bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risks to future atoll habitability from climate‐driven environmental changes
Authors: Duvat Virginie K. E. , Magnan Alexandre K. , Perry Chris T. , Spencer Tom , Bell Johann D. , Wabnitz Colette C. C. , Webb Arthur P. , White Ian , McInnes Kathleen L. , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Nunn Patrick D. , Le Cozannet Gonéri
Published: January 2021

Recent assessments of future risk to atoll habitability have focused on island erosion and submergence, and have overlooked the effects of other climate‐related drivers, as well as differences between ocean basins and island types. Here we investigate the cumulative risk arising from multiple drivers (sea‐level rise; changes in rainfall, ocean–atmosphere oscillations and tropical cyclone intensity; ocean warming and acidification) to five Habitability Pillars: Land, Freshwater supply, Food supply, Settlements and infrastructure, and Economic activities. Risk is assessed for urban and rural islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, in 2050 and 2090, and considering a moderate adaptation scenario. Risks will be highest in the Western Pacific which will experience increased island destabilization together with a high threat to freshwater, and decreased land‐based and marine food supply from reef‐dependent fish and tuna and tuna‐like resources. Risk accumulation will occur at a lower rate in the Central Pacific (lower pressure on land, with more limited cascading effects on other Habitability Pillars; increase in pelagic fish stocks) and the Central Indian Ocean (mostly experiencing increased land destabilization and reef degradation). Risk levels will vary significantly between urban islands, depending on geomorphology and local shoreline disturbances. Rural islands will experience less contrasting risk levels, but higher risks than urban islands in the second half of the century.

This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Regional Reviews
Exploring Diversity in the Relationships Between Teacher Quality and Job Satisfaction in the Nordic Countries—Insights from TALIS 2013 and 2018
Authors: Yang Hansen Kajsa , Radišić Jelena , Liu Xin , Glassow Leah Natasha
Published: January 2021

Equity and quality are the common goals to strive for in the Nordic education systems. Yet the mechanisms through which the separate education systems approach these goals have become more diverse. The chapter provides evidence in support of the different facets of teacher quality, such as self-efficacy, as well as teacher-students relations concerning their importance for teachers’ job satisfaction across the Nordic countries. Diversities, however, were also observed. The results from the TALIS 2013 model outlined two subgroups of the Nordic countries with similar mechanisms: the Norway-Sweden and the Denmark-Finland groups. No distinctive group was found in the TALIS 2018 results, producing more country-specific patterns, such as the importance of social utility value for Norway, adverse classroom composition in Sweden or teacher effective professional development positively impacting the personal and social utility values of teachers in Finland. These observed diversities and changing patterns may find their reasons in the gradually dissolved unity of the Nordic model by the different reform actions taken in recent years, such as in the example of Sweden, and in the long-term prerequisites for the teaching profession, where Finland is the country that stands out.
The Case for Good Discipline? Evidence on the Interplay Between Disciplinary Climate, Socioeconomic Status, and Science Achievement from PISA 2015
Authors: Scherer Ronny
Published: January 2021

In both educational and psychological research, the relation between socioeconomic status (SES) and academic achievement is the most widely examined contextual effect. While several research syntheses have reported evidence of positive and significant SES–achievement relations (i.e., higher SES is associated with better academic achievement in several domains), they also reported substantial variation across educational contexts, such as classrooms, schools, and educational systems, and proposed mechanisms underlying these relations. This chapter addressed this variation and tested three hypotheses on the interplay between socioeconomic status, the disciplinary climate in science lessons, and science achievement—the compensation hypothesis, the mediation hypothesis, and the moderation hypothesis. Utilizing the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 data from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden), multilevel structural equation modeling provided evidence to test the contextual, indirect, and cross-level interaction effects. While evidence for the compensation hypothesis existed in most Nordic countries, evidence supporting the mediating and moderating roles of the disciplinary climate for the SES–achievement relation was sparse.
Improving Equity Through National-Level Assessment Initiatives
Authors: Nortvedt G. A. , Bratting K. B. , Kovpanets O. , Pettersen A. , Rohatgi A.
Published: January 2021

This chapter investigates how a national-level assessment initiative may improve equity in early years numeracy education, taking the Norwegian mapping tests for primary grades 1–3 as an example. Three assessments, one test for each grade level, were launched in the 2013–2014 school year and have been used every year since. In accordance with Nordic model principles, the test content is available to teachers to ensure familiarity with the test content and the formative use of the assessment outcomes to improve teaching and learning for students identified as at risk of lagging behind. Analysis of student data reveals that, 6 years after the first implementation, no inflation can be seen in test scores. Thus, an exposed assessment may remain robust within an educational system that aspires to transparency, such as the Norwegian one. However, analyses of interview data and achievement data reveal that teachers often struggle to use the assessment outcomes to improve teaching. These results suggest that the initiative to improve equity in primary school numeracy education depends on teachers’ assessment literacy. In accordance with Nordic model principles, schools have significant autonomy and are responsible for identifying professional development needs for their teachers. This research confirms the dilemmas in the Nordic model between national-level and local initiatives and responsibilities.
Individuelle und kollektive Verantwortung. Reichweiten und Rechtsfolgen
Authors: Luchterhandt Otto
Published: January 2021

Das sog. Atomzeitalter hat den Menschen erstmals in eine globale Verantwortung für sein Überleben genommen. Die stürmische Entwicklung von Künstlicher Intelligenz, von maschinellem Lernen und Robotik sowie ihre Leistungsfähigkeit und systemische Vernetzung drohen die Verantwortung des Menschen für sein Handeln auszuhöhlen, sein Schicksal an nicht mehr beherrschbare komplexe technische Prozesse auszuliefern und die humane Welt von innen heraus zu zerstören. Der Beitrag unterstreicht gegenüber solchen Befürchtungen die Grenzen der Künstlichen Intelligenz, die sich aus ihrer maschinellen, funktionalen Eigenart ergeben, referiert die insbesondere von der EU ausgehenden Initiativen, die ethischen und rechtlichen Bedingungen der Verantwortung des Menschen für seine Entscheidungen zu sichern, und warnt davor, sich einem letztlich rein funktionalen, reduktionistischen Menschenbild anzupassen und zu unterwerfen.
If you see it, say it, and we’ll sort it…
Authors: Selke Stefan
Published: January 2021

Das Zusammenspiel menschlicher und künstlicher Intelligenz wird am Beispiel der Überwachung des öffentlichen Raumes in England exemplarisch und essayistisch erläutert. Ausgangspunkt ist hierbei die kontinuierliche Ausstrahlung der Botschaft „If you see it, say it, and we’ll sort it“ an häufig frequentierten öffentlichen Orten wie Bahnhöfen oder Flugplätzen. Ausgehend von diesem Fallbeispiel wird in fünf Schritten eine idealtypische Prozesskette entwickelt, die das Ineinandergreifen sozialer Interaktion und technischer Assistenzsystem bis hin zu künstlicher Intelligenz erläutert. Zusammenfassend wird die Wirkung dieses Prozesses als rationale Diskriminierung beschrieben. Dabei geht es im Kern um die These der Durchsetzung eines defizitorientierten Menschenbildes, das auf gesteigerter Abweichungssensibilität basiert und trotz oder gerade wegen seiner Orientierung an Effizienzkriterien zu neuen Diskriminierungsformen und digitalen Vulnerabilitäten führen kann. Bei der zukünftigen Gestaltung künstlicher Intelligenz sind diese sozial transformierenden (Neben-)Wirkungen zu beachten, damit das Zusammenspiel aller Intelligenzformen konvivial bleibt.
Einleitende Worte zur Gestaltung des Zusammenwirkens
Authors: Jipp Meike
Published: January 2021

Die Gestaltung des Zusammenwirkens von Mensch und Technik steht im Mittelpunkt des ersten Teils des vorliegenden Buchs. Welche Chancen und Risiken haben lernende, technische Systeme für Menschen? Wie können technische Systeme so gestaltet werden, dass sie Menschen tatsächlich helfen?
Wie technische Systeme aus uns schlau werden. Von maschineller Auslegung und Festlegung
Authors: Gransche Bruno
Published: January 2021

Das Zusammenwirken von natürlicher und künstlicher Intelligenz kann aus philosophischer Perspektive als ein Fall von allgemeineren Mensch-Technik-Relationen gefasst werden. Dieser Beitrag nimmt einerseits eine solche allgemeinere Perspektive ein, betrachtet andererseits die Assistenzrelation zwischen lernenden Assistenzsystemen und Menschen als wiederum einen Fall solchen Zusammenwirkens.

Dazu werden zunächst einige Begriffe abgeschritten, die die philosophische Perspektive etwa im Gegensatz zur informatischen oder psychologischen benötigt. Nach einigen handlungstheoretischen Grundlagen rückt die Perspektive auf aktuelle und im Entstehen befindliche Mensch-Technik-Relationen in den Mittelpunkt. Als ein Unterfall von Mensch-Technik-Welt-Verhältnissen hat Don Ihde die sogenannte hermeneutische Relation herausgestellt. Diese besagt: Menschen interpretieren die Welt vermittelt durch Technik. Kern des hier vorliegenden Beitrags ist die These von der Inversion dieser hermeneutischen Relation durch lernende Technik bzw. künstliche Intelligenz. Diese Inversion besagt: Technik ‚interpretiert‘ Menschen vermittelt durch Daten und arrangiert entsprechend die Welt. In beiden Relation geht es um deuten und gedeutet werden und damit immer auch um den Kampf um Deutungshoheiten.
Chirality, a new key for the definition of the connection and curvature of a Lie-Kac superalgebra
Authors: Thierry-Mieg Jean
Published: January 2021

Abstract

A natural generalization of a Lie algebra connection, or Yang-Mills field, to the case of a Lie-Kac superalgebra, for example SU(m/n), just in terms of ordinary complex functions and differentials, is proposed. Using the chirality χ which defines the supertrace of the superalgebra: STr(…) = Tr(χ…), we construct a covariant differential: D = χ(d + A) + Φ, where A is the standard even Lie-subalgebra connection 1-form and Φ a scalar field valued in the odd module. Despite the fact that Φ is a scalar, Φ anticommutes with (χA) because χ anticommutes with the odd generators hidden in Φ. Hence the curvature F = DD is a superalgebra-valued linear map which respects the Bianchi identity and correctly defines a chiral parallel transport compatible with a generic Lie superalgebra structure.
Universal flow equations and chaos bound saturation in 2d dilaton gravity
Authors: Grumiller D. , McNees R.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We show that several features of the Jackiw-Teitelboim model are in fact universal properties of two-dimensional Maxwell-dilaton gravity theories with a broad class of asymptotics. These theories satisfy a flow equation with the structure of a dimensionally reduced $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation, and exhibit chaotic behavior signaled by a maximal Lyapunov exponent. One consequence of our results is a no-go theorem for smooth flows from an asymptotically AdS2 region to a de Sitter fixed point.
Measurement of the e+e− → π+π− process cross section with the SND detector at the VEPP-2000 collider in the energy region 0.525 < $$ \sqrt{s} $$ < 0.883 GeV
Authors:   SND collaboration, Achasov M. N. , Baykov A. A. , Barnyakov A. Yu. , Beloborodov K. I. , Berdyugin A. V. , Berkaev D. E. , Bogdanchikov A. G. , Botov A. A. , Dimova T. V. , Druzhinin V. P. , Golubev V. B. , Kardapoltsev L. V. , Kharlamov A. G. , Koop I. A. , Korol A. A. , Kovrizhin D. P. , Kupich A. S. , Lysenko A. P. , Martin K. A. , Melnikova N. A. , Muchnoi N. Yu. , Obrazovsky A. E. , Pakhtusova E. V. , Perevedentsev E. A. , Pugachev K. V. , Savchenko Y. S. , Serednyakov S. I. , Silagadze Z. K. , Shatunov P. Yu. , Shatunov Yu. M. , Shtol D. A. , Shwartz D. B. , Surin I. K. , Usov Yu. V. , Zemlyansky I. M. , Zhabin V. N.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The cross section of the process e+e− → π+π− has been measured in the Spherical Neutral Detector (SND) experiment at the VEPP-2000 e+e− collider VEPP-2000 in the energy region 525 <$$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

< 883 MeV. The measurement is based on data with an integrated luminosity of about 4.6 pb−1. The systematic uncertainty of the cross section determination is 0.8% at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

> 0.600 GeV. The ρ meson parameters are obtained as mρ = 775.3 ± 0.5 ± 0.6 MeV, Γρ = 145.6 ± 0.6 ± 0.8 MeV, Bρ→e+e− × Bρ→π+π− = (4.89 ± 0.02 ± 0.04) × 10−5, and the parameters of the e+e− → ω → π+π− process, suppressed by G-parity, as Bω→e+e− × Bω→π+π− = (1.32 ± 0.06 ± 0.02) × 10−6 and and ϕρω = 110.7 ± 1.5 ± 1.0 degrees.
The path integral of 3D gravity near extremality; or, JT gravity with defects as a matrix integral
Authors: Maxfield Henry , Turiaci Gustavo J.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We propose that a class of new topologies, for which there is no classical solution, should be included in the path integral of three-dimensional pure gravity, and that their inclusion solves pathological negativities in the spectrum, replacing them with a nonperturbative shift of the BTZ extremality bound. We argue that a two dimensional calculation using a dimensionally reduced theory captures the leading effects in the near extremal limit. To make this argument, we study a closely related two-dimensional theory of Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity with dynamical defects. We show that this theory is equivalent to a matrix integral.
Association of diabetes type and chronic diabetes complications with early exit from the labour force: register-based study of people with diabetes in Finland
Authors: Kurkela Olli , Forma Leena , Ilanne-Parikka Pirjo , Nevalainen Jaakko , Rissanen Pekka
Published: January 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Diabetes and diabetes complications are a cause of substantial morbidity, resulting in early exits from the labour force and lost productivity. The aim of this study was to examine differences in early exits between people with type 1 and 2 diabetes and to assess the role of chronic diabetes complications on early exit. We also estimated the economic burden of lost productivity due to early exits.

Methods

People of working age (age 17–64) with diabetes in 1998–2011 in Finland were detected using national registers (Ntype 1 = 45,756,Ntype 2 = 299,931). For the open cohort, data on pensions and deaths, healthcare usage, medications and basic demographics were collected from the registers. The outcome of the study was early exit from the labour force defined as pension other than old age pension beginning before age 65, or death before age 65. We analysed the early exit outcome and its risk factors using the Kaplan–Meier method and extended Cox regression models. We fitted linear regression models to investigate the risk factors of lost working years and productivity costs among people with early exit.

Results

The difference in median age at early exit from the labour force between type 1 (54.0) and type 2 (58.3) diabetes groups was 4.3 years. The risk of early exit among people with type 1 diabetes increased faster after age 40 compared with people with type 2 diabetes. Each of the diabetes complications was associated with an increase in the hazard of early exit regardless of diabetes type compared with people without the complication, with eye-related complications as an exception. Diabetes complications partly but not completely explained the difference between diabetes types. The mean lost working years was 6.0 years greater in the type 1 diabetes group than in the type 2 diabetes group among people with early exit. Mean productivity costs of people with type 1 diabetes and early exit were found to be 1.4-fold greater compared with people with type 2 diabetes. The total productivity costs of incidences of early exits in the type 2 diabetes group were notably higher compared with the type 1 group during the time period (€14,400 million, €2800 million).

Conclusions/interpretation

We found a marked difference in the patterns of risk of early exit between people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The difference was largest close to statutory retirement age. On average, exits in the type 1 diabetes group occurred at an earlier age and resulted in higher mean lost working years and mean productivity costs. The potential of prevention, timely diagnosis and management of diabetes is substantial in terms of avoiding reductions in individual well-being and productivity.

Graphical abstract
Women’s experiences of the OASI Care Bundle; a package of care to reduce severe perineal trauma
Authors: Bidwell Posy , Sevdalis Nick , Silverton Louise , Harris James , Gurol-Urganci Ipek , Hellyer Alexandra , Freeman Robert , van der Meulen Jan , Thakar Ranee
Published: January 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a severe form of perineal trauma that can occur during vaginal birth. Long-term morbidities include anal incontinence and psychosocial disorders. To reduce these injuries within England, Scotland and Wales, the OASI Care Bundle was introduced to 16 maternity units (January 2017–March 2018). The OASI Care Bundle comprises four elements: (1) antenatal information, (2) manual perineal protection, (3) medio-lateral episiotomy (when indicated) and 4) recognition and diagnosis of tears. As part of the project evaluation, a qualitative study was conducted to explore women’s experiences of the OASI Care Bundle.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women (n = 19) who received the OASI Care Bundle as part of their maternity care. This was to explore their experience of each element. A thematic analysis of the interview data was performed.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) memories of touch, whereby women reported that a ‘hands-on’ approach to perineal protection was a positive experience; (2) midwife as a supportive guide, where women reported that good communication facilitated a calm birth and post-birth diagnosis; (3) education: women need more information about perineal trauma.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the literature through its exploration of women’s experiences of perineal protection techniques and diagnosis of perineal trauma. Interviewed women indicated that they did not experience any of the care bundle elements as an intrusion of their physical integrity. Additionally, an urgent need was identified for more information about perineal trauma in terms of risk, prevention and recovery.
Influence of pregnancy/childbirth on long-term bone marrow edema and subchondral sclerosis of sacroiliac joints
Authors: Germann Christoph , Kroismayr Daniela , Brunner Florian , Pfirrmann Christian W. A. , Sutter Reto , Zubler Veronika
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate long-term effects of pregnancy/childbirth on bone marrow edema (BME) and subchondral sclerosis of sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in comparison to MRI changes caused by spondyloarthritis (SpA) and assess the influence of birth method and number of children on SIJ-MRI changes.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective cohort study with 349 women (mean age 47 ± 14 years) suffering low back pain. Four subgroups were formed based on SpA diagnosis and childbirth (CB) history. Two musculoskeletal radiologists scored the presence of BME and sclerosis on SIJ-MRI using the Berlin method. Further, an 11-point “global assessment score” representing the overall confidence of SpA diagnosis based on MRI was evaluated in addition to the ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society) criterion of “positive MRI” for sacroiliitis.

Results

CB did not correlate with BME score (p = 0.38), whereas SpA diagnosis was associated with a higher BME score (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). Both CB (r = 0.21, p < 0.001) and SpA diagnosis (r = 0.33, p < 0.001) were correlated with a higher sclerosis score. CB was not associated with a higher confidence level in diagnosing SpA based on MRI (p = 0.07), whereas SpA diagnosis was associated with a higher score (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Both CB (phi = 0.13, p = 0.02) and SpA diagnosis (phi = 0.23, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a positive ASAS criterion for sacroiliitis. In non-SpA patients with CB, number of children (p = 0.001) was an independent predictor of sclerosis score, while birth method yielded no significant effect (p = 0.75).

Conclusion

Pregnancy/CB has no impact on long-term BME on SIJ, however, may cause long-term subchondral sclerosis—similar to SpA-associated sclerosis. Number of children is positively correlated with SIJ sclerosis. Birth method yields no effect on SIJ sclerosis.
Imaging coronary plaques using 3D motion-compensated [18F]NaF PET/MR
Authors: Mayer Johannes , Wurster Thomas-Heinrich , Schaeffter Tobias , Landmesser Ulf , Morguet Andreas , Bigalke Boris , Hamm Bernd , Brenner Winfried , Makowski Marcus R. , Kolbitsch Christoph
Published: January 2021

Background

Cardiac PET has recently found novel applications in coronary atherosclerosis imaging using [18F]NaF as a radiotracer, highlighting vulnerable plaques. However, the resulting uptakes are relatively small, and cardiac motion and respiration-induced movement of the heart can impair the reconstructed images due to motion blurring and attenuation correction mismatches. This study aimed to apply an MR-based motion compensation framework to [18F]NaF data yielding high-resolution motion-compensated PET and MR images.

Methods

Free-breathing 3-dimensional Dixon MR data were acquired, retrospectively binned into multiple respiratory and cardiac motion states, and split into fat and water fraction using a model-based reconstruction framework. From the dynamic MR reconstructions, both a non-rigid cardiorespiratory motion model and a motion-resolved attenuation map were generated and applied to the PET data to improve image quality. The approach was tested in 10 patients and focal tracer hotspots were evaluated concerning their target-to-background ratio, contrast-to-background ratio, and their diameter.

Results

MR-based motion models were successfully applied to compensate for physiological motion in both PET and MR. Target-to-background ratios of identified plaques improved by 7 ± 7%, contrast-to-background ratios by 26 ± 38%, and the plaque diameter decreased by −22 ± 18%. MR-based dynamic attenuation correction strongly reduced attenuation correction artefacts and was not affected by stent-related signal voids in the underlying MR reconstructions.

Conclusions

The MR-based motion correction framework presented here can improve the target-to-background, contrast-to-background, and width of focal tracer hotspots in the coronary system. The dynamic attenuation correction could effectively mitigate the risk of attenuation correction artefacts in the coronaries at the lung-soft tissue boundary. In combination, this could enable a more reproducible and reliable plaque localisation.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Gastroepiploic Lymph Node Involvement in Patients with Cancer of the Transverse Colon Including the Hepatic Flexure
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Huang Shenghui , Lu Xingrong , Huang Ying , Chi Pan
Published: January 2021

Background

To define the incidence of gastroepiploic lymph node (GLN) metastasis in patients with cancer of the transverse colon, including the hepatic flexure, and to identify the preoperative predictors of GLN involvement in a large‐volume center in China.

Methods

This retrospective monocentric cross‐sectional study respected the STROBE statement. Of 3208 consecutive patients who underwent colon cancer resection, a total of 371 patients with cancer of the transverse colon including the hepatic flexure who underwent complete mesocolic excision and GLN resection in our center were retrospectively reviewed between November 2010 and November 2017. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of GLN metastasis. Endoscopic obstruction was defined as a luminal obstruction of the colon severe enough to prevent the colonoscope from passing beyond the tumor regardless of the presenting symptoms.

Results

The GLN involvement rate was 4.0 (2.0–6.1)%. Patients who had GLN involvement had a significantly higher rate of endoscopic obstruction (P = 0.030), higher rate of signet ring adenocarcinoma or lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.05), higher preoperative CEA level (P = 0.037), more advanced pN stage (P < 0.001) and more advanced M stage (P = 0.003) than the patients without GLN involvement. ROC curve analyses showed that the cutoff value for CEA was 17.0 ng/ml (46.7% sensitivity, 84.3% specificity, P = 0.037) for the prediction of GLN metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that endoscopic obstruction, signet ring adenocarcinoma, a CEA level ≥17 ng/ml and M1 stage were independently correlated with the GLN metastasis.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of GLN metastasis was low. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to evaluate the preoperative predictors of GLN metastasis. Combinations of predictive factors may be useful for stratifying patients at high risk of GLN metastasis.
Patient Experiences of the Emergency Laparotomy Pathway: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Park Brittany , Barazanchi Ahmed , Rahiri Jamie‐Lee , Xia weisi , Taneja Ashish , Hill Andrew G.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Emergency laparotomy (EL) is a commonly performed operation with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite a growing body of literature on outcomes from EL, there is sparse literature on the patient experience. The aim of this study is to capture the perspective of patients on their EL experience. Qualitative methodology is used as a platform to allow patients to express their personal experiences and ideas around the EL process.

Materials and method

Participants were consented as a part of a large observational study, established across the three public teaching hospitals in Auckland, New Zealand. Patients who had an EL within the past 4 months were recruited. A recorded interview was conducted either face‐to‐face or over the telephone, using questions formulated from a previous systematic review on EL outcomes. Transcripts were transported to NVivo and thematically analysed by two reviewers.

Results

Fifteen participants were interviewed. The majority of participants were female, New Zealand European and 65 or older. Five important themes were identified. Overall, participants expressed satisfaction with their interactions with hospital staff. However, they wanted more information about their condition, operation and what outcomes might occur. Participants also described post‐operative priorities in the acute setting, as well as long‐standing physical and emotional impacts.

Conclusion

This study provides a better understanding of what is important to patients during the EL process. This information is important when considering ways to improve care and communication with patients undergoing EL.
Targeted plant improvement through genome editing: from laboratory to field
Authors: Miladinovic Dragana , Antunes Dulce , Yildirim Kubilay , Bakhsh Allah , Cvejić Sandra , Kondić-Špika Ankica , Marjanovic Jeromela Ana , Opsahl-Sorteberg Hilde-Gunn , Zambounis Antonios , Hilioti Zoe
Published: January 2021

Key message

This review illustrates how far we have come since the emergence of GE technologies and how they could be applied to obtain superior and sustainable crop production.

The main challenges of today’s agriculture are maintaining and raising productivity, reducing its negative impact on the environment, and adapting to climate change. Efficient plant breeding can generate elite varieties that will rapidly replace obsolete ones and address ongoing challenges in an efficient and sustainable manner. Site-specific genome editing in plants is a rapidly evolving field with tangible results. The technology is equipped with a powerful toolbox of molecular scissors to cut DNA at a pre-determined site with different efficiencies for designing an approach that best suits the objectives of each plant breeding strategy. Genome editing (GE) not only revolutionizes plant biology, but provides the means to solve challenges related to plant architecture, food security, nutrient content, adaptation to the environment, resistance to diseases and production of plant-based materials. This review illustrates how far we have come since the emergence of these technologies and how these technologies could be applied to obtain superior, safe and sustainable crop production. Synergies of genome editing with other technological platforms that are gaining significance in plants lead to an exciting new, post-genomic era for plant research and production. In previous months, we have seen what global changes might arise from one new virus, reminding us of what drastic effects such events could have on food production. This demonstrates how important science, technology, and tools are to meet the current time and the future. Plant GE can make a real difference to future sustainable food production to the benefit of both mankind and our environment.
How does image quality affect radiologists’ perceived ability for image interpretation and lesion detection in digital mammography?
Authors: Boita Joana , van Engen Ruben E. , Mackenzie Alistair , Tingberg Anders , Bosmans Hilde , Bolejko Anetta , Zackrisson Sophia , Wallis Matthew G. , Ikeda Debra M. , Van Ongeval Chantal , Pijnappel Ruud , Broeders Mireille , Sechopoulos Ioannis ,   for the VISUAL group, Jansen F. , Duijm L. , de Bruin H. , Andersson I. , Behmer C. , Taylor K. , Kilburn-Toppin F. , van Goethem M. , Prevos R. , Salem N. , Pal S.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To study how radiologists’ perceived ability to interpret digital mammography (DM) images is affected by decreases in image quality.

Methods

One view from 45 DM cases (including 30 cancers) was degraded to six levels each of two acquisition-related issues (lower spatial resolution and increased quantum noise) and three post-processing-related issues (lower and higher contrast and increased correlated noise) seen during clinical evaluation of DM systems. The images were shown to fifteen breast screening radiologists from five countries. Aware of lesion location, the radiologists selected the most-degraded mammogram (indexed from 1 (reference) to 7 (most degraded)) they still felt was acceptable for interpretation. The median selected index, per degradation type, was calculated separately for calcification and soft tissue (including normal) cases. Using the two-sided, non-parametric Mann-Whitney test, the median indices for each case and degradation type were compared.

Results

Radiologists were not tolerant to increases (medians: 1.5 (calcifications) and 2 (soft tissue)) or decreases (median: 2, for both types) in contrast, but were more tolerant to correlated noise (median: 3, for both types). Increases in quantum noise were tolerated more for calcifications than for soft tissue cases (medians: 3 vs. 4, p = 0.02). Spatial resolution losses were considered less acceptable for calcification detection than for soft tissue cases (medians: 3.5 vs. 5, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Perceived ability of radiologists for image interpretation in DM was affected not only by image acquisition-related issues but also by image post-processing issues, and some of those issues affected calcification cases more than soft tissue cases.

Key Points

• Lower spatial resolution and increased quantum noise affected the radiologists’ perceived ability to interpret calcification cases more than soft tissue lesion or normal cases.

• Post-acquisition image processing-related effects, not only image acquisition-related effects, also impact the perceived ability of radiologists to interpret images and detect lesions.

• In addition to current practices, post-acquisition image processing-related effects need to also be considered during the testing and evaluation of digital mammography systems.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting early stress urinary incontinence following endoscopic enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Li Xuanhao , He Fei , Huang Cong , Zhang Liangshuo , Liu Qiang , Song Jian
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To develop and validate a predictive nomogram for early stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

The records of 458 patients who underwent plasmakinetic- or diode-based EEP at our center from March 2016 to December 2019 were reviewed. Among these, 326 and 132 cases were randomly assigned to the training and validation set, respectively. A predictive nomogram was constructed based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and calibration curves were employed to evaluate its performance.

Results

65 years ≤ age < 70 years, 75 years ≤ age, 25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2, 30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI, 5 years ≤ LUTS duration, and 75 ml ≤ prostate volume were finally selected as independent predictors of early SUI into the multivariate logistics regression model. It was visualized as a concise nomogram with satisfactory discrimination and accuracy in both training and validation sets.

Conclusions

A concise nomogram was developed and validated as a useful clinical tool for predicting early SUI post-EEP.
Seasonality and time scale dependence of the relationship between turbulent surface heat flux and SST
Authors: Sun Xiaoshan , Wu Renguang
Published: January 2021

The present study examined the relationship between turbulent surface heat flux (SHF) and sea surface temperature (SST) variations using daily observational data. The SHF and SST relationship displays notable differences between winter and summer and prominent time-scale dependence in both seasons. In the mid-latitude SST frontal regions, SST has a larger role in driving SHF in winter than in summer. In the subtropical gyre regions, SHF plays a larger role in the SST change in summer than in winter. In winter, SHF has a larger effect on the SST change in the South China Sea than in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. In summer, the SST effect on SHF is dominant in the Arabian Sea, whereas the SHF impact on SST is dominant in the Philippine Sea. In the Gulf Stream, Kuroshio Extension and Agulhas Return Current, the SST effect extends up to 90-day time scales in winter, the SHF impact is limited to time scales below 20 days and the SST effect is dominant on time scales above 20 days in summer. In winter, the SHF effect extends up to 90-day time scales in the Bay of Bengal, South China Sea, and Philippine Sea, but is limited to time scales below 40 days in the Arabian Sea. In summer, the SST effect extends up to 90-day time scales in the Arabian Sea, whereas the SHF and SST effect is large on time scales shorter and longer than 40 days, respectively, in the Philippine Sea.
Risk of cancer associated with low-dose radiation exposure: comparison of results between the INWORKS nuclear workers study and the A-bomb survivors study
Authors: Leuraud Klervi , Richardson David B. , Cardis Elisabeth , Daniels Robert D. , Gillies Michael , Haylock Richard , Moissonnier Monika , Schubauer-Berigan Mary K. , Thierry-Chef Isabelle , Kesminiene Ausrele , Laurier Dominique
Published: January 2021

The Life Span Study (LSS) of Japanese atomic bomb survivors has served as the primary basis for estimates of radiation-related disease risks that inform radiation protection standards. The long-term follow-up of radiation-monitored nuclear workers provides estimates of radiation-cancer associations that complement findings from the LSS. Here, a comparison of radiation-cancer mortality risk estimates derived from the LSS and INWORKS, a large international nuclear worker study, is presented. Restrictions were made, so that the two study populations were similar with respect to ages and periods of exposure, leading to selection of 45,625 A-bomb survivors and 259,350 nuclear workers. For solid cancer, excess relative rates (ERR) per gray (Gy) were 0.28 (90% CI 0.18; 0.38) in the LSS, and 0.29 (90% CI 0.07; 0.53) in INWORKS. A joint analysis of the data allowed for a formal assessment of heterogeneity of the ERR per Gy across the two studies (P = 0.909), with minimal evidence of curvature or of a modifying effect of attained age, age at exposure, or sex in either study. There was evidence in both cohorts of modification of the excess absolute risk (EAR) of solid cancer by attained age, with a trend of increasing EAR per Gy with attained age. For leukemia, under a simple linear model, the ERR per Gy was 2.75 (90% CI 1.73; 4.21) in the LSS and 3.15 (90% CI 1.12; 5.72) in INWORKS, with evidence of curvature in the association across the range of dose observed in the LSS but not in INWORKS; the EAR per Gy was 3.54 (90% CI 2.30; 5.05) in the LSS and 2.03 (90% CI 0.36; 4.07) in INWORKS. These findings from different study populations may help understanding of radiation risks, with INWORKS contributing information derived from cohorts of workers with protracted low dose-rate exposures.
Morphologic and molecular classification of lung neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Metovic Jasna , Barella Marco , Bianchi Fabrizio , Hofman Paul , Hofman Veronique , Remmelink Myriam , Kern Izidor , Carvalho Lina , Pattini Linda , Sonzogni Angelica , Veronesi Giulia , Harari Sergio , Forest Fabien , Papotti Mauro , Pelosi Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the lung encompass neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) composed of typical (TC) and atypical (AC) carcinoids and full-fledged carcinomas (NECs) inclusive of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and small cell carcinoma (SCLC). NETs and NECs are thought to represent distinct and separate lesions with neither molecular overlap nor common developmental continuum. Two perspectives were addressed regarding the morphologic and molecular classification of lung NENs: (i) a supervised approach by browsing the traditional classification, the relevant gene alterations, and their clinical implications; and (ii) an unsupervised approach, by reappraising neoplasms according to risk factors and natural history of disease to construct an interpretation model relied on biological data. We herein emphasize lights and shadows of the current classification of lung NENs and provide an alternative outlook on these tumors focused on what we currently know about the biological determinants and the natural history of disease.
Correction to: Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tanzania
Authors: Cullen Imogen , Shaban Fadlo , Ali Oroog , Breckons Matthew , Chilonga Kondo , Wapalila Daudi , Suleiman Jamil , Elinisa Mercy , Woodburn Bronwyn , Walker Richard , Horgan Liam
Published: January 2021

This article was updated to correct the spelling of Jamil Suleiman’s name in the author listing and Disclosures.
Kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktion und Asthenopie – Literaturübersicht mit Fallbeispielen
Authors: Brandner Martina , Strobl Viktoria , Bizjak Bianca , Lindner Susanne , Langmann Andrea
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Kann ein latentes Schielen (Heterophorie) nicht fusionell überwunden werden, treten asthenope Beschwerden wie intermittierende Doppelbilder, Blendempfindlichkeit, retrobulbäres Druckgefühl, Visusschwankungen und Kopfschmerzen auf. Häufig ist der zugrunde liegende Pathomechanismus unklar. Neben verschiedenen ophthalmologischen und neurologischen Erkrankungen wird auch die kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktion (CMD) als möglicher Auslöser einer Asthenopie beschrieben.

Material und Methode

Präsentation von 3 Fallbeispielen von Patientinnen mit CMD und Asthenopie und Literaturübersicht.

Resultate

Im Rahmen der Literaturrecherche wurden einige Arbeiten zur Anatomie und zu neurologischen Verschaltungen zwischen dem trigeminalen und dem okulomotorischen System gefunden, die über Veränderungen der Pupillenweite, der Konvergenz und der Stellung der Augen mögliche pathomechanische Zusammenhänge zwischen einer Malokklusion bzw. CMD und Heterophorie mit Asthenopie postulieren.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei Beschwerdepersistenz von asthenopen Beschwerden trotz optimaler orthoptischer Therapie kann eine weiterführende kieferorthopädische Abklärung in Betracht gezogen werden.
Transglutaminase 2: a novel therapeutic target for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using selective small molecule inhibitors
Authors: Fell Shaun , Wang Zhuo , Blanchard Andy , Nanthakumar Carmel , Griffin Martin
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the effects of a site-directed TG2-selective inhibitor on the lung myofibroblast phenotype and ECM deposition to elucidate TG2 as a novel therapeutic target in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—an incurable progressive fibrotic disease. IPF fibroblasts showed increased expression of TG2, α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin (FN) with increased extracellular TG2 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) compared to normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) which do not express αSMA and express lower levels of FN. The myofibroblast phenotype shown by IPF fibroblasts could be reversed by selective TG2 inhibition with a reduction in matrix FN and TGFβ1 deposition. TG2 transduction or TGFβ1 treatment of NHLFs led to a comparable phenotype to that of IPF fibroblasts which was reversible following selective TG2 inhibition. Addition of exogenous TG2 to NHLFs also induced the myofibroblast phenotype by a mechanism involving TGFβ1 activation which could be ameliorated by selective TG2 inhibition. SMAD3-deleted IPF fibroblasts via CRISPR-cas9 genome editing, showed reduced TG2 protein levels following TGFβ1 stimulation. This study demonstrates a key role for TG2 in the induction of the myofibroblast phenotype and shows the potential for TG2-selective inhibitors as therapeutic agents for the treatment of fibrotic lung diseases like IPF.
Supplemental enteral tube feeding nutrition after hospital discharge of esophageal cancer patients who have undergone esophagectomy
Authors: Niihara Masahiro , Tsubosa Yasuhiro , Yamashita Aiko , Mori Keita , Tsumaki Hiromi , Onozawa Yusuke , Fukuda Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

Background

After undergoing esophagectomy to treat esophageal cancer, there are changes in the normal intake patterns in most patients, with more than half found to have an inadequate oral intake at the time of their hospital discharge. However, the use of home supplemental enteral tube feeding nutrition after hospital discharge in esophagectomy patients has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of 90-day home supplemental enteral tube feeding nutrition in esophagectomy patients.

Methods

This single-center, prospective, and single-arm study evaluated the feasibility of using supplemental tube feeding nutrition intervention for 90 days in esophageal cancer patients who have undergone esophagectomy.

Results

This study enrolled 24 post-esophagectomy patients between February 2015 and September 2016. Twenty patients were administered 70% or more of the planned nutrient, with 83% of the patients completing the nutritional intervention procedure. There were no grade 3/4 adverse events observed, with a mean body weight change of − 7.6 ± 6.0%.

Conclusions

Our results showed that routine use of 90-day home supplemental enteral tube feeding nutrition after hospital discharge for esophagectomy patients was both feasible and acceptable.

Trial registration

UMIN000016286.
End-user satisfaction of technology-enabled assessment in higher education: A coping theory perspective
Authors: Pillai K. R. , Upadhyaya Pallavi , Prakash Ashish Viswanath , Ramaprasad Badrinarayan Srirangam , Mukesh H. V. , Pai Yogesh
Published: January 2021

The current study examines students’ coping process of a forced technological intervention in academic outcome assessment in a higher education setting. A mixed-method approach was used to study 246 post-graduate students’ post-usage behaviour of electronic tablet-PC exams and examined their end-user satisfaction. This is an empirical study grounded in the Coping Model of User Adaptation (CMUA). Respondents of the study comprise of post-graduate students, who were exposed to an innovative digital device for writing descriptive exams as a substitute to the conventional paper-mode exam. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Nvivo. Findings indicate that problem-focused coping has a significant influence on end-user satisfaction, and on the contrary emotion-focused coping is insignificant among the students. The study offers insights into those institutions, which are aspiring to advance with similar interventions in academic outcome assessment. The study contributes to the literature on technostress, coping strategy, and end-user satisfaction of ICT.
Characterization of “Mais delle Fiorine” (Zea mays L.) and nutritional, morphometric and genetic comparison with other maize landraces of Lombardy region (Northern Italy)
Authors: Giupponi Luca , Leoni Valeria , Colombo Federico , Cassani Elena , Hejna Monika , Rossi Luciana , Pilu Roberto
Published: January 2021

The loss of agrobiodiversity is a topic of global impact. On a local scale, Lombardy, in the Alpine macro-Region, has lost more than 78% of its plant agrobiodiversity. Only four maize (Zea mays L. subsp. mays) landraces of Lombardy are registered in the European Register of Conservation Varieties. However, there are other maize landraces in Lombardy such as “Mais delle Fiorine”, which was characterized from an agronomic, morphometric, nutritional and genetic point of view in this research and then compared with the four other landraces already registered (“Spinato di Gandino”, “Rostrato Rosso di Rovetta”, “Scagliolo di Carenno” and “Nero Spinoso”). “Mais delle Fiorine” resulted richer in starch (81% ± 1.6) and zinc (35.8 ± 9.1 mg Kg−1) and lower in phosphorus (3256.7 ± 204.2 mg Kg−1). The kernels in the five landraces also differ in the mean shape that is obovate without beak. A genetic distinction between “Mais delle Fiorine” and the other varieties was observed, and in particular compared to “Nero Spinoso”, while “Scagliolo di Carenno” and “Rostrato Rosso di Rovetta” showed great similarities. As regards agronomical trials, “Mais delle Fiorine” can grow from the Po Valley (90 m a.s.l.) to the mountain environments of the Seriana Valley (also over 900 m a.s.l.) without significant differences in grain yield. In addition, this landrace would seem able to tolerate environments where there is a greater probability of water stress.