bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term clinical outcomes of a European training programme for robotic colorectal surgery
Authors: Panteleimonitis Sofoklis , Miskovic Danilo , Bissett-Amess Rachelle , Figueiredo Nuno , Turina Matthias , Spinoglio Giuseppe , Heald Richard J. , Parvaiz Amjad ,   On behalf of the EARCS Collaborative
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite there being a considerable amount of published studies on robotic colorectal surgery (RCS) over the last few years, there is a lack of evidence regarding RCS training pathways. This study examines the short-term clinical outcomes of an international RCS training programme (the European Academy of Robotic Colorectal Surgery—EARCS).

Methods

Consecutive cases from 26 European colorectal units who conducted RCS between 2014 and 2018 were included in this study. The baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes of cases performed by EARCS delegates during training were analysed and compared with cases performed by EARCS graduates and proctors.

Results

Data from 1130 RCS procedures were collected and classified into three cohort groups (323 training, 626 graduates and 181 proctors). The training cases conversion rate was 2.2% and R1 resection rate was 1.5%. The three groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics with the exception of malignant cases and rectal resections performed. With the exception of operative time, blood loss and hospital stay (training vs. graduate vs. proctor: operative time 302, 265, 255 min, p < 0.001; blood loss 50, 50, 30 ml, p < 0.001; hospital stay 7, 6, 6 days, p = 0.003), all remaining short-term outcomes (conversion, 30-day reoperation, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, clinical anastomotic leak, complications, R1 resection and lymph node yield) were comparable between the three groups.

Conclusions

Colorectal surgeons learning how to perform RCS under the EARCS-structured training pathway can safely achieve short-term clinical outcomes comparable to their trainers and overcome the learning process in a way that minimises patient harm.
Exploiting trap color to improve surveys of longhorn beetles
Authors: Cavaletto Giacomo , Faccoli Massimo , Marini Lorenzo , Spaethe Johannes , Giannone Filippo , Moino Simone , Rassati Davide
Published: December 2020

Longhorn beetles are commonly moved among continents within wood packaging materials used in trades. Visual inspections carried out at points of entry often fail to detect exotic longhorn beetles as infested materials may have little or no sign of colonization. Black-colored traps baited with pheromones and host volatiles are thus used to improve chances of detection. Here we tested whether existing surveillance protocols for longhorn beetles can be further improved using trap colors different than black. Baited traps of eight different colors (i.e., grey, yellow, green, red, blue, brown, purple and black) were deployed in a randomized complete block design at 16 sites in northern Italy in 2019. A total of 6,001 individuals from 56 longhorn beetle species were trapped. In general, yellow and blue traps caught a significantly higher number of longhorn beetle species than black traps. In addition, trap color significantly affected species richness and abundance at the subfamily and species level, with mixed response mostly linked to the habit of visiting flowers for food. Flower-visiting longhorn beetles mainly exhibited clear preference for flower-related colors, i.e., yellow, green and blue, whereas non-flower-visiting species were more attracted by dark and long-wavelength-dominated colors, like red and brown. Our results clearly indicate that generic surveillance programs should not rely exclusively on black traps and that the use of more trap colors can strongly improve the chance of detecting native and exotic longhorn beetles potentially moved with trades.
The health and well-being effects of drought: assessing multi-stakeholder perspectives through narratives from the UK
Authors: Bryan Kimberly , Ward Sarah , Roberts Liz , White Mathew P. , Landeg Owen , Taylor Tim , McEwen Lindsey
Published: December 2020

The global literature on drought and health highlights a variety of health effects for people in developing countries where certain prevailing social, economic and environmental conditions increase their vulnerability especially with climate change. Despite increased focus on climate change, relatively less is known about the health-drought impacts in the developed country context. In the UK, where climate change–related risk of water shortages has been identified as a key area for action, there is need for better understanding of drought-health linkages. This paper assesses people’s narratives of drought on health and well-being in the UK using a source-receptor-impact framing. Stakeholder narratives indicate that drought can present perceived health and well-being effects through reduced water quantity, water quality, compromised hygiene and sanitation, food security, and air quality. Heatwave associated with drought was also identified as a source of health effects through heat and wildfire, and drought-related vectors. Drought was viewed as potentially attributing both negative and positive effects for physical and mental health, with emphasis on mental health. Health impacts were often complex and cross-sectoral in nature indicating the need for a management approach across several sectors that targets drought and health in risk assessment and adaptation planning processes. Two recurring themes in the UK narratives were the health consequences of drought for ‘at-risk’ groups and the need to target them, and that drought in a changing climate presented potential health implications for at-risk groups.
Disability and Household Welfare in Ghana: Costs and Correlates
Authors: Asuman Derek , Ackah Charles Godfred , Agyire-Tettey Frank
Published: December 2020

Persons with disabilities face substantial barriers that impede their integration and participation in social and economic activities. Households with disabled members may be vulnerable to poverty due to the extra cost of living with a disability. However, there exists a knowledge gap in the magnitude of the extra cost of disabilities in sub Saharan Africa. Using data from a nationally representative household survey, this paper estimates the extra cost of disabilities in Ghana. The paper further examines the welfare effects of households with persons with disabilities. Based on the standard of living approach, we estimate the extra cost to households with a person with disability to be 26% of annual household consumption expenditures. Adjusting for the extra cost of poverty, the incidence of poverty increases from 38.5 to 52.9% amongst households with a disabled member. Our findings suggest the need to improve the efficiency of support programs to persons with disabilities to mitigate the extra costs of disabilities and reduce their vulnerability to poverty. In addition, enhancing access to economic opportunities and social services for persons with disabilities will be imperative to improve their quality of life and dignity.
Die Heterogenität familialer Lebensverläufe
Authors: Zimmermann Okka , Konietzka Dirk
Published: December 2020

Die bisherige Forschung zu übergreifenden Tendenzen des Wandels von Lebensverläufen ist durch unterschiedliche und teilweise ungenaue Verwendungen von Begriffen und Konzepten gekennzeichnet. Der Beitrag schlägt im Anschluss an jüngere methodische Entwicklungen ein mehrdimensionales Konzept der Heterogenität von Lebensverläufen sowie eine sozialstrukturell differenzierte Analyse ihrer Heterogenisierung vor. Empirisch untersucht der Beitrag mit den Daten der National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) (n = 5648) die Heterogenisierung von kohortenspezifischen familialen Lebensverläufen in der ersten Lebenshälfte (15–44 Jahre) mit einem Fokus auf Partnerschaft und Familiengründung. Im Kohortenvergleich zeigt sich für diese Aspekte eine deutliche Differenzierung, aber kein eindeutiger Trend zu Pluralisierung und De-Standardisierung. Formal geringer gebildete Frauen weisen überdurchschnittlich heterogene Verläufe auf, und Gruppenunterschiede verstärken sich im Kohortenvergleich. Insgesamt erweist sich ein mehrdimensionaler Ansatz der Analyse der Heterogenisierung von Lebensverläufen als sinnvoll, um Diagnosen des Strukturwandels analytisch zu präzisieren und unterschiedliche Entwicklungen in Subpopulationen zu identifizieren.
Thyroid fine-needle aspiration trends before, during, and after the lockdown: what we have learned so far from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Palladino Raffaele , Migliatico Ilaria , Sgariglia Roberta , Nacchio Mariantonia , Iaccarino Antonino , Malapelle Umberto , Vigliar Elena , Salvatore Domenico , Troncone Giancarlo , Bellevicine Claudio
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Nowadays, the clinical management of thyroid nodules needs to be multi-disciplinary. In particular, the crosstalk between endocrinologists and cytopathologists is key. When FNAs are properly requested by endocrinologists for nodules characterised by relevant clinical and ultrasound features, cytopathologists play a pivotal role in the diagnostic work-up. Conversely, improper FNA requests can lead to questionable diagnostic efficiency. Recently, recommendations to delay all non-urgent diagnostic procedures, such as thyroid FNAs, to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection, have made the interplay between endocrinologists and cytopathologists even more essential. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our practice by evaluating the total number of FNAs performed and the distribution of the Bethesda Categories before, during, and after the lockdown.

Methods

We analysed the FNA trends before (1st January 2019 to March 13th 2020), during (March 14th to May 15th), and after (May 16th to July 7th) the lockdown.

Results

Although the total number of weekly FNAs dropped from 62.1 to 23.1, our referring endocrinologists managed to prioritise patients with high-risk nodules. In fact, in the post-lockdown, the weekly proportion of benign diagnoses dropped on average by 12% and that of high-risk diagnoses increased by 6%.

Conclusions

The lesson we have learned so far from this pandemic is that by applying safety protocols to avoid contagion and by increasing the threshold for FNA requests for thyroid nodules, we can continue to guarantee our services to high-risk patients even in times of a health crisis.
Increasing influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers: a review on campaign strategies and their effect
Authors: Schumacher Sofie , Salmanton-García Jon , Cornely Oliver A. , Mellinghoff Sibylle C.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Increasing influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers is a challenge. Especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, high vaccination coverage should be attained. This review analyzed strategies to increase influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers.

Methods

A literature search using PubMed was conducted and 32 publications on influenza vaccination campaigns for healthcare workers were reviewed for key interventions and resulting vaccination coverage.

Results

Among key interventions analyzed, mandatory vaccination policies or multifaceted campaigns including a vaccinate-or-wear-a-mask policy as well as mandatory declination reached vaccination coverage in healthcare workers of over 90%. Although campaigns solely based on education and promotion or on-site-vaccination did not regularly exceed an absolute vaccination coverage of 40%, a substantial relative increase in vaccination coverage was reached by implementation of these strategies.

Conclusion

Mandatory vaccination policies are effective measures to achieve high overall vaccination coverage. In clinics where policies are infeasible, multifaceted campaigns comprising on-site vaccination, vaccination stands and educational and promotional campaigns as well as incentives should be implemented. Lessons learned from influenza campaigns could be implemented in future SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaigns.
New similarity measures for single-valued neutrosophic sets with applications in pattern recognition and medical diagnosis problems
Authors: Chai Jia Syuen , Selvachandran Ganeshsree , Smarandache Florentin , Gerogiannis Vassilis C. , Son Le Hoang , Bui Quang-Thinh , Vo Bay
Published: December 2020

The single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNS) is a well-known model for handling uncertain and indeterminate information. Information measures such as distance measures, similarity measures and entropy measures are very useful tools to be used in many applications such as multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), medical diagnosis, pattern recognition and clustering problems. A lot of such information measures have been proposed for the SVNS model. However, many of these measures have inherent problems that prevent them from producing reasonable or consistent results to the decision makers. In this paper, we propose several new distance and similarity measures for the SVNS model. The proposed measures have been verified and proven to comply with the axiomatic definition of the distance and similarity measure for the SVNS model. A detailed and comprehensive comparative analysis between the proposed similarity measures and other well-known existing similarity measures has been done. Based on the comparison results, it is clearly proven that the proposed similarity measures are able to overcome the shortcomings that are inherent in existing similarity measures. Finally, an extensive set of numerical examples, related to pattern recognition and medical diagnosis, is given to demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposed similarity measures. In all numerical examples, it is proven that the proposed similarity measures are able to produce accurate and reasonable results. To further verify the superiority of the suggested similarity measures, the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test is performed on the ranking results that were obtained from the numerical examples, and it was again proven that the proposed similarity measures produced the most consistent ranking results compared to other existing similarity measures.
Prevalence, distribution and control of six major potato viruses in Kenya
Authors: Onditi John , Nyongesa Moses , van der Vlugt René
Published: December 2020

In most developing countries, farmers lack sufficient supply of certified or healthy potato seed tubers. Hence, they often plant their own saved ware potato tubers, a practice that is known to contribute to spread and increase the prevalence of plant viruses. In this study, we proposed options for managing the virus based on the knowledge obtained from surveys of virus prevalence and distribution in potato cultivars grown under such conditions. Potato leaf samples randomly collected from 354 farms in five major potato-growing counties in Kenya were tested for six potato viruses; potato virus Y (PVY), potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), potato virus X (PVX), potato virus M (PVM), potato virus A (PVA) and potato virus S (PVS) through DAS-ELISA. Virus prevalence in the fields was high; 72.9% of the samples were positive for at least one of the six viruses; and 55.9% showed multiple infections. A follow-up survey conducted during three consecutive seasons, in two of the five counties, revealed that virus prevalence fluctuated across seasons. This suggested that updated information on virus prevalence might be of value for designing a virus control strategy. Distribution maps showed the presence of the viruses restricted to specific geographic regions, an indication of where control efforts should be directed. Four cultivars, Sherekea, Shangi, Kenya Karibu and Asante, grown at a high virus-prevalent area, showed low values of average ELISA absorbance (OD), suggest a field resistance to the viruses. This study demonstrated that knowledge of prevalence and distribution may be of value to identify and recommend virus resistant cultivars to replace susceptible ones, especially in the virus hotspot areas.
Comparison of energy consumption between non-inverter and inverter-type air conditioner in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almogbel Ahmed , Alkasmoul Fahad , Aldawsari Zaid , Alsulami Jaber , Alsuwailem Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Interest for air-conditioning systems (ACs) has exponentially expanded worldwide throughout the most recent couple of decades. Countries with booming economies including Saudi Arabia report high growth of sales of room air conditioners. With the expanded (GDP) and warming climates, interest for room air-conditioning systems is required to additionally increment. Meeting the expanded need for electricity energy will be a challenge. Expanded utilization of energy-efficient air conditioners impactsly affects lowering the electricity demand. In an ordinary AC, the blower runs at a fixed speed and is either ON or OFF. In an inverter AC, the compressor is consistently on; however, power drawn relies upon the demand for cooling. The speed of the compressor is adjusted appropriately. In this paper, the energy consumption of non-inverter and an inverter AC of the same capacity was assessed in an average office room, under comparative operating conditions, to find the differences in the energy saving, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emission, and power consumption of air conditioner. Energy consumption was measured for about 108 days, which is from July 16th to October 31st, 24/7, and compared. The experiment is conducted with the same conditions and same capacity air conditioners (18,000 BTU). Results show that the day-by-day normal vitality utilization, the inverter will save up to 44% of electrical consumption compared to a non-inverter of 3471 kWh/year and 6230 kWh/year respectively. Furthermore, the Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) analysis shows that inverters can save 49% of CO2 emissions.
Current Insights and Latest Updates in Sperm Motility and Associated Applications in Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Dcunha Reyon , Hussein Reda S. , Ananda Hanumappa , Kumari Sandhya , Adiga Satish Kumar , Kannan Nagarajan , Zhao Yulian , Kalthur Guruprasad
Published: December 2020

Spermatozoon is a motile cell with a special ability to travel through the woman’s reproductive tract and fertilize an oocyte. To reach and penetrate the oocyte, spermatozoa should possess progressive motility. Therefore, motility is an important parameter during both natural and assisted conception. The global trend of progressive reduction in the number and motility of healthy spermatozoa in the ejaculate is associated with increased risk of infertility. Therefore, developing approaches for maintaining or enhancing human sperm motility has been an important area of investigation. In this review we discuss the physiology of sperm, molecular pathways regulating sperm motility, risk factors affecting sperm motility, and the role of sperm motility in fertility outcomes. In addition, we discuss various pharmacological agents and biomolecules that can enhance sperm motility in vitro and in vivo conditions to improve assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. This article opens dialogs to help toxicologists, clinicians, andrologists, and embryologists in understanding the mechanism of factors influencing sperm motility and various management strategies to improve treatment outcomes.
Gender disparities in fear of failure among 15‐year‐old students: The role of gender inequality, the organisation of schooling and economic conditions
Authors: Borgonovi Francesca , Han Seong Won
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Prior research indicates that female students express higher fear of failure than male students and that fear of failure is associated with lower social and emotional well‐being and higher levels of stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. Fear of failure also leads individuals to limit their choices and take fewer risks than would be warranted given their ability and context to minimise the possibility of failing.

Methods

We examined cross‐country differences in gender gaps in fear of failure as well as factors that explain gender gaps and variations of gender gaps across countries using multilevel modelling techniques. Participants were 517,047 15‐year‐old students from 59 countries who took part in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Results

Within countries, students with higher reading achievement and who lacked a growth mindset reported higher fear of failure. The gender gap in fear of failure was especially high among high‐achieving students and students with high‐achieving peers. The size of the gender gap in fear of failure differed across countries: it was higher in countries with higher levels of economic prosperity, with lower levels of societal‐level gender inequality and countries with comprehensive education systems.

Conclusions

The greater prevalence of fear of failure among female students among high‐achieving students attending high‐achieving schools in prosperous and more gender equal societies could help to explain the paradox of the persistent underrepresentation of females in certain occupations in contexts that are most supportive of females.
Problematizing Olympic Nationality
Authors: Spiro Peter J.
Published: December 2020

One can hope that the convening of the Tokyo Olympics will be a cause for global celebration. Tokyo could prove a focal point for international solidarity, a moment of relief and release after all of humanity faced down an insidious, invisible, and largely indiscriminate attacker. Unified as we otherwise may be, athletes will still come to the Games as representatives of nation-states. That may be an unavoidable organizing principle. Less justifiable will be the requirement that athletes be nationals of the states they play for. Under the Olympic Charter and the rules of particular sporting federations, athletes are subject to a non-state nationality regime that restricts the capacity of individuals to compete for countries for whose delegations they would otherwise qualify. This regime looks to maintain the putative integrity of Olympic competition by maintaining the unity of sporting and sociological national identity. But that legacy of the twentieth century no longer works in the twenty first. Nationality and associated criteria for participant eligibility undermine the autonomy of athletes and the quality of participation. The rules can no longer guarantee any affective tie between athlete and nation, instead arbitrarily enabling some, but not all, to compete on the basis of citizenship decoupled from identity. We don't require that athletes playing for our professional sports teams hale from the cities they represent. There's no reason why we need to require more of our Olympic athletes.
Total knowledge? Encyclopedic handbooks in the twentieth-century chemical and life sciences
Authors: Grote Mathias
Published: December 2020

Encyclopedic handbooks have been household names to scientists – Gmelins Handbuch der anorganischen Chemie to chemists, Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology to microbiologists. Their heavy tomes were consulted for reference, and their contents taken as authoritative. This paper analyses the development of this genre as well as of ‘handbook science’. Handbooks and their claim to provide comprehensive factual knowledge on a subject should be understood as a reaction to the scattering of knowledge in modern periodical print as discussed by Wilhelm Ostwald or Ludwik Fleck. A comparative analysis of the actors, the institutions and practices of compiling and editing a German and an American handbook project around mid-century reveals commonalities and differences in how twentieth-century sciences have attempted to cope with the acceleration and dispersion of knowledge generation before computing. These attempts have resulted in different conceptions of a book, from compilation to organic whole. Moreover, the handbook's claim to comprise lasting facts makes it a fitting case in point to reflect on the temporality of knowledge and the relevance of books to the sciences.
Dietary intake and diet quality by weight category among a racially diverse sample of women in Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Authors: Little Rebecca B. , Desmond Renee , Carson Tiffany L.
Published: December 2020

Diet is a modifiable contributor to health. The lack of adherence to recommended dietary guidelines may contribute to the disproportionate burden of obesity and other chronic conditions observed in the Deep South region of the United States. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe food group intake and diet quality by race and weight status of women in the Deep South. Study participants were eighty-nine healthy female volunteers (56 % black, 44 % white, mean age 39⋅7 ± 1⋅4 years) recruited from Birmingham, AL, USA. Body Mass Index (BMI) determined weight status (non-obese/obese). Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) calculated from dietary recalls assessed diet quality. Wilcoxon sum-rank test compared HEI-2010 scores by race and weight status. χ2 analysis compared the percentage of women who achieved maximum points for HEI-2010 index food components by subgroup. Caloric and macronutrient intake did not differ by race or weight status (mean kcal 1863⋅0 ± 62⋅0). Median Total HEI-2010 Score for the sample was 51⋅9 (IQR: 39⋅1–63⋅4). Although there was no statistical difference in diet quality by race, more whites achieved the maximum score for vegetable intake compared to blacks, while blacks reported higher total fruit intake. Non-obese women reported better diet quality (56⋅9 v. 46⋅1; P = 0⋅04) and eating more whole fruits, and more achieved the maximum score for protein from plant and seafood sources. In summary, differences in diet quality were observed by weight status, but not race among this sample. These results point to tailored dietary interventions for women in metropolitan areas of Alabama, USA.
COMPENSATION FOR BUSINESS TENANTS: MISCHIEF AND MALADY
Authors: Haley Michael
Published: December 2020

This article focuses upon the provisions and underlying policy of the Landlord and Tenant Acts of 1927 and 1954. It surveys the mischief that each Act was designed to address and, from the perspective of compensation for business tenants, examines critically the legislative response. It demonstrates that the safeguards afforded by the 1927 Act were poorly conceived, ill-constructed and ineffectual. Although the 1954 Act was intended to instil simplicity, certainty and fairness, it fails on all counts. The law remains highly technical, unduly complex, arbitrary in operation and in need of major overhaul.
DISTRIBUTED LEDGERS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE PURPOSE OF THE CORPORATION
Authors: Bruner Christopher M.
Published: December 2020

Distributed ledgers and blockchain technology are widely expected to promote more direct shareholder involvement in corporate governance by reducing costs of voting and trade clearance. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence may shrink the decision-making terrain where corporations rely on human management. This article analyses these technologies and concludes that, while such outcomes are plausible, their potential corporate governance impacts are likely more complex and contingent. Despite the implicit libertarianism that characterises much of the discourse, we in fact have choices to make about how such technologies are developed and deployed – and these policy decisions will have to be grounded in a normative conception of corporate purpose external to the technology itself.
The road not taken:The Sound Pattern of Russianand the history of contrast in phonology
Authors: DRESHER B. ELAN , HALL DANIEL CURRIE
Published: December 2020

This article examines a turning point in the history of the theory of phonological distinctive features. In Morris Halle’s (1959)The Sound Pattern of Russian, features are organized into a contrastive hierarchy designed to minimize the number of specified features. Redundancy rules, however, ensure that the resulting underspecification has no real phonological consequences and, in subsequent generative approaches to phonology, contrastive hierarchies were largely abandoned. We explore how Halle’s hierarchy would have been different if it had been based on phonological patterns such as voicing assimilation, and show that this reorganization makes plausible predictions about other aspects of Russian phonology. We conclude by pointing to recent work in which the concept of a contrastive hierarchy has been revived, illustrating the range of phenomena that this theoretical device can account for if minimizing specifications is not the primary concern.
Leo Strauss's First Brush with Xenophon: “The Spirit of Sparta or the Taste of Xenophon”
Authors: Nadon Christopher
Published: December 2020

Leo Strauss is most well known for his thesis on the philosophic practice of exotericism. One of strangest aspects of his work is the amount of attention he devoted to Xenophon. This article attempts to explain how these two important facets of Strauss's thought are connected by examining their connection in his first published treatment of them both: “The Spirit of Sparta or the Taste of Xenophon.”
Treatment of functional neurological disorder: current state, future directions, and a research agenda
Authors: LaFaver Kathrin , LaFrance William Curt , Price Michele E. , Rosen Phyllis B. , Rapaport Mark
Published: December 2020

Functional neurological disorder (FND) encompasses a complex and heterogeneous group of neuropsychiatric syndromes commonly encountered in clinical practice. Patients with FND may present with a myriad of neurological symptoms and frequently have comorbid medical, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. Over the past decade, important advances have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of FND within a biopsychosocial framework. Many challenges remain in addressing the stigma associated with this diagnosis, refining diagnostic criteria, and providing access to evidence-based treatments. This paper outlines FND treatment approaches, emphasizing the importance of respectful communication and comprehensive explanation of the diagnosis to patients, as critical first step to enhance engagement, adherence, self-agency, and treatment outcomes. We then focus on a brief review of evidence-based treatments for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and functional movement disorder, a guide for designing future treatment trials for FND, and a proposal for a treatment research agenda, in order to aid in advancing the field to develop and implement treatments for patients with FND.
Hayek's Spiritual Science
Authors: O'Shea Jerry
Published: December 2020

This article argues that Hayek's thought had a consistent epistemological core that he developed with the aim of undermining prevailing positivism and replacing it with a metaphysical and spiritualistic philosophy of science. This becomes clear when an intellectual-historical method is used to elucidate Hayek's psychological and methodological works. We see that the approaches and arguments he found most convincing were those of nineteenth-century neo-Kantianisms, Gestalt psychology, vitalism, phenomenology, and theological mathematician Georg Cantor. Hayek thought his spiritual science superior because it explained “the place where the human individual stands in the order of things,” thereby clarifying science's epistemic standpoint, but also its meaning. The article will be of interest to scholars of neoliberalism and contemporary politics because its reading of Hayek suggests that the allegiance between, and apparent attractiveness of, Hayekian and religious conservative thought may have something to do with their common claims to marry order, freedom, and purpose.
Democracy, courts and proportionality analysis in Asia
Authors: YAP PO JEN
Published: December 2020

While proportionality analysis (PA) may have originated from Germany, it has not remained a European product. PA has been locally transplanted across Anglophone nations, found in mixed legal systems that are rooted in the common law and even adapted in parts of Latin America and Asia. This article explains why PA is flourishing in parts of Asia – for example, South Korea and Taiwan – and why it is faltering in other countries, such as Singapore and China, where the absence of PA can be attributed to the non-fulfilment of Kant’s first prerequisite for perpetual peace: a republican government (liberal democracy).
Neuropsychologische Effekte durch Veränderungen von Schilddrüsenhormonen, -rezeptoren und -transportern
Authors: Göbel Anna
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung. Schilddrüsenhormone interagieren mit mannigfaltigen physiologischen und psychologischen Funktionen des Körpers. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden Effekte durch Variationen von Schilddrüsenhormonen, der Schilddrüsenhormonrezeptoren und der Schilddrüsenhormontransporter auf psychoneuroendokrinologische Mechanismen beschrieben. Erhöhte oder erniedrigte Serum-Konzentration der Schilddrüsenhormone beeinflussen u.a. die kognitive Entwicklung in der Kindheit, Arbeitsgedächtnis, Aufmerksamkeit, Konzentration und exekutive Funktionen. Schilddrüsenhormone interagieren zudem mit der Psychomotorik, der Sprachentwicklung, der Kognition und den intellektuellen Fähigkeiten. Veränderungen in Schilddrüsenhormon-Transportern können die Ängstlichkeit, die Risikobereitschaft und andere Emotionen modulieren. Die wissenschaftliche Analyse und das Verständnis dieser komplexen Interaktionen ist für die gezielte Prävention und die Behandlung zahlreicher schwerwiegender und lebenslanger Erkrankungen von zentraler Bedeutung.
Validierung einer Methode zur Messung kardialer Sensitivität sowie neue Erkenntnisse zur funktionellen Signifikanz herzschlagevozierter Potenziale
Authors: Richter Fabian , Zimmer Heinz
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der Studie ist die überprüfung der Validität einer Auswertungsmethode von motorischen Herzschlagentdeckungsaufgaben, die zur Messung der kardialen Empfindungsfähigkeit oder Sensitivität neben validen Reaktionen ( Treffern) auch invalide Reaktionen berücksichtigt. Die Methode basiert auf der Signalentdeckungstheorie und erlaubt deshalb, die interessierende Sensitivität ( d´) unabhängig von der Reaktionsneigung zu berechnen. Zwei Fragen standen im Mittelpunkt: (1.) Ist es möglich, mittels einer P300 im herzschlagevozierten Potenzial valide Reaktionen zu identifizieren; und (2.) ist d´ ein valider Kennwert der kardialen Sensitivität? Die Ergebnisse der Studie sprechen für beide daraus abgeleiteten Annahmen. Mithin erwies sich die P300 als Korrelat der tatsächlichen Herzschlagentdeckung und d´ als ein Kennwert, mit dem man valide gute von schlechten Herzschlagentdeckern trennen kann – sogar besser als anhand eines herkömmlichen Indikators.
Testnormierung: Die klinische Überprüfung eines vernachlässigten Gütekriteriums bei verbreiteten neuropsychologischen Testverfahren
Authors: Kabitzke Jannis , Pedersen Anya , Mehdorn H. Maximilian , Goebel Simone
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung. Für das angemessene Fällen klinischer Urteile anhand neuropsychologischer Testverfahren ist die Güte der Testnormierung von zentraler Relevanz. Ziel der aktuellen Untersuchung ist es, unterschiedliche Klassifikationsmethoden für neuropsychologische Testleistungen zu vergleichen, um so die Güte der Normierung verbreiteter neuropsychologischer Testverfahren einschätzen zu können. Hierzu wurden zum einen verschiedene Auflösungsgrade (Einzeltests, Domänen, globales kognitives Funktionsniveau), zum anderen verschiedene Referenzsysteme (Vergleich zu publizierten Normen bzw. zu einer nach Alter und Bildung parallelisierten gesunden Kontrollgruppe) berücksichtigt. Vierzig Patient_innen mit einem intrakraniellen Tumor wurden präoperativ mit einer umfangreichen neuropsychologischen Testbatterie untersucht, wobei die Testverfahren den vier Domänen Exekutivfunktionen, Gedächtnis, Aufmerksamkeit/Arbeitstempo sowie visuell-räumliche Funktionen zugeordnet waren. Anhand der Einzeltests wurden mithilfe der publizierten Normwerte 83 % der Patient_innen als neuropsychologisch beeinträchtigt klassifiziert, auf Basis der Domänen 30 % und anhand des globalen aggregierten Leistungsniveaus 8 %. Damit wurden in allen drei Differenzierungsgraden signifikant weniger Patient_innen als kognitiv beeinträchtigt klassifiziert als anhand der parallelisierten Kontrollgruppe (98 %, 68 %, 30 %). Für 20 bis 40 % der Patient_innen stimmte zudem die Klassifikation anhand beider Ansätze nicht überein, wobei die höchste Korrespondenz auf Ebene der Einzeltests erreicht wurde. Unsere Ergebnisse sprechen insgesamt dafür, dass im deutschsprachigen Raum gebräuchliche Normen neuropsychologischer Tests zwar grundsätzlich über eine akzeptable Güte verfügen, wobei für die diagnostische Klassifikation von Testleistungen gleichzeitig jedoch der Einbezug ergänzender Informationsquellen, fundiertes neuropsychologisches Fachwissen sowie kritischer diagnostisch-methodischer Sachverstand unerlässlich sind. Darüber hinaus verdeutlichen unsere Befunde auch die Notwendigkeit einer differenzierten neuropsychologischen Untersuchung zur Abbildung des kognitiven Leistungsprofils neuroonkologischer Patient_innen.
An Assessment of Global Positioning System Velocity Uncertainty in California
Authors: Johnson Christopher W. , Lau Nicholas , Borsa Adrian
Published: December 2020

We analyze data from 580 continuous global positioning system (GPS) stations in California to quantify differences in published velocity estimates from five analysis centers. Horizontal and vertical rates for individual stations can differ up to 5 mm/yr, with systematic differences in some areas comparable to deformation rates. Published velocity uncertainties vary between analysis centers and are systematically underreported in the horizontal relative to empirical uncertainties calculated from the scatter of analysis center velocities. In the vertical, published velocity uncertainties are both over and underreported and vary more widely between centers. An interpolated ensemble vertical velocity field shows high‐subsidence regions in the Central Valley and Salton Trough have the largest empirical uncertainties, while station density has a modest impact on uncertainties. Applications that rely on subcentimeter GPS accuracy should consider the possibility that formal errors published with velocity rate estimates understate true velocity uncertainties in both the horizontal and vertical.
Dual Seismic Migration Velocities in Seismic Swarms
Authors: Dublanchet P. , De Barros L.
Published: December 2020

Fluid‐induced earthquake sequences generally appear as expanding swarms activating a particular fault. The recent analysis of a swarm in the Corinth rift has revealed a dual migration pattern, with a global slow expansion (m day−1) and episodes of rapid migration (km day−1). Such swarms are generally interpreted as fluid diffusion, which ignores the possibility of static, dynamic, or aseismic triggering and the existence of rapid migration. Here, we propose a new model for such swarms, where earthquakes consist in the failure of asperities on a creeping fault infiltrated by fluid. For that, we couple rate‐and‐state friction, nonlinear diffusivity, and elasticity along a 1D interface. This model reproduces the dual migration speeds observed in real swarms. We show that migration speeds increase linearly with the mean pressurization and are not dependent on the hydraulic diffusivity, as traditionally suggested.
The Role of Cyclones in Moisture Transport into the Arctic
Authors: Fearon Matthew G. , Doyle James D. , Ryglicki David R. , Finocchio Peter M. , Sprenger Michael
Published: December 2020

In this study, ERA5 reanalysis is used to quantify cyclone‐induced moisture transport into the Arctic on a seasonal basis (1998–2018). Moist airstreams are spatially identified and temporally linked to individual cyclones (50–90°N). Results show that cyclones account for 74% of the annual poleward flux across 70°N. For these cyclone cases, which primarily emerge over the central Arctic in summer or otherwise originate from the North Atlantic, the amount of moisture transport is found to closely depend on track orientation and poleward propagation. Cyclone tracks oriented in the poleward direction along with coupling to an upper‐level vortex which influences the steering flow are the most important characteristics that determine the moisture flux into the Arctic. Back trajectories highlight low‐level moisture source regions over the Atlantic Gulf Stream throughout the year and over the high‐latitude continental land surface during the warm season.
Rapidly Evolving Controls of Landslides After a Strong Earthquake and Implications for Hazard Assessments
Authors: Fan Xuanmei , Yunus Ali P. , Scaringi Gianvito , Catani Filippo , Siva Subramanian Srikrishnan , Xu Qiang , Huang Runqui
Published: December 2020

Strong earthquakes, especially on mountain slopes, can generate large amounts of unconsolidated deposits, prone to remobilization by aftershocks and rainstorms. Assessing the hazard they pose and what drives their movement in the years following the mainshock has not yet been attempted, primarily because multitemporal landslide inventories are lacking. By exploiting a multitemporal inventory (2005–2018) covering the epicentral region of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake and a set of conditioning factors (seismic, topographic, and hydrological), we perform statistical tests to understand the temporal evolution of these factors affecting debris remobilizations. Our analyses, supported by a random‐forest susceptibility assessment model, reveal a prediction capability of seismic‐related variables declining with time, as opposed to hydro‐topographic parameters gaining importance and becoming predominant within a decade. These results may have important implications on the way conventional susceptibility/hazard assessment models should be employed in areas where coseismic landslides are the main sediment production mechanism on slopes.
On the Nature of the Arctic's Positive Lapse‐Rate Feedback
Authors: Boeke Robyn C. , Taylor Patrick C. , Sejas Sergio A.
Published: December 2020

Radiative energy fluxes exiting the atmosphere toward the surface and to space are sensitive to the vertical structure of temperature. Under anthropogenic forcing, this sensitivity gives rise to the lapse‐rate feedback. Negative in the tropics and positive in the Arctic, studies argue that the lapse‐rate feedback is a primary cause of Arctic Amplification. While the negative tropical lapse‐rate feedback is understood mechanistically, the mechanics of the positive Arctic lapse‐rate feedback are less clear. Stable stratification is a necessary condition for the positive Arctic lapse‐rate feedback; however, does stable stratification place any further constraint on the feedback? We find that the magnitude, spatial variability, seasonality, and intermodel spread in the Arctic lapse‐rate feedback are dictated by the surface temperature change and not the degree of stable stratification. Our results support the multiprocess perspective of the Arctic lapse‐rate feedback, whereby the mechanisms responsible for the nonuniform warming profile determine the lapse‐rate feedback.
Satellite Observations of the Sea Surface Salinity Response to Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Reul Nicolas , Chapron Bertrand , Grodsky Semyon A. , Guimbard Sebastien , Kudryavtsev Vladimir , Foltz Gregory R. , Balaguru Karthik
Published: December 2020

Decade‐long satellite sea surface slinity (SSS) observations show that rain dilution prevails in wakes of tropical depressions (∼−0.1 pss) and tropical storms (∼−0.05 pss) on the left (right) side of Northern (Southern) Hemisphere storms. For stronger storms, the rain‐induced dilution is dominated by the saltier water entrainment, leading to surface median salinification of 0.3 pss for the most intense storms, peaking on the right‐hand side at around twice the maximum wind radius. The magnitude of the salty wake increases for stronger slowly moving storms. The vertical salinity gradient in the upper ocean is a key factor explaining the geographic distribution of the SSS response. A striking example is the systematic mixing of fresh near‐surface river plume waters with saltier subsurface waters. It is also found that barrier layers lead to saltier and warmer storm wakes compared to wakes produced over barrier layer free areas.
The HLTF–PARP1 interaction in the progression and stability of damaged replication forks caused by methyl methanesulfonate
Authors: Shiu Jia-Lin , Wu Cheng-Kuei , Chang Song-Bin , Sun Yan-Jhih , Chen Yen-Ju , Lai Chien-Chen , Chiu Wen-Tai , Chang Wen-Tsan , Myung Kyungjae , Su Wen-Pin , Liaw Hungjiun
Published: December 2020

Human HLTF participates in the lesion-bypass mechanism through the fork reversal structure, known as template switching of post-replication repair. However, the mechanism by which HLTF promotes the replication progression and fork stability of damaged forks remains unclear. Here, we identify a novel protein–protein interaction between HLTF and PARP1. The depletion of HLTF and PARP1 increases chromosome breaks, further reduces the length of replication tracks, and concomitantly increases the number of stalled forks after methyl methanesulfonate treatment according to a DNA fiber analysis. The progression of replication also depends on BARD1 in the presence of MMS treatment. By combining 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine with a proximity ligation assay, we revealed that the HLTF, PARP1, and BRCA1/BARD1/RAD51 proteins were initially recruited to damaged forks. However, prolonged stalling of damaged forks results in fork collapse. HLTF and PCNA dissociate from the collapsed forks, with increased accumulation of PARP1 and BRCA1/BARD1/RAD51 at the collapsed forks. Our results reveal that HLTF together with PARP1 and BARD1 participates in the stabilization of damaged forks, and the PARP1–BARD1 interaction is further involved in the repair of collapse forks.
Glycogen metabolism of the anammox bacterium “Candidatus Brocadia sinica”
Authors: Okabe Satoshi , Shafdar Amrini Amalia , Kobayashi Kanae , Zhang Lei , Oshiki Mamoru
Published: December 2020

Presence of glycogen granules in anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria has been reported so far. However, very little is known about their glycogen metabolism and the exact roles. Here, we studied the glycogen metabolism in “Ca. Brocadia sinica” growing in continuous retentostat cultures with bicarbonate as a carbon source. The effect of the culture growth phase was investigated. During the growing phase, intracellular glycogen content increased up to 32.6 mg-glucose (g-biomass dry wt)−1 while the specific growth rate and ATP/ADP ratio decreased. The accumulated glycogen begun to decrease at the onset of entering the near-zero growth phase and was consumed rapidly when substrates were depleted. This clearly indicates that glycogen was synthesized and utilized as an energy storage. The proteomic analysis revealed that “Ca. B. sinica” synthesized glycogen via three known glycogen biosynthesis pathways and simultaneously degraded during the progress of active anammox, implying that glycogen is being continuously recycled. When cells were starved, a part of stored glycogen was converted to trehalose, a potential stress protectant. This suggests that glycogen serves at least as a primary carbon source of trehalose synthesis for survival. This study provides the first physiological evidence of glycogen metabolism in anammox bacteria and its significance in survival under natural substrate-limited habitat.