bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Structural, Electronic, Magnetic, Elastic, and Thermodynamic Properties of Co4N Antiperovskite by First Principles and Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Azouaoui Abdelouahid , Benzakour Najib , Hourmatallah Ahmed , Bouslykhane Khalid
Published: September 2020

The antiperovskite Co4N is studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation within the framework of the Ising model. The structural, density of states (DOS), and band structure calculations show that Co4N is a ferromagnetic material having a higher magnetic moment, a large spin polarization ratio, and exhibits a metallic behavior. The investigated elastic constants, phonon dispersion, and phonon DOS show that the Co4N compound is mechanically and dynamically stable. It is also found that the Co4N is ductile from the Poisson's ratio, Pugh's ratio, and Cauchy pressure. The thermodynamic parameters like heat capacity, Debye and melting temperature are calculated. The magnetization, magnetic susceptibility, and the Curie temperature of magnetic transition are estimated using MC simulations based on the Ising model. The obtained value of TC is in good agreement with available theoretical work.
Electronic Structure and Thermoelectric Properties of Co‐, Fe‐, Mn‐, and Cr‐Doped Ba2LuTaO6 from Spin‐Polarized Calculations
Authors: Berri Saadi , Attallah Mourad , Bouarissa Nadir , Ibrir Miloud
Published: September 2020

Based on the density‐functional theory, the first‐principles spin‐polarized calculations of the electronic structure and thermoelectric characteristics of Ba2LuTa0.75TM0.25O6 are presented. The results show that Ba2LuTa0.75(Co and Cr)0.25O6 materials exhibit a complete half‐metallic (HM) characteristic with a total spin moment of 2.00 and 1.00 μB and an HM flip gap of (Eg↑ = 0.22 eV) and (Eg↓ = 0.51 eV), respectively, whereas Ba2LuTa0.75(Fe and Mn)0.25O6 materials exhibit a metallic behavior. The prediction of HM ferromagnetism with spin polarization makes these materials a good candidate for spintronics applications. Moreover, thermoelectric properties of the materials under focus are examined and discussed using a transport quasi‐classical theory.
Subtle Structural Changes in LaFeO3 at High Pressure
Authors: Capone Mara , Ridley Christopher J. , Funnell Nicholas P. , Guthrie Malcolm , Bull Craig L.
Published: September 2020

High‐pressure neutron diffraction measurements of polycrystalline LaFeO3 are collected up to 5.5 and 6.4 GPa at 290 and 110 K, respectively. The bulk moduli are determined as B0(290 K) = 170(3) GPa and B0(110 K) = 175(1) GPa. The unit cell is found to compress anisotropically at both temperatures with the a‐axis compressing preferentially. A crossover in lattice parameters is observed, from a > c to c > a, at 2 GPa at 290 K and at 1.7 GPa at 110 K. The magnetic moment remains unchanged over the pressure range investigated, with a value of 4.4 μB and 4 μB at 110 and 290 K, respectively. Analysis of the octahedral tilting angles and the spontaneous lattice strains shows an increased orthorhombic distortion with pressure, but shows no trend toward a change in symmetry. High‐pressure Raman spectroscopy measurements at room temperature are in agreement with the diffraction data.
Spirulina supplementation and anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Zarezadeh Meysam , Faghfouri Amir Hossein , Radkhah Nima , Foroumandi Elaheh , Khorshidi Masoud , Rasouli Ahmadreza , Zarei Mahtab , Mohammadzadeh Honarvar Niyaz , Hazhir Karzar Nazanin , Ebrahimi Mamaghani Mehrangiz
Published: September 2020

Obesity and overweight are associated with the burden of chronic diseases. The aim of the present meta‐analysis is to determine the efficacy of spirulina in reducing of obesity indices. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases were searched up to November 2019. Randomized controlled trials comparing spirulina supplementation with a placebo or no treatment for anthropometric indices were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were carried out. Publication bias was evaluated using standard methods. Spirulina had ameliorative effects on weight (WMD = −1.85 Kg; 95% CI: −2.44, −1.26; p < .001; I2 = 82.4%, p < .001), and waist circumference (WMD = −1.09 cm; 95% CI: −2.16, −0.01; p = .046; I2 = 0.0%, p = .757) while no significant effect was shown on body mass index, even after sensitivity analysis (SMD = −0.53 Kg/m2; 95% CI: −1.25, 0.19; p = .149; I2 = 92.9%, p < .001); however, spirulina was effective in studies lasted for at least 12 weeks (SMD = −1.25 Kg/m2; 95% CI: −2.21, −0.28; p = .011; I2 = 90.8%, p < .001). Spirulina supplementation exerts beneficial effects on weight and waist circumference. The ameliorative effect of spirulina on body mass index was revealed in longer duration of supplementation.
Chaotic neural network model for SMISs reliability prediction based on interdependent network SMISs reliability prediction by chaotic neural network
Authors: Zhu Jianhua , Gong Zhuping , Sun Yanming , Dou Zixin
Published: September 2020

With the development of industrial Internet, smart manufacturing information systems (SMISs) are faced with more uncertainties, dynamics, and complexity. These problems bring more challenges to the reliability operation of SMISs. To solve the above problem, a prediction model based on phase space reconstruction, chaos analysis, and back propagation (BP) neural network is proposed to predict SMISs reliability. First, we decompose failure data series into some subdata series components with strong regularity by using C‐C algorithm and Cao algorithm. On this basis, we use the maximum Lyapunov index to identify chaotic characteristics of failure data series. And then, we establish BP neural network prediction model by using reconstructing failure data to predict SMISs failure behaviors. Finally, we use two groups of failure data series to verify the effectiveness of chaotic BP neural network model, and the experiment results verify that chaotic BP neural network model has more accurate prediction results compared with BP network, support vector machine, long short term memory networks (LSTM), and autoregressive model (AR).

LEAD PARAGRAPH

SMISs are open and complex systems, human error and external environment cause the uncertainty of reliability. The threat of the external environment mainly comes from malicious attacks and the threat of the human error mainly comes from the wrong operation of the operator. Human error and external environment often cause frequent failures of software and hardware of the system or physical failures of devices. As an open complex system, the reliability operation of SMISs is very important for manufacturing enterprises. However, in the daily use of SMISs, the most common failures are time failure caused by human error and external environment. Therefore, it is very important to study the time failure of SMISs.

Main points of this paper: (1) SMISs are complex and open systems, so we establish an interdependent network based on the characteristics of SMISs, and use the cascade effect of the complex network to point out that when SMISs fail, the system will easily fall into failure. (2) The phase space reconstruction method is used to restore the real data characteristics of failure data. (3) By using the reconstructed data and the neural network, the failure behavior can be predicted accurately. Compared with other popular prediction methods, it is found that general machine learning methods cannot predict data with chaotic characteristics.

The research results of this paper find that when SMISs fail, the failure behavior can easily lead SMISs into chaos through the propagation of interdependent network. Therefore, when future scholars conduct fault analysis on SMISs, they should consider the chaos of the data, otherwise the systems fault analysis and diagnosis cannot be carried out accurately.
Totally robotic caudate lobe liver resection: Bridge over troubled water
Authors: Cañada Trofo Surjan Rodrigo , do Prado Silveira Sergio
Published: September 2020

Background

Minimally invasive hepatectomy has well‐known advantages over the traditional open approach. Inherent limitations of laparoscopy make major hepatectomies and the resection of upper and posterior segments a great technical challenge. The robotic approach overcomes most of these limitations, and this technology is most useful in the resection of the deeply located caudate lobe.

Methods

We describe the robotic caudate lobe resection technical aspects, using the first robotic resection of the caudate lobe to treat a biphenotypic hepatocholangiocarcinoma to illustrate the procedure. We also performed a literature review on the current status of the robotic approach to segment (Sg) 1.

Results

Technical approach to the robotic caudate lobe resection is described in a patient with uneventful post‐operative recovery. Literature review demonstrated only four previous authors reporting the use of this technique.

Conclusion

We present a step‐by‐step approach to the hepatic Sg 1 resection by robotic approach.
Crude Oil Transportation by Rail in Saratoga County, New York: Public Perceptions of Technological Risk, State Responses, and Policy
Authors: Schneller Andrew J. , Smemo Kurt A. , Mangan Emily , Munisteri Christine , Hobbs Caroline , MacKay Colton
Published: September 2020

U.S. rail shipments of crude oil grew by 5,091 percent from 2008 to 2014 due to increased production in the Bakken Shale Formation. Rail transportation of hazardous materials is not a new phenomenon; however, infrastructure in disrepair, coupled with the quantity and frequency of train cars not designed to haul crude oil and its volatility, and a community's means to manage accidents, presented a new technological risk. Rail infrastructure nationally needs repair ‐ contributed to recent accidents ‐ thus heightening the risk. While rail shipments peaked in 2014 and declined through 2019, communities along rail lines experience a heightened risk to safety, property, and the environment. The purpose of this qualitative research was to better understand the perceptions and awareness of Saratoga County residents and community influentials, as well as document policy responses. We conducted interviews, 419 surveys, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and policy and archival data analysis. Data showed the public had a low level of knowledge about oil shipments and emergency management plans. We documented distrust in the federal government coupled with social amplification factors, resulting in a high level of perceived risk. We provide a suite of recommendations for improving communications, community preparedness, engagement, safety, and environmental protection.
pH variation impacts molecular pathways associated with somatic cell reprogramming and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Kim Narae
Published: September 2020

Rationale

The study of somatic cell reprogramming and cell differentiation is essential for the application of recent techniques in regenerative medicine. It is, specifically, necessary to determine the appropriate conditions required for the induction of reprogramming and cell differentiation.

Methods

Based on a comprehensive literature review, the effects of pH fluctuation on alternative splicing, mitochondria, plasma membrane, and phase separation, in several cell types are discussed. Additionally, the associated molecular pathways important for the induction of differentiation and reprogramming are reviewed.

Results

While cells change their state, several factors such as cytokines and physical parameters affect cellular reprogramming and differentiation. As the extracellular and intracellular pH affects biophysical phenomena in a cell, the effects of pH fluctuation can ultimately decide the cell fate through molecular pathways. Though few studies have reported on the direct effects of culture pH on cell state, there is substantial information on the pathways related to stem cell differentiation and somatic cell reprogramming that can be stimulated by environmental pH.

Conclusion

Environmental pH fluctuations may decide cell fate through the molecular pathways associated with somatic cell reprogramming and cell differentiation.
Data‐driven plant‐model mismatch estimation for dynamic matrix control systems
Authors: Xu Xiaodong , Simkoff Jodie M. , Baldea Michael , Chiang Leo H. , Castillo Ivan , Bindlish Rahul , Ashcraft Brian
Published: September 2020

This article addresses the plant‐model mismatch estimation problem for linear multiple‐input and multiple‐output systems operating under the dynamic matrix control (DMC) implementation of model predictive control. An autocovariance‐based method is proposed, aiming to identify parameter values that minimize the discrepancy between the theoretical autocovariance matrices derived from implementing the (explicit) DMC control law and the sampled autocovariance matrices calculated from operating data. We provide proof that the method results in unbiased estimates. A means for dealing with potential overfitting issues caused by the finite step response models used in DMC in practice is proposed. Several examples are presented to illustrated the theoretical developments.
Model predictive emissions control of a diesel engine airpath: Design and experimental evaluation
Authors: Liao‐McPherson Dominic , Huang Mike , Kim Shinhoon , Shimada Masanori , Butts Ken , Kolmanovsky Ilya
Published: September 2020

This article presents the development and experimental validation of an emissions oriented model predictive controller for a diesel engine. The control objective is to minimize cumulative NOx and hydrocarbon emissions while limiting visible smoke production and without compromising fuel economy or torque response. This is accomplished by using a supervisory model predictive controller (SMPC) and nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) in tandem. The SMPC controller coordinates the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate target and fuel supplied to the engine in real time to satisfy combustion quality constraints, while the NMPC controller tracks the EGR rate target by manipulating the EGR throttle, EGR valve, and variable geometry turbine. The NMPC controller uses MPC for feedforward and feedback in a novel configuration to simultaneously achieve fast tracking performance, disturbance rejection, and robustness. We demonstrate that the proposed diesel engine MPC controller is able to reduce cumulative emissions by 10% to 15% relative to a state of the art benchmark strategy when placed in closed loop with an engine on a transient dynamometer.
Sustainable development: The colors of sustainable leadership in learning organization
Authors: Iqbal Qaisar , Ahmad Noor Hazlina
Published: September 2020

Sustainable development has emerged as a field of applied research across multi‐discipline. Sustainable leadership is a new domain of effective leadership, which has been established recently to cope with issues related to sustainable development. On the subject of natural resource‐based view (NRBV) and dynamic capability theory, this study examined methods of embedding sustainable leadership into sustainable performance and investigated the mediating effect of organizational learning to sustainable leadership and sustainable performance. The data in this study were collected from a total of 369 small and medium‐sized enterprises in Pakistan using a purposive sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results revealed (a) a significant positive effect of sustainable leadership on organizational learning; (b) organizational learning significantly influences sustainable performance; (c) organizational learning partially mediates the relationship between sustainable leadership and sustainable performance. The present study offered an in‐depth theory of NRBV, dynamic capability, and sustainable development. Effective management advices are proposed for organizations encountering sustainable development challenges.
An efficient variance estimator of AUC and its applications to binary classification
Authors: Wang Qing , Guo Alexandria
Published: September 2020

The area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve, AUC, is one of the most commonly used measures to evaluate the performance of a binary classifier. Due to sampling variation, the model with the largest observed AUC score is not necessarily optimal, so it is crucial to assess the variation of AUC estimate. We extend the proposal by Wang and Lindsay and devise an unbiased variance estimator of AUC estimate that is of a two‐sample U‐statistic form. The proposal can be easily generalized to estimate the variance of a K‐sample U‐statistic (K ≥ 2). To make our developed variance estimator more applicable, we employ a partition‐resampling scheme that is computationally efficient. Simulation studies suggest that the developed AUC variance estimator yields much better or comparable performance to jackknife and bootstrap variance estimators, and computational times that are about 10 to 30 times faster than the times of its counterparts. In practice, the proposal can be used in the one‐standard‐error rule for model selection, or to construct an asymptotic confidence interval of AUC in binary classification. In addition to conducting simulation studies, we illustrate its practical applications using two real datasets in medical sciences.
Bayesian adaptive N‐of‐1 trials for estimating population and individual treatment effects
Authors: Senarathne Siththara Gedara J. , Overstall Antony M. , McGree James M.
Published: September 2020

This article proposes a novel adaptive design algorithm that can be used to find optimal treatment allocations in N‐of‐1 clinical trials. This new methodology uses two Laplace approximations to provide a computationally efficient estimate of population and individual random effects within a repeated measures, adaptive design framework. Given the efficiency of this approach, it is also adopted for treatment selection to target the collection of data for the precise estimation of treatment effects. To evaluate this approach, we consider both a simulated and motivating N‐of‐1 clinical trial from the literature. For each trial, our methods were compared with the multiarmed bandit approach and a randomized N‐of‐1 trial design in terms of identifying the best treatment for each patient and the information gained about the model parameters. The results show that our new approach selects designs that are highly efficient in achieving each of these objectives. As such, we propose our Laplace‐based algorithm as an efficient approach for designing adaptive N‐of‐1 trials.
Comparing Kaplan‐Meier curves with the probability of agreement
Authors: Stevens Nathaniel T. , Lu Lu
Published: September 2020

The probability of agreement has been used as an effective strategy for quantifying the similarity between the reliability of two populations. By contrast to hypothesis testing approaches based on P‐values, the probability of agreement provides a more realistic assessment of similarity by emphasizing practically important differences. In this article, we propose the use of the probability of agreement to evaluate the similarity of two Kaplan‐Meier curves, which estimate the survival functions in two populations. This article extends the probability of agreement paradigm to right censored data and explores three different methods of quantifying uncertainty in the probability of agreement estimate. The first approach provides a convenient assessment based on large‐sample normal‐theory (LSNT), while the other two approaches are nonparametric alternatives based on ordinary and fractional random‐weight bootstrap (FRWB) techniques. All methods are illustrated with examples for which comparing the survival curves of related populations is of interest and the efficacy of the methods are also evaluated through simulation studies. Based on these simulations we recommend point estimation using the proposed LSNT calculation and confidence interval estimation via the FRWB approach. We also provide a Shiny app that facilitates an automated implementation of the methodology.
Effective approaches to combining lexical and syntactical information for code summarization
Authors: Zhou Ziyi , Yu Huiqun , Fan Guisheng
Published: September 2020

Natural language summaries of source codes are important during software development and maintenance. Recently, deep learning based models have achieved good performance on the task of automatic code summarization, which encode token sequence or abstract syntax tree (AST) of code with neural networks. However, there has been little work on the efficient combination of lexical and syntactical information of code for better summarization quality. In this paper, we propose two general and effective approaches to leveraging both types of information: a convolutional neural network that aims to better extract vector representation of AST node for downstream models; and a Switch Network that learns an adaptive weight vector to combine different code representations for summary generation. We integrate these approaches into a comprehensive code summarization model, which includes a sequential encoder for token sequence of code and a tree based encoder for its AST. We evaluate our model on a large Java dataset. The experimental results show that our model outperforms several state‐of‐the‐art models on various metrics, and the proposed approaches contribute a lot to the improvements.
Structure and Morphological Properties of Starch Macromolecule Using Biophysical Techniques
Authors: Govindaraju Indira , Chakraborty Ishita , Baruah Vishwa Jyoti , Sarmah Bhaswati , Mahato Krishna Kishore , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: September 2020

Starch is an abundant plant polysaccharide that occurs naturally and the main source of carbohydrate and fuel in the human diet. Several biochemical and physicochemical studies have been performed to understand the molecular structure of starch of which microscopy, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis are the most popular. The ultrastructure and birefringence of starch granules have been observed using optical microscopy and polarization microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) have been used for spatially resolved micro to nanostructures as well as surface topography and crystallinity in the starch granules. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been utilized to elucidate the chemical composition and the changes that occur in its chemical compositions on various modifications. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has also been used to study the thermal characteristics of starch. This review deals with starch characterization using optical microscopy including polarization microscopy, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and DSC to understand the structural and functional characteristics of starch subjected to different processing conditions.
Resistance of concrete to carbonation and chloride penetration assessed on site through nondestructive test
Authors: Torrent Roberto , Imamoto Kei‐ichi , Neves Rui
Published: September 2020

The paper describes the main mechanisms of carbonation and chloride penetration into concrete and how the rate of penetration can be measured with laboratory tests. It is also discussed why nondestructive test (NDT) methods for measuring directly the resistance of aged field concrete to carbonation or chloride penetration are not available. Only destructive tests are applicable which, given the very high‐spatial variability encountered, become prohibitive in terms of costs and damage. The only way to assess the resistance of aged field concrete to carbonation or chloride penetration is through surrogate tests measuring variables that are linked to it. There are two standardized test methods with potential as surrogate tests, as they are fast and entirely nondestructive: the coefficient of air permeability kT (“Torrent” method) and the electrical resistivity ρ (“Wenner” method). Data obtained on‐site with both methods are presented, confirming their potential to assess the resistance of aged field concrete to carbonation or chloride penetration.
Biosensors and sensors for dopamine detection
Authors: Liu Xixia , Liu Juewen
Published: September 2020

Dopamine is a key catecholamine neurotransmitter and it has critical roles in the function of the human central nervous system. Abnormal release of dopamine is related to neurological diseases and depression. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor dopamine levels in vivo and in real time to understand its physiological roles. In this review, we discuss dopamine detection focusing on the molecular recognition methods including enzymes, antibodies, and aptamers, as well as new advances based on nanomaterials and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). A large fraction of these sensors rely on electrochemical detection to fulfill the requirement of fast, in situ, and in vivo detection with a high spatial and temporal resolution. These methods need to overcome interferences from molecules with a similar redox potential. In addition, fluorescent and colorimetric sensors based on aptamers are also quite popular, and care needs to be taken to validate specific dopamine binding. Combining aptamers or MIPs with electrochemistry promises to achieve rapid detection and increased selectivity. In this article, we pay more attention to the molecular recognition mechanism and critically review the sensor designs. In the end, some future directions are discussed.
Changes in water vapor adsorption and water film thickness in clayey materials as a function of relative humidity
Authors: Lin Xiang , Hu Qinhong , Chen Zhihua , Wang Qiming , Zhang Tao , Sun Mengdi
Published: September 2020

Soil water, with adsorbed water being an important component, plays an important role in fluid flow and chemical movement in the unsaturated zone. The adsorbed water consists of water film and interlayer water, and its content is related to the relative humidity (RH). This study theoretically and experimentally focuses on the variation in adsorbed water content in clayey materials as the RH changes. Based on a slit‐pore model, three types of water (water film, interlayer water, and capillary water) could be present in the water vapor adsorption process. The variation of water film is obtained from the analysis of interfacial forces, and then the total water content can be quantitatively subdivided into these three types of water for different RH values. The slit‐pore adsorption model was used with experimental measurements (water vapor adsorption and N2 physisorption) to quantify the amounts and interrelationships of these three different types of water to six clayey materials, namely three clay minerals (kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite–smectite mixed layer) and three clay‐rich sediments from the Jianghan Plain in China. The main results are that (a) the volumes of water vapor adsorption are much greater than those of N2 adsorption except for kaolinite; (b) interlayer water largely dominates the growth of total water content in montmorillonite and results in a concentration of 0.090 ml g−1 at 95% RH; and (c) the minimum thickness of water film is calculated to be 0.23 nm, and the maximum value is one‐third of the pore width by considering the interfacial forces.
Long-term results of robotic radiosurgery for non brachytherapy patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Morgenthaler Janis , Köhler Christhardt , Budach Volker , Sehouli Jalid , Stromberger Carmen , Besserer Angela , Trommer Maike , Baues Christian , Marnitz Simone
Published: September 2020

Background

Consolidation brachytherapy is a critical treatment component for cervical cancer patients undergoing primary chemoradiation. Some patients are unsuitable for brachytherapy for a variety of reasons. The use of alternatives (LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery or external beam boosts) compromise oncologic results in cervical cancer patients. Thus, we evaluated the value of brachytherapy-like doses prescriptions using robotic radiosurgery (CyberKnife®, CR, Acuuray, Sunnyvale, CA, USA).

Methods

From 06/2011 to 06/2015, 31 patients (median age 53 years; range 30–77 years) with histologically proven FIGO stages IB-IVB cervical cancer underwent primary chemoradiation. All patients were either not suitable for intracervical brachytherapy for a variety of reasons or refused the brachytherapy. To achieve an adequate dose within the tumor, a CK boost was applied after fiducial implantation. In 29 patients, a dose of either five times 6 Gy or five times 5 Gy was prescribed to the target volume. Two patients received three times 5 Gy. The target dose was prescribed to the 70% isodose. Treatment toxicity was documented once weekly regarding vaginal mucositis, bladder, and bowel irritation according to CTCAE v. 4.03. If possible 3 months after completion of treatment intracervical curettage was performed to exclude residual tumor and the patients were followed up clinically. Sparing of organs at risk (OAR) and outcome in terms of local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed.

Results

Of the 31 patients, 30 have completed CK boost therapy. The median follow-up time was 40 months (range 5–84 months). General treatment tolerability was good. Except for 1 patient, who had diarrhea grade 3, no treatment related side effects above grade 2 were reported. Sparing of OAR was excellent. The 1‑, 3‑, and 5‑year OS rates were 89, 60, and 57% respectively across all stages. Seven patients showed progression (28%), only two of them with local relapse (8%), resulting in an LC rate of 92% after 3 and 5 years. Mean PFS was 41 months (range 2–84 months). Patients with local recurrence had PFS of 5 and 8 months. Five patients developed distant metastases. Fifteen patients (48%) underwent intracervical curettage 3 months after completion of treatment of which 14 (93%) had complete pathologic response.

Conclusion

Brachytherapy remains the standard of care for patients diagnosed with cervical cancer and indication for primary chemoradiation. In terms of local control, CyberKnife®-based boost concepts provide excellent local control. It can be an alternative for patients who cannot receive adequate brachytherapy. Distant relapse still remains a challenge in this context.
Häufigkeiten von Patienten mit HIV in der ambulanten Versorgung in Deutschland – Eine Analyse auf Basis von Sekundärdaten
Authors: Kurch-Bek Diana , Gallowitz Christian , Baumgarten Axel , Tenckhoff Bernhard , an der Heiden Matthias
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Jährlich veröffentlicht das Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) die Zahl der HIV-Erstdiagnosen und die Gesamtzahl von Menschen mit HIV-Diagnosen in Deutschland. Eine Bestimmung mithilfe von Sekundärdaten erfolgte bislang nur mit Arzneimitteldaten.

Ziel der Arbeit

Auf Basis von Leistungsdaten wird die Anzahl von erstmals ambulant versorgten HIV-Patienten unter gesetzlich Krankenversicherten bestimmt sowie die Gesamtzahl von GKV-Patienten mit HIV in der ambulanten Versorgung. HIV-Testraten für Deutschland werden untersucht.

Material und Methoden

Die Leistungsdaten der gesetzlich Krankenversicherten aus dem ambulanten kollektivvertraglichen Sektor (kurz: ambulante Versorgung) liegen für den Beobachtungszeitraum 2009 bis 2018 vor. Für die Jahre 2011 bis 2017 wurden Jahreskohorten auf Basis von Patientenentitäten gebildet und hinsichtlich der HIV-Diagnose, der HIV-spezifischen Betreuungsleistungen und HIV-Testraten untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Jährlich werden etwa 6000 Patienten mit HIV erstmals ambulant versorgt. Die Gesamtzahl der ambulant versorgten Patienten mit HIV betrug im Jahr 2011 etwa 59.300 (0,106 %) und stieg zum Jahr 2017 auf etwa 80.800 (0,141 %) an. Der durchschnittliche Anstieg der Gesamtzahl um etwa 3600 Patienten pro Jahr lag damit deutlich unter der geschätzten Zahl jährlich neu versorgter Patienten.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse können erste Anhaltspunkte zur ambulanten Versorgung von Patienten mit HIV geben. Die vorliegenden Sekundärdaten geben die Möglichkeit, eine weitere epidemiologische Datenquelle zur bevölkerungsbezogenen Darstellung der administrativen Prävalenz von HIV zu erschließen. Es besteht Forschungsbedarf zu Patienten, welche erstmals ambulante Versorgung in Anspruch nehmen, um die Überrepräsentativität zu klären.
Hype um die Vitamin-D-Substitution: Was bleibt?
Authors: Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A.
Published: September 2020

Der „Hype um Vitamin D“ ist neben der Bedeutung für die Knochengesundheit auch auf die ubiquitäre Präsenz des Vitamin-D-Rezeptors in vielen Organsystemen zurückzuführen. Große Beobachtungsstudien lieferten Hinweise, dass ein Vitamin-D-Mangel Risiken altersassoziierte chronische Erkrankungen, wie Krebs- und kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen, begünstigt. In der vorliegenden Übersicht werden neueste Informationen, einerseits zur Knochengesundheit bei erwachsenen Menschen sowie andererseits zu Krebs- und kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen, anhand der aktuellen Resultate des großen Vitamin D and Omega‑3 Trial (VITAL) eingeordnet.
Intensive care of traumatic brain injury and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Helsinki during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Luostarinen Teemu , Virta Jyri , Satopää Jarno , Bäcklund Minna , Kivisaari Riku , Korja Miikka , Raj Rahul
Published: September 2020

Background

To ensure adequate intensive care unit (ICU) capacity for SARS-CoV-2 patients, elective neurosurgery and neurosurgical ICU capacity were reduced. Further, the Finnish government enforced strict restrictions to reduce the spread. Our objective was to assess changes in ICU admissions and prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods

Retrospective review of all consecutive patients with TBI and aneurysmal SAH admitted to the neurosurgical ICU in Helsinki from January to May of 2019 and the same months of 2020. The pre-pandemic time was defined as weeks 1–11, and the pandemic time was defined as weeks 12–22. The number of admissions and standardized mortality rates (SMRs) were compared to assess the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on these. Standardized mortality rates were adjusted for case mix.

Results

Two hundred twenty-four patients were included (TBI n = 123, SAH n = 101). There were no notable differences in case mix between TBI and SAH patients admitted during the Covid-19 pandemic compared with before the pandemic. No notable difference in TBI or SAH ICU admissions during the pandemic was noted in comparison with early 2020 or 2019. SMRs were no higher during the pandemic than before.

Conclusion

In the area of Helsinki, Finland, there were no changes in the number of ICU admissions or in prognosis of patients with TBI or SAH during the Covid-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and neurological training in Europe: from early challenges to future perspectives
Authors: van der Meulen Matthijs , Kleineberg Nina N. , Schreier David R. , García-Azorin David , Di Lorenzo Francesco
Published: September 2020

The worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is dramatically affecting health systems with consequences also for neurological residency training. Here we report early experiences and challenges that European neurologists and residents faced. The breadth of the pandemic and the social restrictions induced substantial modifications in both inpatient and outpatient clinical care and academic activities as well, adversely affecting our residency training. On the other hand we see also opportunities, such as gaining more clinical and professional skills. All these drastic and sudden changes lead us to reconsider some educational aspects of our training program that need to be improved in order to better prepare the neurologists of the future to manage unexpected and large emergency situations like the one we are living in these days. A reconsideration of the neurological training program could be beneficial to guarantee high standard level of the residency training in this period and beyond.
Friends’ influence on the development of academic values in mathematics: are there differences between female and male dyads?
Authors: Reindl Marion , Gniewosz Burkhard , Dresel Markus
Published: September 2020

Based on the social cognitive theory and the emotional contagion theory, this study investigated if friends influence (reinforce or change) the development of academic values (intrinsic value, emotional cost) and if this process differs across same-sex friendship dyads. We drew on data collected in a two-wave longitudinal study in Germany. The final sample was based on 264 stable reciprocated friendship dyads of grades 5 and 7 (148 female dyads and 116 male dyads). Results of actor-partner-interdependence models indicated that friends reinforce each other regarding the intrinsic value and initiate change regarding the emotional cost. Moreover, female and male friendship dyads did not differ in the strength of influence on academic values. Results were discussed in terms of selection and socialization effects regarding friendships.
Implementing QVT-R via semantic interpretation in UML-RSDS
Authors: Lano K. , Kolahdouz-Rahimi S.
Published: September 2020

The QVT-Relations (QVT-R) model transformation language is an OMG standard notation for model transformation specification. It is highly declarative and supports (in principle) bidirectional (bx) transformation specification. However, there are many unclear or unsatisfactory aspects to its semantics, which is not precisely defined in the standard. UML-RSDS is an executable subset of UML and OCL. It has a precise mathematical semantics and criteria for ensuring correctness of applications (including model transformations) by construction. There is extensive tool support for verification and for production of 3GL code in multiple languages (Java, C#, C++, C, Swift and Python). In this paper, we define a translation from QVT-R into UML-RSDS, which provides a logically oriented semantics for QVT-R, aligned with the RelToCore mapping semantics in the QVT standard. The translation includes variation points to enable specialised semantics to be selected in particular transformation cases. The translation provides a basis for verification and static analysis of QVT-R specifications and also enables the production of efficient code implementations of QVT-R specifications. We evaluate the approach by applying it to solve benchmark examples of bx.
Satellite big data analytics for ethical decision making in farmer’s insurance claim settlement: minimization of type-I and type-II errors
Authors: Nagendra Narayan Prasad , Narayanamurthy Gopalakrishnan , Moser Roger
Published: September 2020

Farmers submit claims to insurance providers when affected by sowing/planting risk, standing crop risk, post-harvest risk, and localized calamities risk. Decision making for settlement of claims submitted by farmers has been observed to comprise of type-I and type-II errors. The existence of these errors reduces confidence on agri-insurance providers and government in general as it fails to serve the needy farmers (type-I error) and sometimes serve the ineligible farmers (type-II error). The gaps in currently used underlying data, methods and timelines including anomalies in locational data used in crop sampling, inclusion of invalid data points in computation, estimation of crop yield, and determination of the total sown area create barriers in executing the indemnity payments for small and marginal farmers in India. In this paper, we present a satellite big data analytics based case study in a region in India and explain how the anomalies in the legacy processes were addressed to minimize type-I and type-II errors and thereby make ethical decisions while approving farmer claims. Our study demonstrates what big data analytics can offer to increase the ethicality of the decisions and the confidence at which the decision is made, especially when the beneficiaries of the decision are poor and powerless.
Exponential Functions in Cartesian Differential Categories
Authors: Lemay Jean-Simon Pacaud
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we introduce differential exponential maps in Cartesian differential categories, which generalizes the exponential function $$e^x$$

e
x

from classical differential calculus. A differential exponential map is an endomorphism which is compatible with the differential combinator in such a way that generalizations of $$e^0 = 1$$

e
0

=
1

, $$e^{x+y} = e^x e^y$$

e

x
+
y

=

e
x

e
y

, and $$\frac{\partial e^x}{\partial x} = e^x$$

∂

e
x

∂
x

=

e
x

all hold. Every differential exponential map induces a commutative rig, which we call a differential exponential rig, and conversely, every differential exponential rig induces a differential exponential map. In particular, differential exponential maps can be defined without the need of limits, converging power series, or unique solutions of certain differential equations—which most Cartesian differential categories do not necessarily have. That said, we do explain how every differential exponential map does provide solutions to certain differential equations, and conversely how in the presence of unique solutions, one can derivative a differential exponential map. Examples of differential exponential maps in the Cartesian differential category of real smooth functions include the exponential function, the complex exponential function, the split complex exponential function, and the dual numbers exponential function. As another source of interesting examples, we also study differential exponential maps in the coKleisli category of a differential category.
Efficient priority rules under default: the case of traditio versus contract principle
Authors: Andreasson Jens , Faber Wolfgang , Gangopadhyay Shubhashis , Martinson Claes , Sjögren Stefan
Published: September 2020

We investigate the economic consequences of the traditio and the contract principle—differing in how they determine the priority rights for an item sold but not delivered. Our results suggest that the two principles are equivalent in terms of the net utilities enjoyed by involved actors. For example, a lower price paid for a forward transaction under a traditio principle can be compensated by better credit terms, implying there is no competitive advantage for either the seller or buyer under any principle. We demonstrate how market prices, incorrectly used, may misleadingly favour a contract principle, and discuss how fraudulent behaviour better supports a traditio regime. We also contribute to the legal discussion on priority regimes of undelivered items basing our discussion on bankruptcy priority laws instead of distribution of ownership.
The location and composition of Group 3 of the periodic table
Authors: Vernon René E.
Published: September 2020

Group 3 as Sc–Y–La, rather than Sc–Y–Lu, dominates the literature. The history of this situation, including involvement by the IUPAC, is summarised. I step back from the minutiae of physical, chemical, and electronic properties and explore considerations of regularity and symmetry, natural kinds, and quantum mechanics, finding these to be inconclusive. Continuing the theme, a series of ten interlocking arguments, in the context of a chemistry-based periodic table, are presented in support of lanthanum in Group 3. In so doing, I seek to demonstrate a new way of thinking about this matter. The last of my ten arguments is recast as a twenty-word categorical philosophical (viewpoint-based) statement.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in restrictive cardiomyopathies
Authors: Galea Nicola , Polizzi Gesualdo , Gatti Marco , Cundari Giulia , Figuera Michele , Faletti Riccardo
Published: September 2020

The restrictive cardiomyopathies constitute a heterogeneous group of myocardial diseases with a different pathogenesis and overlapping clinical presentations. Diagnosing them frequently poses a challenge. Echocardiography, electrocardiograms and laboratory tests may show non-specific changes. In this context, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may play a crucial role in defining the diagnosis and guiding treatments, by offering a robust myocardial characterization based on the inherent magnetic properties of abnormal tissues, thus limiting the use of endomyocardial biopsy. In this review article, we explore the role of CMR in the assessment of a wide range of myocardial diseases causing restrictive patterns, from iron overload to cardiac amyloidosis, endomyocardial fibrosis or radiation-induced heart disease. Here, we emphasize the incremental value of novel relaxometric techniques such as T1 and T2 mapping, which may recognize different storage diseases based on the intrinsic magnetic properties of the accumulating metabolites, with or without the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. We illustrate the importance of these CMR techniques and their great support when contrast media administration is contraindicated. Finally, we describe the useful role of cardiac computed tomography for diagnosis and management of restrictive cardiomyopathies when CMR is contraindicated.
Preparation and stabilization mechanism of carbon dots nanofluids for drag reduction
Authors: Wu Yi-Ning , Li Yuan , Cao Meng-Jiao , Dai Cai-Li , He Long , Yang Yu-Ping
Published: September 2020

During the development of low or ultra-low permeability oil resources, the alternative energy supply becomes a prominent issue. In recent years, carbon dots (CDs) have drawn much attention owing to their application potential in oil fields for reducing injection pressure and augmenting oil recovery. However, carbon dots characterized of small size, high surface energy are faced with several challenges, such as self-aggregation and settling. The preparation of stably dispersed carbon dots nanofluids is the key factor to guarantee its application performance in formation. In this work, we investigated the stability of hydrophilic carbon dots (HICDs) and hydrophobic carbon dots–Tween 80 (HOCDs) nanofluids. The influences of carbon dots concentration, sorts and concentration of salt ions as well as temperature on the stability of CDs were studied. The results showed that HICDs are more sensitive to sort and concentration of salt ions, while HOCDs are more sensitive to temperature. In addition, the core flooding experiments demonstrated that the pressure reduction rate of HICDs and HOCDs nanofluids can be as high as 17.88% and 26.14%, respectively. Hence, the HICDs and HOCDs nanofluids show a good application potential in the reduction of injection pressure during the development of low and ultra-low permeability oil resources.
Schiffer Comparison Operators and Approximations on Riemann Surfaces Bordered by Quasicircles
Authors: Schippers Eric , Shirazi Mohammad , Staubach Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

We consider a compact Riemann surfaceRof arbitrary genus, with a finite number of non-overlapping quasicircles, which separateRinto two subsets: a connected Riemann surface$$\Sigma $$Σ, and the union$$\mathcal {O}$$Oof a finite collection of simply connected regions. We prove that the Schiffer integral operator mapping the Bergman space of anti-holomorphic one-forms on$$\mathcal {O}$$Oto the Bergman space of holomorphic forms on$$\Sigma $$Σis an isomorphism onto the exact one-forms, when restricted to the orthogonal complement of the set of forms on all ofR. We then apply this to prove versions of the Plemelj–Sokhotski isomorphism and jump decomposition for such a configuration. Finally we obtain some approximation theorems for the Bergman space of one-forms and Dirichlet space of holomorphic functions on$$\Sigma $$Σby elements of Bergman space and Dirichlet space on fixed regions inRcontaining$$\Sigma $$Σ.
Almost All Finsler Metrics have Infinite Dimensional Holonomy Group
Authors: Hubicska B. , Matveev V. S. , Muzsnay Z.
Published: September 2020

We show that the set of Finsler metrics on a manifold contains an open everywhere dense subset of Finsler metrics with infinite-dimensional holonomy groups.