bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behandlungssituation der Fournier-Gangrän an deutschen Universitätskliniken – eine nationale Umfrage zur Deskription aktueller Standards und resultierende Implikationen zur Planung einer Registerstudie
Authors: Kranz Jennifer , Wagenlehner Florian M. E. , Steffens Joachim , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Schneidewind Laila
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Die Fournier-Gangrän (FG) ist ein seltenes, aber lebensbedrohliches Krankheitsbild, dessen Prognose in den letzten Jahren nicht wesentlich verbessert werden konnte.

Ziel der Arbeit

Primäres Studienziel ist die Deskription der Therapiesituation von FG an deutschen Universitätskliniken. Als sekundäres Studienziel sollen Faktoren identifiziert werden, die mit einer erhöhten Letalität assoziiert sind. Außerdem sollen die Daten zur Planung einer Registerstudie dienen.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde ein Fragebogen mit 29 Fragen an die Mitglieder des Verbands Universitätsklinika Deutschlands sowie eine 3‑malige Erinnerung zur Studienteilnahme im Zeitraum April bis Juni 2020 versandt. Die Datenverwaltung und statistische Analyse erfolgte mit SPSS 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Il, USA).

Ergebnisse

Die Antwortrate betrug 88,9 %. Im Median werden jährlich 5 Patienten mit einem medianen Alter von 60 Jahren an deutschen Universitätsklinika mit der Diagnose FG therapiert. Insgesamt stellt sich die Therapiesituation sehr heterogen dar, insbesondere hinsichtlich der empirischen Erstantibiose. Ein signifikanter Risikofaktor für eine Letalität > 20 % konnte identifiziert werden: Intensivaufenthalt von größer gleich 10 Tagen (p = 0,039). Die Hälfte (50,0 %) der Befragten geben an, dass sich die Prognose der Erkrankung nicht wesentlich verbessert hat. Weiterhin halten viele der Befragten die Letalität für inakzeptabel hoch, daher befürworten 84,4 % eine Registerstudie. Aus den Kommentaren der Befragten konnten zahlreiche Vorschläge sowie Implikationen für die Planung einer solchen Studie abgeleitet werden, wie z. B. die histologische Sicherung der FG.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Therapiesituation der FG ist heterogen. Allerdings sind die Therapieergebnisse weiterhin inakzeptabel und schwer prognostizierbar.
Revision TKA with a distal femoral replacement is at high risk of reinfection after two-stage exchange for periprosthetic knee joint infection
Authors: Theil Christoph , Schneider Kristian Nikolaus , Gosheger Georg , Schmidt-Braekling Tom , Ackmann Thomas , Dieckmann Ralf , Frommer Adrien , Klingebiel Sebastian , Schwarze Jan , Moellenbeck Burkhard
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Megaprosthetic distal femoral reconstruction (DFR) is a limb-salvage procedure to address bone loss following two-stage revision for periprosthetic knee joint infection (PJI). The purpose of this study was to analyze the survival of DFR compared to hinged total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It was hypothesized that DFR was associated with a poorer survival.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, 97 subjects who underwent two-stage revision of chronic knee PJI were included. Among these, 41 were DFR. The diagnosis of PJI was established using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. Implant survival was calculated using Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log-rank test as well as multivariate Cox regression at a minimum follow-up period of 24 months.

Results

The median follow-up period was 59 (interquartile range (IQR) 45–78) months. Overall, 24% (23/97) of patients required revision surgery for infection. The infection-free survival of rotating hinge revision TKA was 93% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 86–100%) at five years compared to 50% (95% CI 34–66%) for DFR. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for reinfection were DFR reconstruction (HR 4.7 (95% CI 1–22), p = 0.048), length of megaprosthesis (HR 1.006 (95% CI 1.001–1.012), p = 0.032) and higher BMI (HR 1.066, 95% CI 1.018–1.116), p = 0.007). 10% (4/41) of patients undergoing DFR underwent amputation to treat recurrent infection.

Conclusion

Megaprosthetic DFR as part of a two-stage exchange for PJI is a salvage treatment that has a high risk for reinfection compared to non-megaprosthetic TKA. Patients must therefore be counseled accordingly.

Level of evidence

Retrospective observational study, Level IV.
Design of a master power factor controller for an industrial plant with solar photovoltaic and electric vehicle chargers
Authors: Ghani Affiq A. , Ramachandaramurthy Vigna K. , Yong Jia Ying
Published: February 2021

The power factor of industrial facilities is typically inductive. The case study in this paper was based on a typical Malaysian 11-kV on-grid industrial system with renewable energy sources and electric vehicle charging station connected. The integration of renewable energy sources reduces energy consumption from the grid; it consecutively reduces greenhouse gas emissions. However, the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic operating at unity power factor results in a reduction of the industry’s power factor. According to the Malaysian Distribution Code, the power factor of a medium voltage industrial system should be more than 0.85 lagging. A long-term low power factor will reduce the related electrical equipment lifespan and increase the monthly electricity bills. A classic method to overcome this issue was by installing reactive power compensator devices, such as the synchronous condenser, static VAr compensator and static synchronous compensator. Studies had revealed that solar photovoltaic with appropriate control system design could perform short-term reactive power compensation. The control techniques used are either power factor control, active power control, reactive power control or any combination of them. However, neither the reactive power compensator devices nor the solar photovoltaic with a control system can regulate the industry’s power factor to an intended value throughout its operation. Thus, this paper presents a simple, relatively cost-effective design of a master power factor controller that is capable of regulating the industry’s power factor to an intended value throughout its operation with a single preset reference. In this research, an industry-grade system comprises an industrial load installed with a power factor-controlled capacitor bank, a power factor-controlled solar photovoltaic system, a bidirectional current-controlled electric vehicle charging system based on CHAdeMO 1.1 standard charging protocol and a master power factor controller was designed using the Matrix Laboratory/Simulink software. This paper has provided simulation results as proof that each of the designed equipment was functioning appropriately. The results also proved that the proposed master power factor controller was capable of regulating the power factor of the industrial system to above 0.85 lagging throughout its operation.
Bracket fungi, natural lightweight construction materials: hierarchical microstructure and compressive behavior of Fomes fomentarius fruit bodies
Authors: Müller Cecilia , Klemm Sophie , Fleck Claudia
Published: February 2021

Bracket fungisuch as Fomes fomentarius(“tinder fungus”), have strong, light and tough fruit bodies that make them interesting role-models for bio-inspired, biodegradable applications. So far, little is known about the relation between their microstructure and mechanical properties, information needed for designing novel composites. The fruit bodies (mycelia) of tinder fungus are hierarchically structured honeycomb foams. The mycelium has a transversely isotropic microstructure with open porosity on the nano- and micro-length scales. The lowest resolution porosity appears as elongated tubes that extend from beneath the woody upper surface down towards the lower side that faces the ground. The tube walls are made of a network of hollow, fibrous cells (hyphae), mainly consisting of chitin. When tested mechanically, the material shows the typical compressive stress/strain curve of foams, where an initially linear course is followed by an extended plateau region. The as-harvested material exhibits pronounced viscoelastic recovery, but the tube walls are visibly damaged. Compared with the transverse direction, the load-bearing capability and energy absorption parallel to the tube long axis are ~ 5 and ~ 10 times higher, respectively. Unexpectedly however, the energy absorption efficiency is similar for both loading directions. Buckling of the tubes and cracking of their walls are the main damage mechanisms, and the damage zones coalesce into deformation bands as it is typical for foams. Drying leads to ~ 7 times higher plateau stresses, damage becomes extensive, and the mycelium loses its viscoelastic recovery capability. Interestingly, rehydration restores the properties of the wet state. It is compelling to imagine an adaptive role to natural dry/wet conditions.
Accounting for the surface temperature persistence by using signal energy
Authors: Li Jiangnan , Sun Zhian , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2021

The autocorrelation function (ACF) and its finite Fourier transform, referred to as signal energy, have been investigated using the ECMWF daily surface temperature data. ACF itself provides a measure of the influence of leading fluctuation between two different time points. Considering the decay of ACF, it is found that the scaling power-rule of ACF is only valid in a very short period, as the decay of ACF exists before it reaches a random noise state. Therefore, the method of the critical exponent of ACF is limited in the short length of the temporal interval. On the other hand, the distributions of the signal energy always show nice patterns, indicating the degree of persistence change. It is found, for a short period, that the distributions of the signal energy and the critical exponent are very similar, with a correlation coefficient over 0.97. For a longer period, though the critical exponent of ACF becomes invalid, the signal energy can always provide an effective method to investigate climate persistence in different lengths of time. In a 5-day period of boreal winter, the southern part of North America has a larger value of signal energy compared to the northern part; thus, the surface temperature is more stable in the north part. The result becomes opposite in the boreal summer. The method of signal energy can also be applied to a particular interval of time. In different temporal intervals, the signal energy presents very different results, especially over the El Nino regions
Conjuring up a ghost: structural and functional characterization of FhuF, a ferric siderophore reductase from E. coli
Authors: Trindade I. B. , Hernandez G. , Lebègue E. , Barrière F. , Cordeiro T. , Piccioli M. , Louro R. O.
Published: February 2021

Iron is a fundamental element for virtually all forms of life. Despite its abundance, its bioavailability is limited, and thus, microbes developed siderophores, small molecules, which are synthesized inside the cell and then released outside for iron scavenging. Once inside the cell, iron removal does not occur spontaneously, instead this process is mediated by siderophore-interacting proteins (SIP) and/or by ferric-siderophore reductases (FSR). In the past two decades, representatives of the SIP subfamily have been structurally and biochemically characterized; however, the same was not achieved for the FSR subfamily. Here, we initiate the structural and functional characterization of FhuF, the first and only FSR ever isolated. FhuF is a globular monomeric protein mainly composed by α-helices sheltering internal cavities in a fold resembling the “palm” domain found in siderophore biosynthetic enzymes. Paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy revealed that the core of the cluster has electronic properties in line with those of previously characterized 2Fe–2S ferredoxins and differences appear to be confined to the coordination of Fe(III) in the reduced protein. In particular, the two cysteines coordinating this iron appear to have substantially different bond strengths. In similarity with the proteins from the SIP subfamily, FhuF binds both the iron-loaded and the apo forms of ferrichrome in the micromolar range and cyclic voltammetry reveals the presence of redox-Bohr effect, which broadens the range of ferric-siderophore substrates that can be thermodynamically accessible for reduction. This study suggests that despite the structural differences between FSR and SIP proteins, mechanistic similarities exist between the two classes of proteins.

Graphic abstract
Hemolysis and von Willebrand factor degradation in mechanical shuttle shear flow tester
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Tachizaki Yuma , Inoue Yusuke , Hayakawa Masaki , Yamada Akihiro , Kayashima Michinori , Matsumoto Masanori , Horiuchi Hisanori , Yambe Tomoyuki
Published: February 2021

Chronic blood trauma caused by the shear stresses generated by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems is one of the major concerns to be considered during the development of ventricular assist devices. Large multimers with high-molecular-weight von Willebrand factor (VWF) are extended by the fluid forces in a shear flow and are cleaved by ADAMTS13. Since the mechanical revolving motions in artificial MCSs induce cleavage in large VWF multimers, nonsurgical bleeding associated with the MCS is likely to occur after mechanical hemodynamic support. In this study, the shear stress (~ 600 Pa) and exposure time related to hemolysis and VWF degradation were investigated using a newly designed mechanical shuttle shear flow tester. The device consisted of a pair of cylinders facing the test section of a small-sized pipe; both the cylinders were connected to composite mechanical heads with a sliding-sleeve structure for axial separation during the withdrawing motion. The influence of exposure time, in terms of the number of stress cycles, on hemolysis and VWF degradation was confirmed using fresh goat blood, and the differences in the rates of dissipation of the multimers were established. The plasma-free hemoglobin levels showed a logarithmic increase corresponding to the number of cycles, and the dissipation of large VWF multimers occurred within a few seconds under high shear stress flow conditions.
A Two-to-Five Year Follow-Up of a Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Cohort
Authors: Gromark Caroline , Hesselmark Eva , Djupedal Ida Gebel , Silverberg Maria , Horne AnnaCarin , Harris Robert A. , Serlachius Eva , Mataix-Cols David
Published: February 2021

Little is known about the long-term prognosis of children with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). Out of the 46 eligible patients from the Karolinska PANS cohort, 34 consented to participate in a follow-up (median 3.3 years). Participants underwent a thorough clinical evaluation and were classified according to their clinical course. Resulting groups were compared on clinical characteristics and laboratory test results. We observed significant reductions in clinician-rated PANS symptom severity and improved general function. Two patients were classified as remitted, 20 as relapsing–remitting, and 12 as having a chronic-static/progressive course. The latter group had an earlier onset, greater impairment and received more pharmacological and psychological treatments. Although remission was rare, the majority of children with PANS were significantly improved over the follow-up period but a non-negligible minority of patients displayed a chronic-static/progressive course and required additional treatments. The proposed definitions of flare and clinical course may be useful in future clinical trials.
Towards a Reformulated Theory Underlying Schema Therapy: Position Paper of an International Workgroup
Authors: Arntz Arnoud , Rijkeboer Marleen , Chan Edward , Fassbinder Eva , Karaosmanoglu Alp , Lee Christopher William , Panzeri Marta
Published: February 2021

Background

A central construct in Schema Therapy (ST) is that of a schema mode, describing the current emotional-cognitive-behavioral state. Initially, 10 modes were described. Over time, with the world-wide increasing and broader application of ST to various disorders, additional schema modes were identified, mainly based on clinical impressions. Thus, the need for a new, theoretically based, cross-cultural taxonomy of modes emerged.

Methods

An international workgroup started from scratch to identify an extensive taxonomy of modes, based on (a) extending the theory underlying ST with new insights on needs, and (b) recent research on ST theory supporting that modes represent combinations of activated schemas and coping.

Results

We propose to add two emotional needs to the original five core needs that theoretically underpin the development of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), i.e., the need for Self-Coherence, and the need for Fairness, leading to three new EMSs, i.e. Lack of a Coherent Identity, Lack of a Meaningful World, and Unfairness. When rethinking the purpose behind the different ways of coping with EMS-activation, we came up with new labels for two of those: Resignation instead of Surrender, and Inversion instead of Overcompensation. By systematically combining EMSs and ways of coping we derived a set of schema modes that can be empirically tested.

Conclusions

With this project, we hope to contribute to the further development of ST and its application across the world.
Seismic Noise Parameters as Indicators of Reversible Modifications in Slope Stability: A Review
Authors: Colombero C. , Jongmans D. , Fiolleau S. , Valentin J. , Baillet L. , Bièvre G.
Published: February 2021

Continuous ambient seismic monitoring of potentially unstable sites is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers for precursor recognition and early warning purposes. Twelve cases of long-term continuous noise monitoring have been reported in the literature between 2012 and 2020. Only in a few cases rupture was achieved and irreversible drops in resonance frequency values or shear wave velocity extracted from noise recordings were documented. On the other hand, all monitored sites showed clear reversible fluctuations of the seismic parameters on a daily and seasonal scale due to changes in external weather conditions (air temperature and precipitation). A quantitative comparison of these reversible modifications is used to gain insight into the mechanisms driving the site seismic response. Six possible mechanisms were identified, including three temperature-driven mechanisms (temperature control on fracture opening/closing, superficial stress conditions and bulk rigidity), one precipitation-driven mechanism (water infiltration effect) and two mechanisms sensitive to both temperature and precipitation (ice formation and clay behavior). The reversible variations in seismic parameters under the meteorological constraints are synthesized and compared to the irreversible changes observed prior to failure in different geological conditions.
Impact of community-based health insurance on utilisation of preventive health services in rural Uganda: a propensity score matching approach
Authors: Nshakira-Rukundo Emmanuel , Mussa Essa Chanie , Nshakira Nathan , Gerber Nicolas , von Braun Joachim
Published: February 2021

The effect of voluntary health insurance on preventive health has received limited research attention in developing countries, even when they suffer immensely from easily preventable illnesses. This paper surveys households in rural south-western Uganda, which are geographically serviced by a voluntary Community-based health insurance scheme, and applied propensity score matching to assess the effect of enrolment on using mosquito nets and deworming under-five children. We find that enrolment in the scheme increased the probability of using a mosquito net by 26% and deworming by 18%. We postulate that these findings are partly mediated by information diffusion and social networks, financial protection, which gives households the capacity to save and use service more, especially curative services that are delivered alongside preventive services. This paper provides more insight into the broader effects of health insurance in developing countries, beyond financial protection and utilisation of hospital-based services.
Evaluation of a Brief Online Self-help Program for Concerned Gamblers
Authors: Wall Håkan , Magnusson Kristoffer , Berman Anne H. , Bewick Bridgette M. , Hellner Clara , Jayaram-Lindström Nitya , Rosendahl Ingvar
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and module content of a brief online self-help program for concerned gamblers, i.e., gamblers who perceived a need to change their gambling habits, in the context of a gambling helpline. The program consisted of four modules based on Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), covering motivation to change, logging gambling behaviors, planning and implementing gambling-free activities, and managing risk situations. Gambling expenditures were also logged in the program, and their development over time were analyzed as longitudinal data using marginalized two-part models. Out of 4655 gamblers recruited via the helpline’s webpage, 92% completed content in at least one module, and 23% were active in all four modules. Attrition was in general high, with only 10% retention in the gambling log for longer than 14 days. Gambling expenditures decreased for those who logged them for a shorter time period, whereas it increased for those who logged expenditures for a longer time period. This study shows that it is relatively easy to recruit participants to an online program for concerned gamblers in the context of a gambling helpline. However, since few users logged in to the program more than once, we suggest future online programs to have open modules with all content accessible at once.
The Science Policy Script, Revised
Authors: Hofmänner Alexandra , Macamo Elisio
Published: February 2021

The paper considers the notion of Science Policy from a postcolonial perspective. It examines the theoretical implications of the recent trend to include emerging and developing countries in international Science Policies by way of the case study of Switzerland. This country’s new international science policy instruments and measures have challenged the classical distinction between international scientific cooperation and development cooperation, with consequences on standards and evaluation criteria. The analysis reveals that the underlying assumptions of the concept of Science Policy perpetuate traditional asymmetries in the global political economy of science. The paper suggests that the present legacy of Science Policy institutions and practices needs to be transformed to reflect an increasingly diverse spectrum of scientific purposes and traditions. It offers a revised set of foundational assumptions on Science Policy and, more broadly, proposes a fresh point of entry for the field of Science & Technology Studies (STS) to contribute to the Science Policy discourse.
Evolution of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project: The Effects of the “Third” on the Interplay Between Cooperation and Competition
Authors: Volf Darina
Published: February 2021

The paper investigates the evolution of the first manned international space mission – a rendezvous and docking between a US and a Soviet spacecraft in 1975 known as the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). The aim is to reconsider the rationales behind the ASTP from both a conceptual and an empirical perspective in order to get a better understanding of the evolution of international cooperation in the highly competitive and strategic field of space technology. Based on archival sources from Moscow, it sheds some light on those factors that led to a change in the previous reluctance of Soviets to cooperate with the US in the manned spaceflight. From the theoretical point of view, it argues that the ASTP was as much a tool of competition as one of cooperation and resulted from an interplay between cooperative and competitive logics. To explain the turn towards cooperative practices, the article looks at the complex constellation of competitive relations that existed within the national and international context of space exploration and changed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The decisive role in those changes was played by factors that can be subsumed under the notion of the so-called “third.”
A combined structural and seasonal approach to assess wildfire susceptibility and hazard in summertime
Authors: Bergonse Rafaello , Oliveira Sandra , Gonçalves Ana , Nunes Sílvia , da Câmara Carlos , Zêzere José Luis
Published: February 2021

Wildfire susceptibility and hazard models based on drivers that change only on a multiyear timescale are considered of a structural nature. They ignore specific short-term conditions in any year and period within the year, especially summer, when most wildfire damage occurs in southern Europe. We investigate whether the predictive capacity of structural wildfire susceptibility and hazard models can be improved by integrating a seasonal dimension, expressed by three variables with yearly to seasonal timescales: (1) a meteorological index rating fuel flammability at the onset of summer; (2) the scarcity of fuel associated with the burned areas of the previous year, and (3) the excessive abundance of fuel in especially fire-prone areas that have not been burned in the previous ten years. We describe a new methodology for combining the structural maps with the seasonal variables, producing year-specific seasonal susceptibility and hazard maps. We then compare the structural and seasonal maps as to their capacity to predict burnt areas during the summer period in a set of eight independent years. The seasonal maps revealed a higher predictive capacity in 75% of the validation period, both for susceptibility and hazard, when only the highest class was considered. This percentage was reduced to 50% when the two highest classes were considered together. In some years, structural factors and other unconsidered variables probably exert a strong influence over the spatial pattern of wildfire incidence. These findings can complement existing structural data and improve the mapping tools used to define wildfire prevention and mitigation actions.
Participation in online activities while travelling: an application of the MDCEV model in the context of rail travel
Authors: Calastri Chiara , Pawlak Jacek , Batley Richard
Published: February 2021

Travel-based multitasking, i.e. using travel time to conduct enjoyable and/or productive activities, is the subject of an increasing number of theoretical and empirical studies. Most existing studies focus on modelling the choice of which activities people conduct while travelling, and a limited number of papers also focuses on their duration. The novelty of this study with respect to this literature is two-fold. Firstly, we specifically study the engagement in different online activities while travelling, and apply the state-of-the-art Multiple Discrete-Continuous Extreme Value (MDCEV) model to jointly model the choice and duration of multiple activities. We apply this model to data collected face-to-face from train passengers in the UK. We find that activity choice and duration is explained by both passenger and trip characteristics, especially trip purpose, ticket type and day/time of the trip. Secondly, we show how such modelling can assist in investment appraisal, in particular by providing insights into lower- and upper- bound estimates of the proportion of the entire travel time spent working, itself of importance in, for example, valuation of business travel time using the so-called Hensher Equation. We present a detailed discussion of how the findings from our work contribute to the broader discourse around the nature of travel time and its valuation.
Culturally Immersed Legal Terminology on the Example of Forest Regulations in Poland, The United Kingdom, The United States of America and Germany
Authors: Trzaskawka Paula , Kic-Drgas Joanna
Published: February 2021

The importance of forests is reflected in the national forest legislation which has been developed and implemented in European countries over recent years. Due to regional and national specificities, forest regulations include culturally immersed terms specific to the described area. The aim of this paper is to analyses the culturally driven legal terms existing in specific legal regulations concerning forestry in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Poland, and identify possible ways of translating them. In order to take the interdisciplinary nature of the issue into account, the degree of hybridity of the selected texts will be examined by means of corpus analysis. The methodology applied in the paper uses a comparative approach. Additionally, the authors also resort to the aforementioned corpus analysis, as well as the analysis of comparable texts and the analysis of terminology according to the three categories of equivalence as determined by Šarčević (New Approach to Legal translation, Kluwer Law International, Hague, 1997), and the techniques of providing equivalents for non-equivalent or partially equivalent terms (Matulewska A, in: Lingua Legis in Translation, Peter Lang Publishing House, 2007) as research methods. The material used for analysis comes from selected German, English and Polish legal acts regulating forest management and maintenance that are considered as corpora for the selection of culturally immersed terminology, namely: (i) the Polish Act on Forests of 28th September 1991 [Ustawa z dnia 28 września 1991 r. o lasach], (ii) Title 16 U.S. Code Chapter 2—National Forests, (iii) Forestry Act 1967, Chapter 10 (the United Kingdom), (iv) German Forestry Act 1975 [Gesetz zur Erhaltung des Waldes und zur Förderung der Forstwirtschaft (Bundeswaldgesetz) von 1975]. The paper concerns potential problems that could occur in the translation of culturally immersed legal terminology due to the terms’ rigidity and high degree of specificity. The studies presented will allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the possibilities and strategies for translating culturally immersed terms. In addition, the availability of terminological dictionaries for these language pairs will be discussed.
Tree-structured scale effects in binary and ordinal regression
Authors: Tutz Gerhard , Berger Moritz
Published: February 2021

In binary and ordinal regression one can distinguish between a location component and a scaling component. While the former determines the location within the range of the response categories, the scaling indicates variance heterogeneity. In particular since it has been demonstrated that misleading effects can occur if one ignores the presence of a scaling component, it is important to account for potential scaling effects in the regression model, which is not possible in available recursive partitioning methods. The proposed recursive partitioning method yields two trees: one for the location and one for the scaling. They show in a simple interpretable way how variables interact to determine the binary or ordinal response. The developed algorithm controls for the global significance level and automatically selects the variables that have an impact on the response. The modeling approach is illustrated by several real-world applications.
Can Infinitists Handle the Finite Mind Objection and the Distinction Objection?
Authors: Zhao Bin
Published: February 2021

This paper examines two objections to the infinitist theory of epistemic justification, namely “the finite mind objection” and “the distinction objection.” It criticizes Peter Klein’s response to the distinction objection and offers a more plausible response. It is then argued that this response is incompatible with Klein’s response to the finite mind objection. Infinitists, it would seem, cannot handle both objections when taken together.
Ein Instrument zur Messung von Lerntransferbedingungen im Kontext der hochschuldidaktischen Weiterbildung
Authors: Beuße Mareike , Hartz Stefanie
Published: February 2021

Die hochschuldidaktische Qualifizierung von Lehrenden hat insbesondere mit dem Bund-Länder-Programm Qualitätspakt Lehre und den in diesem Kontext entstandenen Angeboten an Bedeutung gewonnen. Zum Transfer des in den Qualifizierungen Gelernten in den Lehralltag und seinen Bedingungen liegen jedoch nur wenige Befunde vor. Der vorliegende Aufsatz stellt ein im Anschluss an den Diskurs der Lerntransferforschung entwickeltes und auf den deutschsprachigen, hochschuldidaktischen Bereich zugeschnittenes Instrument zur Erfassung von Lerntransferbedingungen vor, das die Dimensionen Transfermotivation, Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung, persönliche Transferkapazitäten, Trainingsdesign, Lehrbedingungen, Möglichkeit zur Anwendung, positive Folgen, Unterstützung durch Kollegen, Unterstützung durch Vorgesetzten, Transferklima und Unterstützung durch Studierende erfasst. Die auf konfirmatorischen Faktorenanalysen basierenden Auswertungen geben Hinweise auf die Konstruktvalidität des Instruments, das sowohl zur Evaluation des Lerntransfers und seinen Bedingungen im Kontext hochschuldidaktischer Weiterbildungen als auch zur Weiterentwicklung des diesbezüglichen Forschungsstandes geeignet ist.
A Comparative Study on Modified Johnson–Cook and Arrhenius-Type Constitutive Models to Predict the Hot Deformation Behaviour of Molybdenum-Hafnium-Carbide Alloy
Authors: Safari Athar , Imran Muhammad , Weiss Sabine
Published: February 2021

Molybdenum alloys are commonly used as tool material for high-temperature deformation processes like forming or forging. For these types of application, the material has to withstand static load at elevated temperatures. To investigate the high-temperature performance of the material, uniaxial hot tensile tests were performed on a Mo-1.2% Hf-0.1% C alloy (MHC) over the temperature range of 1173-1473 K with intervals of 100 K and strain rates of 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 s−1 up to the fracture of the specimen. The flow stress decreases with increase in temperature and the reduction in strain rate. This behaviour could be related to the increasing rate of restoration mechanisms, i.e. dynamic recrystallization or recovery as well as to the decrease in the strain hardening rate. Microstructure of the two most critical hot deformation conditions were shown and compared. Based on modified Johnson–Cook and strain-compensated Arrhenius-type models, constitutive equations were established to predict the high-temperature flow stress of the respective MHC alloy. The accuracy of both models was evaluated by comparing the predicted stress values and the values obtained from experiments. Correlation coefficient, average absolute relative error, the number of material constants involved and the computational time required for evaluating the constants were calculated to quantify and compare the precision of both models. The flow stress values predicted by the constitutive equations are in good agreement with the experimental results. At lower strain rates (0.001 and 0.01 s−1), distinct deviation from the experimental results can be observed for the modified Johnson–Cook model. Despite the longer evaluation time and the larger number of material constants, the deformation behaviour, tracked by the Arrhenius-type model is more accurate throughout the entire deformation process.
Predictors of complications occurring after open and robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery: a retrospective evaluation of 1062 consecutive patients treated in a tertiary referral high volume center
Authors: Porcaro Antonio Benito , Tafuri Alessandro , Rizzetto Riccardo , Amigoni Nelia , Sebben Marco , Shakir Aliasger , Odorizzi Katia , Gozzo Alessandra , Gallina Sebastian , Bianchi Alberto , Ornaghi Paola Irene , Antoniolli Stefano Zecchini , Lacola Vincenzo , Brunelli Matteo , Migliorini Filippo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Siracusano Salvatore , Artibani Walter , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: February 2021

To investigate factors associated with the risk of major complications after radical prostatectomy (RP) by the open (ORP) or robot-assisted (RARP) approach for prostate cancer (PCa) in a tertiary referral center. 1062 consecutive patients submitted to RP were prospectively collected. The following outcomes were addressed: (1) overall postoperative complications: subjects with Clavien-Dindo System (CD) one through five versus cases without any complication; (2) moderate to major postoperative complications: cases with CD < 2 vs.  ≥ 2, and 3) major post-operative complications: subjects with CDS CD ≥  3 vs.  < 3. The association of pre-operative and intra-operative factors with the risk of postoperative complications was assessed by the logistic regression model. Overall, complications occurred in 310 out of 1062 subjects (29.2%). Major complications occurred in 58 cases (5.5%). On multivariate analysis, major complications were predicted by PCa surgery and intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL). ORP compared to RARP increased the risk of major CD complications from 2.8 to 19.3% (OR = 8283; p < 0.0001). Performing ePLND increased the risk of major complications from 2.4 to 7.4% (OR = 3090; p < 0.0001). Assessing intraoperative blood loss, the risk of major postoperative complications was increased by BL above the third quartile when compared to subjects with intraoperative blood loss up to the third quartile (10.2% vs. 4.6%; OR = 2239; 95%CI: 1233–4064). In the present cohort, radical prostatectomy showed major postoperative complications that were independently predicted by the open approach, extended lymph-node dissection, and excessive intraoperative blood loss.
Idiopathic Anaphylaxis: a Perplexing Diagnostic Challenge for Allergists
Authors: Gulen Theo , Akin Cem
Published: February 2021

Purpose of Review

The aim of this systematic review is to present the proposed theories of pathogenesis for idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA), to discuss its classification, its diagnostic approach, and management.

Recent Findings

IA represents a major diagnostic challenge and is diagnosed when excluding the possible identifiable triggers of anaphylaxis. The current research, however, revealed that certain conditions including mastocytosis, mast cell activation syndromes, and hereditary alpha tryptasemia can masquerade and overlap with its symptomatology. Also, newly identified galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose mammalian red meat allergy has recently been recognized as underlying cause of anaphylaxis in some cases that were previously considered as IA.

IA comprises a heterogenous group of conditions where, in some cases, inherently dysfunctional mast cells play a role in pathogenesis. The standard trigger avoidance strategies are ineffective, and episodes are unpredictable. Therefore, prompt recognition and treatment as well as prophylaxis are critical. The patients should always carry an epinephrine autoinjector.
Identity Threat and Coping Among British South Asian Gay Men During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Jaspal Rusi
Published: February 2021

This study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on identity, relationships and psychological wellbeing among British South Asian gay men (BSAGM). Interview data from 15 BSAGM were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis and identity process theory. The analysis yielded the following three themes: (1) Fear of involuntary disclosure of gay identity; (2) Anxiety about relationships; and (3) Coping and casual sexual encounters. BSAGM who returned to the family home during the lockdown reported fear of involuntary disclosure of their sexual identity, exposure to stigma in relation to their sexuality, and anxiety about their relationships with significant others. In order to cope with the resultant threats to identity, some individuals concealed their sexual identity, which could undermine their sense of identity authenticity, and some reported engaging in casual sexual encounters as a means of coping with identity threat. BSAGM may be at high risk of identity threat during the COVID-19 outbreak with limited access to social and psychological support in relation to their sexuality. This in turn may lead to a reliance on ineffective coping strategies, such as sexual risk-taking.
Kwaliteitsregistratie prostaatcarcinoom: ziekenhuisregistratie versus Nederlandse Kankerregistratie
Authors: Heesterman Berdine L. , Olthof Ellen M. G. , van der Poel Henk G. , van Moorselaar R. Jeroen A. , Aben Katja K. H.
Published: February 2021

Samenvatting

Goede kwaliteitsregistraties zijn cruciaal, omdat zij inzicht verschaffen in de kwaliteit van geleverde zorg en mogelijke verbeterpunten. De NVU is in 2008 gestart met de kwaliteitsregistratie prostaatcarcinoom waarin data zijn vastgelegd door zorgprofessionals. Sinds 1989 bestaat ook de landelijk dekkende Nederlandse Kankerregistratie (NKR) waarin data over prostaatkanker worden vastgelegd door datamanagers van Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland (IKNL), die hiertoe medische dossiers raadplegen. In 2015 is IKNL samen met de NVU en andere wetenschappelijke verenigingen gestart met ProZIB, ‘ProstaatkankerZorg In Beeld’. Op basis van ProZIB-resultaten is de NKR-Prostaatkankerset uitgebreid en daarmee geschikt geworden voor continue kwaliteitsmonitoring. Als onderdeel van ProZIB is de NVU-Kwaliteitsregistratie Prostaatcarcinoom vergeleken met de NKR wat betreft compleetheid en inhoud. De NKR bleek completer wat betreft het aantal radicale prostatectomieën (94% versus 62–85%). Inhoudelijk kwamen de registraties grotendeels overeen. Voordelen van een kwaliteitsregistratie in de NKR zijn: onafhankelijkheid, uniformiteit en verminderde registratielast voor de zorgprofessional bij gelijkblijvende inhoudelijke kwaliteit.
Effect of mass transfer channels on flexural strength of C/SiC composites fabricated by femtosecond laser assisted CVI method with optimized laser power
Authors: Wang Jing , Cao Liyang , Zhang Yunhai , Liu Yongsheng , Fang Hui , Chen Jie
Published: February 2021

In this study, femtosecond laser assisted-chemical vapor infiltration (LA-CVI) was employed to produce C/SiC composites with 1, 3, and 5 rows of mass transfer channels. The effect of laser machining power on the quality of produced holes was investigated. The results showed that the increase in power yielded complete hole structures. The as-obtained C/SiC composites with different mass transfer channels displayed higher densification degrees with flexural strengths reaching 546 ± 15 MPa for row mass transfer channel of 3. The strengthening mechanism of the composites was linked to the increase in densification and formation of “dense band” during LA-CVI process. Multiphysics finite element simulations of the dense band and density gradient of LA-CVI C/SiC composites revealed C/SiC composites with improved densification and lower porosity due to the formation of “dense band” during LA-CVI process. In sum, LA-CVI method is promising for future preparation of ceramic matrix composites with high densities.
Microstructural evolution and liquation cracking in the partially melted zone of deposited ERNiCrFe-13 filler metal subjected to TIG refusion
Authors: Guo X. , He P. , Xu K. , Chen P. Y. , Chen B. , Huo S. B.
Published: February 2021

The microstructure of ERNiCrFe-13 multipass weld metal has been shown to contain Laves/γ or σ/γ eutectic constituents that can increase susceptibility to solidification and weld metal liquation cracking resulting from the low eutectic reaction temperature. Under poor heat dissipation conditions such as on the edge of large thickness welded components, a partially melted zone (PMZ) may form in the weld metal during multipass welding. The microstructural evolution and liquation cracking susceptibility of this PMZ in ERNiCrFe-13 multipass welds have received little attention. In the present study, a tungsten inert gas (TIG) refusion process is used to simulate a thermal cycle with a long elevated temperature dwell time in order to investigate the microstructural evolution and liquation cracking in the weld metal PMZ. The results show that the eutectic microstructures in the PMZ evolve into three eutectic morphologies after TIG refusion, including long linear chains extending perpendicular to the boundary between the refusion zone and PMZ, skeletal structures, and fine lamellar networks. This evolution contributes to constitutional liquation occurring at the γ/Laves and γ/σ interface. Nb and Mo play a leading role in the constitutional liquation of γ/Laves and γ/σ eutectic microstructures, respectively. Liquation cracking in the PMZ is shown to occur along the linear chain grain boundaries resulting from constitutional liquation.
Smoothing additive manufactured parts using ns-pulsed laser radiation
Authors: Kuisat Florian , Lasagni Fernando , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: February 2021

It is well known that the surface topography of a part can affect its mechanical performance, which is typical in additive manufacturing. In this context, we report about the surface modification of additive manufactured components made of Titanium 64 (Ti64) and Scalmalloy®, using a pulsed laser, with the aim of reducing their surface roughness. In our experiments, a nanosecond-pulsed infrared laser source with variable pulse durations between 8 and 200 ns was applied. The impact of varying a large number of parameters on the surface quality of the smoothed areas was investigated. The results demonstrated a reduction of surface roughness Sa by more than 80% for Titanium 64 and by 65% for Scalmalloy® samples. This allows to extend the applicability of additive manufactured components beyond the current state of the art and break new ground for the application in various industrial applications such as in aerospace.
Modified sodium molybdate as an efficient high yielding heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel from Ghanaian indigenous Camelina sativa as a non-edible resource
Authors: Takase Mohammed , Essandoh Paul Kwame , Kipkoech Rogers
Published: February 2021

Sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4) has been synthesized and investigated as a heterogeneous solid catalyst for biodiesel from Camelina sativa seed oil. Transesterification reactions occurred under atmospheric conditions with relatively, low temperature short reaction time and normal pressure. The prepared catalyst was characterised by means of SEM, TGA, UV, XRD and FTIR. The properties of the biodiesel were compared with international standards. The transesterification reaction was very efficient with the optimum yield higher than 95% at methanol to oil molar ratio of 17:1, catalyst amount of 6%, reaction temperature of 60 °C and reaction time of 2.5 h. The molybdate complex had a high Lewis acidity and most certainly act as alcohol O–H bond leading to a transient species which has high nucleophilic character. The catalyst was easily recovered and after being washed for three times, showed capacity of recyclability for another catalytic reaction of five cycles with similar activity. The properties of the biodiesel were comparable to international standards.