bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auf dem Weg zur Telemedizin
Authors: Scheer Peter J.
Published: November 2020

Dieser Beitrag umfasst die Abschiedsrede (2012) zum Ende einer 28-jährigen Tätigkeit als Leiter der Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie innerhalb der Abteilung für allgemeine Pädiatrie der Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde im Landeskrankenhaus Graz. Dabei wird das Beziehungsdreieck zwischen Arzt, Eltern und Kind betrachtet: Die Aufgabe des Arztes ist es, aufmerksam die verbalen und non-verbalen Äußerungen der Kinder, der Eltern und letzten Endes auch seine eigenen wahrzunehmen. In einem Prozess des Handelns und Behandelns soll ärztliches Tun Teil eines gemeinsamen Erlebens werden. Dazu ist Feinfühligkeit ebenso nötig wie Selbstkritik und Achtung vor den Familien, die sich uns anvertrauen. Dies umzusetzen gelang uns auch bei Kleinkindern mit Essstörungen oder bei Kindern, die an Sondendependenz leiden. Die Spin-off Initiative NoTube GmbH für Kinder zwischen Null und 8 Jahren, die an Essstörungen leiden, wird als Fortsetzung der langjährigen Tätigkeit an der Medizinischen Universität Graz vorgestellt. Die Erfahrungen des psychosomatischen Verstehens und Handelns, die an der Klinik erworben wurden, können so – nach der Versetzung in den Ruhestand – weiterhin hunderten Familien zugutekommen. Durch die Errichtung eines Ambulatoriums und v.a. durch das Angebot, Familien telemedizinisch zu begleiten, ist es eine Medizin, die besonders in Zeiten der Covid-19-Pandemie den Weg in die Zukunft weist.
Determination of stress intensity factors for elements with sharp corner located on the interface of a bi-material structure or homogeneous material
Authors: Mieczkowski Grzegorz
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a new universal analytical and numerical method allowing for determination of stress intensity factors (SIFs) for notches and cracks located in both a homogeneous and a heterogeneous material. An advantage of the proposed method is that it does not require knowledge of an analytical description of singular stress/displacement fields or connection of SIFs to energy parameters such as energy release factor. In this method, a universal analytical function has been used, which in combination with data obtained using finite element method (FEM) allows for a direct determination of stress intensity factors. One parameter that is necessary to know when using the proposed method is the eigenvalue$$\lambda $$λ. The characteristic equation allowing for determination of the eigenvalues for any corner has been given herein. What is more, also a criterion clearly defining the nodes is determined, from which FEM numerical results are implemented to the developed analytical function. In order to verify the proposed method, for a selected group of geometrical and material structures with sharp corner, values of stress intensity factors were determined and compared to data available in the literature. Satisfactory compliance of obtained results with literature ones was found.
Doppler effect described by the solutions of the Cattaneo telegraph equation
Authors: Povstenko Yuriy , Ostoja-Starzewski Martin
Published: November 2020

The Cattaneo telegraph equation for temperature with moving time-harmonic source is studied on the line and the half-line domain. The Laplace and Fourier transforms are used. Expressions which show the wave fronts and elucidate the Doppler effect are obtained. Several particular cases of the considered problem including the heat conduction equation and the wave equation are investigated. The quasi-steady-state solutions are also examined for the case of non-moving time-harmonic source and time-harmonic boundary condition for temperature.
Early or delayed sigmoid resection in complicated diverticular disease? A single-center experience
Authors: Tschann Peter , Lechner Daniel , Feurstein Benedikt , Adler Stephanie , Girotti Paolo , Hufschmidt Martin , Königsrainer Ingmar
Published: November 2020

Background

Diverticular disease appears to be one of the most common conditions in the Western world. The standard approach in treatment of diverticular disease is a laparoscopic resection, usually after an inflammation-free time of 4 to 6 weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the timing of operation.

Materials and methods

A total of 61 patients underwent left-sided colonic resection because of diverticular disease between January 2017 and February 2020. Because of complicated diverticulitis (CDD stage 2a or 2b) 37 patients were treated either early within 7 days after first symptoms (group A: n = 17) or delayed about 6 weeks after the first contact and conservative therapy (group B: n = 20).

Results

Overall mortality was 0%. The average operation time was shorter in the early elective group (group A: 140.4 min vs. group B: 151.2 min; p = 0.29). The hospital stay (group A: 9.9 days vs. group B: 16.9 days) and the postoperative stay (group A: 4.8 days vs. group B: 8.1 days) were significantly longer in group B (p = 0.01). We observed—although not reliable due to the low number of patients—more postoperative complications in the delayed group (group A: 5.9% vs. group B: 15.0%; p = 0.61).

Conclusion

The data in this study confirm the early operation as safe and efficient due to lower costs. We can recommend an early approach in selected cases with the first episode of a complicated diverticulitis.
Comparing methods to estimate the proportion of turbine-induced bird and bat mortality in the search area under a road and pad search protocol
Authors: Maurer Joseph Duggan , Huso Manuela , Dalthorp Daniel , Madsen Lisa , Fuentes Claudio
Published: November 2020

Estimating bird and bat mortality at wind facilities typically involves searching for carcasses on the ground near turbines. Some fraction of carcasses inevitably lie outside the search plots, and accurate mortality estimation requires accounting for those carcasses using models to extrapolate from searched to unsearched areas. Such models should account for variation in carcass density with distance, and ideally also for variation with direction (anisotropy). We compare five methods of accounting for carcasses that land outside the searched area (ratio, weighted distribution, non-parametric, and two generalized linear models (glm)) by simulating spatial arrival patterns and the detection process to mimic observations which result from surveying only, or primarily, roads and pads (R&P) and applying the five methods. Simulations vary R&P configurations, spatial carcass distributions (isotropic and anisotropic), and per turbine fatality rates. Our results suggest that the ratio method is less accurate with higher variation relative to the other four methods which all perform similarly under isotropy. All methods were biased under anisotropy; however, including direction covariates in theglmmethod substantially reduced bias. In addition to comparing methods of accounting for unsearched areas, we suggest a semiparametric bootstrap to produce confidence-based bounds for the proportion of carcasses that land in the searched area.
Degrees of Doxastic Justification
Authors: Schulz Moritz
Published: November 2020

This paper studies degrees of doxastic justification. Dependency relations among different beliefs are represented in terms of causal models. Doxastic justification, on this picture, is taken to run causally downstream along appropriate causal chains. A theory is offered which accounts for the strength of a derivative belief in terms of (i) the strength of the beliefs on which it is based, and (ii) the epistemic quality of the belief-forming mechanisms involved. It is shown that the structure of degrees of justification converges to ranking theory under ideal conditions.
Applying evolutionary methods in economics: progress or pitfall?
Authors: Koliofotis Vaios
Published: November 2020

The Darwinian theory of evolution has arguably become an important building block for experimental and theoretical economists. According to Burnham (J Econ Behav Org 90:S113–S127, 2013), it is possible to formulate novel hypotheses and predictions about human preferences, on the basis of what patterns of behavior would have been adaptive in the ancestral environment. After clarifying two theoretical concepts, the Adaptively Relevant Environment and fitness maximization, I argue that multiple scientifically plausible hypotheses about human preferences are compatible with evolutionary models that target behavior. Moreover, I propose a refinement of Burnham’s method based on theoretical resources provided by the indirect evolutionary approach. Economists apply or build evolutionary models of their own that target particular features of human psychology and cognition. Such models may reduce the number of plausible hypotheses to allow for rigorous scientific testing in laboratory or field experiments.
Surface precipitation of supersaturated solutes in a ternary Fe–Au–W alloy and its binary counterparts
Authors: Fu Y. , Kwakernaak C. , Brouwer J. C. , Sloof W. G. , Brück E. , van der Zwaag S. , van Dijk N. H.
Published: November 2020

The precipitation of supersaturated solutes at free surfaces in ternary Fe–3Au–4W and binary Fe–3Au and Fe–4W alloys (composition in weight percentage) for different ageing times was investigated at a temperature of 700 °C. The time evolution of the surface precipitation is compared among the three alloys to investigate the interplay between the Au and W solutes in the ternary system. The Au-rich grain-interior surface precipitates show a similar size and kinetics in the Fe–Au–W and Fe–Au alloys, while the W-rich grain-interior surface precipitates show a smaller size and a higher number density in the Fe–Au–W alloy compared to the Fe–W alloy. The kinetics of the precipitation on the external free surface for the ternary Fe–Au–W alloy is compared to the previously studied precipitation on the internal surfaces of the grain-boundary cavities during creep loading of the same alloy.

Graphical abstract
Reconstructing Holocene landscape and environmental changes at Lago Rogaguado, Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Giesche Alena , Lombardo Umberto , Finsinger Walter , Veit Heinz
Published: November 2020

We performed geochemical analyses of two lake sediment cores (1.25 and 1.5 m long) from Lago Rogaguado, which is a large (315 km2) and shallow lake in the Llanos de Moxos, Bolivian Amazon, to investigate Holocene environmental changes based on a multi-proxy dataset (XRF, density, grain size, C:N, and macrocharcoal). One of the two cores provides a history of environmental changes in the Llanos de Moxos from 8100 cal BP until present, which supplements previously published pollen and microscopic charcoal records. Our analyses indicate lake expansion at 5800 cal BP, which may relate to tectonic activity. This was followed by further increasing lake levels, peaking at approximately 1050–400 cal BP, which supports increasingly wetter conditions in the Llanos de Moxos after the mid-Holocene. A fourfold increase in macroscopic charcoal accumulation rate and a more than fivefold increase in sedimentation rates supports anthropogenic fire activity at around 1450 cal BP (500 CE), suggesting that pre-Columbian populations used fire to actively manage the landscape during a period of maximum lake levels around Lago Rogaguado. From 400–100 cal BP, higher C:N, larger grain sizes and peaks in macroscopic charcoal accumulation rates suggest increased watershed erosion associated with increased biomass burning, possibly related to intensified land use.
Study comparing the efficacy and renal safety for patients with diabetes switching from dapagliflozin to empagliflozin
Authors: Yang Ai-Yu , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: November 2020

Background Previously, dapagliflozin was limited to patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, while empagliflozin can be used for those with an eGFR ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Therefore dapagliflozin was switched to empagliflozin in many patients when eGFR decreased. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of these switcfhes are not clear. Objective In this study, we compared the efficacy and renal safety between patients switching from dapagliflozin to empagliflozin in patients. Setting This is a retrospective study of adult patients (aged ≥ 20 years) who had attended the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. Method This retrospective observational study included patients who were switched from dapagliflozin to empagliflozin. To assess the effect of other hypoglycemic drugs on efficacy, the types and dose alterations of other hypoglycemic drugs were classified on the defined daily dose (DDD). Main outcome measure The primary outcome measure was the change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level after 6 months. Patients with HbA1c levels at or lower than the baseline value after 6 months were defined as effective and patients with levels higher than the baseline were defined as invalid. Safety was evaluated by comparing the difference of eGFR between the baseline value and 6 months after treatment. Results Overall, 111 patients were enrolled in the study. Six months after switching from dapagliflozin to empagliflozin, HbA1c significantly reduced, with no statistically significant difference observed in eGFR. In our study, 78 patients were assigned to the effective group (70.3%) and 33 patients were invalid (29.7%). When the other hypoglycemic drugs were grouped by total dosage, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c only decreased significantly in the "DDD decrease" and "DDD increase" groups. Conclusion Our study showed that switching from dapagliflozin to empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes was effective for blood glucose maintenance and caused no significant changes in renal function. In addition, compared to similar sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, other hypoglycemic drugs may be factors that influence the efficacy of sugar-lowering treatments.
α-Probabilistic flexible aggregate nearest neighbor search in road networks using landmark multidimensional scaling
Authors: Chung Moonyoung , Loh Woong-Kee
Published: November 2020

In spatial database and road network applications, the search for the nearest neighbor (NN) from a given query object q is the most fundamental and important problem. Aggregate nearest neighbor (ANN) search is an extension of the NN search with a set of query objects $$Q = \{ q_0, \dots , q_{M-1} \}$$

Q
=
{

q
0

,
⋯
,

q

M
-
1

}

and finds the object $$p^*$$

p
∗

that minimizes $$g \{ d(p^*, q_i), q_i \in Q \}$$

g
{
d

(

p
∗

,

q
i

)

,

q
i

∈
Q
}

, where g (max or sum) is an aggregate function and d() is a distance function between two objects. Flexible aggregate nearest neighbor (FANN) search is an extension of the ANN search with the introduction of a flexibility factor $$\phi \, (0 < \phi \le 1)$$

ϕ

(
0
<
ϕ
≤
1
)

and finds the object $$p^*$$

p
∗

and the set of query objects $$Q^*_\phi $$

Q
ϕ
∗

that minimize $$g \{ d(p^*, q_i), q_i \in Q^*_\phi \}$$

g
{
d

(

p
∗

,

q
i

)

,

q
i

∈

Q
ϕ
∗

}

, where $$Q^*_\phi $$

Q
ϕ
∗

can be any subset of Q of size $$\phi |Q|$$

ϕ
|
Q
|

. This study proposes an efficient $$\alpha $$
α
-probabilistic FANN search algorithm in road networks. The state-of-the-art FANN search algorithm in road networks, which is known as IER-$$k\hbox {NN}$$

k
NN

, used the Euclidean distance based on the two-dimensional coordinates of objects when choosing an R-tree node that most potentially contains $$p^*$$

p
∗

. However, since the Euclidean distance is significantly different from the actual shortest-path distance between objects, IER-$$k\hbox {NN}$$

k
NN

looks up many unnecessary nodes, thereby incurring many calculations of ‘expensive’ shortest-path distances and eventually performance degradation. The proposed algorithm transforms road network objects into k-dimensional Euclidean space objects while preserving the distances between them as much as possible using landmark multidimensional scaling (LMDS). Since the Euclidean distance after LMDS transformation is very close to the shortest-path distance, the lookup of unnecessary R-tree nodes and the calculation of expensive shortest-path distances are reduced significantly, thereby greatly improving the search performance. As a result of performance comparison experiments conducted for various real road networks and parameters, the proposed algorithm always achieved higher performance than IER-$$k\hbox {NN}$$

k
NN

; the performance (execution time) of the proposed algorithm was improved by up to 10.87 times without loss of accuracy.
The Role of Avoidance Coping and Escape Motives in Problematic Online Gaming: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Melodia Fiordalisa , Canale Natale , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: November 2020

Over the past two decades, research into Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has markedly increased due to worldwide spread of online videogames. The reasons and motivations for playing greatly contribute to its popularity. Escapism and avoidance coping strategies have been studied extensively and conceptualized as motives to play. A growing research base has demonstrated a strong association between these motives to play and negative gaming outcomes. Consequently, the aim of the present systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of avoidance coping and escape motives in problematic online gaming. A systematic literature search was carried out using academic databases and a total of 26 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. The results show that escapism and avoidance coping represent both a predictor of IGD and play a mediating role between many psychological factors (e.g., self-esteem, loneliness, self-concept, anxiety) and problematic online gaming. However, the review also highlights the paucity of longitudinal studies that hinder the determination of the causal direction of these associations. Despite this limitation, the evidence has important implication for developing more effective prevention programs and clinical interventions.
“I’d Probably Be Dead Now”: Evaluating the Impact of Theatre Practitioners Working on a Recovery-Based Community Drama Project
Authors: Kewley Stephanie , Van Hout Marie Claire
Published: November 2020

Aside from the often-fatal consequences of substance abuse, people recovering from addiction suffer greater adverse childhood experiences, trauma in adulthood, and inequalities than non-addicts. As a result, psychological, emotional, and developmental barriers can prevent effective recovery, leaving people traumatised, vulnerable, and doubly stigmatised. The challenge, therefore, is for recovery practitioners to deliver responses that not only treat biological problems resulting from addiction but also address psychological, social, and cultural needs. One group of professionals providing holistic approaches to people in recovery are arts-based practitioners. This paper derives from a 3-year longitudinal study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, to examine the psychosocial impact of one community-based drama project called Staging Recovery. The study found the work of theatre practitioners not only provided recovery participants safe spaces to explore sensitive and difficult recovery themes but the use of theatre techniques and ethically driven practice exposed participants to high-quality, social, cultural, and human capital.
Surgical management of 2- or 3-part proximal humeral fractures: comparison of plate, nail and K-wires
Authors: Setaro N. , Rotini M. , Luciani P. , Facco G. , Gigante A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are fairly common injuries, and their treatment is a challenge. The aim of this study is to compare clinical and functional outcomes of different osteosynthesis techniques.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients’ files and the hospital’s digital database between March 2002 and April 2018. We treated surgically 148 patients with 2- and 3-part PHFs: 64 with plate and screws, 53 with intramedullary nailing and 31 with retrogradeK-wires. We constituted three groups according to the type of treatment and two subgroups for each according to the number of fragments (Neer II or Neer III). Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores were recorded.

Results

Mean DASH and SF-12 scores both from the group treated with plate (Group I) and the one subjected to intramedullary nailing (Group II) were statistically superior to results from the patients treated by retrogradeK-wires (Group III), while nails showed better functional results than the locking plates. In the first two groups, no difference was found between Neer II and III subgroups, while in Group III the DASH scores were significantly better in Neer II subgroup than those in Neer III subgroup. Avascular necrosis was the most frequent cause of revision surgery in Group I (4 cases) where we had 8 cases of reintervention (12.5%). In Group II, the subacromial impingement was the only cause for revision surgery with 3 cases (5.6%).

Conclusions

Intramedullary nails showed better functional results and a lower complication rate than the locking plates. Both techniques showed superior results compared to those available with retrogradeK-wires. So the nail seems to be a more reliable and adequate method for treating 2- and 3-part proximal humeral fractures.
Young Adults’ Migration to Cities in Sweden: Do Siblings Pave the Way?
Authors: Mulder Clara H. , Lundholm Emma , Malmberg Gunnar
Published: November 2020

Young adult internal migration forms a large share of the influx of people into large cities in the developed world. We investigate the role of the residential locations of siblings for young adults’ migration to large cities, using the case of Sweden and its four largest cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö/Lund, and Uppsala. We use register data for the full Swedish-born population of young adults aged 18–28 living in Sweden in the years 2007–2013 and multinomial logistic regression analyses of migrating to each of the four cities or migrating elsewhere versus not migrating. Our point of departure is the paving-the-way hypothesis, which posits that young adults who have a sibling living at a migration destination are particularly likely to move to that destination, more so than to other destinations. Additional hypotheses are related to having more than one sibling in the city and to the gender of siblings living at the destination. We find support for the paving-the-way hypothesis and an additional effect for having more than one sibling in the city. Having a sibling of the same gender in a city matters more for moving there than having a sibling of the opposite gender.
Synergistic Integration of Detailed Meteorological and Community Information for Evacuation from Weather-Related Disasters: Proposal of a “Disaster Response Switch”
Authors: Takenouchi Kensuke , Yamori Katsuya
Published: November 2020

Meteorological information used for disaster prevention has developed rapidly in terms of both type and specificity. The latest forecasting models can predict weather with very high resolutions that can characterize disaster risk at the local level. However, this development can lead to an overdependency on the information and a wait-and-see attitude by the public. At the same time, residents share and use various types of information for disaster response, such as local conditions, in addition to official disaster information. Our research in Japan verified the practicality and efficiency of synergistically integrating these types of information by examining actual evacuation cases. The current numerical forecasting models sufficiently identify locality from the viewpoint of various administrative scales such as prefectures, municipalities, and school districts, but the improvements to these models have failed to improve residents’ judgment in successful evacuation cases. We therefore analyzed the relationship between meteorological information and residents’ disaster response and confirmed that they were strongly correlated and were contributing factors in preventing disasters. We revealed differences between a community’s disaster prevention culture and the disaster information provided. This led us to propose a new concept in community disaster prevention that we call the “disaster response switch,” which can serve as a data-driven risk management tool for communities when used in combination with advanced meteorological disaster information.
Unplanned hospital transfers from nursing homes: who is involved in the transfer decision? Results from the HOMERN study
Authors: Pulst Alexandra , Fassmer Alexander Maximilian , Schmiemann Guido
Published: November 2020

Background

Emergency department visits and hospital admissions are common among nursing home residents (NHRs) and seem to be higher in Germany than in other countries. Yet, research on characteristics of transfers and involved persons in the transfer decision is scarce.

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of hospital transfers from nursing homes (NHs) focused on contacts to physicians, family members and legal guardians prior to a transfer.

Methods

We conducted a multi-center study in 14 NHs in the regions Bremen and Lower Saxony (Northwestern Germany) between March 2018 and July 2019. Hospital transfers were documented for 12 months by nursing staff using a standardized questionnaire. Data were derived from care records and perspectives of nursing staff and were analyzed descriptively.

Results

Among 802 included NHRs, n = 535 unplanned hospital transfers occurred of which 63.1% resulted in an admission. Main reasons were deterioration of health status (e.g. fever, infections, dyspnea and exsiccosis) (35.1%) and falls/accidents/injuries (33.5%). Within 48 h prior to transfer, contact to at least one general practitioner (GP)/specialist/out-of-hour-care physician was 46.2% and varied between the NHs (range: 32.3–83.3%). GPs were involved in only 34.8% of transfer decisions. Relatives and legal guardians were more often informed about transfer (62.3% and 66.8%) than involved in the decision (21.8% and 15.1%).

Discussion

Contacts to physicians and involvement of the GP were low prior to unplanned transfers. The ranges between the NHs may be explained by organizational differences.

Conclusion

Improvements in communication between nursing staff, physicians and others are required to reduce potentially avoidable transfers.
Mechanical characteristic variation of ballastless track in high-speed railway: effect of train–track interaction and environment loads
Authors: Zhu Shengyang , Luo Jun , Wang Mingze , Cai Chengbiao
Published: November 2020

Due to the fact that ballastless tracks in high-speed railways are not only subjected to repeated train–track dynamic interaction loads, but also suffer from complex environmental loads, the fundamental understanding of mechanical performance of ballastless tracks under sophisticated service conditions is an increasingly demanding and challenging issue in high-speed railway networks. This work aims to reveal the effect of train–track interaction and environment loads on the mechanical characteristic variation of ballastless tracks in high-speed railways, particularly focusing on the typical interface damage evolution between track layers. To this end, a finite element model of a double-block ballastless track involving the cohesive zone model for the track interface is first established to analyze the mechanical properties of the track interface under the loading–unloading processes of the negative temperature gradient load (TGL) followed by the same cycle of the positive TGL. Subsequently, the effect of wheel–rail longitudinal interactions on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the track interface is investigated by using a vehicle-slab track vertical-longitudinal coupled dynamics model. Finally, the influence of dynamic water pressure induced by vehicle dynamic load on the mechanical characteristics and damage evolution of the track interface is elucidated using a fluid–solid coupling method. Results show that the loading history of the positive and negative TGLs has a great impact on the nonlinear development and distribution of the track interface stress and damage; the interface damage could be induced by the wheel–rail longitudinal vibrations at a high vehicle running speed owing to the dynamic amplification effect caused by short wave irregularities; the vehicle dynamic load could produce considerable water pressure that presents nonlinear spatial–temporal characteristics at the track interface, which would lead to the interface failure under a certain condition due to the coupled dynamic effect of vehicle load and water pressure.
Exploring Means to Enhance the Efficiency of GPU Bitmap Index Query Processing
Authors: Tran Brandon , Schaffner Brennan , Myre Joseph M. , Sawin Jason , Chiu David
Published: November 2020

Once exotic, computational accelerators are now commonly available in many computing systems. Graphics processing units (GPUs) are perhaps the most frequently encountered computational accelerators. Recent work has shown that GPUs are beneficial when analyzing massive data sets. Specifically related to this study, it has been demonstrated that GPUs can significantly reduce the query processing time of database bitmap index queries. Bitmap indices are typically used for large, read-only data sets and are often compressed using some form of hybrid run-length compression. In this paper, we present three GPU algorithm enhancement strategies for executing queries of bitmap indices compressed using word aligned hybrid compression: (1) data structure reuse (2) metadata creation with various type alignment and (3) a preallocated memory pool. The data structure reuse greatly reduces the number of costly memory system calls. The use of metadata exploits the immutable nature of bitmaps to pre-calculate and store necessary intermediate processing results. This metadata reduces the number of required query-time processing steps. Preallocating a memory pool can reduce or entirely remove the overhead of memory operations during query processing. Our empirical study showed that performing a combination of these strategies can achieve 32.4$$\times$$
×
to 98.7$$\times$$
×
speedup over the current state-of-the-art implementation. Our study also showed that by using our enhancements, a common gaming GPU can achieve a $$15.0\times$$

15.0
×

speedup over a more expensive high-end CPU.
The Effect of Exercise During Pregnancy on Maternal and Offspring Vascular Outcomes: a Pilot Study
Authors: Brislane Áine , Jones Helen , Holder Sophie M. , Low David A. , Hopkins Nicola D.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this pilot study is to obtain estimates for the change in maternal cerebrovascular (primary) and offspring vascular structure (secondary) during healthy pregnancy that includes structured exercise. Eighteen pregnant women self-assigned to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise intervention or a control group. Maternal cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the middle cerebral artery, cerebro- and peripheral-vascular function was assessed at the end of each trimester. Offspring carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured within 12 weeks of birth. For exploratory purposes, we performed statistical analysis to provide estimates of the change for primary and secondary outcome variables. Maternal CBF reduced (− 8 cm s−1[− 14 to − 2]) with evidence of change to cerebral autoregulation (normalised gain: 0.12 %cm s−1% mmHg−1mmHg/% [− 0.18 to 0.40]) during pregnancy. Offspring carotid IMT was smaller in the exercise group (− 0.04 mm [− 0.12–0.03]) compared with controls. Based upon this data, a sample size of 33 and 57 in each group is required for low-frequency normalised gain and offspring IMT, respectively. This would provide 90% power to detect statistically significant (P < 0.05) between group differences in a randomised controlled trial. CBF is reduced in pregnancy, possibly due to reduced vascular resistance and altered maternal cerebral autoregulation. Maternal exercise had negligible effects on cerebrovascular adaptation to pregnancy, but we observed lower offspring carotid artery wall thickness following maternal exercise. Our directional findings and sample size estimations should be explored in a fully powered randomised control trial.

Clinical trial registration: The trial was registered on March 14th athttps://register.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03079258). Participant enrolment began on 3rd April 2016.
Mitochondrial dynamics and segregation during the asymmetric division of Arabidopsis zygotes
Authors: Kimata Yusuke , Higaki Takumi , Kurihara Daisuke , Ando Naoe , Matsumoto Hikari , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Ueda Minako
Published: November 2020

The zygote is the first cell of a multicellular organism. In most angiosperms, the zygote divides asymmetrically to produce an embryo-precursor apical cell and a supporting basal cell. Zygotic division should properly segregate symbiotic organelles, because they cannot be synthesized de novo. In this study, we revealed the real-time dynamics of the principle source of ATP biogenesis, mitochondria, in Arabidopsis thaliana zygotes using live-cell observations and image quantifications. In the zygote, the mitochondria formed the extended structure associated with the longitudinal array of actin filaments (F-actins) and were polarly distributed along the apical–basal axis. The mitochondria were then temporally fragmented during zygotic division, and the resulting apical cells inherited mitochondria at higher concentration compared to the basal cells. Further observation of postembryonic organs showed that these mitochondrial behaviours are characteristic of the zygote. Overall, our results showed that the zygote has spatiotemporal regulation that unequally distributes the mitochondria.
Fast algorithms using orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Olver Sheehan , Slevinsky Richard Mikaël , Townsend Alex
Published: November 2020

We review recent advances in algorithms for quadrature, transforms, differential equations and singular integral equations using orthogonal polynomials. Quadrature based on asymptotics has facilitated optimal complexity quadrature rules, allowing for efficient computation of quadrature rules with millions of nodes. Transforms based on rank structures in change-of-basis operators allow for quasi-optimal complexity, including in multivariate settings such as on triangles and for spherical harmonics. Ordinary and partial differential equations can be solved via sparse linear algebra when set up using orthogonal polynomials as a basis, provided that care is taken with the weights of orthogonality. A similar idea, together with low-rank approximation, gives an efficient method for solving singular integral equations. These techniques can be combined to produce high-performance codes for a wide range of problems that appear in applications.
The Polarization of Ambient Noise on Mars
Authors: Stutzmann E. , Schimmel M. , Lognonné P. , Horleston A. , Ceylan S. , van Driel M. , Stahler S. , Banerdt B. , Calvet M. , Charalambous C. , Clinton J. , Drilleau M. , Fayon L. , Garcia R. F. , Giardini D. , Hurst K. , Jacob A. , Kawamura T. , Kenda B. , Margerin L. , Murdoch N. , Panning M. , Pike T. , Scholz J.‐R. , Spiga A.
Published: November 2020

Seismic noise recorded at the surface of Mars has been monitored since February 2019, using the InSight seismometers. This noise can reach −200 dB. It is 500 times lower than on Earth at night and it increases of 30 dB during the day. We analyze its polarization as a function of time and frequency in the band 0.03–1 Hz. We use the degree of polarization to extract signals with stable polarization independent of their amplitude and type of polarization. We detect polarized signals at all frequencies and all times. Glitches correspond to linear polarized signals which are more abundant during the night. For signals with elliptical polarization, the ellipse is in the horizontal plane below 0.3 Hz. In the 0.3‐1Hz high frequency band (HF) and except in the evening, the ellipse is in the vertical plane and the major axis is tilted. While polarization azimuths are different in the two frequency bands, they both vary as a function of local hour and season. They are also correlated with wind direction, particularly during the daytime. We investigate possible aseismic and seismic origins of the polarized signals. Lander or tether noise can be discarded. Pressure fluctuations transported by wind may explain part of the HF polarization but not the tilt of the ellipse. This tilt can be obtained if the source is an acoustic emission coming from high altitude at critical angle. Finally, in the evening when the wind is low, the measured polarized signals may correspond to the seismic wavefield of the Mars background noise.
Niche-adaptation in plant-associated Bacteroidetes favours specialisation in organic phosphorus mineralisation
Authors: Lidbury Ian D E A , Borsetto Chiara , Murphy Andrew R J , Bottrill Andrew , Jones Alexandra M E , Bending Gary D , Hammond John P , Chen Yin , Wellington Elizabeth M H , Scanlan David J
Published: November 2020

Bacteroidetes are abundant pathogen-suppressing members of the plant microbiome that contribute prominently to rhizosphere phosphorus mobilisation, a frequent growth-limiting nutrient in this niche. However, the genetic traits underpinning their success in this niche remain largely unknown, particularly regarding their phosphorus acquisition strategies. By combining cultivation, multi-layered omics and biochemical analyses we first discovered that all plant-associated Bacteroidetes express constitutive phosphatase activity, linked to the ubiquitous possession of a unique phosphatase, PafA. For the first time, we also reveal a subset of Bacteroidetes outer membrane SusCD-like complexes, typically associated with carbon acquisition, and several TonB-dependent transporters, are induced during Pi-depletion. Furthermore, in response to phosphate depletion, the plant-associated Flavobacterium used in this study expressed many previously characterised and novel proteins targeting organic phosphorus. Collectively, these enzymes exhibited superior phosphatase activity compared to plant-associated Pseudomonas spp. Importantly, several of the novel low-Pi-inducible phosphatases and transporters, belong to the Bacteroidetes auxiliary genome and are an adaptive genomic signature of plant-associated strains. In conclusion, niche adaptation to the plant microbiome thus appears to have resulted in the acquisition of unique phosphorus scavenging loci in Bacteroidetes, enhancing their phosphorus acquisition capabilities. These traits may enable their success in the rhizosphere and also present exciting avenues to develop sustainable agriculture.
Polygenic scores for schizophrenia and general cognitive ability: associations with six cognitive domains, premorbid intelligence, and cognitive composite score in individuals with a psychotic disorder and in healthy controls
Authors: Engen Magnus Johan , Lyngstad Siv Hege , Ueland Torill , Simonsen Carmen Elisabeth , Vaskinn Anja , Smeland Olav , Bettella Francesco , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole A. , Melle Ingrid
Published: November 2020

Cognitive impairments are considered core features in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Cognitive impairments are, to a lesser degree, also documented in healthy first-degree relatives. Although recent studies have shown (negative) genetic correlations between schizophrenia and general cognitive ability, the association between polygenic risk for schizophrenia and individual cognitive phenotypes remains unclear. We here investigated the association between a polygenic score for schizophrenia (SCZPGS) and six well-defined cognitive domains, in addition to a composite measure of cognitive ability and a measure of premorbid intellectual ability in 731 participants with a psychotic disorder and 851 healthy controls. We also investigated the association between a PGS for general cognitive ability (COGPGS) and the same cognitive domains in the same sample. We found no significant associations between the SCZPGS and any cognitive phenotypes, in either patients with a psychotic disorder or healthy controls. For COGPGS we observed stronger associations with cognitive phenotypes in healthy controls than in participants with psychotic disorders. In healthy controls, the association between COGPGS (at the p value threshold of ≥0.01) and working memory remained significant after Bonferroni correction (β = 0.12, p = 8.6 × 10−5). Altogether, the lack of associations between SCZPGS and COGPGS with cognitive performance in participants with psychotic disorders suggests that either environmental factors or unassessed genetic factors play a role in the development of cognitive impairments in psychotic disorders. Working memory should be further studied as an important cognitive phenotype.
A randomised clinical trial of methotrexate points to possible efficacy and adaptive immune dysfunction in psychosis
Authors: Chaudhry I. B. , Husain M. O. , Khoso A. B. , Husain M. I. , Buch M. H. , Kiran T. , Fu B. , Bassett P. , Qurashi I. , ur Rahman R. , Baig S. , Kazmi A. , Corsi-Zuelli F. , Haddad P. M. , Deakin B. , Husain N.
Published: November 2020

NMDA autoantibody encephalitis presenting as schizophrenia suggests the possible role of adaptive cell-mediated immunity in idiopathic schizophrenia. However, to our knowledge there have been no trials of the immune-suppressant methotrexate in schizophrenia. We tested if low-dose methotrexate as used in the treatment of systemic autoimmune disorders would be tolerable and effective in people with schizophrenia in a feasibility study. Ninety-two participants within 5 years of schizophrenia diagnosis were recruited from inpatient and outpatient facilities in Karachi, Pakistan. They were randomised to receive once weekly 10-mg oral methotrexate (n = 45) or matching placebo (n = 47) both with daily 5-mg folic acid, in addition to treatment as usual for 12 weeks. There were eight dropouts per group. Side effects were non-significantly more common in those on methotrexate and were not severe. One person developed leukopenia. Positive symptom scores improved more in those receiving methotrexate than placebo (β = −2.5; [95% CI −4.7 to −0.4]), whereas negative symptoms were unaffected by treatment (β = −0.39; [95% CI −2.01 to 1.23]). There were no immune biomarkers but methotrexate did not affect group mean leucocyte counts or C-reactive protein. We conclude that further studies are feasible but should be focussed on subgroups identified by advances in neuroimmune profiling. Methotrexate is thought to work in autoimmune disorders by resetting systemic regulatory T-cell control of immune signalling; we show that a similar action in the CNS would account for otherwise puzzling features of the immuno-pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
A novel lncRNA PTTG3P/miR-132/212-3p/FoxM1 feedback loop facilitates tumorigenesis and metastasis of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Wenyu , Tang Jian , Zhang Huiqing , Kong Fanyang , Zhu Huiyun , Li Ping , Li Zhaoshen , Kong Xiangyu , Wang Kaixuan
Published: November 2020

Pseudogene pituitary tumor-transforming 3 (PTTG3P) is emerging as a key player in the development and progression of cancer. However, the biological role and clinical significance of PTTG3P in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unclear. Here, we found that PTTG3P was significantly upregulated in PDAC tissues. Elevated PTTG3P expression correlated with larger tumor size and worse differentiation, and reduced overall survival. Bioinformatics and experimental evidence revealed that PTTG3P promoted malignant phenotypes and FoxM1 signaling pathway in PDAC cells. Mechanistically, PTTG3P functions as a microRNA sponge to positively regulate the expression of FoxM1 through sponging miR-132/212-3p. Moreover, it showed that FoxM1 transcriptionally activated PTTG3P expression, thus forming a feedback loop to promote the aggressiveness of PDAC cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that PTTG3P promotes PDAC progression through PTTG3P/miR-132/212-3p/FoxM1 feedforward circuitry and it may serve as a promising diagnostic marker or target for treatment in PDAC patients.
Validation of pore network modeling for determination of two-phase transport in fibrous porous media
Authors: Huang Xiang , Zhou Wei , Deng Daxiang
Published: November 2020

Pore network modeling (PNM) has been widely investigated in the study of multiphase transport in porous media due to its high computational efficiency. The advantage of PNM is achieved in part at the cost of using simplified geometrical elements. Therefore, the validation of pore network modeling needs further verification. A Shan-Chen (SC) multiphase lattice Boltzmann model (LBM) was used to simulate the multiphase flow and provided as the benchmark. PNM using different definitions of throat radius was performed and compared. The results showed that the capillary pressure and saturation curves agreed well when throat radius was calculated using the area-equivalent radius. The discrepancy of predicted phase occupations from different methods was compared in slice images and the reason can be attributed to the capillary pressure gradients demonstrated in LBM. Finally, the relative permeability was also predicted using PNM and provided acceptable predictions when compared with the results using single-phase LBM.
Mammographic tumour appearance is related to clinicopathological factors and surrogate molecular breast cancer subtype
Authors: Sturesdotter Li , Sandsveden Malte , Johnson Kristin , Larsson Anna-Maria , Zackrisson Sophia , Sartor Hanna
Published: November 2020

Mammographic tumour appearance may provide prognostic useful information. For example, spiculation indicates invasiveness, but also better survival compared to tumours with other appearances. We aimed to study the relationship between mammographic tumour appearance and established clinicopathological factors, including surrogate molecular breast cancer subtypes, in the large Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. A total of 1116 women with invasive breast cancer, diagnosed between 1991 and 2014, were included. Mammographic tumour appearance in relation to status for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, histological grade, Ki67 and molecular subtype was analysed using various regression models. All models were adjusted for relevant confounders, including breast density, which can affect mammographic appearance. The results consistently showed that spiculated tumours are indicative of favourable characteristics, as they are more likely to be ER and PR positive, and more often exhibit lower histological grade and lower Ki67 expression. Furthermore, spiculated tumours tend to be of luminal A-like subtype, which is associated with a good prognosis. The establishment of associations between mammographic tumour appearance and clinico­pathological factors may aid in characterizing breast cancer at an earlier stage. This could contribute to more individualized breast cancer treatment in the future.