bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“And They Cannot Teach Us How to Cycle”: The Category of Migrant Women and Antiracist Feminism in Sweden
Authors: Mulinari Diana
Published: November 2020

The aim of this chapter is to provide some analytical elements to understand both continuity and change in the construction of the category of migrant women in Sweden, with specific focus on the interaction between the field of cultural representation and the field of political economy. Theoretically, the analysis is framed through two dimensions of racism, exploitative and exclusionary, legitimated in recent decades through a racist grammar of caring racism. Methodologically, the chapter is inspired by Black /Chicano feminist tradition of intellectual activism, accepting the dilemmas of “taking sides”. It is crafted using two types of empirical material. First, it follows the category of migrant women exploring how antiracist identified feminists; many of them of migrant background aged between 25 and 30 act upon the category. Critical discourse analysis is the source of inspiration for the second section of the chapter that further elaborates on the construction of migrant women as a problem, a burden and a threat in Swedish governmental policy documents over four decades.
Relativistic partial waves for celestial amplitudes
Authors: Law Y.T. Albert , Zlotnikov Michael
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The formalism of relativistic partial wave expansion is developed for four-point celestial amplitudes of massless external particles. In particular, relativistic partial waves are found as eigenfunctions to the product representation of celestial Poincaré Casimir operators with appropriate eigenvalues. The requirement of hermiticity of Casimir operators is used to fix the corresponding integral inner product, and orthogonality of the obtained relativistic partial waves is verified explicitly. The completeness relation, as well as the relativistic partial wave expansion follow. Example celestial amplitudes of scalars, gluons, gravitons and open superstring gluons are expanded on the basis of relativistic partial waves for demonstration. A connection with the formulation of relativistic partial waves in the bulk of Minkowski space is made in appendices.
Variable Step Mollifiers and Applications
Authors: Hintermüller Michael , Papafitsoros Kostas , Rautenberg Carlos N.
Published: November 2020

We consider a mollifying operator with variable step that, in contrast to the standard mollification, is able to preserve the boundary values of functions. We prove boundedness of the operator in all basic Lebesgue, Sobolev and BV spaces as well as corresponding approximation results. The results are then applied to extend recently developed theory concerning the density of convex intersections.
Revisiting the formalism of equivalent uniform dose based on the linear-quadratic and universal survival curve models in high-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Chan Mark Ka Heng , Chiang Chi-Leung
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To examine the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) formalism using the universal survival curve (USC) applicable to high-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Materials and methods

For nine non-small-cell carcinoma cell (NSCLC) lines, the linear-quadratic (LQ) and USC models were used to calculate the EUD of a set of hypothetical two-compartment tumor dose–volume histogram (DVH) models. The dose was varied by ±5%, ±10%, and ±20% about the prescription dose (60 Gy/3 fractions) to the first compartment, with fraction volume varying from 1% and 5% to 30%. Clinical DVHs of 21 SBRT treatments of NSCLC prescribed to the 70–83% isodose lines were also considered. The EUD of non-standard SBRT dose fractionation (EUDSBRT) was further converted to standard fractionation of 2 Gy (EUDCFRT) using the LQ and USC models to facilitate comparisons between different SBRT dose fractionations. Tumor control probability (TCP) was then estimated from the LQ- and USC-EUDCFRT.

Results

For non-standard SBRT fractionation, the deviation of the USC- from the LQ-EUDSBRT is largely limited to 5% in the presence of dose variation up to ±20% to fractional tumor volume up to 30% in all NSCLC cell lines. Linear regression with zero constant yielded USC-EUDSBRT = 0.96 × LQ-EUDSBRT (r2 = 0.99) for the clinical DVHs. Converting EUDSBRT into standard 2‑Gy fractions by the LQ formalism produced significantly larger EUDCFRT than the USC formalism, particularly for low $$\alpha /\beta$$

α
/
β

ratios and large fraction dose. Simplified two-compartment DVH models illustrated that both the LQ- and USC-EUDCFRT values were sensitive to cold spot below the prescription dose with little volume dependence. Their deviations were almost constant for up to 30% dose increase above the prescription. Linear regression with zero constant yielded USC-EUDCFRT = 1.56 × LQ-EUDCFRT (r2 = 0.99) for the clinical DVHs. The clinical LQ-EUDCFRT resulted in median TCP of almost 100% vs. 93.8% with USC-EUDCFRT.

Conclusion

A uniform formalism of EUD should be defined among the SBRT community in order to apply it as a single metric for dose reporting and dose–response modeling in high-dose-gradient SBRT because its value depends on the underlying cell survival model and the model parameters. Further investigations of the optimal formalism to derive the EUD through clinical correlations are warranted.
Einführung zur Qualität von Medizinjournalismus und erste Einschätzungen zur COVID-19-Berichterstattung
Authors: Daube Dominik , Ruhrmann Georg
Published: November 2020

Die Medienlandschaft unterliegt einem stetigen Wandel, innovative Medientechnologien beeinflussen in immer stärkerem Maße unsere Lebenswelt. Da digitale Medien zunehmend in allen Altersklassen konsumiert werden und Laien sich im Internet auch häufig zu gesundheitlichen und medizinischen Themen informieren, stellt sich die Frage nach der Qualität dieser (journalistischen) Inhalte im Web. Die Rolle von Journalistinnen und Journalisten wandelt sich und für die Wissenschaft gibt es neue Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen bei der digitalen Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen. Welchen qualitativen Ansprüchen müssen diese Inhalte genügen und welche Potenziale und Chancen, aber eben auch Risiken bringen online verbreitete und rezipierte Informationen mit sich?

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Themen der Medizin- und Gesundheitskommunikation und Prozesse der journalistischen Berichterstattung beschrieben. Anschließend diskutieren wir das in der Medizin bereits etablierte Kriterium der „Evidenz“ als möglichen Ansatz zur Beurteilung gesundheitsrelevanter und medizinischer Informationen. Abschließend wird die COVID-19-Pandemie im Kontext des wachsenden Medienpopulismus diskutiert.
Gravity field modelling for the Hannover 10 m atom interferometer
Authors: Schilling Manuel , Wodey Étienne , Timmen Ludger , Tell Dorothee , Zipfel Klaus H. , Schlippert Dennis , Schubert Christian , Rasel Ernst M. , Müller Jürgen
Published: November 2020

Absolute gravimeters are used in geodesy, geophysics and physics for a wide spectrum of applications. Stable gravimetric measurements over timescales from several days to decades are required to provide relevant insight into geophysical processes. Users of absolute gravimeters participate in comparisons with a metrological reference in order to monitor the temporal stability of the instruments and determine the bias to that reference. However, since no measurement standard of higher-order accuracy currently exists, users of absolute gravimeters participate in key comparisons led by the International Committee for Weights and Measures. These comparisons provide the reference values of highest accuracy compared to the calibration against a single gravimeter operated at a metrological institute. The construction of stationary, large-scale atom interferometers paves the way for a new measurement standard in absolute gravimetry used as a reference with a potential stability up to $$1\,\hbox {nm}{/}{\hbox {s}^{2}}$$

1

nm
/

s
2

at 1 s integration time. At the Leibniz University Hannover, we are currently building such a very long baseline atom interferometer with a 10-m-long interaction zone. The knowledge of local gravity and its gradient along and around the baseline is required to establish the instrument’s uncertainty budget and enable transfers of gravimetric measurements to nearby devices for comparison and calibration purposes. We therefore established a control network for relative gravimeters and repeatedly measured its connections during the construction of the atom interferometer. We additionally developed a 3D model of the host building to investigate the self-attraction effect and studied the impact of mass changes due to groundwater hydrology on the gravity field around the reference instrument. The gravitational effect from the building 3D model is in excellent agreement with the latest gravimetric measurement campaign which opens the possibility to transfer gravity values with an uncertainty below the $${10}\,\hbox {nm}{/}{\hbox {s}^{2}}$$

10

nm
/

s
2

level.
Oedema on STIR modified the effect of amoxicillin as treatment for chronic low back pain with Modic changes—subgroup analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Kristoffersen Per Martin , Bråten Lars C. H. , Vetti Nils , Grøvle Lars , Hellum Christian , Storheim Kjersti , Zwart John-Anker , Assmus Jörg , Espeland Ansgar
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate potential MRI-defined effect modifiers of amoxicillin treatment in patients with chronic low back pain and type 1 or 2 Modic changes (MCs) at the level of a previous lumbar disc herniation (index level).

Methods

In a prospective trial (AIM), 180 patients (25–64 years; mean age 45; 105 women) were randomised to receive amoxicillin or placebo for 3 months. Primary outcome was the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score (0–24 scale) at 1 year. Mean RMDQ score difference between the groups at 1 year defined the treatment effect; 4 RMDQ points defined the minimal clinically important effect. Predefined baseline MRI features of MCs at the index level(s) were investigated as potential effect modifiers. The predefined primary hypothesis was a better effect of amoxicillin when short tau inversion recovery (STIR) shows more MC-related high signal. To evaluate this hypothesis, we pre-constructed a composite variable with three categories (STIR1/2/3). STIR3 implied MC-related STIR signal increases with volume ≥ 25% and height > 50% of vertebral body and maximum intensity increase ≥ 25% and presence on both sides of the disc. As pre-planned, interaction with treatment was analysed using ANCOVA in the per protocol population (n = 155).

Results

The STIR3 composite group (n = 41) and STIR signal volume ≥ 25% alone (n = 45) modified the treatment effect of amoxicillin. As hypothesised, STIR3 patients reported the largest effect (− 5.1 RMDQ points; 95% CI − 8.2 to − 1.9; p for interaction = 0.008).

Conclusions

Predefined subgroups with abundant MC-related index-level oedema on STIR modified the effect of amoxicillin. This finding needs replication and further support.

Key Points

• In the primary analysis of the AIM trial, the effect of amoxicillin in patients with chronic low back pain and type 1 or 2 MCs did not reach the predefined cut-off for clinical importance.

• In the present MRI subgroup analysis of AIM, predefined subgroups with abundant MC-related oedema on STIR reported an effect of amoxicillin.

• This finding requires replication and further support.
Comparison of survival and perioperative outcome of the colonic stent and the transanal decompression tube placement and emergency surgery for left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective multi-center observational study “The CODOMO study”
Authors: Endo Shungo , Kumamoto K. , Enomoto T. , Koizumi K. , Kato H. , Saida Y.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Advances in endoscopic technology have led to the reevaluation of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge-to-surgery (BTS) in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. In Japan, after inclusion of SEMS placement as a BTS in the medical insurance coverage in 2012, this procedure has been increasingly performed. However, a transanal decompression tube (TADT) placement has been used as a BTS. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the optimal strategy for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer (OLCRC) by comparing SEMS and TADT placement with emergency surgery.

Methods

We included 301 patients with stage II and III OLCRC from 27 institutions. The study patients were divided into Surgery group (emergency surgery, n = 103), SEMS group (BTS by SEMS, n = 113), and TADT group (BTS by TADT, n = 85). We compared the survival and perioperative outcomes of patients in the Surgery group as a standard treatment with those in the SEMS and TADT groups.

Results

The 3-year relapse-free survival rate in patients in the Surgery group was 74.8%, while that in patients in the SEMS group and TADT group were 69.0% (p = 0.39) and 55.3% (p = 0.006), respectively. The technical success rate was not statistically different, but the clinical success rate was significantly higher in the SEMS group than in the TADT group (p = 0.0040). With regard to postoperative complications after curative surgery, the SEMS group had significantly lower of complications (≥ grade 2) than the Surgery group (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Patients who underwent SEMS placement for OLCRC had similar oncological outcomes to patients who underwent emergency surgery.
The effect of cochlear implantation on autonomy, participation and work in postlingually deafened adults: a scoping review
Authors: Nijmeijer Hugo G. B. , Keijsers Noud M. , Huinck Wendy J. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This scoping review examines the available evidence on the effect of unilateral cochlear implantation (CI) in adults with postlingual bilateral hearing loss on societal-related outcomes in terms of work, autonomy and participation.

Methods

Five databases were searched (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library). Publications were screened in three steps on inclusion criteria. Of the 4230 screened publications, 110 met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for data extraction regarding outcomes “work”, “autonomy”, “participation”. Study characteristics and key findings are presented and narratively described.

Results

Twenty-seven publications were included and categorized into retrospective (n = 3), cross-sectional (n = 18) or prospective (n = 6) study designs. Measurement or identification of number of outcomes (no) were related to work (no = 20), participation (no = 9) and autonomy or independency (no = 10). Most studies indicated benefits of CI on these outcomes. However, some studies did not or indicated additional barriers for benefits. Eleven publications primarily aimed to study one or more of our primary outcomes.

Conclusion

In this literature search, scientific databases are reviewed. The results indicate that there is a relatively small body of evidence regarding the effect of CI on the outcomes “work”, “autonomy” and “participation”. Even though there are some limitations of the current study including some overlap in outcome definitions, most included studies indicate a beneficial effect of CI on work, autonomy and participation. The lack of consensus in definitions and the small body of evidence indicates a need for additional prospective studies investigating the societal outcomes of CI in postlingually deafened adults.
Application of 1H-NMR combined with qRT-PCR technology in the exploration of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis in hair roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Salvia castanea f. tomentosa Stib
Authors: Hou Zhuoni , Li Yuanyuan , Su Feng , Chen Jipeng , Zhang Xiaodan , Xu Ling , Yang Dongfeng , Liang Zongsuo
Published: November 2020

Main conclusion

Methyl jasmonate promotes the synthesis of rosmarinic acid in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Salvia castanea f. tomentosa Stib, and it promotes the latter more strongly.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material, its water-soluble phenolic acid component rosmarinic acid has very important medicinal value. Salvia castanea f. tomentosa Stib (SCT) mainly distributed in Nyingchi, Tibet. Its pharmacological effects are similar to SMB, but its rosmarinic acid is significantly higher than the former. Methyl jasmonate (MJ) as an inducer can induce the synthesis of phenolic acids in SMB and SCT. However, the role of MJ on rosmarinic acid in SMB is controversial. Therefore, this study used SMB and SCT hair root as an experimental material and MJ as a variable. On one hand, exploring the controversial reports in SMB; on the other hand, comparing the differences in the mechanism of action of MJ on the phenolic acids in SMB and SCT. The content of related metabolites and the expression of key genes in the synthesis pathway of rosmarinic acid was analyzed by 1H-NMR combined with qRT-PCR technology. Our research has reached the following conclusions: first of all, MJ promotes the accumulation of rosmarinic acid and related phenolic acids in the metabolic pathways of SMB and SCT. After MJ treatment, the content of related components and gene expression are increased. Second, compared to SMB, SCT has a stronger response to MJ. It is speculated that the different responses of secondary metabolism-related genes to MJ may lead to different metabolic responses of salvianolic acid between the two.
A systematic review of EPDS cultural suitability with Indigenous mothers: a global perspective
Authors: Chan Ai Wen , Reid Corinne , Skeffington Petra , Marriott Rhonda
Published: November 2020

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is used extensively as the “gold standard” perinatal depression and anxiety screening tool. This study contributes to an emerging discussion about the tool’s shortcomings, specifically around cultural suitability for use with Indigenous women. A systematic search was conducted in ProQuest, PsycINFO, MEDLINE (Web of Science), PubMed, Scopus, Informit, and CINAHL research databases, and grey literature. The quality of the body of evidence was assessed using the NHMRC Level of Evidence framework. Three studies supported the cultural validation of the EPDS with Indigenous groups in Canada (n = 2) and the USA (n = 1). The remaining eleven Australian studies demonstrated that cultural concerns were suggested by either Indigenous mothers, healthcare professionals (Indigenous and non-Indigenous), or both, though cultural concerns were more weighted from the perspectives of healthcare professionals. The quality of the evidence was not strong, and thus, there is a critical and urgent need for targeted research in this area. This review identified and recommended Indigenous-specific methodologies that can be adopted for more trustworthy, culturally safe, and effective research in this area. Given that the EPDS is currently considered gold standard in routine perinatal mental health screening practice in countries around the world, these findings raise significant concerns. Using culturally relevant research methodologies, such as the use of mixed-methods design, could lay stronger groundwork for further investigation of the broader utility and cultural relevance of the tool.
Performance of the BD Phoenix CPO detect assay for detection and classification of carbapenemase-producing organisms
Authors: Berneking Laura , Both Anna , Berinson Benjamin , Hoffmann Armin , Lütgehetmann Marc , Aepfelbacher Martin , Rohde Holger
Published: November 2020

Increasing worldwide, prevalence of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria demands urgent a need for rapid detection and accurate identification of carbapenemases. The BD Phoenix CPO detect (PCD) assay possesses an in-built capacity for parallel susceptibility testing and detection of carbapenemases. Here, the ability of the assay to detect and classify carbapenemase production was tested in a collection of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and non-fermentative gram-negative rods. The ability of the PCD assay to detect and classify carbapenemases was investigated in a collection of 194 clinical, carbapenem-resistant isolates (Enterobacterales [n = 65]; non-fermentative gram-negative rods [n = 129]). AST results were compared to MICS determined by gradient diffusion to determine accuracy of the PCD assay. The accuracy of the PCD assay to detect carbapenemases was compared to the results of molecular isolate characterization using a LDT multiplex carbapenemase PCR assay. All 194 isolates classified as carbapenem-resistant by reference susceptibility testing were also classified correctly as CRO by the PCD assay. Performance analysis of the PCD assay to detect carbapenemase production revealed an overall sensitivity of 98.29% and specificity of 17.95% for the detection of carbapenemase production. For the classification of carbapenemases classes A, B, and D, the PCD correctly classified 79.17% Enterobacterales and 67.16% non-fermentative gram-negative rods. The PCD assay is a reliable tool for the detection of carbapenem resistance and allows for parallel analysis of carbapenemase production. However, while sensitivity is high, low specificity in carbapenemase detection and erroneous classification demands mandatory confirmation by alternative methods, especially in non-fermentative gram-negative bacteria.
Influence of shaft length on torsional behavior of endodontic nickel–titanium instruments
Authors: Gambarini Gianluca , Seracchiani Marco , Zanza Alessio , Miccoli Gabriele , Del Giudice Andrea , Testarelli Luca
Published: November 2020

Torsional stresses are one of the most frequent causes of intracanal separation of nickel–titanium endodontic instruments, which represents a great concern of endodontists. For this reason, torsional resistance of rotary instruments has been deeply investigated by determining all parameters that can influenced it, that can be summarized in: (1) Tooth-related factors, (2) Strategy-related factors and (3) Instrument-related factors. This study was conducted to examine the influence of shaft length on torsional resistance of a nickel–titanium rotary instrument and if it should be considered as an Instrument-related factor. With this aim, 120 Twisted Files Adaptive M-L (TFA M-L) NiTi instruments (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA) were divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 20), according to instruments length and size: Group 1, 20 TFA M-L1 25/08 23 mm; Group 2, 20 TFA M-L1 25/08 27 mm; Group 3, 20 TFA M-L2 35/06 23 mm; Group 4, 20 TFA M-L2 35/06 27 mm; Group 5, 20 TFA M-L3 50/04 23 mm; and Group 6, 20 TFA M-L3 50/04 27 mm. All instruments were submitted to a static torsional test, blocking each instrument at 3 mm from the tip and rotating it until its fracture. Torque to Fracture (TtF) and fragments length were registered and all data were statistically analyzed. Results showed that Groups 2, 4 and 6 had a higher TtF, respectively, than Groups 1, 3 and 5, which differ from the former just for shaft length. Group 6 showed the highest torsional resistance (1.31 ± 0.08 Ncm), whilst Group 1 the lowest (0.40 ± 0.08 Ncm). According to that, it can be stated that the longer the instrument, the higher the torsional resistance is, proving that shaft length should be considered as an important factor about torsional resistance.
Electrochemical conversion of pressurized CO2 at simple silver-based cathodes in undivided cells: study of the effect of pressure and other operative parameters
Authors: Proietto Federica , Berche François , Galia Alessandro , Scialdone Onofrio
Published: November 2020

Electrochemical reduction of pressurized CO2 is proposed as an interesting approach to overcome the main hurdle of the CO2 electrochemical conversion in aqueous solution, its low solubility (ca. 0.033 M), and to achieve good faradaic efficiency in CO using simple sheet silver cathodes and undivided cells, thus lowering the overall costs of the process. The effect on the process of CO2 pressure (1–30 bar), current density, nature of the supporting electrolyte and other operative conditions, such as the surface of the cathode or the mixing rate, was studied to enhance the production of CO. It was shown that pressurized conditions allow to improve drastically the current efficiency of CO (CECO). Furthermore, at relatively high pressure (20 bars), the utilization of simple sheet silver cathodes and silver electrodes with high surfaces gave similar CECO. The stability of the system was monitored for 10 h; it was shown that at a relatively high pressure (15 bar) in aqueous electrolyte of KOH using a simple plate silver cathode a constant current efficiency of CO close to 70% was obtained.

Graphic abstract
How cool is that! A new ‘construction’ and its theoretical challenges
Authors: Trotzke Andreas
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with the controversial connection between sentence type and illocutionary force. I focus onwh-configurations of the formHow cool is that!and demonstrate that this recent phenomenon presents some interesting challenges to approaches that are concerned with the illocutionary potential of sentence forms. In particular, the exclamation component ofHow cool is that!cannot be derived from features of exclamative syntax, but rather is a cumulative effect of exclamative intonation, the respective adjective, and the degree reading ofhow. However, the V-to-C-movement property results in a special pragmatics that proper exclamatives (i.e., without V-to-C movement:How cool that is!) lack. I claim thatHow cool is that!asks for affirmation or objection on the part of the addressee, and that this addressee-oriented component is signaled by a dedicated class of modal particles in the German version(s) ofHow cool is that!To analyze these addressee-oriented exclamations (A-EXCs), I adopt a syntactic approach to the connection between sentence types and their potential illocutionary uses and thus argue that this connection is by no means arbitrary and unrestricted. I show that both the special pragmatic function ofHow cool is that!and the corresponding distribution of modal particles in the German counterparts can be accounted for by referring to a compositional conception of sentence-type meanings, and I hence disagree with recent approaches that deal withHow cool is that!and its counterparts in German as constructions (i.e., arbitrary form-function mappings) only.
A Promising Approach in Home Visiting to Support Families Affected by Maternal Substance Use
Authors: O’Malley Donna , Chiang Danielle F. , Siedlik Emily A. , Ragon Katharine , Dutcher Marcia , Templeton Oneta
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Many factors influence women’s use of alcohol and other drugs while pregnant and postpartum. Substance use impacts the maternal-child relationship during the critical neonatal period. The first days and months of human development lay the foundation for health and well-being across the lifespan, making this period an important window of opportunity to interrupt the transmission of trauma and stress to the next generation. Pregnant and postpartum women with a history of substance use require specialized support services.

Methods

The Team for Infants Exposed to Substance abuse (TIES) Program provides a holistic, multi-disciplinary, community-based model to address the complex needs of families with young children affected by maternal substance use.

Results

A multi-year implementation study of the model yielded results that indicate the effectiveness of this home-based family support intervention. The model focuses on reducing maternal alcohol and other drug use, increasing positive parenting, promoting child and maternal health, and improving family income and family housing. A key component of the model is establishing a mutual, trusting relationship between the home visiting specialists and the family. Foundational to the TIES model is a family-centered, culturally competent, trauma-informed approach that includes formal interagency community partnerships

Discussion

This article describes elements of the model that lead to high retention and completion rates and family goal attainment for this unique population.
Tensor theta norms and low rank recovery
Authors: Rauhut Holger , Stojanac Željka
Published: November 2020

We study extensions of compressive sensing and low rank matrix recovery to the recovery of tensors of low rank from incomplete linear information. While the reconstruction of low rank matrices via nuclear norm minimization is rather well-understand by now, almost no theory is available so far for the extension to higher order tensors due to various theoretical and computational difficulties arising for tensor decompositions. In fact, nuclear norm minimization for matrix recovery is a tractable convex relaxation approach, but the extension of the nuclear norm to tensors is in general NP-hard to compute. In this article, we introduce convex relaxations of the tensor nuclear norm which are computable in polynomial time via semidefinite programming. Our approach is based on theta bodies, a concept from real computational algebraic geometry which is similar to the one of the better known Lasserre relaxations. We introduce polynomial ideals which are generated by the second-order minors corresponding to different matricizations of the tensor (where the tensor entries are treated as variables) such that the nuclear norm ball is the convex hull of the algebraic variety of the ideal. The theta body of order k for such an ideal generates a new norm which we call the θk-norm. We show that in the matrix case, these norms reduce to the standard nuclear norm. For tensors of order three or higher however, we indeed obtain new norms. The sequence of the corresponding unit-θk-norm balls converges asymptotically to the unit tensor nuclear norm ball. By providing the Gröbner basis for the ideals, we explicitly give semidefinite programs for the computation of the θk-norm and for the minimization of the θk-norm under an affine constraint. Finally, numerical experiments for order-three tensor recovery via θ1-norm minimization suggest that our approach successfully reconstructs tensors of low rank from incomplete linear (random) measurements.
Comparative analysis of density histograms and visual scores in incremental and volumetric high-resolution computed tomography of the chest in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients
Authors: Rea Gaetano , De Martino Marina , Capaccio Annalisa , Dolce Pasquale , Valente Tullio , Castaldo Sabrina , Canora Angelo , Lassandro Francesco , Bocchino Marialuisa
Published: November 2020

Background

Volumetric high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest has recently replaced incremental CT in the diagnostic workup of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Concomitantly, visual and quantitative scores have been proposed for disease extent assessment to ameliorate disease management.

Purpose

To compare the performance of density histograms (mean lung attenuation, skewness, and kurtosis) and visual scores, along with lung function correlations, in IPF patients submitted to incremental or volumetric thorax HRCT.

Material and methods

Clinical data and CT scans of 89 newly diagnosed and therapy-naive IPF patients were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Forty-six incremental and 43 volumetric CT scans were reviewed. No differences of density histograms and visual scores estimates were found by comparing two HRCT techniques, with an optimal inter-operator agreement (concordance correlation coefficient >0.90 in all instances). Single-breath diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCOsb) was inversely related with the Best score (r = −00.416; p = 0.014), the Kazerooni fibrosis extent (r = −0.481; p = 0.004) and the mean lung attenuation (r = −0.382; p = 0.026), while a positive correlation was observed with skewness (r = 0.583; p = 0.001) and kurtosis (r = 0.543; p = 0.001) in the incremental HRCT sub-group. Similarly, in the volumetric CT sub-cohort, DLCOsb was significantly associated with skewness (r = 0.581; p = 0.007) and kurtosis (r = 0.549; p = 0.018). Correlations with visual scores were not confirmed. Forced vital capacity significantly related to all density indices independently on HRCT technique.

Conclusions

Density histograms and visual scores similarly perform in incremental and volumetric HRCT. Density quantification displays an optimal reproducibility and proves to be superior to visual scoring as more strongly correlated with lung function.
Effect of Intraoperative Goal-Directed Fluid Management on Tissue Oxygen Tension in Obese Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mühlbacher Jakob , Luf Florian , Zotti Oliver , Herkner Harald , Fleischmann Edith , Kabon Barbara
Published: November 2020

Background

Perioperative subcutaneous tissue oxygen tension (PsqO2) is substantially reduced in obese surgical patients. Goal-directed fluid therapy optimizes cardiac performance and thus tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. We therefore tested the hypothesis that intra- and postoperative PsqO2 is significantly reduced in obese patients undergoing standard fluid management compared to goal-directed fluid administration.

Methods

We randomly assigned 60 obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery to receive either esophageal Doppler-guided goal-directed fluid management or conventional fluid treatment. Our primary outcome parameter was intra- and postoperative PsqO2 measured with a polarographic electrode in the subcutaneous tissue of the upper arm. A random effects linear regression model was used to analyze the effect of intervention.

Results

Overall, mean (± SD) PsqO2 was significantly higher in obese patients receiving goal-directed therapy compared to conventional fluid therapy (65.8 ± 28.0 mmHg vs. 53.7 ± 21.7, respectively; repeated measures design adjusted difference: 13.0 mmHg [95% CI 2.3 to 23.7; p = 0.017]). No effect was seen intraoperatively (69.6 ± 27.9 mmHg vs. 61.4 ± 28.8, difference: 9.7 mmHg [95% CI -3.8 to 23.2; p = 0.160]); however, goal-directed fluid management improved PsqO2 in the early postoperative phase (63.1 ± 27.9 mmHg vs. 48.4 ± 12.5, difference: 14.5 mmHg [95% CI 4.1 to 24.9; p = 0.006]). Intraoperative fluid requirements did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Goal-directed fluid therapy improved subcutaneous tissue oxygenation in obese patients. This effect was more pronounced in the early postoperative period.

Clinical Trial Number and Registry

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 01052519).
On Compressed Resolvents of Schrödinger Operators with Complex Potentials
Authors: Behrndt Jussi
Published: November 2020

The compression of the resolvent of a non-self-adjoint Schrödinger operator$$-\Delta +V$$-Δ+Vonto a subdomain$$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$Ω⊂Rnis expressed in a Kreĭn–Naĭmark type formula, where the Dirichlet realization on$$\Omega $$Ω, the Dirichlet-to-Neumann maps, and certain solution operators of closely related boundary value problems on$$\Omega $$Ωand$${\mathbb {R}}^n\setminus {\overline{\Omega }}$$Rn\Ω¯are being used. In a more abstract operator theory framework this topic is closely connected and very much inspired by the so-called coupling method that has been developed for the self-adjoint case by Henk de Snoo and his coauthors.
A counting invariant for maps into spheres and for zero loci of sections of vector bundles
Authors: Konstantis Panagiotis
Published: November 2020

The set of unrestricted homotopy classes $$[M,S^n]$$

[
M
,

S
n

]

where M is a closed and connected spin $$(n+1)$$

(
n
+
1
)

-manifold is called the n-th cohomotopy group $$\pi ^n(M)$$

π
n

(
M
)

of M. Using homotopy theory it is known that $$\pi ^n(M) = H^n(M;{\mathbb {Z}}) \oplus {\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

π
n

(
M
)

=

H
n

(
M
;
Z
)

⊕

Z
2

. We will provide a geometrical description of the $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

part in $$\pi ^n(M)$$

π
n

(
M
)

analogous to Pontryagin’s computation of the stable homotopy group $$\pi _{n+1}(S^n)$$

π

n
+
1

(

S
n

)

. This $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

number can be computed by counting embedded circles in M with a certain framing of their normal bundle. This is a similar result to the mod 2 degree theorem for maps $$M \rightarrow S^{n+1}$$

M
→

S

n
+
1

. Finally we will observe that the zero locus of a section in an oriented rank n vector bundle $$E \rightarrow M$$

E
→
M

defines an element in $$\pi ^n(M)$$

π
n

(
M
)

and it turns out that the $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

part is an invariant of the isomorphism class of E. At the end we show that if the Euler class of E vanishes this $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

invariant is the final obstruction to the existence of a nowhere vanishing section.
Parteiautonomie in Versicherungssachen: Eine Streitschrift
Authors: Gal Jens
Published: November 2020

In einem viel erwarteten Urteil stellte der EuGH nunmehr seine Rechtsauffassung hinsichtlich der subjektiven Erfassung von Versicherten unter einem Großrisikovertrag durch eine dort enthaltene Gerichtsstandsklausel klar. Für Kenner der Materie wenig überraschend, hielt der EuGH in der Balta-Entscheidung an seiner Position unter der Peloux-Entscheidung fest, und urteilte, dass solche Gerichtsstandsklauseln grundsätzlich Verträge zu Lasten Dritter wären, würde man sie in der Gestalt auf Versicherte erstrecken – die der Klausel nicht formgültig zugestimmt haben –, dass diese dadurch der Internationalen Zuständigkeit von Gerichten verlustig gingen, die sie ansonsten hätten anrufen können. Der EuGH wendet diesen Grundsatz nunmehr unbedingt auch auf Großrisikoverträge an und weigert sich zudem kategorisch eine Ausnahme zu machen, selbst wenn der Versicherte keine wirtschaftlich schwächere Partei ist, die des Schutzes bedarf, es sei denn, der Versicherte ist selbst ein Gewerbetreibender im Versicherungsbereich. Während dies, eher noch milde ausgedrückt, schwer nachvollziehbar erscheint, verbleiben Möglichkeiten diese untaugliche Rechtsprechung auszuhebeln, um das Rechtsprodukt und die zugrundeliegenden Berechnungsgrundlagen nicht zu gefährden.
The Training of Short Distance Sprint Performance in Football Code Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nicholson Ben , Dinsdale Alex , Jones Ben , Till Kevin
Published: November 2020

Background

Short-sprint (≤ 20 m) performance is an important quality for success in the football codes. Therefore, developing an evidence base for understanding training methods to enhance short-sprint performance is key for practitioners. However, current systematic reviews are limited by (1) a lack of focus on football code athletes, (2) a lack of consideration of all training modalities and (3) a failure to account for the normal training practices undertaken by intervention groups within their analysis. Therefore, this review aimed to (1) conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature evaluating training interventions upon short-sprint performance within football code athletes, (2) undertake a meta-analysis to assess the magnitude of change of sport-sprint performance following training interventions and (3) identify how moderator variables affect the training response.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to establish standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. This identified the magnitude and direction of the individual training effects of intervention subgroups (primary, secondary, combined-specific, tertiary and combined training methods) on short-sprint performance while considering moderator variables (i.e., football code, sex, age, playing standard, phase of season).

Results

121 studies met the inclusion criteria, totalling 3419 athletes. Significant improvements (small-large) were found between pre- and post-training in short-sprint performance for the combined, secondary, tertiary and combined-specific training methods. No significant effect was found for primary or sport only training. No individual mode was found to be the most effective. Between-subgroup analysis identified that football code, age, playing standard and phase of season all moderated the overall magnitude of training effects.

Conclusions

This review provides the largest systematic review and meta-analysis of short-sprint performance development methods and the only one to assess football code athletes exclusively. Practitioners can apply combined, secondary and tertiary training methods to improve short-sprint performance within football code athletes. The application of sport only and primary methods does not appear to improve short-sprint performance. Regardless of the population characteristics, short-sprint performance can be enhanced by increasing either or both the magnitude and the orientation of force an athlete can generate in the sprinting action.

Trial Registration

OSF registrationhttps://osf.io/kshqn/.
Neuromuscular Function of the Knee Joint Following Knee Injuries: Does It Ever Get Back to Normal? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses
Authors: Tayfur Beyza , Charuphongsa Chedsada , Morrissey Dylan , Miller Stuart Charles
Published: November 2020

Background

Neuromuscular deficits are common following knee injuries and may contribute to early-onset post-traumatic osteoarthritis, likely mediated through quadriceps dysfunction.

Objective

To identify how peri-articular neuromuscular function changes over time after knee injury and surgery.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analyses.

Data Sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL (Trials).

Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies

Moderate and high-quality studies comparing neuromuscular function of muscles crossing the knee joint between a knee-injured population (ligamentous, meniscal, osteochondral lesions) and healthy controls. Outcomes included normalized isokinetic strength, muscle size, voluntary activation, cortical and spinal-reflex excitability, and other torque related outcomes.

Results

A total of 46 studies of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and five of meniscal injury were included. For ACL injury, strength and voluntary activation deficits were evident (moderate to strong evidence). Cortical excitability was not affected at < 6 months (moderate evidence) but decreased at 24+ months (moderate evidence). Spinal-reflex excitability did not change at < 6 months (moderate evidence) but increased at 24+ months (strong evidence). We also found deficits in torque variability, rate of torque development, and electromechanical delay (very limited to moderate evidence). For meniscus injury, strength deficits were evident only in the short-term. No studies reported gastrocnemius, soleus or popliteus muscle outcomes for either injury. No studies were found for other ligamentous or chondral injuries.

Conclusions

Neuromuscular deficits persist for years post-injury/surgery, though the majority of evidence is from ACL injured populations. Muscle strength deficits are accompanied by neural alterations and changes in control and timing of muscle force, but more studies are needed to fill the evidence gaps we have identified. Better characterisation and therapeutic strategies addressing these deficits could improve rehabilitation outcomes, and potentially prevent PTOA.

Trial Registration Number

PROSPERO CRD42019141850.
Textiles: Decay and Preservation in Seventeenth- to Nineteenth-Century Burials in Finland
Authors: Lipkin Sanna , Ruhl Erika , Vajanto Krista , Tranberg Annemari , Suomela Jenni
Published: November 2020

The taphonomy of human remains and associated funerary textiles are inevitably linked. The interplay among burial clothes, human remains, insects, rodents, and preservation is explored through study of a group of postmedieval burials in Finland. These burials have been either archaeologically excavated or inventoried beneath wooden church floors. Decay and preserving factors for various conditions are studied, allowing in-depth study of individual garments and identification of the burial season. In addition, research has revealed different factors that have an effect on future preservation of the burials under church floors.
Point interactions for 3D sub-Laplacians
Authors: Boscain Ugo , Franceschi Valentina , Prandi Dario , Adami Riccardo
Published: November 2020

In this paper we show that, for a sub-Laplacian Δ on a 3-dimensional manifold
M
, no point interaction centered at a point

q_{0} \in M

exists. When
M
is complete w.r.t. the associated sub-Riemannian structure, this means that Δ acting on

C_{0}^{\infty }(M \setminus \{q_{0}\})

is essentially self-adjoint in

L^{2}(M)

. A particular example is the standard sub-Laplacian on the Heisenberg group. This is in stark contrast with what happens in a Riemannian manifold
N
, whose associated Laplace-Beltrami operator acting on

C_{0}^{\infty }(N \setminus \{q_{0}\})

is never essentially self-adjoint in

L^{2}(N)

, if

\mathrm{\dim }⁡N \leq 3

. We then apply this result to the Schrödinger evolution of a thin molecule, i.e., with a vanishing moment of inertia, rotating around its center of mass.
The SUBGLACIOR drilling probe: hydraulic considerations
Authors: Alemany O. , Talalay P. , Boissonneau P. , Chappellaz J. , Chemin J. F. , Duphil R. , Lefebvre E. , Piard L. , Possenti P. , Triest J.
Published: November 2020

Using significant technological breakthroughs and unconventional approaches, the goal of the in situ probing of glacier ice for a better understanding of the orbital response of climate (SUBGLACIOR) project is to advance ice core research by inventing, constructing and testing an in situ probe to evaluate if a target site is suitable for recovering ice as old as 1.5 million years. Embedding a laser spectrometer, the probe is intended to make its own way down into the ice and to measure, in real time and down to the bedrock, the depth profiles of the ice δD water isotopes as well as the trapped CH4 gas concentration and dust concentration. The probe descent is achieved through electromechanical drilling combined with continuous meltwater sample production using a central melting finger in the drill head. A key aspect of the project lies in the design and implementation of an efficient method to continuously transfer to the surface the ice chips being produced by the drill head and from the refreezed water expulsed downstream from the melting finger, into the borehole. This paper presents a detailed calculation and analysis of the flow rates and pressure conditions required to overcome friction losses of the drilling fluid and to effectively transport ice chips to the surface.
Student mental health and well-being: Overview and Future Directions
Authors: Hill M. , Farrelly N. , Clarke C. , Cannon M.
Published: November 2020

The mental health of third-level students is of major societal concern with the gap between the demand for services and supports offered at crisis level. In Ireland, similar to elsewhere, colleges have responded to this need in vastly differing ways, with student counselling services available to all institutions, and student health departments and sessional psychiatry in some of the larger institutions, with none operating as a single multidisciplinary service. There is an increasing recognition for a more systematised approach, with the establishment of International Networks, Charters and Frameworks. These advocate for a whole institutional approach to student mental health, in addition to the development of an integrated system of supports with effective pathways to appropriate care. This paper, by members of the Youth and Student Special Interest Group of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, contextualises student mental health currently and describes future directions for this emerging field. It is a call to action to develop a structure that supports the needs of students with mental health problems across the full range of the spectrum from mild to severe.