bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does SUSY have friends? A new approach for LHC event analysis
Authors: Mullin Anna , Nicholls Stuart , Pacey Holly , Parker Michael , White Martin , Williams Sarah
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We present a novel technique for the analysis of proton-proton collision events from the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider. For a given final state and choice of kinematic variables, we build a graph network in which the individual events appear as weighted nodes, with edges between events defined by their distance in kinematic space. We then show that it is possible to calculate local metrics of the network that serve as event-by-event variables for separating signal and background processes, and we evaluate these for a number of different networks that are derived from different distance metrics. Using a supersymmetric electroweakino and stop production as examples, we construct prototype analyses that take account of the fact that the number of simulated Monte Carlo events used in an LHC analysis may differ from the number of events expected in the LHC dataset, allowing an accurate background estimate for a particle search at the LHC to be derived. For the electroweakino example, we show that the use of network variables outperforms both cut-and-count analyses that use the original variables and a boosted decision tree trained on the original variables. The stop example, deliberately chosen to be difficult to exclude due its kinematic similarity with the top background, demonstrates that network variables are not automatically sensitive to BSM physics. Nevertheless, we identify local network metrics that show promise if their robustness under certain assumptions of node-weighted networks can be confirmed.
Medizinischer Kinderschutz während des Corona-Lockdowns
Authors: Heimann T. , Ewert J. , Metzner F. , Sigmund F. , Jud A. , Pawils S.
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Es gibt Anhaltspunkte dafür, dass die Gefahr von Kindesmisshandlung, sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch und Vernachlässigung während der strengen Kontaktbeschränkungen im pandemiebedingten Lockdown zugenommen hat, während der Wegfall der gewohnten Mechanismen zur sozialen Kontrolle mutmaßlich zu einer Zunahme des Dunkelfelds geführt hat.

Ziel der Arbeit

Anhand der Kinderschutzfallzahlen und -qualitäten deutscher Kinderkliniken und Kinderschutzambulanzen sollen Aussagen über Häufigkeit und Schwere vermuteter Kindeswohlgefährdung während des pandemiebedingten Lockdowns getroffen werden.

Methoden

Im Mai 2020 erfolgte eine Onlinebefragung mit Items a) zur Beschreibung der Institution, b) zur nach Alter, Gewaltform und Schweregrad differenzierten Anzahl von Kinderschutzfällen in März/April 2019 und 2020 sowie c) zu Besonderheiten und Ideen für den Kinderschutz während der Pandemie.

Ergebnisse

In einer Vollerhebung wurden 343 Kinderkliniken und medizinische Kinderschutzambulanzen zur Onlinebefragung eingeladen; die Teilnahmequote lag bei 46 %. Es gaben 81 Einrichtungen Gesamtfallzahlen für März/April 2019 und März/April 2020 an. Bei den Ambulanzen konnte ein Rückgang von 454 auf 387 Fälle (−15 %) verzeichnet werden, bei den Kinderschutzgruppen von 307 auf 246 (−20 %). Hinsichtlich der Altersgruppen und der Formen der Gefährdung fanden sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Untersuchung beschreibt einen Rückgang der absoluten Fallzahlen im medizinischen Kinderschutz während des Lockdowns im März und im April 2020. Dieses Ergebnis stützt die Vermutung, dass das Dunkelfeld gefährdeter Kinder weiter gestiegen sein könnte. Weitere Datenerhebungen nach dem Lockdown werden die längerfristigen Auswirkungen besser bewerten können.
Klinische Umsetzbarkeit der kognitiven Screeningbatterie BICAMS bei Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose: Ergebnisse der Machbarkeitsstudie in Deutschland
Authors: Penner Iris﻿-﻿Katharina , Filser Melanie , Bätge Sharon Jean , Renner Alina , Ullrich Sebastian , Lassek Christoph
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose (MS) leiden in 40–70 % der Fälle unter kognitiven Störungen. Der kognitive Status gilt erwiesenermaßen als Prädiktor für Berufsfähigkeit und frühzeitige Berentung. Eine regelmäßige Erfassung der kognitiven Leistungsfähigkeit ist somit dringend indiziert.

Zielsetzung

Die deutsche Fassung der international empfohlenen BICAMS (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis) -Batterie wurde auf Praktikabilität in der klinischen Routine neurologischer Praxen in Deutschland multizentrisch überprüft.

Material und Methoden

Medizinische Fachangestellte (MFAs) wurden hinsichtlich der Durchführung und Auswertung von BICAMS geschult. Alle ausgewerteten Testbögen wurden von unabhängigen neuropsychologischen Experten überprüft.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 1606 BICAMS-Datensätze wurden in 65 Zentren erhoben. Von diesen konnten 1573 analysiert werden. 49,7 % der erhobenen Datensätze wurden inklusive aller Auswerteschritte korrekt durchgeführt. Bei den anderen 50,3 % fanden sich Durchführungs‑, Auswerte- oder Transformationsfehler. Nach Bereinigung der Stichprobe durch fehlerbehaftete Fälle ergaben sich Werte der Interrater-Reliabilität pro Testverfahren in Höhe von ICC $$\geq$$
≥
0,953.

Diskussion

Grundsätzlich ist BICAMS für den Einsatz im klinischen Alltag sehr zu empfehlen. Es bleibt allerdings zu betonen, dass obgleich die Interrater-Reliabilität für die final bereinigte Stichprobe sehr hoch war, im Gesamtdatensatz 50,3 % Durchführungs‑, Auswerte- oder Transformationsfehler gefunden wurden. Daraus lässt sich die Notwendigkeit ableiten, nichtpsychologisches Personal noch eingehender in der Anwendung und Auswertung von BICAMS durch Experten zu schulen und zu supervidieren.
An experimental investigation on tool wear behaviour of uncoated and coated micro-tools in micro-milling of graphene-reinforced polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Shakoori Niusha , Fu Guoyu , Le Bao , Khaliq Jibran , Jiang Long , Huo Dehong , Shyha Islam
Published: February 2021

Nanomaterials such as graphene have been added to various matrices to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties for various applications requiring intricate designs at the micro-scale. At this scale, mechanical micro-machining is utilised as post-processing to achieve high surface quality and dimensional accuracy while still maintaining high productivity. Therefore, in this study, the machinability of polymer nanocomposites in micro-scale (micro-machinability) is investigated. Graphene (0.3 wt%)-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated using traditional solution mixing and moulding. The samples were then subjected to micro-milling at various cutting speeds using three different micro-tools, including uncoated, diamond and diamond-like carbon (DLC) tools. Mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposite were also used to support the discussions. The result indicates that the DLC-coated tool shows better performance than the other tools for less tool wear, improved surface quality and less cutting forces.
Duality Hierarchies and Differential Graded Lie Algebras
Authors: Bonezzi Roberto , Hohm Olaf
Published: February 2021

The gauge theories underlying gauged supergravity and exceptional field theory are based on tensor hierarchies: generalizations of Yang-Mills theory utilizing algebraic structures that generalize Lie algebras and, as a consequence, require higher-form gauge fields. Recently, we proposed that the algebraic structure allowing for consistent tensor hierarchies is axiomatized by ‘infinity-enhanced Leibniz algebras’ defined on graded vector spaces generalizing Leibniz algebras. It was subsequently shown that, upon appending additional vector spaces, this structure can be reinterpreted as a differential graded Lie algebra. We use this observation to streamline the construction of general tensor hierarchies, and we formulate dynamics in terms of a hierarchy of first-order duality relations, including scalar fields with a potential.
Family feud: permanent group splitting in a highly philopatric mammal, the killer whale (Orcinus orca)
Authors: Stredulinsky Eva H. , Darimont Chris T. , Barrett-Lennard Lance , Ellis Graeme M. , Ford John K. B.
Published: February 2021

For animals that tend to remain with their natal group rather than individually disperse, group sizes may become too large to benefit individual fitness. In such cases, group splitting (or fission) allows philopatric animals to form more optimal group sizes without sacrificing all familiar social relationships. Although permanent group splitting is observed in many mammals, it occurs relatively infrequently. Here, we use combined generalized modeling and machine learning approaches to provide a comprehensive examination of group splitting in a population of killer whales (Orcinus orca) that occurred over three decades. Fission occurred both along and across maternal lines, where animals dispersed in parallel with their closest maternal kin. Group splitting was more common: (1) in larger natal groups, (2) when the common maternal ancestor was no longer alive, and (3) among groups with greater substructuring. The death of a matriarch did not appear to immediately trigger splitting. Our data suggest intragroup competition for food, leadership experience and kinship are important factors that influence group splitting in this population. Our approach provides a foundation for future studies to examine the dynamics and consequences of matrilineal fission in killer whales and other taxa.

Significance statement

Group living among mammals often involves long-term social affiliation, strengthened by kinship and cooperative behaviours. As such, changes in group membership may have significant consequences for individuals’ fitness and a population’s genetic structure. Permanent group splitting is a complex and relatively rare phenomenon that has yet to be examined in detail in killer whales. In the context of a growing population, in which offspring of both sexes remain with their mothers for life, we provide the first in-depth examination of group splitting in killer whales, where splitting occurs both along and across maternal lines. We also undertake the first comprehensive assessment of how killer whale intragroup cohesion is influenced by both external and internal factors, including group structure, population and group demography, and resource abundance.
Impact of Abdominal Incision Type on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Life Following Hepatectomy
Authors: Watanabe Genki , Ishizawa Takeaki , Yamamoto Satoshi , Kokudo Takashi , Nishioka Yujiro , Ichida Akihiko , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Arita Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the impact of abdominal incision type on postoperative pain and quality of life (QOL) in hepatectomy.

Methods

In patients undergoing hepatectomy by open, hybrid, or pure laparoscopic approaches, we classified abdominal incisions as: pure laparoscopic (LAP), midline (MID), J‐shaped (J), and J‐shaped incision plus thoracotomy (TRC). Postoperative pain was measured on postoperative day (POD) 3, 7, 30, and 90 using a visual analog scale (VAS). QOL was evaluated using the short‐form‐36 questionnaire preoperatively and on POD 30 and 90.

Results

We categorized 165 patients into LAP (n = 9, 5%), MID (n = 21, 13%), J (n = 95, 58%), and TRC (n = 40, 24%) groups. Median VAS scores on PODs 3/7/30/90 were: LAP, 27.5/7.5/10/10; MID, 30/10/15/5; J, 50/27.5/20/10, and TRC, 50/30/30/19. The J and TRC groups had significantly higher VAS scores vs. MID on PODs 3 and 7; the LAP and MID groups did not differ significantly. No significant positive correlations were observed between incision length and postoperative VAS, when we stratified patients into two groups according to the presence or absence of a transverse incision. Physical QOL summary scores did not return to preoperative levels even on POD 90, in patients with an additional transverse incision. Mental QOL summary scores worsened with postoperative complications rather than with abdominal incision type.

Conclusions

Transverse incisions, rather than incision length, led to worse midline incision pain and poorer QOL recovery post‐hepatectomy. A hybrid approach may be a considerable option when pure laparoscopic hepatectomy is technically difficult.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: UMIN000017467; http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm)
Hereditary Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Genotype, Phenotype and Outcomes in a North Indian Cohort
Authors: Valiveru Ramya C , Agarwal Gaurav , Agrawal Vinita , Mayilvaganan Sabaretnam , Chand Gyan , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Amit , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Bhatia Eesh
Published: February 2021

Background

Aggressiveness of hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (hMTC) has been conventionally described to correlate with American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk groups based on RET mutations. Recent evidence increasingly contradicts this notion. We studied the RET genotype and its correlation with disease phenotype and survival outcomes in a cohort of hMTC patients.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort of 55 hMTC patients from 23 families treated at a north Indian tertiary care institute over 15‐years, RET genotype was correlated with disease phenotype (clinical, biochemical, and pathological attributes) and outcomes in terms of biochemical cure (normalization of serum calcitonin), structural cure, overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS).

Results

Forty‐nine patients had Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)‐type 2A syndrome, 02 had MEN‐2B, and 4 had familial MTC. Two patients belonged to highest ATA risk, 41 to high‐risk, and 12 to moderate risk categories. Age of the patients or stage of disease at presentation did not differ significantly between the ATA risk groups. Though the baseline serum calcitonin was significantly higher in highest risk category, the biochemical cure rates were not significantly different. At a median follow up of 48 months (Inter‐quartile range 18–84, range 12–192) structural cure rates in ATA moderate and high risk groups were significantly higher than highest risk group (p = 0.04). No significant difference in OS between the three ATA groups of hMTC among the patients who underwent surgical treatment was observed (p = 0.098).

Conclusions

The ATA moderate and high risk groups have better structural cure rates compared to ATA highest risk group. The biochemical cure and overall survival rates did not significantly differ between ATA risk‐groups, and were impacted by the disease stage at presentation. The current ATA risk‐groups do not reliably predict the outcomes in terms of biochemical cure and survival in hMTC patients.
Subcutaneous daratumumab in Asian patients with heavily pretreated multiple myeloma: subgroup analyses of the noninferiority, phase 3 COLUMBA study
Authors: Iida Shinsuke , Ishikawa Takayuki , Min Chang Ki , Kim Kihyun , Yeh Su Peng , Usmani Saad Z. , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Nahi Hareth , Heuck Christoph , Qin Xiang , Parasrampuria Dolly A. , Gries Katharine S. , Qi Ming , Bahlis Nizar , Ito Shigeki
Published: February 2021

The phase 3 COLUMBA study demonstrated noninferiority of subcutaneous daratumumab (DARA SC) to intravenous daratumumab (DARA IV) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. We present a subgroup analysis of Asian patients from COLUMBA. Eligible patients had ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory drug, or were double refractory. Co-primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and maximum trough concentration (Ctrough). Secondary endpoints included rates of infusion-related reactions, progression-free survival, and patient-reported satisfaction with therapy. Sixty-seven Asian patients (DARA SC, n = 30; DARA IV, n = 37) were randomized, including 42 Japanese patients (DARA SC, n = 18; DARA IV, n = 24). Comparable ORRs for DARA SC versus DARA IV were seen in the Asian cohort (66.7% vs 43.2%) and Japanese-only cohort (61.1% vs 54.2%), including patients weighing ≤ 65 kg. Similarity of Ctrough was seen in both Asian and Japanese-only cohorts; the ratio of the geometric mean of the Ctrough concentrations for DARA SC/DARA IV was 143.96% (90% confidence interval (CI), 112.03–185.00%) and 148.02% (90% CI, 113.32–193.34%), respectively. The Asian cohort (both treatment groups) and Japanese-only cohort (DARA SC group) experienced higher rates of grade 3/4 cytopenias compared with the global COLUMBA population, occurring predominantly in patients of low bodyweight; no patients discontinued treatment due to cytopenias. The Cancer Therapy Satisfaction Questionnaire results generally favored DARA SC. In the Asian and Japanese-only cohorts, DARA SC was comparable to DARA IV. The efficacy, pharmacokinetic, safety, and satisfaction results were generally consistent with the global COLUMBA population regardless of patient bodyweight. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03277105
Serotype Distribution and Characteristics of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated from Pediatric Patients in Kunming, China
Authors: Ma Mingbiao , Yuan Mei , Li Ming , Li Xiaojuan , Huang Hailin , Wang Haiping , Li Jue , Du Tingyi , Huang Rongwei
Published: February 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the main conditional pathogen of acute respiratory infection in infants, children, and older adults worldwide. It was great significant to identify the epidemic characteristics of serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility for the prevention and treatment of S. pneumoniae diseases. This research assessed the serotype distribution and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of S. pneumoniae isolated from pediatric patients to provide information on the epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of S. pneumoniae in Kunming, China. A total of 140 S. pneumoniae isolates were collected from pediatric patients at Kunming Children’s Hospital from January 2016 to October 2017. Serotype identification was done by Quellung reaction and multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MICs were determined by E-test. 140 isolates distributed in 13 types of serotypes. The top-three prevalent serotypes were 19F, 19A, and 6B. The immunization coverage rate of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was relatively higher and should be introduced into the vaccination program in the region. MIC50 of penicillin, ceftriaxone, and levofloxacin was 1 μg/mL. MIC50 for meropenem and vancomycin was 0.38 μg/mL. MIC90 of penicillin, ceftriaxone, and levofloxacin was 1.5 μg/mL and that of meropenem and vancomycin was 0.5 μg/mL. The MIC90 of erythromycin was > 256 μg/mL. In summary, S. pneumoniae had low resistance rates to penicillin, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, vancomycin, and meropenem, and these antibiotics could be the first-line agents for children with pneumococcal infections in Kunming.
Role of high-density EEG (hdEEG) in pre-surgical epilepsy evaluation in children: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Quintiliani Michela , Bianchi Federico , Fuggetta Filomena , Chieffo Daniela Pia Rosaria , Ramaglia Antonia , Battaglia Domenica Immacolata , Tamburrini Gianpiero
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Electrical source imaging (ESI) and especially hdEEG represent a noninvasive, low cost and accurate method of localizing epileptic zone (EZ). Such capability can greatly increase seizure freedom rate in surgically treated drug resistant epilepsy cases. Furthermore, ESI might be important in intracranial record planning.

Case report

We report the case of a 15 years old boy suffering from drug resistant epilepsy with a previous history of DNET removal. The patient suffered from heterogeneous seizure semiology characterized by anesthesia and loss of tone in the left arm, twisting of the jaw to the left and dysarthria accompanied by daze; lightheadedness sometimes associated with headache and dizziness and at a relatively short time distance negative myoclonus involving the left hand. Clinical evidence poorly match scalp and video EEG monitoring thus requiring hdEEG recording followed by SEEG to define surgical target. Surgery was also guided by ECoG and obtained seizure freedom.

Discussion

ESI offers an excellent estimate of EZ, being hdEEG and intracranial recordings especially important in defining it. We analyzed our results together with the data from the literature showing how in children hdEEG might be even more crucial than in adults due to the heterogeneity in seizures phenomenology. The complexity of each case and the technical difficulties in dealing with children, stress even more the importance of a noninvasive tool for diagnosis. In fact, hdEEG not only guided in the presented case SEEG planning but may also in the future offer the possibility to replace it.
The effect of GMFCS level, age, sex, and dystonia on multi-dimensional outcomes after selective dorsal rhizotomy: prospective observational study
Authors:   Alder Hey Physiotherapy Group, Gillespie Conor Scott , George Alan Matthew , Hall Benjamin , Toh Steven , Islim Abdurrahman Ismail , Hennigan Dawn , Kumar Ram , Pettorini Benedetta
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Investigate the effect of age category (1–9 years vs 10–18 years), sex, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, and presence of dystonia on changes in eight function test parameters 24 months after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).

Methods

Prospective, single-center study of all children aged 3–18 years with bilateral cerebral palsy with spasticity who underwent SDR at a tertiary pediatric neurosurgery center between 2012 and 2019. A linear mixed effects model was used to assess longitudinal changes.

Results

From 2012 to 2019, 42 children had follow-up available at 24 months. Mean GMFM-66 scores increased after SDR (mean difference 5.1 units: 95% CI 3.05–7.13, p < 0.001). Statistically significant improvements were observed in CPQoL, PEDI Self-care and Mobility, 6MWT, Gillette, and MAS scores. There was no significant difference in the improvements seen for age category, sex, GMFCS level, and presence of dystonia for most of the parameters tested (5/8, 6/8, 5/8, and 6/8 respectively).

Conclusion

SDR may improve gross and fine motor function, mobility and self-care, quality of life, and overall outcome based on extensive scoring parameter testing at 24 months. Atypical patient populations may benefit from SDR if appropriately selected. Multi-center, prospective registries investigating the effect of SDR are required.
Pathomechanisms and therapeutic opportunities in radiation-induced heart disease: from bench to bedside
Authors: Sárközy Márta , Varga Zoltán , Gáspár Renáta , Szűcs Gergő , Kovács Mónika G. , Kovács Zsuzsanna Z. A. , Dux László , Kahán Zsuzsanna , Csont Tamás
Published: February 2021

Cancer management has undergone significant improvements, which led to increased long-term survival rates among cancer patients. Radiotherapy (RT) has an important role in the treatment of thoracic tumors, including breast, lung, and esophageal cancer, or Hodgkin's lymphoma. RT aims to kill tumor cells; however, it may have deleterious side effects on the surrounding normal tissues. The syndrome of unwanted cardiovascular adverse effects of thoracic RT is termed radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), and the risk of developing RIHD is a critical concern in current oncology practice. Premature ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valve abnormalities, and electrical conduct defects are common forms of RIHD. The underlying mechanisms of RIHD are still not entirely clear, and specific therapeutic interventions are missing. In this review, we focus on the molecular pathomechanisms of acute and chronic RIHD and propose preventive measures and possible pharmacological strategies to minimize the burden of RIHD.
Tremor measurements in a 22-year cohort study of workers exposed to hand-held vibrating tools
Authors: Bast-Pettersen Rita , Nordby Karl-Christian , Wastensson Gunilla , Aarhus Lisa
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The objectives of this cohort study were to evaluate possible long-term effects of occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) in terms of increased tremor. The aims were to evaluate whether exposure during follow-up, baseline hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), baseline manual dexterity or current medical conditions or life-style habits might be associated with increased tremor. A further aim was to compare two different activation conditions: postural vs rest tremor.

Methods

Forty men (current age: 60.4 years) who had previously worked as manual workers in a specialized engineering and construction company enrolled in the study. Their hand functions had been examined in 1994. At the baseline examination, 27 had been diagnosed with HAVS, while 13 were not exposed. The follow-up examination in 2016–2017 comprised the CATSYS Tremor Pen®for measuring postural and rest tremor and the Grooved Pegboard Test for assessing manual dexterity. Blood samples were taken for assessing biomarkers that might have impact on tremor.

Results

Neither cumulative exposure to HAV during follow-up nor HAVS at baseline were associated with increased tremor. A test for manual dexterity at baseline was significantly associated with increased tremor (Tremor Intensity) at follow-up. Blood markers of current medical conditions and tobacco consumption were associated with increased tremor. Rest tremor frequency was higher than postural tremor frequency (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The main findings of this 22-year cohort study were no indications of long-term effects on tremor related to HAV exposure and previous HAVS status. However, baseline manual dexterity was significantly associated with increased tremor at follow-up. Activation conditions (e.g., hand position) are important when testing tremor.
The Fuzzy Kinetics Index: an indicator conflating cardiorespiratory kinetics during dynamic exercise
Authors: Drescher U.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to develop a novel index using fuzzy logic procedures conflating cardiorespiratory and pulmonary kinetics during dynamic exercise as a representative indicator for exercise tolerance.

Methods

Overall 69 data sets were re-analyzed: (age: 29 ± 1.2 y [mean ± SEM], height: 179 ± 1.0 cm; body mass: 78 ± 1.4 kg; peak oxygen uptake ($$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

̇O2peak): 48 ± 1.1 ml·min−1·kg−1), that comprised pseudo random binary sequence work rate (WR) changes between 30 and 80 W on a cycle ergometer, with additional voluntary exhaustion to estimate $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2peak. Heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and gas exchange (pulmonary oxygen uptake ($$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2pulm)) were measured beat-to-beat and breath-by-breath, respectively. For estimation of muscle oxygen uptake ($$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2musc) kinetics and for the analysis of kinetic responses of the parameters of interest (perfusion ($$\dot {\text{Q}}$$

Q
˙

 = HR·SV), $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2pulm, $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2musc) the approach of Hoffmann et al. (2013) was applied. For calculation of the Fuzzy Kinetics Index $$\dot {\text{Q}}$$

Q
˙

, $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2pulm, and $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2musc were used as input variables for the subsequent fuzzy- and defuzzyfication procedures.

Results

For both absolute and relative $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2peak a significant correlation has been observed with FKI, whereas the correlation coefficient is higher for relative (r = 0.430; p < 0.001; n = 69) compared to absolute $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2peak (r = 0.358; p < 0.01; n = 69). No significant correlations have been found between FKI and age, height or body mass (p > 0.05 each).

Conclusions

The significant correlations between FKI and $$\dot {\text{V}}$$

V
˙

O2peak represent a physiological connection between the regulatory and the capacitive system and its exercise performance. In turn, the application of FKI can serve as an indicator for healthy participants to assess exercise tolerance and sport performance.
Insulitis in the pancreas of non-diabetic organ donors under age 25 years with multiple circulating autoantibodies against islet cell antigens
Authors: Smeets Silke , De Paep Diedert Luc , Stangé Geert , Verhaeghen Katrijn , Van der Auwera Bart , Keymeulen Bart , Weets Ilse , Ling Zhidong , in’t Veld Peter , Gorus Frans
Published: February 2021

Autoantibodies against islet cell antigens are routinely used to identify subjects at increased risk of symptomatic type 1 diabetes, but their relation to the intra-islet pathogenetic process that leads to positivity for these markers is poorly understood. We screened 556 non-diabetic organ donors (3 months to 24 years) for five different autoantibodies and found positivity in 27 subjects, 25 single- and two double autoantibody-positive donors. Histopathological screening of pancreatic tissue samples showed lesion characteristic for recent-onset type 1 diabetes in the two organ donors with a high-risk profile, due to their positivity for multiple autoantibodies and HLA-inferred risk. Inflammatory infiltrates (insulitis) were found in a small fraction of islets (<5%) and consisted predominantly of CD3+CD8+ T-cells. Islets with insulitis were found in close proximity to islets devoid of insulin-positivity; such pseudo-atrophic islets were present in multiple small foci scattered throughout the pancreatic tissue or were found to be distributed with a lobular pattern. Relative beta cell area in both single and multiple autoantibody-positive donors was comparable to that in autoantibody-negative controls. In conclusion, in organ donors under age 25 years, insulitis and pseudo-atrophic islets were restricted to multiple autoantibody-positive individuals allegedly at high risk of developing symptomatic type 1 diabetes, in line with reports in older age groups. These observations may give further insight into the early pathogenetic events that may culminate in clinically overt disease.
A regularity criterion for a 2D tropical climate model with fractional dissipation
Authors: Bisconti Luca
Published: February 2021

Tropical climate model derived by Frierson et al. (Commun Math Sci 2:591–626, 2004) and its modified versions have been investigated in a number of papers [see, e.g., Li and Titi (Discrete Contin Dyn Syst Series A 36(8):4495–4516, 2016), Wan (J Math Phys 57(2):021507, 2016), Ye (J Math Anal Appl 446:307–321, 2017) and more recently Dong et al. (Discrete Contin Dyn Syst Ser B 24(1):211–229, 2019)]. Here, we deal with the 2D tropical climate model with fractional dissipative terms in the equation of the barotropic mode u and in the equation of the first baroclinic mode v of the velocity, but without diffusion in the temperature equation, and we establish a regularity criterion for this system.
The impact of biased sampling of event logs on the performance of process discovery
Authors: Fani Sani Mohammadreza , van Zelst Sebastiaan J. , van der Aalst Wil M. P.
Published: February 2021

With Process discovery algorithms, we discover process models based on event data, captured during the execution of business processes. The process discovery algorithms tend to use the whole event data. When dealing with large event data, it is no longer feasible to use standard hardware in a limited time. A straightforward approach to overcome this problem is to down-size the data utilizing a random sampling method. However, little research has been conducted on selecting the right sample, given the available time and characteristics of event data. This paper systematically evaluates various biased sampling methods and evaluates their performance on different datasets using four different discovery techniques. Our experiments show that it is possible to considerably speed up discovery techniques using biased sampling without losing the resulting process model quality. Furthermore, due to the implicit filtering (removing outliers) obtained by applying the sampling technique, the model quality may even be improved.
Association between kidney stones and risk of developing stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Min , Zhou Huang-Yan , Hu Fan , Liu Shi-Ying , Rao Wei , Wu Ling-Feng , Nie Hong-Bing , Cao Wen-Feng
Published: February 2021

Background

Many studies have described the relationship between kidney stones and stroke, but the results are controversial, so we conducted this meta-analysis to estimate the relationship between kidney stones and the risk of developing stroke.

Methods

Studies were marked with a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google, and ISI Web of Science databases through 25 March 2020. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted, and a random-effects model or fix-effects model was used to compute the pooled combined risk estimate. Heterogeneity was reported as I2. We performed subgroup and sensitivity analysis to assess potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Eight studies of seven articles involving 3,526,808 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, kidney stones were associated with a moderate risk of stroke incidence (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.11–1.40; I2=79.6%; p=0.000). We conducted a sensitivity analysis by removing the studies that had a high risk of bias. Heterogeneity subsequently decreased significantly, while an increased risk of stroke in patient with kidney stones was again demonstrated (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11–1.23; I2=28.7%; p=0.000). Stratifying analysis showed that the results were more pronounced for ischemic stroke (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08–1.22; I2=15.6%; p=0.00) and the follow-up duration ≥10 years (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10–1.27; I2=31.6%; p=0.003).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that patients with kidney stones may have a modestly increased risk of developing stroke, especially in ischemic stroke. More large-scaled and clinical trials should be done to identify the relative impact of kidney stones on stroke outcomes in the future.
Fosfomycin in continuous or prolonged infusion for systemic bacterial infections: a systematic review of its dosing regimen proposal from in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies
Authors: Antonello Roberta Maria , Di Bella Stefano , Maraolo Alberto Enrico , Luzzati Roberto
Published: February 2021

Fosfomycin (FOS) administered intravenously has been recently rediscovered for the treatment of systemic infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Its pharmacokinetic properties suggest a time-dependent dosing schedule with more clinical benefits from prolonged (PI) or continuous infusion (CI) than from intermittent infusion. We revised literature concerning PI and CI FOS to identify the best dosing regimen based on current evidence. We performed a MEDLINE/PubMed search. Ninety-one studies and their pertinent references were screened. Seventeen studies were included in the present review. The activity of FOS against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was evaluated in fourteen and five studies, respectively. Six studies evaluated FOS activity in combination with another antibiotic. Daily dosing of 12, 16, 18 or 24 g, administered with different schedules, were investigated. These regimens resulted active against the tested isolates in most cases. Emergence of resistant isolates has been shown to be preventable through the coadministration of another active antibiotic. FOS is a promising option to treat systemic infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Coadministration with another active molecule is required to prevent the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. The results of our review suggest that a therapeutic regimen including a loading dose of FOS 8 g followed by a daily dose of 16 g or 24 g CI could be the best therapeutic approach for patients with normal renal function. The dosing regimens in patients with renal insufficiency and CI or PI superiority compared with intermittent infusion in clinical settings should be further investigated.
Evaluation of two rapid phenotypical tests—Alifax rapid AST colistin test and Rapid Polymyxin NP test—for detection of colistin resistance in Enterobacterales
Authors: Germ Julija , Seme Katja , Cerar Tjasa , Krizan Hergouth Veronika , Pirs Mateja
Published: February 2021

Our study evaluates the performance of two rapid phenotypical tests to detect colistin resistance in Enterobacterales: Alifax rapid AST colistin test using the HB&L system and Rapid Polymyxin NP test prepared in-house. A collection of well-characterized 53 colistin-susceptible and 66 colistin-resistantEnterobacterales isolates was used. The results obtained using both rapid tests were compared to the reference broth microdilution. Overall categorical agreement was 81.5% for Alifax test and 98.3% for Rapid Polymyxin NP test. Based on our results, the Rapid Polymyxin NP test is superior to the Alifax test that performed inadequate for Enterobacter spp.
Genetic Dissection of a Precocious Phenotype in Male Tiger Pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) using Genotyping by Random Amplicon Sequencing, Direct (GRAS-Di)
Authors: Yoshikawa Sota , Hamasaki Masaomi , Kadomura Kazushi , Yamada Toshiyuki , Chuda Hisashi , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Hosoya Sho
Published: February 2021

The novel non-targeted PCR-based genotyping system, namely Genotyping by Random Amplicon Sequencing, Direct (GRAS-Di), is characterized by the simplicity in library construction and robustness against DNA degradation and is expected to facilitate advancements in genetics, in both basic and applied sciences. In this study, we tested the utility of GRAS-Di for genetic analysis in a cultured population of the tiger pufferfishTakifugu rubripes. The genetic analyses included family structure analysis, genetic map construction, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for the male precocious phenotype using a population consisting of four full-sib families derived from a genetically precocious line. An average of 4.7 million raw reads were obtained from 198 fish. Trimmed reads were mapped onto a Fugu reference genome for genotyping, and 21,938 putative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained. These 22 K SNPs accurately resolved the sibship and parent–offspring pairs. A fine-scale linkage map (total size: 1,949 cM; average interval: 1.75 cM) was constructed from 1,423 effective SNPs, for which the allele inheritance patterns were known. QTL analysis detected a significant locus for testes weight on Chr_14 and three suggestive loci on Chr_1, Chr_8, and Chr_19. The significant QTL was shared by body length and body weight. The effect of each QTL was small (phenotypic variation explained, PVE: 3.1–5.9%), suggesting that the precociousness seen in the cultured pufferfish is polygenic. Taken together, these results indicate that GRAS-Di is a practical genotyping tool for aquaculture species and applicable for molecular breeding programs, such as marker-assisted selection and genomic selection.
Chronic vagus nerve stimulation is associated with multi-year improvement in intrinsic heart rate recovery and left ventricular ejection fraction in ANTHEM-HF
Authors: Nearing Bruce D. , Libbus Imad , Carlson Gerrard M. , Amurthur Badri , KenKnight Bruce H. , Verrier Richard L.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Disturbed autonomic function is implicated in high mortality rates in heart failure patients. High-intensity vagus nerve stimulation therapy was shown to improve intrinsic heart rate recovery and left ventricular ejection fraction over a period of 1 year. Whether these beneficial effects are sustained across multiple years and are related to improved baroreceptor response was unknown.

Methods

All patients (n = 21) enrolled in the ANTHEM-HF clinical trial (NCT01823887, registered 4/3/2013) with 24 h ambulatory electrocardiograms at all time points and 54 normal subjects (PhysioNet database) were included. Intrinsic heart rate recovery, based on ~ 2000 spontaneous daily activity-induced heart rate acceleration/deceleration events per patient, was analyzed at screening and after 12, 24, and 36 months of chronic vagus nerve stimulation therapy (10 or 5 Hz, 250 μs pulse width, 18% duty cycle, maximum tolerable current amplitude).

Results

In response to chronic high-intensity vagus nerve stimulation (≥ 2.0 mA), intrinsic heart rate recovery (all time points, p < 0.0001), heart rate turbulence slope, an indicator of baroreceptor reflex gain (all, p ≤ 0.02), and left ventricular ejection fraction (all, p ≤ 0.04) were improved over screening at 12, 24, and 36 months. Intrinsic heart rate recovery and heart rate turbulence slope were inversely correlated at both screening (r = 0.67, p < 0.002) and 36 months (r = 0.78, p < 0.005).

Conclusion

This non-randomized study provides evidence of an association between improvement in intrinsic heart rate recovery and left ventricular ejection fraction during high-intensity vagus nerve stimulation for a period of ≥ 3 years. Correlated favorable effects on heart rate turbulence slope implicate enhanced baroreceptor function in response to chronic, continuously cyclic vagus nerve stimulation as a physiologic mechanism.
Das artenschutzrechtliche Tötungsverbot als abgestuftes Schutzregime
Authors: Huggins Benedikt
Published: February 2021

Das in §44 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 BNatSchG verankerte artenschutzrechtliche Tötungsverbot ist eine
zentrale Norm des Naturschutzrechts mit erheblicher praktischer Relevanz. Dies führte zu Anwendungsschwierigkeiten
und veranlasste die Rechtsprechung, das Signifikanzkriterium zu entwickeln, welches der Gesetzgeber in §44
Abs. 5 S. 2 Nr. 1 BNatSchG aufgenommen hat. Eine systematische Aufarbeitung der neuen Gesetzeslage hat
trotz seiner praktischen Relevanz bislang kaum stattgefunden. Der Beitrag nimmt sich zum Ziel, die von
der Rechtsprechung entwickelten und vom Gesetzgeber ausgestalteten Kriterien herauszuarbeiten und vor dem
Hintergrund der Bundesverfassungsgerichtsentscheidung zur naturschutzrechtlichen Einschätzungsprärogative
zu strukturieren. Der Beitrag soll aufzeigen, wie das Tötungsverbot – ursprünglich als
reine Verbotsnorm konzipiert – zu einem abgestuften, an naturschutzfachlichen Erwägungen orientierten
Schutzregime fortentwickelt wurde, das mit der Novellierung 2017 und der Bundesverfassungsgerichtsentscheidung
eine neue Ausprägungsstufe erreicht hat.
Vereinbarkeit des neuen Brennstoffemissionshandelsgesetzes mit der Finanzverfassung
Authors: Hennicke Lucas
Published: February 2021

Das neue Brennstoffemissionshandelsgesetz (BEHG) soll durch einen ab 2021 greifenden Preisanreiz dafür
sorgen, dass vor allem in den Bereichen Verkehr und Wärme CO2-Emissionen eingespart werden. Zweifel
an der Vereinbarkeit mit der Finanzverfassung wurden allerdings laut an der sog. Einführungsphase,
die einen Verkauf der Zertifikate zu einem Fixpreis vorsieht, sowie an der anschließenden Übergangsphase,
in der eine Versteigerung innerhalb eines Preiskorridors mit Unter- und Obergrenze stattfindet. Dieser
Aufsatz möchte zeigen, dass das BEHG in der bestehenden Abgabensystematik verortet und gerechtfertigt
werden kann. Hierfür werden die für die finanzverfassungsrechtliche Bewertung relevanten Regelungsinstrumente
des BEHG dargestellt (1), geprüft, ob sich hinter dem Fixpreis bzw. der Preisobergrenze eine Steuer
verbirgt (2) und schließlich eine Einordnung als nichtsteuerliche Abgabe und deren Rechtfertigung thematisiert
(3).
Acinetobacter stercoris sp. nov. isolated from output source of a mesophilic german biogas plant with anaerobic operating conditions
Authors: Pulami Dipen , Schauss Thorsten , Eisenberg Tobias , Blom Jochen , Schwengers Oliver , Bender Jennifer K. , Wilharm Gottfried , Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P.
Published: February 2021

The Gram-stain-negative, oxidase negative, catalase positive strain KPC-SM-21T, isolated from a digestate of a storage tank of a mesophilic German biogas plant, was investigated by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic identification based on the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene revealed highest gene sequence similarity toAcinetobacter baumanniiATCC 19606T(97.0%). Phylogenetic trees calculated based on partial rpoBandgyrBgene sequences showed a distinct clustering of strain KPC-SM-21TwithAcinetobacter gerneriDSM 14967T = CIP 107464Tand not withA. baumannii, which was also supported in the five housekeeping genes multilocus sequence analysis based phylogeny. Average nucleotide identity values between whole genome sequences of strain KPC-SM-21Tand next related type strains supported the novel species status. The DNA G + C content of strain KPC-SM-21Twas 37.7 mol%. Whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS analysis supported the distinctness of the strain to type strains of next relatedAcinetobacterspecies. Predominant fatty acids were C18:1ω9c (44.2%), C16:0(21.7%) and a summed feature comprising C16:1ω7c and/or iso-C15:02-OH (15.3%). Based on the obtained genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data we concluded that strain KPC-SM-21Trepresents a novel species of the genusAcinetobacter, for which the nameAcinetobacter stercorissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KPC-SM-21T(= DSM 102168T = LMG 29413T).
Multidimensional niche differentiation might buffer invasion impacts: the case of oligohaline corophiids (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Borza Péter , Arbačiauskas Kęstutis , Zettler Michael L.
Published: February 2021

Multidimensional niche differentiation might increase the stability of coexistence by reducing overall niche overlap which might have implications on the dynamics of biological invasions. The oligohaline Baltic Seais inhabited by three native and one invasive corophiid amphipod species. These filter feeding crustaceans differ in their substrate preferences and salinity optima which could potentially allow their robust coexistence. However, recent theory predicts that competing species must diverge across all non-substitutable resources (e.g., food and space). We have measured the filter mesh size in the four species (i.e., the distance between bristles on the filtering setae), revealing considerable differences among the three natives (Apocorophium lacustre, Corophium multisetosum and C. volutator), whereas the invasive Chelicorophium curvispinum showed strong overlap with A. lacustre. Theory suggests that the four species cannot coexist robustly due to their overlap in food particle size irrespective of differences in their salinity optima and substrate preferences which is in accordance with observations of local extinctions of A. lacustre. Nevertheless, the stability ensuing from the multidimensional niche differentiation might delay competitive exclusion; i.e., the spatial separation by salinity and substrate types might decrease the intensity of competition for food. Our data for co-occurring populations indicate that A. lacustre might be able to decrease its filter mesh size overlap with C. curvispinum by character displacement and its broader salinity tolerance also might help the native species to persist in the region. However, the niche shift of the species might increase its overlap with C. multisetosum.