bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating Explainable and Effective Data Descriptors Using Relational Learning: Application to Cancer Biology
Authors: Orhobor Oghenejokpeme I. , French Joseph , Soldatova Larisa N. , King Ross D.
Published: October 2020

The key to success in machine learning is the use of effective data representations. The success of deep neural networks (DNNs) is based on their ability to utilize multiple neural network layers, and big data, to learn how to convert simple input representations into richer internal representations that are effective for learning. However, these internal representations are sub-symbolic and difficult to explain. In many scientific problems explainable models are required, and the input data is semantically complex and unsuitable for DNNs. This is true in the fundamental problem of understanding the mechanism of cancer drugs, which requires complex background knowledge about the functions of genes/proteins, their cells, and the molecular structure of the drugs. This background knowledge cannot be compactly expressed propositionally, and requires at least the expressive power of Datalog. Here we demonstrate the use of relational learning to generate new data descriptors in such semantically complex background knowledge. These new descriptors are effective: adding them to standard propositional learning methods significantly improves prediction accuracy. They are also explainable, and add to our understanding of cancer. Our approach can readily be expanded to include other complex forms of background knowledge, and combines the generality of relational learning with the efficiency of standard propositional learning.
Master integrals for two-loop QCD corrections to quark quasi PDFs
Authors: Chen Long-Bin , Wang Wei , Zhu Ruilin
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We compute the master integrals for the two-loop QCD corrections to quark quasi parton distribution functions (PDFs) in the large momentum effective theory (LaMET). With a proper canonical basis, we derive the analytical results for the three families of master integrals using the method of differential equations. The final expressions for the master integrals are given in terms of Goncharov polylogarithms. These results allow us to extract the two-loop short-distant matching coefficients between quark quasi and lightcone PDFs in LaMET, and are valuable to improve the determination of the nucleon PDFs from first principles in future.
Anatomical Distribution of Ochronotic Pigment in Alkaptonuric Mice is Associated with Calcified Cartilage Chondrocytes at Osteochondral Interfaces
Authors: Hughes Juliette H. , Keenan Craig M. , Sutherland Hazel , Edwards Henry R. , Wilson Peter J. M. , Ranganath Lakshminarayan R. , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Bou-Gharios George , Gallagher James A.
Published: October 2020

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is characterised by increased circulating homogentisic acid and deposition of ochronotic pigment in collagen-rich connective tissues (ochronosis), stiffening the tissue. This process over many years leads to a painful and severe osteoarthropathy, particularly affecting the cartilage of the spine and large weight bearing joints. Evidence in human AKU tissue suggests that pigment binds to collagen. The exposed collagen hypothesis suggests that collagen is initially protected from ochronosis, and that ageing and mechanical loading causes loss of protective molecules, allowing pigment binding. Schmorl’s staining has previously demonstrated knee joint ochronosis in AKU mice. This study documents more comprehensively the anatomical distribution of ochronosis in two AKU mouse models (BALB/cHgd−/−,Hgd tm1a−/−), using Schmorl’s staining. Progression of knee joint pigmentation with age in the two AKU mouse models was comparable. Within the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints, pigmentation was associated with chondrons of calcified cartilage. Pigmented chondrons were identified in calcified endplates of intervertebral discs and the calcified knee joint meniscus, suggesting that calcified tissues are more susceptible to pigmentation. There were significantly more pigmented chondrons in lumbar versus tail intervertebral disc endplates (p = 0.002) and clusters of pigmented chondrons were observed at the insertions of ligaments and tendons. These observations suggest that loading/strain may be associated with increased pigmentation but needs further experimental investigation. The calcified cartilage may be the first joint tissue to acquire matrix damage, most likely to collagen, through normal ageing and physiological loading, as it is the first to become susceptible to pigmentation.
Peri‐operative Mortality Following Cholecystectomy in Australia: Potential Preventability of Adverse Events
Authors: Mansour Laure Taher , Brien Sean , Reid Jessica , Maddern Guy J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Cholecystectomy is a commonly performed procedure; however, it is not without risks. It is crucial to constantly audit surgical outcomes in order to improve quality of care. The aim of this retrospective population‐based cohort study is to identify preventable issues of clinical management associated with adverse occurrences in order to reduce mortality of cholecystectomy patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM). It encompasses peer‐reviewed first and second line assessments of management of cholecystectomy patients who died from 2005 to 2015 in Australia. Clinical Management Issues (CMIs) were identified from text in assessments and grouped into communication failures, pre‐operative, intra‐operative and post‐operative categories. These were further classified into subthemes using thematic analysis with a data‐driven approach.

Results

There were 359 deaths in the study period. CMIs were present in 71 cases, with a reported total of 124 concerns or adverse events. Post‐operative CMIs were the most prevalent issue [50% (62/124)], with the most common theme being delay to recognise complications (19/124). Pre‐operative concerns were the second most common (n = 34). Decision to operate was questioned in 14 cases, and delay to surgery was reported in 12 cases.

Conclusion

ANZASM analysis has allowed us to identify modifiable adverse occurrences. This audit shows that delay to recognise complications is the most common assessment recorded. Preventive measures should be taken to improve outcomes and reduce peri‐operative mortality, with an emphasis on post‐operative management and enhancing communication between members of the multidisciplinary team.
Forensic age assessment of the knee: proposal of a new classification system using two-dimensional ultrasound volumes and comparison to MRI
Authors: Herrmann Jochen , Säring Dennis , Auf der Mauer Markus , Groth Michael , Jopp-van Well Eilin
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To assess epiphyseal growth plate closure of the knee for forensic age estimation using an ultrasound (US)-based method and to compare the findings with MRI.

Methods

Thirty-three healthy male individuals (age, 14.4–19.3 years) were prospectively evaluated for epiphyseal growth plate closure of the right knee by recordings of two-dimensional US volumes and a high-resolution T1-weighted MRI sequence. The degree of epiphyseal growth plate closure was rated independently by two readers for each method using a modality specific three-point scale that differentiates between an open physis (S1), a partially closed physis (S2), and a closed physis (S3).

Results

The inter-rater agreement was high for the US (Cohen’s kappa (CK): femur 95.2%, tibia 81.3%, fibula 86.3%) and the MRI method (CK: femur 70.2%, tibia 90.8%, fibula 79.8%). The degree of growth plate closure associated positively with advancing age. The US system showed a clearer separation of median ages with lower overlap than the MRI system. Open growth plates on minors (< S3 on femur and tibia) were identified by US with higher sensitivity (1.0 vs. 0.7) and slightly lower specificity (0.7 vs. 0.85) compared with MRI. The examination time was substantially shorter on US than on MRI (2.65 ± 0.91 min vs. 24.72 ± 2.72 min; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The US method for evaluation of growth plate closure of the knee can reliably assign male individuals to different ossification stages and identifies minors with high accuracy. More studies with larger numbers are needed to further evaluate this method.

Key Points

• US is feasible to determine the degree of epiphyseal growth plate closure of the knee, shows a high degree of reliability, and is comparable to MRI.

• US of the knee can detect open growth plates on male minors with high accuracy.

• US of the knee may be used as a fast, non-invasive imaging tool for forensic age estimation to identify male minors.
Biomechanical assessment of various punching techniques
Authors: Adamec Jiri , Hofer Peter , Pittner Stefan , Monticelli Fabio , Graw Matthias , Schöpfer Jutta
Published: October 2020

Punches without the use of instruments/objects are a common type of body violence and as such a frequent subject of medicolegal analyses. The assessment of the injuries occurred as well as of the potential of the assault to produce severe body harm is based on objective traces (especially the documented injuries of both parties involved) as well as the—often divergent—descriptions of the event. Quantitative data regarding the punching characteristics that could be used for the assessment are rare and originate mostly in sports science. The aim of this study was to provide physical data enabling/facilitating the assessment of various punching techniques. A total of 50 volunteers took part in our study (29 males and 21 females) and performed severe punches with the fist, with the small finger edge of the hand (karate chop), and with the open hand with both the dominant and the non-dominant hands in randomized order. The strikes were performed on a boxing pad attached to a KISTLER force plate (sampling frequency 10,000 Hz) mounted on a vertical wall. The punching velocity was defined as the hand velocity over the last 10 cm prior to the contact to the pad and ascertained by using a high-speed camera (2000 Hz). Apart from the strike velocity, the maximum force, the impulse (the integral of the force-time curve), the impact duration, and the effective mass of the punch (the ratio between the impulse and the strike velocity) were measured/calculated. The results show a various degree of dependence of the physical parameters of the strikes on the punching technique, gender, hand used, body weight, and other factors. On the other hand, a high degree of variability was observed that is likely attributable to individual punching capabilities. In a follow-up study, we plan to compare the “ordinary” persons with highly trained (boxers etc.) individuals. Even though the results must be interpreted with great caution and a direct transfer of the quantitative parameters to real-world situations is in general terms not possible, the study offers valuable insights and a solid basis for a qualified forensic medical/biomechanical assessment.
Pragmatic reuse for DSML development
Authors: Klikovits Stefan , Buchs Didier
Published: October 2020

By bridging the semantic gap, domain-specific language (DSLs) serve an important role in the conquest to allow domain experts to model their systems themselves. In this publication we present a case study of the development of the Continuous REactive SysTems language (CREST), a DSL for hybrid systems modeling. The language focuses on the representation of continuous resource flows such as water, electricity, light or heat. Our methodology follows a very pragmatic approach, combining the syntactic and semantic principles of well-known modeling means such as hybrid automata, data-flow languages and architecture description languages into a coherent language. The borrowed aspects have been carefully combined and formalised in a well-defined operational semantics. The DSL provides two concrete syntaxes: CREST diagrams, a graphical language that is easily understandable and serves as a model basis, and , an internal DSL implementation that supports rapid prototyping—both are geared towards usability and clarity. We present the DSL’s semantics, which thoroughly connect the various language concerns into an executable formalism that enables sound simulation and formal verification in , and discuss the lessons learned throughout the project.
Anfallssemiologie und Anfallstestung in der EEG-Monitoring-Einheit
Authors: Langenbruch Lisa , Kinney Michael O. , Diehl Beate , Kovac Stjepana
Published: October 2020

Die genaue Beobachtung und Testung der unterschiedlichen Symptome epileptischer Anfälle trägt entscheidend zur Identifikation der symptomatogenen Zone bei. Diese Informationen sind insbesondere für die prächirurgische Epilepsiediagnostik relevant. Um Anfallssymptome möglichst detailliert zu erfassen, ist eine Testung während der Anfallsaufzeichnung in der EEG-Monitoring-Einheit erforderlich. Eine adäquate Anfallstestung setzt wiederum die Kenntnis der neurobiologischen Grundlagen der unterschiedlichen Anfallssymptome voraus. Der vorliegende Artikel soll eine Übersicht über typische Anfallssemiologien, die Entstehung ihrer Symptome und ihre Testung geben und als Leitfaden insbesondere für Mitarbeiter dienen, die neu in einer EEG-Monitoring-Einheit eingearbeitet werden.
Associations Between Experienced and Internalized HIV Stigma, Adversarial Growth, and Health Outcomes in a Nationwide Sample of People Aging with HIV in Germany
Authors: Drewes Jochen , Langer Phil C. , Ebert Jennifer , Kleiber Dieter , Gusy Burkhard
Published: October 2020

HIV-related stigmatization and adversarial growth are known to influence health outcomes in people living with HIV. But not much is known how these psychosocial factors are related to each other and how they interact to influence health outcomes. We tested whether the effect of experienced and internalized stigma on mental health and self-rated health is mediated by adversarial growth, and whether each of these factors is uniquely associated with health outcomes. In our sample of 839 people aging with HIV in Germany based on a cross-sectional study design we did not find an indirect effect of experienced HIV stigma on health outcomes and a very small indirect effect of internalized HIV stigma. All variables were significant predictors of health outcomes in multiple regression analyses.
The zone of latent solutions and its relevance to understanding ape cultures
Authors: Tennie Claudio , Bandini Elisa , van Schaik Carel P. , Hopper Lydia M.
Published: October 2020

The zone of latent solutions (ZLS) hypothesis provides an alternative approach to explaining cultural patterns in primates and many other animals. According to the ZLS hypothesis, non-human great ape (henceforth: ape) cultures consist largely or solely of latent solutions. The current competing (and predominant) hypothesis for ape culture argues instead that at least some of their behavioural or artefact forms are copied through specific social learning mechanisms (“copying social learning hypothesis”) and that their forms may depend on copying (copying-dependent forms). In contrast, the ape ZLS hypothesis does not require these forms to be copied. Instead, it suggests that several (non-form-copying) social learning mechanisms help determine the frequency (but typically not the form) of these behaviours and artefacts within connected individuals. The ZLS hypothesis thus suggests that increases and stabilisations of a particular behaviour’s or artefact’s frequency can derive from socially-mediated (cued) form reinnovations. Therefore, and while genes and ecology play important roles as well, according to the ape ZLS hypothesis, apes typically acquire the forms of their behaviours and artefacts individually, but are usually socially induced to do so (provided sufficient opportunity, necessity, motivation and timing). The ZLS approach is often criticized—perhaps also because it challenges the current null hypothesis, which instead assumes a requirement of form-copying social learning mechanisms to explain many ape behavioural (and/or artefact) forms. However, as the ZLS hypothesis is a new approach, with less accumulated literature compared to the current null hypothesis, some confusion is to be expected. Here, we clarify the ZLS approach—also in relation to other competing hypotheses—and address misconceptions and objections. We believe that these clarifications will provide researchers with a coherent theoretical approach and an experimental methodology to examine the necessity of form-copying variants of social learning in apes, humans and other species.
Cultural Heritage and natural disasters: the insurance choice of the Italian Cathedrals
Authors: De Masi Francesco , Porrini Donatella
Published: October 2020

Given the threat of natural disasters to Cultural Heritage, this paper aims to investigate how the use of the insurance instrument contributes to the definition of an adequate risk management strategy. The analysis focuses on the role that insurance can play both by supplying policies covering damage and proactively stimulating prevention behaviors, taking into consideration information imperfections (i.e., adverse selection, moral hazard and charity hazard). Through a survey among Italian Dioceses, data about the diffusion of insurance contracts were collected together with other qualitative and quantitative elements linked to the decisional process of insuring Italian Cathedrals. The empirical analysis shows that the administrators of the Dioceses are aware of the economic value of the cultural assets and in safeguarding the Cathedrals they identify in the insurance system a useful and efficient risk management instrument.
The formation of Coasean institutions to provide university knowledge for innovation: a case study and econometric evidence for Switzerland
Authors: Foray Dominique , Woerter Martin
Published: October 2020

“Coasean” institutions are an alternative institutional form that provides a solution to some market and coordination failures. As such they can weaken considerably the case for public subsidies in a vast range of context. They are “market-based” and an inexpensive way to address the public good issues of R&D. They are, however, a largely overlooked institutional option. Early theoretical notions emphasize the advantages of such an institutional setting, however, broader empirical evidence about their effectiveness is lacking. We apply two different empirical approaches to assess the relationship between “Coasean” institutions and the innovation performance of SMEs. In a case study, we investigateInspire AG, a successful bottom-up, institutional invention in the spirit of a “Coasean” institution. To assess the general validity of this model, we use representative firm-level data to econometrically investigate the relationship between “Coasean” institutions and the sales share of innovative products. “Coasean” institutions are positively related with innovative sales only if the company has a sufficiently large absorptive capacity for external knowledge. This positive moderating effect of “Coasean” institutions for the innovation performance is larger for SMEs. Our empirical findings provide a strong case for policies aimed at encouraging the operation of this type of institution.
Thermochromatographic behavior of iodine in fused silica columns when evaporated from lead–bismuth eutectic
Authors: Karlsson Erik , Neuhausen Jörg , Eichler Robert , Aerts Alexander , Danilov Ivan I. , Vögele Alexander , Türler Andreas
Published: October 2020

As a step toward licensing a lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) based reactor design, the adsorption behavior of iodine evaporated from LBE on fused silica was examined. Using inert and reducing carrier gases, depositions with an adsorption enthalpy of − 95 to − 113 kJ mol−1 were observed. These depositions are compatible with a single species, tentatively identified as bismuth monoiodide, BiI. When introducing oxidizing conditions, multiple iodine species with higher volatility form, with adsorption enthalpies ranging from − 67 to − 86 kJ mol−1. Based on an empirical correlation one of these species was identified as monatomic iodine. This work provides fundamental understanding of the LBE/iodine gaseous chemistry and related adsorption deposition behavior.
Phylogenetic analysis of two new complete genomes of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 from Thailand
Authors: Chanmanee Tipsuda , Ajawatanawong Pravech , Louisirirotchanakul Suda , Chotiyaputta Watcharasak , Chainuvati Siwaporn , Wongprompitak Patimaporn
Published: October 2020

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a causative agent of acute viral hepatitis globally. Evolutionary phylogeny classifies the HEV into eight genotypes that correlate with the viral transmission. Only four genotypes have been proven to be responsible for transmission in humans. However, there has been no report on the genomics and genotyping of HEV in Thailand during the past ten years. Here, we identified the genotype distributions of the Thai isolates of HEV and we sequenced two HEV genomes. We screened for 18 Thai isolates of HEV from Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, from 2014–2016. The HEV genomes were sequenced from the serum and feces of a patient. The results showed that all Thai isolates of HEV were identified as genotype 3 (HEV-3). The ORF2 and genome phylogenies suggested two subgenotypes, called 3.1 and 3.2. The Thai isolates of HEV were frequently found in the subgenotype 3.1. The genome sequences of the two Thai isolates of HEV from the serum and fecal samples of the same patient showed 91% nucleotide similarity with the HEV genotype 3. Comparisons between the HEV genome and the ORF2 phylogenies illustrated that the ORF2 tree can be used to identify HEV genotypes, but it has less phylogenetic power for the HEV evolution. The two new genome sequences of HEV-3 from Thailand could contribute valuable information to the HEV genome study. (226 words)
Empirical seismic fragility models for Nepalese school buildings
Authors: Giordano Nicola , De Luca Flavia , Sextos Anastasios , Ramirez Cortes Fernando , Fonseca Ferreira Carina , Wu Jingzhe
Published: October 2020

Empirical vulnerability models are fundamental tools to assess the impact of future earthquakes on urban settlements and communities. Generally, they consist of sets of fragility curves that are derived from georeferenced post-earthquake damage data. Following the 2015 Nepal earthquake sequence, the World Bank, through the Global Program for Safer Schools, conducted a Structural Integrity and Damage Assessment (SIDA) of about 18,000 school buildings in the earthquake-affected area. In this work, the database is utilized to identify the main structural characteristics of the Nepalese school building stock. For the first time, extended SIDA school damage data is processed to derive fragility curves for the main structural typologies. Data sets for each structural typology are used for a Bayesian updating of existing fragilities to obtain regional models for Nepalese schools. These fragility estimates can be adopted to assess potential seismic losses of the school infrastructure in Nepal. Additionally, they can be used for calibrating loss assessment studies in the wider Himalayan region where the structural typologies are similar.
Continued post-retraction citation of a fraudulent clinical trial report, 11 years after it was retracted for falsifying data
Authors: Schneider Jodi , Ye Di , Hill Alison M. , Whitehorn Ashley S.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a case study of long-term post-retraction citation to falsified clinical trial data (Matsuyama et al. in Chest 128(6):3817–3827, 2005. 10.1378/chest.128.6.3817), demonstrating problems with how the current digital library environment communicates retraction status. Eleven years after its retraction, the paper continues to be cited positively and uncritically to support a medical nutrition intervention, without mention of its 2008 retraction for falsifying data. To date no high quality clinical trials reporting on the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids on reducing inflammatory markers have been published. Our paper uses network analysis, citation context analysis, and retraction status visibility analysis to illustrate the potential for extended propagation of misinformation over a citation network, updating and extending a case study of the first 6 years of post-retraction citation (Fulton et al. in Publications 3(1):7–26, 2015. 10.3390/publications3010017). The current study covers 148 direct citations from 2006 through 2019 and their 2542 second-generation citations and assesses retraction status visibility of the case study paper and its retraction notice on 12 digital platforms as of 2020. The retraction is not mentioned in 96% (107/112) of direct post-retraction citations for which we were able to conduct citation context analysis. Over 41% (44/107) of direct post-retraction citations that do not mention the retraction describe the case study paper in detail, giving a risk of diffusing misinformation from the case paper. We analyze 152 second-generation citations to the most recent 35 direct citations (2010–2019) that do not mention the retraction but do mention methods or results of the case paper, finding 23 possible diffusions of misinformation from these non-direct citations to the case paper. Link resolving errors from databases show a significant challenge in a reader reaching the retraction notice via a database search. Only 1/8 databases (and 1/9 database records) consistently resolved the retraction notice to its full-text correctly in our tests. Although limited to evaluation of a single case (N = 1), this work demonstrates how retracted research can continue to spread and how the current information environment contributes to this problem.
Optimisation of the co-combustion of meat–bone meal and sewage sludge in terms of the quality produced ashes used as substitute of phosphorites
Authors: Kowalski Zygmunt , Banach Marcin , Makara Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

To obtain a high-quality phosphorus raw material comparable in quality to the best phosphorites used in the fertiliser industry, an analysis was carried out to determine the optimal mass proportions of a meat–bone meal and sewage sludge mixture to be used in a co-combustion process. The ashes obtained contained hydroxyapatite that could be considered a high-quality substitute for phosphorites, with an average P2O5 content of 33.5%. These ashes do not contain fluorine compounds, cadmium content is at trace levels and they do not contain the radioactive compounds that are present in trace amounts in all phosphates. The developed process is an example of a production complex using cleaner technologies and circular economy principles on a microeconomic scale.
Ecotoxicological testing of sediments and dredged material: an overlooked opportunity?
Authors: Heise Susanne , Babut Marc , Casado Carmen , Feiler Ute , Ferrari Benoit J. D. , Marziali Laura
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Basing decisions for the management of contaminated sediments on ecotoxicological data is still often met with skepticism by European stakeholders. These concerns are discussed as they pertain to bioassays to show how ecotoxicological data may provide added value for the sustainable management of sediment in aquatic systems.

Materials and methods

Five “concerns” are selected that are often raised by stakeholders. The ecotoxicological practice is discussed in light of the knowledge gained in recent decades and compared with chemical sediment analysis and chemical data.

Results and discussion

Common assumptions such as a higher uncertainty of biotest results for sediments compared to chemical analyses are not supported by interlaboratory comparisons. Some confusion also arises, because the meaning of biotest data is often misunderstood, questioning their significance in light of a limited number of organisms and altered test conditions in the lab. Because biotest results describe a sediment property, they should not be directly equated with an impact upon the biological community. To identify a hazard, however, the possibility of false-negative results due to the presence of contaminants that are not analyzed but are toxic is lower.

Conclusions

The cost of increased investment in ecotoxicological tests is, in our view, small compared with that of making false-negative assessments of sediment/dredged material that can ultimately have long-term environmental costs. As such, we conclude that ecotoxicological testing is an opportunity for sediment management decision-making that warrants more attention and confidence in Europe.
Die erstaunliche Vielseitigkeit der Argonauten-Crew
Authors: Willkomm Sarah , Moissl Benedikt , Michel Henri , Grohmann Dina
Published: October 2020

Cellular nucleic acid levels are specifically regulated by Argonaute (Ago) proteins. Eukaryotic (e)Ago participates mainly in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. In contrast, prokaryotic (p)Ago proteins are involved in defense processes. Our work adds to the understanding of pAgo function and elucidates dynamic aspects of Ago-mediated substrate binding thereby highlighting mechanistic differences between eAgo and pAgo proteins.
Age-dependency in mortality of family caregivers: a nationwide register-based study
Authors: Mikkola Tuija M. , Kautiainen Hannu , Mänty Minna , von Bonsdorff Mikaela B. , Kröger Teppo , Eriksson Johan G.
Published: October 2020

Background

Evidence on family caregivers' health is conflicting.

Aim

To investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Finnish family caregivers providing high-intensity care and to assess whether age modifies the association between family caregiver status and mortality using data from multiple national registers.

Methods

The data include all individuals, who received family caregiver's allowance in Finland in 2012 (n = 42,256, mean age 67 years, 71% women) and a control population matched for age, sex, and municipality of residence (n = 83,618). Information on dates and causes of death between 2012 and 2017 were obtained from the Finnish Causes of Death Register.

Results

Family caregivers had lower all-cause mortality than the controls over the follow-up (8.1 vs. 11.6%) both among women (socioeconomic status adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.64, 95% CI 0.61–0.68) and men (adjusted HR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.70–0.77). When modelling all-cause mortality as a function of age, younger caregivers had only slightly lower or equal mortality to their controls, but older caregivers had markedly lower mortality than their controls, up to more than 10% lower. Caregivers had a lower mortality rate for all the causes of death studied, namely cardiovascular, cancer, neurological, external, respiratory, gastrointestinal and dementia. The lowest risk was for dementia (subhazard ratio = 0.29, 95% CI 0.25–0.34).

Conclusions

Older family caregivers had lower mortality than the age-matched general population while mortality did not differ according to caregiver status in young adulthood. This age-dependent advantage in mortality is likely to reflect the selection of healthier individuals into the family caregiver role.
Practical Moving Target Detection in Maritime Environments Using Fuzzy Multi-sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Liu Yuanchang , Gunawan Bryan Adam , Bucknall Richard
Published: October 2020

As autonomous ships become the future trend for maritime transportation, it is of importance to develop intelligent autonomous navigation systems to ensure the navigation safety of ships. Among the three core components (sensing, planning and control modules) of the system, an accurate detection of target ships’ navigation information is critical. Within a typical maritime environment, the existence of sensor noises as well as the influences generated by varying environment conditions largely limit the reliability of using a single sensor for environment awareness. It is therefore vital to use multiple sensors together with a multi-sensor data fusion technology to improve the detection performance. In this paper, a fuzzy logic-based multi-sensor data fusion algorithm for moving target ships detection has been proposed and designed using both AIS and radar information. A two-stage fuzzy logic association method has been particularly developed and integrated with Kalman filtering to achieve a computationally efficient performance. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been tested and validated in simulations where multiple target ships are transiting with complex movements.
How do moral theories stand to each other?
Authors: Guinebert Svantje
Published: October 2020

Moral theories, such as the variations on virtue ethics, deontological ethics, contractualism, and consequentialism, are expected – inter alia – to explain the basic orientation of morality, give us principles and directives, justify those, and thereby (if all goes well) guide our actions. I examine some functions and characteristics of the extant moral theories from a moral metatheoretical point of view, in order to clarify the generally assumed rivalry between them. By thinking of moral theories in analogy to languages it is argued that different moral theories are neither simply competing nor simply complementary; their respective orientations justify using them, in virtue of the problems they help to solve. But even if considerations about the functionality of a theory and the context in which it is created play an important role, they can neither be sufficient to determine these theories’ relations to one other nor for choosing between them. The challenge is to set criteria for the quality of a moral theory on a moral metatheoretical level and, in particular, to make room for future views on morality.
Prevalence of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder in 2 North American Samples
Authors: Jackowich Robyn.A. , Pukall Caroline.F.
Published: October 2020

Background

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a highly distressing, understudied condition characterized by persistent genital arousal (eg, genital sensations, sensitivity) in the absence of sexual desire. Currently, there is limited information about the prevalence of PGAD based on its proposed diagnostic criteria (“PGAD criteria”).

Aim

This study sought to assess the prevalence of PGAD criteria in 2 North American samples: a large, non-clinical sample of Canadian undergraduate students (Study 1), and a nationally representative sample from the U.S. (Study 2).

Methods

The incoming class of undergraduate students (N = 1,634) enrolled in the Introduction to Psychology course at a Canadian university and a nationally representative sample of U.S. participants (N = 1,026) responded to questions about each PGAD criterion, and distress associated with these experiences.

Outcomes

5 self-report questions were developed based on each of the Leiblum and Nathan 2001 PGAD criteria, and a measure of associated distress was included. The U.S. sample (Study 2) also responded to questions about medical comorbidities and their knowledge of the term “PGAD.”

Results

1.1% (n = 4; Study 1) to 4.3% (n = 22; Study 2) of men and 0.6% (n = 7; Study 1) to 2.7% (n = 14; Study 2) of women reported experiencing all 5 PGAD criteria at a moderate to high frequency. Even greater proportions of participants reported experiencing all 5 criteria at any frequency (6.8–18.8%). Although ratings of associated distress varied, participants who were distressed by these symptoms most frequently endorsed the first PGAD criterion: physiological genital arousal in the absence of sexual excitement or desire. These results are similar to previously reported rates of PGAD.

Clinical Implications

A non-trivial number of individuals may experience PGAD, and it should be screened for by healthcare practitioners.

Strengths & Limitations

This study is the first to use 2 large, non-clinical samples to assess the prevalence of PGAD symptoms. However, barriers to reporting symptoms, such as shame or embarrassment, may have resulted in underestimates of prevalence in the present sample.

Conclusion

The prevalence of the 5 PGAD criteria in 2 large non-clinical samples ranged from similar to higher than rates reported in previous research. However, distress ratings associated with each of the 5 criteria varied, with most respondents describing them primarily as neutral or non-distressing.
Dry gas seal performance analysis using a hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure decoupling method: Part 1
Authors: Li Shicong , Qian Caifu , Zhao Jun , Li Qingzhan , Li Shuangxi
Published: October 2020

This article describes a method that decouples hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure from total pressure in a dry gas seal, and analyses their functions and evaluates their contributions. It is applied to the pressure distributions of three typical symmetrical-groove dry gas seals – in particular the “fir tree” groove design – and is used to analyse the relationship between sealing performance and rotational speed. By separating the hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure distributions, their effects on sealing performance can be evaluated respectively. The hydrodynamic pressure of a symmetrical-groove dry gas seal is very weak because of the symmetry of the groove, which means that sealing performance is determined mainly by hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, when optimising the groove structure of such a seal, performance is improved by making the groove more receptive to high pressure. The first instalment of this article, which appears here, provides the background and an introduction to the decoupling method and describes the numerical model. Part II will be published in the October 2020 issue of Sealing Technology.
RECYCLING ROMAN GLASS TO GLAZE PARTHIAN POTTERY
Authors: Wood Jonathan R. , Hsu Yi-Ting
Published: October 2020

Alkaline glazes were first used on clay-based ceramics in Mesopotamia around 1500 B.C., at the same time as the appearance of glass vessels. The Roman Empire used lead-based glazes, with alkaline natron glass being used only to produce objects of glass. Chemical analysis has had some success determining compositional groups for Roman/Byzantine/early Islamic glasses because of the discovery of major production sites. Parthian and Sasanian glass and glazed wares, however, have been found only in consumption assemblages, which have failed to inform on how they were made. Here we reanalyse compositional data for Parthian and Sasanian glazes and present new analyses for Parthian glazed pottery excavated at the early third century A.D. Roman military outpost of Ain Sinu in northern Iraq. We show that some Parthian glazes are from a different tradition to typical Mesopotamian glazes and have compositions similar to Roman glass. We propose that Roman glass was recycled by Parthian potters, thereby suggesting that as yet undiscovered Mesopotamian glass production centres ordinarily supplied glass for indigenous glazed pottery. Furthermore, if recycling glass to make glazed pottery was extended to indigenous glassware, this may provide an explanation for the paucity of Parthian and Sasanian glass in the archaeological record.
The Political Consequences of Indigenous Resentment
Authors: Beauvais Edana
Published: October 2020

Understanding the legacy of settler colonialism requires understanding the nature and scope of anti-Indigenous attitudes. But what, exactly, are the political consequences of anti-Indigenous attitudes? Answering this question requires recognizing that attitudes toward Indigenous peoples are distinct from White racial attitudes toward other disempowered groups. In this paper, I introduce a novel measure of Indigenous resentment. I then show that Indigenous resentment is an important predictor of policy attitudes using data collected from an original survey of White settlers. I estimate the effect of both Indigenous resentment and negative affect on policy attitudes—opposition to welfare and support for pipeline developments—to make the case that Indigenous resentment is a better measure of anti-Indigenous attitudes than affective prejudice, and that Indigenous resentment is an important omitted variable in the study of public opinion in settler societies.
Risk factors for an infection with Coxiella burnetii in German sheep flocks
Authors: Wolf A. , Prüfer T. L. , Schoneberg C. , Campe A. , Runge M. , Ganter M. , Bauer B. U.
Published: October 2020

In Germany, sheep are the main source of human Q fever epidemics, but data on Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) infections and related risk factors in the German sheep population remain scarce. In this cross-sectional study, a standardised interview was conducted across 71 exclusively sheep as well as mixed (sheep and goat) farms to identify animal and herd level risk factors associated with the detection of C. burnetii antibodies or pathogen-specific gene fragments via univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Serum samples and genital swabs from adult males and females of 3367 small ruminants from 71 farms were collected and analysed using ELISA and qPCR, respectively. On animal level, univariable analysis identified young animals (<2 years of age; odds ratio (OR) 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.83) to reduce the risk for seropositivity significantly (p < 0.05). The final multivariable logistic models identified lambing all year-round (OR 3.46/3.65; 95% CI 0.80–15.06/0.41–32.06) and purchases of sheep and goats (OR 13.61/22.99; 95% CI 2.86–64.64/2.21–239.42) as risk factors on herd level for C. burnetii infection detected via ELISA and qPCR, respectively.
Workplace programmes for supporting breast-feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Xueying , Patterson Peta , MacKenzie-Shalders Kristen , van Herwerden Louise A , Bishop Jo , Rathbone Evelyne , Honeyman David , Reidlinger Dianne P
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To critically review the literature regarding workplace breast-feeding interventions and to assess their impact on breast-feeding indicators.

Design:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Electronic searches for workplace intervention studies to support breast-feeding, without restriction on language or study design, were performed in PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Business Source Complete, ProQuest-Sociology and ProQuest-Social Science to 13 April 2020. A meta-analysis of the pooled effect of the programmes on breast-feeding indicators was conducted.

Results:

The search identified 10 215 articles; fourteen studies across eighteen publications met eligibility criteria. Programmes were delivered in the USA (n 10), Turkey (n 2), Thailand (n 1) or Taiwan (n 1). There were no randomised controlled trials. The pooled OR for exclusive breast-feeding at 3 or 6 months for participants v. non-participants of three non-randomised controlled studies was 3·21 (95 % CI 1·70, 6·06, I2 = 22 %). Despite high heterogeneity, other pooled outcomes were consistently in a positive direction with acceptable CI. Pooled mean duration of breast-feeding for five single-arm studies was 9·16 months (95 % CI 8·25, 10·07). Pooled proportion of breast-feeding at 6 months for six single-arm studies was 0·76 (95 % CI 0·66, 0·84) and breast-feeding at 12 months for three single-arm studies was 0·41 (95 % CI 0·22, 0·62). Most programmes were targeted at mothers; two were targeted at expectant fathers.

Conclusions:

Workplace programmes may be effective in promoting breast-feeding among employed mothers and partners of employed fathers. However, no randomised controlled trials were identified, and better-quality research on workplace interventions to improve breast-feeding is needed.
Employing higher order modes in a broadband SIW sensor for permittivity measurement of medium loss materials
Authors: Kazemi Kianoosh , Moradi Gholamreza , Ghorbani Ayaz
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a novel SIW microwave sensor is designed to accurately determine the broadband complex permittivity of medium loss and dispersive liquids using a number of higher order modes in 11–20 GHz. To achieve a higher accuracy in characterization, the sensor is equipped with some methods such as Photonic Band Gap method, slow-wave via, and a new feedline, which enhances the quality factor for the higher order TE1,0,n modes. The operating principle of this sensor is based on the cavity perturbation technique, in which the resonant properties of the cavity are utilized to extract the dielectric properties of liquid under test. To provide a method to decrease the LUT consumption, a winding microfluidic channel is designed and embedded in the cavity. The channel increases the interaction between the induced electric field and the LUT. The accuracy of different perturbation technique for determination of permittivity is compared with each other.
Accessibility Data Set for Large Permanent Cold Traps at the Lunar Poles
Authors: Cannon Kevin M. , Britt Daniel T.
Published: October 2020

Many large cold traps exist at both lunar poles where temperatures never exceed 110 K annually, allowing the preservation of water ice. Much has been learned about these regions from orbital measurements, but in situ access is needed to truly understand the abundance, distribution, texture, and chemistry of volatiles that might be present in the regolith. We systematically studied the accessibility of the larger cold traps to wheeled vehicles from nearby staging areas. We calculated minimum energy routes for 20 north pole cold traps and 39 south pole cold traps >50 km2 in area. At each, accessibility metrics were determined for paths into and out of the cold trap and for round trip paths that return to the same location. We found that 55 of the 59 cold traps are readily accessible without exceeding 25° slopes. Smaller cold traps are generally more accessible than larger ones, with certain exceptions. The accessibility data set is presented graphically, in tabular form, and as ArcGIS shapefiles, all of which can be used to inform site selection and mission planning for future scientific and resource‐focused activities.
Modern Meteoric 36Cl Deposition in the Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Wang Fan , Michalski Greg
Published: October 2020

Modern atmospheric deposition along a west‐east transect in the Atacama Desert, Chile, was collected to constrain the meteoric 36Cl/Cl ratio and 36Cl deposition flux. The 36Cl deposition flux had a threefold change, from 3.62(±0.18) to 11.6(±0.2) atoms m−2 s−1, going from the coast to the high Andes. The 36Cl deposition was mainly as dry deposition, and the magnitude and differences between sites were attributed to stratosphere‐troposphere transport and chloride deficits by acid displacement, respectively. The meteoric 36Cl/Cl ratios varied greatly from 31.5(±1.1) × 10−15 to 247(±10) × 10−15, which was attributed to local inputs of oceanic chloride near the coast or chloride minerals entrained from nearby salt playas. This study presented refined estimates of the 36Cl deposition flux and meteoric 36Cl/Cl ratio in a desert region in southern tropical zone. The data set will provide a baseline for using natural 36Cl abundances to date salt accumulation in the Atacama.