bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersion relation analysis of the radiative corrections to gA in the neutron β-decay
Authors: Gorchtein Mikhail , Seng Chien-Yeah
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We present the first and complete dispersion relation analysis of the inner radiative corrections to the axial coupling constant gA in the neutron β-decay. Using experimental inputs from the elastic form factors and the spin-dependent structure function g1, we determine the contribution from the γW-box diagram to a precision better than 10−4. Our calculation indicates that the inner radiative corrections to the Fermi and the Gamow-Teller matrix element in the neutron β-decay are almost identical, i.e. the ratio λ = gA/gV is almost unrenormalized. With this result, we predict the bare axial coupling constant to be $$ {\overset{\circ }{g}}_A=-1.2754{(13)}_{\mathrm{exp}}{(2)}_{\mathrm{RC}} $$

g
∘

A

=
−
1.2754

13

exp

2

RC

based on the PDG average λ = −1.2756(13).
Water vapour radiometry in geodetic very long baseline interferometry telescopes: assessed through simulations
Authors: Forkman Peter , Flygare Jonas , Elgered Gunnar
Published: October 2021

The accuracy of geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is affected by water vapour in the atmosphere in terms of variations in the signal propagation delay at the different stations. This “wet” delay may be estimated directly from the VLBI data, as well as from independent instruments, such as collocated microwave radiometers. Rather than having stand-alone microwave radiometers we have, through simulations, evaluated the possibility to use radiometric data from the VLBI receiver in the VGOS telescopes at the Onsala Space Observatory. The advantage is that the emission from water vapour, as sensed by the radiometer, originates from the same atmospheric volume that delays the VLBI signal from the extra-galactic object. We use simulations of the sky brightness temperature and the wet delay together with an assumption of a root-mean-square (rms) noise of the receiver of 1 K, and observations evenly spread between elevation angles of 10$$^\circ $$

∘

–90$$^\circ $$

∘

. This results in an rms error of the estimated equivalent zenith wet delay of the order of 3 mm for a one frequency algorithm, used under cloud free conditions, and 4 mm for a two frequency algorithm, used during conditions with liquid water clouds. The results exclude rainy conditions when the method does not work. These errors are reduced by a factor of 3 if the receiver error is 0.1 K meaning that the receivers’ measurements of the sky brightness temperature is the main error source. We study the impact of ground-noise pickup by using a model of an existing wideband feed. Taking the algorithm uncertainty and the ground noise pickup into account we conclude that the method presented will be useful as an independent estimate of the wet delay to assess the quality of the wet delays and linear horizontal gradients estimated from the VLBI data themselves.
Partial structure, dampened mobility, and modest impact of a His tag in the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp2 C-terminal region
Authors: Mompeán Miguel , Treviño Miguel Á. , Laurents Douglas V.
Published: October 2021

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play essential roles in regulating physiological processes in eukaryotic cells. Many viruses use their own IDPs to “hack” these processes to deactivate host defenses and promote viral growth. Thus, viral IDPs are attractive drug targets. While IDPs are hard to study by X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM, atomic level information on their conformational preferences and dynamics can be obtained using NMR spectroscopy. SARS-CoV-2 Nsp2, whose C-terminal region (CtR) is predicted to be disordered, interacts with human proteins that regulate translation initiation and endosome vesicle sorting. Molecules that block these interactions could be valuable leads for drug development. The 13Cβ and backbone 13CO, 1HN, 13Cα, and 15N nuclei of Nsp2’s 45-residue CtR were assigned and used to characterize its structure and dynamics in three contexts; namely: (1) retaining an N-terminal His tag, (2) without the His tag and with an adventitious internal cleavage, and (3) lacking both the His tag and the internal cleavage. Two five-residue segments adopting a minor extended population were identified. Overall, the dynamic behavior is midway between a completely rigid and a fully flexible chain. Whereas the presence of an N-terminal His tag and internal cleavage stiffen and loosen, respectively, neighboring residues, they do not affect the tendency of two regions to populate extended conformations.
Outcome after PSMA-PET/CT-based salvage radiotherapy for nodal recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Rogowski Paul , Trapp Christian , von Bestenbostel Rieke , Eze Chukwuka , Ganswindt Ute , Li Minglun , Unterrainer Marcus , Zacherl Mathias J. , Ilhan Harun , Beyer Leonie , Kretschmer Alexander , Bartenstein Peter , Stief Christian , Belka Claus , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Nodal recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) represents a common state of disease, amenable to local therapy. PSMA-PET/CT detects PCa recurrence at low PSA levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of PSMA-PET/CT-based salvage radiotherapy (sRT) for lymph node (LN) recurrence.

Methods

A total of 100 consecutive patients treated with PSMA-PET/CT-based salvage elective nodal radiotherapy (sENRT) for LN recurrence were retrospectively examined. Patients underwent PSMA-PET/CT scan due to biochemical persistence (bcP, 76%) or biochemical recurrence (bcR, 24%) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) defined as PSA < post-RT nadir + 0.2 ng/ml and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and uni- and multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

Median follow-up was 37 months. Median PSA at PSMA-PET/CT was 1.7 ng/ml (range 0.1–40.1) in patients with bcP and 1.4 ng/ml (range 0.3–5.1) in patients with bcR. PSMA-PET/CT detected 1, 2, and 3 or more LN metastases in 35%, 23%, and 42%, respectively. Eighty-three percent had only pelvic, 2% had only paraaortic, and 15% had pelvic and paraaortic LN metastases. Cumulatively, a total dose converted to EQD21.5 Gy of 66 Gy (60–70 Gy) was delivered to the prostatic fossa, 70 Gy (66–72 Gy) to the local recurrence, if present, 65.1 Gy (56–66 Gy) to PET-positive lymph nodes, and 47.5 Gy (42.4–50.9 Gy) to the lymphatic pathways. Concomitant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was administered in 83% of patients. One-, 2-, and 3-year BRFS was 80.7%, 71.6%, and 65.8%, respectively. One-, 2-, and 3-year DMFS was 91.6%, 79.1%, and 66.4%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, concomitant ADT, longer ADT duration (≥ 12 vs. < 12 months) and LN localization (pelvic vs. paraaortic) were associated with improved BRFS and concomitant ADT and lower PSA value before sRT (< 1 vs. > 1 ng/ml) with improved DMFS, respectively. No such association was seen for the number of affected lymph nodes.

Conclusions

Overall, the present analysis shows that the so far, unmatched sensitivity and specificity of PSMA-PET/CT translates in comparably high BRFS and DMFS after PSMA-PET/CT-based sENRT for patients with PCa LN recurrence. Concomitant ADT, duration of ADT, PSA value before sRT, and localization of LN metastases were significant factors for improved outcome.
Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to the second hepatic hilus
Authors: Chen Meng-Li , Li Hai-Liang , Guo Chen-Yang , Zhang Hao , Yuan Hang , Li Zhen , Park Jung-Hoon , Hu Hong-Tao
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To explore the efficacy and safety of using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) adjacent to the second hepatic hilus.

Methods

Between February 2011 and June 2013, 17 patients with HCC underwent combination therapy of TACE and RFA under DSA and CT guidance at our institution. The 17 patients had a total of 23 hepatic tumors, 17 of which were adjacent to the second hepatic hilus.

Results

TACE combined with RFA was performed successfully in all 17 patients with no mortalities or major morbidities. During the 1-month follow-up, tumors of 15 patients (88.2%) were completely ablated after one therapy session and 2 patients had detectable tumor residue. During the follow-up time period (range 6–52 months), local tumor progression developed in 1 patient (1/17, 5.9%) and both local tumor progression and new tumors appeared in 1 patient (1/17, 5.9%). Also, new tumors developed in the untreated portions of the liver in 8 patients (8/17, 47.1%). No distant metastasis was found. Of the 17 patients, 6 (35.3%) died due to tumor progression (3/17, 17.6%), liver failure (2/17, 11.8%), or massive hemorrhage of the gastrointestinal tract (1/17, 5.9%). The overall survival rates were 94.1% (16/17), 82.4% (14/17), and 61.8% (11/17) at 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively, and the median survival time was 25 months (95% CI 18–27).

Conclusion

Treatment using combination of TACE and RFA is an effective and safe therapeutic strategy for treating HCC with tumor(s) adjacent to the second hepatic hilus.
Identifikation rheumatologischer Gesundheits-Apps im Apple App Store mit der Methode der „semiautomatischen retrospektiven App Store-Analyse“
Authors: Richter J. G. , Chehab G. , Kiltz U. , Becker A. , von Jan U. , Albrecht U.-V. , Schneider M. , Specker C.
Published: October 2021

Hintergrund

Die App Stores von Apple und Google bieten eine Vielzahl von Gesundheits-Apps an. Das Auffinden qualitativ hochwertiger Apps ist immer noch eine Herausforderung.

Fragestellung

Lassen sich unter Anwendung der SARASA(„semiautomated retrospective App Store analysis“)-Methode für das Fachgebiet Rheumatologie deutschsprachige Apps identifizieren?

Material und Methode

SARASA ist eine Methode zur teilautomatisierten Auswahl und Charakterisierung von App Store-gelisteten Apps nach formalen Kriterien. Nach der ersten Anwendung in 02/2018 wurde SARASA 02/2020 erneut auf den Apple App Store angewendet.

Ergebnisse

In 02/2018 konnten für Apps in den Store-Kategorien „Medizin“ oder „Gesundheit und Fitness“ Metadaten zu 103.046 Apps und bei einer erneuten Erhebung in 02/2020 Daten zu 94.735 Apps über das deutsche Frontend des Apple App Stores ausgelesen werden. Im Jahr 2018 wurden nach Anwendung der Suchbegriffe 59 Apps mit einer deutschsprachigen Beschreibung für das Fachgebiet Rheumatologie identifiziert, 2020 waren dies 53 Apps, die jeweils manuell weiter überprüft wurden; 2018 waren noch mehr der gefundenen Apps für Patienten als für Ärzte vorgesehen, dies war 2020 ausgeglichener. Zudem zeigte sich, dass bei bestimmten Krankheitsbildern von den App-Entwicklern keine Bearbeitungen erfolgten. Die prozentuale Verteilung von Treffern nach Suchbegriffen zeigte im Vergleich von 2018 zu 2020 große Schwankungen.

Diskussion

Die SARASA-Methode stellt ein hilfreiches Werkzeug dar, um Gesundheits-Apps teilautomatisiert zu identifizieren, die vordefinierten, formalen Kriterien entsprechen. Die inhaltliche Qualität muss anschließend manuell überprüft werden. Weiterentwicklungen der SARASA-Methode und die weitere Konsentierung und Standardisierung von Qualitätskriterien sind sinnvoll. Qualitätskriterien sollten beim Angebot von Gesundheits-Apps in den App-Stores berücksichtigt werden.
Interactions between dietary patterns and genetic factors in relation to incident dementia among 70-year-olds
Authors: Samuelsson Jessica , Najar Jenna , Wallengren Ola , Kern Silke , Wetterberg Hanna , Mellqvist Fässberg Madeleine , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Lissner Lauren , Rothenberg Elisabet , Skoog Ingmar , Zettergren Anna
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To investigate potential interactions between dietary patterns and genetic factors modulating risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in relation to incident dementia.

Methods

Data were derived from the population-based Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies in Sweden, including 602 dementia-free 70-year-olds (examined 1992–93, or 2000–02; 64% women) followed for incident dementia until 2016. Two factors from a reduced rank regression analysis were translated into dietary patterns, one healthy (e.g., vegetables, fruit, and fish) and one western (e.g., red meat, refined cereals, and full-fat dairy products). Genetic risk was determined by APOE ε4 status and non-APOE AD-polygenic risk scores (AD-PRSs). Gene–diet interactions in relation to incident dementia were analysed with Cox regression models. The interaction p value threshold was < 0.1.

Results

There were interactions between the dietary patterns and APOE ε4 status in relation to incident dementia (interaction p value threshold of < 0.1), while no evidence of interactions were found between the dietary patterns and the AD-PRSs. Those with higher adherence to a healthy dietary pattern had a reduced risk of dementia among ε4 non-carriers (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61; 0.98), but not among ε4 carriers (HR: 0.86; CI: 0.63; 1.18). Those with a higher adherence to the western dietary pattern had an increased risk of dementia among ε4 carriers (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.05; 1.78), while no association was observed among ε4 non-carriers (HR: 0.99; CI: 0.81; 1.21).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that there is an interplay between dietary patterns and APOE ε4 status in relation to incident dementia.
The regulatory role of GABAA receptor in Actinia equina nervous system and the possible effect of global ocean acidification
Authors: Snigirov Sergii , Sylantyev Sergiy
Published: October 2021

Global warming and connected acidification of the world ocean attract a substantial amount of research efforts, in particular in a context of their impact on behaviour and metabolism of marine organisms, such as Cnidaria. Nevertheless, mechanisms underlying Cnidarians’ neural signalling and behaviour and their (possible) alterations due to the world ocean acidification remain poorly understood. Here we researched for the first time modulation of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) in Actinia equina (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) by pH fluctuations within a range predicted by the world ocean acidification scenarios for the next 80–100 years and by selective pharmacological activation. We found that in line with earlier studies on vertebrates, both changes of pH and activation of GABAARs with a selective allosteric agonist (diazepam) modulate electrical charge transfer through GABAAR and the whole-cell excitability. On top of that, diazepam modifies the animal behavioural reaction on startle response. However, despite behavioural reactions displayed by living animals are controlled by GABAARs, changes of pH do not alter them significantly. Possible mechanisms underlying the species resistance to acidification impact are discussed.
Koordination von Übernahmemanövern beim hochautomatisierten Fahren unter Berücksichtigung der Fahrerverfügbarkeit
Authors: Albers Franz , Nobari Khazar Dargahi , Braun Jan , Bartsch Katharina , Bertram Torsten
Published: October 2021

Eine der zentralen Problemstellungen beim bedingt- und hochautomatisierten Fahren liegt in der Gestaltung einer sicheren und komfortablen Aufgabenübertragung zwischen dem automatisierten System und dem menschlichen Fahrer und vice versa. Dieser Beitrag stellt ein holistisches Modell zur Übergabe und Übernahme von Fahraufgaben vor, welches über eine umfassende Fahrerbeobachtung anhand von verschiedenen Sensoren und Referenzsensoren eine an den Fahrerzustand angepasste Übernahme ermöglichen soll. Konfliktsituationen zwischen Fahrer und automatisiertem System sollen unter Berücksichtigung des Fahrer- und Systemzustands über einen technisch implementierten Koordinator detektiert und gelöst werden. In einem Wizard-of-Oz Fahrversuch wird die Veränderung des sensorischen, motorischen und emotionalen Fahrerzustands, welche zentrale Komponenten des Übergabemodells bilden, anhand von zwei Fahrszenarien in Übernahmesituationen detailliert analysiert. Beobachtet werden konnten dabei leicht langsamere Reaktionen der Probanden nach Nebentätigkeiten und eine deutlich steigendes Stresslevel nach Übernahmen.
Playing smartphone games while studying: an experimental study on reading interruptions by a smartphone game
Authors: Graben Katharina , Doering Bettina K. , Barke Antonia
Published: October 2021

In this study, we investigated whether the use of smartphone games while reading a text reduces learning performance or reading speed. We also examined whether this is affected by push notifications. Ninety-three students were randomly assigned to three learning conditions. In the gaming group (G), participants played a game app for 20 s at 2-min intervals while reading. In one subgroup, the game app sent push notifications (GN+); in the other subgroup, no notifications (GN−) were sent. In the control group (C), participants did not play a game. After the reading, participants took a multiple-choice quiz. We compared quiz scores and reading times of the groups (G) and (C) and within the gaming group (GN+, GN−) and observed no differences. Since the statistical non-significance of these tests does not entail the absence of an effect, we conducted equivalence tests, which did not demonstrate equivalence either. The experiment ensured high internal validity, yet remained inconclusive. Reasons for the similarity of performance in all groups could be non-specific exercise effects (all participants owned a smartphone), low similarity between the tasks, low variance of participants’ ability and motivation (high achieving, low ADHD scores) or low game complexity. Future research should address these questions.
Combining modelling, field data and genetic variation to understand the post-reintroduction population genetics of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia)
Authors: Davis Michelle L. , Barker Carl , Powell Ian , Porter Keith , Ashton Paul
Published: October 2021

The Marsh Fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia) is a Eurasian species which has suffered significant reductions in occurrence and abundance over the past century, particularly across the western side of its range, due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss. This loss has been particularly severe in the UK with extensive localised extinctions. Following sympathetic management, reintroduction was undertaken at four Cumbria (northern UK) sites in 2007 with stock from a captive admixture population descended from Cumbrian and Scottish founders. Annual population monitoring of the reintroductions was undertaken. Nine years post-reintroduction, the level of population genetic variation was assessed using microsatellites. Variation in historical Cumbrian samples was determined using museum samples and Scottish samples from current populations were assayed to characterise natural population variation. Half of the Scottish sites also served as indicators of the alleles present in the founder populations. The genetic contribution of the founder populations allied to population size data allowed patterns of genetic variation to be modelled. Alleles from Cumbrian and Scottish founders are present in the reintroduced populations. The four sites have levels of variation akin to natural populations and exhibit differentiation as predicted by statistical modelling and comparable with natural populations. This suggests that reintroduction following captive breeding can produce self-sustaining populations with natural levels of genetic diversity. These populations appear to be undergoing the same evolutionary dynamics with bottlenecks and drift as natural populations.

Implications for insect conservation

Reintroduction of captive bred individuals is a viable strategy for producing populations with natural levels of genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics. Hybridisation of populations on the brink of extinction with those thriving can preserve some of the genetic distinctiveness of the declining population.
Viologen capped by nucleobase—building blocks for functional materials: synthesis and structure–properties relationship
Authors: Ciobanu Marius , Jordan Carmen-Simona
Published: October 2021

The current study presents a new class of functional derivatives (1–3) consisting of a dicationic viologen (4,4’-bipyridinium unit) (V2+) capped by nucleobases thymine (NB1), adenine (NB2), thymine/adenine (NB1, NB2), and ion-paired with amphiphilic anion 3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)benzene sulfonate (DOBS−). The target of our work focuses on the design and synthesis of molecular building blocks in which three different functionalities are combined: chromophore (V2+ unit), molecular recognition (NB unit), and thermotropic liquid crystal (DOBS unit). The resulted materials exhibit liquid crystalline properties at ambient temperature with significant particularities-induced by nucleobases in the mesogen structure. Structure–properties relationship study focuses on providing knowledge about (1) how the thermotropic, redox properties, thermochromism, or ionic conductive properties are influenced by the presence of purinic or pyrimidinic nucleobases, and (2) how effective is their ability to self-assembly by hydrogen bonding in nonpolar solvents. The presence of nucleobases has been proved to have a substantial impact on electron transfer rate during the reduction of viologen moieties by intermolecular aggregation. Ionic conductivity and thermochromic properties of derivatives 1–3 were investigated and compared to a non-containing nucleobase analog methyl viologen with 3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)benzene sulfonate anion (MV) as reference.

Graphical abstract
Delay-Induced Periodic Behaviour in Competitive Populations
Authors: Aleandri Michele , Minelli Ida G.
Published: October 2021

We study a model of binary decisions in a fully connected network of interacting agents. Individual decisions are determined by social influence, coming from direct interactions with neighbours, and a group level pressure that accounts for social environment. In a competitive environment, the interplay of these two aspects results in the presence of a persistent disordered phase where no majority is formed. We show how the introduction of a delay mechanism in the agent’s detection of the global average choice may drastically change this scenario, giving rise to a coordinated self sustained periodic behaviour.
They do not look alike: what kind of private investors do equity crowdfunded firms attract?
Authors: Butticè Vincenzo , Di Pietro Francesca , Tenca Francesca
Published: October 2021

Using a dataset of 170 firms that successfully fundraised via the two most prominent UK equity crowdfunding platforms, we investigate whether and how having successfully run an equity crowdfunding campaign is associated to the reputation of follow-on venture capital investors attracted. From the comparison with a control group of firms that received a seed round from business angels, we found that firms that have run a successful equity crowdfunding campaign attract lower reputable VCs. These results are confirmed when controlling for endogeneity and for firms’ characteristics. Considering the shareholder structure chosen by the firm raising equity crowdfunding, we found that firms opting for a direct shareholder structure, which entails higher coordination and agency costs, attract less reputable VCs compared to firms opting for the nominee shareholder structure.
Digital affordances: how entrepreneurs access support in online communities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Meurer Marie Madeleine , Waldkirch Matthias , Schou Peter Kalum , Bucher Eliane Léontine , Burmeister-Lamp Katrin
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has caused significant and unforeseen problems for entrepreneurs. While entrepreneurs would normally seek social support to help deal with these issues, due to social distancing, physical networks are often not available. Consequently, entrepreneurs must turn to alternative support sources, such as online communities, raising the question of how support is created in such spaces. Drawing on an affordance perspective, we investigate how entrepreneurs interact with online communities and base our qualitative analysis on conversation data (76,365 posts) from an online community of entrepreneurs on Reddit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings draw out four affordances that online communities offer to entrepreneurs (resolving problems, reframing problems, reflecting on situations, refocusing thinking and efforts), resulting in a framework of entrepreneurial support creation in online communities. Thus, our study contributes to debates around (1) entrepreneurs’ support during COVID-19 and (2) digital affordances in the entrepreneurship context.
Rill flow resistance law under sediment transport
Authors: Di Stefano Costanza , Nicosia Alessio , Palmeri Vincenzo , Pampalone Vincenzo , Ferro Vito
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In this paper, a deduced flow resistance equation for open-channel flow was tested using measurements carried out in mobile bed rills with sediment-laden flows and fixed bed rills. The main aims were to (i) assess the effect of sediment transport on rill flow resistance, and (ii) test the slope-flow velocity relationship in fixed bed rills.

Methods

The following analysis was developed: (i) a relationship between the Γ function of the velocity profile, the rill slope and the Froude number was calibrated using measurements carried out on fixed bed rills; (ii) the component of Darcy-Weisbach friction factor due to sediment transport was deduced using the corresponding measurements carried out on mobile bed rills (grain resistance and sediment transport) and the values estimated by flow resistance equation (grain resistance) for fixed bed rills in the same slope and hydraulic conditions; (iii) the Γ function relationship was calibrated using measurements carried out on mobile bed rills and the data of Jiang et al. (2018).

Results

This analysis demonstrated that the effect of sediment transport on rill flow resistance law is appreciable only for 7.7% of the examined cases and that the theoretical approach allows for an accurate estimate of the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor. Furthermore, for both fixed and mobile beds, the mean flow velocity was independent of channel slope, as suggested by Govers (1992) for mobile bed rills.

Conclusions

The investigation highlighted that the effect of sediment transport on rill flow resistance is almost negligible for most of the cases and that the experimental procedure for fixing rills caused the unexpected slope independence of flow velocity.
Bowel habits and gender correlate with colon length measured by CT colonography
Authors: Utano Kenichi , Nagata Koichi , Honda Tetsuro , Kato Takashi , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Togashi Kazutomo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

CT colonography enables three-dimensional measurement of colon length. However, previous studies using CT colonography have not examined the association with gender, age, physique, a history of laparotomy and bowel habits, all possible contributory factors to colon length. The aim of this study is to investigate factors associated with colon length.

Materials and methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis based on data obtained from a previous multi-center trial including 321 patients with positive fecal immunochemical tests who underwent CT colonography. Colon length was measured using a computer-generated center line and was divided at the iliac crest level into the distal and proximal colons. Bowel habits were classified into three groups: A—daily; B—once every 2 or 3 days; and C—less than once in 3 days. Statistical comparison was made using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s correction.

Results

A total of 295 patients were analyzed. The entire colon length (cm, mean ± standard deviation) of individual patients was 150.3 ± 18.5 cm and ranged from 109.7 to 195.9 cm. The female colon was significantly longer than the male colon (154.3 ± 18.1 cm vs. 147.1 ± 18.3 cm; p = 0.022). Colon length showed trends associated with age (p = 0.18) and a history of laparotomy (p = 0.14). According to bowel habits, the entire colon measured 147.4 ± 17.9 in group A, 154.7 ± 18.5 in group B and 158.6 ± 18.3 in group C, and significant differences were observed for “A vs. C” (p = 0.002) and “A vs. B” (p = 0.014). In subgroup analysis by colon segment, the proximal colon trended similarly to the entire colon while there were no trends for the distal colon.

Conclusions

This study has clearly demonstrated that bowel habits and gender both correlate with the length of the entire colon measured by CT colonography, and in particular, the proximal colon.

Secondary abstract

Using CT colonography, we measured the colon length in 295 patients. The entire colon length was 150.3 ± 18.5 cm on average. Females and constipated (less frequent defecation) patients have a significantly longer colon, and in particular, the proximal colon. Colon length showed trends associated with age and a history of laparotomy.
Large-scale flood risk assessment under different development strategies: the Luanhe River Basin in China
Authors: Zhao Jiaheng , Chen Huili , Liang Qiuhua , Xia Xilin , Xu Jiren , Hoey Trevor , Barrett Brian , Renaud Fabrice G. , Bosher Lee , Zhou Xin
Published: October 2021

Increasing resilience to natural hazards and climate change is critical for achieving many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In recent decades, China has experienced rapid economic development and became the second-largest economy in the world. This rapid economic expansion has led to large-scale changes in terrestrial (e.g., land use and land cover changes), aquatic (e.g., construction of reservoirs and artificial wetlands) and marine (e.g., land reclamation) environments across the country. Together with climate change, these changes may significantly influence flood risk and, in turn, compromise SDG achievements. The Luanhe River Basin (LRB) is one of the most afforested basins in North China and has undergone significant urbanisation and land use change since the 1950s. However, basin-wide flood risk assessment under different development scenarios has not been considered, although this is critically important to inform policy-making to manage the synergies and trade-offs between the SDGs and support long-term sustainable development. Using mainly open data, this paper introduces a new framework for systematically assessing flood risk under different social and economic development scenarios. A series of model simulations are performed to investigate the flood risk under different land use change scenarios projected to 2030 to reflect different development strategies. The results are systematically analysed and compared with the baseline simulation based on the current land use and climate conditions. Further investigations are also provided to consider the impact of climate change and the construction of dams and reservoirs. The results potentially provide important guidance to inform future development strategies to maximise the synergies and minimise the trade-offs between various SDGs in LRB.
A systems model of SDG target influence on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Authors: Anderson Carl C. , Denich Manfred , Warchold Anne , Kropp Jürgen P. , Pradhan Prajal
Published: October 2021

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and aim to address issues ranging from poverty and economic growth to climate change. Efforts to tackle one issue can support or hinder progress towards others, often with complex systemic interactions. Thus, each of the SDGs and their corresponding targets may contribute as levers or hurdles towards achieving other SDGs and targets. Based on SDG indicator data, we create a systems model considering influence among the SDGs and their targets. Once assessed within a system, we find that more SDGs and their corresponding targets act as levers towards achieving other goals and targets rather than as hurdles. In particular, efforts towards SDGs 5 (Gender Equality) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) may accelerate progress, while SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) are shown to create potential hurdles. The model results can be used to help promote supportive interactions and overcome hindering ones in the long term.
Asymptotic properties of PDEs in compact spaces
Authors: López-Somoza Lucía , Tojo F. Adrián F.
Published: October 2021

In this article we combine the study of solutions of PDEs with the study of asymptotic properties of the solutions via compactification of the domain. We define new spaces of functions on which study the equations, prove a version of Ascoli–Arzelà Theorem, develop the fixed point index results necessary to prove existence and multiplicity of solutions in these spaces and also illustrate the applicability of the theory with an example.
A Review of Hydraulic Fracturing Simulation
Authors: Chen Bin , Barboza Beatriz Ramos , Sun Yanan , Bai Jie , Thomas Hywel R , Dutko Martin , Cottrell Mark , Li Chenfeng
Published: October 2021

Along with horizontal drilling techniques, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing has improved shale gas production significantly in past decades. In order to understand the mechanism of hydraulic fracturing and improve treatment designs, it is critical to conduct modelling to predict stimulated fractures. In this paper, related physical processes in hydraulic fracturing are firstly discussed and their effects on hydraulic fracturing processes are analysed. Then historical and state of the art numerical models for hydraulic fracturing are reviewed, to highlight the pros and cons of different numerical methods. Next, commercially available software for hydraulic fracturing design are discussed and key features are summarised. Finally, we draw conclusions from the previous discussions in relation to physics, method and applications and provide recommendations for further research.
Multidisciplinary consensus on the criteria for fertility preservation in cancer patients
Authors: Santaballa A. , Márquez-Vega C. , Rodríguez-Lescure Á. , Rovirosa Á. , Vázquez L. , Zeberio-Etxetxipia I. , Andrés M. , Bassas L. , Ceballos-Garcia E. , Domingo J. , Manau-Trullas D.
Published: October 2021

Infertility is one of the main sequelae of cancer and its treatment in both children and adults of reproductive age. It is, therefore, essential that oncologists and haematologists provide adequate information about the risk of infertility and the possibilities for its preservation before starting treatment. Although many international clinical guidelines address this issue, this document is the first Spanish multidisciplinary guideline in paediatric and adult oncological patients. Experts from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, the Spanish Fertility Society, the Spanish Society of Haematology and Haemotherapy, the Spanish Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology have collaborated to develop a multidisciplinary consensus.
Informing the design of a multisensory learning environment for elementary mathematics learning
Authors: Cuturi Luigi F. , Cappagli Giulia , Yiannoutsou Nikoleta , Price Sara , Gori Monica
Published: October 2021

It is well known that primary school children may face difficulties in acquiring mathematical competence, possibly because teaching is generally based on formal lessons with little opportunity to exploit more multisensory-based activities within the classroom. To overcome such difficulties, we report here the exemplary design of a novel multisensory learning environment for teaching mathematical concepts based on meaningful inputs from elementary school teachers. First, we developed and administered a questionnaire to 101 teachers asking them to rate based on their experience the learning difficulty for specific arithmetical and geometrical concepts encountered by elementary school children. Additionally, the questionnaire investigated the feasibility to use multisensory information to teach mathematical concepts. Results show that challenging concepts differ depending on children school level, thus providing a guidance to improve teaching strategies and the design of new and emerging learning technologies accordingly. Second, we obtained specific and practical design inputs with workshops involving elementary school teachers and children. Altogether, these findings are used to inform the design of emerging multimodal technological applications, that take advantage not only of vision but also of other sensory modalities. In the present work, we describe in detail one exemplary multisensory environment design based on the questionnaire results and design ideas from the workshops: the Space Shapes game, which exploits visual and haptic/proprioceptive sensory information to support mental rotation, 2D–3D transformation and percentages. Corroborating research evidence in neuroscience and pedagogy, our work presents a functional approach to develop novel multimodal user interfaces to improve education in the classroom.
Social Robots for (Second) Language Learning in (Migrant) Primary School Children
Authors: Konijn Elly A. , Jansen Brechtje , Mondaca Bustos Victoria , Hobbelink Veerle L. N. F. , Preciado Vanegas Daniel
Published: October 2021

Especially these days, innovation and support from technology to relieve pressure in education is highly urgent. This study tested the potential advantage of a social robot over a tablet in (second) language learning on performance, engagement, and enjoyment. Shortages in primary education call for new technology solutions. Previous studies combined robots with tablets, to compensate for robot’s limitations, however, this study applied direct human–robot interaction. Primary school children (N = 63, aged 4–6) participated in a 3-wave field experiment with story-telling exercises, either with a semi-autonomous robot (without tablet, using WOz) or a tablet. Results showed increased learning gains over time when training with a social robot, compared to the tablet. Children who trained with a robot were more engaged in the story-telling task and enjoyed it more. Robot’s behavioral style (social or neutral) hardly differed overall, however, seems to vary for high versus low educational abilities. While social robots need sophistication before being implemented in schools, our study shows the potential of social robots as tutors in (second) language learning.
Asymptotic behavior of dependence measures for Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model based on long memory processes
Authors: Gajda Janusz , Wyłomańska Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the long memory property of two processes based on the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model. Their are extensions of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck system for which in the classic version we replace the standard Brownian motion (or other L$$\acute{e}$$

e
´

vy process) by long range dependent processes based on $$\alpha -$$

α
-

stable distribution. One way of characterizing long- and short-range dependence of second order processes is in terms of autocovariance function. However, for systems with infinite variance the classic measure is not defined, therefore there is a need to consider alternative measures on the basis of which the long range dependence can be recognized. In this paper, we study three alternative measures adequate for $$\alpha -$$

α
-

stable-based processes. We calculate them for examined processes and indicate their asymptotic behavior. We show that one of the analyzed Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process exhibits long memory property while the second does not. Moreover, we show the ratio of two introduced measures is limited which can be a starting point to introduction of a new estimation method of stability index for analyzed Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes.
Time series forecasting: problem of heavy-tailed distributed noise
Authors: Markiewicz Marta , Wyłomańska Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

Time series forecasting has been the area of intensive research for years. Statistical, machine learning or mixed approaches have been proposed to handle this one of the most challenging tasks. However, little research has been devoted to tackle the frequently appearing assumption of normality of given data. In our research, we aim to extend the time series forecasting models for heavy-tailed distribution of noise. In this paper, we focused on normal and Student’s t distributed time series. The SARIMAX model (with maximum likelihood approach) is compared with the regression tree-based method—random forest. The research covers not only forecasts but also prediction intervals, which often have hugely informative value as far as practical applications are concerned. Although our study is focused on the selected models, the presented problem is universal and the proposed approach can be discussed in the context of other systems.
The coalitional politics of the European Union’s environmental forest policy: Biodiversity conservation, timber legality, and climate protection
Authors: Sotirov Metodi , Winkel Georg , Eckerberg Katarina
Published: October 2021

European forest policymaking is shaped by progressing European integration, yet with notable ideological divisions and diverging interests among countries. This paper focuses on the coalitional politics of key environmental forest issues: biodiversity conservation, timber legality, and climate protection policy. Combining the Advocacy Coalition Framework and the Shifting Coalition Theory, and informed by more than 186 key informant interviews and 73 policy documents spanning a 20-year timeframe, we examine the evolution of coalitional forest politics in Europe. We find that the basic line-up has remained stable: an environmental coalition supporting EU environmental forest policy integration and a forest sector coalition mostly opposing it. Still, strategic alliances across these coalitions have occurred for specific policy issues which have resulted in a gradual establishment of an EU environmental forest policy. We conclude with discussion of our findings and provide suggestions for further research.
Boosting the Electrochemical Performance of Li- and Mn-Rich Cathodes by a Three-in-One Strategy
Authors: He Wei , Ye Fangjun , Lin Jie , Wang Qian , Xie Qingshui , Pei Fei , Zhang Chenying , Liu Pengfei , Li Xiuwan , Wang Laisen , Qu Baihua , Peng Dong-Liang
Published: October 2021

There are plenty of issues need to be solved before the practical application of Li- and Mn-rich cathodes, including the detrimental voltage decay and mediocre rate capability, etc. Element doping can effectively solve the above problems, but cause the loss of capacity. The introduction of appropriate defects can compensate the capacity loss; however, it will lead to structural mismatch and stress accumulation. Herein, a three-in-one method that combines cation–polyanion co-doping, defect construction, and stress engineering is proposed. The co-doped Na+/SO42− can stabilize the layer framework and enhance the capacity and voltage stability. The induced defects would activate more reaction sites and promote the electrochemical performance. Meanwhile, the unique alternately distributed defect bands and crystal bands structure can alleviate the stress accumulation caused by changes of cell parameters upon cycling. Consequently, the modified sample retains a capacity of 273 mAh g−1 with a high-capacity retention of 94.1% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, and 152 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 2 C, the corresponding voltage attenuation is less than 0.907 mV per cycle.
Universal scaling of human flow remain unchanged during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shida Yohei , Takayasu Hideki , Havlin Shlomo , Takayasu Misako
Published: October 2021

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in various countries have severely restricted the movement of people. The large amount of detailed human location data obtained from mobile phone users is useful for understanding the change of flow patterns of people under the effect of pandemic. In this paper, we observe the synchronized human flow during the COVID-19 pandemic using Global Positioning System data of about 1 million people obtained from mobile phone users. We apply the drainage basin analysis method which we introduced earlier for characterization of macroscopic human flow patterns to observe the effect of the spreading pandemic. Before the pandemic the afternoon basin size distribution has been approximated by an exponential distribution, however, the distribution of Tokyo and Sapporo, which were most affected by the first wave of COVID-19, deviated significantly from the exponential distribution. On the other hand, during the morning rush hour, the scaling law holds universally, i.e., in all cities, even though the number of moving people in the basin has decreased significantly. The fact that these scaling laws, which are closely related to the three-dimensionality structure of the city and the fractal structure of the transportation network, have not changed indicates that the macroscopic human flow features are determined mainly by the means of transport and the basic structure of cities which are invariant of the pandemic.
Further developments of a multi-phase transport model for relativistic nuclear collisions
Authors: Lin Zi-Wei , Zheng Liang
Published: October 2021

A multi-phase transport (AMPT) model was constructed as a self-contained kinetic theory-based description of relativistic nuclear collisions as it contains four main components: the fluctuating initial condition, a parton cascade, hadronization, and a hadron cascade. Here, we review the main developments after the first public release of the AMPT source code in 2004 and the corresponding publication that described the physics details of the model at that time. We also discuss possible directions for future developments of the AMPT model to better study the properties of the dense matter created in relativistic collisions of small or large systems.
Die Kuomintang und der Buddhismus in der Republik China (1912–1949): Zwischen Volkspartei und weltanschaulichen Parteiungen
Authors: Ellguth Richard
Published: October 2021

Die politische und gesellschaftliche Entwicklung der Republik China (1912–1949) ist untrennbar verbunden mit der Geschichte der „Nationalen Volkspartei Chinas“ (KMT bzw. Kuomintang). Die KMT definierte sich, trotz prominenter christlicher und anderer religiöser Mitglieder, stets als säkulare Bewegung und setzte es sich zum Ziel, ein auf Wissenschaft und Rationalität ausgerichtetes „neues China“ zu schaffen. Besonders in den Jahren 1927–1937 kam es somit zu umfangreichen Kampagnen gegen Aberglauben, von denen auch die buddhistische Gemeinschaft betroffen war.

Die Diskurspositionen innerhalb der Kuomintang zur Frage, welche Rolle dem Buddhismus beim nationalen Aufbau zugedacht werden soll, sind jedoch wesentlich differenzierter. Dies soll anhand zweier bedeutender Theoretiker der KMT, Wu Zhihui (1865–1953) und Dai Jitao (1891–1949), analysiert werden. Sie beide eint ihre Zugehörigkeit zum sogenannten „rechten Flügel“ der Partei, welcher sich gegen eine Zusammenarbeit mit der Kommunistischen Partei Chinas engagierte. Auf intellektuell-weltanschaulicher Ebene waren beide Vertreter aber höchst unterschiedlich: Wu Zhihui gilt allgemein als stark vom Szientismus geprägter, religionskritischer Gelehrter, wohingegen Dai Jitao in seinen späteren Lebensjahren eine starke Affinität zum Buddhismus zeigte. Aufgrund der unterschiedlichen ideologischen Akzentsetzung lassen sich beide spezifischen Parteiungen innerhalb des rechten Parteiflügels zuordnen. Insgesamt vertritt dieser Artikel die These, dass sich die KMT mit dem Begriff der „Volkspartei“ beschreiben lässt, welche die Existenz verschiedener, weltanschaulicher Parteiungen durchaus toleriert hat, solange sich diese an die Vorgaben über „anerkannte Religion(en)“ hielten.

Diese Vorgänge sind nur zu verstehen in Hinblick auf die komplexen Transfer- und Adaptionsprozesse von Strukturen der westlichen Moderne. Dies betrifft insbesondere die Genese von politischen Institutionen, aber auch die konzeptuelle Ausdeutung von Neologismen wie „Religion“, „Aberglauben“, „Wissenschaft“ und „Partei“.