bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supercentenarians and Semi-supercentenarians in France
Authors: Ouellette Nadine , Meslé France , Vallin Jacques , Robine Jean-Marie
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, it attempts to exhaustively identify cases of French supercentenarians and semi-supercentenarians and to validate their alleged age at death. Secondly, it seeks to uncover careful patterns and trends in probabilities of death and life expectancy at very old ages in France. We use three sets of data with varying degrees of accuracy and coverage: nominative transcripts from the RNIPP (Répertoire national d’identification des personnes physiques), death records from the vital statistics system, and “public” lists of individual supercentenarians. The RNIPP stands out as the most reliable source. Based on all deaths registered in the RNIPP at the alleged ages of 110+ for extinct cohorts born between 1883 and 1901, errors are only few, at least for individuals who were born and died in France. For alleged semi-supercentenarians, age validation on a very large sample shows that errors are extremely rare, suggesting the RNIPP data can be used without any verification until age 108 at the minimum. Moreover, a comparison with “public” lists of individual supercentenarians reveals a single missing occurrence only in the RNIPP transcripts since 1991. While the quality of vital statistics data remains quite deficient at very old ages compared to RNIPP, the analytical results show a significant improvement over time at younger old ages. Our RNIPP-based probabilities of death for females appear to level-off at 0.5 between ages 108 and 111, but data becomes too scarce afterwards to assess the trend. Also, we obtain a quite low life expectancy value of 1.2 years at age 108.
Design of Efficient, Dependable SoCs Based on a Cross-Layer-Reliability Approach with Emphasis on Wireless Communication as Application and DRAM Memories
Authors: Weis Christian , Gimmler-Dumont Christina , Jung Matthias , Wehn Norbert
Published: December 2020

Many applications show an inherent error resilience due to their probabilistic behavior. This inherent error resilience can be exploited to reduce the design margin for advanced technology nodes resulting in more energy and area efficient implementation. We present in this chapter a cross-layer approach for efficient reliability management in wireless baseband processing with special emphasis on memories since memories are most susceptible to dependability problems. A multiple-antenna (MIMO) system will be used as design example. Further on we focus on DRAMs (Dynamic Random Access Memories). All today’s computing systems rely on dependable DRAMs. In the future DRAM memories will become more undependable due to further scaling. This has to be counterbalanced with higher refresh rates, which leads to a higher DRAM power consumption. Recent research activities resulted in the concept of “approximate DRAM” to save power and improve performance by lowering the refresh rate or disabling refresh completely. Here, we present a holistic simulation environment for investigations on approximate DRAM and show the impact on error-resilient applications.
Power-Aware Fault-Tolerance for Embedded Systems
Authors: Salehi Mohammad , Kriebel Florian , Rehman Semeen , Shafique Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Power-constrained fault-tolerance has emerged as a key challenge in the deep sub-micron technology. Multi-/many-core chips can support different hardening modes considering variants of redundant multithreading (RMT). In dark silicon chips, the maximum number of cores that can simultaneously be powered-on (at the full performance level) is constrained by the thermal design power (TDP). The rest of the cores have to be power-gated (i.e., stay “dark”), or the cores have to operate at a lower performance level. It has been predicted that about 25–50% of a many-core chip can potentially be “dark.” In this chapter, a system-level power–reliability management technique is presented. The technique jointly considers multiple hardening modes at the software and hardware levels, each offering distinct power, reliability, and performance properties. Also, a framework for the system-level optimization is introduced which considers different power–reliability–performance management problems for many-core processors depending upon the target system and user constraints.
Implementation of National Approaches to Circular Migration: Entry and Re-entry Conditions for Migrant Workers in Bulgaria and Poland
Authors: Vankova Zvezda
Published: December 2020

This chapter brings together the EU and national instruments conducive to circular migration developed in Bulgaria and Poland and assesses their implementation against the backdrop of the study’s benchmarks concerning entry and re-entry conditions for migrant workers. In order to do that, the chapter first presents the national general admission frameworks and the specific instruments identified as favourable to circular migration; as a second step, it focuses on the implementation of EU instruments in the national laws of Bulgaria and Poland. This analysis is complemented by insights into the implementation dynamics of the EU and national instruments on the basis of data collected through focus groups with migrants from Ukraine and Russia as well as interviews conducted with stakeholders and data on permits retrieved from the national administrations of both countries. The chapter ends with an assessment of whether the instruments developed provide options for facilitated entry for migrants from the Eastern partnership countries and Russia, as well as for circulation-friendly policies – for instance, the possibility to grant priority to seasonal workers who have been employed in the territory of a Member State for a significant period over other workers who seek admission to that State.
Flanking Rights in the Context of Circular Migration: Entry and Residence Conditions for Family Members and Recognition of Qualifications for Migrant Workers in Bulgaria and Poland
Authors: Vankova Zvezda
Published: December 2020

This chapter focuses on entry conditions for family members and recognition of qualifications that are considered secondary policy areas, yet could still influence migrants’ willingness to engage in circular migration. The chapter commences with an analysis of the transposition of the Family Reunification Directive into Polish and Bulgarian law. It then moves on to explore its implementation dynamics through the eyes of the migrant workers who participated in the focus groups as part of this study. As a second step, the chapter examines national instruments in the field of academic and professional qualifications. It takes physicians and nurses as case studies in order to present the challenges associated with practicing regulated professions in the context of circular migration. The chapter concludes with an assessment of existing instruments against the study’s benchmarks in these two policy areas, namely the conditions for family reunification and for migrant workers to have their diplomas and professional qualifications recognised.
The Fall of a Giant: Greed, Corruption and Abuse of Power Undermining Democracy in Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea , De Souza Guilherme Bettina
Published: December 2020

This Chapter explores the impact of the financial crisis on Brazilian democracy. We argue that while Brazil is one among many countries facing systemic effects of the 2008 crisis, domestic factors are also important to understand the level of the crisis, and the fragility of democracy at the present. Domestic factors explain, therefore the differences between Brazil and other countries in Latin America and in Europe.
Venezuela in Crisis: Governability, Equity and Democracy
Authors: Briceño-Ruiz José , Lehmann Kai
Published: December 2020

This chapter aims to answer the following questions: What is the nature of the crisis confronted by the country and what are the conditions which led to, and sustain, it? What do these conditions mean for any attempts to address this crisis? Finally, what can be done in practical terms to address this crisis especially considering the country’s increasing isolation not only in the region but in the world?
The Crisis of Latin American Regionalism and Way Ahead
Authors: Briceño-Ruiz José , Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea
Published: December 2020

This chapter analyses the crisis of Latin America regionalism focusing on the changes and continuities of regional organizations such as UNASUR, Mercosur, ALBA and Pacific Alliance and discusses future scenarios.
Comparing the Crises in Europe and Latin America: Causes, Management, Impact and Consequences
Authors: Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea , De Souza Guilherme Bettina
Published: December 2020

This chapter summarizes the findings of the theoretical and analytical chapters, and comparatively assesses the causes of the crises, the crisis management strategies, and their impact in a selection of case studies from the national level – Greece, Portugal and Italy in Europe; and Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela in Latin America; and the regional level – the European Union, and regional organizations and regional governance structures in Latin America such as CELAC, Unasur, Mercosur and Alba.
The Road from Prosperity into the Crisis: The Long Cycle of Post-War Economic, Social and Political Development
Authors: Schulmeister Stephan
Published: December 2020

This chapter provides an empirically founded reconstruction of the long road of (Western) societies into the present crisis as a background for the different studies carried out as part of the Jean Monnet Network “Crisis–Equity–Democracy for Europe and Latin America”.
Operational Proposal for an EU-CELAC Strategic Alliance
Authors: Ghymers Christian
Published: December 2020

This chapter proposes the strengthening of the bi-regional cooperation EU-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) based upon a bottom-up exchanges across experts and officials through an innovative two-leg strategy of bi-regional dialogues.
The Systemic Nature of the Global Crisis and Some Principles for Tackling It
Authors: Ghymers Christian
Published: December 2020

This chapter argues that climate change, the global macroeconomic crisis and the weakening of democracy are all expressions of the same incoherence in the present global economic system, which operates on the basis of major ‘market failures’ that are characterized by the same kind of economic mechanism based on biased relative prices for fossil energies, financial returns and social cohesion. Therefore, the only practical solution is to make sustainable production profitable by first correcting these relative prices in order to re-establish a systemic convergence between private and social returns and between political and economic democracy.
Finance Capitalism and Democracy: The Case of the Financial Transactions Tax
Authors: Schulmeister Stephan
Published: December 2020

This chapter analyses the pros and cons of financial transaction taxes (FTT) as mechanisms to mitigate financial instability and the proposal of the European Commission to implement an FTT in the EU in September 2011 until its suspension, as well as the prospects for it to be adopted in the future.
Managing the Crisis in Greece: The Missing Link between External Conditionality and Domestic Political Economy
Authors: Katsikas Dimitris , Bazoti Pery
Published: December 2020

The handling of the Greek crisis was not successful. Despite the sacrifices that the Greek people had to endure, the country’s structural problems both in the public sector and the economy have not been resolutely resolved. This chapter offers an explanation for this failure. The main idea is to connect the externally imposed policy conditionality, with the particular characteristics of Greece’s domestic political economy, seeking to integrate an analysis of impediments and opportunities for structural reform. While the literature on external institutional constraints emphasizes the possibility for achieving convergence, the institutionalist literature points towards divergence among national political economies, as institutional change and policy performance are conditioned by crucial intervening variables, namely, aspects of the domestic institutional infrastructure. In this context, Greece is a paradigmatic case of long-delayed or stalled reforms despite external pressures that promoted them. While most attention has been paid to the weaknesses of the EMU, this analysis’ emphasis is on the role of crucial domestic factors. The analysis takes place in three steps: (a) the outline of Greece’s institutional profile and growth trajectory based on an analysis of formal and informal domestic institutions; (b) the description and analysis of the design, implementation and impact of the adjustment programs; and (c) in view of (a) and (b) an assessment of whether the adjustment programs implemented in Greece took into consideration the characteristics of the country’s political economy, and how and to what degree the failure to do so accounts for their results.
The Alpha and Omega of Teacher Education: Organizing Mathematical Activities
Authors: Wittmann Erich Christian
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to describe an introductory mathematics course for primary student teachers and to explain the philosophy behind it. The paper is structured as follows: It starts with a general plea for placing the mathematical training of any category of students into their professional context. Then the context of primary education in Germany, with its strong emphasis on the principle of learning by discovery, is sketched.
Structure-Genetic Didactical Analyses—Empirical Research “of the First Kind”
Authors: Wittmann Erich Christian
Published: December 2020

In mathematics education, theories of teaching and learning based on disciplines different from mathematics (“imported” theories) are widely dominating the field. This imbalance greatly reduces the impact of mathematics education both on teacher education and on the teaching practice. In order to return to a balanced situation it is necessary to pay more attention to theories which are based on mathematics. As an example of such a “homegrown” theory, the paper presents the structure-genetic didactical analysis, the research method of mathematics education conceived of as a “design science”.
Designing Teaching: The Pythagorean Theorem
Authors: Wittmann Erich Christian
Published: December 2020

Here we consider a fundamental activity of teachers that has to be based on an integrated view of mathematics and pedagogy in order to be successful: namely, the design of teaching. As expressed in the title, a well-known topic of geometry, the Pythagorean theorem, is used for illustrating this integrative approach to student teachers. In other words, the emphasis of the paper is less on the Pythagorean theorem per se but more on general principles of a teacher’s “design kit” that can be applied to other topics as well.
Einfluss des Schulrucksackgewichtes bei Grundschulkindern: Gang, Muskelaktivität, Haltung und Stabilität
Authors: Hell Anna K. , Braunschweig Lena , Grages Birgit , Brunner Reinald , Romkes Jacqueline
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Das tägliche Tragen eines schweren Schulrucksacks kann möglicherweise Haltungsstörungen hervorrufen, die sich auf das Gangbild und die Standstabilität der Kinder und Jugendlichen auswirken.

Ziel der Arbeit (Fragestellung)

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, den Einfluss einer Rucksacklast von 4 kg auf das Gangbild und die Standstabilität bei Grundschulkindern zu analysieren.

Material und Methoden

In der prospektiven Arbeit wurde ein Kollektiv von zwölf Grundschulkindern zwischen 7 und 10 Jahren ohne neurologische oder orthopädische Probleme untersucht. Die Messungen beinhalteten eine klinische Untersuchung, eine dreidimensionale Ganganalyse mit elektromyografischen Aufzeichnungen und die Prüfung des ruhigen Stehens auf einer Kraftmessplatte.

Ergebnisse

Die Rucksacklast von durchschnittlich 15 % des Körpergewichts führte zu reduzierter Ganggeschwindigkeit, verkürzter Schrittlänge und verlängerter Doppelunterstützungsphase. Zudem kam es zu einer erhöhten Oberkörpervorneigung, Beckenkippung und Hüftbeugung. Auch die Muskelaktivität und Stabilität der Kinder wurde durch die erhöhte Traglast beeinflusst.

Diskussion

Schulrucksäcke mit einem Gewicht von 4 kg führten bei Grundschulkindern zu Änderungen von Gang, Muskelaktivität, Haltung und Standstabilität. Das Gewicht des Rucksacks verlagert den Körperschwerpunkt nach hinten und führt zur Instabilität. Dies wird beim Gehen durch eine vermehrte Oberkörpervorneigung, Beckenkippung nach vorne und vermehrte Hüftbeugung kompensiert. Die verminderte Paraspinalmuskelaktivität deutet darauf hin, dass der Rucksack passiv getragen wird. Dies könnte sich im Langzeitverlauf negativ auswirken.
Knowledge integration between technical change and strategy making
Authors: Brusoni Stefano , Cassi Lorenzo , Tuna Simge
Published: December 2020

This paper looks at the different strategies that two of the tire industry’s most prominent players, Pirelli and Michelin, deployed to exploit a radical process innovation: robotized, modular manufacturing. This paper argues that Pirelli, originally the technological follower, could develop a more nuanced, complex and ultimately successful strategy thanks to its superior knowledge integration capabilities. Empirically, we examine the structural characteristics and evolution of inventors’ networks in the two companies to reveal their knowledge integration capabilities. We apply the cohesive blocking method developed by White and Harary (Sociol Methodol 31(1):305–359, 2001) to argue that Pirelli, while relying on comparable skills in terms of technical fields, leveraged a more connected, cohesive and structured skills than Michelin. On this basis, it could develop and deploy a more complex strategy that better fit the characteristics of the new process technology. Pirelli’s knowledge network structure enhanced its knowledge integration capabilities and allowed for a more efficient fit between technology and strategy.
Molecularly guided treatment of metastatic parotid gland carcinoma in adults
Authors: Taghizadeh Hossein , Müllauer Leonhard , Mader Robert M. , Füreder Thorsten , Prager Gerald W.
Published: December 2020

Background

Advanced therapy-refractory parotid gland carcinomas have a poor prognosis with limited therapy options. We used molecular profiling to offer molecular guided therapies to patients with advanced metastatic parotid gland malignancies.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis we describe the molecular profiling of ten patients diagnosed with therapy-refractory metastatic parotid gland malignancies.

Results

We identified seven genetic aberrations in five patients: two mutations in CDKN2A and one mutation in APC, ATM, TP53, SMARCB1 and FGFR1, respectively. No mutations were detected in five patients. The IHC demonstrated frequent expressions of EGFR and p‑mTOR, as well as PTEN in eight patients. For four fifths (n = 8) of the patients, a targeted therapy was suggested. Eventually, three patients received the targeted therapy recommendation and one patient achieved stable disease for 14 months.

Conclusion

A total of eight therapy recommendations were provided. Based on our observations, molecular-guided therapies may be a feasible treatment approach for this rare disease entity.
What sports activity levels are achieved in long-term survivors with modular endoprosthetic humerus reconstruction following primary bone sarcoma resection?
Authors: Lang Nikolaus W. , Kasparek Maximilian F. , Synak Lukas , Waldstein Wenzel , Funovics Philipp T. , Windhager Reinhard , Hobusch Gerhard M.
Published: December 2020

Background

The aim of the study was to assess (1) sports activity, (2) sports involving the upper extremities, (3) functional outcome and (4) sports-related complications of long-term survivors of primary malignant bone tumors of the proximal humerus.

Methods

A total of 18 patients with an endoprosthetic reconstruction for primary malignant bone sarcoma of the proximal humerus (8 male, 10 female, mean age 19.9 ± 8.4 years, range 7.8–37.4 years) with an average follow-up of 18.1 ± 7.4 years (range 6.7–29.8 years) were included. The type of sport, frequency, duration of each sport session and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score were assessed before surgery, at 1 year, 3 years and at the latest follow-up. Functional outcome was assessed by the Toronto extremity salvage score (TESS).

Results

The mean UCLA activity score decreased from 8.0 (±1.3, range 5–9) preoperative to 4.2 (±1.7, range 3–8) at 1‑year follow-up (p < 0.05). After 3 years it increased to 5.1 (±1.75, range 3–8) and further to 7 (±1.8, range 4–9) at the last follow-up. The mean postoperative TESS was 80.8 (±6.4, range 75.7–91.4) at the latest follow-up. Patients who were initially more active without reconstruction including a synthetic mesh were more likely to develop soft tissue complications accompanied by proximal endoprothesis migration.

Conclusion

Patients with a modular endoprosthetic reconstruction of the humerus following primary bone sarcoma resume participation in sports. Regarding the low incidence of periprosthetic infections, utilization of a synthetic mesh for reconstruction to prevent soft tissue complications in active patients should be considered.
Contrasting executive function development among primary school children from Hong Kong and Germany
Authors: Schirmbeck Katharina , Rao Nirmala , Wang Rhoda , Richards Ben , Chan Stephanie W. Y. , Maehler Claudia
Published: December 2020

Previous research findings indicate that young children from East Asia outperform their counterparts from Europe and North America on executive function (EF) tasks. However, very few cross-national studies have focused on EF development during middle childhood. The current study assessed the EF performance of 170 children in grades 2 and 4 from Hong Kong (n = 80) and Germany (n = 90) in a cross-sectional design. Children completed tasks assessing the main components of EF, namely inhibition (child-friendly Stroop task), updating (Object Span task), and shifting (Contingency Naming task). Results of multilevel models showed that all three EF measures differentiated well between younger and older children across the full sample. However, contrary to our hypothesis and previous research, we did not find any significant differences in EF performance between children from Hong Kong and Germany at primary school age. Our findings highlight the possibility that issues related to the measurement of EF and features specific to Hong Kong and Germany underlie our results.
Toward Better Reproducibility in Experimental Research on New Agents for Pulmonary Hypertension. An Analysis of Data from Four Hundred Animal Studies
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Pre-clinical data can provide a rationale for subsequent clinical trials and they are the first step in drug development; however, the therapeutic effect observed during animal studies does not necessarily translate to similar results in humans.

Methods

Taking the example of pulmonary hypertension, the present study explores whether the methodological aspects of preclinical experiments can determine the final result.

Results

The present paper describes a systematic analysis of 409 studies conducted on a variety of animal models to identify potential drug candidates for PH treatment; it explores the influence of various aspects of study design on the final outcome, e.g. type of animal model of PH, dosage schedules of tested agents, type of anesthesia, measurement of exercise intolerance or animal survival.

Conclusions

The animal models of PH used for pre-clinical studies are diverse and there are several methodological items within the established protocols that can determine the obtained result.
Tracing anthropogenic sources of Tantalum and Niobium in Bothnian Bay sediments, Sweden
Authors: Sutliff-Johansson S , Pontér S , Engström E , Rodushkin I , Peltola P , Widerlund A
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate temporal trends of Tantalum (Ta) and Niobium (Nb) concentrations in northern Baltic Sea sediments with focus on the potential impact from the Rönnskär sulfide ore smelter, located 15 km east of Skellefteå in northern Sweden. The potential of Ta or Nb to serve as tracers for environmental pollution caused by the electronic waste is compared. Lastly, correlations between Ta and Nb concentrations and those of major redox elements are investigated.

Methods

A 35-cm-deep core was collected in the harbor bay (Kallholmsfjärden) outside of the smelter. A secondary 6-m-deep sediment core was collected in the deep Bothnian Bay for comparative purposes. Element screening analysis was conducted the using ICP-SFMS for the Kallhomsfjärden core and a combination of ICP-SFMS and ICP-OES for the Bothnian Bay core. In the final analysis, a 5-step sequential extraction technique was preformed to allow for better prediction of the fate and mobility of Ta and Nb.

Results and discussion

In the vicinity of the smelter, Ta concentration increases from 0.42 to 3.8 ppm from the time coinciding with the beginning of electronic waste processing. Conversely, Nb concentration remained stable at background levels throughout the core at 6.33 ± 0.78 ppm. The Nb/Ta ratio thus changed from 14.5 to 1.7, reflecting an increase of anthropogenic input of Ta into the bay sediments. In the pre-industrial part of the sediment, concentrations of both elements follow concentration of aluminosilicates in the core. In recent sediments, however, the anthropogenic Ta exhibits an association with hydrous ferric oxides (HFOs) and organic matter.

Conclusions

Notable increases in Ta concentrations began following the beginning of scrap metal and electronic waste processing at the Rönnskär smelter. Anthropogenic Ta introduced in the upper portion of the sediment and are more associated with HFOs and organic material than natural Ta seen in the deeper parts of the core where detrital Ta is most common. Niobium was not affected by the Rönnskär smelter and displayed no notable change to the preindustrial background.
Language-responsive support for multiplicative thinking as unitizing: results of an intervention study in the second grade
Authors: Götze Daniela , Baiker Annica
Published: December 2020

Multiplicative thinking involves the ability to coordinate bundled units on a more abstract level than additive thinking and implies the identification of the different meanings of the multiplier and the multiplicand. The transition from additive to multiplicative thinking, however, constitutes an obstacle for many children. Specific formulations that are typically used in classroom discourse for talking about multiplicative tasks and situations (e.g., ‘3 times 4’ or ‘3 lots of 4’) might inhibit meaning-making processes because they do not address the idea of unitizing. A language-responsive introduction to multiplication that addresses the core idea of unitizing and that uses phrases such as ‘3 times 4 means you have 3 fours’ may help to overcome these problems. In the study presented in this paper, three second grade primary school teachers joined a teacher program to introduce multiplication in their classes (n = 66) by addressing meaning-making phrases. Another 58 second graders taught by teachers without this teacher program served as the control group. A specially developed multiplication test gave insight into the children’s understanding of multiplication as unitizing immediately after the intervention (posttest) and nearly three months later (follow-up test). We found significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the multiplication posttest. These differences could be underlined in the follow-up test. Our results indicate that a language-responsive teaching intervention that focuses on meaning-making processes can lead to long-term insights and help to develop multiplicative thinking as unitizing.
Force feedback-based quality monitoring of the friction stir welding process utilizing an analytic algorithm
Authors: Rabe P. , Schiebahn A. , Reisgen U.
Published: December 2020

The friction stir welding (FSW) process is known as a solid-state welding process, comparatively stable against external influences. Therefore, the process is commonly used with fixed welding parameters, utilizing axial force control or position control strategies. External and internal process disturbances introduced by workpiece, gap tolerance, tool wear, or machine/tool inadequacies are rarely monitored, and conclusions about the weld seam quality, based on the recorded process data, are not drawn. This paper describes an advancement, improving on research into the correlation of process force feedback events or gradual force changes and the resulting weld seam characteristics. Analyzing the correlation between examined weld sections and high-resolution rate force data, a quality monitoring system based on an analytic algorithm is described. The monitoring system is able to accurately distinguish sound welds from such with internal (void) and external (flash) defects.
Mental health outcomes among patients from Fangcang shelter hospitals exposed to coronavirus disease 2019: An observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Guang‐Yin , Liu Qi , Lin Jing‐Yu , Yan Lin , Shen Li , Si Tian‐Mei
Published: December 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is not only attacking physical health, but it is also increasing psychological suffering. This study aimed to observe the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on mental health outcomes among patients with mild to moderate illness in Fangcang shelter hospitals.

Methods

We conducted an observational, cross‐sectional study of 129 patients with mild to moderate illness from Jiangxia Fangcang shelter hospitals in Wuhan, China. The participants were assessed by quantifying their symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stressful life events and analyzing potential risk factors associated with these symptoms. Using correlation analysis, we examined associations between exposure to COVID‐19 and subsequent psychological distress in response to the outbreak.

Results

In total, 49.6% of participants had depressive or anxiety symptoms. The depressive and anxiety symptoms were highly related to sleep disturbances and hypochondriasis (all r > 0.50, P < 0.01). The impact of the event was positively related to depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep disturbances, hypochondriasis and life events (all r > 0.35, P < 0.01) but was negatively related to psychological resilience (r = −0.41, P < 0.01). The presence of the COVID‐19 infection in this setting was associated with increased anxiety, depression and stress levels, and decreased sleep quality, and seriously affected patients’ quality of life as well as adversely affecting the course and prognosis of physical diseases.

Conclusion

The sleep quality, anxiety, and depression of COVID‐19 patients in Fangcang shelter hospitals were significantly related to the impact of the epidemic.
Myalgia as a Symptom of Envenomation by the Eastern Coral Snake, Micrurus Fulvius: A Case Report
Authors: Titelbaum Nicholas V. , Hughes Michael J. , Wilson James L.
Published: December 2020

We present the case of a patient who developed myalgia as the primary symptom of envenomation by the eastern coral snake, Micrurus fulvius. The patient was evaluated and treated in the emergency department. Physical examination did not demonstrate any neuromuscular abnormalities. On consultation with the poison control center, the patient’s myalgia was determined to be an effect of envenomation, and 5 vials of North American coral snake antivenin were administered. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit where his symptoms resolved. He was discharged the following day after remaining asymptomatic for 24 h.
Dog bite injuries to the face: A narrative review of the literature
Authors: Ali Shirwa Sheik , Ali Sharaf Sheik
Published: December 2020

Objective

Dog bite injuries remain a public health concern for two key reasons: the physical threat to health following attack and the infective sequelae a canine bite can incur. Facial bite injuries can result in significant emotional, psychological and physical trauma to victims involved. This narrative review elucidates the current presentation and management of dog bite injuries to the face.

Data Sources and Methods

A literature search was conducted electronically using the search terms “dog bite” and “face” and “management” using the National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) and the Cochrane Library. There were no time nor language restrictions. A total of 79 studies were initially retrieved using the search algorithm. After screening of the titles and abstracts, 9 full texts were retrieved, and a total of 7 studies included.

Results

The number of patients included in each study following a dog bite ranged from 40 to 223. The percentage of children included in each study (aged <18 years old) ranged from 27.5% to 100%. The majority of dog bite injuries to the face were managed by primary repair, ranging from 56.3% to 100%. Prophylactic antibiotics were used in most studies for dog bite injuries, ranging from 81% to 100%. The secondary infection rate following a dog bite ranged from 0 to 35%.

Conclusion

This review highlights that children are disproportionately affected by canine bite injuries to the face relative to adults. The dog involved in the attack is typically known to the victim, with the lips, the cheek and the nose representing the most common sites of facial injury. More units are managing such injuries with primary repair and prophylactic antibiotics. Reconstructive procedures most commonly involve a local or advancement flap, a full thickness skin graft or a split skin graft. These are typically performed by Plastic Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery specialists.
Ultraschall der Hand (adaptiert nach SGUM-Richtlinien)
Authors: Tamborrini Giorgio , Bianchi Stefano
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit wird die vereinfachte Ultraschallanatomie der Hand und der Finger erläutert. Hierbei werden die adaptierten grundlegenden Standardebenen nach SGUM-Richtlinien im Detail beschrieben und anhand einer Auswahl von hochauflösenden Ultraschall-Bildern illustriert. Fundierte Kenntnisse der sonografischen Anatomie sind unabdingbar, um Pathologien zu erkennen.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – Schnittstellen zwischen Hausarztpraxis und gynäkologischer Spezialabklärung
Authors: Pape Janna , Gnehm Florian , Bajka Michael , Fink Daniel , Samartzis Eleftherios Pierre
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die «Pelvic Inflammatory Disease» (PID) beschreibt eine aufsteigende Entzündung des oberen weiblichen Genitaltraktes, beginnend bei einer Zervizitis über eine Endometritis zur Adnexitis. Sie ist ein häufiges und in den letzten Jahren wieder zunehmendes klinisches Bild, das sowohl in der gynäkologischen wie auch hausärztlichen Praxis vorkommt. Die Symptome sind unspezifisch, diskret ausgebildet oder ganz fehlend. Eine schnelle Diagnosestellung mit unverzüglicher Therapieeinleitung sowie eine gute interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit können das Langzeitrisiko der chronischen Unterbauchschmerzen, Sterilität und/oder Extrauteringravidität mindern. Screeningprogramme auf Chlamydien und Gonokokken, die die häufigsten Erreger der PID darstellen, sind bisher in der Schweiz nicht implementiert.
Informing Seasonal Proxy‐Based Flow Reconstructions Using Baseflow Separation: An Example From the Potomac River, United States
Authors: Torbenson M. C. A. , Stagge J. H.
Published: December 2020

Paleoclimatic perspectives on hydrological variability can offer valuable information on the frequency and magnitude of extreme events. Tree‐ring records are a common proxy used to reconstruct past streamflow due to their interannual resolution and often strong correlation with hydroclimate variability. The separation of streamflow into theoretical baseflow and stormflow constituents is regularly utilized to differentiate between flow‐generating processes; however, it has yet to see use in paleoclimate reconstructions. We compare three approaches which use log‐linear, gamma‐distributed, and baseflow‐separated regression, respectively, to reconstructing flow at a well‐studied gage—the Potomac River at Point of Rock, Maryland. Preinstrumental baseflow and streamflow for summer were estimated for the past 350 years using a regional network of tree‐ring chronologies. Additionally, estimates of winter flow were produced for the same period using a nonoverlapping set of tree‐ring data. Tree growth appears to have a stronger relationship with baseflow than with streamflow for both seasons, supporting the use of baseflow as predictand. The number of chronologies subsequently chosen as predictors for streamflow was also lower than for baseflow and represents an additional source of reconstruction bias/uncertainty when total streamflow is the predictand. Historical records support the validity of both summer and winter reconstructions. The winter reconstruction indicates that several years of consecutive below‐mean flows, on par with the 1960s drought, occurred with higher frequency prior to the instrumental era. Our results suggest that baseflow separation can improve reconstruction skill and provide additional information to water resource management on the long‐term variability of hydrological extremes.
Hepatocyte cannabinoid 1 receptor nullification alleviates toxin-induced liver damage via NF-κB signaling
Authors: Kim Yoo , Gautam Sudeep , Aseer Kanikkai Raja , Kim Jaekwan , Chandrasekaran Prabha , Mazucanti Caio Henrique , Ghosh Paritosh , O’Connell Jennifer F. , Doyle Máire E. , Appleton Ashley , Lehrmann Elin , Liu Qing-Rong , Egan Josephine M.
Published: December 2020

Cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) expression is upregulated in the liver with viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD), whereas its expression is muted under usual physiological conditions. Inhibiting CB1R has been shown to be beneficial in preserving hepatic function in FLD but it is unclear if inhibiting CB1R during an inflammatory response to an acute hepatic injury, such as toxin-induced injury, would also be beneficial. We found that intrinsic CB1R in hepatocytes regulated liver inflammation-related gene transcription. We tested if nullification of hepatocyte-specific CB1R (hCNR1−/−) in mice protects against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver injury. We looked for evidence of liver damage and markers of inflammation in response to Con A by measuring liver enzyme levels and proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17) in serum collected from hCNR1−/− and control mice. We observed a shift to the right in the dose-response curve for liver injury and inflammation in hCNR1−/− mice. We also found less inflammatory cell infiltration and focal necrosis in livers of hCNR1−/− mice compared to controls, resulting from downregulated apoptotic markers. This anti-apoptotic mechanism results from increased activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), especially cAMP-dependent cannabinoid signaling and membrane-bound TNF-α, via downregulated TNF-α receptor 2 (TNFR2) transcription levels. Collectively, these findings provide insight into involvement of CB1R in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury.
LncRNA kcnq1ot1 promotes lipid accumulation and accelerates atherosclerosis via functioning as a ceRNA through the miR-452-3p/HDAC3/ABCA1 axis
Authors: Yu Xiao-Hua , Deng Wen-Yi , Chen Jiao-Jiao , Xu Xiao-Dan , Liu Xian-Xia , Chen Lei , Shi Meng-Wen , Liu Qi-Xian , Tao Min , Ren Kun
Published: December 2020

Kcnq1 overlapping transcript 1 (kcnq1ot1), an imprinted antisense lncRNA in the kcnq1 locus, acts as a potential contributor to cardiovascular disease, but its role in atherosclerosis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of kcnq1ot1 on atherogenesis and the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that kcnq1ot1 expression was significantly increased in mouse aorta with atherosclerosis and lipid-loaded macrophages. Lentivirus-mediated kcnq1ot1 overexpression markedly increased atherosclerotic plaque area and decreased plasma HDL-C levels and RCT efficiency in apoE−/− mice fed a Western diet. Upregulation of kcnq1ot1 also reduced the expression of miR-452-3p and ABCA1 but increased HDAC3 levels in mouse aorta and THP-1 macrophages. Accordingly, kcnq1ot1 overexpression inhibited cholesterol efflux and promoted lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages. In contrast, kcnq1ot1 knockdown protected against atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice and suppressed lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages. Mechanistically, kcnq1ot1 enhanced HDAC3 expression by competitively binding to miR-452-3p, thereby inhibiting ABCA1 expression and subsequent cholesterol efflux. Taken together, these findings suggest that kcnq1ot1 promotes macrophage lipid accumulation and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis through the miR-452-3p/HDAC3/ABCA1 pathway.
Nature-inspired remodeling of (aza)indoles to meta-aminoaryl nicotinates for late-stage conjugation of vitamin B3 to (hetero)arylamines
Authors: Varun Begur Vasanthkumar , Vaithegi Kannan , Yi Sihyeong , Park Seung Bum
Published: December 2020

Despite the availability of numerous routes to substituted nicotinates based on the Bohlmann–Rahtz pyridine synthesis, the existing methods have several limitations, such as the inevitable ortho-substitutions and the inability to conjugate vitamin B3 to other pharmaceutical agents. Inspired by the biosynthesis of nicotinic acid (a form of vitamin B3) from tryptophan, we herein report the development of a strategy for the synthesis of meta-aminoaryl nicotinates from 3-formyl(aza)indoles. Our strategy is mechanistically different from the reported routes and involves the transformation of (aza)indole scaffolds into substituted meta-aminobiaryl scaffolds via Aldol-type addition and intramolecular cyclization followed by C–N bond cleavage and re-aromatization. Unlike previous synthetic routes, this biomimetic method utilizes propiolates as enamine precursors and thus allows access to ortho-unsubstituted nicotinates. In addition, the synthetic feasibility toward the halo-/boronic ester-substituted aminobiaryls clearly differentiates the present strategy from other cross-coupling strategies. Most importantly, our method enables the late-stage conjugation of bioactive (hetero)arylamines with nicotinates and nicotinamides and allows access to the previously unexplored chemical space for biomedical research.
High-speed atomic force microscopy highlights new molecular mechanism of daptomycin action
Authors: Zuttion Francesca , Colom Adai , Matile Stefan , Farago Denes , Pompeo Frédérique , Kokavecz Janos , Galinier Anne , Sturgis James , Casuso Ignacio
Published: December 2020

The increase in speed of the high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) compared to that of the conventional AFM made possible the first-ever visualisation at the molecular-level of the activity of an antimicrobial peptide on a membrane. We investigated the medically prescribed but poorly understood lipopeptide Daptomycin under infection-like conditions (37 °C, bacterial lipid composition and antibiotic concentrations). We confirmed so far hypothetical models: Dap oligomerization and the existence of half pores. Moreover, we detected unknown molecular mechanisms: new mechanisms to form toroidal pores or to resist Dap action, and to unprecedently quantify the energy profile of interacting oligomers. Finally, the biological and medical relevance of the findings was ensured by a multi-scale multi-nativeness—from the molecule to the cell—correlation of molecular-level information from living bacteria (Bacillus subtilis strains) to liquid-suspended vesicles and supported-membranes using electron and optical microscopies and the lipid tension probe FliptR, where we found that the cells with a healthier state of their cell wall show smaller membrane deformations.
Analytical validity of nanopore sequencing for rapid SARS-CoV-2 genome analysis
Authors: Bull Rowena A. , Adikari Thiruni N. , Ferguson James M. , Hammond Jillian M. , Stevanovski Igor , Beukers Alicia G. , Naing Zin , Yeang Malinna , Verich Andrey , Gamaarachchi Hasindu , Kim Ki Wook , Luciani Fabio , Stelzer-Braid Sacha , Eden John-Sebastian , Rawlinson William D. , van Hal Sebastiaan J. , Deveson Ira W.
Published: December 2020

Viral whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides critical insight into the transmission and evolution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Long-read sequencing devices from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) promise significant improvements in turnaround time, portability and cost, compared to established short-read sequencing platforms for viral WGS (e.g., Illumina). However, adoption of ONT sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance has been limited due to common concerns around sequencing accuracy. To address this, here we perform viral WGS with ONT and Illumina platforms on 157 matched SARS-CoV-2-positive patient specimens and synthetic RNA controls, enabling rigorous evaluation of analytical performance. We report that, despite the elevated error rates observed in ONT sequencing reads, highly accurate consensus-level sequence determination was achieved, with single nucleotide variants (SNVs) detected at >99% sensitivity and >99% precision above a minimum ~60-fold coverage depth, thereby ensuring suitability for SARS-CoV-2 genome analysis. ONT sequencing also identified a surprising diversity of structural variation within SARS-CoV-2 specimens that were supported by evidence from short-read sequencing on matched samples. However, ONT sequencing failed to accurately detect short indels and variants at low read-count frequencies. This systematic evaluation of analytical performance for SARS-CoV-2 WGS will facilitate widespread adoption of ONT sequencing within local, national and international COVID-19 public health initiatives.
Primary effusion lymphoma enhancer connectome links super-enhancers to dependency factors
Authors: Wang Chong , Zhang Luyao , Ke Liangru , Ding Weiyue , Jiang Sizun , Li Difei , Narita Yohei , Hou Isabella , Liang Jun , Li Shijun , Xiao Haipeng , Gottwein Eva , Kaye Kenneth M. , Teng Mingxiang , Zhao Bo
Published: December 2020

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) has a very poor prognosis. To evaluate the contributions of enhancers/promoters interactions to PEL cell growth and survival, here we produce H3K27ac HiChIP datasets in PEL cells. This allows us to generate the PEL enhancer connectome, which links enhancers and promoters in PEL genome-wide. We identify more than 8000 genomic interactions in each PEL cell line. By incorporating HiChIP data with H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, we identify interactions between enhancers/enhancers, enhancers/promoters, and promoters/promoters. HiChIP further links PEL super-enhancers to PEL dependency factors MYC, IRF4, MCL1, CCND2, MDM2, and CFLAR. CRISPR knock out of MEF2C and IRF4 significantly reduces MYC and IRF4 super-enhancer H3K27ac signal. Knock out also reduces MYC and IRF4 expression. CRISPRi perturbation of these super-enhancers by tethering transcription repressors to enhancers significantly reduces target gene expression and reduces PEL cell growth. These data provide insights into PEL molecular pathogenesis.