bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic differences in COVID-19 mortality during the first two waves of the Coronavirus Pandemic: a nationwide cohort study of 29 million adults in England
Authors: Nafilyan Vahé , Islam Nazrul , Mathur Rohini , Ayoubkhani Daniel , Banerjee Amitava , Glickman Myer , Humberstone Ben , Diamond Ian , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: June 2021

Ethnic minorities have experienced disproportionate COVID-19 mortality rates in the UK and many other countries. We compared the differences in the risk of COVID-19 related death between ethnic groups in the first and second waves the of COVID-19 pandemic in England. We also investigated whether the factors explaining differences in COVID-19 death between ethnic groups changed between the two waves. Using data from the Office for National Statistics Public Health Data Asset, a linked dataset combining the 2011 Census with primary care and hospital records and death registrations, we conducted an observational cohort study to examine differences in the risk of death involving COVID-19 between ethnic groups in the first wave (from 24th January 2020 until 31st August 2020) and ﻿the first part of the second wave (from 1st September to 28th December 2020). We estimated age-standardised mortality rates (ASMR) in the two waves stratified by ethnic groups and sex. We also estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for ethnic-minority groups compared with the White British population, adjusted for geographical factors, socio-demographic characteristics, and pre-pandemic health conditions. The study population included over 28.9 million individuals aged 30–100 years living in private households. In the first wave, all ethnic minority groups had a higher risk of COVID-19 related death compared to the White British population. In the second wave, the risk of COVID-19 death remained elevated for people from Pakistani (ASMR: 339.9 [95% CI: 303.7–376.2] and 166.8 [141.7–191.9] deaths per 100,000 population in men and women) and Bangladeshi (318.7 [247.4–390.1] and 127.1 [91.1–171.3] in men and women) background but not for people from Black ethnic groups. Adjustment for geographical factors explained a large proportion of the differences in COVID-19 mortality in the first wave but not in the second wave. Despite an attenuation of the elevated risk of COVID-19 mortality after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health status, the risk was substantially higher in people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani background in both the first and the second waves. Between the first and second waves of the pandemic, the reduction in the difference in COVID-19 mortality between people from Black ethnic background and people from the White British group shows that ethnic inequalities in COVID-19 mortality can be addressed. The continued higher rate of mortality in people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani background is alarming and requires focused public health campaign and policy changes.
Resolution à la Kronheimer of $$\mathbb {C}^3/\Gamma $$ singularities and the Monge–Ampère equation for Ricci-flat Kähler metrics in view of D3-brane solutions of supergravity
Authors: Bianchi Massimo , Bruzzo Ugo , Fré Pietro , Martelli Dario
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we analyze the relevance of the generalized Kronheimer construction for the gauge/gravity correspondence. We begin with the general structure of D3-brane solutions of type IIB supergravity on smooth manifolds $$Y^\Gamma $$

Y
Γ

that are supposed to be the crepant resolution of quotient singularities $$\mathbb {C}^3/\Gamma $$

C

3

/
Γ

with $$\Gamma $$
Γ
a finite subgroup of SU(3). We emphasize that nontrivial 3-form fluxes require the existence of imaginary self-dual harmonic forms $$\omega ^{2,1}$$

ω

2
,
1

. Although excluded in the classical Kronheimer construction, they may be reintroduced by means of mass deformations. Next we concentrate on the other essential item for the D3-brane construction, namely, the existence of a Ricci-flat metric on $$Y^\Gamma $$

Y
Γ

. We study the issue of Ricci-flat Kähler metrics on such resolutions $$Y^\Gamma $$

Y
Γ

, with particular attention to the case $$\Gamma =\mathbb {Z}_4$$

Γ
=

Z
4

. We advance the conjecture that on the exceptional divisor of $$Y^\Gamma $$

Y
Γ

the Kronheimer Kähler metric and the Ricci-flat one, that is locally flat at infinity, coincide. The conjecture is shown to be true in the case of the Ricci-flat metric on $$\mathrm{tot} K_{{\mathbb {W}P}[112]}$$

tot

K

W
P

[
112
]

that we construct, i.e., the total space of the canonical bundle of the weighted projective space $${\mathbb {W}P}[112]$$

W
P

[
112
]

, which is a partial resolution of $$\mathbb {C}^3/\mathbb {Z}_4$$

C

3

/

Z
4

. For the full resolution, we have $$Y^{\mathbb {Z}_4}={\text {tot}} K_{\mathbb {F}_{2}}$$

Y

Z
4

=
tot

K

F
2

, where $$\mathbb {F}_2$$

F
2

is the second Hirzebruch surface. We try to extend the proof of the conjecture to this case using the one-parameter Kähler metric on $$\mathbb {F}_2$$

F
2

produced by the Kronheimer construction as initial datum in a Monge–Ampère (MA) equation. We exhibit three formulations of this MA equation, one in terms of the Kähler potential, the other two in terms of the symplectic potential but with two different choices of the variables. In both cases, one can establish a series solution in powers of the variable along the fibers of the canonical bundle. The main property of the MA equation is that it does not impose any condition on the initial geometry of the exceptional divisor, rather it uniquely determines all the subsequent terms as local functionals of this initial datum. Although a formal proof is still missing, numerical and analytical results support the conjecture. As a by-product of our investigation, we have identified some new properties of this type of MA equations that we believe to be so far unknown.
Duplex-RT-PCR assay for the simultaneous detection and discrimination of Brome mosaic virus and Cocksfoot mottle virus in cereal plants
Authors: Trzmiel Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

Brome mosaic virus (BMV) and cocksfoot mottle virus (CfMV) are pathogens of grass species including all economically important cereals. Both viruses have been identified in Poland therefore they create a potential risk to cereal crops. In this study, a duplex—reverse transcription—polymerase chain reaction (duplex-RT-PCR) was developed and optimized for simultaneous detection and differentiation of BMV and CfMV as well as for confirmation of their co-infection. Selected primers CfMVdiag-F/CfMVdiag-R and BMV2-F/BMV2-R amplified 390 bp and 798 bp RT-PCR products within coat protein (CP) region of CfMV and replicase gene of BMV, respectively. Duplex-RT-PCR was successfully applied for the detection of CfMV-P1 and different Polish BMV isolates. Moreover, one sample was found to be co-infected with BMV-ML1 and CfMV-ML1 isolates. The specificity of generated RT-PCR products was verified by sequencing. Duplex-RT-PCR, like conventional RT-PCR, was able to detect two viruses occurring in plant tissues in very low concentration (as low as 4.5 pg/µL of total RNA). In contrast to existing methods, newly developed technique offers a significant time and cost-saving advantage. In conclusion, duplex-RT-PCR is a useful tool which can be implemented by phytosanitary services to rapid detection and differentiation of BMV and CfMV.
Decomposability and Relative Invariance: the Structural Approach to Network Complexity and Resilience
Authors: Scazzieri Roberto
Published: June 2021

Economic complexity highlights the relationship between interdependence (a positional characteristic of elements belonging to a given network or structure) and connectivity (a functional characteristic of elements belonging to a given field of interaction). Positional interdependence (as the one between pieces in a jigsaw puzzle) is central to studies investigating the architecture of a complex system (Simon) while connectivity is central to the analysis of responsiveness patterns in social networks and strategic action fields. This paper discusses the fundamentals of a structural approach to economic and spatial complexity by highlighting the hierarchical arrangement of network elements as a distinctive feature of system identity. The positional distribution of network elements is a fundamental characteristic of complex networks and a central condition constraining the dynamics of those networks through the principle ofrelative structural invariance. The paper investigates the role of this principle by connecting it with the aggregation criterion followed in assigning network elements to specific subsystems. The type of aggregation is essential in determining the resilience properties of the network with respect to specific dynamic impulses. The paper concludes highlighting the need to combine the investigation of positional interdependence with the analysis of connectivity since positional interdependence is fundamental in determining which patterns of connection are more likely to arise (and which ones are excluded), due to the role of alternative properties of relative invariance constraining the feasible transformations in the positions of network elements.
Flood hazard mapping for data-scarce and ungauged coastal river basins using advanced hydrodynamic models, high temporal-spatial resolution remote sensing precipitation data, and satellite imageries
Authors: Trinh Manh Xuan , Molkenthin Frank
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an integrated approach to simulate flooding and inundation for small- and medium-sized coastal river basins where measured data are not available or scarce. By coupling the rainfall–runoff model, the one-dimensional and two-dimensional models, and the integration of these with global tide model, satellite precipitation products, and synthetic aperture radar imageries, a comprehensive flood modeling system for Tra Bong river basin selected as a case study was set up and operated. Particularly, in this study, the lumped conceptual model was transformed into the semi-distributed model to increase the parameter sets of donor basins for applying the physical similarity approach. The temporal downscaling technique was applied to disaggregate daily rainfall data using satellite-based precipitation products. To select an appropriate satellite-derived rainfall product, two high temporal-spatial resolution products (0.1 × 0.1 degrees and 1 h) including GSMaP_GNRT6 and CMORPH_CRT were examined at 1-day and 1-h resolutions by comparing with ground-measured rainfall. The CMORPH_CRT product showed better performance in terms of statistical errors such as Correlation Coefficient, Probability of Detection, False Alarm Ratio, and Critical Success Index. Land cover/land use, flood extent, and flood depths derived from Sentinel-1A imageries and a digital elevation model were employed to determine the surface roughness and validate the flood modeling. The results obtained from the modeling system were found to be in good agreement with collected data in terms of NSE (0.3–0.8), RMSE (0.19–0.94), RPE (− 213 to 0.7%), F1 (0.55), and F2 (0.37). Subsequently, various scenarios of flood frequency with 10-, 20-, 50-, and 100-year return periods under the probability analysis of extreme values were developed to create the flood hazard maps for the study area. The flood hazards were then investigated based on the flood intensity classification of depth, duration, and velocity. These hazard maps are significantly important for flood hazard assessments or flood risk assessments. This study demonstrated that applying advanced hydrodynamic models on computing flood inundation and flood hazard analysis in data-scarce and ungauged coastal river basins is completely feasible. This study provides an approach that can be used also for other ungauged river basins to better understand flooding and inundation through flood hazard mapping.
Contracting for Catastrophe:Legitimizing Emergency Constitutions by Drawing on Social Contract Theory
Authors: Voigt Stefan
Published: June 2021

States of emergency are declared frequently in all parts of the world. Their declaration routinely implies a suspension of basic constitutional rights. In the last half century, it has become the norm for constitutions to contain an explicit ‘emergency constitution’, i.e., the constitutionally safeguarded rules of operation for a state of emergency. In this paper, I ask whether inclusion of an emergency constitution can be legitimized by drawing on social contract theory. I argue that there are important arguments, both against and in favor of constitutionalized emergency provisions, and that social contract theory—as applied by economists—can be of some help when deciding whether to have, or not to have an emergency constitution. This paper introduces a novel argument for justifying emergency constitutions. It argues that they can serve as a commitment mechanism protecting both citizens and politicians from overreacting to rare but significant threats.
Correction to: Improving Institutional Evaluation Methods: Comparing Three Evaluations Using PSM, Exact and Coarsened Exact Matching
Authors: Blankenberger Bob , Gehlhausen Anderson Sophia , Lichtenberger Eric
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-021-09646-8
Characterization of organic-rich mineral debris revealed by rapid glacier retreat, Indren Glacier, European Alps
Authors: Freppaz Michele , Williams Mark W. , Gabrieli Jacopo , Gorra Roberta , Mania Ilaria , Ascher-Jenull Judith , Egli Markus , Celi Luisella
Published: June 2021

In the summer of 2003 and 2004, characterized by a rapid glacier retreat, a stony surface covered by well-structured organic-rich mineral debris was observed very close to the Indren glacier terminus (Monte Rosa Massif, NW Italy, 3100 m ASL), on an area covered by the glacier tongue till the year before. The origin and type of this organic-rich material were investigated, in order to detect their characteristics, potential sources and fate within the foreland system. The deposits were dated using Carbon-14 and analyzed for the chemical characteristics of the organic component, the elemental composition of the mineral fraction and presence of microbial markers. The material, granular and dark in color, had a total organic carbon (TOC) content ranging between 17.4 ± 0.39 and 28.1 ± 0.63 g kg−1 dry weight (dw), significantly higher than the surrounding glacial till (~ 1.4 g kg−1 dw), although only 0.33% of it was in water soluble form. Microbial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) accounted for 10.6% and 3.13% of TOC and total N, respectively. Dissolved nitrogen (N), mainly present as ammonium, represented 2.40% of the total N. The low aromatic component and large presence of nitrogen (N)-derived compounds suggested that most of the organic carbon (OC) in these organic-rich mineral deposits was derived from microbial cells, although the high average radiocarbon age of about 2900 years may also point to the contribution of aeolian depositions of anthropogenic or natural origin. Elemental composition and the crustal enrichment factor of trace elements in the mineral fraction of the aggregates corroborated the hypothesis that most part of the accumulated material derived from ice meltwater. Some indicators of the colonization of these deposits by microbial communities were also reported, from the abundance of DNA and phylogenetic markers, to the presence of bacterial taxa commonly able to thrive in similar habitats. All these elements suggested that such kind of deposits may have a potential role as energy and nutrient sources in recently deglaciated areas, highlighting the necessity to better understand the processes underlying their formation and their evolution.
The intensity of slope and fluvial processes after a catastrophic windthrow event in small catchments in the Tatra Mountains
Authors: Strzyżowski Dariusz , Gorczyca Elżbieta , Krzemień Kazimierz , Żelazny Mirosław
Published: June 2021

Strong wind events frequently result in creating large areas of windthrow, which causes abrupt environmental changes. Bare soil surfaces within pits and root plates potentially expose soil to erosion. Absence of forest may alter the dynamics of water circulation. In this study we attempt to answer the question of whether extensive windthrows influence the magnitude of geomorphic processes in 6 small second- to third-order catchments with area ranging from 0.09 km2 to 0.8 km2. Three of the catchments were significantly affected by a windthrow which occurred in December 2013 in the Polish part of the Tatra Mountains, and the other three catchments were mostly forested and served as control catchments. We mapped the pits created by the windthrow and the linear scars created by salvage logging operations in search of any signs of erosion within them. We also mapped all post-windthrow landslides created in the windthrow-affected catchments. The impact of the windthrow on the fluvial system was investigated by measuring a set of channel characteristics and determining bedload transport intensity using painted tracers in all the windthrow-affected and control catchments. Both pits and linear scars created by harvesting tend to become overgrown by vegetation in the first several years after the windthrow. The only signs of erosion were observed in 10% of the pits located on convergent slopes. During the period from the windthrow event in 2013 until 2019, 5 very small (total area <100 m2) shallow landslides were created. The mean distance of bedload transport was similar (t-test, p=0.05) in most of the windthrow-affected and control catchments. The mapping of channels revealed many cases of root plates fallen into a channel and pits created near a channel. A significant amount of woody debris delivered into the channels influenced the activity of fluvial processes by creating alternating zones of erosion and accumulation.
Anatomical work-up of an individual with multiple muscular variants on both forearms
Authors: Hagedorn Peter S. , Hirt Bernhard , Shiozawa Thomas , Neckel Peter H.
Published: June 2021

Muscular variants of the forearm are common and frequently cause neurovascular compression syndromes, especially when interfering with the compact topography of the carpal tunnel or the Canalis ulnaris. Here, we report on a male body donor with multiple muscular normal variations on both forearms. The two main findings are (1) an accessory variant muscle (AVM) on the right forearm originating from the M. brachioradialis, the distal radius, and the M. flexor pollicis longus. It spanned the wrist beneath the Fascia antebrachia and inserted at the proximal phalanx of the digitus minimus. (2) Moreover, we found a three-headed palmaris longus variant on the left arm with proximal origin tendon and a distal, trifurcated muscle belly, with separated insertions at the palmar aponeurosis, the flexor retinaculum, and, in analogy to the accessory muscle on the contralateral arm, at the base of the proximal phalanx of the digitus minimus. We found a considerable thickening of the left-hand median nerve right before entering the carpal tunnel indicative of a possible chronic compression syndrome adding clinical relevance to this anatomical case. We also discuss the notion that both, the AVM and the contralateral three-headed palmaris variant are developmental descendants of the M. palmaris longus. Additionally, we found a previously not recorded variant of the M. palmaris brevis on the left hand.
Dynamic Assessment of Global Maize Exposure to Extremely High Temperatures
Authors: Gao Yuan , Su Peng , Zhang Anyu , Wang Ran , Wang Jing’ai
Published: June 2021

Exposure to extreme heat can severely harm crop growth and development, and it is essential to assess such exposure accurately to minimize risks to crop production. However, the actual distribution of crops and its changes have neither been examined in sufficient detail nor integrated into the assessments of exposure to ensure their accuracy. By examining the distribution of maize at a high resolution through species distribution modeling, we assessed the past and future exposure of maize to temperatures above 37°C worldwide. Such exposure is likely to be widespread and severe, mainly in the subtropics, and may even expand to the mid-latitudes to encompass some major maize-producing areas. Many areas at both high and low latitudes may become exposed for the first time in the next 20 years. By the 2050s, the total area exposed could increase by up to 185% to 308.18 million ha, of which the area exposed for over 60 days may increase nearly sevenfold. The average length of exposure may increase by 69% to 27 days, and areas optimally suited to maize planting may see the fastest increase by up to 772%. Extreme heat can threaten global maize production severely, and measures to mitigate that threat and to adapt to it are urgently needed.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody is higher in younger Austrian blood donors
Authors: Weidner Lisa , Nunhofer Verena , Jungbauer Christof , Hoeggerl Alexandra Domnica , Grüner Lydia , Grabmer Christoph , Zimmermann Georg , Rohde Eva , Laner-Plamberger Sandra
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Frequently the infection with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be asymptomatic or provoke only mild symptoms. These cases often remain unnoticed, so it is difficult to estimate the actual numbers of infections. Aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody in Austrian blood donors.

Methods

20,228 blood donors aged between 18 and 72 years resident in four Austrian federal states were screened for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody between 5th of June and 4th of December 2020. To evaluate the impact of sex, age, AB0-blood group and donation period on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, multiple logistic regression was done.

Results

Our data reveal an anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 2.5% overall, significantly depending on the time point of blood donation: after the first Austrian lockdown the seroprevalence was lower compared to the following months, when the rate was constantly rising. While younger blood donors showed significantly higher seroprevalence, no differences were found concerning sex or AB0 blood group.

Conclusion

Broad testing strategies are required to better determine the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Screening blood donors as a representative group for the adult population could be a valid tool to determine the number of recorded and unrecorded cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Newly proposed insulin resistance indexes called TyG-NC and TyG-NHtR show efficacy in diagnosing the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Mirr M. , Skrypnik D. , Bogdański P. , Owecki M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Obesity and insulin resistance are considered cardinal to the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. Several simple indexes of insulin resistance calculated from biochemical or anthropometric variables have been proposed. The study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of indirect insulin resistance indicators in detecting metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic patients, including TG/HDLc, METS-IR, TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR, and new indicators TyG-NC (TyG-neck circumference) and TyG-NHtR (Tyg-neck circumference to height ratio).

Methods

The diagnostic accuracy of eight insulin resistance indexes was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) in 665 adult non-diabetic patients. Then, the analysis was performed after the division into groups with proper body mass index, overweight and obese.

Results

All indexes achieved significant diagnostic accuracy, with the highest AUC (area under the curve) for TyG (0.888) and Tg/HDLc (0.874). The highest diagnostic performance in group with the proper body mass index was shown for TyG (0.909) and TyG-BMI (0.879). The highest accuracy in the group of overweight individuals was presented by TyG (0.884) and TG/HDLc (0.855). TG/HDLc and TyG showed the highest AUC (0.880 and 0.877, respectively) in the group with obesity. Both TyG-NC and TyG-NHtR reached significant areas under the curve, which makes them useful diagnostic tests in metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Indirect indices of insulin resistance, including proposed TyG-NC and TyG-NHtR, show an essential diagnostic value in diagnosing metabolic syndrome. TyG and TG/HDLc seem to be the most useful in the Caucasian population.
Charging station planning based on the accumulation prospect theory and dynamic user equilibrium
Authors: Heting Qiu , Shuihai Dou , Huayan Shang , Jun Zhang
Published: June 2021

Large-scale use of electric vehicles will greatly increase the traffic pressure on urban road network. Therefore, planning of charging stations for electric vehicles considering charging demand and transportation network is particularly important for the coordinated development of electric vehicles and intelligent transportation. Under the condition of bounded rationality, this paper considers such factors as the travel utility perception difference between the users of fuel vehicles and electric vehicles, the time-varying of traffic flow, the location and service level of charging stations. On this basis, combining the cumulative prospect theory, dynamic traffic flow allocation and charging demands, a two-level programming model is established to solve the problem of charging station site selection. The upper layer is a system optimal model, the goal is to minimize the travel time of the network. The lower model describes the time-variability of departure time and the randomness of charging and travel behaviors, establishes the dynamic user equilibrium model and designs the heuristic algorithm. The validity of the model and algorithm is verified by a numerical example. Through the simulation experiment, the optimal location scheme of charging station under different electric vehicle proportion is obtained, and the driving characteristics of two types of vehicles are analyzed. Compared with the traditional model, it is found that the charging station planning considering bounded rationality can achieve higher road network traffic efficiency with fewer charging piles.
Bringing sustainable urban planning down to earth through food: the experience of the food transects of Grenoble and Caen
Authors: Buyck Jennifer , Meyfroidt Aurore , Brand Caroline , Jourdan Gabriel
Published: June 2021

Our contribution aims at pointing out how the food issue challenges metropolitan areas while at the same time identifying potential for sustainable urban planning. To that end, we investigate to what extent taking into account agricultural and food-related issues enables to rethink urban planning which is usually qualified as sustainable. Our analysis will be based upon the two French urban regions of Grenoble and Caen where participatory research was conducted through collective and prospective walks. These urban explorations, which provide insights on metropolitan spaces and the interrelations that underlie them, underly the disconnections of contemporary urban planning with the inhabitants, their vital needs and, more generally, the soil, while highlight working paths for a more nourishing, meaningful and rooted urban planning. By considering urban planning through the scope of agri-food stakes, we contribute then to the renewal of urban concepts and thus highlight three workshops aiming at further developing sustainable urban planning issues and tools.
Comorbidities in Dravet Syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome
Authors: Marchese Francesca , Cappelletti Simona , Filippini Melissa , Guido Cristiana Alessia , Passamonti Claudia , Pucci Barbara , Sole Michela , Striano Pasquale
Published: June 2021

This study aims to describe the main cognitive and behavioral comorbidities of Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), their impact on the health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients and their caregivers, and provide a summary of the neuropsychological tools available for the evaluation of these comorbidities. The cognitive and behavioral comorbidities in patients with DS and LGS have a profound effect on the QOL of affected individuals and their caregivers and, as patients grow, tend to surpass the impact of the seizures. DS is a genetic condition associated with loss-of-function mutations in the SCNA1 sodium channel gene; LGS is an etiologically heterogeneous condition that is often secondary to structural brain abnormalities. The first seizures associated with DS typically present in the first year of life, and developmental delay becomes progressively evident thereafter. LGS usually starts between the ages of 3 and 8 years, with cognitive impairment becoming clinically evident in most patients within 5 years from the onset. In both DS and LGS, cognitive impairment is generally moderate to severe and is often accompanied by behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and inattention. In addition to optimal seizure control, regular assessment and active management of cognitive and behavioral comorbidities are required to meet the complex needs of patients with DS or LGS.
Preliminary evidence for a forestomach washing mechanism in llamas (Lama glama)
Authors: Hatt Jean-Michel , Codron Daryl , Richter Henning , Kircher Patrick R. , Hummel Jürgen , Clauss Marcus
Published: June 2021

Dust and grit are ingested by herbivores in their natural habitats along with the plants that represent their selected diet. Among the functions of the rumen, a washing of ingesta from adhering dust and grit has recently been demonstrated. The putative consequence is a less strenuous wear on ruminant teeth by external abrasives during rumination. The same function should theoretically apply to camelids, but has not been investigated so far. We fed six llamas (Lama glama) a diet of grass hay and a lucerne-based pelleted food in which fine sand had been included at about 8% of ingredients, for ad libitum consumption for 6 weeks. Subsequently, animals were slaughtered and content of the different sections of the gastrointestinal tract was sampled for the analysis of dry matter (DM), total ash, and acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA, a measure for silica). Additionally, two of the animals were subjected to whole-body computer tomography (CT) after death in the natural sternal resting position. No clinical problems or macroscopic changes in the faeces were observed during the experimental period. The results indicate an accumulation of ADIA in the C3 compartment of the stomach complex, in particular in the posterior portion that is the equivalent of the abomasum in ruminants. By contrast, contents of the C1, from which material is recruited for regurgitation and rumination, were depleted of ADIA, indicating that the contents had largely been washed free of sand. The washing effect is an unavoidable side effect of the flotation- and sedimentation-based sorting mechanisms in the ruminant and the camelid forestomachs. In theory, this should allow ruminants and camelids to live in similar habitats as nonruminant herbivores at lower degrees of hypsodonty.
Critical interactions between opioid and cannabinoid receptors during tolerance and physical dependence development to opioids in the murine gastrointestinal tract: proof of concept
Authors: Szymaszkiewicz Agata , Świerczyński Mikołaj , Talar Marcin , Polepally Prabhakar Reddy , Zjawiony Jordan K. , Fichna Jakub , Zielińska Marta
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Tolerance (TOL) and physical dependence (PD) constitute important limitations of opioid therapy. The aim of our study was to validate research tools to investigate TOL and PD and to characterize the interactions between opioid (OR) and cannabinoid (CB) receptors in these processes in the GI tract.

Methods

TOL was assessed through the comparison of morphine ability to inhibit electrically evoked smooth muscles contractility in the mouse ileum that was previously incubated with/without morphine for 1 h. To evaluate the PD, the ileum was incubated with morphine for 10 min, then challenged with naloxone to induce withdrawal response (WR). The OR/CB interactions were evaluated using mixed agonist (PR-38) and AM-251 (CB1 antagonist).

Results

The inhibitory effect of morphine on ileal contractions was weaker in tissue incubated with this opioid than in tissue incubated without opioid. The opposite was noted for PR-38. In tissues exposed to morphine, but not to PR-38, naloxone induced a WR. The blockage of CB1 receptors with AM-251 before the addition of PR-38 resulted in a naloxone-induced WR.

Conclusion

The co-activation of OR and CB reduced development of TOL and PD to opioids in the mouse GI tract and mixed OR/CB agonists are promising alternative to currently used opioid drugs.
Labour market policies on a sub-national level
Authors: Brauer John
Published: June 2021

For most of the twentieth century, the welfare state was predominantly understood as a national project. In recent years, however, it has been recognized that other political levels — both sub- and supranational — have a profound impact on the design and delivery of social- and labour market policies and programmes. This article looks more closely at labour market policies on the sub-national level. In this domain, political bodies, such as municipalities and regions, have become key actors in developing and delivering programmes on local levels. The underlying assumption is that local actors are better suited to adapt services to the needs of residents in comparison with the national level. This assumption is contested, among other reasons because it leads to increased within-state inequalities. This article analyses Swedish municipalities. They have come to be central stakeholders in the area of active labour market policies. The article looks at data on municipal actions to reduce unemployment. Government data on geography, local political rule and economy of municipalities are used as potential factors that predicts reach of policies. The article also investigates potential neighbourhood effects by utilizing spatial analysis. The findings indicate that there are such effects, and that economic situation is the most influential non-spatial factor in explaining differences in reach of policies. Less well-off municipalities had more extensive reach. Geographic and political factors did also affect the outcomes but was less influential.
Expert consensus on the establishment and maintenance of native arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Lu Haitao , Li Wenge , Jiang Gengru , Zou Hongbin ,   Expert Group of Nephrology Branch of China Academy of Chronic Disease Urology Nephrology and Blood Purification Commission of China Medical Education Association
Published: June 2021

Vascular access is the lifeline of hemodialysis patients. There are great differences in the establishment and use of vascular access in different countries and regions around the world. We believe that on the basis of good evaluation and planning, it is recommended that hemodialysis patients choose native arteriovenous fistula first. In view of the new progress of vascular access views domestic and international at home and abroad in recent years, we organized experts to recommend the establishment and maintenance of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for the Chinese population, including preoperative evaluation and planning of the establishment of AVF, AVF surgery, perioperative drug intervention measures and postoperative maintenance, and put forward suggestions for future research directions. The recommendations in this consensus are general and clinicians need to make treatment decisions based on the actual situation.
Use of Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Pregnancy
Authors: Howaidi Jude , AlRajhi Abdullah M. , Howaidi Ali , AlNajjar Fouad H. , Tailor Imran K.
Published: June 2021

The management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) involves several lines of therapy such as corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. With the emergence of novel therapies such as thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), there has been a shift in treatment modalities. Eltrombopag and romiplostim have proven to be effective in the management of ITP through clinical studies, but their safety in pregnancy remains uncertain. The purpose of the study is to review the literature to evaluate the safety of TPO-RAs in pregnant women. Ten case reports and a cohort study pertaining to the use of TPO-RAs in pregnancy were obtained. According to the reported cases and prospective study, the use of eltrombopag and romiplostim appears to be relatively safe in the first, second, and third trimesters, as there were no reported congenital malformations. Low fetal birth weight has been observed following the administration of eltrombopag during the second trimester, whereas preterm birth has occurred following the administration of eltrombopag in the third trimester. Eltrombopag and romiplostim seem relatively safe. Further studies are necessary to clarify their safety during pregnancy.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire – IUGA Revised (PISQ-IR)
Authors: Pruijssers Bente , van der Vaart Lisa , Milani Fred , Roovers Jan-Paul , Vollebregt Astrid , van der Vaart Huub
Published: June 2021

Background

To put statistically significant changes in patient reported outcome measurement (PROM) questionnaires into a clinical perspective, the concept of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) can be used.

Aim

To determine the MCID for the summary score for sexually active (SA) women of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR), a validated instrument which assesses sexual functioning (SF) for patients suffering from a symptomatic pelvic floor disorder.

Methods

Patients participating in a multicentre prospective cohort study comparing pessary therapy with surgery for a symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) filled in the PISQ-IR at baseline and 12 months’ follow-up. We used both an anchor-based as well as a distribution-based method to calculate the MCID for both treatment groups. The Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire and PISQ-IR question 19a about satisfaction with sexual functioning were used as anchors. For the distribution-based approach we used the effect size (ES).

Outcomes

MCID for the SA summary score of the PISQ-IR.

RESULTS

Data of 243 women were used to calculate the MCID. In the pessary group, Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficients between the PISQ-IR summary score and both anchors were below the cut-off of 0.21, which implies the anchors cannot be used to calculate an MCID. In our surgery group, the PISQ-IR question 19a met the anchor criteria and 0.31 points increase in the PISQ-IR summary score was equal to an improvement of 1 point on question 19a about satisfaction with sexual functioning.

Clinical implications

Future research on this subject should focus on clinical relevance of results rather than statistical significance only.

Strengths & Limitations

Our main strength is the fact that we used both anchor-based and distribution-based methods to determine our MCID. Secondly, we set out to determine an MCID for both treatment groups separately, which relatively enhances the generalisability of our results. A limitation is that we were not able to estimate an MCID for the pessary group.

CONCLUSION

We estimated the MCID for the PISQ-IR SA summary score to be 0.31 in our surgery group.
Positive Law from the Muslim World
Authors: Dupret Baudouin
Published: June 2021

Can the concept of law be indiscriminately extended to times and places in which it did simply not exist? Such an extension is at best useless and at worst misleading. Producing an intelligible jurisprudence of the concept of law means keeping it within the reasonable boundaries of its contemporary common-sense understanding: positive law. Parallel to Western societies in which it firstly emerged, the concept of positive law developed in many places, including countries characterized as Muslim. There, it faced other existing normativities, like customs and the Sharia. This book aims, from the Muslim world's perspective, to clarify the uses of the concept of law and the ways of studying it, to describe some of its historical developments, including the ideas of constitutional law, customary law and forensic evidence, and to describe present-day practices, including reference to law sources, rules and interpretation.
Propeller aerodynamic optimisation to minimise energy consumption for electric fixed-wing aircraft
Authors: Hoyos J.D. , Alvarado J.P. , Jiménez J.H.
Published: June 2021

An electric propulsion model for propeller-driven aircraft is developed with the aim of minimising the power consumption for a given airspeed and thrust. Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) is employed for propeller performance predictions fed with aerodynamic aerofoil data obtained from a proposed combined Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)–Montgomerie method, which is also validated. The Two-Dimensional (2D) aerofoil data are corrected to consider compressibility, three-dimensional, viscous and Reynolds-number effects. The BEMT model showed adequate fitting with experimental data from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC) database. Additionally, Goldstein optimisation via vortex theory is employed to design pitch and chord distributions minimising the induced losses of the propeller. Particle swarm optimisation is employed to find the optimal value for a wide range of geometrical and operational parameters considering some constraints. The optimisation algorithm is validated through a study case where an existing optimisation problem is approached, leading to very similar results. Some trends and insights are obtained from the study case and discussed regarding the design of an optimal propulsion system. Finally, CFD simulations of the study case are carried out, showing a slight relative error of BEMT.
Annual and seasonal glaciological mass balance of Patsio Glacier, western Himalaya (India) from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Angchuk Thupstan , Ramanathan Alagappan , Bahuguna I. M. , Mandal Arindan , Soheb Mohd , Singh Virendra Bahadur , Mishra Somdutta , Vatsal Sarvagya
Published: June 2021

Improving the knowledge on Himalayan glaciers mass balance is a key to understand the present and past annual atmospheric variations and future water availability in the region. Here, we present glaciological mass balance for Patsio Glacier, located in Himachal Pradesh (India), western Himalaya. Annual glacier-wide mass balance was measured for 7 consecutive years (2010/11 to 2016/17) and winter mass balance for 6 years (2011/12 to 2016/17). The cumulative mass balance over this period was −2.35 ± 0.37 m w.e. The corresponding mean mass balance was −0.34 m w.e. a−1. The mean annual ablation gradient excluding the debris-covered area was 0.47 m w.e. (100 m)−1. The annual ablation over the debris-covered area is reduced by an average of −1.0 m w.e. compared to the clean ice surface. Winter mass balance was consistently positive with a maximum of 1.34 m w.e. in 2014/15 and a minimum of 0.88 m w.e. in 2011/12. Multiple regression analysis between annual mass balance versus annual and winter precipitation of the Lahaul-Spiti region shows a significant positive correlation. Our results highlight the importance of monitoring seasonal mass balance and consideration of non-climatic parameters (debris and aspect) while estimating the glacier-wide mass balance.
The Holocene lake-evaporation history of the afro-alpine Lake Garba Guracha in the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia, based on δ18O records of sugar biomarker and diatoms
Authors: Bittner Lucas , Gil-Romera Graciela , Grady Dai , Lamb Henry F. , Lorenz Eva , Weiner Mikaela , Meyer Hanno , Bromm Tobias , Glaser Bruno , Zech Michael
Published: June 2021

In eastern Africa, there are few long, high-quality records of environmental change at high altitudes, inhibiting a broader understanding of regional climate change. We investigated a Holocene lacustrine sediment archive from Lake Garba Guracha, Bale Mountains, Ethiopia, (3,950 m asl), and reconstructed high-altitude lake evaporation history using δ18O records derived from the analysis of compound-specific sugar biomarkers and diatoms. The δ18Odiatom and δ18Ofuc records are clearly correlated and reveal similar ranges (7.9‰ and 7.1‰, respectively). The lowest δ18O values occurred between 10–7 cal ka BP and were followed by a continuous shift towards more positive δ18O values. Due to the aquatic origin of the sugar biomarker and similar trends of δ18Odiatom, we suggest that our lacustrine δ18Ofuc record reflects δ18Olake water. Therefore, without completely excluding the influence of the ‘amount-effect’ and the ‘source-effect’, we interpret our record to reflect primarily the precipitation-to-evaporation ratio (P/E). We conclude that precipitation increased at the beginning of the Holocene, leading to an overflowing lake between ca. 10 and ca. 8 cal ka BP, indicated by low δ18Olake water values, which are interpreted as reduced evaporative enrichment. This is followed by a continuous trend towards drier conditions, indicating at least a seasonally closed lake system.
Teaching English in multilingual Israel: Who teaches whom and how. A review of recent research 2014–2020
Authors: Aronin Larissa , Yelenevskaya Maria
Published: June 2021

This article presents research on teaching English in Israel, a vibrant multilingual country, in the period between 2014 and 2020. After a brief introduction to the current approach to English language teaching around the world, it outlines the studies investigating: (a) learners of English, (b) English teachers, and (c) methods that are used in the country for teaching English. We explore how various student populations, Arabs, Bedouins, Circassians, Druze, Charedi (ultra-orthodox Jews), Jews, and foreign students, are taught English as well as their attitudes to this language. Then, we discuss research investigating different categories of English teachers in Israel, including teachers in Arab and Jewish sectors, the teachers labeled as ‘native speakers’, and also teacher trainers and teacher-training principles. We look at secondary and high school students, including those in special education, as well as those who take English courses in tertiary educational institutions. Finally, we are interested in whether innovative teaching methods compete with the conventional ones and which groups of learners have access to the former. Throughout the article, we aim to show to what extent practitioners and researchers are aware of the present-day realities of the interconnectedness of ‘teacher, student, and method’ elements and the impact of multilingualism on English teaching in Israel. This Country in Focus report also considers the current holistic perspective on English language teaching. This language should not be taught in isolation but work in concert with other contact languages.
Trajectory planning and low-chattering fixed-time nonsingular terminal sliding mode control for a dual-arm free-floating space robot
Authors: Yan Wen , Liu Yicheng , Lan Qijie , Zhang Tao , Tu Haiyan
Published: June 2021

This paper addresses fixed-time trajectory tracking for a dual-arm free-floating space robot (FFSR) with the large initial errors and bounded uncertainty. A wrist-based trajectory planning method is improved by fixed-time stability to fast eliminate the error caused by singularity. Then, a novel low-chattering and global-nonsingular fixed-time terminal sliding mode control strategy is studied by state approaching angle and switching sliding mode; the practical fixed-reachable Lyapunov stability analysis is presented for a mechanical control system. In the end, the proposed trajectory planning method and controller are combined to improve the tracking accuracy of end-effector to the nanoscale. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies.