bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pairwise‐rotated EOFs of global cloud cover and their linkages to sea surface temperature
Authors: Li Yanrong , Ge Jinming , Dong Zixiang , Hu Xiaoyu , Yang Xuan , Wang Meihua , Han Zihang
Published: December 2020

Sea surface temperature (SST) could significantly affect the dynamic and thermodynamic conditions of the atmospheric circulation and consequently the cloud variations. Here we use several different satellite records to extract the spatial‐time modes of total cloud cover (TCC) by employing a pairwise rotation of Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis. The results show that the first two principal oscillation modes of TCC are closely associated with the Central Pacific El Niño Southern Oscillation (CP ENSO) and Eastern Pacific (EP) ENSO during the 1980s–2000s, while the ENSO‐like mode of TCC can provide an evident contribution to the TCC change during the 2000s–2010s. In CP El Niño, the cloud vertical structure decomposed from CloudSat observations shows an increase of cloud occurrence frequency near the equator and around 40°, and a decrease around 10° in both hemispheres, suggesting a symmetric tightening of Hadley cell (HC). In addition, cloud occurrence frequency increases around 180°, which is accompanied by an eastward shift of Walker circulation (WC). In EP El Niño, TCC increases (decreases) over the Equatorial Eastern Pacific (Western Pacific warm pool), and decreases asymmetrically over the subtropical Pacific Ocean, indicating a weakening of WC and an asymmetric tightening of HC, respectively. The different responses of circulation and clouds to CP and EP El Niño highlight the nonlinearity of El Niño SST forcing. We also construct a trend mode of TCC to investigate cloud long‐term responses to SST warming by transferring the linear trends of the rest modes to a specific mode. The principal components (PCs) of TCC trend modes are strongly correlated with global‐mean SST (GSST) with correlation a coefficient of about 0.60 during the 1980s–2000s and 0.45 during the 2000s–2010s, suggesting a continued influence of global SST warming on TCC. The global TCC change is mainly influenced by the combined effects of Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The variation about the trend mode of TCC is closely associated with PDO and IOD.
Evaluation of chemical properties of intact green coffee beans using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Levate Macedo Leandro , da Silva Araújo Cintia , Costa Vimercati Wallaf , Gherardi Hein Paulo Ricardo , Pimenta Carlos José , Henriques Saraiva Sérgio
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The chemical compounds in coffee are important indicators of quality. Its composition varies according to several factors related to the planting and processing of coffee. Thus, this study proposed to use near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) associated with partial least squares (PLS) regression to estimate quickly some chemical properties (moisture content, soluble solids, and total and reducing sugars) in intact green coffee samples. For this, 250 samples produced in Brazil were analyzed in the laboratory by the standard method and also had their spectra recorded.

RESULTS

The calibration models were developed using PLS regression with cross‐validation and tested in a validation set. The models were elaborated using original spectra and preprocessed by five different mathematical methods. These models were compared in relation to the coefficient of determination, root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV), root mean square error of test set validation (RMSEP), and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) and demonstrated different predictive capabilities for the chemical properties of coffee. The best model was obtained to predict grain moisture and the worst performance was observed for the soluble solids model. The highest determination coefficients obtained for the samples in the validation set were equal to 0.810, 0.516, 0.694 and 0.781 for moisture, soluble solids, total sugar, and reducing sugars, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The statistics associated with these models indicate that NIR technology has the potential to be applied routinely to predict the chemical properties of green coffee, and in particular, for moisture analysis. However, the soluble solid and total sugar content did not show high correlations with the spectroscopic data and need to be improved. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipidomic Analysis of Plasma from Healthy Men and Women Shows Phospholipid Class and Molecular Species Differences between Sexes
Authors: West Annette L. , Michaelson Louise V. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Haslam Richard P. , Lillycrop Karen A. , Georgescu Ramona , Han Lihua , Napier Johnathan A. , Calder Philip C. , Burdge Graham C.
Published: December 2020

The phospholipid composition of lipoproteins is determined by the specificity of hepatic phospholipid biosynthesis. Plasma phospholipid 20:4n‐6 and 22:6n‐3 concentrations are higher in women than in men. We used this sex difference in a lipidomics analysis of the impact of endocrine factors on the phospholipid class and molecular species composition of fasting plasma from young men and women. Diester species predominated in all lipid classes measured. 20/54 Phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) species were alkyl ester, 15/48 phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) species were alkyl ester, and 12/48 PtdEtn species were alkenyl ester. There were no significant differences between sexes in the proportions of alkyl PtdCho species. The proportion of alkyl ester PtdEtn species was greater in women than men, while the proportion of alkenyl ester PtdEtn species was greater in men than women. None of the phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) or phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) molecular species contained ether‐linked fatty acids. The proportion of PtdCho16:0_22:6, and the proportions of PtdEtn O‐16:0_20:4 and PtdEtn O‐18:2_20:4 were greater in women than men. There were no sex differences in PtdIns and PtdSer molecular species compositions. These findings show that plasma phospholipids can be modified by sex. Such differences in lipoprotein phospholipid composition could contribute to sexual dimorphism in patterns of health and disease.
Exploiting Ultralow Loss Multimode Waveguides for Broadband Frequency Combs
Authors: Ji Xingchen , Jang Jae K. , Dave Utsav D. , Corato‐Zanarella Mateus , Joshi Chaitanya , Gaeta Alexander L. , Lipson Michal
Published: December 2020

Low propagation loss in high confinement waveguides is critical for chip‐based nonlinear photonics applications. Sophisticated fabrication processes which yield sub‐nm roughness are generally needed to reduce scattering points at the waveguide interfaces to achieve ultralow propagation loss. Here, ultralow propagation loss is shown by shaping the mode using a highly multimode structure to reduce its overlap with the waveguide interfaces, thus relaxing the fabrication processing requirements. Microresonators with intrinsic quality factors (Q) of 31.8 ± 4.4 million are experimentally demonstrated. Although the microresonators support ten transverse modes only the fundamental mode is excited and no higher order modes are observed when using nonlinear adiabatic bends. A record‐low threshold pump power of 73 µW for parametric oscillation is measured and a broadband, almost octave spanning single‐soliton frequency comb without any signatures of higher order modes in the spectrum spanning from 1097 to 2040 nm (126 THz) is generated in the multimode microresonator. This work provides a design method that can be applied to different material platforms to achieve and use ultrahigh‐Q multimode microresonators.
Spin Hall Effect of Light with Near‐Unity Efficiency in the Microwave
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Lee Dasol , Cho Hyukjoon , Min Bumki , Rho Junsuk
Published: December 2020

The spin Hall effect of light (SHEL) refers to a transverse and spin‐dependent shift of light in real space at an optical interface. Previous studies of enhancing the SHEL have involved extremely low efficiency, and achieving a large SHEL and high efficiency simultaneously has never been reported. Here, an approach using anisotropic impedance mismatching to attain a large SHEL with near‐unity efficiency in the microwave spectrum is proposed. A wire medium that has a near‐unity transmission for one polarization and low transmission for the other is used to achieve high efficiency. The spin‐dependent splitting is experimentally confirmed by measuring transmission coefficients and the spatial profile of Stokes parameters. The large SHEL with near‐unity efficiency will enable highly efficient devices with spin‐selective functionalities.
Overcoming the Necessity of a Lateral Aggregation in the Formation of Supramolecular Polymer Bottlebrushes in Water
Authors: Klein Tobias , Ulrich Hans F. , Gruschwitz Franka V. , Kuchenbrod Maren T. , Takahashi Rintaro , Hoeppener Stephanie , Nischang Ivo , Sakurai Kazuo , Brendel Johannes C.
Published: December 2020

The assembly of supramolecular polymer bottlebrushes in aqueous systems is, in most cases, associated with a lateral aggregation of the supramolecular building blocks in addition to their axial stacking. Here, it is demonstrated that this limitation can be overcome by attaching three polymer chains to a central supramolecular unit that possesses a sufficiently high number of hydrogen bonding units to compensate for the increased steric strain. Therefore, a 1,3,5‐benzenetrisurea‐polyethylene oxide conjugate is modified with different peptide units located next to the urea groups which should facilitate self‐assembly in water. For a single amino acid per arm, spherical micelles are obtained for all three tested amino acids (alanine, leucine, and phenylalanine) featuring different hydrophobicities. Only a slight increase in size and solution stability of spherical micelles is observed with increasing hydrophobicity of amino acid unit. In contrast, introducing two amino acid units per arm and thus increasing the number of hydrogen bonds per unimer molecule results in the formation of cylindrical structures, that is, supramolecular polymer bottlebrushes, despite a suppressed lateral aggregation. Consequently, it can be concluded that the number of hydrogen bonds has a more profound impact on the resulting solution morphology than the hydrophobicity of the amino acid unit.
The Presence of a Wall Enhances the Probability for Ring‐Closing Metathesis: Insights from Classical Polymer Theory and Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Tischler Ingo , Schlaich Alexander , Holm Christian
Published: December 2020

The probability distribution of chain ends meeting when one end of the polymer is fixed to a certain distance to a reflecting wall is investigated. For an ideal polymer chain the probability distribution can be evaluated analytically via classic polymer theory. These analytical predictions are compared to atomistic MD simulations of one tethered alkane chain close to the wall. The results demonstrate that a confining wall can lead to a significant increase in the return probability for the chain ends, and thus, can increase the occurrence of ring‐closing reactions. It is further demonstrated that the excess return probability shows a maximum at a certain distance, thereby yielding an optimal catalyst position in the ring‐closing reaction.
Pricing perpetual American swaption
Authors: Zhang Haoyan , Tian Yingxu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the pricing problem for the perpetual American swaption is investigated. Applying the theory of linear‐rational framework, we first translate the pricing problem to optimal stopping problem in infinite time horizon and then compute the fundamental solution under the driving model, which is essential to derive the closed‐form expression of the pricing problem. Based on the classical verification theorem, we construct the optimal exercise time and exercise (stopping) region. Finally, we obtain the main result by means of the harmonic technique.
Computer‐assisted beam modeling for particle therapy
Authors: Fuchs Hermann , Elia Alessio , Resch Andreas F. , Kuess Peter , Lühr Armin , Vidal Marie , Grevillot Loïc , Georg Dietmar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To develop a computer‐driven and thus less user‐dependent method, allowing for a simple and straightforward generation of a Monte Carlo (MC) beam model of a scanned proton and carbon ion beam delivery system.

Methods

In a first step, experimental measurements were performed for proton and carbon ion energies in the available energy ranges. Data included depth dose profiles measured in water and spot sizes in air at various isocenter distances. Using an automated regularization‐based optimization process (AUTO‐BEAM), GATE/Geant4 beam models of the respective beam lines were generated. These were obtained sequentially by using least square weighting functions with and without regularization, to iteratively tune the beam parameters energy, energy spread, beam sigma, divergence, and emittance until a user‐defined agreement was reached. Based on the parameter tuning for a set of energies, a beam model was semi‐automatically generated. The resulting beam models were validated for all centers comparing to independent measurements of laterally integrated depth dose curves and spot sizes in air. For one representative center, three‐dimensional dose cubes were measured and compared to simulations. The method was applied on one research as well as four different clinical beam lines for proton and carbon ions of three different particle therapy centers using synchrotron or cyclotron accelerator systems: (a) MedAustron ion therapy center, (b) University Proton Therapy Dresden, and (c) Center Antoine Lacassagne Nice.

Results

Particle beam ranges in the MC beam models agreed on average within 0.2 mm compared to measurements for all energies and beam lines. Spot sizes in air (full‐width at half maximum) at all positions differed by less than 0.4% from the measurements. Dose calculation with the beam model for the clinical beam line at MedAustron agreed better than 1.7% in absolute dose for a representative clinical case treated with protons. For protons, beam model generation, including geometry creation, data conversion, and validation, was possible within three working days. The number of iterations required for the optimization process to converge, was found to be similar for all beam line geometries and particle types.

Conclusion

The presented method was demonstrated to work independently of the beam optics behavior of the different beam lines, particle types, and geometries. Furthermore, it is suitable for non‐expert users and requires only limited user interaction. Beam model validation for different beam lines based on different beam delivery systems, showed good agreement.
Development and psychometric evaluation of postgraduate nursing student academic satisfaction scale
Authors: Rahmatpour Pardis , Peyrovi Hamid , Sharif Nia Hamid
Published: December 2020

Aim

To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of postgraduate nursing student academic satisfaction scale (PNSASS).

Design

The mixed‐method study was carried out in two phases; (a) item generation by hybrid concept analysis and (b) item reduction by psychometric evaluation of the developed scale.

Methods

The initial item pool (N = 209) was prepared based on concept analysis results and similar instruments. A total of 402 postgraduate nursing students willingly participated in online data gathering from August 2019 to May 2020. The validity (face, content and construct) and reliability (stability and internal consistency) of the scale were assessed.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis identified that the scale had four factors which explained 64.80% of the total extracted variance. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit. The reliability of scale was strong to excellent. The results showed that the PNSASS has suitable validity and reliability properties, which can be used to measure the academic satisfaction of postgraduate nursing students.
A tour of wood product manufacturing facilities in British Columbia as an example of experiential learning
Authors: Cool Julie , Ellis Simon , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2020

The provision of meaningful experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students in natural resources‐based programs is particularly important. In 2017, the Department of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia reintroduced a dormant, 1‐week tour of manufacturing operations for students in the Wood Products Processing undergraduate program. This article describes the background to the reinstatement of the tour and some of the important logistical factors involved, including the timing of the tour in the academic calendar, the scheduling of manufacturing facilities visited, transport and accommodation considerations, and planning time at an outdoor education camp. The desired learning outcomes are discussed together with some of the challenges developing and enacting appropriate evaluations connected to them. An initial single, written technical report was later supplemented by evaluation components better connected to the desired experiential learning outcomes. Aspects of safety, participation, and punctuality were added, as were daily quizzes. The daily quizzes have evolved from paper‐based questions requiring statement responses to online, objective quizzes, which provided more timely feedback to students. The pros and cons of additional overview and/or summary sessions are discussed in relation to encouraging greater student engagement in achieving the desired learning outcomes.
Fast preconditioned iterative methods for fractional Sturm–Liouville equations
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Guo‐Feng , Liang Zhao‐Zheng
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we have considered fast solutions of the linear system arising from the fractional Sturm–Liouville problem, whose coefficient matrix contains the product of Toeplitz‐like matrices. Based on suitable circulant approximations of the related coefficient matrix, we establish a matching preconditioner of matrix‐free form. In theory, the spectrum of the preconditioned matrix is shown to cluster around [1/2, 1), which suggests the fast convergence speed of the proposed preconditioner within Krylov subspace acceleration. In addition, to reduce the computation time and storage, we consider an all‐at‐once discretized system and explore its low‐rank tensor structure and alternating iterative tensor algorithms. Numerical experiments are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed solution techniques compared with some existing methods.
Fatigue perception in a cohort of children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia and their caregivers using the PedsQL MFS: Real‐life multicenter experience of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP)
Authors: Lassandro Giuseppe , Palmieri Viviana Valeria , Barone Angelica , Farruggia Piero , Giona Fiorina , Licciardello Maria , Marinoni Maddalena , Marzollo Antonio , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Palumbo Giuseppe , Ramenghi Ugo , Russo Giovanna , Saracco Paola , Spinelli Marco , Tolva Alessandra , Tornesello Assunta , Palladino Valentina , Noviello Domenico , Giordano Paola
Published: December 2020

Background

Fatigue is an important clinical and psychological aspect for a significant number of children affected by immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). To date, few studies have explored fatigue and its relationship with chronic ITP in pediatric age. The aim of the present multicentric pilot study is to determine fatigue perception in a large group of children with chronic ITP and their caregivers using the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL MFS), and to compare the results with those of healthy control subjects.

Procedure

Children with chronic ITP aged 5‐18 years and/or caregivers of children aged 2‐18 years were enrolled. Child/adolescent self‐report was used for patients aged 5‐18 years, and parent proxy‐report for patients aged 2‐18 years. The questionnaire was offered as online survey. PedsQL MFS is composed of 18 items covering three dimensions: General Fatigue Scale, Sleep/Rest Fatigue Scale, and Cognitive Fatigue Scale.

Results

One hundred ninety‐one patients affected by chronic ITP and 248 caregivers answered the PedsQL MFS. We have highlighted that lower values of PedsQL MFS scores are obtained in the 13‐18 age group. Moreover, sleep/rest fatigue domain appears to be more compromised in all age groups. For all PedsQL MFS scores, pediatric patients with chronic ITP and their caregivers reported statistically significant worse fatigue than healthy children.

Conclusions

This study suggests that fatigue is relevant among children and adolescents affected by chronic ITP. The PedsQL MFS represents an adequate instrument for measuring fatigue in patients with chronic ITP. Therefore, symptoms of fatigue should be routinely assessed in clinical practice.
Registration of ‘UC Sunrise’ heirloom‐like orange and white mottled bean
Authors: Parker Travis , Palkovic Antonia , Brummer E. Charles , Gepts Paul
Published: December 2020

‘UC Sunrise’ (Reg. no. CV‐333, PI 693474) is a new cultivar of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) developed by crossing the heirloom type ‘Zuni Gold’ with UCD 9634 pink bean. UC Sunrise has a seed type similar to heirloom cultivars such as Zuni Gold but is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and has yields 50% higher than its heirloom parent. Tastings have also demonstrated that it maintains culinary quality similar to its heirloom parent. All evaluations were conducted on certified organic farms. UC Sunrise will help fill a growing interest in heirloom‐like dry bean with improved agronomic performance.
Corteva Agriscience's perspective and commitment to managing herbicide resistance
Authors: Sleugh Byron B , Wright Terry R , Salas Marisa , Simpson David M , Schmitzer Paul R , Morell Mauricio , Saunders David W
Published: December 2020

Chemical weed control has been widely adopted and has led to increased efficiency and reduced crop production costs. With the increased use of herbicides and the introduction of herbicide‐tolerant crops we have also seen an increase in herbicide resistant weeds which presents a challenge for farmers and land managers. It is incumbent upon the agriculture industry to be an indispensable partner in leading policy, research, education, and best management practices related to herbicide resistance. Corteva Agriscience is an active, engaged partner in herbicide resistance research, education, and communication globally to enable the long‐term sustainable use of herbicide‐tolerant crop traits and herbicides. Some of the key components of our commitment are highlighted in this Perspective paper and include memberships, partnerships, close involvement with CropLife International (and regional CropLife organizations), and Herbicide Resistance Action Committees at the Global, regional and country level, technical leadership and engagement in multiple scientific societies, and collaboration with universities and research institutes. Corteva is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture to enrich lives and our planet for generations to come and this drives our action through the entire product lifecycle and with our customers and consumers.
Cyclic peptides bearing thed‐Phe‐2‐Abz turn motif: Structural characterization and antimicrobial potential
Authors: Varnava Kyriakos G. , Edwards Patrick J.B. , Cameron Alan J. , Harjes Elena , Sarojini Vijayalekshmi
Published: December 2020

The effect on secondary structure and antimicrobial activity of introducing different cyclic constraints in linear β‐hairpin antimicrobial peptides has been investigated with the intention of generating cyclic β sheets as promising antimicrobials with improved therapeutic potential. The linear peptides were cyclized head to tail either directly or after the addition of either a second turn motif or a disulfide bridge. The propensity of these peptides to adopt a cyclic β‐sheet structure has been correlated to their antibacterial activity. All cyclic peptides showed enhanced activity, compared with their linear counterparts against methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies showed that this family kills bacteria through membrane lysis. The peptide that showed the best efficacy against all strains (exhibiting nanomolar activity), while retaining low haemolysis, bears two symmetrical, homochirald‐phe‐2‐Abz‐d‐ala turns and adopted a flexible structure. Its twin peptide that bears heterochiral turns (one withd‐ala and one with L‐Ala) showed reduced antibacterial activity and higher percentage of haemolysis. Circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicate that heterochirality in the two turns leads to oligomerization of the peptide at higher concentrations, stabilizing the β‐sheet secondary structure. More rigid secondary structure is associated with lower activity against bacteria and loss of selectivity.
Assessing the effects of workforce diversity on project productivity performance for sustainable workplace in the construction industry
Authors: Won Daeyoun , Hwang Bon‐Gang , Chng Soo Jing
Published: December 2020

Recent studies on workforce diversity have preached that workforce diversity could have a positive impact on productivity if it is managed and utilized well. Due to the global trend of increasing workforce diversity in construction projects, it is crucial to understand the factors affecting workforce diversity and their impact on productivity for developing a sustainable environment for workforce diversity. However, little attention has been given to how workforce diversity may affect productivity performance in the construction industry. Thus, this study aims to assess the impact of workforce diversity on project productivity performance (PPP). Twenty‐one diversity factors were identified via literature review and validated by industry experts, followed by a survey conducted with 58 firms working in Singapore. The responses were analyzed and used to develop a partial least squares structural equation model. The outcomes from the model signified that the diversity aspects such as efficient decision‐making and countering the issue of skilled labor shortages had the highest impact in their respective categories of “Skill and education” and “Age and experience.” Therefore, this study contributes to the core body of knowledge and practice both in defining workforce diversity factors and in assessing the relationship between diversity factors and productivity. Furthermore, feasible strategies that match the factors prioritized by the level of the impact on PPP were proposed. These can help construction organizations to understand the untapped potential of workforce diversity and its impact on PPP, ultimately enhancing the productivity of the industry and sustainable diversity in the workplace.
APOE ε4/ε4 homozygotes with early Alzheimer's disease show accelerated hippocampal atrophy and cortical thinning that correlates with cognitive decline
Authors: Abushakra Susan , Porsteinsson Anton P. , Sabbagh Marwan , Bracoud Luc , Schaerer Joel , Power Aidan , Hey John A. , Scott David , Suhy Joyce , Tolar Martin ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Hippocampal volume (HV) and cortical thickness are commonly used imaging biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease (AD) trials, and may have utility as selection criteria for enrichment strategies. Atrophy rates of these measures, in the high‐risk apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4/ε4 homozygous AD subjects are unknown.

Methods

Data from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI‐1) and a tramiprosate trial were analyzed in APOE ε4/ε4 and APOE ε3/ε3 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were centrally processed using FreeSurfer; total HV and composite average cortical thickness were derived and adjusted for age, head size, and education. Volumetric changes from baseline were assessed using Boundary Shift Integral, and correlated with cognitive changes.

Results

APOE ε4/ε4 MCI subjects showed significantly higher % HV atrophy and cortical thinning at 12 months (4.4%, 3.1%, n = 29) compared to APOE ε3/ε3 subjects (2.8%, 1.8%, n = 93) and similarly in mild AD (7.4%, 4.7% n = 21 vs 5.4%, 3.3% n = 29). Differences were all significant at 24 months. Over 24 months, HV atrophy and cortical thinning correlated significantly with Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive subscale worsening in APOE ε4/ε4 MCI subjects, but not in mild AD.

Discussion

Correlation of volumetric measures to cognitive change in APOE ε4/ε4 subjects with early AD supports their role as efficacy biomarkers. If confirmed in a Phase 3 trial with ALZ‐801 (pro‐drug of tramiprosate) in APOE ε4/ε4 early AD subjects, it may allow their use as surrogate outcomes in future treatment or prevention trials in AD.
Influence of COVID-19 confinement measures on appendectomies in Germany—a claims data analysis of 9797 patients
Authors: Maneck Matthias , Günster Christian , Meyer Hans-Joachim , Heidecke Claus-Dieter , Rolle Udo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic had multiple influences on the social, industrial, and medical situation in all affected countries. Measures of obligatory medical confinement were suspensions of scheduled non-emergent surgical procedures and outpatients’ clinics as well as overall access restrictions to hospitals and medical practices. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess if the obligatory confinement (lockdown) had an effect on the number of appendectomies (during and after the period of lockdown).

Methods

This retrospective study was based on anonymized nationwide administrative claims data of the German Local General Sickness Fund (AOK). Patients admitted for diseases of the appendix (ICD-10: K35-K38) or abdominal and pelvic pain (ICD-10: R10) who underwent an appendectomy (OPS: 5-470) were included. The study period included 6 weeks of German lockdown (16 March–26 April 2020) as well as 6 weeks before (03 February–15 March 2020) and after (27 April–07 June 2020). These periods were compared to the respective one in 2018 and 2019.

Results

The overall number of appendectomies was significantly reduced during the lockdown time in 2020 compared to that in 2018 and 2019. This decrease affects only appendectomies due to acute simple (ICD-10: K35.30, K35.8) and non-acute appendicitis (ICD-10: K36-K38, R10). Numbers for appendectomies in acute complex appendicitis remained unchanged. Female patients and in the age group 1–18 years showed the strongest decrease in number of cases.

Conclusion

The lockdown in Germany resulted in a decreased number of appendectomies. This affected mainly appendectomies in simple acute and non-acute appendicitis, but not complicated acute appendicitis. The study gives no evidence that the confinement measures resulted in a deterioration of medical care for appendicitis.
Predicting delinquent behavior in young adults with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD: results from the Cologne Adaptive Multimodal Treatment (CAMT) Study
Authors: Breuer Dieter , von Wirth Elena , Mandler Janet , Schürmann Stephanie , Döpfner Manfred
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate which factors predict lifetime reports of delinquent behavior in young adults who had received adaptive multimodal treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) starting at ages 6–10 years. Participants were reassessed 13–24 years (M = 17.6, SD = 1.8) after they had received individualized ADHD treatment in the Cologne Adaptive Multimodal Treatment Study (CAMT). Their behavior was classified as non-delinquent (n = 34) or delinquent (n = 25) based on self-reports regarding the number of police contacts, offenses, and convictions at follow-up. Childhood variables assessed at post-intervention (e.g., externalizing child behavior problems, intelligence, and parenting behavior) that were significantly associated with group membership were entered as possible predictors of delinquency in a Chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis. Delinquent behavior during adolescence and adulthood was best predicted by (a) meeting the symptom count diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder (CD) according to parent ratings, in combination with a nonverbal intelligence of IQ ≤ 106 at post-intervention, and (b) delinquent behavior problems (teacher rating) at post-intervention. The predictor variables specified in the CHAID analysis classified 81% of the participants correctly. The results support the hypothesis that a childhood diagnosis of ADHD is only predictive of delinquent behavior if it is accompanied by early conduct behavior problems. Low nonverbal intelligence was found to be an additional risk factor. These findings underline the importance of providing behavioral interventions that focus on externalizing behavior problems to children with ADHD and comorbid conduct problems.
Synovial biopsies in clinical practice and research: current developments and perspectives
Authors: Johnsson Hanna , Najm Aurélie
Published: December 2020

Synovial biopsy techniques have developed and widely expanded over the past few years, in particular due to the development of ultrasound-guided procedures. This article reviews the different techniques, clinical applications, and the latest advances in translational research as well as current challenges and perspectives. The first part focuses on different techniques available for biopsy, along with their feasibility, success rate, tolerance, and training requirements. In the second part, clinical applications are described. Data on diagnostic performances are reported, especially regarding septic arthritis. Translational research applications are described and explained in the final part, from the early histological studies and the first description of pathotype to more recent technologies involving -omics. Latest developments involving single-cell RNA sequence analysis have allowed the discovery of new cell subpopulations with remarkable roles in RA pathophysiology. These studies pave the ground for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the implementation of personalized therapy in RA.

Key Point•This review provides an overview of synovial biopsy techinques and applications especially in clinical and translational research.
Insect pest monitoring with camera-equipped traps: strengths and limitations
Authors: Preti Michele , Verheggen François , Angeli Sergio
Published: December 2020

Integrated pest management relies on insect pest monitoring to support the decision of counteracting a given level of infestation and to select the adequate control method. The classic monitoring approach of insect pests is based on placing in single infested areas a series of traps that are checked by human operators on a temporal basis. This strategy requires high labor cost and provides poor spatial and temporal resolution achievable by single operators. The adoption of image sensors to monitor insect pests can result in several practical advantages. The purpose of this review is to summarize the progress made on automatic traps with a particular focus on camera-equipped traps. The use of software and image recognition algorithms can support automatic trap usage to identify and/or count insect species from pictures. Considering the high image resolution achievable and the opportunity to exploit data transfer systems through wireless technology, it is possible to have remote control of insect captures, limiting field visits. The availability of real-time and on-line pest monitoring systems from a distant location opens the opportunity for measuring insect population dynamics constantly and simultaneously in a large number of traps with a limited human labor requirement. The actual limitations are the high cost, the low power autonomy and the low picture quality of some prototypes together with the need for further improvements in fully automated pest detection. Limits and benefits resulting from several case studies are examined with a perspective for the future development of technology-driven insect pest monitoring and management.
Optimal strong convergence rates of some Euler-type timestepping schemes for the finite element discretization SPDEs driven by additive fractional Brownian motion and Poisson random measure
Authors: Noupelah Aurelien Junior , Tambue Antoine
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study the numerical approximation of a general second order semilinear stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) driven by a additive fractional Brownian motion (fBm) with Hurst parameter$H>\frac {1}{2}$H>12and Poisson random measure. Such equations are more realistic in modelling real world phenomena. To the best of our knowledge, numerical schemes for such SPDE have been lacked in the scientific literature. The approximation is done with the standard finite element method in space and three Euler-type timestepping methods in time. More precisely the well-known linear implicit method, an exponential integrator and the exponential Rosenbrock scheme are used for time discretization. In contract to the current literature in the field, our linear operator is not necessary self-adjoint and we have achieved optimal strong convergence rates for SPDE driven by fBm and Poisson measure. The results examine how the convergence orders depend on the regularity of the noise and the initial data and reveal that the full discretization attains the optimal convergence rates of order$\mathcal {O}(h^{2}+\varDelta t)$O(h2+Δt)for the exponential integrator and implicit schemes. Numerical experiments are provided to illustrate our theoretical results for the case of SPDE driven by the fBm noise.
Psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Feng You-Shan , Kohlmann Thomas , Janssen Mathieu F. , Buchholz Ines
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Although the EQ-5D has a long history of use in a wide range of populations, the newer five-level version (EQ-5D-5L) has not yet had such extensive experience. This systematic review summarizes the available published scientific evidence on the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L.

Methods

Pre-determined key words and exclusion criteria were used to systematically search publications from 2011 to 2019. Information on study characteristics and psychometric properties were extracted: specifically, EQ-5D-5L distribution (including ceiling and floor), missing values, reliability (test–retest), validity (convergent, known-groups, discriminate) and responsiveness (distribution, anchor-based). EQ-5D-5L index value means, ceiling and correlation coefficients (convergent validity) were pooled across the studies using random-effects models.

Results

Of the 889 identified publications, 99 were included for review, representing 32 countries. Musculoskeletal/orthopedic problems and cancer (n = 8 each) were most often studied. Most papers found missing values (17 of 17 papers) and floor effects (43 of 48 papers) to be unproblematic. While the index was found to be reliable (9 of 9 papers), individual dimensions exhibited instability over time. Index values and dimensions demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with global health measures, other multi-attribute utility instruments, physical/functional health, pain, activities of daily living, and clinical/biological measures. The instrument was not correlated with life satisfaction and cognition/communication measures. Responsiveness was addressed by 15 studies, finding moderate effect sizes when confined to studied subgroups with improvements in health.

Conclusions

The EQ-5D-5L exhibits excellent psychometric properties across a broad range of populations, conditions and settings. Rigorous exploration of its responsiveness is needed.
Criteria for item selection for a preference-based measure for use in economic evaluation
Authors: Peasgood Tessa , Mukuria Clara , Carlton Jill , Connell Janice , Brazier John
Published: December 2020

Preference-based measures allow patients to report their level of health, and the responses are then scored using preference weights from a representative general population sample for use in cost utility analysis. The development process of new preference-based measures should ensure that valid items are selected to reflect the constructs of interest included in the measure and that are suitable for use in preference-elicitation exercises. Existing criteria on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) development were reviewed, and additional considerations were taken into account in order to generate criteria to support development of new preference-based measures. Criteria covering 22 different aspects related to item selection for preference-based measures are presented. These include criteria related to how items are phrased to ensure accurate completion, the coverage of items in terms of range of domains as well as focus on current outcomes and whether items are suitable for valuation. The criteria are aimed at supporting the development of new preference-based measures with discussion to ensure that even where there is conflict between criteria, issues have been considered at the item selection stage. This would minimize problems at valuation stage by harmonizing established criteria and expanding lists to reflect the unique characteristics of preference-based measures.
Analyzing the Gender Gap in Poland and Italy, and by Regions
Authors: Greselin Francesca , Jȩdrzejczak Alina
Published: December 2020

High-income inequality, accompanied by substantial regional differentiation, is still a great challenge for social policymakers in many European countries. One of the important elements of this phenomenon is the inequality between income distributions of men and women. Using data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions, the distributions of income for Italy and Poland were compared, and the gender gap in these countries was assessed. No single metric can capture the full range of experiences, so a set of selected tools were adopted. The Dagum model was fitted to each distribution, summary measures, like the Gini and Zenga inequality indices, were evaluated, and the Zenga curve was employed to detect changes at each income quantile. Afterward, empirical distributions were compared through a relative approach, providing an analytic picture of the gender gap for both countries. The analysis moved beyond the typical focus on average or median earnings differences, towards a focus on how the full distribution of women’s earnings relative to men’s compares. The analysis was performed in the different macroregions of the two countries, with a discussion of the results. The study revealed that income inequality in Poland and Italy varies across gender and regions. In Italy, the highest inequality was observed in the poorest region, i.e. the islands. On the contrary, in Poland, the highest inequality occurred in the richest region, the central one. The relative distribution method was a powerful tool for studying the gender gap.
On the influence of the day of the week on objective and self-rated sleep quality of adults
Authors: Sauter C. , Dorn H. , Danker-Hopfe H.
Published: December 2020

Background and objective

The extent to which adult sleep varies depending on the day of the week has not yet been systematically investigated with electroencephalography (EEG) data. Whether such effects exist and whether they are related to age, gender, and employment status was retrospectively analyzed based on data from an experimental double-blind cross-over study in which effects of electromagnetic fields of a cell phone base station on the sleep of a general rural population had been examined.

Methods

The sleep of 397 adults (age 45.0 ± 14.2 years, range 18–81 years; 50.9% women) from ten different rural German villages was recorded for 12 nights with ambulatory devices. Self-reported sleep quality was recorded in morning and evening protocols. Friedman tests were used for statistical analysis of the comparison between the days, and the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for pairwise comparisons of independent parameters between groups.

Results

For the present analysis, data from 335 participants were considered. Overall, the differences between nights were small and the quality of sleep was good. Three of the five objective and all six self-rated sleep parameters differed significantly between the days of the week. While the objective and the self-estimated total sleep time were longest on Sunday nights, the qualitatively poorest values occurred on Monday nights. People who worked fulltime had the longest sleep latencies on Sunday nights. Friday nights were rated the best.

Conclusion

The objective and self-rated sleep quality varied relatively little in a rural adult population over the course of the week, being worst on Monday nights and best on Friday nights.
Redesign of an Outdoor Space in a Swedish Preschool: Opportunities and Constraints for Sustainability Education
Authors: Nordén Birgitta , Avery Helen
Published: December 2020

Children's early engagement in design of outdoor spaces can form the basis of later attitudes and responsible action for sustainability. The present study is part of a participatory action research project in an urban multi-ethnic preschool in Sweden, involving children, parents, preschool staff and management with a focus on improving the preschool playground. The methodology involved children taking pictures of the outdoor space, informal participant observation by one researcher and conversations with children and teachers. Analyses completed of selected fieldwork excerpts focus on learning opportunities for children and adults, children’s participation, cooperation and leadership for sustainability. Deeper awareness and confidence, and practical pedagogies for staff in preschools are required for effective sustainability education. A joint frame of reference on pedagogical practices and processes for reflection is needed within and across early childhood institutions. More continuous training of staff and preschool leadership would be of benefit. However, such commitment is ultimately a matter of policy to invest in giving preschools the means to develop and realise ambitions for environmental and sustainability education.
Rheological impact and economic implications of partial to total substitution of imported bentonite clay for oil and gas drilling operations in Nigeria
Authors: Ogolo Oghenerume , Arinkoola Akeem , Osisanya Samuel , Egede Frank , Chior Ternenge Joseph
Published: December 2020

In less than a decade, there have been two global meltdowns of crude oil price and the latest was caused by the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2020. This is expected to have a negative impact on the global economy, especially on those countries that depend more on the revenue from sales of crude oil. One of the measures that can be taken to survive this kind of situation in the future is to reduce the unit technical cost for producing a barrel of oil by using locally available materials. This research investigated a local clay sourced from Ropp in Plateau State, Nigeria, by considering its rheological characteristics and economic implications of using it for partial to total substitution of imported bentonite clay for oil and gas drilling operations. The local clay was termed as Ropp bentonite clay (RBC). Various spud mud samples were prepared by dispersing a mixture of imported bentonite clay (IBC) and RBC (0–100%) in 350 ml of water. Certain quantity (0–1 g) of polyacrylamide cellulose was added to the mud samples before rheological and physical properties were determined using the standard API procedure. An economic model was built to determine the cost implications of using any of the mud formulations at different consumption rates. The results show that IBC–RBC blend in the right proportion could save Nigeria 12 to 36% of the cost of bentonite clay used to drill wells in the country.