bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mobility aware duty cycling and preambling solution for wireless sensor network with mobile sink node
Authors: Thomson Craig , Wadhaj Isam , Tan Zhiyuan , Al-Dubai Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Utilising the mobilisation of a sink node in a wireless sensor network to combat the energy hole, or hotspot issue, is well referenced. However, another issue, that of energy spikes may remain. With the mobile sink node potentially communicating with some nodes more than others. In this study we propose the Mobility Aware Duty Cycling and Dynamic Preambling Algorithm (MADCaDPAL). This algorithm utilises an existing solution where a communication threshold is built between a mobile sink node using predictable mobility and static nodes on its path. MADCaDPAL bases decisions relating to node sleep function, moving to clear channel assessment and the subsequent sending of preambles on the relation between the threshold built by the static node and the position of the mobile sink node. MADCaDPAL achieves a reduction in average energy consumption of up to 80%, this when used in conjunction with a lightweight carrier-sense multiple access based MAC implementation. Maximum energy consumption amongst individual nodes is also brought closer to the average, reducing energy spikes and subsequently improving network lifetime. Additionally, frame delivery to the sink is improved overall.
Carry Trade Returns and Segmented Risk Pricing
Authors: Schulze Gordon
Published: March 2021

The returns to carry trades are controversially discussed. There seems to be no unifying risk-based explanation of currency returns and stock returns, while the countries’ interest rate differential plays a leading part in the carry-trade performance. Therefore, this paper addresses carry-trade returns from a risk-pricing perspective and examines if these returns can be connected to cross-country differences in risk pricing in the interest-rate market compared to the stock market. Data from Thomson Reuters Datastream and Federal Reserve Economic Data covering Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States were analyzed based on GMM estimation. The results indicate significant and persistent cross-country differences in risk aversion in the interest-rate market compared to the implied risk aversion in the stock market. This may offer opportunities for risk arbitrage and, therefore, a risk pricing-related explanation of carry-trade returns.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Swedish household dust and exposure of pet cats
Authors: Weiss Jana M. , Jones Bernt , Koekkoek Jacco , Bignert Anders , Lamoree Marja H.
Published: March 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a wide range of products and have been found ubiquitously in our indoor environment, and there is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse endocrine effects, such as thyroid hormone disruption. Pet cats have a high dust intake due to their grooming behavior and have been shown to be a suitable sentinel species for assessment of toddler’s exposure. Here we used paired household dust (n=46) and cat serum (n=27) samples to establish whether dust is a relevant exposure pathway to PFASs. An analytical method for PFAS analysis was optimized using a low volume of cat serum samples, combining solid-phase extraction and online sample cleanup. Dust was extracted with methanol by sonication and cleaned up by addition of active carbon. In total, 27 PFASs were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The correlation between PFAS levels in dust and serum, serum lipids and thyroid hormone levels, and PFAS levels in dust between different rooms were statistically evaluated. PFOS and PFDA could be quantified in all cat serum samples (median 2300 pg/mL and 430 pg/mL, respectively), followed by PFOA (median 1100 pg/mL), quantified in 96% of the samples. The levels of 6:2 and 8:2 diPAPs were determined in 65% and 92% of the serum samples, respectively, and were an order of magnitude lower (1.4–160 pg/mL). Household dust on the other hand was dominated by 6:2 and 8:2 diPAPs, with a median of 65 ng/g dust and 49 ng/g dust, respectively. PFOS (median 13 ng/g dust) and PFOA (median 9 ng/g dust) were quantified in 93% of the dust samples. Only eight PFASs were detected (>LOD) in at least 50% of the samples of both matrices and could be paired. Significant correlations between cat serum and dust were found for PFOA (rS=0.32,p<0.049) and PFUnDA (rS=0.55,p<0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between serum total thyroxine (rS=0.11,p<0.05) and PFNA and between serum cholesterol and PFHpA (rS=0.46,p<0.01), PFUnDA (rS=0.40,p<0.05), PFDoDA (rS=0.44,p<0.01), and sum PFAS (rS=0.48,p<0.01). In conclusion, this study confirmed that dust is a relevant exposure pathway for the ingestion of some PFASs for cats, and the serum levels of PFASs could be of relevance for the cat’s health.
From agent-based modeling to actor-based reactive systems in the analysis of financial networks
Authors: Crafa Silvia
Published: March 2021

We present a new framework for the analysis of financial networks, called Actor-based Reactive Systems (ARS), that pushes further the Agent-Based approach (ABM) by resorting to ideas coming from the study of distributed systems in computer science. Two distinctive features, namely a fundamentally different management of time and a fully decentralized control logic, have a profound impact in terms of expressiveness of analysis, flexibility of modeling, and efficiency of experimentation. To illustrate the feasibility of the framework, we develop a realistic case study by analyzing the systemic risk of a model of the European banking network with a nontrivial contagion procedure, that combines an initial asset shock with the negative feedback loop triggered by asset fire sales. We show that, compared to ABMs, ARSs bring about finer-grained analyses, with a greater degree of heterogeneity and adaptivity of economic agents. Moreover, the very low computational cost and the detailed account of the system’s execution support the design and the development of very flexible stress tests to rapidly experiment with many hypothetical scenarios in a test-oriented style.
Radial Scar: a management dilemma
Authors: Trombadori Charlotte Marguerite Lucille , D’Angelo Anna , Ferrara Francesca , Santoro Angela , Belli Paolo , Manfredi Riccardo
Published: March 2021

Radial scar (RS) or complex sclerosing lesions (CSL) if > 10 mm is a benign lesion with an increasing incidence of diagnosis (ranging from 0.6 to 3.7%) and represents a challenge both for radiologists and for pathologists. The digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis appearances of RS are well documented, according to the literature. On ultrasound, variable aspects can be detected. Magnetic resonance imaging contribution to differential diagnosis with carcinoma is growing. As for the management, a vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) with large core is recommended after a percutaneous diagnosis of RS due to potential sampling error. According to the recent International Consensus Conference, a RS/CSL lesion, which is visible on imaging, should undergo therapeutic excision with VAB. Thereafter, surveillance is justified. The aim of this review is to provide a practical guide for the recognition of RS on imaging, illustrating radiological findings according to the most recent literature, and to delineate the management strategies that follow.
Understanding and Managing Gender Identity Variance in Minors: A Qualitative Research on the Parental Role in Italy
Authors: Iudici Antonio , Orczyk Gloria
Published: March 2021

Identities that differ from what is expected of each gender challenge the crystallised binary form of social organisation. Furthermore, having a gender-variant child is an experience that confronts parents with something unknown to them that questions most of their assumptions. In the Italian context, there is a lack of awareness about the population of transgender and gender-variant minors, and what their or their families’ needs are. In the present study, we interviewed the parents of gender-variant minors from Italy and asked them to describe the ways they got to know their child’s gender identity and how they managed such a completely new situation. The interviews were transcribed literally and analysed through discourse analysis. We carried out descriptions of how parents configure this topic and the different positionings adopted thorough their experience of understanding and managing gender variance. Overall, we discussed and promoted parent-children interacting modalities aimed at co-constructing and sharing the process of gender identity development, instead of adopting self-referential or ideological positionings. The present article offers a qualitative exploratory study of gender-variant minors and their families in the Italian context. The limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also presented.
Occurrence of autoimmune pancreatitis after chronic immune thrombocytopenia in a Caucasian adolescent
Authors: Kogler Hubert , Novak Wolfgang , Vécsei Andreas , Zachbauer Christina , Huber Wolf-Dietrich , Lakatos Karoly , Woeran Katharina , Stift Judith , Boztug Kaan , Kager Leo
Published: March 2021

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare, distinct and increasingly recognized form of chronic inflammatory pancreatic disease secondary to an underlying autoimmune mechanism. We report on a 14-year-old boy who developed autoimmune pancreatitis, while he was under treatment with eltrombopag for chronic immune thrombocytopenia. Therapy with corticosteroids resulted in complete remission of both. This is the first report on the co-occurrence of autoimmune pancreatitis and chronic immune thrombocytopenia in childhood, and clinicians should be aware of this rare association, because early diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune pancreatitis may prevent severe complications.
ZnO–SnO2–Sn nanocomposite as photocatalyst in ultraviolet and visible light
Authors: Długosz Olga , Banach Marcin
Published: March 2021

By combining ZnO with SnO2, it is possible to obtain a photocatalyst with an extended lifetime and increased activity range in both ultraviolet and visible light. The paper presents the synthesis of ZnO–SnO2–Sn nanocomposite. The morphology and structure of the samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDS and TEM–EDX analysis. The results showed that the synthesised nanocomposites consisted of hexagonal ZnO, cubic SnO2 and Sn nanoparticles. The results revealed that the highest removal efficiency (15.0%) of rhodamine B under visible light was achieved with ZnO–SnO2–Sn consisting of 10% of SnO2 and 5% of Sn, whereas the highest removal efficiency of methylene blue (95.6%) under UV light was achieved with ZnO–SnO2–Sn consisting of 10% of SnO2 and 1% of Sn. The presence of tin nanoparticles enhanced the photocatalytic properties directed towards visible light. The degradation of MB by ZnO–SnO2–Sn remained above 80% even in the 5th cycle, while under visible light during photodegradation the RB removal efficiency decreased from 20 to 14%.
EDLRIS: A European Driving License for Robots and Intelligent Systems
Authors: Kandlhofer Martin , Steinbauer Gerald , Lassnig Julia , Menzinger Manuel , Baumann Wilfried , Ehardt-Schmiederer Margit , Bieber Ronald , Winkler Thomas , Plomer Sandra , Strobl-Zuchtriegl Inge , Miglbauer Marlene , Ballagi Aron , Pozna Claudiu , Miltenyi Gabor , Alfoldi Istvan , Szalay Imre
Published: March 2021

This article presents a novel educational project aiming at the development and implementation of a professional, standardized, internationally accepted system for training and certifying teachers, school students and young people in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. In recent years, AI and Robotics have become major topics with a huge impact not only on our everyday life but also on the working environment. Hence, sound knowledge about principles and concepts of AI and Robotics are key skills for this century. Nonetheless, hardly any systematic approaches exist that focus on teaching principles of intelligent systems at K-12 level, addressing students as well as teachers who act as multipliers. In order to meet this challenge, theEuropean Driving License for Robots and Intelligent Systems—EDLRISwas developed. It is based on a number of previously implemented and evaluated projects and comprises teaching curricula and training modules for AI and Robotics, following a competency-based, blended learning approach. Additionally, a certification system proves peoples’ acquired competencies. After developing the training and certification system, the first 32 trainer and trainee courses with a total of 445 participants have been implemented and evaluated. By applying this innovative approach—a standardized and widely recognized training and certification system for AI and Robotics at K-12 level for both high school teachers and students—we envision to foster AI/Robotics literacy on a broad basis.
A Miniature Fiber Tip Polystyrene Microsphere Temperature Sensor With High Sensitivity
Authors: Chen Haibin , Xie Tianchong , Feng Jiashuang , Zhang Xiongxing , Wang Wei , Li Yanping , Guo Zilong
Published: March 2021

A fiber-optic temperature sensor based on fiber tip polystyrene microsphere is proposed. The sensor structure can be formed simply by placing and fixing a polystyrene microsphere on the center of an optical fiber tip. Since polystyrene has a much larger thermal expansivity, the structure can be used for high-sensitive temperature measurement. By the illuminating of the sensor with a broadband light source and through the optical Fabry-Perot interference between the front and back surfaces of the polystyrene microsphere, the optical phase difference (OPD) or wavelength shift can be used for the extraction of temperature. Temperature measurement experiment shows that, using a fiber probe polystyrene microsphere temperature sensor with a spherical diameter of about 91.7 µm, a high OPD-temperature sensitivity of about −0.617 96 nm/°C and a good linearity of 0.991 6 were achieved in a temperature range of 20°C–70°C.
Exploring Parallelism to Improve the Performance of FrodoKEM in Hardware
Authors: Howe James , Martinoli Marco , Oswald Elisabeth , Regazzoni Francesco
Published: March 2021

FrodoKEM is a lattice-based key encapsulation mechanism, currently a semi-finalist in NIST’s post-quantum standardisation effort. A condition for these candidates is to use NIST standards for sources of randomness (i.e. seed-expanding), and as such most candidates utilise SHAKE, an XOF defined in the SHA-3 standard. However, for many of the candidates, this module is a significant implementation bottleneck. Trivium is a lightweight, ISO standard stream cipher which performs well in hardware and has been used in previous hardware designs for lattice-based cryptography. This research proposes optimised designs for FrodoKEM, concentrating on high throughput by parallelising the matrix multiplication operations within the cryptographic scheme. This process is eased by the use of Trivium due to its higher throughput and lower area consumption. The parallelisations proposed also complement the addition of first-order masking to the decapsulation module. Overall, we significantly increase the throughput of FrodoKEM; for encapsulation we see a$$16\times $$16×speed-up, achieving 825 operations per second, and for decapsulation we see a$$14\times $$14×speed-up, achieving 763 operations per second, compared to the previous state of the art, whilst also maintaining a similar FPGA area footprint of less than 2000 slices.
Development of Maximal Dynamic Strength During Concurrent Resistance and Endurance Training in Untrained, Moderately Trained, and Trained Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Petré Henrik , Hemmingsson Erik , Rosdahl Hans , Psilander Niklas
Published: March 2021

Background

The effect of concurrent training on the development of maximal strength is unclear, especially in individuals with different training statuses.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to compare the effect of concurrent resistance and endurance training with that of resistance training only on the development of maximal dynamic strength in untrained, moderately trained, and trained individuals.

Methods

On the basis of the predetermined criteria, 27 studies that compared effects between concurrent and resistance training only on lower-body 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength were included. The effect size (ES), calculated as the standardised difference in mean, was extracted from each study, pooled, and analysed with a random-effects model.

Results

The 1RM for leg press and squat exercises was negatively affected by concurrent training in trained individuals (ES =  – 0.35, p < 0.01), but not in moderately trained ( – 0.20, p = 0.08) or untrained individuals (ES = 0.03, p = 0.87) as compared to resistance training only. A subgroup analysis revealed that the negative effect observed in trained individuals occurred only when resistance and endurance training were conducted within the same training session (ES same session =  – 0.66, p < 0.01 vs. ES different sessions =  – 0.10, p = 0.55).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the novel and quantifiable effects of training status on lower-body strength development and shows that the addition of endurance training to a resistance training programme may have a negative impact on lower-body strength development in trained, but not in moderately trained or untrained individuals. This impairment seems to be more pronounced when training is performed within the same session than in different sessions. Trained individuals should therefore consider separating endurance from resistance training during periods where the development of dynamic maximal strength is prioritised.
Pathophysiology and treatment of osteoporosis: challenges for clinical practice in older people
Authors: Barnsley J. , Buckland G. , Chan P. E. , Ong A. , Ramos A. S. , Baxter M. , Laskou F. , Dennison E. M. , Cooper C. , Patel Harnish P.
Published: March 2021

Osteoporosis, a common chronic metabolic bone disease is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. As the prevalence of osteoporosis increases with age, a paralleled elevation in the rate of incident fragility fractures will be observed. This narrative review explores the origins of bone and considers physiological mechanisms involved in bone homeostasis relevant to management and treatment. Secondary causes of osteoporosis, as well as osteosarcopenia are discussed followed by an overview of the commonly used pharmacological treatments for osteoporosis in older people.
Study on the Arctic Underwater Terrain-Aided Navigation Based on Fuzzy-Particle Filter
Authors: Liu Yanji , Zhang Guichen , Huang Zhijian
Published: March 2021

The ultra-low resolution underwater terrain maps of the Arctic region reduce the localization and navigation accuracy of the underwater vehicle relying on terrain-aided navigation. In this paper, we study the navigation ability of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) under the ultralow-resolution terrain map. Firstly, the low-resolution map is transformed into a continuous map by bilinear interpolation. Then, a Terrain-Aided Navigation (TAN) system based on the Particle Filter (PF) is constructed to estimate the state of AUV position by particles. Particles of a random distribution of fixed variance can effectively track targets. However, a fixed variance distribution is not well adapted to many different situations. To improve navigation accuracy and robustness, fuzzy logic is used to estimate the distribution variance of particles under the current terrain gradient dynamically. The simulation results show that our proposed Fuzzy-PF TAN system is robust under various current disturbance situations. The position error of our system is within a map resolution unit of 500 m.
Perceptions of ‘Precision’ and ‘Personalised’ Medicine in Singapore and Associated Ethical Issues
Authors: Ong Serene , Ling Jeffrey , Ballantyne Angela , Lysaght Tamra , Xafis Vicki
Published: March 2021

Governments are investing in precision medicine (PM) with the aim of improving healthcare through the use of genomic analyses and data analytics to develop tailored treatment approaches for individual patients. The success of PM is contingent upon clear public communications that engender trust and secure the social licence to collect and share large population-wide data sets because specific consent for each data re-use is impractical. Variation in the terminology used by different programmes used to describe PM may hinder clear communication and threaten trust. Language is used to create common understanding and expectations regarding precision medicine between researchers, clinicians and the volunteers. There is a need to better understand public interpretations of PM-related terminology. This paper reports on a qualitative study involving 24 focus group participants in the multi-lingual context of Singapore. The study explored how Singaporeans interpret and understand the terms ‘precision medicine’ and ‘personalised medicine’, and which term they felt more aptly communicates the concept and goals of PM. Results suggest that participants were unable to readily link the terms with this area of medicine and initially displayed preferences for the more familiar term of ‘personalised’. The use of visual aids to convey key concepts resonated with participants, some of whom then indicated preferences for the term ‘precision’ as being a more accurate description of PM research. These aids helped to facilitate dialogue around the ethical and social value, as well as the risks, of PM. Implications for programme developers and policy makers are discussed.
Smart damping of skew composite plates using Murakami zig-zag function
Authors: Khan N. Mehadi , Kumar R. Suresh
Published: March 2021

The present work is aimed at deriving a finite element model for active constraining layer damping treatment (ACLD) of layered skew plates by incorporating zig-zag behaviour using a Murakami zig-zag function (MZZF). The ACLD in skew patch form comprises of 1–3 PZC material and viscoelastic material in the layer form placed on substrate skew plate. The overall skew substrate ACLD system deformation kinematics are derived using MZZF and the equations of motion for the same are derived by virtual work method. A MATLAB subroutine for the overall skew plate ACLD system has been developed to present the closed loop frequency responses by successful implementation of closed-loop feedback system. The substrate skew plates with different lamination schemes namely symmetric/antisymmetric cross-ply and antisymmetric angle-ply are considered to assess the damping behavior of the skew plates undergoing ACLD. Also, the piezo-fiber angle (obliquely reinforced) variation of the PZC layer on the damping responses of the skew plates have been thoroughly examined.
Enhancement of machinability of titanium alloy in the Eductor based PMEDM process
Authors: Jeavudeen S. , Jailani H. Siddhi , Murugan M.
Published: March 2021

In this study, an attempt has been made in PMEDM process to sustain the homogeneity in the powder-dielectric mixture irrespective of the nature of the powders, their particle size, concentration etc., The traditional way of powder mixing system in Powder Mixing Electric Discharge Machining (PMEDM) has been refurbished with a novel Eductor based system along with a metering devise to ensure uniform mixing of the powers with the dielectric. Additionally sintered crucible filtration test on the sample of powder-dielectric mixture ensured the presence of known quantity of powders in the dielectric. The experiments are conducted on Titanium alloy with Gap current, Duty factor, Delivery pressure, powder types (Alumina, Silica, and copper) and concentration of these powders as variable process parameters. The output responses, namely material removal rate, tool wear index and surface finish obtained during the machining process have been optimized using AHP-TOPSIS method. The confirmation test indicated that the closeness co-efficient value for the TOPSIS analysis improved by 2.37% compared with the predicted value.
Synthesis and characterization of different binary and ternary phase mixtures of mesoporous nanocrystalline titanium dioxide
Authors: Ermokhina N. I. , Shvalagin V. V. , Romanovska N. I. , Manoryk P. A. , Barakov R. Yu. , Kompanets M. O. , Sapsay V. I. , Klymchuk D. O. , Puziy A. M.
Published: March 2021

Different phase compositions of mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2(meso-nc-TiO2), comprised of anatase (16–100%), rutile (0–70%) and brookite (0–52%) were obtained by sol–gel synthesis with or without hydrothermal treatment (HTT) by means of titanium tetrabutoxide and dibenzo-18-croun-6 as structure-forming agent in the presence of HCl. It was shown, that small amounts of surfactant and/or lanthanum salt as well as HTT determine phase composition and texture of meso-nc-TiO2.All samples were calcined at 500оС and characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and N2-adsorption/desorption isotherms. It has been established that photocatalytic properties of almost all obtained samples significantly exceed the photocatalytic activity of Evonik P-25 TiO2in gas phase ethanol oxidation. The most active sample is characterized by phase composition of anatase (97%)-rutile (3%). It is obvious, that decrease of photocatalytic activity of sample was affected by decrease of anatase phase content. It was shown that the specific surface area of the sample is not a key factor affecting the activity of mixed-phase meso-nc-TiO2samples in the process of ethanol oxidation.
Thermal expansion and structural properties of some (PbO)x(ZnO)35−x(TeO2)65 glasses
Authors: Schwarz Jiri , Ticha Helena
Published: March 2021

The glasses (PbO)x(ZnO)35−x(TeO2)65 with 0 < x < 25 were prepared by conventional melting method. The substitution of ZnO by PbO leads to a decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) from 338 to 280 °C and an increase in the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (α) from 15.8 to 19.2 ppm K−1. A correlation between α and Tg has been confirmed by the Lindemann rule. The two prediction methods of the coefficient of thermal expansion (α) were compared with experimental values: the simple additivity model and the Mackenzie method. From Raman spectra, it is evident that the substitution of ZnO by PbO leads mainly to the conversion of TeO4 structural units to TeO3 structural units. This conversion leads to network depolymerization.
Dense Sub-networks Discovery in Temporal Networks
Authors: Dondi Riccardo , Hosseinzadeh Mohammad Mehdi
Published: March 2021

Temporal networks have been successfully applied to analyse dynamics of networks. In this paper we focus on an approach recently introduced to identify dense subgraphs in a temporal network and we present a heuristic, based on the local search technique, for the problem. The experimental results we present on synthetic and real-world datasets show that our heuristic provides mostly better solutions (denser solutions) and that the heuristic is fast (comparable with the fastest method in literature, which is outperformed in terms of quality of the solutions). We present also experimental results of two variants of our method based on two different subroutines to compute a dense subgraph of a given graph.
Circular Economy and the Transition to a Sustainable Society: Integrated Assessment Methods for a New Paradigm
Authors: Oliveira Mariana , Miguel Mécia , van Langen Sven Kevin , Ncube Amos , Zucaro Amalia , Fiorentino Gabriella , Passaro Renato , Santagata Remo , Coleman Nick , Lowe Benjamin H. , Ulgiati Sergio , Genovese Andrea
Published: March 2021

The circular economy concept has recently gained prominence in political debate and corporate discourse around the world as a pathway towards sustainability. The academic debate is characterised by several and sometimes very contrasting definitions of the concept. We claim here that the issue is not finding silver-bullet solutions that will simultaneously support population growth, increasing affluence and environmental resource regeneration. We argue that a clearer definition is needed for the circular economy concept, in terms of strategies, objectives, future states and stakeholders’ needs. Also, assessment methods need to be developed for keeping track of the transition towards a circular economy. Within this context, this paper establishes the need for a multi-stakeholder, multi-dimensional and multi-criteria approach for the evaluation of the transition towards a circular economy across different time and spatial scales, as well as multiple sustainability dimensions.
Azacitidine Maintenance Therapy Post-Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Poor-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Keruakous Amany R. , Holter-Chakrabarty Jennifer , Schmidt Sarah A. , Khawandanah Mohamad O. , Selby George , Yuen Carrie
Published: March 2021

Objective/Background:

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the potential curative modality for poor- risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), relapse remains the main reason for transplant failure. Early-phase studies showed azacitidine is safe for post-transplant maintenance therapy in AML.

Methods:

We performed a single institutional prospective cohort study to evaluate the benefit of azacitidine maintenance therapy following allogeneic HSCT in poor-risk AML. The main objective of this study is to generate a hypothesis aiming to optimize post-transplantation outcomes in poor-risk AML. Forty-nine adults with poor-risk AML who underwent allogeneic HSCT were evaluated in a nonrandomized prospective cohort fashion. Thirty-one participants received post-transplant azacitidine (32 mg/m2) on Days 1–5 for a 28-day treatment cycle beginning approximately 40 days after transplantation. The study was controlled using 18 matched individuals who were on a noninterventional surveillance protocol.

Results:

The relapse rate was significantly higher in the control cohort (66.67%) versus (25.81%) in the azacitidine maintenance cohort (p < .005). Time to relapse was significantly prolonged by azacitidine maintenance, not reached versus 4.1 months in the control arm (p < .0001). In addition, median overall survival was lower in the control cohort at 7.6 versus 27.4 months in the interventional cohort (p < .0001). At a median follow-up of 24 months, incidence of graft- versus-host disease (GVHD) did not differ between study groups (p = .325). In both cohorts, minimal residual disease was correlated with higher hazard of relapse (95% confidence interval, 2.31–13.74; p < .001).

Conclusion:

We conclude that low dose azacitidine maintenance following allogeneic HSCT in poor-risk AML, decreased relapse rate, and increased both the time to relapse and overall survival without increased risk of GVHD.
Involuntary status and mental capacity for treatment decisions under Sections 4, 3, and 57 of Ireland’s Mental Health Act, 2001: analysis and recommendations for reform
Authors: Reidy Katherine , Kelly Brendan D.
Published: March 2021

Although significant progress has been made in Irish mental health law in recent decades, the Mental Health Act, 2001 still falls short of properly protecting human rights. A consideration of human rights developments, both domestically and internationally, highlights the urgent need for reform. In this paper we consider Sections 4 (‘Best interests’), 3 (‘Mental disorder’) and 57 (‘Treatment not requiring consent’) of the 2001 Act and related recommendations in the 2015 Report of the Expert Group on the Review of the Mental Health Act, 2001, and suggest specific areas for reform. Just as medicine evolves over time, so too does our understanding of human rights and law. While embracing a human rights-based approach to the extent suggested here might be seen as aspirational, it is important to balance achievable goals with higher ideals if progress is to be made and rights are to be respected.
Antipsychotic prescribing in GMS paediatric and young adult population in Ireland 2005–2015: repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Conlan K. , McGrath J. , Teeling M. , MacAvin M. J. , Bennett K. , Gallagher L.
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To examine the rates of antipsychotic prescribing in the Irish paediatric and young adult population enrolled in the Irish General Medical Services Scheme pharmacy claims database from the Health Service Executive Primary Care Reimbursement Services database, with a focus on age and sex differences. To examine concomitant prescribing of certain other related medicines in this population.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the Irish General Medical Services (GMS) scheme pharmacy claims database from the Health Service Executive (HSE) – Primary Care Reimbursement Services (PCRS). Participants included children aged <16 years and youth aged 16–24 years availing of medicines under the HSE-PCRS GMS scheme between January 2005 and December 2015. Outcome measures included prescribing rates of antipsychotics from 2005 to 2015, differences in prescribing rates between different ages and sexes, and percentage of concomitant prescriptions for antidepressants, psychostimulants, anxiolytics and hypnosedatives.

Results:

Overall the trend in prescribing rates of antipsychotic medications was stable at 3.94/1000 in 2005 compared with 3.97/1000 in 2015 for children <16 years, and 48.37/1000 eligible population in 2005 compared to 39.64/1000 in 2015 for those aged 16–24. There was a significant decrease in prescribing rates for males in the 16–24 age group.

Conclusions:

While rates of antipsychotic prescribing have decreased or remained stable over the timeframe of the study, we did find a significant proportion of this population were prescribed antipsychotics. This study also shows that co-prescribing of antidepressants increased and highlights the need for guidelines for antipsychotic prescribing in children and youth in terms of clinical indication, monitoring, co-prescribing and treatment duration.
Learning and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders as Risk Factors for Prolonged Concussion Recovery in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Martin Alexia K. , Petersen Ashley J. , Sesma Heather W. , Koolmo Mary B. , Ingram Katherine M. , Slifko Katie B. , Nguyen Victoria N. , Doss Robert C. , Linabery Amy M.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Examine pre-existing learning disorders (LD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as risk factors for prolonged recovery and increased symptomology following pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children/adolescents (5-17 years) with mTBI who presented to a Children’s Minnesota Concussion Clinic between April 2018 and March 2019. Differences across strata of pre-existing conditions (present vs. absent) in time to recovery measures were estimated via Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses and differences in symptom trajectories were examined via linear mixed-effects regression models. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex and other confounders.

Results:

In our cohort of 680 mTBI patients, those with LD (n = 70) or ADHD (n = 107) experienced significantly longer median durations of symptoms (58 and 68 days, respectively) than those without (43 days). Accordingly, LD was significantly associated with delayed symptom recovery (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.16–2.29), return to school (1.47, 1.08–2.00), and return to physical activity (1.50, 1.10–2.04). Likewise, ADHD was associated with delayed recovery (1.69, 1.28–2.23), return to school (1.52, 1.17–1.97) and physical activity (1.55, 1.19–2.01). Further, patients with LD or ADHD reported, on average, significantly more concussion symptoms and higher vision symptom scores throughout recovery versus those without. There was no evidence that concussion or vision symptom recovery trajectories varied over time between those with/without LD or ADHD (joint P-interactions > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Pre-existing LD and ADHD are risk factors for prolonged and more symptomatic mTBI recovery in youth. These results can inform clinical concussion management and recovery expectations.
Stepwise tailoring and test–retest of reproducibility of an ethnic-specific FFQ to estimate nutrient intakes for South Asians in New Zealand
Authors: Parackal Sherly M , Skidmore Paula , Fleming Elizabeth A , Bailey Karl , Bradbury Kathryn E , Wall Clare R
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To develop and test–retest the reproducibility of an ethnic-specific FFQ to estimate nutrient intakes for South Asians (SA) in New Zealand (NZ).

Design:

Using culturally appropriate methods, the NZFFQ, a validated dietary assessment tool for NZ adults, was modified to include SA food items by analysing foods consumed by SA participants of the Adult Nutrition Survey, in-person audit of ethnic food stores and a web scan of ethnic food store websites in NZ. This was further refined via three focus group discussions, and the resulting New Zealand South Asian Food Frequency Questionnaire (NZSAFFQ) was tested for reproducibility.

Setting:

Auckland and Dunedin, NZ.

Participants:

Twenty-nine and 110 males and females aged 25–59 years of SA ethnicity participated in the focus group discussions and the test–retest, respectively.

Results:

The development phase resulted in a SA-specific FFQ comprising of 11 food groups and 180 food items. Test–retest of the NZSAFFQ showed good reproducibility between the two FFQ administrations, 6 months apart. Most reproducibility coefficients were within or higher than the acceptable range of 0·5–0·7. The lowest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were observed for β-carotene (0·47), vitamin B12 (0·50), fructose (0·55), vitamin C (0·57) and selenium (0·58), and the highest ICC were observed for alcohol (0·81), iodine (0·79) and folate (0·77). The ICC for fat ranged from 0·70 for saturated fats to 0·77 for polyunsaturated fats. The ICC for protein and energy were 0·68 and 0·72, respectively.

Conclusions:

The developed FFQ showed good reproducibility to estimate nutrient intakes and warrants the need for validation of the instrument.
Weedy rice (Oryza spp.): what’s in a name?
Authors: Roma-Burgos Nilda , San Sudo Maggie Pui , Olsen Kenneth M. , Werle Isabel , Song Beng-Kah
Published: March 2021

There are two species of cultivated rice in the world—Oryza sativa L. from Asia and Oryza glaberrima Steud. from Africa. The former was domesticated from the wild progenitor Oryza rufipogon Griff. and the latter from the African wild rice species Oryza barthii A. Shiv. The first known center of rice cultivation in China generated the O. sativa subspecies japonica. The indica subspecies arose from the second center of domestication in the Ganges River plains of India. Variants of domesticated lines and the continuous hybridization between cultivated varieties and the wild progenitor(s) resulted in weedy rice types. Some weedy types resemble the wild ancestor, but the majority of weedy rices today bear close resemblance to cultivated rice. Weedy rice accompanies rice culture and has increased in occurrence with the global shift in rice establishment from transplanting to direct-seeded or dry-drill-seeded rice. Weedy rice (Oryza spp.) is the most difficult weed to control in rice, causing as much as 90% yield loss or abandonment of severely infested fields. The gene flow continuum between cultivar and weedy rice or wild relative, crop de-domestication, and regionalized adaptation have resulted in a myriad of weedy rice types. The complex lineage of weedy rice has resulted in confusion of weedy rice nomenclature. Two names are generally used for weedy rice—Oryza sativa L. and Oryza sativa f. spontanea. Genomic data show that O. sativa L. applies to weedy rice populations derived from cultivated O. sativa, whereas O. sativa f. spontanea applies only to weedy types that primarily descended from O. rufipogon. Neither of these names applies to African weedy rice, which is of African wild rice or O. glaberrima lineage. Therefore, unless the lineage of the weedy population in question is known, the proper name to use is the generalized name Oryza spp.
Magma Reservoir and Magmatic Feeding System Beneath Hakone Volcano, Central Japan, Revealed by Highly Resolved Velocity Structure
Authors: Yukutake Y. , Abe Y. , Honda R. , Sakai S.
Published: March 2021

Delineation of the characteristics of magmatic fluid such as melt and water beneath volcanoes has been challenging. In this study, we obtained a detailed picture of the magma reservoir beneath the felsic caldera of Hakone volcano, central Japan using a velocity model obtained from a dense seismic observation network. In the shallow region of the caldera, a high‐velocity region associated with a solidified magma where many earthquake swarms occur was estimated, and a significantly low‐velocity region exists beneath the lower depth limit of seismicity, deeper than 6 km. The upper part of this low‐velocity region is interpreted as a water‐rich region established by the dehydration from the magma reservoir located beneath it. The temperature in this water‐rich zone was estimated to be above 350°C based on its location below the seismogenic depth. The upper depth of the magma reservoir was determined to be 9 km deep, where the high‐ratio of P‐ to S‐wave velocity was estimated. The volume fraction of melt was estimated as less than 10%, suggesting a highly crystallized mush structure. The low‐velocity zone was estimated beneath the shallow magma reservoir at a depth of 15 km and deep extension of the source region of deep low‐frequency earthquakes. The results could suggest the pathway of magma transport from the deep part of the volcano to this shallow reservoir.
Transports and Accumulations of Greenland Sea Intermediate Waters in the Norwegian Sea
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zhao Jinping , Hattermann Tore , Lin Long , Chen Ping
Published: March 2021

The Greenland Sea intermediate waters transported via the Jan Mayen Channel (JMCh) are a significant source for the Iceland‐Scotland Overflow Water. Based on hydrographic data collected by a Norway‐China survey in 2015 and Argo floats, we classify the water masses of the Greenland Sea outflow and then reveal their distributions in the Norwegian Sea. The Atlantic‐origin water produced by density increase during winter in the northern Greenland Sea was an important component of the intermediate waters exported to the Norwegian Sea, accounting for about 30% of the total volume in 2015. The hydrographic data revealed that the major passage of outflow from the Greenland Sea was located in the southern Mohn Ridge in 2015, rather than in the JMCh, as generally recognized. The transport of intermediate waters from the Greenland Sea via the southern Mohn Ridge in the summer of 2015 is estimated to be about 0.8–1.7 Sv. This transport pattern provides a perspective that there exists a multi‐passage system of outflow in the JMCh and Mohn Ridge, promoting a stable supply of intermediate waters to the Norwegian Sea.
Vertical Variation of Turbulent Entrainment Mixing Processes in Marine Stratocumulus Clouds Using High‐Resolution Digital Holography
Authors: Desai Neel , Liu Yangang , Glienke Susanne , Shaw Raymond A. , Lu Chunsong , Wang Jian , Gao Sinan
Published: March 2021

Marine stratocumulus clouds contribute significantly to the Earth's radiation budget due to their extensive coverage and high albedo. Yet, subgrid variability in cloud properties, such as aerosol concentration, droplet number, and precipitation rates, lead to considerable errors in global climate models. While these clouds usually have small vertical extent, turbulent entrainment‐mixing and precipitation can generate significant variations in droplet number, size, and relative dispersion with altitude. Here, we analyze turbulent entrainment‐mixing processes and the variability in cloud microphysical properties as a function of height within a warm marine stratocumulus cloud layer over the Eastern North Atlantic. We use high‐resolution airborne holographic measurements and compare them with local turbulence measurements. We find that entrainment‐mixing is primarily inhomogeneous near cloud top and homogeneous near cloud base. Further analysis of Damköhler number and transition scale number are able to explain the mixing mechanisms at different cloud heights using phase relaxation but not droplet evaporation as the microphysical time scale. A modified droplet evaporation time scale that considers local saturation deficit using a simple linear mixing model is developed, and it is able to reliably explain the observed mixing mechanisms. This study reinforces the importance of turbulent mixing and the use of appropriate microphysical time scales in determining cloud microphysical processes.
Variability of Surface Radiation Budget Components Over the U.S. From 1996 to 2019—Has Brightening Ceased?
Authors: Augustine John A. , Hodges Gary B.
Published: March 2021

The record of downwelling solar irradiance and other surface radiation budget components for the U.S. has been extended through 2019 using SURFRAD Network data. Brightening of surface solar irradiance of +7.36 Wm−2/decade occurred from 1996 through 2012. In 2013, surface solar radiation sharply decreased to the long‐term mean (representing 1996–2019) and remained near that level through 2017. Successive decreases in 2018 and 2019 yielded a dimming trend of −3.90 Wm−2/decade after 2012, but with a high uncertainty owing to the observed variability and brief period covered. Individually, all stations but Penn State showed brightening trends consistent with the network average, and surface solar irradiance decreased at all stations after 2012. Total surface net radiation showed similar tendencies but the reversal from increasing to decreasing was more gradual because of the response of surface net longwave to the changing solar input. Aerosol optical depth decreased continuously throughout the tenure of the network but accounted for only 3% of the variability of surface solar irradiance, while cloud fraction explained 62%. The mean cloud fraction was 2.4% greater during the dimming period than the brightening period but showed no trends due to high interannual variability. However, annual anomalies of direct‐normal solar radiation, which relate to sun duration and clouds, generally increased to 2012 and then decreased thereafter. Collectively, these results indicate that changing cloud cover was the primary source of brightening and dimming over the U.S. from 1996 to 2019.