atomic level: a personal view
Authors: Freund Hans-Joachim , Heyde Markus , Kuhlenbeck Helmut , Nilius Niklas , Risse Thomas , Schmidt Thomas , Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Sterrer Martin
Published: March 2020

The review presents an overview of studies in the surface science of oxide and related surfaces with an emphasis of the studies performed in the authors’ group. Novel instruments and technique developments, as well as their applications are reported, in an attempt to cover studies on model systems of increasing complexity, including some of the key ingredients of an industrially applied heterogeneous catalyst and its fabrication. The review is intended to demonstrate the power of model studies in understanding heterogeneous catalysis at the atomic level. The studies include those on supported nano-particles, both, prepared in vacuum and from solution, interaction of surfaces and the underlying bulk with molecules from the gas phase, strong metal support interaction, as well as the first attempt to include studies on reactions in confined spaces.
Religion and CSR: a systematic literature review
Authors: van Aaken Dominik , Buchner Florian
Published: March 2020

Around the turn of the millennium, a growing body of literature emerged that focuses on the relationship between religion and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Although the connection between religion and CSR seems obvious at first, the literature in this field yields conflicting results. This paper provides the first systematic review of the literature that deals with the relation between religion and CSR. We categorized the literature into a matrix, which distinguishes the level of analysis (micro/macro) on the one hand and types of approaches (normative/empirical) on the other. Results are clustered according to the religions they address to identify similarities between and locate trends in research.
Storylines for practice: a visual storytelling approach to strengthen the science-practice interface
Authors: Cortes Arevalo Vivian Juliette , Verbrugge Laura N. H. , Sools Anneke , Brugnach Marcela , Wolterink Rik , van Denderen R. Pepijn , Candel Jasper H. J. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: March 2020

A growing number of scientific publications is available to promote sustainable river management. However, these publications target researchers rather than water management professionals who are responsible for the implementation of management practices. To bridge this science-to-practice gap, we conceptualize and propose a series of steps to prepare effective storylines targeted at a practitioner audience. We developed this approach within a research program that supports integrated and collaborative river management. We prepared three storylines, each based on one scientific publication. The storylines combined text and interactive visuals using the ESRI StoryMaps tool to make them available online. Via focus groups with 44 participants from research and practice, we evaluated the perceived usefulness of and engagement with the content and design. We collected feedback from participants using a survey as well as via audio and screen recordings. Our findings show that we should narrow down the audience of the storylines by tailoring them to the needs of project managers rather than specialized advisors. Therefore, the content should offer more than a visual summary of the research by showing examples of the management application. A more engaging sequence with a clear protagonist is further required to better relate to the problem and the potential application. Although visuals and interactive elements were considered attractive, a multi-disciplinary editorial team is necessary to better complement the visuals’ design to the text. The level of detail of participants’ feedback shows that involving project managers to co-create storylines can be an important step for improvement.
Therapy for Cataplexy
Authors: Heidbreder Anna , Dirks Christina , Ramm Markus
Published: March 2020

Purpose of the review

Cataplexy, an involuntary loss of muscle activity triggered by strong emotions is the most impressive symptom in narcolepsy. This review gives an overview of the current understanding of cataplexy and its available treatment options.

Recent findings

With the discovery of hypocretin/orexin, the understanding of the pathophysiology of cataplexy advanced in the past decades. In the recent years, with the development of new anticataplectic agents (e.g., Pitolisant) symptomatic treatment of cataplexy has further improved. Abrupt cessation of anticataplectic medication especially antidepressants increase the risk of status cataplecticus, a virtually continuous series of long-lasting cataplectic attacks.

Cataplexies still remain an under-recognized phenomenon due to missing diagnostic measures. Treatment for cataplexy still remains symptomatic but new agents with better tolerability and usability are continuously developed. New therapeutic actions either targeting the autoimmune mechanisms underlying orexin cell death or substituting orexin action are promising treatments for the near future.
Development of pre-service teachers’ teaching performance in physical education during a long-term internship
Authors: Greve Steffen , Weber Kira Elena , Brandes Björn , Maier Jessica
Published: March 2020

Most teacher education programs in Germany have implemented long-term internships to foster pre-service teachers’ teaching skills. However, there is a lack of research to date regarding the effects of these internships on pre-service teachers’ actual teaching performance. This study attempts to offer insights into the performance development of physical education (PE) pre-service teachers during a 5-months internship. In total, 11 pre-service teachers were videotaped in the same class: three times at the beginning and three times at the end of the internship during PE lessons. All lessons were rated with the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) by licensed CLASS observers. CLASS is a highly inferential rating system for the analysis of classroom observations and classroom videos. The CLASS for primary schools (CLASS K-3) assesses 10 dimensions of teacher–student interactions, which are summarized in three core domains. These core domains comprise emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support. Interrater reliability was assessed using the percent-within-one analysis. The development of teaching performance of pre-service teachers in PE showed no significant rise in the 10 dimensions/three core domains measured over the course of the internship. Interpretations of these findings and practical implications for teacher education are discussed.
Impact of gene therapy for canine monogenic diseases on the progress of preclinical studies
Authors: Switonski Marek
Published: March 2020

Rapid progress in knowledge of the organization of the dog genome has facilitated the identification of the mutations responsible for numerous monogenic diseases, which usually present a breed-specific distribution. The majority of these diseases have clinical and molecular counterparts in humans. The affected dogs have thus become valuable models for preclinical studies of gene therapy for problems such as eye diseases, immunodeficiency, lysosomal storage diseases, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy. Successful gene therapies in dogs have significantly contributed to decisions to run clinical trials for several human diseases, such as Leber’s congenital amaurosis 2—LCA2 (caused by a mutation of RPE65), X-linked retinitis pigmentosa—XLRP (caused by mutation RPGR), and achromatopsia (caused by mutation of CNGB3). Promising results were also obtained for canine as follows: hemophilia (A and B), mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS I, MPS IIIB, MPS VII), leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), and muscular dystrophy (a counterpart of human Duchenne dystrophy). Present knowledge on molecular background of canine monogenic diseases and their successful gene therapies prove that dogs have an important contribution to preclinical studies.
Hand Gesture Recognition in Complex Background Based on Convolutional Pose Machine and Fuzzy Gaussian Mixture Models
Authors: Zhang Tong , Lin Huifeng , Ju Zhaojie , Yang Chenguang
Published: March 2020

Hand gesture is one of the most intuitive and natural ways for human to communicate with computers, and it has been widely adopted in many human–computer interaction applications. However, it is still a challenging problem when confronted with complex background, illumination variation and occlusion in real-world scenarios. In this paper, a two-stage hand gesture recognition method is proposed to tackle these problems. At the first stage, hand pose estimation is developed to locate the hand keypoints using the convolutional pose machine, which can effectively localize hand keypoints even in a complex background. At the second stage, the Fuzzy Gaussian mixture models (FGMMs) are tailored to reject the nongesture patterns and classify the gestures based on the estimated hand keypoints. Extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, and the result demonstrates that the proposed algorithm is effective, robust, and satisfactory in real-time scenarios.
Cardiac Spiral Wave Termination by Linear Regional Cooling Toward the Anatomical Boundary of the Heart
Authors: Seno Hiroshi , Tomii Naoki , Yamazaki Masatoshi , Honjo Haruo , Shibata Nitaro , Sakuma Ichiro
Published: March 2020

Purpose

We hypothesized that linear regional cooling (LRC) toward the atrio-ventricular groove (AV-G) can move the spiral wave (SW) center to the AV-G effectively and terminate SW. The effectiveness of LRC in ex vivo 2D ventricle rabbit experiments was tested.

Methods

We developed an experimental system to operate LRC and optical mapping simultaneously. To realize simultaneous cooling and optical mapping, a transparent cooling device was developed. LRC for 60 s toward 2D subepicardial ventricular myocardium of Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n = 4) was conducted during constant pacing and persistent ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs).

Results

Action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) at the cooling area was prolonged by LRC from 187 to 228 ms. 41% of persistent VTs were terminated by LRC (12/29 cases). Cases where the original SW center moved toward the AV-G were observed via optical mapping. However, there were some cases where VT was not terminated by LRC. When the action potential duration (APD) of VT sustained cases were analyzed, LRC prolonged APD, but the APD prolonged area did not move toward the AV-G in most VT sustained cases

Conclusion

Proper LRC toward the AV-G near the original SW center could move this center toward the AV-G and terminate SW excitation.
Evolving network representation learning based on random walks
Authors: Heidari Farzaneh , Papagelis Manos
Published: March 2020

Large-scale network mining and analysis is key to revealing the underlying dynamics of networks, not easily observable before. Lately, there is a fast-growing interest in learning low-dimensional continuous representations of networks that can be utilized to perform highly accurate and scalable graph mining tasks. A family of these methods is based on performing random walks on a network to learn its structural features and providing the sequence of random walks as input to a deep learning architecture to learn a network embedding. While these methods perform well, they can only operate on static networks. However, in real-world, networks are evolving, as nodes and edges are continuously added or deleted. As a result, any previously obtained network representation will now be outdated having an adverse effect on the accuracy of the network mining task at stake. The naive approach to address this problem is to re-apply the embedding method of choice every time there is an update to the network. But this approach has serious drawbacks. First, it is inefficient, because the embedding method itself is computationally expensive. Then, the network mining task outcome obtained by the subsequent network representations are not directly comparable to each other, due to the randomness involved in the new set of random walks involved each time. In this paper, we propose EvoNRL, a random-walk based method for learning representations of evolving networks. The key idea of our approach is to first obtain a set of random walks on the current state of network. Then, while changes occur in the evolving network’s topology, to dynamically update the random walks in reserve, so they do not introduce any bias. That way we are in position of utilizing the updated set of random walks to continuously learn accurate mappings from the evolving network to a low-dimension network representation. Moreover, we present an analytical method for determining the right time to obtain a new representation of the evolving network that balances accuracy and time performance. A thorough experimental evaluation is performed that demonstrates the effectiveness of our method against sensible baselines and varying conditions.
Fructose dehydration to hydroxyl-methylfurfural in an immobilized catalytic microreactor
Authors: Visan Aura , Lammertink Rob G. H.
Published: March 2020

In this paper we report a microfluidic platform that allows for high temperature, high pressure conversion with inline spectroscopic measurement for a fast and accurate determination of both reaction rate constant and activation energy. The dehydration of fructose to hydroxyl-methylfurfural has been performed in this immobilized microreactor with both dense zirconia and porous titania layers, as a starting point to probe the potential of abundant metal oxide catalysts.
The use of Bayesian networks for realist evaluation of complex interventions: evidence for prevention of human trafficking
Authors: Kiss Ligia , Fotheringhame David , Mak Joelle , McAlpine Alys , Zimmerman Cathy
Published: March 2020

Complex systems and realist evaluation offer promising approaches for evaluating social interventions. These approaches take into account the complex interplay among factors to produce outcomes, instead of attempting to isolate single causes of observed effects. This paper explores the use of Bayesian networks (BNs) in realist evaluation of interventions to prevent complex social problems. It draws on the example of the theory-based evaluation of the Work in Freedom Programme (WIF), a large UK-funded anti-trafficking intervention by the International Labour Organisation in South Asia. We used BN to explore causal pathways to human trafficking using data from 519 Nepalese returnee migrants. The findings suggest that risks of trafficking are mostly determined by migrants’ destination country, how they are recruited and in which sector they work. These findings challenge widely held assumptions about individual-level vulnerability and emphasize that future investments will benefit from approaches that recognise the complexity of an intervention’s causal mechanisms in social contexts. BNs are a useful approach for the conceptualisation, design and evaluation of complex social interventions.
Endoscopic trans‐pterygoid resection of a low‐grade cribriform cystadenocarcinoma of the infratemporal fossa
Authors: Ramjee Vikram G. , Massoth Landon J. , Richards John P. , McKinney Kibwei A.
Published: March 2020

This article presents a case of low‐grade cribriform cystadenocarcinomas (LGCCC), a rare salivary gland tumor manifesting in the infratemporal fossa (ITF). The lesion in this case is unique in its location, histopathology, and management in that the tumor resection was performed using an exclusively endoscopic, endonasal approach. This case highlights the expanding application of endoscopic skull base techniques to address an indolent, slow‐growing malignancy of the ITF.
Preserving and Digitizing Djenné’s Manuscript Collections: The Politics of Space and Agency in Central Mali
Authors: Stockreiter Elke E.
Published: March 2020

This article explores archival practices and ownership of the largely Arabic manuscript collections at the Djenné Manuscript Library. From 2009 to 2017 grants from the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme enabled the preservation of 8,520 manuscripts and digitization of about 400,000 folios. In a politically volatile environment like Mali, the future of historical research is mostly contingent on the availability of digital archives. While these archives enable research that otherwise could not be conducted, they also limit the research experience in situ and thus affect findings. For the manuscript owners, questions arise about digital imperialism.
Unsettling Feminist Philosophy: An Encounter with Tracey Moffatt'sNight Cries
Authors: Park Shelley M.
Published: March 2020

This essay seeks to unsettle feminist philosophy through an encounter with Aboriginal artist Tracey Moffatt, whose perspectives on intergenerational relationships between (older) white women and (younger) Indigenous women are shaped by her experiences as the Aboriginal child of a white foster mother growing up in Brisbane, Australia during the 1960s. Moffatt's short experimental film Night Cries provides an important glimpse into the violent intersections of gender, race, and power in intimate life and, in so doing, invites us to see how colonial and neocolonial policies are carried out through women's domestic labor. Seeing cross-generational and cross-racial intimacy through Moffatt's lens, I suggest, helps us to unsettle both feminist theories of motherhood and feminist practices of mentoring.
The difference in the incubation period of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection between travelers to Hubei and nontravelers: The need for a longer quarantine period
Authors: Leung Char
Published: March 2020

Data collected from the individual cases reported by the media were used to estimate the distribution of the incubation period of travelers to Hubei versus that of nontravelers. Because a longer and more volatile incubation period has been observed in travelers, the duration of quarantine should be extended to 3 weeks.
Bayesian calibration of an avalanche model from autocorrelated measurements along the flow: application to velocities extracted from photogrammetric images
Authors: Heredia María Belén , Eckert Nicolas , Prieur Clémentine , Thibert Emmanuel
Published: March 2020

Physically-based avalanche propagation models must still be locally calibrated to provide robust predictions, e.g. in long-term forecasting and subsequent risk assessment. Friction parameters cannot be measured directly and need to be estimated from observations. Rich and diverse data are now increasingly available from test-sites, but for measurements made along flow propagation, potential autocorrelation should be explicitly accounted for. To this aim, this work proposes a comprehensive Bayesian calibration and statistical model selection framework. As a proof of concept, the framework was applied to an avalanche sliding block model with the standard Voellmy friction law and high rate photogrammetric images. An avalanche released at the Lautaret test-site and a synthetic data set based on the avalanche are used to test the approach and to illustrate its benefits. Results demonstrate (1) the efficiency of the proposed calibration scheme, and (2) that including autocorrelation in the statistical modelling definitely improves the accuracy of both parameter estimation and velocity predictions. Our approach could be extended without loss of generality to the calibration of any avalanche dynamics model from any type of measurement stemming from the same avalanche flow.
WERE THERE SLAVES IN THE AUDIENCE OF PLAUTUS’ COMEDIES?
Authors: Brown Peter
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence commonly claimed to show the presence of slaves in the audience of Plautus’ comedies (above all the evidence of his prologue toPoenulus) and to argue that it more probably shows the opposite, that slaves werenotpresent, or at least were expected not to be. The question is given some urgency by the appearance of Amy Richlin's new book, which takes the presence of slaves in the audience for granted and builds on it to develop a view of Plautine comedy as addressing the experiences, hopes and fears of those slaves. Richlin cites thePoenulusprologue at pages 89–90, accepting it without detailed discussion as indicating the presence of slaves in the audience; and it has been cited similarly in standard handbooks from which I quote a representative sample of remarks below. Some scholars have said things in passing which suggest a different conclusion, but they too have not discussed the question in detail or examined the other evidence that has been thought relevant to the issue. I think that the time is ripe for closer scrutiny of all this evidence.
GENERALIZATION OF THE PAIRWISE STOCHASTIC PRECEDENCE ORDER TO THE SEQUENCE OF RANDOM VARIABLES
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Hazra Nil Kamal
Published: March 2020

We discuss a new stochastic ordering for the sequence of independent random variables. It generalizes the stochastic precedence (SP) order that is defined for two random variables to the case n > 2. All conventional stochastic orders are transitive, whereas the SP order is not. Therefore, a new approach to compare the sequence of random variables had to be developed that resulted in the notion of the sequential precedence order. A sufficient condition for this order is derived and some examples are considered.
Reflections on the Analysis of Interfaces and Grain Boundaries by Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Jenkins Benjamin M. , Danoix Frédéric , Gouné Mohamed , Bagot Paul A.J. , Peng Zirong , Moody Michael P. , Gault Baptiste
Published: March 2020

Interfaces play critical roles in materials and are usually both structurally and compositionally complex microstructural features. The precise characterization of their nature in three-dimensions at the atomic scale is one of the grand challenges for microscopy and microanalysis, as this information is crucial to establish structure–property relationships. Atom probe tomography is well suited to analyzing the chemistry of interfaces at the nanoscale. However, optimizing such microanalysis of interfaces requires great care in the implementation across all aspects of the technique from specimen preparation to data analysis and ultimately the interpretation of this information. This article provides critical perspectives on key aspects pertaining to spatial resolution limits and the issues with the compositional analysis that can limit the quantification of interface measurements. Here, we use the example of grain boundaries in steels; however, the results are applicable for the characterization of grain boundaries and transformation interfaces in a very wide range of industrially relevant engineering materials.
ON THE REGULARITY OF SETS IN RIEMANNIAN MANIFOLDS
Authors: SEPAHVAND A. , BARANI A.
Published: March 2020

This paper is devoted to the study of the normal (tangential) regularity of a closed set and the subdifferential (directional) regularity of its distance function in the context of Riemannian manifolds. The Clarke, Fréchet and proximal subdifferentials of the distance function from a closed subset in a Riemannian manifold are represented by corresponding normal cones of the set.
ISOMORPHISMS UP TO BOUNDED TORSION BETWEEN RELATIVE -GROUPS AND CHOW GROUPS WITH MODULUS
Authors: Iwasa Ryomei , Kai Wataru
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this note is to establish isomorphisms up to bounded torsion between relative $K_{0}$-groups and Chow groups with modulus as defined by Binda and Saito.