bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PV field reliability status—Analysis of 100 000 solar systems
Authors: Jordan Dirk C. , Marion Bill , Deline Chris , Barnes Teresa , Bolinger Mark
Published: March 2020

In this study, we analyzed annual production data from 100 000 photovoltaic systems as well as comments relating to their performance and maintenance. Our analysis revealed that 80% to 90% of all systems performed within 10% of the predicted production or better. Also, 56% of the systems were still performing above P50 or the median at 5 years. However, a small but significant tail of about 7000 systems perform below P90 expectations. In general, residential systems have a lower rate of failure than utility or commercial systems. Despite higher rates of component failures, utility systems lose less power than residential or commercial systems. This outcome is likely due to closer monitoring and better operations and maintenance practices. Inverters are still the components that reportedly fail most often (4%‐6%), but other failures such as unspecified repair and meters cause more production loss. Reported module failures are relatively rare (0.2%) and are within the range of historical values. Installation quality affects performance and safety as indicated by data showing connector, wiring, breaker, and fuse failures due to undersizing, electrical design, and improper connection. Lastly, early detection of degradation and proactive response resulted in less impact on production than reactive, unplanned repairs.
Rethinking furosemide use for infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Segar Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2020

Diuretics are commonly administered to infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) to improve respiratory function despite the absence of prospective data demonstrating long term benefits. While many potentially adverse effects of furosemide are known to clinicians, its direct and indirect impact on multiple pathophysiological processes need to be understood. While furosemide likely has a role in the management of infants with BPD, clinicians are encouraged to recognize these potential complications associated with furosemide administration. Specifically, a deeper understanding of the impact of diuretics on sodium metabolism neurohumoral regulation of cardiopulmonary physiology is required.
Thymidine‐auxotrophic Staphylococcus aureus small‐colony variant bacteremia in a patient with cystic fibrosis
Authors: de Souza Dilair C. , Cogo Laura L. , Palmeiro Jussara K. , Dalla‐Costa Libera M. , de Oliveira Tomaz Ana P. , Riedi Carlos A. , Rosario Filho Nelson A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Small‐colony variants (SCVs) are a morphologic subtype of Staphylococcus aureus that may occur through several mechanisms including auxotrophism for thymidine, hemin, or menadione. Auxotrophic SCV for thymidine fail to synthesize DNA specifically because of mutations in the thymidylate synthase gene. We isolated S. aureus thymidine‐dependent SCVs (TD‐SCV) from blood and respiratory samples of a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis and pulmonary exacerbation.

Methods

Nutritional dependence of SCVs on hemin, menadione, and thymidine was evaluated. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed through broth microdilution. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out for mecA, ermA, ermB, ermC, msrA, and msrB resistance genes. DNA sequencing was used to determine mutations in thyA and the multilocus sequence typing to identify genetic relatedness.

Results

Methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus with normal and TD‐SCV phenotypes were isolated from respiratory samples and a TD‐SCV phenotype was isolated from blood culture. Macrolides resistance was attributed to ermC and msrB genes. All isolates belonged to ST398. The thyA gene in S. aureus is 957 nucleotides in length and encodes a protein of 318 amino acids. The TD‐SCV isolates carried a −2 nt frameshift mutation (delta 667GC668) in thyA, creating a stop codon at residue 222 close to the predicted binding site for deoxyuridine monophosphate.

Conclusions

The pathogenesis of SCVs is complex and not fully elucidated. Factors inherent to the patient such as physiological conditions, recurrent infections, or coinfection should be considered. Although SCVs are considered less virulent, they showed the ability to invade and cause bacteremia in the patient.
Bent line quantile regression via a smoothing technique
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Zhang Feipeng
Published: March 2020

A bent line quantile regression model can describe the conditional quantile function of the response variable with two different straight lines, which intersect at an unknown change point. This paper proposes a new approach via a smoothing technique to simultaneously estimate the location of the change point and other regression coefficients for the bent line quantile regression model. Furthermore, the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator are derived, and a formal test procedure for the existence of a change point is also provided. Simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the finite sample performance of the proposed method. We also illustrate the proposed method by applying it to the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the life expectancy at birth data.
Questioning the prevailing narrative about elementary science teachers: An analysis of the experiences of science teacher enthusiasts
Authors: Bradbury Leslie U. , Wilson Rachel E.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to challenge the prevailing negative narrative related to elementary science teaching by investigating the experiences of elementary teachers who identify as science teacher enthusiasts (STEs). Holland, Lachiotte, Skinner, and Cain (1998)'s conception of identity as an ongoing production or construction in a socio‐cultural context served as a theoretical framing for exploring structural and personal supports and constraints related to the development of elementary teachers’ science teaching identities. Through interviews with 13 inservice elementary teachers with a range of experience (1–40 years), we found that students’ enthusiasm for science, connections with other enthusiasts, and opportunities for integrating science with other content areas were the major supports for consistent science teaching. Positive emotions associated with these supports helped the participants mitigate constraints such as lack of time, resources, testing, and not feeling comfortable with the science content frequently associated with portraits of elementary teachers. By understanding the experiences of STEs, science educators can use their role as preservice educators and professional developers to provide these supports to bolster the science teaching identity trajectories of individuals with whom they work.
Skeletal muscle stem cells confer maturing macrophages anti-inflammatory properties through insulin-like growth factor-2
Authors: Fang Jiankai , Zhang Shengchao , Liu Zhanhong , Pan Yongsha , Cao Lijuan , Hou Pengbo , Chen Yongjing , Zhang Yuyan , Li Xiaolei , Liu Rui , Shang Qianwen , Zheng Zhiyuan , Song Lin , Li Yanan , Fu Zhonglin , Lin Liangyu , Melino Gerry , Wang Ying , Shao Changshun , Shi Yufang
Published: March 2020

Cytokines produced by immune cells have been demonstrated to act on muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and direct their fate and behavior during muscle repair and regeneration. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether and how MuSCs can also in turn modulate the properties of immune cells. Here, we showed that in vitro expanded MuSCs exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect when infused into mice suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Supernatant conditioned by MuSCs similarly ameliorated IBD. This beneficial effect of MuSCs was not observed when macrophages were depleted. The MuSC supernatant was found to greatly attenuate the expression of inflammatory cytokines but increase the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 in macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma. Further analysis revealed that MuSCs produce a large amount of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) that instructs maturing macrophages to undergo oxidative phosphorylation and thus acquire anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, the IGF-2 production by MuSCs is much higher than by mesenchymal stem cells. Knockdown or neutralization of IGF-2 abrogated the anti-inflammatory effects of MuSCs and their therapeutic efficacy on IBD. Our study demonstrated that MuSCs possess a strong anti-inflammatory property and the bidirectional interactions between immune cells and MuSCs have important implications in muscle-related physiological and pathological conditions.

Significance statement Inflammatory macrophages are known to promote the expansion of activated muscle stem cells (MuSCs) during the tissue repair process by retaining MuSCs in a proliferative and undifferentiated state. This study revealed that MuSCs could also endow maturing macrophages with anti-inflammatory properties, by producing insulin-like growth factor-2 that dictates the metabolic preference of macrophages.
Sustainable development and corporate financial performance: A study based on the Brazilian Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE)
Authors: de Castro Sobrosa Neto Ruy , de Lima Carlos Rogério Montenegro , Bazil Daniel Goulart , de Oliveira Veras Manoela , de Andrade Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório
Published: March 2020

There is a growing trend of seeking to move toward sustainable development and because of this, together with the increasingly watchful eye of society, companies are increasingly taking note of this new niche in the stock market. Thus, fund managers and investors see a need to align profits with environmental, social and economic variables in business management as well as corporate governance. The Brazilian Corporate Sustainability Index (Índice de Sustentabilidade Empresarial—ISE) was created in 2005 by the São Paulo Stock Exchange, currently known as B3, which is the result of the merger between the BM&FBovespa and CETIP, and has this nomenclature in reference to the initial letters of Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão. The ISE aims to identify a company's commitment to sustainability and thereby guide the capital and credit market, highlighting companies that incorporate social and environmental risks into the organization, seeking to positively influence the image of the companies involved. The aim of this research was to verify the superior economic and financial performance of the Brazilian companies that are included in the ISE portfolio in relation to the other companies that constitute the Ibovespa, between the years of 2014 and 2018. As a result, a neutral relationship between financial performance and sustainable development was identified, which is consistent with the results of previous studies referenced and addressed in this research. The findings of this study provide an important contribution to the existing research on sustainability in financial markets, since few scientific articles that investigate, using indicators and statistical treatment, the Brazilian sustainability market, are available.
Core level photoemission line shape selection: Atomic adsorbates on iron
Authors: Acres Matthew J. , Hussain Hadeel , Walczak Monika S. , Nikiel Marek , Sewell Christopher , Rafols i Belles Carles , Ahmad Ehsan A. , Walton Alexander S. , Muryn Christopher A. , Harrison Nicholas M. , Lindsay Robert
Published: March 2020

Robust fitting of core level photoemission spectra is often central to reliable interpretation of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data. One key element is employment of the correct line shape function for each spectral component. In this study, we consider this topic, focusing on XPS data from atomic adsorbates, namely, O and S, on Fe(110). The potential of employing density functional theory (DFT) for generating adsorbate projected electronic density of states (PDOS) to support line shape selection is explored. O 1s core level XPS spectra, acquired from various ordered overlayers of chemisorbed O, all display an equivalent asymmetric line shape. Previous work suggests that this asymmetry is a result of finite O PDOS in the vicinity of the Fermi level, allowing O 1s photoexcitation to induce a weighted continuum of final states through electron‐hole pair excitation. This origin is corroborated by O DFT‐PDOS generated for an optimised five‐layer Fe(110)(2 × 2)‐O slab. Adsorbate DFT‐PDOS were also computed for Fe(110)
‐S. As, similar to adsorbed O, there is a significant continuous distribution of states about the Fermi level, it is proposed that the S 2p XPS core levels should also have asymmetric profiles. S 2p XPS data acquired from Fe(110)
‐S, and their subsequent fitting, verify this prediction, suggesting that DFT‐PDOS could aid line shape selection.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Carbopalladation Cascade: Facile Synthesis of [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5‐a]quinolines from o‐Triazole Bromobenzenes and Internal Alkynes
Authors: Qiu Huihua , Zhou Peng , Liu Weibing , Zhang Jiantao , Chen Baoning
Published: March 2020

A palladium‐catalyzed intermolecular annulation and arylation cascade between internal alkynes and o‐triazole bromobenzenes was developed, delivering to various polysubstituted [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]quinolines. Broad substrate scope, great functional group tolerance and simple operation of this transformation, hold great synthetic potential for the rapid construction of fused N‐heterocycles with biologically activity.
Fuzzy case‐based‐reasoning‐based imputation for incomplete data in software engineering repositories
Authors: Abnane Ibtissam , Idri Ali , Abran Alain
Published: March 2020

Missing data is a serious issue in software engineering because it can lead to information loss and bias in data analysis. Several imputation techniques have been proposed to deal with both numerical and categorical missing data. However, most of those techniques used is simple reuse techniques originally designed for numerical data, which is a problem when the missing data are related to categorical attributes. This paper aims (a) to propose a new fuzzy case‐based reasoning (CBR) imputation technique designed for both numerical and categorical data and (b) to evaluate and compare the performance of the proposed technique with the k‐nearest neighbor (KNN) imputation technique in terms of error and accuracy under different missing data percentages and missingness mechanisms in four software engineering data sets. The results suggest that the proposed fuzzy CBR technique outperformed KNN in terms of imputation error and accuracy regardless of the missing data percentage, missingness mechanism, and data set used. Moreover, we found that the missingness mechanism has an important impact on the performance of both techniques. The results are encouraging in the sense that using an imputation technique designed for both categorical and numerical data is better than reusing methods originally designed for numerical data.
Microstate counting via Bethe Ansätze in the 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 superconformal index
Authors: Lezcano Alfredo González , Pando Zayas Leopoldo A.
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We study the superconfomal index of four-dimensional toric quiver gauge theories using a Bethe Ansatz approach recently applied by Benini and Milan. Relying on a particular set of solutions to the corresponding Bethe Ansatz equations we evaluate the superconformal index in the large N limit, thus avoiding to take any Cardy-like limit. We present explicit results for theories arising as a stack of N D3 branes at the tip of toric Calabi-Yau cones: the conifold theory, the suspended pinch point gauge theory, the first del Pezzo theory and Yp,q quiver gauge theories. For a suitable choice of the chemical potentials of the theory we find agreement with predictions made for the same theories in the Cardy-like limit. However, for other regions of the domain of chemical potentials the superconformal index is modified and consequently the associated black hole entropy receives corrections. We work out explicitly the simple case of the conifold theory.
Facet Wedge: eine minimalinvasive Technik zur dorsalen segmentalen intraartikulären Fusion
Authors: Mehren Christoph , Sauer Daniel , Würtinger Christoph , Korge Andreas
Published: March 2020

Operationsziel

Minimalinvasive posteriore segmentale Instrumentation und intraartikuläre Fusion mit dem Facet Wedge.

Indikationen

Sämtliche Fusionsindikationen bei degenerativen Bandscheibenerkrankungen ohne nennenswerte translatorische Instabilität, Postnukleotomiesyndrom, Spondylarthrose, Diszitis.

Kontraindikationen

Translatorische Instabilitäten, Zustand nach Dekompression mit partieller Facettengelenkresektion, Spondylolyse im betroffenen Segment.

Operationstechnik

Über einen 3 cm langen Hautschnitt stumpfes transmuskuläres Eingehen auf das entsprechende Facettengelenk L1/2 bis L5/S1. Eröffnen der Gelenkkapsel und Darstellen des Gelenkspaltes. Entknorpelung der Gelenkflächen und Implantation eines Facet-Wedge-Implantates intraartikulär. Fixation des Implantats durch 2 winkelstabil eingebrachte Schrauben in den entsprechenden Facettengelenkanteilen.

Weiterbehandlung

Frühmobilisation nach Abklingen der Narkose unter Thromboseprophylaxe. Tragen einer rumpfstabilisierenden Orthese je nach Art und Ausdehnung des Eingriffes bis zu 12 Wochen. Keine Einschränkung bezüglich Gehstrecke, Stehen und Sitzen unmittelbar postoperativ nach Schmerzvorgabe.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 27 Patienten im Zeitraum von 02/2015 bis 9/2017 mit insgesamt 31 versorgten Segmenten in die prospektive nicht randomisierte Studie eingeschlossen. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 51,2 Jahre (30 bis 76). In 23 Fällen wurde eine ventrodorsale Operationstechnik verwendet, in 4 Fällen ein rein dorsales Vorgehen mit Interposition eines intervertebralen Cages. Das Follow-up betrug 2 Jahre. Der Oswestry-Score (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]) verbesserte sich von durchschnittlich präoperativ 40,6 % auf 16,6 % postoperativ. Die visuelle Analogskala (VAS) bezüglich des Rückenschmerzes verbesserte sich von präoperativ 6,7 im Durchschnitt auf 2,1 im 2‑Jahres-Follow-up. Im Rahmen dieses Beobachtungszeitraumes wurden 2 implantatspezifische Komplikationen beobachtet. Ein Facet Wedge musste aufgrund einer Fehlpositionierung mit frühzeitiger Lockerung revidiert werden. In einem weiteren Fall kam es zu einem Korrekturverlust bei einer präoperativ bestehenden erstgradigen Spondylolisthese mit Revision auf ein dorsales Schrauben-Stab-System.
Erfolgreiche Rituximabtherapie des Rezidivs einer Glomerulonephritis assoziiert mit Antikörpern gegen die glomeruläre Basalmembran
Authors: Chittka D. , Lennartz L. , Jung B. , Banas B. , Bergler T.
Published: March 2020

Es wird über die erfolgreiche Behandlung des Rezidivs einer Anti-GBM-Erkrankung (assoziiert mit Antikörpern gegen die glomeruläre Basalmembran [GBM]) mittels Rituximab bei einem 17-jährigen Patienten berichtet. Die Nierenbiopsie mit Nachweis einer linearen Immunglobulin-G-Ablagerung entlang der Basalmembran stellt den Goldstandard dar, der von serologischen Analysen begleitet wird. Standardassays zur Anti-GBM-Bestimmung weisen hohe Raten an falsch-negativen Befunden auf. Eine Zunahme der Proteinurie trotz Standardtherapie mit Plasmapherese, Steroid und Cyclophosphamid war das klinische Korrelat des Erkrankungsrezidivs. Rituximab führte zu einer vollständigen Ausheilung.
On the stable dynamical spectrum of complex surfaces
Authors: Brandhorst Simon
Published: March 2020

We characterize Salem numbers which have some power arising as dynamical degree of an automorphism on a complex (projective) 2-Torus, K3 or Enriques surface.
Flavor stability assessment of lager beer: what we can learn by comparing established methods
Authors: Lehnhardt Florian , Becker Thomas , Gastl Martina
Published: March 2020

Beer is prone to flavor changes during aging that influence consumer acceptance within shelf life. The shelf life of beer is defined as the period over which flavor changes remain acceptable. Assessment of flavor changes caused by volatiles is typically achieved with a combination of sensory evaluation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Volatile indicators causing flavor changes during beer aging are commonly determined with headspace solid–phase microextraction (HS-SPME), solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), or steam distillation (SD). However, discrepancies occur when comparing results from different analytical methods that affect the assessment of the degree of flavor stability. This article discusses the effect of different established analytical methods on flavor stability assessment. Reaction potentials of de novo formation, release from adducts, and degradation are hypothesized to participate in the observed discrepancies, and evidence is verified using model systems. Three extraction methods were qualitatively compared by multiple gas chromatography–olfactometry experiments (GC–O) of a one-year, naturally aged, pale lager beer. SD showed the highest number of detected aroma compounds (41), followed by HS-SPME (33), and SAFE (26). Aroma intensities for SD were more pronounced for most aging indicators than with other methods. With SAFE, only 11 aging compounds could be identified confidently, with weak aroma intensities at GC–O, and this method was thereby excluded from further experiments. Certain aging compounds were calibrated for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) from HS-SPME and SD, although most compounds were present at the lower limits of detection and quantification. Relative standard deviation and recoveries for all compounds were acceptable for both methods. Quantitative comparison was conducted for four different commercial pale lager beers at different stages of aging at 20 °C (fresh, 5 months, 10 months). Aging-related changes of pale lager beer presented with altered profiles and behavior in SD compared to the non-invasive HS-SPME due to heat intake, and were borne out by GC–O results. Model systems were used to describe the impact of isolated aging-relevant mechanisms and precursors during distillation. Our findings suggest that results from different methods in reactive matrices should be compared cautiously, especially regarding aroma activity, and indicate that the most gentle or non-invasive method should be applied for analysis.
Mortality of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review over a Period of Four Decades
Authors: Birkner Dorothea Rebekka , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Pape Hans‐Christoph , Pfeifer Roman
Published: March 2020

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In addition, its aetiologies are heterogeneous, and the outcome depends on the underlying cause. In trauma care, changes in diagnostics, management and treatment may influence the outcome of posttraumatic ARDS over time, which are attributable to geographic distribution, relate to the definition used and depend on the injury severity.

Methods

We selected studies by searching PubMed using the MeSH terms “acute respiratory distress syndrome”, “mortality” and “trauma” and all their combinations. Studies that reported mortality rates for polytrauma patients with ARDS were included. We excluded studies with selected population collectives (e.g. burn patients, isolated thoracic trauma and paediatric trauma) and non‐trauma studies. Studies were stratified according to the recruitment year of patients into Decade 1 (prior 1990), Decade 2(1990–1999), Decade 3 (2000–2009) and Decade 4 (later 2009); geographic location (North America or Europe), the definition used in the different studies (American European Consensus Conference (AECC) definition or Berlin definition) and the mean injury severity of the patient populations, respectively.

Results

Twenty‐three studies between 1 January 1980 and 30 June 2018 were included in the analysis (486,861 patients, 52,561 with posttraumatic ARDS). There was a wide variation in mortality rates among the studies (4–39%). The overall pooled mean mortality rate for all studies was 21.8%, SD ± 8.3%. The mean mortality over the last four decades was similar between decade 1 (25.8%), decade 2 (20.6%), decade 3 (20.7%) and decade 4 (22.5%). Geographical observations comparing Europe and North America revealed no difference [Europe (22.1%) and North America (21.7%)]. The ARDS mortality in publications using the Berlin definition (23%) was comparable to the mortality rate in publications using the AECC definition (22.9%). The mortality rate based on the injury severity showed no alteration (ISS ≤ 25 points, 22.6%, ISS > 25 points, 22.6%).

Conclusion

In this systematic review, there was no change in the mortality rate over the last four decades, no geographical difference within Western societies, no dependence on the ARDS definition used and no association with injury severity, respectively.
Biologika und „small molecules“ bei der rheumatoiden Arthritis
Authors: Blüml Stephan
Published: March 2020

Die Therapie der rheumatoiden Arthritis hat in den letzten Jahren gewaltige Umbrüche erfahren. Es steht mittlerweile ein großes Armamentarium an verschiedensten Medikamenten mit unterschiedlichen molekularen Angriffspunkten zur Verfügung. Zu diesen neuen Waffen zählen die Biologika (biologische DMARDs [bDMARDs; „disease modifying antirheumatic drugs“]) und die „targeted synthetic DMARDs“ (tsDMARDs). Gemeinsam ist diesen neueren Therapien für die rheumatoide Arthritis, dass man im Unterschied zu den konventionellen DMARDs die molekularen Angriffspunkte kennt. Mithilfe der neuen Medikamente kann den meisten Patienten geholfen werden, obwohl es nach wie vor Patienten gibt, die auf alle vorhandenen Therapien nicht adäquat reagieren. In diesem Review soll ein kurzer Überblick über die derzeitig verfügbaren und wirksamen Präparate für die Behandlung der rheumatoiden Arthritis gegeben werden.
Winter peaks in web-based public inquiry into epistaxis
Authors: Liu David Tianxiang , Besser Gerold , Parzefall Thomas , Riss Dominik , Mueller Christian A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Epistaxis represents the most frequent ear, nose, throat-related emergency symptom. Seasonal variation in epistaxis incidence, with peaks during winter months, is widely accepted, although the literature itself remains inconclusive. The objective of this study was to evaluate public inquiry into nose bleeding, by considering Google-based search query frequency on “Epistaxis”-related search terms and to assess possible seasonal variations globally.

Methods

Epistaxis-related search terms were systematically collected and compared using Google Trends (GT). Relative search volumes for the most relevant epistaxis-related terms, covering a timeframe from 2004 to 2019 were analysed using cosinor time series analysis for the United States of America, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Results

Graphical representation revealed seasonal variations with peaks during winter months in the majority of countries included. Subsequent cosinor analysis revealed these variations to be significant (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Public interest in seeking epistaxis-related information through the Internet displayed seasonal patterns in countries from both hemispheres, with the highest interest during winter months. Further studies exploring causality with environmental factors are warranted.
Exercise intensity prescription in cancer survivors: ventilatory and lactate thresholds are useful submaximal alternatives to VO2peak
Authors: Schneider Justine , Schlüter Kathrin , Sprave Tanja , Wiskemann Joachim , Rosenberger Friederike
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Most studies with cancer survivors use percentages of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) for intensity prescription. Lactate or ventilatory thresholds might be useful submaximal alternatives, but this has never been investigated. Therefore, we aimed at comparing three training sessions prescribed using %VO2peak(reference), lactate thresholds, and ventilatory thresholds in terms of meeting the vigorous-intensity zone, physiological, and psychological responses.

Methods

Twenty breast (58 ± 10 years) and 20 prostate cancer survivors (68 ± 6 years), 3.6 ± 2.4 months after primary therapy, completed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test and three vigorous training sessions in randomized order: 38 min of cycling at 70% VO2peak(M-VO2peak), 97% of individual anaerobic lactate threshold (M-IAT), and 67% between ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2 (M-VT). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (bLa), perceived exertion, and enjoyment were assessed.

Results

Cancer survivors exercised at 75 ± 23, 85 ± 18, and 79 ± 19 W during M-VO2peak, M-IAT, and M-VT (p > .05). Sessions could not be completed in 3, 8, and 6 cases. Session completers showed HR of 82 ± 7, 83 ± 9, and 84 ± 8 %HRpeakand bLa of 3.7 ± 1.9, 3.9 ± 0.9, and 3.9 ± 1.5 mmol·l−1, which was not different between sessions (p > .05). However, variance in bLa was lower in M-IAT compared to M-VO2peak(p = .001) and to M-VT (p = .022).

Conclusion

All intensity prescription methods on average met the targeted intensity zone. Metabolic response was most homogeneous when using lactate thresholds.

Implications for cancer survivors

Submaximal thresholds are at least as useful as VO2peakfor intensity prescription in cancer survivors. Overall, slightly lower percentages should be chosen to improve durability of the training sessions.
On abstraction: decoupling conceptual concreteness and categorical specificity
Authors: Bolognesi Marianna , Burgers Christian , Caselli Tommaso
Published: March 2020

Conceptual concreteness and categorical specificity are two continuous variables that allow distinguishing, for example, justice (low concreteness) from banana (high concreteness) and furniture (low specificity) from rocking chair (high specificity). The relation between these two variables is unclear, with some scholars suggesting that they might be highly correlated. In this study, we operationalize both variables and conduct a series of analyses on a sample of > 13,000 nouns, to investigate the relationship between them. Concreteness is operationalized by means of concreteness ratings, and specificity is operationalized as the relative position of the words in the WordNet taxonomy, which proxies this variable in the hypernym semantic relation. Findings from our studies show only a moderate correlation between concreteness and specificity. Moreover, the intersection of the two variables generates four groups of words that seem to denote qualitatively different types of concepts, which are, respectively, highly specific and highly concrete (typical concrete concepts denoting individual nouns), highly specific and highly abstract (among them many words denoting human-born creation and concepts within the social reality domains), highly generic and highly concrete (among which many mass nouns, or uncountable nouns), and highly generic and highly abstract (typical abstract concepts which are likely to be loaded with affective information, as suggested by previous literature). These results suggest that future studies should consider concreteness and specificity as two distinct dimensions of the general phenomenon called abstraction.
Decrypting the crosstalk of noncoding RNAs in the progression of IPF
Authors: Wang Yujuan , Xiao Han , Zhao Fenglian , Li Han , Gao Rong , Yan Bingdi , Ren Jin , Yang Junling
Published: March 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an agnogenic, rare, and lethal disease, with high mortality and poor prognosis and a median survival time as short as 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. No effective therapeutic drugs are still not available not only in clinical practice, but also in preclinical phases. To better and deeper understand pulmonary fibrosis will provide more effective strategies for therapy. Mounting evidence suggests that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their interactions may contribute to lung fibrosis; however, the mechanisms underlying their roles are largely unknown. In this review, we systematically summarized the recent advances regarding the crucial roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) and crosstalk among them in the development of IPF. The perspective for related genes was well highlighted. In summary, ncRNA and their interactions play a key regulatory part in the progression of IPF and are bound to provide us with new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Crowding out the change: business networks and persisting economic elites in the South of Italy over Unification (1840–1880)
Authors: Schisani Maria Carmela , Balletta Luigi , Ragozini Giancarlo
Published: March 2020

In this article, we study the effect of the Unification on the network power of economic elites in the South of Italy. We study the persistence of economic elites as evidence of the stability of the institutional set up beyond the effect of Unification, and thus as a primary explaining factor of the persistence of social forces slowing and opposing modernization. We use original archival data on the universe of Naples enterprises to build the networks of business relations between individual economic actors for the 20-year period immediately before and after Unification. The persistence of network power and its determinants is tested via a difference-in-difference model. The main finding is that economic elites persist over Unification. The long-term business relations, rooted in the Bourbon period, the persisting lobbying power of the financial industry, the close collusive ties with potential foreign competitors and the closeness to politics after 1861 are all elements that explain how the Southern economic elites were able to crowd-out the change.
Nonlinear numerical simulation of punching shear behavior of reinforced concrete flat slabs with shear-heads
Authors: Bompa Dan V. , Elghazouli Ahmed Y.
Published: March 2020

This paper examines the structural response of reinforced concrete flat slabs, provided with fully-embedded shear-heads, through detailed three-dimensional nonlinear numerical simulations and parametric assessments using concrete damage plasticity models. Validations of the adopted nonlinear finite element procedures are carried out against experimental results from three test series. After gaining confidence in the ability of the numerical models to predict closely the full inelastic response and failure modes, numerical investigations are carried out in order to examine the influence of key material and geometric parameters. The results of these numerical assessments enable the identification of three modes of failure as a function of the interaction between the shear-head and surrounding concrete. Based on the findings, coupled with results from previous studies, analytical models are proposed for predicting the rotational response as well as the ultimate strength of such slab systems. Practical recommendations are also provided for the design of shear-heads in RC slabs, including the embedment length and section size. The analytical expressions proposed in this paper, based on a wide-ranging parametric assessment, are shown to offer a more reliable design approach in comparison with existing methods for all types of shear-heads, and are suitable for direct practical application.
Correction to: an Overview of Submersible Research and Development in China
Authors: Cui Weicheng
Published: March 2020

The article “An Overview of Submersible Research and Development in China,” written by Weicheng Cui, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
A bibliometric overview of WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs since its inception in 2002
Authors: Sahoo Satya , Schönborn Alessandro
Published: March 2020

This article provides a reflection on the original aims of WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs (JOMA) and its achievements over its 17 years of existence. JOMA has been a central medium for research and international dialogues for issues relating to the global maritime field. It has pursued a philosophy of aiming to provide a wide range of professionals in the maritime fields and to offer a fair representation of various research areas and to promote interdisciplinarity in research. JOMA has evolved in a rapidly changing world of maritime affairs, which witnesses major global challenges on the horizon, as represented by the need for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Bibliometric analyses were used in this article to examine the research output from JOMA in terms of citations, geographic distribution of authorships, and research areas. The ‘moving average of annual citation ratio’ is adopted as a tool to analyse its output and impact on various research areas published in JOMA since its beginning.
Mass-Casualty Distribution for Emergency Healthcare: A Simulation Analysis
Authors: Jat Mohsin Nasir , Rafique Raza Ali
Published: March 2020

This study focuses on the casualty-load distribution problem that arises when a mass casualty incident (MCI) necessitates the engagement of multiple medical facilities. Employing discrete event simulations, the study analyzed different MCI response regimes in Lahore, Pakistan, that vary in terms of the level of casualty-load distribution and the required coordination between the incident site and the responding hospitals. Past terrorist attacks in this major metropolitan area were considered to set up experiments for comparing delays in treatment under the modeled regimes. The analysis highlights that the number of casualties that are allowed to queue up at the nearest hospital before diverting the casualty traffic to an alternate hospital can be an important factor in reducing the overall treatment delays. Prematurely diverting the casualty traffic from the incident site to an alternate hospital can increase the travel time, while a delay in diversion can overload the nearest hospital, which can lead to overall longer waiting times in the queue. The casualty distribution mechanisms based only on the responding hospitals’ available capacity and current load can perform inefficiently because they overlook the trade-off between the times casualties spend in traveling and in queues.
A pan‐cancer integrative pathway analysis of multi‐omics data
Authors: Linder Henry , Zhang Yuping
Published: March 2020

Background

Multi‐view ‐omics datasets offer rich opportunities for integrative analysis across genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic data platforms. Statistical methods are needed to rigorously implement current research on functional biology, matching the complex dynamics of systems genomic datasets.

Methods

We apply imputation for missing data and a structural, graph‐theoretic pathway model to a dataset of 22 cancers across 173 signaling pathways. Our pathway model integrates multiple data platforms, and we test for differential activation between cancerous tumor and healthy tissue populations.

Results

Our pathway analysis reveals significant disturbance in signaling pathways that are known to relate to oncogenesis. We identify several pathways that suggest new research directions, including the Trk signaling and focal adhesion kinase activation pathways in sarcoma.

Conclusions

Our integrative analysis confirms contemporary research findings, which supports the validity of our findings. We implement an interactive data visualization for exploration of the pathway analyses, which is available online for public access.
Warum Unreinheit stigmatisiert wird
Authors: Heller Birgit
Published: March 2020

(Un‑)Reinheitsvorstellungen, -vorschriften und -riten finden sich quer durch die Kultur- und Religionsgeschichte. Vorstellungen vom Trennen, Reinigen, Abgrenzen und Bestrafen von Überschreitungen haben v. a. die Funktion, eine spezifische Ordnung zu schaffen und aufrechtzuerhalten. Reinheit symbolisiert Ordnung. Umgekehrt sind Schmutz, Zweideutigkeiten und Anomalien Symbole der Unordnung und rufen Angst hervor. (Un‑)Reinheitsvorschriften dienen der Stabilisierung von Ordnung, zugleich konstituieren sie eine bestimmte soziale Wirklichkeit, indem die Grenzen nach außen und innen geregelt werden (Gläubige/Ungläubige; Kleriker/Laien; Männer/Frauen; Berührbare/Unberührbare usw.). Damit werden soziale Hierarchien geschaffen, wobei einzelne Menschen/Gruppen/Minderheiten, die nicht den Reinheitsnormen entsprechen, stigmatisiert und diskriminiert werden. Allerdings handelt es sich oft um ideale Standards, die nicht immer praktisch umgesetzt werden. Der Körper spielt eine besondere Rolle, weil die Überzeugung universal verbreitet ist, dass insbesondere die Körpergrenzen von Unordnung bedroht sind. Es sind v. a. die Körperöffnungen, die im Fokus stehen, und das, was sie passiert: Körperflüssigkeiten, Sexualsekrete, Blut, Urin und Kot und umgekehrt auch die Nahrung. In vielen Gesellschaften wird der weibliche Körper als anfälliger für Unreinheit betrachtet als der männliche. Da der individuelle Körper ein Modell für den Sozialkörper, die Gesellschaft, bildet, gelten Körperausscheidungen als Gefahren für die soziale Ordnung, die mit der symbolischen (kulturell-religiösen) Ordnung eng verknüpft ist.
Sexual Desire Discrepancy: A Position Statement of the European Society for Sexual Medicine
Authors: Marieke Dewitte , Joana Carvalho , Giovanni Corona , Erika Limoncin , Patricia Pascoal , Yacov Reisman , Aleksandar Štulhofer
Published: March 2020

Introduction

There is a lack of theoretical and empirical knowledge on how sexual desire functions and interacts in a relationship.

Aim

To present an overview of the current conceptualization and operationalization of sexual desire discrepancy (SDD), providing clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine.

Methods

A comprehensive Pubmed, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane search was performed. Consensus was guided by a critical reflection on selected literature on SDD and by interactive discussions between expert psychologists, both clinicians and researchers.

Main Outcome Measure

Several aspects have been investigated including the definition and operationalization of SDD and the conditions under which treatment is required.

Results

Because the literature on SDD is scarce and complicated, it is precocious to make solid statements on SDD. Hence, no recommendations as per the Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria were possible. However, specific statements on this topic, summarizing the ESSM position, were provided. This resulted in an opnion-based rather than evidence-based position statement. Following suggestions were made on how to treat couples who are distressed by SDD: (i) normalize and depathologize variation in sexual desire; (ii) educate about the natural course of sexual desire; (iii) emphasize the dyadic, age-related, and relative nature of SDD; (iv) challenge the myth of spontaneous sexual desire; (v) promote open sexual communication; (vi) assist in developing joint sexual scripts that are mutually satisfying in addition to search for personal sexual needs; (vii) deal with relationship issues and unmet relationship needs; and (viii) stimulate self-differentiation.

Conclusion

More research is needed on the conceptualization and underlying mechanisms of SDD to develop clinical guidelines to treat couples with SDD.
Curative options for sickle cell disease in Africa
Authors: Makani Julie
Published: March 2020

There is an urgent need to develop a strategy for curative options for sickle cell disease (SCD) in Africa as this is a disease of public health significance. It is common [84% of 14 million children born (2010-2050) in the world are in Africa]; survival in Africa is reported to be low however with interventions, childhood survival can reach between 50% and 90%. Tanzania, a lowmiddle income country, has 11,000 children born every year and estimates that at least 14,700 deaths in under five years old are due to SCD. Tanzania had an existing dedicated sickle cell clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital, established in the 1980s. In 2004, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) established a research programme that integrated improving health services, advocacy and training and enrolled 5,466 patients. In 2016, sickle cell services strengthened in other health facilities. As part of the strategy for healthcare, the Sickle Cell Programme worked with the Ministry of Health to develop recommendations for comprehensive care at different levels of health care. Most countries in Africa wanted to ensure that comprehensive care was available before putting in place curative therapy such as Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). However, factors that accelerated the need to develop a strategy for curative care including progress and better outcomes in transplantation, increase in demand and investment in tertiary healthcare facilities. Tanzania is exploring transplantation services in 4 tertiary level referral hospitals and using the progress in genomic research in Africa to participate in gene therapy. Tanzania has successfully established training for health professionals with formal programmes and continuous medical education as well as staff exchange programmes with different partners including UK and USA. Advocacy involves active engagement with the SCD community with partnership with community organisations. Tanzania has demonstrated that there is progress in developing a strategy for curative therapies for SCD in Africa but has emphasized the need for these efforts to complement comprehensive care. A model that has proven to be successful in Tanzania integrates health, advocacy, research and training and can be used in establishing curative therapies in Tanzania as well as other countries in Africa.