bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of the renal papillary abnormalities by flexible ureteroscopy: evaluation of the 2016 version and update
Authors: Almeras Christophe , Daudon Michel , Estrade Vincent , Gautier Jean Romain , Traxer Olivier , Meria Paul
Published: March 2020

Introduction

To assess the use of the 2016 proposed classification of the renal papillary abnormalities during flexible ureteroscopy that aims to standardize their description.

Patients and methods

We performed a prospective monocentric single operator collection of the data using this classification during 88 consecutive flexible ureteroscopies required for renal stones treatment. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: data of stones analysis (microscopy and infrared spectrophotometry) and of serum and urines biochemical samples have been compared with the results of the classified endoscopic descriptions.

Results

Mean duration of description was 81.4 s. We reported that 83% of the patients had Randall plaques (RP), as only 4.5% of the patients had no abnormality. Concerning the papillary stones and anchored stones were observed in 30.7% and aspect of intraductal crystallization (Sc) in 15.9%. Erosions were present in 55.7% and extrophic papillae in 8%. Sa1 and Pa2 were significantly correlated to RP, anchored stones (Sa) to papillary erosions and calcium phosphate stones to intraductal crystallization. Hypercalciuria was significantly higher in Sa2 than Sa1 stones.

Conclusions

The different descriptions in the 2016 classification were confirmed by the results of this study. Papillary abnormalities are consequences of stones development. Their descriptions could also improve the follow-up and the diagnosis of a metabolic lithogenesis. We recommend their systematic description during ureteroscopy. Some improvements are proposed to update this classification.
Adrenal function after induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children short: adrenal function in ALL
Authors: Loimijoki Tiia , Lapatto Risto , Taskinen Mervi
Published: March 2020

Prednisolone used in the induction phase of the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may suppress hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and require hydrocortisone substitution. In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed altogether 371 ACTH stimulation tests of 352 children after a uniform NOPHO (Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) ALL induction. Both low- and standard-dose ACTH tests were used. Full recovery of adrenal function was defined by both normal basal and stimulated cortisol levels. Sixty-two percent of patients were detected with normal adrenal function in median of 15 days after tapering of prednisolone. Both low basal and stimulated cortisol levels were detected in 13% of patients. The median time to normal adrenal function was 31 days (95% CI 28–34), 24 days (95% CI 18–30), and 12 days (95% CI 10–14) for those with basal cortisol <107, 107–183, and >183 nmol/L at first ACTH testing, respectively. Patients with fluconazole prophylaxis had higher median baseline cortisol levels compared to patients without prophylaxis (207 nmol/L, range 21–839 nmol/L vs. 153 nmol/L, range 22–832 nmol/L, P = 0.003).

Conclusion: These data can be used to reduce unnecessary substitution or testing, but also to guarantee hydrocortisone substitution for those at risk.

What is Known:•These data can be used to reduce unnecessary hydrocortisone substitution or ACTH testing.•Our data helps to guarantee hydrocortisone substitution for those at risk of adrenal insufficiency.

What is New:•Full recovery of adrenal function after ALL induction is detected in 62% of patients already at 15 days after tapering of prednisolone.•Both basal and stimulated cortisol testing are required for detection of full adrenal recovery.•Recovery time of adrenal function is extended over 3–4 weeks after tapering of prednisolone in patients with low basal cortisol levels (<107 nmol/L) at first testing.
Intraoperative CT and cone-beam CT imaging for minimally invasive evacuation of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Hecht Nils , Czabanka Marcus , Kendlbacher Paul , Raff Julia-Helene , Bohner Georg , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: March 2020

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for evacuation of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has shown promise but there remains a need for intraoperative performance assessment considering the wide range of evacuation effectiveness. In this feasibility study, we analyzed the benefit of intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging during navigated endoscopy-assisted ICH evacuation by mechanical clot fragmentation and aspiration.

Methods

18 patients with superficial or deep supratentorial ICH underwent MIS for clot evacuation followed by intraoperative computerized tomography (iCT) or cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging. Eligibility for MIS required (a) availability of intraoperative iCT or CBCT, (b) spontaneous lobar or deep ICH without vascular pathology, (c) a stable ICH volume (20–90 ml), (d) a reduced level of consciousness (GCS 5–14), and (e) a premorbid mRS ≤ 1. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic patient data were analyzed by two independent observers.

Results

Nine female and 9 male patients with a median age of 76 years (42–85) presented with an ICH score of 3 (1–4), GCS of 10 (5–14) and ICH volume of 54 ± 26 ml. Clot fragmentation and aspiration was feasible in all cases and intraoperative imaging determined an overall evacuation rate of 80 ± 19% (residual hematoma volume: 13 ± 17 ml; p < 0.0001 vs. Pre-OP). Based on the intraoperative imaging results, 1/3rd of all patients underwent an immediate re-aspiration attempt. No patient experienced hemorrhagic complications or required conversion to open craniotomy. However, routine postoperative CT imaging revealed early hematoma re-expansion with an adjusted evacuation rate of 59 ± 30% (residual hematoma volume: 26 ± 37 ml; p < 0.001 vs. Pre-OP).

Conclusions

Routine utilization of iCT or CBCT imaging in MIS for ICH permits direct surgical performance assessment and the chance for immediate re-aspiration, which may optimize targeting of an ideal residual hematoma volume and reduce secondary revision rates.
Predictors of localization, outcome, and etiology of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages: focus on cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Fakan Bernadett , Reisz Zita , Zadori Denes , Vecsei Laszlo , Klivenyi Peter , Szalardy Levente
Published: March 2020

Despite its clinical relevance, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is underdiagnosed worldwide. This retrospective study aimed to assess the incidence, etiology, predictors, and outcome of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) in this region, with special focus on possible underlying CAA. Database screening of acute cares with intracranial hemorrhage diagnosis within 01/07/2014–01/07/2018 were conducted analyzing medical records and imaging. Spontaneous ICHs were classified as deep (basal ganglionic/thalamic/brainstem) and lobar/cerebellar (i.e., CAA-compatible) ICHs. Probable/definite CAA was established using the modified Boston criteria in a subgroup with ‘complete’ radiological/neuropathological work-up. The ability of several factors to discriminate between deep and lobar/cerebellar ICHs, between probable/definite CAA and non-probable CAA cases, and to predict 1-month case fatality was assessed. Of the 213 ICHs identified, 121 were in deep and 92 in lobar/cerebellar localization. Sub-analysis of 47 lobar/cerebellar ICHs with ‘complete’ work-up identified 16 probable/definite CAA patients, yielding an estimated 14.7% prevalence of CAA-related ICHs. Chronic hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for all types of ICHs (including CAA-related), with hypertensive excess and younger age being independent predictors of deep whereas antiplatelet use of lobar/cerebellar localization. The 1-month case fatality was 33.8%, driven predominantly by age and INR > 1.4. Probable/definite CAA diagnosis was independently predicted by age, prior intracranial hemorrhage, and antiplatelet use. First in this region and among the few in the literature, this study reports a remarkable prevalence of CAA-related ICHs, emphasizing the need for an increased awareness of CAA and its therapeutic implications, especially regarding antiplatelets among the elderly.
Auditory augmented process monitoring for cyber physical production systems
Authors: Iber Michael , Lechner Patrik , Jandl Christian , Mader Manuel , Reichmann Michael
Published: March 2020

We describe two proof-of-concept approaches on the sonification of estimated operation states and conditions focusing on two scenarios: a laboratory setup of a manipulated 3D printer and an industrial setup focusing on the operations of a punching machine. The results of these studies form the basis for the development of an “intelligent” noise protection headphone as part of Cyber Physical Production Systems which provides auditorily augmented information to machine operators and enables radio communication between them. Further application areas are implementations in control rooms (equipped with multi-channel loudspeaker systems) and utilization for training purposes. As a first proof-of-concept, the data stream of error probability estimations regarding partly manipulated 3D printing processes were mapped to three sonification models, providing evidence about momentary operation states. The neural network applied indicates a high accuracy (> 93%) of the error estimation distinguishing between normal and manipulated operation states. None of the manipulated states could be identified by listening. An auditory augmentation, or sonification of these error estimations, provides a considerable benefit to process monitoring. For a second proof-of-concept, setup operations of a punching machine were recorded. Since all operations were apparently flawlessly executed, and there were no errors to be reported, we focused on the identification of operation phases. Each phase of a punching process could be algorithmically distinguished at an estimated probability rate of > 94%. In the auditory display, these phases were represented by different instrumentations of a musical piece in order to allow users to differentiate between operations auditorily.
Materials science aspects of the research directions of electrochemistry
Authors: Péter László
Published: March 2020

This opinion article summarizes a few electrochemical research directions whose weight is likely to increase in the near future. Connection between materials science and electrochemistry is highly emphasized, while education is also considered as a key issue.
Climate change adaptation strategies, productivity and sustainable food security in southern Mali
Authors: Diallo Aboubacar , Donkor Emmanuel , Owusu Victor
Published: March 2020

Many people in African countries derive their livelihoods from agriculture. Therefore, unfavourable environmental and climatic conditions render them more vulnerable to increasing food insecurity and poverty rates. However, few studies have investigated how farmers’ adaptation strategies affect farm productivity and household food security in the Sahelian region, notably Mali. We analyse factors that influence adaptation strategies to climate change and the impacts of the adaptation strategies on maize productivity and household food security in southern Mali. Farmers use adaptation strategies such as organic fertilizers, changing planting dates and growing of short duration maize varieties to mitigate against the negative effects of climate change. We find that farmer experience, number of livestock owned, off-farm employment, access to credit, farmer association and technical training exert positive effects on the use of planting short-duration maize varieties as an adaptation strategy, while distance to the farm shows a negative effect. We observe that household size, experience in maize farming, number of livestock owned and technical training positively influence farmers to change planting dates as an adaptation strategy. The use of organic fertilizers and short-duration maize varieties promote maize productivity and food security. We conclude that building farmers’ adaptive capacity tends to reduce their vulnerability to climate change by increasing crop yields and food security.
Modelling and Motion Analysis of a Pill-Sized Hybrid Capsule Robot
Authors: Huda M. Nazmul , Liu Pengcheng , Saha Chitta , Yu Hongnian
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a miniature hybrid capsule robot for minimally invasive in-vivo interventions such as capsule endoscopy within the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. It proposes new modes of operation for the hybrid robot namely hybrid mode and anchoring mode. The hybrid mode assists the robot to open an occlusion or to widen a narrowing. The anchoring mode enables the robot to stay in a specific place overcoming external disturbances (e.g. peristalsis) for a better and prolonged observation. The modelling of the legged, hybrid and anchoring modes are presented and analysed. Simulation results show robot propulsions in various modes. The hybrid capsule robot consisting four operating modes is more effective for the locomotion and observation within GI tract when compared to the locomotion consisting a single mean of locomotion as the hybrid robot can switch among the operating modes to suit the situation/task.
Manifolds Pinned by a High-Dimensional Random Landscape: Hessian at the Global Energy Minimum
Authors: Fyodorov Yan V. , Le Doussal Pierre
Published: March 2020

We consider an elastic manifold of internal dimension d and length L pinned in a N dimensional random potential and confined by an additional parabolic potential of curvature $$\mu $$μ. We are interested in the mean spectral density $$\rho (\lambda )$$ρ(λ) of the Hessian matrix $${{\mathcal {K}}}$$K at the absolute minimum of the total energy. We use the replica approach to derive the system of equations for $$\rho (\lambda )$$ρ(λ) for a fixed $$L^d$$Ld in the $$N \rightarrow \infty $$N→∞ limit extending $$d=0$$d=0 results of our previous work (Fyodorov et al. in Ann Phys 397:1–64, 2018). A particular attention is devoted to analyzing the limit of extended lattice systems by letting $$L\rightarrow \infty $$L→∞. In all cases we show that for a confinement curvature $$\mu $$μ exceeding a critical value $$\mu _c$$μc, the so-called “Larkin mass”, the system is replica-symmetric and the Hessian spectrum is always gapped (from zero). The gap vanishes quadratically at $$\mu \rightarrow \mu _c$$μ→μc. For $$\mu <\mu _c$$μ<μc the replica symmetry breaking (RSB) occurs and the Hessian spectrum is either gapped or extends down to zero, depending on whether RSB is 1-step or full. In the 1-RSB case the gap vanishes in all d as $$(\mu _c-\mu )^4$$(μc-μ)4 near the transition. In the full RSB case the gap is identically zero. A set of specific landscapes realize the so-called “marginal cases” in $$d=1,2$$d=1,2 which share both feature of the 1-step and the full RSB solution, and exhibit some scale invariance. We also obtain the average Green function associated to the Hessian and find that at the edge of the spectrum it decays exponentially in the distance within the internal space of the manifold with a length scale equal in all cases to the Larkin length introduced in the theory of pinning.
Online packing of d-dimensional boxes into the unit cube
Authors: Januszewski Janusz , Zielonka Łukasz
Published: March 2020

Any sequence of d-dimensional boxes of edge length smaller than or equal to 1 with total volume not greater than $$(3-2\sqrt{2})\cdot 3^{-d}$$

(
3
-
2

2

)

·

3

-
d

can be packed online into the d-dimensional unit cube.
Individual variable pay for performance, controlling effects, and intrinsic motivation
Authors: Kuvaas Bård , Buch Robert , Dysvik Anders
Published: March 2020

A core question in research on compensation and motivation is whether individual variable pay for performance (IVPFP) can undermine intrinsic motivation in the workplace. We investigated the mediating role of a controlling effect on the relationship between the amount of IVPFP received and intrinsic motivation. In a three-wave study of 304 employees from eight European countries, we found that a controlling effect mediated the negative association between IVPFP and intrinsic motivation. These findings support the proposition from self-determination theory that financial rewards can have a controlling effect that decreases intrinsic motivation. Theoretical and practical implications for compensation and motivation in the workplace are discussed.
Aristotelian Character Friendship as a ‘Method’ of Moral Education
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: March 2020

The aim of this article is to make a case for Aristotelian friendship as a ‘method’ of moral educationquamutual character development. After setting out some Aristotelian assumptions about friendship and education (and revising some of those) in the “Aristotle and Beyond: Some Basics about Character Friendship and Education”section , I devote the “Role-Model Moral Education Contrasted with Learning from Character Friends” section to role modelling and how it differs from the idea of cultivating character through friendships. “The Mechanisms of Learning from Character Friends” section then explores the mechanisms of Aristotelian friendship education directly: those identified by him and those which can be elicited more obliquely from his texts. I end in the “Concluding Remarks and Classroom Applications” section with some reflections on how this model of friendship as a moral method could be applied in current educational contexts. While the idea of character friendship as an educational method comes with many assets, it also imports various liabilities that may lead to painful friendship terminations. I have put the spotlight on those liabilities in two previous articles. In contrast, the goal here is to impart a new edge and added force to the idea that a certain Aristotle-defined type of deep friendships may have a unique role to play in facilitating moral growth, above and beyond other developmental learning mechanisms.
Health-relevant ground-level ozone and temperature events under future climate change using the example of Bavaria, Southern Germany
Authors: Hertig Elke
Published: March 2020

Relationships of larger scale meteorological predictors with ground-level daily maximum ozone (O3max) and daily maximum air temperature (Tmax) for stations in Bavaria were analysed. O3max and Tmax as well as threshold exceedances of these variables were assessed under the constraints of ongoing climate change until the end of the twenty-first century. Under RCP8.5 scenario conditions, a substantial increase of Tmax in the months from April to September arose, with a mean value of 5 K in the period 2081–2100 compared with the historical period 1986–2005. Statistical downscaling projections pointed to a mean O3max rise of 17 μg/m3. The frequency of threshold exceedances showed also large changes. Hot days may occur in the future at about 30% of all days. Exceedances of O3max > 100 μg/m3 were projected to increase to about 40% of all days at urban traffic sites and up to about 70% in the rural regional background. Days with O3max > 120 μg/m3 occurred still at about 20% of all days at urban traffic sites and at about 45% in rural regional background locations. With respect to combined Tmax > 30 °C and O3max > 100 μg/m3 events in the future, an occurrence of such events at about 27–29% of all days in the summer months from April to September was assessed. The increases were mainly associated with the strong temperature rise until the end of the century. In summary, the projected Tmax and O3max changes point to a considerable increased health burden in Bavaria until the end of the century, resulting from strong changes of both variables and their associated individual and combined impact on human health.
The Effects of the Rome IV Criteria on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Practice
Authors: Baaleman Desiree F. , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Benninga Marc A. , Saps Miguel
Published: March 2020

Purpose of Review

To evaluate the impact of the implementation of the Rome IV criteria on pediatric gastrointestinal practice.

Recent Findings

In 2016, the Rome IV criteria were published, providing an update of symptom-based criteria to diagnose children with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).

For neonates and toddlers, Wessel’s criteria for diagnosing infant colic were abandoned, and a differentiation was made between toilet-trained and non-toilet-trained children in the diagnosis of functional constipation. For children and adolescents, two new disorders (functional nausea and functional vomiting) are described, and in the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia, pain does not have to be the chief complaint anymore. This change has made functional dyspepsia the most common functional abdominal pain disorder, exceeding the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Lastly, the diagnosis of abdominal migraine was narrowed, causing an appropriate drop in its prevalence.
Efficacy and safety of antiviral therapy for HBV in different trimesters of pregnancy: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yuchao , Liu Jinfeng , Feng Yali , Fu Shan , Ji Fanpu , Ge Long , Yao Naijuan , Luo Xufei , Zhao Yingren , Chen Yaolong , Yang Yuan , Chen Tianyan
Published: March 2020

Background

Several antiviral agents licenced for blocking mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV, but their relative efficacy beginning fromdifferent trimestershas scarce been evaluated. We aimed to conduct a network meta-analysis to statistically differ the efficacy and safety of each antiviral agents initiating on different timings in preventing mother-to-infant transmission of HBV.

Methods

Studies were included from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases through July 1, 2019. Eligible studies recruited randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies reporting about infant or/and maternal efficacy and safety outcomes and were screened by two investigators independently. Extracted data were analyzed by pair-wised and network meta-analysis, respectively.

Results

3 Randomized and 32 nonrandomized studies enrolling 6738 pregnant female were included. Using network analysis, any antiviral agent interrupted HBV vertical transmission much more effectively than placebo. No agent showed significant efficacy different from others, but a strong trend toward significance was found in telbivudine and tenofovir, of which had the highest probability of being ranked the first- or second-best treatment for reducing MTCT of HBV. The treatment applied in the first and second trimester had a similar efficacy in preventing MTCT. Compared with the initiation during the third trimester, lower rate of MTCT was revealed when antiviral therapy was administrated before third trimester, (RR = 0.045, 95% CI 0.0053 to 0.20); a similar effect at delivery on suppressing maternal HBV DNA level and converting serum HBeAg were achieved if the timing of antiviral treatment started prior, but an obvious improvement of normalizing ALT flare was calculated out; no statistically differences among maternal and fetal safety outcomes were found if mothers received antiviral agents before pregnant 28 weeks.

Conclusion

This network meta-analysis recommended the earlier use of telbivudine or tenofovir, tends to be better to prevent MTCT of HBV in pregnancy with no increased adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
Reliability of repeat golf club testing sessions with modified club moment of inertia
Authors: Turner Josh , Forrester Stephanie E. , Mears Aimée C. , Roberts Jonathan R.
Published: March 2020

The moment of inertia of a golf club, quantified about an axis at the butt of the handle, normal to the swing plane, has the potential to influence both clubhead and ball velocity. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of clubhead and ball velocity with changes to moment of inertia over repeat testing sessions and, if reliable, to quantify the effect of modifying moment of inertia. Eleven skilled male golfers hit 20 golf shots with three golf clubs, each with a different moment of inertia achieved through adding mass inside the club shaft and repeated this protocol over three sessions. A commercially available launch monitor was used to measure both velocity variables. Test–retest reliability was assessed via (1) limits of agreement, to determine reliability from a change in magnitude perspective and (2) linear-weighted kappa, to determine reliability from a directional perspective. The effect of moment of inertia on clubhead and ball velocity was determined using one-way, repeated measures analysis of variance tests, with partial eta squared being used to quantify the size of the effect. Increasing golf club moment of inertia reliably decreased clubhead and ball velocity, with fair to substantial kappa results revealed between sessions. The magnitude of decrease in these velocities, however, could not be reliably quantified. Statistically, the influence of moment of inertia was considered large (η2 ≥ 0.662 and 0.404) and significant (p < 0.001 and ≤ 0.006) for both clubhead and ball velocity, respectively.
Digitalisierung für alle? Zur Auswirkung digitaler Angebote auf Teilhabechancen von Wohnungslosen
Authors: Sowa Frank , Rösch Benedikt , Holzmeyer Tanja , Neberich Marcel , Opferkuch Frank , Proschek Katrin , Reindl Richard , Scheja Joachim , Zauter Sigrid
Published: March 2020

Das an der Technischen Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm angesiedelte Forschungsprojekt „SIWo – Smart Inklusion für Wohnungslose“ widmet sich der Fragestellung, welche Informations‑, Unterstützungs- und Beratungsbedarfe bei wohnungslosen Menschen vorliegen und in welcher Form sich die Teilhabechancen für die heterogene Zielgruppe wohnungsloser oder von Wohnungsnot betroffener Menschen mittels digitaler Hilfe und Beratungsangebote verbessern lassen. Hierfür werden zum einen mit Gruppendiskussionen und qualitativen Interviews Bedarfe identifiziert. Zum anderen sollen im Rahmen des Projekts prototypische Lösungsansätze in Form einer plattformübergreifenden Hilfe-App entwickelt, getestet und mit Evaluationsverfahren begleitet werden. Charakteristisch ist dabei die enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit zwischen Sozialwissenschaft, Informatik und Energietechnik, die partizipative Begleitung des Projekts durch Wohnungslose und andere Stadtakteur*innen, sowie der Fokus auf interaktive Funktionen, die digitalisierte Begegnungsräume ermöglichen und Interaktionen auch zwischen Bevölkerungsgruppen fördern, die i. d. R. eher wenig miteinander zu tun haben. Dieses Vorgehen begreift somit Wohnungslosigkeit nicht ausschließlich als professionelles Arbeitsfeld der Sozialen Arbeit, sondern als gesamtgesellschaftliche Aufgabe.
The Consequences of Incarceration for Mortality in the United States
Authors: Daza Sebastian , Palloni Alberto , Jones Jerrett
Published: March 2020

Previous research has suggested that incarceration has negative implications for individuals’ well-being, health, and mortality. Most of these studies, however, have not followed former prisoners over an extended period and into older adult ages, when the risk of health deterioration and mortality is the greatest. Contributing to this literature, this study is the first to employ the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) to estimate the long-run association between individual incarceration and mortality over nearly 40 years. We also supplement those analyses with data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79). We then use these estimates to investigate the implications of the U.S. incarceration regime and the post-1980 incarceration boom for the U.S. health and mortality disadvantage relative to industrialized peer countries (the United Kingdom).
Kältearbeit
Authors: Groos Sandra , Thielmann Beatrice
Published: March 2020

Zur Kältearbeit zählen Arbeiten in technisch gekühlten Räumen (z. B. Kühl- und Tiefkühlhäuser) oder Tätigkeiten im Freien bei niedrigen Temperaturen. Der Mensch kann den Auswirkungen ungünstiger Umgebungsbedingungen lediglich in Grenzen durch autonome Regulationsmechanismen entgegenwirken. Daher sind zusätzliche Schutzmaßnahmen, wie bspw. geeignete Kälteschutzkleidung und abgestimmte Arbeitszeit-Pausenzeit-Regime zwingend erforderlich, um kurz- oder langfristige Folgen für die Gesundheit des Arbeitnehmers abzuwenden. Hierzu gehören Unterkühlungen bis hin zu Erfrierungen, aber auch chronische Erkrankungen können durch wiederkehrende Kälteexpositionen verstärkt werden. Die durch Kälte bedingte Abnahme der Beweglichkeit, insbesondere der Hände, kann zudem das Unfallrisiko erhöhen. Durch diese Risiken ergibt sich neben verbindlichen Regelungen zur Kälteschutzkleidung und zu den Arbeits- und Pausenzeiten auch die Notwendigkeit besonderer arbeitsmedizinischer Vorsorgemaßnahmen, die allerdings für viele Kältearbeiter kaum greifen. Dieser Beitrag liefert einen Überblick über die physiologischen Grundlagen zur Kältearbeit, Arbeits- und Pausenzeiten, Kälteschutzkleidung, arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorgeuntersuchungen und Handlungsempfehlungen in Notfallsituationen.
Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: Retrospective case-matched study
Authors: Taesombat Wipusit , Nonthasoot Bunthoon , Sutherasan Methee , Nivatvongs Supanit , Sirichindakul Boonchoo
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Only few studies compared laparoscopic to open liver resection regarding degree of liver injury, inflammatory response and long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare peri-operative and long-term outcomes between these two procedures in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Material and methods:

Laparoscopic cases were retrospectively matched to open cases. Peri-operative and long-term outcomes were compared.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients in laparoscopic group were matched to 27 patients in open group. On the first postoperative day, white blood cell count, serum AST and serum ALT in laparoscopic group were significantly lower than open group. Median follow up time was 58.07 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year disease free survival and overall survival were not significantly different between laparoscopic and open group.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma has potentially lesser degree of postoperative inflammatory response and liver injury, but similar survival outcomes compared to open liver resection.

Highlights:
Geology of the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous geothermal aquifers in the West Netherlands Basin – an overview
Authors: Willems Cees J.L. , Vondrak Andrea , Mijnlieff Harmen F. , Donselaar Marinus E. , van Kempen Bart M.M.
Published: March 2020

In the past 10 years the mature hydrocarbon province the West Netherlands Basin has hosted rapidly expanding geothermal development. Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous strata from which gas and oil had been produced since the 1950s became targets for geothermal exploitation. The extensive publicly available subsurface data including seismic surveys, several cores and logs from hundreds of hydrocarbon wells, combined with understanding of the geology after decades of hydrocarbon exploitation, facilitated the offtake of geothermal exploitation. Whilst the first geothermal projects proved the suitability of the permeable Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous sandstones for geothermal heat production, they also made clear that much detail of the aquifer geology is not yet fully understood. The aquifer architecture varies significantly across the basin because of the syn-tectonic sedimentation. The graben fault blocks that contain the geothermal targets experienced a different tectonic history compared to the horst and pop-up structures that host the hydrocarbon fields from which most subsurface data are derived. Accurate prediction of the continuity and thickness of aquifers is a prerequisite for efficient geothermal well deployment that aims at increasing heat recovery while avoiding the risk of early cold-water breakthrough. The potential recoverable heat and the current challenges to enhance further expansion of heat exploitation from this basin are evident. This paper presents an overview of the current understanding and uncertainties of the aquifer geology of the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous strata and discusses new sequence-stratigraphic updates of the regional sedimentary aquifer architecture.
The Politics of Minimum Income Protection in the Canadian Provinces
Authors: Noël Alain
Published: March 2020

This article compares social assistance incomes, or minimum income protection, for four household types in the 10 Canadian provinces between 1990 and 2017 and relates these incomes to a number of factors, including partisan dominance over time, trade union density, the presence or absence of poverty reduction strategies, provincial social expenditures, overall redistribution efforts, debt service costs and social assistance recipiency rates. In line with findings for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) welfare states, partisan politics does not play a strong role but, as power resources theory predicts, union density and a province's overall redistribution efforts do. Social assistance recipiency rates, which capture the salience of social assistance incomes in a province, also have a significant, positive impact on welfare incomes, confirming the “welfare paradox” identified by Ivar Lødemel. Poverty reduction strategies, however, do not, and they even have a negative influence on welfare incomes.
Within-person increase in pathological worry predicts future depletion of unique executive functioning domains
Authors: Zainal Nur Hani , Newman Michelle G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Affective neuroscience and scar theories propose that increased excessive worry, the hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), predicts future declines in executive functioning (EF). However, the preponderance of cross-sectional designs used to examine between-person chronic worry–EF relationships has blocked progress on understanding their potentially causal within-person associations. Accordingly, this study used bivariate dual latent change score (LCS) models to test whether within-person increased GAD severity might relate to future reduced EF.

Methods

Community-dwelling adults (N = 2581, 46 years on average, s.d. = 11.40, 54.71% female) were assessed for GAD symptom severity (Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form) across three waves, spaced about 9 years apart. Three aspects of EF [inhibition, set-shifting, and mixing costs (MCs; a measure related to common EF)], were assessed with stop-and-go switch tasks. Participants responded to 20 normal and 20 reverse single-task block trials and 32 mixed-task switch block trials. EF tests were administered at time 2 (T2) and time 3 (T3), but not at time 1 (T1).

Results

After controlling for T1 depression, LCS models revealed that within-person increased T1 − T2 GAD severity substantially predicted future reduced T2 − T3 inhibition and set-shifting (both indexed by accuracy and latency), and MC (indexed by latency) with moderate-to-large effect sizes (|d| = 0.51–0.96).

Conclusions

Results largely support scar theories by offering preliminary within-person, naturalistic evidence that heightened excessive worry can negatively predict future distinct aspects of cognitive flexibility. Effectively targeting pathological worry might prevent difficulties arising from executive dysfunction.
The High Stakes of Small Numbers: Flight, Diplomacy, and Refugee Return on the Habsburg-Ottoman Border 1873–74
Authors: Manasek Jared
Published: March 2020

This article examines the causes and repercussions of the flight of two-dozen Orthodox Christian merchants from Ottoman Bosnia to Habsburg Croatia in 1873. The seemingly minor event quickly escalated from an isolated border incident to a full-blown diplomatic crisis-defused only with the merchants' repatriation, the recall of a Habsburg consul, and the removal of the Ottoman provincial governor and other officials. After outlining the course of events and increasing Ottoman-Habsburg tensions, the article turns to the refugees' efforts to affect the outcome of emerging crisis. Although ultimately of little influence, the refugees' sophisticated invocation of international legal norms reflected a largely conservative trust in the international system's ability to rectify perceived violations of treaty terms-a belief that quickly vanished after the outbreak of the Eastern Crisis in 1875.
An edition of the four sermons attributed to Candidus Witto
Authors: Jones Christopher A.
Published: March 2020

In 1891, Germain Morin identified a set of brief, anonymous Latin sermons that he controversially attributed to Alcuin’s Anglo-Saxon pupil named ‘Witto’ or ‘Wizo’ in Old English, ‘Candidus’ in Latin. The texts in question are of considerable interest but have remained unprinted and thus scarcely known. The present article offers an edition of them, based on all the known manuscripts, as well as a translation and commentary. An introductory discussion reviews the state of scholarship on Candidus’s career and writings, then examines in detail the content and sources of the four texts, the evidence supporting their attribution to Candidus, and some points of comparison between the items here edited and other Latin sermons produced at Carolingian centres in the early ninth century.
The northern world of the Anglo-Saxon mappa mundi
Authors: Appleton Helen
Published: March 2020

The Anglo-Saxon mappa mundi, sometimes known as the Cotton map or Cottoniana, is found on folio 56v of London, British Library, Cotton Tiberius B. v, which dates from the first half of the eleventh century. This unique survivor from the period presents a detailed image of the inhabited world, centred on the Mediterranean. The map’s distinctive cartography, with its emphasis on islands, seas and urban spaces, reflects an Insular, West Saxon geographic imagination. As Evelyn Edson has observed, the mappa mundi appears to be copy of an earlier, larger map. This article argues that the mappa mundi’s focus on urban space, translatio imperii and Scandinavia is reminiscent of the Old English Orosius, and that it originates from a similar milieu. The mappa mundi’s northern perspective, together with its obvious dependence on and emulation of Carolingian cartography, suggest that its lost exemplar originated in the assertive England of the earlier tenth century.
St Kenelm, St Melor and Anglo-Breton contact from the tenth to the twelfth centuries
Authors: Brett Caroline
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the similarity between two apparently unrelated hagiographical texts: Vita et Miracula Kenelmi, composed between 1045 and the 1080s and attributed to Goscelin of Saint-Bertin, and Vita Melori, composed perhaps in the 1060s–1080s but surviving only in a variety of late-medieval versions from England and France. Kenelm was venerated at Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, Melor chiefly at Lanmeur, Finistère. Both saints were reputed to be royal child martyrs, and their Vitae contain a sequence of motifs and miracles so similar that a textual relationship or common oral origin seems a reasonable hypothesis. In order to elucidate this, possible contexts for the composition of Vita Melori are considered, and evidence for the Breton contacts of Goscelin and, earlier, Winchcombe Abbey is investigated. No priority of one Vita over the other can be demonstrated, but their relationship suggests that there was more cultural contact between western Brittany and England from the mid-tenth to the twelfth centuries than emerges overtly in the written record.
‘In me porto crucem’: a new light on the lost St Margaret’s crux nigra
Authors: Marzela Francesco
Published: March 2020

St Margaret of Scotland owned a reliquary containing a relic of the True Cross known as crux nigra. Both Turgot, Margaret’s biographer, and Aelred of Rievaulx, who spent some years at the court of Margaret’s son, King David, mention the reliquary without offering sufficient information on its origin. The Black Rood was probably lost or destroyed in the sixteenth century. Some lines written on the margins of a twelfth-century manuscript containing Aelred’s Genealogia regum Anglorum can now shed a new light on this sacred object. The mysterious lines, originally written on the Black Rood or more probably on the casket in which it was contained, claim that the relic once belonged to an Anglo-Saxon king, and at the same time they seem to convey a significant political message.
The Impact of R&D on Skill-specific Employment Rates in the UK and France
Authors: Sokhanvar Amin , Çiftçioğlu Serhan
Published: March 2020

We apply nonlinear Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL)-based methodologies to examine the nature of the effects of changes in R&D (intensity) on the employment rates of ‘high-skill’, ‘medium-skill’ and ‘low-skill’ labour and also whether or not these effects are symmetric. The empirical results based on the annual data for the period of 1991–2017 have suggested that while increased R&D has favourable effects on the employment rate of ‘high-skill’ labour in France, it has a negative impact on this type of labour in the UK. On the other hand, while the given increase in R&D has been found to be negatively affecting the employment rates of both ‘low-skill’ and ‘medium-skill’ labour in France, it has no impact on the employment rates of these two types of labour in the UK. These results may suggest that the dominant form of technological change in France is possibly a combination of ‘low-skill automation’ and ‘task-based’ whereby new technologies are simultaneously leading to replacement of ‘low-skill’ and ‘medium-skill’ labour by machines and the creation of new tasks (jobs) in which ‘high-skill’ labour has a comparative advantage. In the UK, the dominant form of new technologies resulting from additional R&D efforts seems to be in the form of ‘high-skill automation’ whereby ‘Robotics and Artificial Intelligence’ kind of new technologies might be causing replacement of ‘high-skill’ labour with machines. These results suggest that new technologies might be exerting adverse effects on income distribution in different ways in the UK and France.
Seismic Evidence for Water Transportation in the Forearc off Northern Japan
Authors: Yu Zhiteng , Zhao Dapeng
Published: March 2020

The water cycle plays an essential role in arc volcanism, earthquake generation, mantle rheology, and thermal structure of subduction zones. Previous seismic studies have revealed strong structural heterogeneities in the megathrust zone in Northeast Japan and Hokkaido. However, water transportation in the forearc region remains poorly understood due to the lack of long‐term seismic observatories at the seafloor. Using high‐quality data recently recorded by the permanent ocean‐bottom‐seismometer network (S‐net) in the Pacific Ocean off Northern Japan, we study the fine three‐dimensional P wave velocity (Vp) structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath the Kuril and Tohoku forearc region. Our results reveal high velocities in the mantle‐wedge corner, implying a low degree of serpentinization there. We suggest that the forearc mantle in the study region is cold and anhydrous. The slab interface under the forearc area may have a low permeability, which controls the fluid flux to the mantle wedge and the overriding plate. A low‐Vp layer atop the subducting Pacific plate is interpreted as the subducted oceanic crust. Dehydration of the subducted oceanic crust occurs at depths of 80–120 km, providing a large volume of water to the overriding mantle wedge to produce arc volcanoes, and part of the water may migrate upward to the shallow area. Large megathrust earthquakes (Mw ≥ 6.0) mainly occurred around low‐Vp patches in the megathrust zone. Destruction of the low‐permeability slab interface would result in fluid flow upward, which may trigger large megathrust earthquakes and seismicity in the mantle wedge under the forearc.
Inertia‐Gravity Waves Revealed in Radiosonde Data at Jang Bogo Station, Antarctica (74°37′S, 164°13′E): 2. Potential Sources and Their Relation to Inertia‐Gravity Waves
Authors: Yoo J.‐H. , Song I.‐S. , Chun H.‐Y. , Song B.‐G.
Published: March 2020

Potential sources of inertia‐gravity waves (IGWs) in the lower stratosphere (z = 15–22 km) at Jang Bogo Station, Antarctica (74°37′S, 164°13′E) are investigated using 3‐year (December 2014 to November 2017) radiosonde data, including the 25‐month result (December 2014 to December 2016) analyzed in Yoo et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JD029164, Part 1). For this investigation, three‐dimensional backward ray tracing calculations are conducted using the Gravity wave Regional Or Global RAy Tracer. Among 248 IGWs, 112, 68, and 68 waves are generated in the troposphere (z < 8 km), tropopause (z = 8–15 km), and lower stratosphere (z = 15–18.5 km), respectively. These waves mainly propagate from the northwestern and southwestern regions of Jang Bogo Station dominated by the prevailing westerlies between the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Potential sources of IGWs are categorized into orography, fronts, convection, and the flow imbalance including the upper‐tropospheric jet stream. In the troposphere, relatively large numbers of waves are associated with fronts (37) and orography (35) compared with convection (28). In the tropopause (stratosphere), 36 (42) waves, including 11 cases associated with the upper‐tropospheric jet stream, are excited by the flow imbalance. Waves related to the flow imbalance are characterized by low intrinsic frequency (1–2f), short vertical wavelength (1–2 km), and longer horizontal wavelength (50–1000 km), whereas the waves induced by the tropospheric sources have wider ranges of intrinsic frequency (1–20f) and vertical wavelengths (1–15 km) with relatively shorter horizontal wavelengths (less than 500 km).
Transformation of hard pollen into soft matter
Authors: Fan Teng-Fei , Park Soohyun , Shi Qian , Zhang Xingyu , Liu Qimin , Song Yoohyun , Chin Hokyun , Ibrahim Mohammed Shahrudin Bin , Mokrzecka Natalia , Yang Yun , Li Hua , Song Juha , Suresh Subra , Cho Nam-Joon
Published: March 2020

Pollen’s practically-indestructible shell structure has long inspired the biomimetic design of organic materials. However, there is limited understanding of how the mechanical, chemical, and adhesion properties of pollen are biologically controlled and whether strategies can be devised to manipulate pollen beyond natural performance limits. Here, we report a facile approach to transform pollen grains into soft microgel by remodeling pollen shells. Marked alterations to the pollen substructures led to environmental stimuli responsiveness, which reveal how the interplay of substructure-specific material properties dictates microgel swelling behavior. Our investigation of pollen grains from across the plant kingdom further showed that microgel formation occurs with tested pollen species from eudicot plants. Collectively, our experimental and computational results offer fundamental insights into how tuning pollen structure can cause dramatic alterations to material properties, and inspire future investigation into understanding how the material science of pollen might influence plant reproductive success.