bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of surgical procedures to prevent post-hysterectomy pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Carlin Greta Lisa , Bodner-Adler Barbara , Husslein Heinrich , Ritter Magdalena , Umek Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed gynecological surgical procedures. One of the long-term risks associated with hysterectomy is the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). To prevent post-hysterectomy POP, several suspension procedures are routinely performed at the time of hysterectomy. We performed a systematic review of published data in order to define the most effective surgical procedures for the prevention of post-hysterectomy POP.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, and clinicaltrials.gov up to 24 May 2020. The search strategy included the keywords hysterectomy, post-hysterectomy, prolapse, colposuspension, culdoplasty, McCall, and combinations thereof. The inclusion criterion was a surgical procedure at the time of hysterectomy to prevent de novo POP. The outcome was incidence of post-hysterectomy POP.

Results

Six out of 553 retrieved studies met the methodological criteria for complete analysis. In this review, 719 women aged over 18 years were included. Only 2 studies were designed as prospective trials; however, only 1 compared women undergoing a procedure at the time of hysterectomy with controls. The prevalence of post-hysterectomy prolapse varied from 0% to 39%.

Conclusion

A systematic review of published literature suggests that performing variations of McCall culdoplasty at the time of hysterectomy might be the most effective prophylactic surgical procedure for preventing post-hysterectomy pelvic organ prolapse.
Low-dose ipilimumab plus nivolumab combined with IL-2 and hyperthermia in cancer patients with advanced disease: exploratory findings of a case series of 131 stage IV cancers – a retrospective study of a single institution
Authors: Kleef R. , Nagy R. , Baierl A. , Bacher V. , Bojar H. , McKee D. L. , Moss R. , Thoennissen N. H. , Szász M. , Bakacs T.
Published: November 2020

The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of patients with previously treated or untreated stage III or IV melanoma has by now reached 63% using ipilimumab and nivolumab therapy. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of grade 3 or 4 occurred in 59% of patients leading to discontinuation of therapy in 24.5% of patients and one death. Therapy with checkpoint inhibitors could be safer and more effective in combination with hyperthermia and fever inducing therapies. We conducted a retrospective analysis to test the safety and efficacy of a new combination immune therapy in 131 unselected stage IV solid cancer patients with 23 different histological types of cancer who exhausted all conventional treatments. Treatment consisted of locoregional- and whole-body hyperthermia, individually dose adapted interleukin 2 (IL-2) combined with low-dose ipilimumab (0.3 mg/kg) plus nivolumab (0.5 mg/kg). The objective response rate (ORR) was 31.3%, progression-free survival (PFS) was 10 months, survival probabilities at 6 months was 86.7% (95% CI, 81.0–92.8%), at 9 months was 73.5% (95% CI, 66.2–81.7%), at 12 months was 66.5% (95% CI, 58.6–75.4%), while at 24 months survival was 36.6% (95% CI:28.2%; 47.3%). irAEs of World Health Organization (WHO) Toxicity Scale grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 were observed in 23.66%, 16.03%, 6.11%, and 2.29% of patients, respectively. Our results suggest that the irAEs profile of the combined treatment is safer than that of the established protocols without compromising efficacy.
Task-based assessment of neck CT protocols using patient-mimicking phantoms—effects of protocol parameters on dose and diagnostic performance
Authors: Jahnke Paul , Conzelmann Juliane , Genske Ulrich , Nunninger Maximilian , Scheel Michael , Hamm Bernd , Diekhoff Torsten
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To assess how modifying multiple protocol parameters affects the dose and diagnostic performance of a neck CT protocol using patient-mimicking phantoms and task-based methods.

Methods

Six patient-mimicking neck phantoms containing hypodense lesions of 1 cm diameter and 30 HU contrast and one non-lesion phantom were examined with 36 CT protocols. All possible combinations of the following parameters were investigated: 100- and 120-kVp tube voltage; tube current modulation (TCM) noise levels of SD 7.5, 10, and 14; pitches of 0.637, 0.813, and 1.388; filtered back projection (FBP); and iterative reconstruction (AIDR 3D). Dose-length products (DLPs) and lesion detectability (assessed by 14 radiologists) were compared with the clinical standard protocol (120 kVp, TCM SD 7.5, 0.813 pitch, AIDR 3D).

Results

The DLP of the standard protocol was 25 mGy•cm; the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.839 (95%CI: 0.790–0.888). Combined effects of tube voltage reduction to 100 kVp and TCM noise level increase to SD 10 optimized protocol performance by improving dose (7.3 mGy•cm) and detectability (AUC 0.884, 95%CI: 0.844–0.924). Diagnostic performance was significantly affected by the TCM noise level at 120 kVp (AUC 0.821 at TCM SD 7.5 vs. 0.776 at TCM SD 14, p = 0.003), but not at 100-kVp tube voltage (AUC 0.839 at TCM SD 7.5 vs. 0.819 at TCM SD 14, p = 0.354), the reconstruction method at 100 kVp (AUC 0.854 for AIDR 3D vs. 0.806 for FBP, p < 0.001), but not at 120-kVp tube voltage (AUC 0.795 for AIDR 3D vs. 0.793 for FBP, p = 0.822), and the tube voltage for AIDR 3D reconstruction (p < 0.001), but not for FBP (p = 0.226).

Conclusions

Combined effects of 100-kVp tube voltage, TCM noise level of SD 10, a pitch of 0.813, and AIDR 3D resulted in an optimal neck protocol in terms of dose and diagnostic performance. Protocol parameters were subject to complex interactions, which created opportunities for protocol improvement.

Key Points

• A task-based approach using patient-mimicking phantoms was employed to optimize a CT system for neck imaging through systematic testing of protocol parameters.

• Combined effects of 100-kVp tube voltage, TCM noise level of SD 10, a pitch of 0.813, and AIDR 3D reconstruction resulted in an optimal protocol in terms of dose and diagnostic performance.

• Interactions of protocol parameters affect diagnostic performance and should be considered when optimizing CT techniques.
Glioblastoma post-operative imaging in neuro-oncology: current UK practice (GIN CUP study)
Authors: Booth Thomas C. , Luis Aysha , Brazil Lucy , Thompson Gerry , Daniel Rachel A. , Shuaib Haris , Ashkan Keyoumars , Pandey Anmol
Published: November 2020

Objectives

MRI remains the preferred imaging investigation for glioblastoma. Appropriate and timely neuroimaging in the follow-up period is considered to be important in making management decisions. There is a paucity of evidence-based information in current UK, European and international guidelines regarding the optimal timing and type of neuroimaging following initial neurosurgical treatment. This study assessed the current imaging practices amongst UK neuro-oncology centres, thus providing baseline data and informing future practice.

Methods

The lead neuro-oncologist, neuroradiologist and neurosurgeon from every UK neuro-oncology centre were invited to complete an online survey. Participants were asked about current and ideal imaging practices following initial treatment.

Results

Ninety-two participants from all 31 neuro-oncology centres completed the survey (100% response rate). Most centres routinely performed an early post-operative MRI (87%, 27/31), whereas only a third performed a pre-radiotherapy MRI (32%, 10/31). The number and timing of scans routinely performed during adjuvant TMZ treatment varied widely between centres. At the end of the adjuvant period, most centres performed an MRI (71%, 22/31), followed by monitoring scans at 3 monthly intervals (81%, 25/31). Additional short-interval imaging was carried out in cases of possible pseudoprogression in most centres (71%, 22/31). Routine use of advanced imaging was infrequent; however, the addition of advanced sequences was the most popular suggestion for ideal imaging practice, followed by changes in the timing of EPMRI.

Conclusion

Variations in neuroimaging practices exist after initial glioblastoma treatment within the UK. Multicentre, longitudinal, prospective trials are needed to define the optimal imaging schedule for assessment.

Key Points

• Variations in imaging practices exist in the frequency, timing and type of interval neuroimaging after initial treatment of glioblastoma within the UK.

• Large, multicentre, longitudinal, prospective trials are needed to define the optimal imaging schedule for assessment.
Distal humerus fracture in patients over 70 years of age: results of open reduction and internal fixation
Authors: Moursy Mohamed , Wegmann Kilian , Wichlas Florian , Tauber Mark
Published: November 2020

Background

Due to the complexity of distal humerusfractures and often poor bone quality in elderly patients, these entities remain a challenge. However, because of a high rate of complications related to total elbow prostheses, reconstruction of distal humerus fractures should still be considered a therapeutic option, also in the elderly patient. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation and to evaluate whether the results justify reconstruction even in elderly patients. We hypothesized that despite advanced age, reasonable clinical results can be achieved, using a standardized surgical technique and aftertreatment protocol for the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly patients.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2012, 30 patients with a mean age of 78 years at the time of injury with a recent distal humerus fracture were evaluated. All patients underwent the identical aftertreatment protocol with no weight bearing for 6 weeks and weekly increasing range of motion. Follow-up rate was 90%. 22 patients were treated with double plate, 4 with single plate, and 1 with screw fixation only. Patients were evaluated based on clinical criteria. Primary outcome measures were Mayo Elbow Performance Score, VAS and joint range of motion, secondary was radiological evaluation.

Results

After a mean follow-up period of 3.8 years (min. 1 year, max. 9 years, SD ± 2), the average range of motion was flexion of 127° (min. 100°; max. 150°; SD ± 16.5) and average loss of extension of 20.9° (min. 5°; max. 40°; SD ± 11). Average pronation and supination was 68.3° (min. 0°; max. 90°; SD ± 25.3) and 75.3° (min. 0°; max. 90°; SD ± 19.7), respectively. Average Mayo Elbow Performance (MEPS) score was 88.7 (min. 60; max. 100; SD ± 12.1). 6 patients developed heterotopic ossification without significant effect on the clinical outcome. 7 patients had radiological evidence of at least partial non-union with one requiring revision, 2 discrete hardware dislocations were treated conservatively. There were no infections in the presented cohort. Our results regarding the surgical approach showed significantly higher patient satisfaction scores in the osteotomy group, compared to the group with Triceps-On Approach (PTOA).

Conclusion

The present data support indication for open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) even in the elderly patient. Advanced age should not be seen as a contraindication for ORIF of fractures of the distal humerus. Although the rate of complications is higher than in younger patients, complications such as non-union are often asymptomatic, patient satisfaction scores are high, and the possible devastating complications of failed elbow replacement can be evaded.

Level of evidence

IV.
New diagnostic approach of the different types of isolated craniosynostosis
Authors: Kronig Sophia A. J. , Kronig Otto D. M. , Vrooman Henri A. , Veenland Jifke F. , Van Adrichem Léon N. A.
Published: November 2020

In this study, we diagnose skull shape deformities by analysing sinusoid curves obtained from standardized computed tomography (CT) slices of the skull for the common craniosynostoses (scaphocephaly, brachycephaly, trigonocephaly, right- and left-sided anterior plagiocephaly). Scaphocephaly has a high forehead peak and low troughs, in contrast to brachycephaly. Anterior plagiocephaly has asymmetry and shifting of the forehead peak. Trigonocephaly has a high and narrow frontal peak. Control patients have a symmetrical skull shape with low troughs and a high and broader frontal peak. Firstly, we included 5 children of every group of the common craniosynostoses and additionally 5 controls for extraction and calculation of characteristics. A diagnostic flowchart was developed. Secondly, we included a total of 51 craniosynostosis patients to validate the flowchart. All patients were correctly classified using the flowchart.

Conclusion: Our study proposes and implements a new diagnostic approach of craniosynostosis. We describe a diagnostic flowchart based on specific characteristics for every type of craniosynostosis related to the specific skull deformities and control patients. All variables are expressed in number; therefore, we are able to use these variables in future research to quantify the different types of craniosynostosis.

What is Known:• Premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures results in a specific cranial shape.• Clinical diagnosis is relatively simple; however, objective diagnosis based on distinctive values is difficult.

What is New:• Using external landmarks and curve analysis, distinctive variables, and values for every type of craniosynostosis related to the specific skull deformities were determined and used to create a diagnostic flowchart for diagnosis.• Validation with an independent data set of 51 patients showed that all patients were correctly classified.
First confirmed record of Trichobilharzia franki Müller & Kimmig, 1994, from Radix auricularia (Linnaeus, 1758) for Austria
Authors: Reier Susanne , Haring Elisabeth , Billinger Florian , Blatterer Hubert , Duda Michael , Gorofsky Christopher , Grasser Hans-Peter , Heinisch Wolfgang , Hörweg Christoph , Kruckenhauser Luise , Szucsich Nikolaus U. , Wanka Alexandra , Sattmann Helmut
Published: November 2020

Avian schistosomes are of medical and veterinary importance as they are responsible for the annually occurring cercarial dermatitis outbreaks. For Austria, so far, only Trichobilharzia szidati Neuhaus 1952 was confirmed on species level as causative agent of cercarial dermatitis. Here we present the first record of Trichobilharzia franki Müller & Kimmig 1994 in Austria. The species was detected during a survey of digenean trematodes in Upper Austrian water bodies. Furthermore, we provide DNA barcodes of T. franki as well as measurements of several parasite individuals to indicate the intraspecific diversity. We also recommend the usage of an alternative primer pair, since the “standard COI primer pair” previously used for Schistosomatidae amplified an aberrant fragment in the sequence of T. franki. Overall, our study shows how limited our knowledge about occurrence and distribution of avian schistosomes in Austria is and how important it is to acquire such a knowledge to estimate ecological and epidemiological risks in the future.
Stream gauge network grouping analysis using community detection
Authors: Joo Hongjun , Lee Myungjin , Kim Jongsung , Jung Jaewon , Kwak Jaewon , Kim Hung Soo
Published: November 2020

Stream gauging stations are important in hydrology and water science for obtaining water-related information, such as stage and discharge. However, for efficient operation and management, a more accurate grouping method is needed, which should be based on the interrelationships between stream gauging stations. This study presents a grouping method that employs community detection based on complex networks. The proposed grouping method was compared with the cluster analysis approach, which is based on statistics, to verify its adaptability. To achieve this goal, 39 stream gauging stations in the Yeongsan River basin of South Korea were investigated. The numbers of groups (clusters) in the study were two, four, six, and eight, which were determined to be suitable by fusion coefficient analysis. Ward’s method was employed for cluster analysis, and multilevel modularity optimization was applied for community detection. A higher level of cohesion between stream gauging stations was observed in the community detection method at the basin scale and the stream link scale within the basin than in the cluster analysis. This suggests that community detection is more effective than cluster analysis in terms of hydrologic similarity, persistence, and connectivity. As such, these findings could be applied to grouping methods for efficient operation and maintenance of stream gauging stations.
The gut mycobiome: a novel player in chronic liver diseases
Authors: Jiang Lu , Stärkel Peter , Fan Jian-Gao , Fouts Derrick Eugene , Bacher Petra , Schnabl Bernd
Published: November 2020

The human gut microbiome (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea) is a complex and diverse ecosystem. It plays an important role in human health, but is involved in several intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Most research to date has focused on the role of bacteria, while studies focusing on fungi (also referred to as “mycobiome” or “fungome”) are still in its infancy. In this review, we focus on the existing literature available about the gut mycobiome with an emphasis on compositional mycobiome changes associated with liver diseases, the impact on pathogenesis of disease, and its potential use as therapeutic targets. We also provide insights into current methodologies of studying mycobiome, and we highlight the interkingdom interactions in the context of disease and how they affect health of the host. Herein, by focusing on the gut mycobiome, this review provides novel insights and directions for liver research.
Multivariate analysis of the influence of peri-implant clinical parameters and local factors on radiographic bone loss in the posterior maxilla: a retrospective study on 277 dental implants
Authors: Sordi Mariane B. , Perrotti Vittoria , Iaculli Flavia , Pereira Keila C. R. , Magini Ricardo S. , Renvert Stefan , Gattone Stefano Antonio , Piattelli Adriano , Bianchini Marco A.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether peri-implant clinical parameters (modified plaque index (mPI), bleeding and/or suppuration on probing (B/SOP)) and local factors (type of prostheses, screw emergence, platform diameter, and abutment angulation) might contribute to the development of additional bone loss and peri-implantitis around dental implants.

Materials and methods

Two hundred seventy-seven external hex connection implants placed in the posterior maxilla of 124 patients were retrospectively evaluated. They were divided into two groups: physiologic bone loss < 2 mm (PBL) or additional bone loss ≥ 2 mm (ABL). GEE logistic regression was applied to evaluate the influence of type of prostheses (implant-supported single crown (ISSC), fixed partial denture (ISFPD), and full denture (ISFD)) and clinical parameters (mPI and S/BOP) on bone loss.

Results

Among the 277 implants, 159 (57.4%) presented PBL and 118 (42.6%) presented ABL. Within the ABL group, 20.6% implants were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. mPI significantly correlated with the type of prosthesis and the highest value of mPI (index = 3) was observed in ISFD (23.8%). Moreover, peri-implantitis was more frequently associated with ISFD (32.79%) than ISSC and ISFDP (13.79% and 13.48, respectively)

Conclusions

ISFD in the posterior maxilla presented high rates of ABL and showed a higher prevalence of peri-implantitis. None of the local factors seemed to contribute to the development of these conditions. Further investigations are needed to prospectively support the results of the present study.

Clinical relevance

Patients rehabilitated with ISFD should be carefully monitored and have more frequent maintenance visits to prevent or control peri-implant bone loss.
Transcriptomic response of Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y when provided with 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaine or 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate as sole sulfur source
Authors: Bottos Eric M. , AL-shabib Ebtihal Y. , Shaw Dayton M. J. , McAmmond Breanne M. , Sharma Aditi , Suchan Danae M. , Cameron Andrew D. S. , Van Hamme Jonathan D.
Published: November 2020

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants of concern. We previously described biodegradation of two PFAS that represent components and transformation products of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamidoalkyl betaine (6:2 FTAB) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), by Gordonia sp. strain NB4-1Y. To identify genes involved in the breakdown of these compounds, the transcriptomic response of NB4-1Y was examined when grown on 6:2 FTAB, 6:2 FTSA, a non-fluorinated analog of 6:2 FTSA (1-octanesulfonate), or MgSO4, as sole sulfur source. Differentially expressed genes were identified as those with ± 1.5 log2-fold-differences (± 1.5 log2FD) in transcript abundances in pairwise comparisons. Transcriptomes of cells grown on 6:2 FTAB and 6:2 FTSA were most similar (7.9% of genes expressed ± 1.5 log2FD); however, several genes that were expressed in greater abundance in 6:2 FTAB treated cells compared to 6:2 FTSA treated cells were noted for their potential role in carbon–nitrogen bond cleavage in 6:2 FTAB. Responses to sulfur limitation were observed in 6:2 FTAB, 6:2 FTSA, and 1-octanesulfonate treatments, as 20 genes relating to global sulfate stress response were more highly expressed under these conditions compared to the MgSO4 treatment. More highly expressed oxygenase genes in 6:2 FTAB, 6:2 FTSA, and 1-octanesulfonate treatments were found to code for proteins with lower percent sulfur-containing amino acids compared to both the total proteome and to oxygenases showing decreased expression. This work identifies genetic targets for further characterization and will inform studies aimed at evaluating the biodegradation potential of environmental samples through applied genomics.

Graphic Abstract
Epidermal Growth Factor in the CNS: A Beguiling Journey from Integrated Cell Biology to Multiple Sclerosis. An Extensive Translational Overview
Authors: Scalabrino Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

This article reviews the wealth of papers dealing with the different effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, neurons, and neural stem cells (NSCs). EGF induces the in vitro and in vivo proliferation of NSCs, their migration, and their differentiation towards the neuroglial cell line. It interacts with extracellular matrix components. NSCs are distributed in different CNS areas, serve as a reservoir of multipotent cells, and may be increased during CNS demyelinating diseases. EGF has pleiotropic differentiative and proliferative effects on the main CNS cell types, particularly oligodendrocytes and their precursors, and astrocytes. EGF mediates the in vivo myelinotrophic effect of cobalamin on the CNS, and modulates the synthesis and levels of CNS normal prions (PrPCs), both of which are indispensable for myelinogenesis and myelin maintenance. EGF levels are significantly lower in the cerebrospinal fluid and spinal cord of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which probably explains remyelination failure, also because of the EGF marginal role in immunology. When repeatedly administered, EGF protects mouse spinal cord from demyelination in various experimental models of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. It would be worth further investigating the role of EGF in the pathogenesis of MS because of its multifarious effects.
Integrating archival analysis, observational data, and climate projections to assess extreme event impacts in Alaska
Authors: Kettle Nathan P. , Walsh John E. , Heaney Lindsey , Thoman Richard L. , Redilla Kyle , Carroll Lynneva
Published: November 2020

Understanding potential risks, vulnerabilities, and impacts to weather extremes and climate change are key information needs for coastal planners and managers in support of climate adaptation. Assessing historical trends and potential socio-economic impacts is especially difficult in the Arctic given limitations on availability of weather observations and historical impacts. This study utilizes a novel interdisciplinary approach that integrates archival analysis, observational data, and climate model downscaling to synthesize information on historical and projected impacts of extreme weather events in Nome, Alaska. Over 300 impacts (1990–2018) are identified based on analyses of the Nome Nugget newspaper articles and Storm Data entries. Historical impacts centered on transportation, community activities, and utilities. Analysis of observed and ERA5 reanalysis data indicates that impacts are frequently associated with high wind, extreme low temperatures, heavy snowfall events, and winter days above freezing. Downscaled output (2020–2100) from two climate models suggests that there will be changes in the frequency and timing of these extreme weather events. For example, extreme cold temperature is projected to decrease through the 2040s and then rarely occurs afterwards, and extreme wind events show little change before the 2070s. Significantly, our findings also reveal that not all weather-related extremes will change monotonically throughout the twenty-first century, such as extreme snowfall events that will increase through the 2030s before declining in the 2040s. The dynamical nature of projected changes in extreme events has implications for climate adaptation planning.
Assessment of the metal pollution in surface sediments of coastal Tasaul Lake (Romania)
Authors: Vasiliu Dan , Bucse Andra , Lupascu Naliana , Ispas Bogdan , Gheablau Catalin , Stanescu Ion
Published: November 2020

Forty-three surface sediment samples were collected in September 2019 from Tasaul Lake (Black Sea coast, Romania) to examine the metal distribution patterns, assess the level of metal contamination, and identify the pollutant sources. The determined mean metal concentrations were as follows: Al 49,772 mg/kg, Zn 84.40 mg/kg, Cr 83.70 mg/kg, V 76.45 mg/kg, Ni 42.53 mg/kg, Cu 34.27 mg/kg, Pb 26.30 mg/kg, As 12.49 mg/kg, and Hg 0.06 mg/kg. The metals in the surface sediments of Tasaul Lake displayed moderate spatial variation, with higher metal concentrations mainly occurring in the south and southeast (As, Pb, and Hg), southwest (Cu and Zn), and west of the lake (Cr, Ni, and V). Heavy metal contamination in sediments is assessed using pollution indices such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and pollution load index. The highest CFs and EFs were determined for As (moderate to high pollution), followed by Pb (low to moderate pollution). The Cu, Zn, and Hg pollution indices showed values corresponding to low pollution levels, while Ni, Cr, and V presented the lowest indices, suggesting unpolluted sediments. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the origin of the analyzed heavy metals. Cr was predominantly sourced from lithogenic components, Ni and V originated from both natural and anthropogenic sources, and As, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Hg showed mainly anthropogenic sources such as agricultural runoff, domestic and industrial wastewater discharges, and quarrying activities.
Analytical Survival Analysis of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Process
Authors: Giorgini L. T. , Moon W. , Wettlaufer J. S.
Published: November 2020

We use asymptotic methods from the theory of differential equations to obtain an analytical expression for the survival probability of an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process with a potential defined over a broad domain. We form a uniformly continuous analytical solution covering the entire domain by asymptotically matching approximate solutions in an interior region, centered around the origin, to those in boundary layers, near the lateral boundaries of the domain. The analytic solution agrees extremely well with the numerical solution and takes into account the non-negligible leakage of probability that occurs at short times when the stochastic process begins close to one of the boundaries. Given the range of applications of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes, the analytic solution is of broad relevance across many fields of natural and engineering science.
GmNAC06, a NAC domain transcription factor enhances salt stress tolerance in soybean
Authors: Li Ming , Chen Rui , Jiang Qiyan , Sun Xianjun , Zhang Hui , Hu Zheng
Published: November 2020

Key message

We found GmNAC06 plays an important role in salt stress responses through the phenotypic, physiological and molecular analyses of OE, VC, and Mutant composite soybean.

Salinization affects 20% of all cultivated land worldwide because of the high salinity of irrigation water and the excessive use of water, and this amount is increasing daily. NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) have been found to be involved in salt stress. In this study, a soybean NAC gene, GmNAC06 (Glyma06g21020.1), was cloned and functionally characterized. The results of expression analysis suggested that salt stress could influence the expression level of GmNAC06. The subcellular localization analysis results suggested that GmNAC06 may function as a transcription factor. Under salt stress, the overexpression technology combined with CRISPR-Cas9 system found that GmNAC06 could cause the accumulation of proline and glycine betaine to alleviate or avoid the negative effects of ROS; similarly, it could control the Na+/K+ ratios in hairy roots to maintain ionic homeostasis. The fresh weight of the transgenic hairy roots and the histochemical ROS staining of wild leaves suggested that transgenic hairy roots influence the function of wild leaves under salt stress conditions. Moreover, the expression levels of GmUBC2 and GmHKT1 were higher in the GmNAC06 hairy roots than in the control. Thus, the overexpression of GmNAC06 in hairy roots notably causes an entire composite plant to exhibit salt tolerance. The phenotype of composite soybean plants and transgenic Arabidopsis plants suggest that GmNAC06 plays a role in response to salt stress and could be useful in generating salt tolerant transgenic crops.
Global Cities and Local Challenges: Booms and Busts in the London Real Estate Market
Authors: Canepa Alessandra , Chini Emilio Zanetti , Alqaralleh Huthaifa
Published: November 2020

In this paper we investigate the dynamic features of house prices in London. Using a generalized smooth transition model (GSTAR) we show that dynamic symmetry in price cycles in the London housing market is strongly rejected. We also show that the GSTAR model is able to replicate the features of the observed cycle in the simulated data. Further, our results show that the proposed model performs well when compared to other linear and nonlinear specifications in a out-of-sample forecasting exercise.
Characterization of the Tunisian petroleum refineries caustic effluent
Authors: Souilhi Aymen , Hentati Salma Besbes , Rzaigui Mohamed
Published: November 2020

A heterogeneous spent soda effluent generated from Tunisian petroleum refineries has been filtrated and separated in four solid fractions with a particle diameter of 160 to 100, 100 to 40, 40 to 16 and 16 to 10 µm and the fifth one with diameters < 10 µm obtained after total evaporation of the remained filtrate. Spectroscopic characterizations of the condensed phases by means of X-ray induced photoelectron and IR absorption, as well as pH-metry, potentiometry and stationary voltammetry at Ag2S/Ag electrode studies of the filtrate, show that the whole of the separated fractions contain Na2S, NaHS, C2H5SNa, Na2S2O3, Na2SO3 and methyl, ethyl and propyl mercaptans.
Optimal Sanitary Landfill Site Selection for Solid Waste Disposal in Durgapur City Using Geographic Information System and Multi-criteria Evaluation Technique
Authors: Sk Md Mainul , Ali Sk Ajim , Ahmad Ateeque
Published: November 2020

The government authorities in developing countries are awfully concerned with coping out the problems of the rising issues related to the disposal of solid wastes. Most of the Indian cities still dispose of solid waste unscientifically causing to severe environmental as well as public health problems. Geographic information systems (GIS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) have emerged as efficient tools for multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in effective solutions of solid waste management. The present study focuses on the integration of GIS and AHP in identifying potential sanitary landfill areas for solid waste disposal in Durgapur city, West Bengal, India. Eleven criteria were selected viz. land elevation, slope, soil, geology, land use land cover, distance to surface water, distance to tube wells, distance to roads, distance to industrial belts, distance to sensitive places, and land cost. All the criteria were aggregated using weighted overlay analysis in GIS environment. The study identified three potential landfill areas for MSW disposal covering the areas of 13.83854, 33.80678, and 27.20085 ha, respectively, in Durgapur city. The result found that land cost value was the most significant criterion in the model with a weight of 0.25258. Followed by land cost value, sensitive places and roads were the second and third most important criteria with a weight value of 0.1409 and 0.1233, respectively.
The Institute of International Finance: From Poacher to Gamekeeper?
Authors: Blom Jasper
Published: November 2020

The Institute of International Finance (IIF) is a key actor in global finance, mixing private-interest representation and market governance roles. Analyzing the historical development of the IIF offers important insights into the interaction between state and business and the resulting patterns of public and private governance. Based on archive sources and a unique set of interviews with elite policymakers spanning three decades, I argue that market structures, interest groups, and public policymaking processes stand in a recursive relationship. Secondly, I argue that interest groups take on private governance roles with the aim to remain the focal point of public policymakers vis-à-vis competing interest groups. This has important implications for the study of interest groups and global financial governance. The analysis of interest groups should be extended to the way they shape markets through private governance mechanisms and how that recursively feeds back into interest group advocacy and public policymaking processes to fully grasp lobbying dynamics. The study of global governance should include analysis of interest group competition within the opportunities and constraints emanating from public policymaking processes so as to understand the emergence of private patterns of governance and their interaction with public governance mechanisms.
How engagement of a diverse set of stakeholders shaped the design, implementation, and dissemination of a multicenter pragmatic trial of stroke transitional care: The COMPASS study
Authors: Gesell Sabina B. , Coleman Sylvia W. , Mettam Laurie H. , Johnson Anna M. , Sissine Mysha E. , Duncan Pamela W.
Published: November 2020

Evidence is limited on how to synthesize and incorporate the views of stakeholders into a multisite pragmatic trial and how much academic teams change study design and protocol in response to stakeholder input. This qualitative study describes how stakeholders contributed to the design, conduct, and dissemination of findings of a multisite pragmatic clinical trial, the COMprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) Study. We engaged stakeholders as integral research partners by embedding them in study committees and community resource networks that supported local sites. Data stemmed from formal focus groups and continuous participation in working groups. Guided by Grounded Theory, we extracted themes from focus group and meeting notes. These were discussed as a team and with other stakeholder groups for feasibility. A consensus approach was used. Stakeholder input changed many aspects of the study including: the care model that treated stroke as a chronic condition after hospital discharge, training for hospital-based providers who often lacked awareness of the barriers to recovery that patients face, support for caregivers who were essential for stroke patients’ recovery, and for community-based health and social service providers whose services can support recovery yet often go underutilized. Stakeholders brought value to both pragmatic research and health service delivery. Future studies should test the impact of elements of study implementation informed by stakeholders vs those that are not.
WANG CHONG'S FATALISM
Authors: Song Yunwoo
Published: November 2020

Although Wang Chong has often been categorized as a kind of fatalist, many scholars maintain that his fatalism does not include one's moral autonomy, as he argues that one's inborn moral tendencies can be changed through education. He even acknowledges that a person can live a different life from what one's ming must have dictated. But in this article, I show that even when Wang seems to claim that personal effort is important in life, he soon claims that even the abilities to make efforts or to strive to be a better person are more or less decided at birth. And even when he claims that people born with evil nature can be guided to goodness, nowhere does he suggest that to be good or evil is a matter of our choice. And if there is an occasion where one does not live up to what one's ming has predetermined, it is only because there was another ming, one that is more powerful than that of an individual, that interfered with the realization of one's original ming, not because that one's original ming has changed. In the end, I argue that even though Wang Chong may not be a fatalist in its fullest sense, since fatalism means that every event is necessitated, he comes very close to being one, as he sees that in so many instances of our lives, we are not free to act in any other way than in the way that ming has prearranged.
Closures of locally divergent orbits of maximal tori and values of homogeneous forms
Authors: TOMANOV GEORGE
Published: November 2020

Let

${\mathbf {G}}$
be a semisimple algebraic group over a number field K,

$\mathcal {S}$
a finite set of places of K,

$K_{\mathcal {S}}$
the direct product of the completions

$K_{v}, v \in \mathcal {S}$
, and

${\mathcal O}$
the ring of

$\mathcal {S}$
-integers of K. Let

$G = {\mathbf {G}}(K_{\mathcal {S}})$
,

$\Gamma = {\mathbf {G}}({\mathcal O})$
and

$\pi :G \rightarrow G/\Gamma $
the quotient map. We describe the closures of the locally divergent orbits

${T\pi (g)}$
where T is a maximal

$K_{\mathcal {S}}$
-split torus in G. If

$\# S = 2$
then the closure

$ \overline{T\pi (g)}$
is a finite union of T-orbits stratified in terms of parabolic subgroups of

${\mathbf {G}} \times {\mathbf {G}}$
and, consequently,

$\overline{T\pi (g)}$
is homogeneous (i.e.

$\overline{T\pi (g)}= H\pi (g)$
for a subgroup H of G) if and only if

${T\pi (g)}$
is closed. On the other hand, if

$\# \mathcal {S}> 2$
and K is not a

$\mathrm {CM}$
-field then

$\overline {T\pi (g)}$
is homogeneous for

${\mathbf {G}} = \mathbf {SL}_{n}$
and, generally, non-homogeneous but squeezed between closed orbits of two reductive subgroups of equal semisimple K-ranks for

${\mathbf {G}} \neq \mathbf {SL}_{n}$
. As an application, we prove that

$\overline {f({\mathcal O}^{n})} = K_{\mathcal {S}}$
for the class of non-rational locally K-decomposable homogeneous forms

$f \in K_{\mathcal {S}}[x_1, \ldots , x_{n}]$
.
Rebuttals as deracializing strategies for African American and white candidates
Authors: Tokeshi Matthew
Published: November 2020

The study of American racial politics has long focused on the conditions that activate racial animosity. A central line of research demonstrates that campaign messages that highlight negative stereotypes of African Americans can activate whites' racial attitudes. However, little is known about whether this activation can be overcome. I develop a theory of racial deactivation and test its predictions with two survey experiments. I find that explicitly criticizing the racial nature of an attack restores support for white candidates, but not African American candidates. However, African American and white candidates fare equally well using two rebuttal styles: a credible, non-racial justification of the attacked action or an explicit racial critique combined with the justification. The results have implications for how race affects campaigns, the susceptibility of the American public to racial cues, and campaign strategy.
Ultraprocessed beverages and processed meats increase the incidence of hypertension in Mexican women
Authors: Monge Adriana , Silva Canella Daniela , López-Olmedo Nancy , Lajous Martín , Cortés-Valencia Adrian , Stern Dalia
Published: November 2020

Higher intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPF), which have undergone multiple processes and have poor nutrient quality, is associated with higher incidence of non-communicable diseases. Yet, its association with hypertension has scarcely been studied, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We aimed to estimate the associations between consumption of UPF (total, liquid and solid) and UPF subgroups and incident hypertension in a prospective cohort study. We used data from the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort including 64 934 disease-free women aged ≥25 years at baseline. We assessed baseline usual dietary intake using a validated FFQ, and each item was categorised according to NOVA, a degree of food processing classification system. UPF and UPF subgroups were categorised according to the distribution of their contribution to total energy intake. Hypertension was self-reported. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and their 95 % CI. During a median follow-up of 2·2 years, we identified 3752 incident cases of hypertension. Mean contribution of UPF to total energy intake was 29·8 (SD9·4) % energy (23·4 (SD8·9) % solid, 6·4 (SD4·8) % liquid). Comparing extreme categories showed that higher total and solid UPF consumptions were not associated with incident hypertension (IRR 0·96, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·16; IRR 0·91, 95 % CI 0·82, 1·01, respectively). However, liquid UPF and processed meats were associated with increased hypertension (IRR 1·32, 95 % CI 1·10, 1·65; IRR 1·17, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·36, respectively). Addressing intake of liquid UPF and processed meats may help in managing hypertension in LMIC.
Zhushan Mandarin
Authors: Chen Yiya , Guo Li
Published: November 2020

Zhushan Mandarin () is a dialect of Mandarin Chinese (ISO 639-3; code: cmn) spoken in the Zhushan county (), which belongs to the city of Shiyan () in Hubei Province (), the People’s Republic of China. As shown in Figure 1, the county borders the city of Chongqing () to the south and Shaanxi Province () to the north. It has an area of 3,586 km² and a population of about 4.7 million residents (Hubei Province Annals Committee 2017). The general consensus is that it is a Mandarin dialect (LAC 2012). However, there have been debates on the proper classification of this dialect as belonging to the Jianghuai Mandarin group () (e.g. Coblin 2005, X. B. Liu 2007) or to the Southwestern Mandarin group () (e.g. Ting 1996, X. C. Liu 2005, L. Li 2009).
Berkeley's Criticisms of Shaftesbury and Hutcheson
Authors: Rickless Samuel C.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, I attempt to clarify the nature and purpose of Berkeley's criticisms of Shaftesbury's and Hutcheson's ethical systems in the third chapter ofAlciphron, explaining the extent to which those criticisms rely on the truth of idealism and considering whether Berkeley or his philosophical opponents have the better of the arguments. In the end, I conclude that some of Berkeley's criticisms are based on confusion and misunderstanding, others are likely contradicted by the empirical evidence, and yet others are unconvincing. At the same time, the criticisms reveal that Berkeley's metaphysical and ethical views are, perhaps surprisingly, significantly intertwined.
John Austin SJ (1717–84), The First Irish Catholic Cartesian?
Authors: Schmutz Jacob
Published: November 2020

Early-Modern Irish Catholics exiled on the European continent are known to have often held prominent academic positions in various important colleges and universities. This paper investigates the hitherto unknown Scholastic legacy of the Dublin-born Jesuit John Austin (1717–84), a famous Irish educator who started his career teaching philosophy at the Jesuit college of Rheims in 1746–47, before returning to the country of his birth as part of the Irish Mission. These manuscript lecture notes provides us first-hand knowledge about the content of French Jesuit education in the middle of the eighteenth century, which does not correspond to its classical reputation of ‘Aristotelian’ scholasticism opposed to philosophical novelties. While stitching to a traditional way of teaching, Austin introduces positively elements from Descartes, Malebranche, Locke and Newton into the curriculum. The present paper focuses on his conception of philosophical certitude (certitudo), which he considered a necessary condition for the possibility of philosophical knowledge.
Employment is a critical mental health intervention
Authors: Drake Robert E. , Wallach Michael A.
Published: November 2020

Abstract employment is critically important in mental health care. Unemployment worsens mental health and gaining employment can improve mental health, even for people with the most serious mental illnesses. In this editorial, we argue for a new treatment paradigm in mental health that emphasises employment, because supported employment is an evidence-based intervention that can help the majority of people with mental health disability to succeed in integrated, competitive employment. Unlike most mental health treatments, employment engenders self-reliance and leads to other valued outcomes, including self-confidence, the respect of others, personal income and community integration. It is not only an effective short-term treatment but also one of the only interventions that lessen dependence on the mental health system over time.
Psychometrie und Normierung des Lebensqualitätsinventars KIDSCREEN in Deutschland
Authors: Barkmann Claus , Otto Christiane , Meyrose Ann-Katrin , Reiss Franziska , Wüstner Anne , Voß Catharina , Erhart Michael , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. Der KIDSCREEN–27 und der KIDSCREEN–10 Index dienen der Messung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität (gLQ) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. In der vorliegenden Analyse werden beide Instrumente im Selbst- und Elternurteil mit Hilfe von bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Querschnittsdaten psychometrisch geprüft und normiert. Die dazu verwendeten Angaben von 11- bzw. 8- bis 18-Jährigen ( n = 1 163 Selbst- und 1 658 Elternurteile) stammen aus der BELLA-Studie, dem Modul zur psychischen Gesundheit der Studie zur Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland (KiGGS-Studie) des Robert Koch-Instituts. Die Item- und Skalenkennwerte gemäß der klassischen Testtheorie (KTT) entsprachen denen der europäischen Konstruktionsstichprobe und fielen akzeptabel bis gut aus. Die faktorielle Validität konnte über konfirmatorische und explorative Faktorenanalysen teilweise bestätigt werden, es zeigte sich aber auch ein starker Generalfaktor. Item-Response-Analysen im Partial-Credit-Modell legen die Rasch-Skalierbarkeit nahe, es verblieben aber bedeutsame Residualfaktoren. Es werden nach Alter, Geschlecht und Urteilenden stratifizierte Normwerttabellen bereitgestellt. Insgesamt handelt es sich um verbreitete, bewährte und sehr umfassend psychometrisch evaluierte Instrumente, die einen Vergleich der gLQ von Kindern und Jugendlichen aus verschiedenen europäischen Ländern ermöglichen.