bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unvollendet gebliebener Versuch eines erweiterten Suizids durch Stromeinwirkung in der Badewanne
Authors: Thoma V. , Auwärter V. , Thierauf-Emberger A. , Pollak S.
Published: February 2021

Während sich heutzutage in westlichen Ländern erweiterte Suizide ganz überwiegend in (gescheiterten) Partnerbeziehungen ereignen, stellen Kindstötungen mit nachfolgendem Suizid eines Elternteils ein seltenes Ereignis dar. Vorgestellt wird der ungewöhnliche Fall eines versuchten Homizid-Suizides einer 36-jährigen Frau, die durch das Einbringen eines eingeschalteten Föhns in das Badewasser beabsichtigte, sich und ihre 7 Jahre alte Tochter zu töten. Während sich das Kind selbstständig aus der Wanne befreien und die Großeltern informieren konnte, wurde die Frau in benommenem Zustand von ihrem Vater vorgefunden. Beim Versuch, seine Tochter aus der Badewanne zu bergen, habe er einen Stromfluss verspürt. Bemerkenswerterweise haben alle 3 Personen ohne gesundheitlichen Schaden überlebt; sie wiesen keine Strommarken auf. Die ungewöhnliche Fallkonstellation, die elektrotechnischen Aspekte und die psychiatrische Vorgeschichte der Täterin, die zum Tatzeitpunkt unter dem Einfluss von Alkohol und eines sedierenden Mittels stand, werden unter Berücksichtigung der einschlägigen Literatur diskutiert.
Numerical approximation of the stochastic Cahn–Hilliard equation near the sharp interface limit
Authors: Antonopoulou Dimitra , Baňas Ĺubomír , Nürnberg Robert , Prohl Andreas
Published: February 2021

We consider the stochastic Cahn–Hilliard equation with additive noise term $$\varepsilon ^\gamma g\, {\dot{W}}$$

ε
γ

g

W
˙

($$\gamma >0$$

γ
>
0

) that scales with the interfacial width parameter $$\varepsilon $$
ε
. We verify strong error estimates for a gradient flow structure-inheriting time-implicit discretization, where $$\varepsilon ^{-1}$$

ε

-
1

only enters polynomially; the proof is based on higher-moment estimates for iterates, and a (discrete) spectral estimate for its deterministic counterpart. For $$\gamma $$
γ
sufficiently large, convergence in probability of iterates towards the deterministic Hele–Shaw/Mullins–Sekerka problem in the sharp-interface limit $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0$$

ε
→
0

is shown. These convergence results are partly generalized to a fully discrete finite element based discretization. We complement the theoretical results by computational studies to provide practical evidence concerning the effect of noise (depending on its ’strength’ $$\gamma $$
γ
) on the geometric evolution in the sharp-interface limit. For this purpose we compare the simulations with those from a fully discrete finite element numerical scheme for the (stochastic) Mullins–Sekerka problem. The computational results indicate that the limit for $$\gamma \ge 1$$

γ
≥
1

is the deterministic problem, and for $$\gamma =0$$

γ
=
0

we obtain agreement with a (new) stochastic version of the Mullins–Sekerka problem.
A journey towards whole water certified reference materials for organic substances: measuring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as required by the European Union Water Framework Directive
Authors: Dosis Ioannis , Ricci Marina , Emteborg Håkan , Emons Hendrik
Published: February 2021

In 2000, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) came into force in the European Union with the aim of protecting and improving water quality. The priority substances established to be monitored are predominantly organic compounds, for which the WFD sets the requirement of ‘whole water sample’ analysis. This legislative requirement poses analytical challenges for the monitoring laboratories as well as technical challenges for reference materials producers. In the past, there were attempts to produce reference materials as quality assurance/quality control tools for measuring organic priority substances in whole water. A critical reflection on the approaches and solutions applied to prepare such kind of matrix reference materials is presented along with a discussion on the difficulties encountered by the analytical laboratories in analysing such complex matrices. The Certified Reference Material (CRM) ERM-CA100 can be considered as a pioneer for a ‘whole water’ CRM (containing humic acids) and has been designed for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Further developments seem to be necessary to upgrade the design towards a CRM which will also include suspended particulate matter, another basic constituent of natural surface water samples.

Graphical abstract
E-PSMA: the EANM standardized reporting guidelines v1.0 for PSMA-PET
Authors: Ceci Francesco , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Emmett Louise , Adam Judit A. , Bomanji Jamshed , Czernin Johannes , Eiber Matthias , Haberkorn Uwe , Hofman Michael S. , Hope Thomas A. , Kumar Rakesh , Rowe Steven P. , Schwarzenboeck Sarah M. , Fanti Stefano , Herrmann Ken
Published: February 2021

Rationale

The development of consensus guidelines for interpretation of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is needed to provide more consistent reports in clinical practice. The standardization of PSMA-PET interpretation may also contribute to increasing the data reproducibility within clinical trials. Finally, guidelines in PSMA-PET interpretation are needed to communicate the exact location of findings to referring physicians, to support clinician therapeutic management decisions.

Methods

A panel of worldwide experts in PSMA-PET was established. Panelists were selected based on their expertise and publication record in the diagnosis or treatment of PCa, in their involvement in clinical guidelines and according to their expertise in the clinical application of radiolabeled PSMA inhibitors. Panelists were actively involved in all stages of a modified, nonanonymous, Delphi consensus process.

Results

According to the findings obtained by modified Delphi consensus process, panelist recommendations were implemented in a structured report for PSMA-PET.

Conclusions

The E-PSMA standardized reporting guidelines, a document supported by the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), provide consensus statements among a panel of experts in PSMA-PET imaging, to develop a structured report for PSMA-PET in prostate cancer and to harmonize diagnostic interpretation criteria.
Correlation of Intraoperative End‐Tidal Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Postoperative Hospital Stay in Patients Undergoing Pylorus‐Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Park Ji‐Hoon , Lee Hye‐Mi , Kang Chang Moo , Kim Kyung Sub , Jang Chul Ho , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Lee Jeong‐Rim
Published: February 2021

Background

Hypocapnia has been traditionally advocated during general anesthesia, even though it may induce deleterious physiological effects that result in unfavorable outcomes in patients. This study investigated the association between intraoperative end‐tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) and length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients who underwent pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD).

Methods

The medical records of 759 patients from 2006 to 2015 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups based on the mean EtCO2 value during general anesthesia: the hypocapnia group (< 35 mmHg) and the normocapnia group (≥ 35 mmHg). The primary outcome was LOS between the groups. Secondary outcomes included the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative 30‐day, 1‐year, and 2‐year mortality, and perioperative factors associated with LOS.

Results

A total of 727 patients were finally analyzed. The median LOS of the hypocapnia group was significantly longer than that of the normocapnia group (22 days vs. 18 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Postoperative mortality did not differ between the groups. Cox regression analysis revealed that hypocapnia was an independent risk factor for longer LOS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–1.89; p < 0.001). Age and postoperative pancreatic fistula were also risk factors for a longer LOS.

Conclusions

It was concluded that low levels of intraoperative EtCO2 during general anesthesia were associated with an increased LOS for patients undergoing PPPD.
Correction to: Knowledge of the Culture of Safety in Cholecystectomy (COSIC) Among Surgical Residents: Do We Train Them Well For Future Practice?
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Lal Pawanindra , Vindal Anubhav , Singh Rajdeep , Kapoor Vinay K.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Mind the food: behavioural characteristics and imaging signatures of the specific handling of food objects
Authors: Max Sebastian M. , Schroeder Philipp A. , Blechert Jens , Giel Katrin E. , Ehlis Ann-Christine , Plewnia Christian
Published: February 2021

In our world with nearly omnipresent availability of attractive and palatable high-calorie food, the struggle against overweight and obesity is a major individual and public health challenge. Preference for unhealthy food and eating-related habits have a strong influence on health, suggesting that high-calorie food triggers fast and near-automatic reaching and grasping movements. Therefore, it is important to better understand the specific neural mechanisms that control the handling of food involving a coordinated interplay between sensoric, motoric, and cognitive subsystems. To this end, 30 healthy participants (Ø BMI: 22.86 kg/m2; BMI range: 19–30 kg/m2; 23 females) were instructed to collect one of two concurrently presented objects (food vs. office tools) by manual movement in virtual reality (VR) and on a touchscreen. Parallel to the task in VR, regional brain activity was measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In the VR and on the touchscreen, stimulus recognition and selection were faster for food than for office tools. Yet, food was collected more slowly than office tools when measured in VR. On the background of increased brain activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) during food trials, this suggests more behavioural control activity during handling foods. In sum, this study emphasizes the role of the right dlPFC in faster recognition and selection of food as part of a food-valuation network, more controlled handling of food in the VR which highlights the relevance of medium for modelling food-specific embodied cognitions.
Aquiferspeicher in Deutschland
Authors: Fleuchaus Paul , Schüppler Simon , Stemmle Ruben , Menberg Kathrin , Blum Philipp
Published: February 2021

Der saisonale Versatz von Angebot und Nachfrage im Wärmesektor kann über Speicherlösungen ausgeglichen werden. Für die jahreszeitliche Speicherung von Wärme und Kälte sind Aquiferspeicher (ATES) als vielversprechende Lösung vermehrt in den Fokus gerückt. Mit derzeit jeweils nur einem betriebenen Niedrigtemperatur- (NT) und Hochtemperaturspeicher (HT) fristet die Technologie in Deutschland allerdings noch immer ein Nischendasein. Diese Studie liefert einen Überblick über die aktuelle Entwicklung der Aquiferspeicherung in Deutschland und diskutiert Stärken und Schwächen sowie Chancen und Risiken. Trotz eines großen Nutzungspotenzials wird der Markteinstieg in Deutschland durch fehlende Anreizprogramme, mangelnde Kenntnisse sowie nicht vorhandene Pilotanlagen erschwert. Die Speichertemperaturen von HT-ATES (> 50 °C) erhöhen dessen Nutzungsmöglichkeiten, haben aber verstärkte technische und legislative Risiken zur Folge. Eine kommerzielle ATES-Nutzung in Deutschland ist daher nur möglich durch die Anpassung genehmigungsrechtlicher Anforderungen, die Schaffung von Fördermaßnahmen, die Umsetzung von Demonstrationsanlagen und die Darlegung von deren wirtschaftlichen und ökologischen Vorteilen.
Three-dimensional hydrostratigraphy and groundwater flow models in complex Quaternary deposits and weathered/fractured bedrock: evaluating increasing model complexity
Authors: Åberg Susanne Charlotta , Åberg Annika Katarina , Korkka-Niemi Kirsti
Published: February 2021

Greater complexity in three-dimensional (3D) model structures yields more plausible groundwater recharge/discharge patterns, especially in groundwater/surface-water interactions. The construction of a 3D hydrostratigraphic model prior to flow modelling is beneficial when the hydraulic conductivity of geological units varies considerably. A workflow for 3D hydrostratigraphic modelling with Leapfrog Geo and flow modelling with MODFLOW-NWT was developed. It was used to evaluate how the modelling results for groundwater flow and recharge/discharge patterns differ when using simple or more complex hydrostratigraphic models. The workflow was applied to a study site consisting of complex Quaternary sediments underlain by fractured and weathered crystalline bedrock. Increasing the hydrostratigraphic detail appeared to improve the fit between the observed and simulated water table, and created more plausible groundwater flow patterns. Interlayered zones of low and high conductivity disperse the recharge/discharge patterns, increasing the vertical flow component. Groundwater flow was predominantly horizontal in models in which Quaternary sediments and bedrock were simplified as one layer per unit. It appears to be important to define the interlayered low-conductivity units, which can limit groundwater infiltration and also affect groundwater discharge patterns. Explicit modelling with Leapfrog Geo was found to be effective but time-consuming in the generation of scattered and thin-layered strata.
Correction to: The uniqueness of subjective ageing: convergent and discriminant validity
Authors: Spuling Svenja M. , Klusmann Verena , Bowen Catherine E. , Kornadt Anna E. , Kessler Eva-Marie
Published: February 2021

The article “The uniqueness of subjective ageing: convergent and discriminant validity”, written by Svenja M. Spuling, Verena Klusmann, Catherine E. Bowen, Anna E. Kornadt and Eva-Marie Kessler., was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 09 October 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 05 January 2021 to © The Author(s) 2021 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0.
Stable recovery of planar regions with algebraic boundaries in Bernstein form
Authors: Conti Costanza , Cotronei Mariantonia , Labate Demetrio , Molina Wilfredo
Published: February 2021

We present a new method for the stable reconstruction of a class of binary images from a small number of measurements. The images we consider are characteristic functions of algebraic domains, that is, domains defined as zero loci of bivariate polynomials, and we assume to know only a finite set of uniform samples for each image. The solution to such a problem can be set up in terms of linear equations associated to a set of image moments. However, the sensitivity of the moments to noise makes the numerical solution highly unstable. To derive a robust image recovery algorithm, we represent algebraic polynomials and the corresponding image moments in terms of bivariate Bernstein polynomials and apply polynomial-generating, refinable sampling kernels. This approach is robust to noise, computationally fast and simple to implement. We illustrate the performance of our reconstruction algorithm from noisy samples through extensive numerical experiments. Our code is released open source and freely available.
Real-time multi-agent systems: rationality, formal model, and empirical results
Authors: Calvaresi Davide , Dicente Cid Yashin , Marinoni Mauro , Dragoni Aldo Franco , Najjar Amro , Schumacher Michael
Published: February 2021

Since its dawn as a discipline, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has focused on mimicking the human mental processes. As AI applications matured, the interest for employing them into real-world complex systems (i.e., coupling AI with Cyber-Physical Systems—CPS) kept increasing. In the last decades, the multi-agent systems (MAS) paradigm has been among the most relevant approaches fostering the development of intelligent systems. In numerous scenarios, MAS boosted distributed autonomous reasoning and behaviors. However, many real-world applications (e.g., CPS) demand the respect of strict timing constraints. Unfortunately, current AI/MAS theories and applications onlyreason“about time” and are incapable ofacting“in time” guaranteeing any timing predictability. This paper analyzes the MAS compliance with strict timing constraints (real-time compliance)—crucial for safety-critical applications such as healthcare, industry 4.0, and automotive. Moreover, it elicits the main reasons for the lack of real-time satisfiability in MAS (originated from current theories, standards, and implementations). In particular, traditional internal agent schedulers (general-purpose-like), communication middlewares, and negotiation protocols have been identified as co-factors inhibiting real-time compliance. To pave the road towards reliable and predictable MAS, this paper postulates a formal definition and mathematical model of real-time multi-agent systems (RT-MAS). Furthermore, this paper presents the results obtained by testing the dynamics characterizing the RT-MAS model within the simulator MAXIM-GPRT. Thus, it has been possible to analyze the deadline miss ratio between the algorithms employed in the most popular frameworks and the proposed ones. Finally, discussing the obtained results, the ongoing and future steps are outlined.
Natural frequency trees improve diagnostic efficiency in Bayesian reasoning
Authors: Binder Karin , Krauss Stefan , Schmidmaier Ralf , Braun Leah T.
Published: February 2021

When physicians are asked to determine the positive predictive value from the a priori probability of a disease and the sensitivity and false positive rate of a medical test (Bayesian reasoning), it often comes to misjudgments with serious consequences. In daily clinical practice, however, it is not only important that doctors receive a tool with which they cancorrectlyjudge—thespeedof these judgments is also a crucial factor. In this study, we analyzed accuracy and efficiency in medical Bayesian inferences. In an empirical study we varied information format (probabilities vs. natural frequencies) and visualization (text only vs. tree only) for four contexts. 111 medical students participated in this study by working on four Bayesian tasks with common medical problems. The correctness of their answers was coded and the time spent on task was recorded. The median time for a correct Bayesian inference is fastest in the version with a frequency tree (2:55 min) compared to the version with a probability tree (5:47 min) or to the text only versions based on natural frequencies (4:13 min) or probabilities (9:59 min).The scorediagnostic efficiency(calculated by: median time divided by percentage of correct inferences) is best in the version with a frequency tree (4:53 min). Frequency trees allow more accurateandfaster judgments. Improving correctness and efficiency in Bayesian tasks might help to decrease overdiagnosis in daily clinical practice, which on the one hand cause cost and on the other hand might endanger patients’ safety.
Streptomyces bathyalis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from the sponge in a deep sea
Authors: Risdian Chandra , Landwehr Wiebke , Rohde Manfred , Schumann Peter , Hahnke Richard L. , Spröer Cathrin , Bunk Boyke , Kämpfer Peter , Schupp Peter J. , Wink Joachim
Published: February 2021

A novel actinobacterium, designated ASO4wetT, was isolated from the unidentified sponge (SO4) in the deep sea collected of the North Atlantic Ocean. Study of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain ASO4wetT is a member of the genus Streptomyces and showed the closest similarities to Streptomyces karpasiensis K413T (98.87 %), Streptomyces glycovorans YIM M 10366T (98.38 %), and Streptomyces abyssalis YIM M 10400T (97.53 %). Strain ASO4wetT contained MK-9(H8) as the predominant menaquinone and the major fatty acids are iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0, and iso-C15:0. Polyphasic taxonomy was carried out between strain ASO4wetT and its phylogenetically closely related Streptomyces strains, which further elucidated their relatedness and revealed that strain ASO4wetT could be distinguished from currently known Streptomyces species. Strain ASO4wetT clearly represents a novel species in genus Streptomyces. We propose the name Streptomyces bathyalis sp. nov., with the type strain ASO4wetT (= DSM 106605T = NCCB 100657T). Analysis of the whole-genome sequence of S. bathyalis revealed that genome size is 7,377,472 bp with 6332 coding sequences.
Sated but Thirsty: A Prolegomenon to Multidimensional Measures of Need-Based Justice
Authors: Bauer Alexander Max
Published: February 2021

In attempts to compare different distributions with regards to need, so-called “measures of need-based distributive justice” have emerged in recent years. Each of the proposed measures relies on a single dimension of need that is taken into account. This is shown to be problematic since humans experience different kinds of need that appear to be incommensurable. A strategy to deal with this problem is introduced by using multidimensional measures.
Experimental estimation of energy dissipation in rocking masonry walls restrained by an innovative seismic dissipator (LICORD)
Authors: Giresini Linda , Solarino Fabio , Taddei Francesca , Mueller Gerhard
Published: February 2021

This paper presents an innovative anti-seismic device for controlling the out-of-plane rocking motion of masonry walls with traditional tie-rods, called LInear COntrolled Rocking Device (LICORD). LICORD is a low-impact box connected to the extremity of the traditional tie-rod designed to mitigate rocking for medium–high intensity earthquakes. Additionally, the paper widens the knowledge about the dynamic behavior of rocking walls through the interpretation of the results of an extensive experimental campaign performed on masonry specimens composed by clay brick and cementitious mortar. Firstly, the LICORD’s single components are tested to identify their stiffness and damping properties. Secondly, free vibration tests provide actual values of coefficients of restitution on free-standing walls and walls restrained by LICORD, where the walls vary for the height to thickness ratio. For the stockier wall, the ratio of experimental/analytical coefficient of restitution varies from 88 to 98%, whereas for the slender wall, the results are less scattered, with a minimum value of 95% and a maximum value of 96%. The restrained walls are characterized by coefficients of restitution from 5 to 25% less than the values found for unrestrained walls, depending on the equivalent viscous coefficient of the shock absorbers. Moreover, LICORD demonstrated to properly absorb and damp the oscillations of the wall and control its rocking motion, strongly reducing the number of impacts and the rotation amplitudes up to 70%. Considerations about the effect of one-sided motion on the assessment of coefficient of restitution are also given. The equivalent viscous damping coefficients are observed to be on the range 4% (unrestrained wall) and 7–20% for walls restrained by LICORD.
Ontogenetic shift in the trophic role of the invasive killer shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus: a stable isotope study
Authors: Mancini Francesco , De Giorgi Raffaele , Ludovisi Alessandro , Vizzini Salvatrice , Mancinelli Giorgio
Published: February 2021

The introduction of the amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus in European fresh waters is to date recognized as a threat to the integrity of invaded communities. Predation by D. villosus on native benthic invertebrates is assumed as the key determinant of its ecological impact, yet available information describe the species as a primary consumer as well as a carnivore depending on local conditions. Here, we assessed the trophic position (TP) of D. villosus in Lake Trasimeno, a recently invaded lentic system in central Italy, using the CN isotopic signatures of individuals captured in winter spanning two orders of magnitude in body size. TP estimations were compared with those characterizing the native amphipod Echinogammarus veneris and other representative invertebrate predators. On average, D. villosus showed a trophic position higher than E. veneris, and comparable with that of odonate nymphs. An in-depth analysis revealed that large-sized individuals had a trophic position of 3.07, higher than odonates and close to that of the hirudinean predator Erpobdella octoculata, while small-sized specimens had a trophic position of 2.57, similar to that of E. veneris (2.41). These findings indicate that size-related ontogenetic shifts in dietary habits may per se vary the nature of the interaction between Dikerogammarus villosus and native invertebrates from competition to predation. Information collated from published isotopic studies corroborated the generality of our results. We conclude that intra-specific trophic flexibility may potentially amplify and make more multifaceted the impact of the species on other invertebrate species in invaded food webs.
Landscape controls on riverine export of dissolved organic carbon from Great Britain
Authors: Williamson Jennifer L. , Tye Andrew , Lapworth Dan J. , Monteith Don , Sanders Richard , Mayor Daniel J. , Barry Chris , Bowes Mike , Bowes Michael , Burden Annette , Callaghan Nathan , Farr Gareth , Felgate Stacey , Fitch Alice , Gibb Stuart , Gilbert Pete , Hargreaves Geoff , Keenan Patrick , Kitidis Vassilis , Juergens Monika , Martin Adrian , Mounteney Ian , Nightingale Philip D. , Pereira M. Gloria , Olszewska Justyna , Pickard Amy , Rees Andrew P. , Spears Bryan , Stinchcombe Mark , White Debbie , Williams Peter , Worrall Fred , Evans Chris
Published: February 2021

The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export from land to ocean via rivers is a significant term in the global C cycle, and has been modified in many areas by human activity. DOC exports from large global rivers are fairly well quantified, but those from smaller river systems, including those draining oceanic regions, are generally under-represented in global syntheses. Given that these regions typically have high runoff and high peat cover, they may exert a disproportionate influence on the global land–ocean DOC export. Here we describe a comprehensive new assessment of the annual riverine DOC export to estuaries across the island of Great Britain (GB), which spans the latitude range 50–60° N with strong spatial gradients of topography, soils, rainfall, land use and population density. DOC yields (export per unit area) were positively related to and best predicted by rainfall, peat extent and forest cover, but relatively insensitive to population density or agricultural development. Based on an empirical relationship with land use and rainfall we estimate that the DOC export from the GB land area to the freshwater-seawater interface was 1.15 Tg C year−1in 2017. The average yield for GB rivers is 5.04 g C m−2 year−1, higher than most of the world’s major rivers, including those of the humid tropics and Arctic, supporting the conclusion that under-representation of smaller river systems draining peat-rich areas could lead to under-estimation of the global land–ocean DOC export. The main anthropogenic factor influencing the spatial distribution of GB DOC exports appears to be upland conifer plantation forestry, which is estimated to have raised the overall DOC export by 0.168 Tg C year−1. This is equivalent to 15% of the estimated current rate of net CO2uptake by British forests. With the UK and many other countries seeking to expand plantation forest cover for climate change mitigation, this ‘leak in the ecosystem’ should be incorporated in future assessments of the CO2sequestration potential of forest planting strategies.
Role of external inputs of nutrients to aquatic ecosystems in determining prevalence of nitrogen vs. phosphorus limitation of net primary productivity
Authors: Howarth R. W. , Chan F. , Swaney D. P. , Marino R. M. , Hayn M.
Published: February 2021

Whether net primary productivity in an aquatic ecosystem is limited by nitrogen (N), limited by phosphorus (P), or co-limited by N & P is determined by the relative supply of N and P to phytoplankton compared to their elemental requirements for primary production, often characterized by the “Redfield” ratio. The supply of these essential nutrients is affected by both external inputs and biogeochemical processes within the ecosystem. In this paper, we examine external sources of nutrients to aquatic systems and how the balance of N to P inputs influences nutrient limitation. For ocean subtropical gyres, a relatively balanced input of N and P relative to the Redfield ratio from deep ocean sources often leads to near co-limitation by N and P. For lakes, the external nutrient inputs come largely from watershed sources, and we demonstrate that on average the N:P ratio for these inputs across the United States is well above that needed by phytoplankton, which may contribute to P limitation in those lake that experience this average nutrient loading. Watershed inputs are also important for estuaries and coastal marine ecosystems, but ocean sources of nutrients are also significant contributors to overall nutrient loads. The ocean-nutrient sources of N and P are very often at or below the Redfield ratio of 16:1 molar, and can be substantially so, particularly in areas where the continental shelf is wide. This large input of coastal ocean nutrients with a low N:P ratio is one factor that may make N limitation more likely in many coastal marine ecosystems than in lakes.
Approximate solution of system of equations arising in interior-point methods for bound-constrained optimization
Authors: Ek David , Forsgren Anders
Published: February 2021

The focus in this paper is interior-point methods for bound-constrained nonlinear optimization, where the system of nonlinear equations that arise are solved with Newton’s method. There is a trade-off between solving Newton systems directly, which give high quality solutions, and solving many approximate Newton systems which are computationally less expensive but give lower quality solutions. We propose partial and full approximate solutions to the Newton systems. The specific approximate solution depends on estimates of the active and inactive constraints at the solution. These sets are at each iteration estimated by basic heuristics. The partial approximate solutions are computationally inexpensive, whereas a system of linear equations needs to be solved for the full approximate solution. The size of the system is determined by the estimate of the inactive constraints at the solution. In addition, we motivate and suggest two Newton-like approaches which are based on an intermediate step that consists of the partial approximate solutions. The theoretical setting is introduced and asymptotic error bounds are given. We also give numerical results to investigate the performance of the approximate solutions within and beyond the theoretical framework.
The Urban Zemiology of Carnival Row: Allegory, Racism and Revanchism
Authors: McGregor Rafe
Published: February 2021

This article makes the case for the zemiological value of Fredric Jameson’s (2019) model of fourfold allegory. Zemiological value is the value in reducing harm and it is realized by means of etiology, i.e., explaining the causes of harm. I make the case using a single, detailed example, but the argument is generalizable by virtue of the relationship between fourfold allegory and contemporary social life. I begin by delineating Jameson’s model of allegory as athick narrativewith four distinct levels of meaning: literal, symbolic, existential and anthropic. I explain each of these levels with reference toCarnival Row(2019)—an urban fantasy television series that explores racism, alienation and decivilization. I conclude by demonstrating how the allegory reveals a particular combination of causes that contribute to the replacement of a cosmopolitan ideal with a revanchist reality, articulated by Gareth Millington (2011) in his theory of the racialized global metropolis.
Exposure to DDT and HCH congeners and associated potential health risks through khat (Catha edulis) consumption among adults in South Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Woldetsadik Desta , Simon Marcel Pierre , Knuth Dennis , Hailu Hillette , Gebresilassie Araya , Dejen Asmare , Düring Rolf-Alexander
Published: February 2021

Khat (Catha edulis) chewing is widespread in the region of East Africa. Even low levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in khat could induce public health concern. In a market-based study, from five popular khat varieties, a total of 35 composite khat samples were analyzed for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its main transformation products, and four hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers. Extraction was carried out by quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method (QuEChERS). OCP concentrations were determined by head space solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS). Every sample contained β-HCH above the maximum residue limit set by the European Commission. For total DDT, this was the case for 25.7% of the samples. The ratios of (p,p′-DDD + p,p′-DDE) to p,p′-DDT were less than one for 85% of khat samples, demonstrating recent use of DDT in khat farmlands. Conversely, the ratio of β-HCH to total HCH varied from 0.56 to 0.96, implying historical input of technical HCH. Assuming a daily chewable portion of 100 g, dietary intakes of p,p′-DDT, total DDT and total HCH by adults ranged from 3.12 to 57.9, 6.49 to 80.2 and 39.2 to 51.9 ng (kg body weight)−1 day−1, respectively. These levels are below acceptable levels suggested by international organizations. Chewing khat showed lower non-cancer health risk, but showed relatively higher cancer risk in terms of OCPs. Because khat is chewed without being subjected to any treatment, uncertainties associated with estimated intakes and health risks should be low. Therefore, this practice is of great concern.
Endocrine-disrupting organochlorine xenobiotics in fish products imported from Asia—an assessment of human health risk
Authors: Witczak Agata , Harada Daiki , Aftyka Aleksandra , Cybulski Jacek
Published: February 2021

The sources of endocrine-disrupting persistent organochlorine compounds (OC) are environmental pollutants. Contaminated food is a direct result of environmental pollution, and fish are considered as the main source of OC in the human diet. This study aimed to analyze the contamination of imported fish fillets with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in the context of potential health risks of consumers in Poland in the light of the new tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values. The tested compounds in fish products were determined by liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS-MS) method. Despite the detection of almost all pesticides analyzed in the fish fillets tested, the risk factor (hazard quotient) was significantly lower than 1.0, ranging from 0.003 to 0.013. Considering the previous recommended TWI value (14 pg-TEQ/kg bw/week), the estimated weekly intake was lower at 43–53% of TWI. However, according to the new TWI values set by the EFSA in 2018, the estimated weekly intake was about three times higher than the TWI. This raises concerns regarding threats to consumer health.

Graphical abstract
Quantum postulate vs. quantum nonlocality: on the role of the Planck constant in Bell’s argument
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: February 2021

We present a quantum mechanical (QM) analysis of Bell’s approach to quantum foundations based on his hidden-variable model. We claim and try to justify that the Bell model contradicts to the Heinsenberg’s uncertainty and Bohr’s complementarity principles. The aim of this note is to point to the physical seed of the aforementioned principles. This is the Bohr’squantum postulate: the existence of indivisible quantum of action given by the Planck constanth. By contradicting these basic principles of QM, Bell’s model implies rejection of this postulate as well. Thus, this hidden-variable model contradicts not only the QM-formalism, but also the fundamental feature of the quantum world discovered by Planck.
Analyses of genetic diversity and population structure of anchote (Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cogn.) using newly developed EST-SSR markers
Authors: Serbessa Tolera Bekele , Dagne Woldegebriel Kifle , Teshome Gari Abel , Geleta Dida Mulatu , Tesfaye Geletu Kassahun
Published: February 2021

Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cogn.) is a perennial root crop belonging to Cucurbitaceae family. It is endemic to Ethiopia and distributed over wide range of agro-ecologies. For further improvement and efficient conservation of this crop, characterization of its genetic diversity and its pattern of distribution is a vitally important step. Expressed sequence tags-simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) markers were developed from publicly available watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] ESTs in the GenBank database. Among those novel markers, eight were polymorphic and subsequently used for genetic diversity and population structure analyses of 30 anchote accessions collected from western Ethiopia. A total of 24 alleles were obtained across the eight polymorphic loci and 30 accessions that revealed moderate level of genetic diversity in this minor crop. Among the eight loci, locus CA_06 was the most informative with six alleles and polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.76. The accessions showed about threefold variation in terms of genetic diversity, with expected heterozygosity (He) ranging from 0.15 (accession An) to 0.44 (accession Dg). Other accessions with higher genetic diversity include Ar and Gu (He = 0.43 and 0.41, respectively). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the variation within accessions and among accessions accounted for 84.7% and 15.3% of the total variation, respectively. The study revealed low but significant population differentiation in this crop with no clear pattern of population structure. The EST-SSR markers developed in this study are the first of their kind for anchote and can be used for characterization of its wider genetic resources for conservation and breeding purposes.
Autism Detection in Children by Combined Use of Gaze Preference and the M-CHAT-R in a Resource-Scarce Setting
Authors:   On behalf of the Autism Working Group in Peru, Jensen Kelly , Noazin Sassan , Bitterfeld Leandra , Carcelen Andrea , Vargas-Cuentas Natalia I. , Hidalgo Daniela , Valenzuela Alejandra , Roman-Gonzalez Avid , Krebs Casey , Clement Vincent , Nolan Cody , Barrientos Franklin , Mendoza Ardi Knobel , Noriega-Donis Paola , Palacios Claudia , Ramirez Andrea , Vittet Macarena , Hafeez Emil , Torres-Viso Mariana , Velarde Myriam , Moulton Lawrence H. , Powers Michael D. , Gilman Robert H. , Zimic Mirko
Published: February 2021

Most children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in resource-limited settings (RLS), are diagnosed after the age of four. Our work confirmed and extended results of Pierce that eye tracking could discriminate between typically developing (TD) children and those with ASD. We demonstrated the initial 15 s was at least as discriminating as the entire video. We evaluated the GP-MCHAT-R, which combines the first 15 s of manually-coded gaze preference (GP) video with M-CHAT-R results on 73 TD children and 28 children with ASD, 36–99 months of age. The GP-MCHAT-R (AUC = 0.89 (95%CI: 0.82–0.95)), performed significantly better than the MCHAT-R (AUC = 0.78 (95%CI: 0.71–0.85)) and gaze preference (AUC = 0.76 (95%CI: 0.64–0.88)) alone. This tool may enable early screening for ASD in RLS.
Optimizing the control group for evaluating ART outcomes: can outpatient claims data yield a better control group?
Authors: Stern Judy E. , Liu Chia-Ling , Cui Xiaohui , Gopal Daksha , Cabral Howard J. , Coddington Charles C. , Missmer Stacey A. , Hwang Sunah S. , Farland Leslie V. , Dukhovny Dmitry , Diop Hafsatou
Published: February 2021

Purpose

We previously developed a subfertile comparison group with which to compare outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. In this study, we evaluated whether insurance claims data in the Massachusetts All Payers Claims Database (APCD) defined a more appropriate comparison group.

Methods

We used Massachusetts vital records of women who delivered between 2013 and 2017 on whom APCD data were available. ART deliveries were those linked to a national ART database. Deliveries were subfertile if fertility treatment was marked on the birth certificate, had prior hospitalization with ICD code for infertility, or prior fertility treatment. An infertile group included women with an APCD outpatient or inpatient ICD 9/10 infertility code prior to delivery. Fertile deliveries were none of the above. Demographics, health risks, and obstetric outcomes were compared among groups. Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to calculate adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

There were 70,726 fertile, 4,763 subfertile, 11,970 infertile, and 7,689 ART-treated deliveries. Only 3,297 deliveries were identified as both subfertile and infertile. Both subfertile and infertile were older, and had more education, chronic hypertension, and diabetes than the fertile group and less than the ART-treated group. Prematurity (aRR = 1.15–1.17) and birthweight (aRR = 1.10–1.21) were increased in all groups compared with the fertile group.

Conclusion

Although the APCD allowed identification of more women than the previously defined subfertile categorization and allowed us to remove previously unidentified infertile women from the fertile group, it is not clear that it offered a clinically significantly improved comparison group.
Influence of a bark-filler on the properties of PLA biocomposites
Authors: Borysiuk Piotr , Boruszewski Piotr , Auriga Radosław , Danecki Leszek , Auriga Alicja , Rybak Katarzyna , Nowacka Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

In this study, wood plastic composites (WPC) made of poly(lactic acid) PLA and a bark-filler were manufactured. Two degrees of bark comminution (10–35 mesh and over 35 mesh) and varied content of bark (40, 50 and 60%) were investigated. The studied panels were compared with analogically manufactured HDPE boards. The manufacture of composites involved two stages: at first, WPC granules with the appropriate formulation were produced using the extruder (temperatures in individual extruder sections were 170–180 °C) and crushing using a hammer mill after cooling the extruded composite; secondly, the obtained granulate was used to produce boards with nominal dimensions of 300 × 300 × 2.5 mm3 by flat pressing in a mold, using a single daylight press at a temperature 200 °C. The study proved that comminuted bark can be applied as a filler in PLA composites. However, an increase in bark content decreased mechanical properties (MOR, MOE) and deteriorated humidity resistance (high TS and WA) of the panels. Along with the increase in bark content, an increase in the contact angle of the composite surfaces and a decrease in the total surface energy were noted. It was also found that PLA composites have higher strength parameters and lower moisture resistance compared to HDPE composites with the same bark content.

Graphical abstract
Anesthetics affect peripheral venous pressure waveforms and the cross-talk with arterial pressure
Authors: Al-Alawi Ali Z. , Henry Kaylee R. , Crimmins Lauren D. , Bonasso Patrick C. , Hayat Md Abul , Dassinger Melvin S. , Burford Jeffrey M. , Jensen Hanna K. , Sanford Joseph , Wu Jingxian , Sexton Kevin W. , Jensen Morten O.
Published: February 2021

Analysis of peripheral venous pressure (PVP) waveforms is a novel method of monitoring intravascular volume. Two pediatric cohorts were studied to test the effect of anesthetic agents on the PVP waveform and cross-talk between peripheral veins and arteries: (1) dehydration setting in a pyloromyotomy using the infused anesthetic propofol and (2) hemorrhage setting during elective surgery for craniosynostosis with the inhaled anesthetic isoflurane. PVP waveforms were collected from 39 patients that received propofol and 9 that received isoflurane. A multiple analysis of variance test determined if anesthetics influence the PVP waveform. A prediction system was built using k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) to distinguish between: (1) PVP waveforms with and without propofol and (2) different minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) groups of isoflurane. 52 porcine, 5 propofol, and 7 isoflurane subjects were used to determine the cross-talk between veins and arteries at the heart and respiratory rate frequency during: (a) during and after bleeding with constant anesthesia, (b) before and after propofol, and (c) at each MAC value. PVP waveforms are influenced by anesthetics, determined by MANOVA: p value < 0.01, η2 = 0.478 for hypovolemic, and η2 = 0.388 for euvolemic conditions. The k-NN prediction models had 82% and 77% accuracy for detecting propofol and MAC, respectively. The cross-talk relationship at each stage was: (a) ρ = 0.95, (b) ρ = 0.96, and (c) could not be evaluated using this cohort. Future research should consider anesthetic agents when analyzing PVP waveforms developing future clinical monitoring technology that uses PVP.
Love In-Between
Authors: Candiotto Laura , De Jaegher Hanne
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we introduce an enactive account of loving as participatory sense-making inspired by the “I love to you” of the feminist philosopher Luce Irigaray. Emancipating from the fusionist concept of romantic love, which understands love as unity, we conceptualise loving as an existential engagement in a dialectic of encounter, in continuous processes of becoming-in-relation. In these processes, desire acquires a certain prominence as the need to know (the other, the relation, oneself) more. We build on Irigaray’s account of love to present a phenomenology of loving interactions and then our enactive account. Finally, we draw some implications for ethics. These concern language, difference, vulnerability, desire, and self-transformation.
Conditional Consent
Authors: Chadha Karamvir
Published: February 2021

There are two distinct ways for someone to place conditions on their morally valid consent. The first is to place conditions on the moral scope of their consent—whereby they waive some moral claim rights but not others. The second is to conditionally token consent—whereby the condition affects whether they waive any moral claim rights at all. Understanding this distinction helps make progress with debates about so-called “conditional consent” to sexual intercourse in English law, and with understanding how individuals place conditions on their morally valid consent in other contexts.